Mt. Everest is the highest peak on earth and trekking to Kala Pattar and the Mt. Everest Base Camp is one of the most spectacular adventures in the Himalayas, included trekking in Bhutan.

But the second trekking destination of note in the Nepal Himalayas continues to be the Annapurna Circuit, from Pokhara along the Marsyangdi River valley to the hidden Manang region north of the fish-tail mountain of Machapuchare and the impressive Annapurna summits.

If you may not have the time necessary to trek around the Annapurnas, you can opt for a trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary, a rewarding trek up to the Annapurna base camp offering a sweeping panorama of High Himalayas from Dhaulagiri to Himalchuli and Manaslu.

But whatever you may decide to do when trekking in the Annapurna region, do not overlook the opportunity to trek along the very bottom of the Kali Gandaki river gorge.

Passing through villages along the river, ascending from elevations of 5,000 to 8,500 feet above sea level, and looking up at the vista framed by 26,800 feet high Dhaulagiri massif to the west and 26,500 Annapurna Range to the east is simply astounding.

Aside the physical features the river valley passage offers an insight into the cultural change from Hinduism to Buddhism. While south of the principal barrier of the High Himalayas Hindu villages predominate, north of it only Buddhist villages are found.

If you decide to trek in the Annapurnas region, follow the Kali Gandaki River Valley as far south as you can, you’ll be glad you did.