The Annapurna Sanctuary — properly the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek — is the most dramatic shorter trek in the region, accessible to fit walkers without technical mountaineering experience. The route follows the Modi Khola river valley deep into a glacial basin ringed on three sides by high Himalayan peaks. At the base camp (4,130m), you stand in an amphitheatre formed by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Fang, Hiunchuli, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli, Tent Peak, Fluted Peak, Glacier Dome, and the iconic fish-tail silhouette of Machapuchare directly above.
The trek takes six to ten days from Nayapul near Pokhara. The first two days climb through rhododendron forest and terraced Gurung villages — particularly the busy hub of Ghandruk — before entering the gorge of the Modi Khola. The approach through the gorge is narrow and dramatic; at certain seasons, avalanche risk closes the upper section entirely (mid-January and monsoon are the most dangerous times). The teahouse village of Deurali (3,230m) is the last habitation before the sanctuary; above, the trail crosses moraine, then snow, to reach base camp.
The three days around base camp are the reward. The mountain views at sunrise and sunset, when the peaks turn from grey to gold to orange, are among the finest in Nepal. Most trekkers spend one or two nights here before descending; a side trip to Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700m) is worth the extra half-day.