The famed Annapurna range is one of the great trekking regions of the world, and for a very good reason: The mountain scenery here is guaranteed to blow you away. Standing in the heart of the cirque at the end of the Annapurna Sanctuary could move you to tears, and the wilderness around Tilicho Lake will probably be the best mountain scenery you’ll ever lay eyes on.

The inevitable downside: it's popular and busy, especially during high season. If crowds and communal teahouse lodges aren't your thing, look elsewhere. Trekking culture is changing fast, too. The end of independent trekking and road construction are changing the face of the region, and not always for the better.