The Annapurna Region in central Nepal is the most geographically and culturally diverse region for trekking. The area boasts of a variety of diverse cultures, tribes and castes as the Brahmins, Chettris, Newars, Gurungs, Magars, Manangis and the Tibetans. This area has sub-tropical lowlands, valleys, and forests of bamboo, oak and rhododendron, alpine meadows, windswept desert plateaus and the towering Annapurna Mountains. This area has the world's deepest river gorge, Kali Gandaki, lying some 6900 metres/22,563 ft., below some of the world's largest and most beautiful mountains as the Annapurna I (world's 8th highest) & Fishtail (one of the most beautiful). 440 species of birds and animals like the marten, deer, languor and the elusive snow leopard live here.