Leaving Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), Nepal Stock Photo

The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is one of the most popular walks in the world. The Annapurna Sanctuary is a high glacial basin lying 40 km north of Pokhara, Nepal. This oval-shaped plateau sits at an altitude of over 4000 meters and is surrounded by a ring of mountains, the Annapurna range, most of which are over 7000 meters. The range includes the world’s tenth highest peak — Annapurna 1 —and Machapuchare, which is sacred to the Gurung people and believed to be the home of the god Shiva. With the only entrance a narrow valley between the peaks of Hiunchuli and Machapuchare (Fishtail), the region is revered by Hindus and Buddhists. Run-off from glaciers drain into Modi Khola River. The Base Camp Sanctuary is now part of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, which places restrictions on the number of outside travelers.