Highlights of Western Highlands

West of Kathmandu lie some of Nepal’s most appealing and accessible terrain to explore, from the rugged hills in the centre of the country to the mighty peaks of the Annapurna range. Passable roads lead to ancient towns and rural villages providing great opportunities to get off the beaten track and sample local Nepali life. The fabled town of Pokhara is a delightful jumping off point for adventures in the mighty mountains to the north, or simply to soak up views from afar in the comfort of a luxury retreat.

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Conveniently located just off the main Kathmandu to Pokhara Highway, the ancient hill-top town of Bandipur is a delightful place to spend some time absorbing local life in rural Nepal. Pedestrianised stone-paved lanes wind through authentic Newari buildings and ancient temples, with farmers, merchants and school children going about their daily routines.

Set in a magnificent valley in the Lamjung Himal region between Kathmandu and Pokhara, Ghale Gaun is an authentic Gurung village offering homestays and superb trekking. The village lies at a manageable altitude of 2,095m and offers superb views of the three Annapurna peaks and the closer Lamjung Himal.

Set high up in the Modi Khola Valley at an altitude of 1980m the ancient village of Ghandruk is one of the largest Gurung settlements in Nepal, and the most comfortable base for trekking in the region. The giant peaks of Annapurna South (7219m) and Hiunchuili (6441m) provide a dramatic backdrop on clear days.

The often-overlooked hill town of Gorkha is an hours' drive from the Prithvi Highway, and worth the journey to learn about this town's prestigious history as the cradle of the nation. Set on a small hill at an altitude of 1000m, with views of the Manaslu range to the north, Gorkha is the ancestral home of Nepal's royal family.

Encircled by lush hills in a strikingly flat valley, the lakeside city of Pokhara is one of Nepal's most idyllic places. Just 40km to the north three giant 8000m mountain ranges lie tantalisingly close, dwarfing you in this low-lying valley, their immense scale hard to comprehend.

The attractive Gurung village of Sirubari is located in the Syangja district 50km southwest of Pokhara on the Siddhartha Highway. This was the first village in Nepal to specialise in homestay programmes which allow guests to stay in local people's homes and enjoy cultural experiences.