Man Bahadur Damai is from Pokhara and is a member of the Shikhar Adventure trekking team.
Pokhara is one of Nepal's largest cities and the starting point for most treks in the Annapurna region, including Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill, and Mardi Himal. On a clear day, Machapuchare and the Annapurna range rise straight up behind Phewa Lake, close enough that the mountains feel part of the city itself.
Coming from Pokhara, Man Bahadur knows the city and the roads and trailheads that lead into the Annapurna foothills.