Central Nepal is dominated by the Annapurna Himal and by the town of Pokhara. Besides the Everest region, the area around the Annapurna massif is perhaps the best known trekking destination in Nepal. The centre piece of this part of Nepal is the range of mountains that includes Annapurna I, the first of the 8000m peaks to be climbed. Also included in this general area is another 8000m giant, Dhauligiri, which is located to the west of Annapurna I. Between these two mountains runs the valley of the Kali Gandaki river, the deepest gorge on earth. Combine this with lush, fertile farming land, stands of undisturbed forest and a mixture of different ethnic inhabitants and you have a diverse range of experiences that makes this one of the most satisfying trekking destinations in Nepal.

There are three major trekking routes in this region: to Jomsom, to the Annapurna Sanctuary and a circuit of the entire Annapurna massif. The ancient kingdom of Lo (Mustang) is also geographically part of the Annapurna region. It is an arid, Tibet-like region at the northern end of the Kali Gandaki.