The Annapurna Trail - one of the best 12 walks in the world" as termed by Modern Maturity, America's largest circulated magazine is truly a one of the most favorite trekking routes in the world. This region is the home of mainly Gurungs and Magars (the famous Gurkha people of Nepal). The small terraced fields on the mountain slopes support crops of millet and wheat, corn and barley and small flocks of sheep and oats. The people of Manang are traditionally a trading society who made there living brokering the exchange of good across the Himalayas. They are Buddhist in religion and Tibetan in origin, and their architecture and lifestyle are quite different to other ethnic groups in the southern slopes. The trek to the Manang Valley and into the rain shadow of the Annapurna ranges offers dramatic scenery of changing color of widely varied nature. After going over the high pass Thorong La 5416m and getting down, you meet Thakali people on the other side of the Himalaya. They are smart traders controlling the busy trading and pilgrimage trail along the Kali Gandaki river valley. There are also Gurungs, Magars, Brahmans and other mixed ethnic groups when you move through the beautiful valley that is one of the deepest in the world nestled between the towering 8000m + Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Then trail climbs up turning left from the hot spring Tatopani towards Ghorepani and Punhill, a very popular spot for viewing the wide Himalayan range majestically lining over the horizon. The trek route further passes through beautiful small and big home villages of legendary Gurkha soldiers winding down to the edge of Pokhara valley. This is one of the classic and most rewarding treks in Nepal combining diverse scenery with diverse cultures. On the whole trek, you will always have magnificent views of all central and western Himalayan ranges. Trip Highlights Trip Type: Lodge to Lodge Grade: Strenous. Max Height ? 5416 meters Season: Spring, Fall Elevation: Lowest at 1,136 and Highest at 5,416 meters Group Size: 2-16 Best Months: March, April, May and Sep, Oct, Nov Itinerary Day 1. Drive to Syange 1136m Day 2. Dharapani 1943m Day 3. Chame 2713m Day 4. Pisang 3186m Day 5. Braga 3200m Day 6. Manang 3350m Day 7. Manang Rest and Acclimatization Day 8. Thorung Phedi 4420m Day 9. Muktinath 3798m after the pass Thorung La 5416m Day 10. Muktinath Rest Day Day 11. Jomsom 2713m Day 12. Larjung 2560m Day 13. Kalopani 2530m Day 14. Tatopani 1169m Day 15. Gorepani 2853m Day 16. Trek Birethanti 1065m - Drive to Pokhara Day 17. Drive or Fly Back to Kathmandu! INCLUSIVE: Transportation - All airport/hotel and ground transfers as per the program. Hotel - Bed & breakfast basis 1 night in Pokhara in 2 / 3 star standard hotel. Tea House Trekking: Full Board, Trekking - National Park entry fee, TIMS fee, three meals a day, accommodation in lodges, guides, porters, insurance for Nepali staff, assistance for travel/rescue arrangements and agency's service charge. EXCLUSIVE: Flights, bar bills, lunch & dinner while in towns, medical and rescue insurance, personal gears & equipments, tips, other expenses of personal nature and any other things not stated as inclusive. If you want to fly, flight fares are extra. Kathmandu - Pokhara or vice versa, US$ 124/person