Responsible Adventures

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

The Annapurna Sanctuary / Base camp trek is a hike into the dazzling natural amphitheatre formed by the staggeringly beautiful peaks of the giants - Annapurna 1, Glacier Dome, Gangapurna, Fang and the fishtail peak of Machapuchare. Although there is only one entrance to the sanctuary itself, we follow locally known, lesser-used approaches and exit routes on our premier Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

The vast amphitheatre of the Annapurna Sanctuary is encircled by the famous Himalayan peaks – the 'fishtail' spire of Machapuchare (6997m), Gangapurna (7454m), Annapurna 1 (8091m), the unclimbed Fang (7647m) and Annapurna South (7273m). The only approach follows the Modi Khola Valley through forests of oak, rhododendron and bamboo, passing through local Gurung villages to a world of soaring peaks.

The flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes us past three 8000m giants . We start our Annapurna Base Camp Trek with a short drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. We walk to a village by the Modi River, Birethanti(1000m). Walking through oak forest we cross several side valleys, which run into the Modi Khola, and climb a stone 'staircase' to the Gurung village of Chomrong (2060m). Trekking past Hinku cave, we reach what is known as the 'gate' into the Sanctuary – a pass between the spectacular peaks of Hiunchuli and Machapuchare.

The glaciated and snow covered peaks of the Sanctuary form a spectacular barrier .Dazzling views confront us as we trek up through the last permanent settlements to the Machapuchare Base Camp (3729m) where we are rewarded with superb views of 'Fishtail' mountain. While here we will also visit the Annapurna South Base camp.