Sightseeing · Nepal
Annapurna Glacier
Ice flowing from the south face of Annapurna I into the Sanctuary, the amphitheatre at the head of the Base Camp trek.
The Annapurna Glacier flows from the towering south face of Annapurna I into the Annapurna Sanctuary, the high glacial amphitheatre that forms the climax of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Ringed by a near-complete circle of peaks, the Sanctuary is one of the most spectacular glacier settings reachable on foot in Nepal.
Overview
The glacier lies at roughly 4,100 metres and above within the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal's largest protected area. It descends from the 8,091-metre summit of Annapurna I, the first eight-thousander ever climbed, and merges with ice spilling from neighbouring peaks to fill the floor of the Sanctuary. The meltwater gathers into the Modi Khola, the river that carves the long valley leading back down toward Pokhara. As with most Himalayan glaciers, the lower tongue is part-buried under moraine debris, while the upper basin is a steep tangle of hanging ice and avalanche slopes.
The Annapurna Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is a natural amphitheatre enclosed by a ring of summits including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and the sacred Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Annapurna Base Camp, at about 4,130 metres, sits on the lateral moraine looking straight up at the glacier and the immense south face beyond. The sense of being surrounded by ice and rock walls on almost every side is what makes this one of the most atmospheric spots in the Nepal Himalaya.
How to get there
The glacier is reached via the Annapurna Base Camp trek in the Annapurna region. The route typically begins near Pokhara, climbs through the Gurung villages of Ghandruk and Chomrong, then follows the steepening Modi Khola gorge past Deurali into the Sanctuary over about a week. It can be combined with the Poon Hill viewpoint for a fuller loop. For how this glacier compares with Nepal's other great rivers of ice, see the overview of the great glaciers of Nepal.
Plan your visit
The Sanctuary sits above 4,000 metres, so steady acclimatisation matters — read our altitude sickness in Nepal guide. The approach above Deurali is avalanche-prone and can close after heavy snow, so go in the stable post-monsoon or spring windows described in the best time to visit Nepal guide, and travel with a licensed guide as set out in the Nepal trekking guide. Stay on the marked trails and lodge terraces rather than venturing onto the moraine or ice.
Fast facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Setting | Annapurna Sanctuary, head of the Modi Khola |
| Elevation | Base Camp viewpoint about 4,130 m |
| Region | Annapurna Conservation Area, Gandaki Province |
| Best season | October to November and March to May |
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the Annapurna Glacier?+
The Annapurna Glacier lies at the head of the Annapurna Sanctuary in north-central Nepal, within the Annapurna Conservation Area. It descends from the south face of Annapurna I into the high amphitheatre reached by the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Can you see the Annapurna Glacier on the Base Camp trek?+
Yes. The Annapurna Base Camp trek ends in the Sanctuary at about 4,130 metres, ringed by glaciers spilling from Annapurna I and its neighbours. The glaciers and their moraines dominate the view, though trekkers stay on the lodges' terrace rather than walking onto the ice.
What river does the Annapurna Glacier feed?+
Meltwater from the glaciers of the Annapurna Sanctuary feeds the Modi Khola, which flows south down the valley past Chomrong and eventually joins the larger river network draining the southern Annapurnas toward Pokhara.
Is the Annapurna Glacier dangerous?+
The glacier and the Sanctuary approach carry real hazards, including avalanches off the steep south face and rockfall onto the trail above Deurali. The route can be closed after heavy snow, so a licensed guide and current conditions advice are important.
