Seen from the lakeside town of Pokhara in central Nepal, a tremendous wall of snow- and ice-capped mountains dominates the northern the Annapurna Himal. With no less than twelve 7000m (23,000ft) summits rising above a foreground of intricately terraced foothills, this is one of the most beautiful and ethnically diverse landscapes on earth. It's also the world's most popular trekking region. And no wonder. Around this impressive block goes the classic Annapurna Circuit- without question, one of the great walks of the world. Into the heart of the mountains leads a trail to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Through the world's deepest valley goes the Pilgrim's Trail to Muktinath, while as a short introduction to some of the best of Nepal's hill villages and mountain views, there's the charming Ghandruk Foothill Trek. Kev Reynolds describes each of these treks with full route details for 'tea-house trekkers' and those travelling with an organised group. Information with regard to lodges, tea-houses and villages is provided.