Annapurna trekking has been wildly recognized as a naturalist's paradise. The upper sub-alpine steppe environment harbors some of the rare snow leopards and blue sheep. Other areas of the region protect bird species such as the multi-coloured Impeyan, kokla, blood pheasant amongst a multitude of other birds, butterflies and insects. Many plants native to Nepal are found in this forest. The conservation area has 100 varieties of orchids and some of the richest temperate rhododendron forest in the world.

Annapurna Circuit Trek will offer you 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.

We will spend a whole day exploring the lake which is the headwaters of the Marsyangdi river which you have been following since the beginning of this trek. We do not know of any other operator who offers this side-hike. Apart from being able to enjoy homely comforts we will have the added advantage of being guests to families of different ethnic people typical of this area.