Western region described as "unexplored" by many people of the western part of Nepal. The region accounts for about 68% of the total land area. It is formed by the Mahabharat range that soars up to 4,877m and lower churia range. Most trekking destinations west of the Annapurna Region were closed till only recently, and belong to the most remote, untouched places in the world. Another factor that discourages trekkers in western Nepal is that many of the culturally and scenically exotic regions are in restricted areas with high permit fees. The Nepalese government aims at regulating tourism in areas such as Dolpo, Jumla and Mustang by allowing only limited numbers of groups, each of which need to carry all necessities. Most routes follow ancient caravan trails, which cut through deep mountain gorges, cross windy passes, and descend down into the green forests of the Terai.

The history and anthropology of western Nepal is complex and fascinating. The region is predominantly Hindu. Tibetans make up only a small part of the population, yet they have had a significant influence on the area through trading. Most of the homes are Tibetan style. Their flat roofs covered with packed earth are well suited to the semiarid conditions of the region behind Dhaulagiri. In many villages the houses are packed closely together one atop another, climbing up the hillside and sharing common roofs. There are few stairs inside the dwellings. Instead, people climb from one level to another on carved log ladders outside the house. This is the only place in Nepal where Hindus live in such obviously Tibetan-style houses.