The sanctuary is the name given by J.O.M. ‘Jimmy’ Roberts to the central core of an almost complete circle of peaks he first explored in the spring of 1956. It is a fabulous amphitheater whose sole access route is through the narrow, steep-walled and heavily vegetated gorge of the Modi Khola. It was in the heartland of this Sanctuary that the only expedition ever sanctioned to attempt Machhapurchhre had its base in 1957, and from where Chris Bonington’s expedition climbed the South Face of Annapurna in 1970. It makes a natural and rewarding objective for trek setting out from Pokhara.
Near the head of the Modi Khola’s gorge the trail crosses an area threatened by avalanche, and under certain conditions the route is impassable. It is particularly hazardous in winter and early spring, but heavy snowfall at any time of the year can close the Sanctuary for several days.
Although lacking in cultural interest beyond Chhomrong, it is a spectacular walk, rather more demanding than some trek.
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