Ascend steadily through dense rhododendron, oak, and pine forests accompanied by the sound of mountain streams and birdsong. Pass through Banthanti and Nangethanti before arriving at Ghorepani, a prominent ridge settlement offering wide mountain vistas.

• Rise before dawn for a 45-minute hike up to Poon Hill to catch the morning sunrise across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. After breakfast in Ghorepani, continue across scenic ridge trails, descending through river gorges and forested slopes to Tadapani.

Descend down through moss-draped forest trails into the Kimrong Khola valley. Cross the river suspension bridge and ascend the opposite hillside past terraced fields into Chhomrong, a hillside Gurung settlement and the gateway community to the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Descend the stone staircase out of Chhomrong down to the Chhomrong Khola, cross the bridge, and embark on a steady climb through Sinuwa. The trail winds through dense bamboo, oak, and rhododendron woodlands along the Modi Khola river gorge to reach Dovan.

Continue a gradual ascent along the river gorge, passing the historic overhanging rock shelter of Hinku Cave. As you climb higher, the tree line begins to thin into alpine scrub, revealing rugged valley walls as you reach Deurali.

Follow the trail out of Deurali into the widening glacial valley. Arrive first at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) beneath the sheer face of the Fishtail mountain. After a rest break, ascend gently for another two hours into the center of the Annapurna Sanctuary to reach Annapurna Base Camp in time for the afternoon light and sunset.

Wake early to witness the sunrise illuminate the south face of Annapurna I and surrounding peaks in golden light. After breakfast and photos, begin the descent back down through MBC, Deurali, and Dovan, resting overnight at Bamboo.

Hike out of Bamboo, climbing the trail back up to Sinuwa and traversing the stone stairways of Chhomrong. From Chhomrong, descend along the ridge toward Jhinu Danda. In the afternoon, walk down to the riverbank to soak in the natural riverside geothermal hot springs.

Walk from Jhinu Danda across the high suspension bridge to the roadhead at Matque or Siwai. Board a private transfer vehicle for the return drive along the river valley back to your hotel in Lakeside, Pokhara.