Arguably one of the world's most spectacular trekking destinations, Nepal is now gaining favor with another type of thrill seeker. For the past four years, Tangi Rebours, a former pro cyclist in his native France, and his team of Nepalese guides have been offering a range of stunning mountain bike rides, with the snowy Annapurna peaks as a backdrop and Pokhara as a base. The routes vary in length from 15 to 50 miles and in difficulty from steep climbs and descents appropriate only for professional racers to leisurely spins through forests and rural villages and around the area's many lakes (977-98-04187001; tangi_reb@hotmail.com; day-trip with equipment rental, $40). Rebours can arrange overnight camping trips, but most riders opt to stay in lakeside Pokhara, with its decent hotels, variety of restaurants, and well-stocked bookshops. The most cosseting accommodations are at the Fishtail Lodge. Surrounded by tropical gardens, it counts Prince Charles and Jimmy Carter among its former guests (977-61-520071; fishtail-lodge.com; doubles, $115–$130). Bistro Caroline, a swank restaurant overlooking Lake Pokhara and serving simple but delicious traditional French food, is the appointed place to refuel after a full day on the trails (Lakeside North; 977-61-531341; entrées, $5–$8).

Best time to go: October through April.

How to go: Pokhara is a 40-minute flight or a six-hour drive west of Kathmandu.

Don't Miss: An early-morning cycling trip to see the sun rise over the Himalayas. Another "peak" experience is the thrilling downhill ride to Jomsom—where the views of the second summit of the 23,000-foot Mount Machhapuchhare (Nepali for "Fish Tail") are unparalleled—and back to Pokhara.
–Sam Taylor

INDIA
Type of Experience: The Zanskar Valley (Trekking)
Why to go: For adventure and Tibetan culture that thrive in the shadow of the Himalayas.
Number of Days: 23
Min. Cost/Day: $
Comfort Level: Low

Northern India's ancient kingdom of Ladakh was once known as Little Tibet, but there's nothing small about the Zanskar Valley or the Himalayas, which tower over it. Most travelers approach this remote region—first opened to visitors in 1974—from the southeastern town of Leh, where trekkers should spend at least one day acclimatizing (and another, after the journey, shopping at the treasure-filled outdoor markets). Among the most inviting (but nonetheless rustic) guesthouses is Gypsy's Panorama, which overlooks distant ghompas, or Buddhist monuments (91-1982-252735; doubles, $25). Nine of the Silver Cloud's 13 rooms have private baths and several offer balconies with Himalayan views (91-1982-253128; doubles, $7–$25). Many local companies operate treks and provide meals and sleeping bags as part of the package, including the respected Snow Leopard (snowleopardadventures.com; call 91-1126-122775 for rates). The helpful Web site reachladakh.com also has a list of area operators and guesthouses. From Leh, it's a steep 280-mile journey to Padum, along the ancient caravan route traveled by the Mahayana Buddhists who arrived in Tibet around the third century. From Padum, the punishing final climb is on foot or by mule. Along the way, trekking elevations over Penzella Pass to Drang-Drung Glacier reach 17,000 feet.