Annapurna North Base Camp Trekking

Trip Facts
Duration	Duration	8 Days
Difficulty	Difficulty	Moderate

The trip begins in Kathmandu after you make final preparations for the trek. Then, your drive to Pokhara and follow with another drive to Lower Narchyang via Tatopani. The awesome trekking journey will take you across the beautiful traditional villages and people through upper Narchyang, Kalokhola, Chhotepa, Hum Khola Dovan, Sandhikharka, Bhuskot mela, Sun Khola and finally reach Annapurna North Base Camp. During this route, you can see the glorious mountain based in the Annapurna region and the authentic culture of Nepal. On the trail, you will be mesmerized by the impressive views of Nilgiri Himal (7061m), Tilicho Peak (7134m), Mt Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Annapurna 1 (8091m). Interspersed among the mountains are rich blue alpine lakes.

8-Days Annapurna North Base Camp trek is a short remote area trekking in Nepal. It takes 2 days to reverse down to Tatopani. From here, you drive to Pokhara to conclude the trip.

Background

Annapurna North Base Camp Trek is a less-explored, least crowded, historic and more pristine trekking trail in the Annapurna region. This trek offers a fantastic adventure experience that is as unique as it is wildly exhilarating for those looking for alternate trails in the Annapurna region.

The tenth world’s highest peak Mi. Annapurna 1st (8091m) is one of the most technically difficult mountains to climb. On June 3, 1950, an expedition team led by Maurice Herzog became the first climbers to reach the top of Mount Annapurna. It was also the first time that climbers had reached the top of an 8000-meter peak. As a result of this history, the trail to Annapurna North Base Camp is also known as the Maurice Herzog trail. Alternatively, it is also called the French North Face route. after the French group conquered the summit of Mount Annapurna I for the first time in the world where they also explored the North Face of Annapurna.

About Us

We, at Nepal Alternative Treks and Expedition, are at your service to make your 8-day trip to Annapurna North Base Camp trekking memorable and hassle-free. You can customize the trip as per the requirements of your schedule. Be a part of the trip to witness the surreal views of the mountains. We cater to all your needs regarding travel services.

Trip Highlights

Experience challenging trek with the immense natural beauty of the Himalayas
Mesmerizing views of high mountains such as Annapurna I, Mount Machhapuchhre, Himchuli, and Dhaulagiri
Dense green forests, waterfalls, hot springs, caves, and glaciers
Visit Narchyang Lake, which remains frozen during the winter
Rich in biodiversity, flora, and fauna
Encounter wild lives such as musk deer, snow leopards, bears, wild dogs, and blue sheep

Day-to-day-Itinerary

Day 1

Drive to Pokhara

Day 1 Facts
Trekking Time Average	200km Drive (Av. 6hr)
Accommodation	Luxury Hotel in Pokhara
Altitude	( 820m./2706ft. )

Annapurna North Base Camp Trek begins with a scenic half-day long drive to the famous city of Pokhara. Begin driving through the Prithvi Highway alongside the Trishuli River. The scenic road journey goes along the beautiful small towns of Malekhu, Manakamana, Byas, and Lekhnath towards Pokhara. Upon arrival, you’ll check into the hotel located just beside the beautiful Phewa Lake. Spend the evening exploring the beautiful lakeside city and indulging in a short walk around Phewa Lake. Prepare for the upcoming trek.

Day 2

Drive to Tatopani – Lower Narchyang – Trek to Upper Narchyang

Day 2 Facts
Trekking Time Average	Drive (Av 6hr) 1.5km Uphill hike (Av. 1hr)
Accommodation	Luxury Lodge in Upper Narchyang
Altitude	( 1050m./3465ft.) (2041m./6735ft.)

The drive from Pokhara to Lower Narchyang is fairly long but uneventful. The end of the road is bumpy and trail like. From there, it’s a welcome relief to get out and trekking if only for an hour or so. It’s also nice to be out and surrounded by green forest. Make us of your night in Upper Narchyang .

Day 3

Trek to Choote Pa

Day 3 Facts
Trekking Time Average	13.5km Uphill hike (Av. 6hr)
Accommodation	Luxury Lodge in Choote Pa
Altitude	(2455m./8101ft.)

There’s a series of farmlands and large valley opening up in the distance to get you started . Before crossing the Ghalemdi river, You follow the valley path along with open farmlands, brush and grasslands. It’s onto some ridge trekking as you being an ascent after the river. The icy mountain of Nilgiri seem to come closer much faster than expected. Green bamboo forests are your first moment of feeling like you are off the beaten path. You’ll soon come across a mountain stream which you can follow until you find an area good for setting up camp.

Day 4

Trek to Sandhi Kharka

Day 4 Facts
Trekking Time Average	9km Uphill hike (Av. 6hr)
Accommodation	Luxury Lodge in Sandhi Kharka
Altitude	(3245m./10708ft.)

Today, as you ascend up, it’s back into bamboo forest and thickets and finally out of the ridge of the forest. Below the valley is cut by the river as you follow it along while descending. Once you reach it the boulders truly look a lot bigger than from above. Continue following the main river due east as you climb up to and over a suspension bridge. You’ll then come across an amazing pool of fresh water that’s bright blue and sourced by a waterfall continue on for 45 minutes where there’s a good place to camp for the night.

Day 5

Trek to Annapurna North Base Camp

Day 5 Facts
Trekking Time Average	9km Uphill hike (Av. 6hr)
Accommodation	Luxury Lodge in Annapurna North Base Camp
Altitude	(4190m./13827ft.)

Keep your strength up with a good breakfast as it’s a long day. As you trek away from camp, the ground vegetation becomes more sparse. You’ll soon come across some cave like formations in the surrounding mountains. The valley becomes sheltered from the sun as you get nearer to base camp. Continue up and over a mini pass of sorts and you’ll arrive into a desolate windswept area filled with boulders and earth. Welcome to Annapurna North Base Camp.

There is an attractive pool of glacier water here and a massive glacier ahead blocking the path to Tilicho Lake on the other side. The small temple here is used to make a puja for blessing to the mountain Annapurna 1. The temple contains Shiva and Ganesh while there is also a Buddha Statue and prayer wheels. There’s a small open hut here which is useful for camping inside with a tent.

Day 6

Trek down to Chhote pa

Day 6 Facts
Trekking Time Average	16km Downhill hike (Av. 6hr)
Accommodation	Luxury Lodge in Chhote pa
Altitude	(2455m./13827ft.)

It’s usually a cold start to the day as the ice winds sweep down from the mountains. The sheltered valley makes it equally cold and blustery as you make your way along the way you came the day before.

The good news is the wind is now likely to be pushing you along. Down some a rocky area it’s important to take care not to lose one’s footing. It’s faster on the way back but also easier to trip. Soon you’ll be back in he forest, grassland and ridges with the sun on occasion on your side of the valley. Back at the pool it time to set up camp for the last time. There’s a small hut here which can be used to camp inside .

Day 7

Trek to Lower Narchyang - Drive to Tatopani

Day 7 Facts
Trekking Time Average	3hrs Downhill hike 15km Drive (Av. 2hr)
Accommodation	Luxury Lodge in Tatopani
Altitude	(1263m./4167ft.) (1190m./3927ft.)

The open trail makes things quicker here and with a lighter load you’ll be moving faster. Farmlands and houses quickly start to appear and the green valleys are a welcome sight. Passing through Nachyang you’ll drive to Tatopani as nicer lodgers are waiting with hot showers, bed and dal bhat.

Day 8

Drive to Pokhara – Kathmandu

Day 8 Facts
Trekking Time Average	320km Drive (Av. 11hr)
Accommodation	Luxury Hotel in Kathmandu
Altitude	(1295m./4273ft.)

There’s not much today. Staff usually want an early start but busses tend to leave throughout the morning to Pokhara so there is no real rush. Enjoy breakfast. The bus starts out bumpy but soon even out into the road on the way to Pokhara. Continue road journey to Kathmandu.

What do you get in the Trip?

Tribhuwan International Airport ( Airport – Hotel – Airport) transfer in Kathmandu .
All meals during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Hotel accommodation in Pokhara.
Tented camp /Lodge accommodation during the trekking.
One experienced, English speaking, friendly and government authorized trekking guide, cook and required porters.
Guide and staff’s food, accommodation, salary, insurance and transportation .
Overland transportation as per mentioned in itinerary.
All camping equipment and kitchen utensils.
ACAP( Annapurna conservation area project) and TIMS (Trekker’s information management system) card.
A Trekking map, duffle bag, Oxygen saturation check up everyday, temperature check up everyday, face mask, hand sanitizer, water purification, company t-shirt, first aid medical and trekking completion certificate etc.
Assistance for emergency rescue evacuation.
Public Liability Insurance.
Government tax and service charge.

Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu.
Hard and soft table drinks such as tea/coffee, coke, fanta, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, laundry, phone bill etc.
Personal Travel insurance.
Tips for guide and staff .( Highly suggested ).

Need a private date?

The given rates are per person with guaranteed departure schedules. If the given dates are not appropriate for you, please feel free to contact us for requesting a new dates, we will gladly personalize the itinerary and schedule of the trip that fits for you.

Book a private date

USD

1,100

per person

Download Trip PDF

Got Questions? Ask us.

Share the Trip!

ESSENTIAL INFO

The best time to visit Annapurna North Base Camp Trek is during the autumn (September, October, November) and spring (March, April, May) seasons. This season provides you with an ideal climate. During this time of the year, you will be able to see a panoramic view of the mountain ranges in the Annapurna region and the beauty of the surrounding. But, many people do this trek during the monsoon seasons too. Annually, thousands of tourists including both national and international tourists come to Annapurna North base camp for trekking.

This trek is a difficult trip. You have to be both physically fit and experienced as well. In addition, the landscape of the place is also very dangerous. In addition, if you don’t come fully prepared for this trek then your difficulty will add up. Similarly, make sure you have all the essentials with you.

You must have your travel insurance with you. So, make sure your travel insurance company has covered all your safety measures. Make sure that the insurance company provides you with every facility. Because it has a lot of benefits during the trek. Therefore, make sure your travel insurance covers your injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, rescue mission, loss of property, etc. But, most importantly make sure your travel insurance is not expired. Furthermore, make sure that your Insurance policy has covered your 4200m trekking and adventure policy.

All meals include Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner during trekking. Likewise, we also provide western and Nepali foods which are very healthy. In addition, the lodges we provide are very secure and comfortable too. In addition, twin sharing tents during the trek.

ACAP: NPR. 3000 for foreigners and NPR 1000 for SAARC.

Note : Child below 10 years are free

While trekking through high altitudes you must be physically and mentally fit. Most importantly, you should also not have any blood-related diseases. Furthermore, you should have experience climbing small peaks. Similarly, being confident and passionate about the trek is also important. Furthermore, make sure that you have some knowledge about the conditions of the trek.

The climate of Nepal is different from time to time. It usually gets hot from May to August and this time is also good for hiking. Similarly, it gets cold and chilly from late November to February. This time is also good but it rains most of the time. So, completing this trek during the spring season is also good. It provides a suitable climate and weather. But, most of the time it is good all year. So, you may do this trek throughout the year.

Annapurna North Base Camp Trek is a strenuous-level trek. So, it can get a little difficult for new trekkers. And, we make sure our people are safe during the trek. So, the safety and security of the trekkers are important factors for our company. Similarly, we take full care of our consumer and their property. Similarly, our trip constantly operates monitoring every area of our travel. So, you should not worry about your belongings when you are traveling with us. Likewise, the accommodation facility we provide is also very safe and secure for your stay during the trek.

Gears required for the trek vary upon destination and season. A comprehensive list of gear for all activities is listed on our dedicated page of Trekking Gear List