IN THE SHADOW OF GIANTS

THE ANNAPURNA REGION IN NORTH-CENTRAL NEPAL IS HOME TO TOWERING HIMALAYAN PEAKS, SWEEPING VALLEYS, ANCIENT VILLAGES AND SOME OF THE COUNTRY'S BEST MULTI-DAY HIKING TRAILS

- ANNAPURNA MELLOR

The longest and highest trail in the region is the 15-day Annapurna Circuit, which encircles the Annapurna massif.

The trail starts in the green lush lowlands, where rice grows and villages burst with life. As the elevation increases, the landscape becomes drier and trails wind through sparsely forested valleys.

In Manang, at 11,545ft, teahouses (mountain guesthouses with restaurants) serving plates of momos (Nepalese dumplings) sit next to traditional stone houses for herds of yaks.

The highest point of the hike is the Thorong-La Pass, at 17,770ft, a few days’ hike beyond Manang. The pass has been used for generations to transport yaks and produce between the valleys either side. Today, a stream of trekkers risk the lack of oxygen to take in the views and cross to the Mustang region.

The pilgrimage village of Muktinath is the first stop after crossing the brutal Thorong La Pass, and where most trekkers will find their first hot shower in days.