Leave Kathmandu early this morning and drive to Pokhara. Enjoying a delightful setting on a lake, and beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna range, Pokhara is an excellent place to relax and prepare for what lies ahead. Part of a once-vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet, this is the land of Magars and Gurungs – hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned world-wide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship. This afternoon you’ll have your trek briefing and preparation, and depending on when you arrive, there may be time to hire a small boat for a quick paddle on the lake. There are also plenty of cafes where you can put your feet up and enjoy international cuisine, while the main streets are full of shops and stalls selling a wide range of Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs. If you need to hire some extra trekking gear, then there are numerous shops available offering everything you could possibly need.