Annapurna Base Camp Trek — 9 Days

Drive from Pokhara (820m) to Nayapul (1,070m), the trailhead for the Annapurna Sanctuary. Trek through terraced fields and Gurung villages, crossing the Modi Khola suspension bridge to Birethanti, then climbing through subtropical forest to Tikhedhunga (1,540m).

Ascend the famous stone staircase — over 3,000 steps — through rhododendron forest to Ulleri (2,070m), then continue uphill through magnificent forest to the ridge village of Ghorepani (2,860m). Superb views of Dhaulagiri from the ridge.

Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) for the iconic Annapurna sunrise — Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre blazing gold at dawn. Return for breakfast then trek east through dense rhododendron forest to Tadapani (2,610m).

Descend steeply through forest to the Modi Khola valley floor, then climb up to Chhomrong (2,170m), a large Gurung village that serves as the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Excellent views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre from the village.

Descend the long stone steps from Chhomrong, cross the Chhomrong Khola, and enter the restricted Annapurna Sanctuary zone. Trek through increasingly lush bamboo and rhododendron forest past Sinuwa to Bamboo (2,310m).

Trek deeper into the Sanctuary through dense forest past Himalaya (2,920m) and the ancient glacial terminal moraine at Hinku Cave to Deurali (3,230m). The valley narrows dramatically as towering 7,000m and 8,000m peaks close in on both sides.

Trek above the treeline across the glacier moraine to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m), set in the dramatic amphitheatre at the foot of Fish Tail Mountain. The sacred peak of Machhapuchhre towers above at 6,993m — it has never been climbed.

Final climb to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), the inner sanctum of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Stand at the foot of the towering south face of Annapurna I (8,091m) — the world's 10th highest mountain. 360° panorama of thirteen peaks above 6,000m. Overnight in the sanctuary.

Early start from ABC to catch the morning alpenglow on the peaks. Descend rapidly through the Sanctuary, passing Bamboo and Chhomrong to Jhinu Danda (1,780m) for a well-deserved soak in the natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola river. Continue to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara.