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North Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 8 Days
North Annapurna Base Camp Trek Quick Information
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Weather |
Weather | -10°C to 15°C | View Weather Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
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Duration |
Duration | 8 Days | |
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Difficulty |
Difficulty | Moderate | |
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Accommodation |
Accommodation | Camping/Lodges | |
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Meals Included |
Meals Included | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | |
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Best Season |
Best Season | Sept, Oct, Nov, March, April, May | |
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Transportation |
Transportation | Private Overland Transport | |
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Daily Activity |
Daily Activity | Approx. 5 – 6 hours | |
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Religion |
Religion | Buddhism | |
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Ethnic People |
Ethnic People | Gurung, Thakali | |
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Geographic Terrain |
Geographic Terrain | Mountain, Forest, Village, Lake, Waterfall, Terrace | |
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Region of Nepal |
Region of Nepal | Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Region | |
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Max. Altitude |
Max. Altitude | 4190m./13827ft. |
North Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview
The North Annapurna Base Camp Trekking 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 North Annapurna Base Camp trekking 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.
North Annapurna Base Camp Trek 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
8 Days North Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Day 1
Drive to Pokhara
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Trekking Time Average |
200km Drive to Pokhara (Av. 6hrs) |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Hotel Kausi |
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Altitude |
( 820m./2706ft. ) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast |
North Annapurna 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 Lower Narchyang – Trek to Upper Narchyang
|
Trekking Time Average |
Drive to Lower Narchyang (Av 6hr) – 1.5km Uphill hike to Upper Narchyang (Av. 1hr) |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Lodge in Upper Narchyang |
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Altitude |
(2041m./6735ft.) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
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
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Trekking Time Average |
13.5km Uphill hike (Av. 6hr) |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Camping at Choote Pa |
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Altitude |
(2455m./8101ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
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
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Trekking Time Average |
14km Uphill hike (Av. 6hr) |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Camping at Sandhi Kharka |
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Altitude |
(3245m./10708ft.) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
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 North Annapurna Base Camp
|
Trekking Time Average |
12km Uphill hike (Av. 6hr) |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Camping at North Annapurna Base Camp |
|
Altitude |
(4190m./13827ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
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 North Annapurna 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
|
Trekking Time Average |
16km Downhill hike (Av. 6hrs.) |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
Camping at Chhote pa |
|
Altitude |
(2455m./13827ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
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
|
Trekking Time Average |
3hrs Downhill hike to Lower Narchyang – 15km Drive to Tatopani (Av. 2hrs) |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Hotel Natural Spring or hotel Dhaulagiri |
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Altitude |
(1190m./3927ft.) |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
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 Kathmandu
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Trekking Time Average |
320km Drive to Kathmandu (Av. 11hrs) |
|---|---|
|
Altitude |
(1295m./4273ft.) |
|
Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch |
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’s Included
- Tribhuwan International Airport ( Airport – Hotel – Airport) transfer in Kathmandu .
- Hotel accommodation ( Hotel Kausi) in Pokhara
- All meals during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
- Tented camp /Lodge accommodation during the trekking.
- One experienced, Fluent English speaking, friendly and government authorized trekking guide, cook
- 1 Porter per 2 Trekkers and keep luggage weight under 10kg per person.
- 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 necessary permits.
- A Trekking map, duffle bag, Oxygen saturation check up everyday, 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.
What’s Not included
- 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.
- International Flight Tickets.
- Nepal Tourist Visa Fee
- Tips for guide and staff .( Highly suggested ).
North Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route Map
Join our group departures
Available dates.
Our scheduled group tours offer fixed departure dates, providing an excellent opportunity for travelers to join our small group trips.
Note : Our fixed group departure dates, services and price is guaranteed even if the group numbers are 1 person to maximum 18 persons. We will provide a guide cum porter if there is only 1 person to operate the trek and one more assistant guide if group size is above 10 persons.And of course , guide cum porter will carry 10 kg luggage
North Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 8 Days Departure Date
8 Days
Trip Days
2 Mar, 2026
Start Monday
9 Mar, 2026
End Monday
0
Pax Booked
18
Group Size
USD $800
Per Person
Booking Open
Status
8 Days
Trip Days
9 Mar, 2026
Start Monday
16 Mar, 2026
End Monday
0
Pax Booked
18
Group Size
USD $800
Per Person
Booking Open
Status
8 Days
Trip Days
16 Mar, 2026
Start Monday
23 Mar, 2026
End Monday
0
Pax Booked
18
Group Size
USD $800
Per Person
Booking Open
Status
8 Days
Trip Days
23 Mar, 2026
Start Monday
30 Mar, 2026
End Monday
0
Pax Booked
18
Group Size
USD $800
Per Person
Booking Open
Status
8 Days
Trip Days
30 Mar, 2026
Start Monday
6 Apr, 2026
End Monday
0
Pax Booked
18
Group Size
USD $800
Per Person
Booking Open
Status
Book a private trip on your own date.
Every journey we create is uniquely tailored to you. Share your interests and passions, and our travel experts will design an unforgettable adventure filled with extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences crafted just for you.
Best time to visit Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
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 can see a panoramic view of the mountain ranges in the Annapurna region and the beauty of the surroundings. 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.
Is Annapurna North Base Camp Trek Really Difficult?
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.
Meals and Accommodation During ABC North Trek
All meals include Breakfast, Lunch, and 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.
Attraction Point During Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
Among the Annapurna North Base Camp’s main attraction point is its remote and serene trekking route. It is less crowded in comparison to the popular Annapurna Base Camp Trek route. Similarly, the trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural exploration. The challenging trekking route provides a rewarding experience for the trekkers.
In addition to the scenic beauty, the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek also provides trekkers with mesmerizing mountain views. Trekkers can witness the mountain views of Annapurna I, Himchuli, Macchapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and many more. It is truly a unique experience to trek through the green forests while passing by beautiful waterfalls, caves, and glaciers.
Difference Between Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna North Base Camp
There is a significant difference between Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna North Base Camp Trek. Let us break down the details for each trekking route.
The Annapurna Base Camp is situated at an elevation of 4,130 meters (13,549 feet). It lies in the southern part of the Annapurna massif. The trek begins from Nayapul and sometimes from Phedi village. Based on the route, trekkers will pass through the picturesque villages of Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Ghorepani, Ulleri, Bamboo, Jhinu Danda, and several others. The route passes by terraced fields and rhododendron and oak forests. The trek takes 7 to 12 days to complete.
Meanwhile the Annapurna North Base Camp goes through remote and off-the-beaten-paths. It goes through the luscious green forests, charming villages, and terraced fields. The base camp is situated in the northern part of the Annapurna massif and lies at an elevation of 4,190 meters (13,827 feet). Trekkers will pass by villages like Tatopani, Narchyang, Choote Pa, and Sandhi Kharka while on trek. It is a short trek that usually takes around 5 to 7 days to complete.
Guide and Porter For Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
It has become mandatory to hire a government-licensed guide for trekking in Nepal as of April 1, 2023. The guides play a crucial role in providing support while also ensuring the trekker’s safety. They help to navigate the trail and make sure that you are on the right path. Similarly, they act as a bridge for communicating with the local communities. Carrying a heavy backpack while trekking on remote and rugged terrain is physically challenging. The porters help to reduce the physical strain by carrying the heavy baggage on the trekker’s behalf. Trekkers can freely enjoy the trek without additional burden on them. They can focus on enjoying the trek rather than on the physical burden.
Nepal Alternative Trek’s Annapurna North Base Camp Trek package comes with a guide, cook, and required porters. The guides are experienced, government-authorized, and fluent in English. Similarly, they are trained to provide first aid in case of emergencies.
North Annapurna Base Camp Trek Required Permits
The permits required for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek are a TIMS card and ACAP.
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Card
The TIMS card collects the information of the trekkers, their itineraries, and emergency contact numbers to ensure their safety and security. Trekkers have to obtain a card for trekking any routes in Nepal. The cost for the card is NPR. 2000 for SAARC residents and NPR. 1000 for foreigners. The card is obtainable through registered trekking agencies in Nepal.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP)
The Annapurna North Base Camp route lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Hence, it is important to get a permit for the conservation area. It can be obtained in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Its costs are as follows:
- ACAP: NPR. 3000 for foreigners and NPR 1000 for SAARC.
- Note: Children below 10 years are free
North Annapurna Base Camp Trek Insurance
You must have your travel insurance with you. So, make sure your travel insurance company covers all your safety measures. Ensure that the insurance company provides you with every facility. It will come in handy and has a lot of benefits during the trek. Therefore, ensure that your travel insurance covers your injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, rescue mission, loss of property, etc. But, most importantly make sure your travel insurance has not expired. Furthermore, ensure that your Insurance policy covers your 4200m trekking and adventure policy.
The travel insurance is not included in the Nepal Alternative Treks’ Annapurna North Base Camp Trek. So, trekkers have to pay for the insurance by themselves. Also, read the terms and conditions of the insurance carefully before you take one. You should be clear about the insurance policy so that there will be no problem in the future.
North Annapurna Base Camp Trek Fitness and experience requirements
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.
North Annapurna Base Camp Trek Climate and weather
The climate and weather of Nepal is highly influenced by the seasonal changes. There are four distinct seasons which are spring (March to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to February) season. It usually gets hot from May to August while it is cold and chilly from late November to February. Spring and autumn seasons have warm weather and a favorable climate for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek. The vegetation is luscious and the landscapes are vibrant. Additionally, the visibility is brilliant without any obstruction during these two seasons. However, the weather can get a little unpredictable as you move to the higher elevations.
The summer season coincides with the monsoon which brings heavy rainfall across Nepal. The trail gets muddy, slippery, and filled with leeches. There is also the risk of landslides. Meanwhile, there is heavy snowfall in higher elevations in the winter season. It can block the high passes and there are also risks for the avalanches. The temperature can drop up to -13 degrees Celsius at the Annapurna North Base Camp. The harshness of the trails makes it difficult to trek during these seasons. But with proper preparation, it is possible to trek in these two seasons.
North Annapurna Base Camp Trek Safety and Security
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.
What People Ask About
North Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Can beginners do Annapurna North Base Camp?
Is the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek difficult?
Do I need restricted permits for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek?
Can I do the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek solo?
Is drinking water safe at Annapurna North Base Camp?
Do I need a porter for the trek?
What kind of accommodations can I expect while on trek?
What is the most suitable time for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek?
Are wifi and Internet available during the trek?
Are ATMs available during the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek?
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