The Annapurna Himal is a vast massif of several peaks above 7000m, part of the range from a natural amphi-theater known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, ringed by such giants as Aannapurna l, Glacier Dome, Gangapurna, Fang and the Fishtail peak of Macha-Puchare. Using a lesser known approach route we visit the marvellous viewpoint of Poon Hill before descending to the Modi Khola valley and into the gates of the Sanctuary. Passing directly below Machhapuchhare, we have a couple of days to explore the amphi-theater before returning to Pokhara via a different route. This is a fairly strenuous alpine trek that gives the fitter close-up mountain views equal to any in Himalays.