Introduction
The Annapurna base camp trek is a classic for trekkers and it can easily be combined with a trip to Pun Hill or other lower altitude treks. The principal peaks of the western portion of the great Annapurna Himal including Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna, Ganagapurna, Annapurna 3 and Machhapuchhare are arranged almost precisely in a circle about 10 miles in diameter within a deep glacier-covered amphitheater at the center. From this glacier basin, known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, the Modi Khola knifes its way south in a narrow gorge below fully 4000mtrs deep. Further south, the gorge opens up into a wide and fertile valley the domain of the Gurungs. The middle and upper portions of Modi Khola offer some of the best short trekking routes in Nepal, and the valley is located so that these treks can also be easily combined with treks into the Kali Gandaki region and Muktinath to the west.
In spite of the great heights of the surrounding peaks and ice walls the valley floor between around 4300 mtrs can provide comfortable camping spots in good weather or alternatively you can stay at a lodge.