> Trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary
> Panoramic views from Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp
> Natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda
The trek to the Annapurna Base Camp is one of Nepal's classics, and rightfully so! Starting at an elevation of 1300 meters, the route takes you through very different terrain, from dense Rhododendron forests to high alpine terrain of towering rock faces and tumbling glaciers. The first highlight is the climb to Poon Hill, an incredible vantage point with views of the chunky Dhaulagiri (8176m), the entire Annapurna Massif and the sacred mountain Machhapuchhare, or Fish Tail mountain. After Poon Hill you traverse to the northeast, headed towards the Annapurna Sanctuary.
The Annapurna Base Camp sits on a ledge, surrounded by many peaks of over 7000 meters. From your lodge you may see avalanches thundering down the steep slopes. But don't worry, the base camp is a safe place and was established by the French expedition that managed to scale the very first 8000 meter peak back in 1950. The location hasn't changed since. The relatively low altitude of ABC at 4130m make this trek more accessible that its popular counter parts Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp, that all exceed the 5000 meters mark. Still, it's not a walk in the park with nearly 3000 meters of vertical ascent and descent. The views are worth it!
