Central Nepal is dominated by the Annapurna Himal which rises above the town of Pokhara. Pokhara valley, the ‘Jewel of the mid-west’ is a favorite of tourists from around the globe. With the magnificent Annapurna range of mountains as a backdropand the serenity of the three lakes of Phewa, Rupa and Begnas, Pokhara is the ultimate destination for relaxation. Yet the valley has grown in recent yearsas the destination for adventures sports such as paragliding and ultra-light flights.With boating, bird watching, trekking and mountain biking as the other attractions, Pokhara has it all. There are three major trekking routes in this region - to Jomsom, to the Annapurna Sanctuary and a circuit of the entire Annapurna massif.
Pokhara is also a good starting place for a number of short treks of one to four days duration. About two-thirds of the trekkers in Nepal visit the Annapurna region: the area is easily accessible, teahouses are plentiful in the hills and the treks here offer a good range of scenery - high mountains, forests and villages. No matter where you trek in the Annapurna region, you will eventually pass through Pokhara, the main city in central Nepal.The trek to Jomsom begins with a short bus journey from the town and the Annapurna Circuit begins and ends here. The town is known for its shops, inexpensive hotels and restaurants, and for its spectacular mountain panorama which includes the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare and Dhaulagiri. Pokhara, being at a lower elevation, is warmer then Kathmandu.