A shorter, equally dramatic journey straight into the Annapurna Sanctuary — a glacial amphitheatre ringed by peaks over 7,000 m, with Annapurna I (8,091 m) towering at its head. The trail winds through rhododendron forest, Gurung villages, and the bamboo-clad Modi Khola gorge before opening into the sanctuary itself.
Arrive and settle in, with a welcome meeting in the afternoon. If time allows, explore the capital — the Swayambhunath stupa, the old Durbar Square or the bustling streets of Thamel.
Travel west by road to the lakeside city of Pokhara, the launch point for the trek. The afternoon is for a trip briefing, a gear check, and time to relax by Phewa Lake.
A short drive to the Nayapul trailhead, then follow the Bhurungdi Khola through farmland and villages before the long, famous flight of stone steps up to the Magar village of Ulleri.
A gentler day climbing through cool, mossy rhododendron and oak forest — spectacular in spring bloom — to the ridge-top village of Ghorepani, set beneath the high peaks.
Rise in the dark for the climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m) and a sunrise panorama of Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre. Return for breakfast, then follow forest trails to Tadapani.
Descend through dense forest with fine views of Machhapuchhre, the "Fishtail" peak, to the handsome Gurung village of Chhomrong — the gateway into the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Cross the Chhomrong Khola on a suspension bridge and climb endless stone steps through bamboo and rhododendron forest, following the Modi Khola upstream to the lodges at Himalaya.
Follow the narrowing valley above the treeline into the glacial gorge, the walls closing in around you, to Machhapuchhre Base Camp directly beneath the soaring Fishtail summit.
A short but breathtaking climb into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary — a vast glacial amphitheatre ringed by peaks over 7,000 m, with Annapurna I towering at its head. The high point of the trek.
Wake early for first light igniting the surrounding summits, then begin the long descent, retracing the valley back down through the forest to the lodges at Bamboo.
Re-pass Chhomrong and drop steeply to Jhinu Danda. The reward for tired legs is a short walk down to the natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola — perfect for a soak.
Cross the river and follow a quieter ridge route via Landruk, Tolka and Deurali, with farms and forest giving way to open views back toward the Annapurnas, to the village of Pothana.
A final descent through the pretty village of Dhampus to the roadhead at Phedi, then a short drive back to Pokhara. Celebrate the trek with a well-earned dinner by the lake.
A free day to rest and explore: row a boat on Phewa Lake, walk up to the World Peace Pagoda, or visit the International Mountain Museum.
The trip ends after breakfast. Travel onward from Pokhara, or transfer back to Kathmandu for your international flight home.
Choose the package that fits your style and budget. All are guided and fully tailorable — prices are per person and vary with group size and season.
Guaranteed departures. Don't see a date that suits you? Private departures can be arranged year-round.
Yes — ABC is one of the best introductions to Himalayan trekking. The altitude tops out at 4,130 m and the daily walking is moderate, making it achievable for reasonably fit first-timers.
ABC is shorter, lower, and gets you inside a dramatic mountain amphitheatre faster. EBC is higher, longer, and more strenuous. ABC is the better pick if you have less time or want an easier profile.
A natural riverside hot spring near the end of the descent — the perfect reward for tired legs. Most itineraries include an overnight there.
Yes, and it must specifically cover helicopter evacuation at altitude. Standard policies often do not — check the fine print before you travel.
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