Annapurna, Nepal
The Annapurna Sanctuary is one of the most spectacular mountain amphitheatres in the world and had been used by shepherds for centuries before being discovered by the British military and Jimmy Roberts in 1952. Today it is a goal and spectacular climax for a trek through the Himalayas taking in some of the most stunning scenery in Asia.
The Sanctuary is an almost complete ring of snow capped Himalayan peaks which top 7000m and are draped with snowfields and glaciers. There is only one way into the basin which entails a trek through a gorge lined with bamboo jungle and rainforest and mist with the water of the Modi Khola thundering below.
The mountains can be seen from Pokhara but this 7-12 day trek can be done as a diversion from Ghorepani or from Naya Pul and it is highly recommended to use a local guide and to train carefully beforehand. In season there are rhododendrons lining the route. There are steep ascents and tea houses on the way and tricky paths to negotiate, but the joy of seeing Machapuchhare and the Annapurna range is the reward at the end of this classic trek.
Write your own review