A few 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)is no exception making it one of the outstanding trekking experiences in Nepal. It 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, Ganggapurna, 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 on 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 - 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. 

 We drive out of the Kathmandu valley following the Prithvi highway, which descends to the scenic and tranquil town of Pokhara. En route we will have outstanding views of the Ganesh, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges of the Himalayas, along with river valleys, terraced fields and local villages. Pokhara is set on the banks of Phewa Tal (lake) beneath the Annapurna range that creates a spectacular backdrop for this serene town. On arriving you are free to explore the town, take a boat out on to the lake, walk up to the peace pagoda, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere by the lake. 

 Following breakfast we depart for our trek’s starting point Kimche, a drive of approx. 2 1/2 hours; and then head towards the attractive Gurung village of Ghandruk taking us along ridges with spectacular views. At our first teahouse we have views of Annapurna South (7,219m), Machhapuchhre (6,997m) and the Mardi Himal south ridge; and looking across the Modi Valley we see the villages of Landruk and Tolka. 

 First the trail ascends through the spread-out village of Ghandruk and later climbs through the forest following a watercourse ravine up to Tadapani, which translates to ‘distance waters’. The trail is home to outstanding flora such as small ferns and exotic orchids. We lunch on the way at Bhaisi Kharka. All around us are magnificent views of the Annapurnas. 

 The trail takes us gently uphill through the rhododendron and magnolia forest, with daphne bushes and orchids hosted by the bigger trees. After two hours we reach storm-torn trees broken by the winter snow and wind, and after a further two hours, we picnic in the little meadow with its tumbling stream. Following lunch the trail goes gently upward through clumps of bamboo before reaching Dobato. 

 To capture one of the highlights of this trek we leave early in the morning for Mulde View Point (3,637m). A 45 minutes walk above Dobato brings us to the panorama of peaks - Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurnas Range, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu (8,163m), Ganesh Himal Range and many more. As the sun rises over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himals they glisten with the first rays of the sun while the skies glow through an array of reds to pinks. This is one of the world’s most incredible mountain vistas. After breakfast at Dobato we join the trail that heads south following a ridge with stunning views of the Annapurnas from east to west to Chuile. During the walk you will pass through rhododendron forests and pine trees. Also you will encounter beautiful birds and monkeys on the trail. 

 From Chuile we continue downwards to the suspension bridge over Kimrong Khola, a tributary of the Modi Khola. Climbing steeply up the opposite side of the valley we join the main trail to Chhomrung. We are now in the Modi Valley that leads up to Annapurna Base Camp. Walking up Modi Valley we arrive at Chhomrung, a Gurung village that clings to the hillside, and is the last major settlement in the valley. From here we have imposing views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. However, the next occasion we are graced with Annapurna South is when we reach Base Camp. 

 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’. From here the trail climbs steeply as we continue up the Modi Valley. Passing through oak and rhododendron forests and farmland we continue to the top of the main ridge above the river where the small village Sinuwa lies at 2,340m. The ascent becomes more gradual as we enter a dense forest of bamboo and then rhododendrons before finally emerging out at Dobhan (2,600m), which lies at the base of a snowless mountain. In the forests we hear a variety of wildlife calls from birds and animals, and we may encounter Langur monkeys and deer. Continuing upwards on the forest trail a clearing emerges at Himalaya. 

 Beyond Himalaya the trail begins to follow the Modi Khola. As we continue onwards on the opposite side of the river we pass several spectacular waterfalls. At 3,100m we reach Hinku Cave, where the early expeditions to Annapurna Base Camp used to camp. 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. Part of the forest we passed through is also sacred and a small temple is found there. 

 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. The trail follows part of the route undertaken by British mountaineer Chris Bonnington when he led the ascent of Annapurna’s South Face. With each step the views become clearer, closer and more abundant. 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. We have time to enjoy this incredible panorama, explore around the Base Camp and hear the thunder of rock and ice as it detaches itself from the peaks before making our way back to Dobhan. 

 Today we continue to descend along the Modi Valley until we reach Chhomrung Khola. From here a long steep ascent returns us to Chhomrung. Continuing upwards for a short time we then descend very steeply through terraces to Jhinu Danda our destination. 

 In the morning we will visit Jhinu Danda's hot spring and reflect on the previous day as you bathe in the hot waters accompanied by the amazing views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. After lunch, we descend 15 - 20 minutes to take our drive back to Pokhara. 

In the morning, we take tourist bus back to Kathmandu.