Not many places in the world can offer magical and majestic mountain vistas and incredible trekking, and Nepal is one of them. The hidden stronghold of Annapurna Base Camp (also known as Annapurna Sanctuary or ABC in short) is no exception making it one of the outstanding trekking experiences in Nepal. The sanctuary is a deep glacier, which gives the effect of an amphitheater surrounded by a ring of impressive high peaks including: Hiun chuli, Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna l, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhre. The trail to this awe-inspiring scene ascends the Annapurna foothills through forested hillsides where we are given a taste of Nepal’s magical and majestic vistas with a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri atop the world famous Poon Hill. It continues through scattered Gurung settlements, across terraced fields and abundant forests before climbing gradually into a world of ice and snow – the Annapurna Base Camp, the ‘Sanctuary of the Gods’. Returning to Pokhara by a different route, this trek offers truly fascinating scenery, with a combination of picturesque rice-fields, villages and a panorama of high peaks.
At Kathmandu International Airport, you will be met by a Trek Nepal representative and transferred to your hotel. There will be a full tour briefing in the evening. Permit sort out day.
We fly out of the Kathmandu valley or drive to the scenic and tranquil town of Pokhara. To reach the start point of our trek, we take a short drive west of Pokhara to Nayapul and then hike to Ghandruk. At Ghandruk our hosts who are renowned for their hospitality welcome us. The trail gently descends through a subtropical forest highlighted by huge bamboo massifs and giant rhododendrons. Ghandruk is the main village of the Gurung Gurkha warriors known for their contribution to the unification of Nepal and the famous British Gurkha regiment.
Descending from Tadapani through a rhododendron forest, the trail emerges out to rice terraces. Walking up Modi River Valley we arrive at Chhomrung, a Gurung village that clings to the hillside, and is the last major settlement in the valley.
The day begins with a descent to cross Chhomrung Khola; a stone stairway takes us there offering magnificent views of Machhapuchhre – its profile clearly showing why it is named ‘Fishtail’. The ascent becomes more gradual as we enter a dense forest of bamboo and rhododendrons before finally emerging out at Dobhan (2,600m), which lies at the base of a snow-less mountain.
A ravine crosses the trail, and from here it climbs steeply as we negotiate the moraine boulders on our approach to the gates of Machhapuchhre Base Camp; the landscape becomes a wilderness. Situated at the foot of the Annapurna Glacier Machhapuchhre Base Camp presents a truly breathtaking panorama of Gandharwa Chuli (6,248m), Annapurna 1 (8,091m), Annapurna lll, Ganggapurna (7,454m) and the well-known peak of Machhapuchhre – one of Nepal’s sacred mountains.
To ensure the best experience, avoiding the clouds that blow in and obscure the view, it is an early morning climb to Annapurna Base Camp, which has been our aim now for many days. On reaching Base Camp the ridgeline of peaks is almost uninterrupted. It is truly awe-inspiring as you stand cocooned by snowy slopes up to Hiun Chuli (6,441m), the massive south face of Annapurna South(7,219m), Annapurna Fang(7,647m), Annapurna l(8,091m), fluted and tent peaks in the foreground, Ganggapurna (7,454m), Annapurna III (7,555m) and finally the magnificent north face pyramid of Machhapuchhre (6,997m) all guarding the narrow entrance. Then we retrace our way back to Dobhan.
Today we continue our trek to Jhinu Danda. Time is available to relax in Jhinu Danda’s hot springs, reflect on the previous day as you bathe in the hot waters accompanied by the amazing views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Today our final day of walking. Leaving Jhinu Danda, the trail descends through the forest to Modi Khola. A final descent to Nayapul brings the trail to its end. From here we drive back to Pokhara, arriving late afternoon
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC) is a scenic journey to the heart of the Annapurna Massif, offering breathtaking views of Annapurna I (8,091 m), Machapuchare (Fishtail), Hiun Chuli, and Ganggapurna. The trek combines diverse landscapes, including terraced fields, lush rhododendron forests, and alpine meadows.
The trek typically takes 7–12 days, depending on the starting point and itinerary:
The best seasons are:
The ABC trek is considered moderate. It involves daily walks of 5–7 hours, with some steep ascents and descents. No technical climbing skills are required, but good fitness and stamina are essential.
The highest point is Annapurna Base Camp, located at an altitude of 4,130 m (13,550 ft).
You’ll need:
