The ancient trade route to Mustang and Tibet ,up the Kali Ghandaki river, presents one of the most developed trekking trails offering comfortable lodges run by Gurung and Thakali families. Starting from Pokhara we ascend the Annapurna foothills through picturesque Gurung villages and continue through lichen-draped rhododendron forest to climb Poon Hill at dawn for spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Later we will trek up the deepest valley in the world situated between two Himalayan giants, Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,788ft.) and Annapurna (8,091m/26,538ft.). As we trek up the Kali Gandaki valley we pass though the traditional and prosperous villages of Tukuche, Ghasa, Marpha and Jomsom. The Thakalis, a traditional traders, have converted their charming and wonderfully clean homes into trekkers' lodges and are well known as one of the most gracious and successful inn-keepers in Nepal. Past Jomsom we reach the arid Tibet-like landscape of Mustang. At Muktinath, set below the Thorung La pass, we have a day to explore the temple and villages and enjoy wonderful mountain views before taking the flight back from Jomsom.

This classic 21-day trek completely around the famed Annapurna Massif offers the most diversity of any trek in Nepal: fascinating ethnic groups each with their own language, incredible views of many of the Himalaya's most famous high peaks, and constantly changing panoramas - from lush, tropical rice paddies and moss-laden rhododendron forests to Tibetan fortresses clinging to rocky cliffs.

Starting with a drive to Besisar we ascend along the Marsyangdi river valley. We pass beneath snow-capped Annapurnas II, III and IV and a range of 6,000m/20,000ft peaks stretching north to Tibet. Crossing Thorung La pass (5418m/17,770ft) to reach the holy shrine of Muktinath. We then descend into the mighty Kali Gandaki Valley - the deepest river valley on the face of the earth - 7000m/23,000ft deep between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. At the end we trek through a wonderful rhododendron forest on the Gorepani Ridge and the picturesque Gurung villages before finishing back in the Pokhara Valley.