Introduction of North Annapurna Base Camp
The North Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a remarkable and relatively untouched Himalayan adventure that takes trekkers into the remote northern reaches of the Annapurna region in Nepal, ascending gradually from lower valleys into rugged alpine landscapes before reaching the north face of Annapurna I (4,190 m) — the tenth-highest mountain in the world. Unlike the much more popular South ABC trek, this northern route is far less crowded and showcases pristine wilderness, dramatic mountain vistas, and traditional mountain life with few signs of commercial tourism, giving trekkers a genuine sense of solitude and discovery.
The trail typically begins with a drive from Pokhara into the Myagdi district, then leads on foot through forests, river valleys, and high-altitude terrain, passing natural features such as waterfalls, glacial streams, and sacred lakes like Narchyang (Pancha Kunda) before finally arriving at base camp. Along the way, you’ll witness breathtaking panoramas of peaks including Annapurna I, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and other majestic summits, all set against a backdrop of remote Himalayan silence.
A key part of its appeal is its historical significance — the route traces parts of the Maurice Herzog Trail, which was used during the first successful ascent of an 8,000-meter peak in 1950, adding a rich mountaineering legacy to the journey.
Because this trek is less developed, accommodation above roughly 3,000 m is minimal, meaning that camping or very basic shelters are common. Therefore, trekkers should be prepared with suitable gear and logistics support. It’s considered moderate to challenging, suitable for those with good fitness or prior trekking experience, and is best undertaken in the spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) when weather conditions favor clear views and stable trails.
Overall, the North ABC trek offers an immersive blend of natural beauty, cultural interaction, historical legacy, and wilderness solitude — ideal for adventurers seeking an authentic Himalayan trekking experience away from crowded paths.
Trip Highlights
- Adventures to Annapurna North Base Camp amidst a picturesque location.
- Follow the footsteps of the veteran mountaineer, the late Maurice Herzog.
- On the hidden path to scenic valleys of frozen lakes and towering snow peaks.
- Trekking on off-the-beaten tracks away from the popular mainstream routes.
- Walk through a cool forest lined with firs, pines, oaks, and rhododendron trees.
- Enjoy the scenery of the massive Mt. Annapurna Himalayan range of peaks.
Trip Duration :10 DaysMaximum Altitude :4190mDifficulty Grade :ModerateBest Seasons :Spring-Automn- WinterStart & End Point :Kathmandu / Kathmandu
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Itinerary of North Annapurna Base Camp
Day Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
On landing at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport, after going through
Immigration and customs. Outside the airport, our staff and guide will receive you for a short transfer to your hotels.
Located in the heart of Kathmandu city, check into your rooms and get refreshed. Join the North Annapurna Base Camp Treks with other members of the group. The guide or group leader provides a briefing with useful information regarding the treks, routes, and local cultures. As well as the hotels, local
Lodge and camping facilities with do’s and don’ts. In the evening, a group welcome dinner at a nice, authentic restaurant, to enjoy Nepali food.
Activity
Arrival
Max Altitude
1300m
Overnight Stay
Kathmandu
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
3 star hotel /SimilarDay Day 2 Fly to Pokhara and drive to Tatopani
Morning with time for an internal flight to Pokhara city, departing from the hotel after a hearty breakfast. On reaching the Kathmandu domestic air terminal, getting checked in. Getting on a moderate-sized aircraft of a respective private airline, a sweeping panorama of Himalayan peaks. Grand vista of the Langtang, Ganesh, Manaslu, and Annapurna Himalayas, as the plane lands at Pokhara airport. From Pokhara airport, take a local jeep or similar 4WD drive, according to the group size. An exciting drive heading west from Pokhara city to Beni town, and then on a dirt road, follows the Kaligandaki River. Then reaching at Tatopani, a lovely village, is located in the Mygdi district within a sub-tropical climate.
Enjoy the comfort of a nice lodge accommodation, with time for a refreshing dip in the hot pools of Tatopani. The name Tatopani means hot water and this village blessed with a natural hot spring, it is located near the village.
Activity
Drive
Max Altitude
1090m
Overnight Stay
Tatopani
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
LodgeDay Day 3 Drive to Hum Khola 2,710 m -04 hrs. Overnight in a tented camp
From Tatopani, after a pleasant overnight halt and then having breakfast, back on the road for another exciting drive. After Tatopani, continue driving to Hum Khola, and enjoy the grand scenery of the beautiful landscapes lined with hills and snow peaks.
As the drive continues on the hilly, rough dirt tracks, it comes across a small Hydropower project. Which is under construction, notice the hydropower tunnels, numerous trucks, and dozens of construction sites.
Then slowly drive lead across a bridge over the Kaligandaki River, the journey continues after a few hours from Tatopani village. Then reaching Hum Khola for an overnight stop, and the end of the motorable road. A place with small teashops and huts serves as a lodge or tea house with basic facilities.
Finding a suitable level space, the staff will set up the tented camping, and enjoy the first overnight in tents. The food is cooked and served by our expert cooks and kitchen staff set in a large dining tent according to group size. Enjoy the dinner prepared in our separate kitchen tents cooked in LPG gas or kerosene stoves.
Max Altitude
2710m
Overnight Stay
Hum Khola
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
LodgeDay Day 4 Trek to Busket Mela 3,650 m-07 hrs. Overnight in a tented camp.
After an enjoyable overnight in a tented camp with great food prepared by the expert camping cook. Enjoying breakfast, start the day towards our destination to the Annapurna North Base Camp. From here, the altitude gains slowly, walking at an easy pace, following the high route with steep ups.
Considering the risk of altitude sickness occurs when walking fast, follow the guide at a normal walking pace. As the trek progresses, the air gets much cooler. Enjoy the views of the cascading, beautiful waterfalls over the high rocky cliff.
The trek continues heading further to Sandi-Kharka, a temporary hut and shelters of the cattle herder. Having time for hot lunch prepared by our advance party of kitchen staff and cook, it depends upon the availability of clean water for cooking, or if trekkers have to carry a packed lunch sometimes.
Enjoying a refreshing lunch break, the walk leads further to reach another small areas with a small shelter. A temporary camp of the cattle herder, this place is called Ghupapahant means a place with overhanging caves.
The views of Tilicho Peak appear, between the high rocky cliffs, as the walk continues for another hour climb. Then ends the day walk on reaching Busket Mela, after a long day of hiking.
Please be informed network on cell phones and the internet will not be available. Due to the enclosure by high landscape terrains of rocky cliffs and towering snow peaks. Trekkers need to carry a portable solar panel that can be slung on the backpack. Then use it at the campsite to charge the electronic items.
This remote, isolated location at Busket Mela houses two shelters within a short distance. Our tents will be pitched on the best available ground, with a clean drinking water for cooking.
Activity
Trekking
Max Altitude
3650m
Overnight Stay
Busket Mela
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
LodgeDay Day 5 Trek to Kagbhusindi Camp Site near North Annapurna Base Camp 3,960 m-06 hrs
Activity
Trekking
Max Altitude
3960m
Overnight Stay
North Annapurna Base Camp
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
LodgeDay Day 6 At Kagbhusindi Camp Site, for a hike to Annapurna North Base Camp 4,190 m /13,747 feet. Walk back to the Campsite near Sun-Khola
Max Altitude
4190m
Overnight Stay
Campsite near Sun-Khola
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
LodgeDay Day 7 Trek to Hum Khola -07 hrs. Overnight in a tented camp
Return journey on the same scenic route, with more descent with a fewsteep ups. Reaching back into the green forest of pines and rhododendrons tall tree lines, and then ending the long day trek at Hum-Khola.
For the last overnight in tented camp and around the remote corners of Nepal Mid-West Himalayas.
Overnight Stay
Hum Khola
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
LodgeDay Day 8 Drive to Pokhara 823 m via Tatopani -08 hrs
After the last breakfast served by our camping cook and staff, then get on board a jeep or similar four-wheel drive. Enjoy the exciting drive downhill to Tatopani for a possible lunch stop. Afternoon drive continues to Beni or Baglung town, and then a pleasant ride to Pokhara. At Pokhara, arriving by late afternoon or evening, right in time before dinner, and with the comfort of a nice hotel.
Activity
Drive to Pokhara
Max Altitude
823m
Overnight Stay
Pokhara
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
LodgeDay Day 9 Pokhara -Kathmandu
Today, we drive back to Kathmandu. It’s a scenic drive through the Prithvi Highway road. After your arrival at Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Activity
Drive Back to Kathmandu
Max Altitude
1300m
Overnight Stay
Kathmandu
Meals
B/L/D
Accommodation
3Star Hotel /SimilarDay Day 10 Depature
Last day in Kathmandu and Nepal, after a wonderful adventure and great experience on the North Annapurna Base Camp Trek. As the time for your international flight our guide and staff will transfer you to the airport.
Then bidding farewell to Nepal, the guide and staff enter the airport for a homeward-bound flight or to the next port of call.
If you are not happy with our itinerary, you can request for the modification as per your need
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle
- Welcome & Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- After arrival we provide Local Ncell sim card with 20gb Data
- Kathmandu and Pokhara 3 Night at 3 star category Accommodation (BB plan with twin sharing basis)
- All ground transportation will be in a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Trekking destination Pokhara -Tatopani -Hum Khola -Pokhara Private Jeep
- Kathmandu to Pokhar By Flight
- Pokhara-Kathmandu by Tourist Bus
- Company Sleeping Bag & Down Jacket ( Subject to refund after finished trip)
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- 1 Night Lodge and Tent Camping accommodation during the mountain (twin sharing basis or sharing basis)
- An experienced and government-licensed holder, helpful, friendly, and English speaking trekking guide
porters (1 porter for 2 people, Max 25kg) - Comprehensive medical kit
- Duffle bag for Trekking
- Snack & seasonal fruit during the trek
- North Annapurna Base Camp Trek achievement certificate after successful trek
- For safe drinking water will provide purification tablets.
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS, please bring 3 passport-size photos)
- Government taxes and service charges
What's not Included?
- Nepalese visa fee ( TIA Airport arrival visa)
- International airfare & Personal travel insuranc
- All kind of personal expenses
- Personal trekking equipment
- Rescue charge (if needed)
- Tips for trekking staff
Trip Information of North Annapurna Base Camp
- Expert Guidance: Experienced English-speaking local guides who are trained in first aid and altitude sickness management, ensuring safety and enriching the cultural experience.
- Logistical Support: Loong Adventures handle all necessary permits, internal comfortable transportation, food, Tent Camping accommodation, and extra staff porter services, significantly reducing planning stress.
- 24 Hours Company Assist: All time company team member will assist during the trip.
- Airport pick up & Drop Service: We will provide personal Airport drop and pick up any time.
- Customize Trip Facility: During the trip some reason cannot get right place that time company and staff help you customize trip.
- Nepali Sim Card: After arrival in Nepal , we provide per person 1 Ncell sim card with 20 GB Data for easy connection
- Free luggage store at loong Adventures office Store in Thamel
The best times for the North Annapurna Base Camp Trek are spring and autumn/fall. Spring begins in March and ends in May, and autumn begins in September and ends in November.
Springtime, with longer sunshine hours, is one of the best seasons for drives, treks, and various adventures. As well as for stunning views of the Himalayan Mountain ranges, cold mornings, within the shade, and at night.
Late afternoon can get overcast with light rain and snowfall sometimes. Late spring, from March to May, when wildflowers are in seasonal bloom. Especially the rhododendrons of various colors and species, it is the national flower of Nepal.
Autumn begins in September and ends in November, one of the best times for trekking to Everest and other Himalayan regions. During autumn, most days are clear, for clear views and exciting walks. But with shorter sunshine hours. It gets dark by 5 p.m. Most days are bright with sunshine, except for snowfall sometimes above 3,000 m. Cold mornings, and in the shade, nights, but with clear, starry nights.
The Annapurna region, around the Myagdi districts, is inhabited by the Gurung, Thakali, and Magar natives. These hill tribes follow Buddhist traditions with Hindu religion. Trekkers will encounter a few Buddhist monuments,
and Hindu Temples, shrines on this trek. Reaching Kagbhusindi, which is a sacred glacial lake with a shrine of Lord Shiva. Hundreds of Hindu pilgrims and local Gurung, Thakali, and Magar people visit for a prayer and worship to the mountain deities. As well, they take a holy bath with prayers and offerings to the Hindu god Shiva. The Gurung and Magar natives of the Mygdi district are farmers and raise livestock. The menfolk are famous as Gorkha soldiers in the British, Indian, and Nepalese Army.
In Nepal and on this trek, the most popular food is the Nepali Dal Bhat, boiled or steamed rice. Served with seasonal vegetable mild curry, includes Dal, a lentil bean soup, and pickles, hot sauce as an option. At Tatopani Village, the lodges are of tourist standard, along with a comprehensive food menu.
After Tatopani, the food is simple and basic. Our camping cook will serve the best meals from breakfast, including oats porridge, cereals to cornflakes with toast/ chapattis, and pancakes, and a choice of egg variation. Lunch and Dinner from Continental, Chinese, Indian, Nepali, and Tibetan main courses with a choice of soups.
The lodge accommodation and food are best at Pokhara and Tatopani Village. The lodge accommodations from Tatopani Village onwards are simple and basic, but with clean rooms. From Tatopani Village, most lodges offer a simple bed in a dormitory with common bathrooms and toilets. The rooms and large tents are on a shared basis with common bathrooms and toilets. This is due to the harsh and cold conditions. The pipeline for running water freezes in the morning, evening, and nighttime. Due to freezing temperatures from Tatopani onward, using hot showers is at an extra cost. All lodges have electricity to light the large dining room, powered by local hydro or solar power. For charging electronic items, at an extra cost per hour and for each gadget. Internet and Wi-Fi are available, but it is slow and disrupted in some places due to weather conditions.
Vertex Holiday will provide the camping gear and necessary equipment, with two spacious men’s tents. Includes dining tents according to group size, with a separate kitchen and expert cooks. As well as with toilet tents.
Travel & Medical Insurance For North Annapurna Base Camp Trek:
For North Annapurna Base Camp Treks, all members should be physically fit and in good health. For a person with a medical history and special dietary needs, please inform us. So that the company can make necessary arrangements upon booking for the adventures. All age groups can join, from a minimum of 16 to a maximum of 70 years old. For minimum age of under 18 must be accompanied by parents or guardians, as well as for elderly persons. All trekkers must purchase Travel and Medical Insurance in case of unfortunate incidents and accidents.
Sometimes, treks might have to be rerouted to other safe destinations due to broken trails by avalanches and rock falls.
As well as the unfavorable weather can also obstruct the schedule itinerary due to road blocks from landslides. If some members get seriously ill, they need immediate evacuation. By the fastest means of transportation or using a Helicopter service to the nearest hospital. In this condition, if it arises, the trekker has to bear all the extra expenses, as well as those for accompanying staff. Should be claimed from the insurance company for the extra expenses incurred. The company and medical doctors will provide a supporting letter so that you can claim the reimbursement from your insurance.
Equipment List for North Annapurna Base Camp
- Main Backpack (50–65 L) – holds your main gear; use a rain cover.
- Daypack (20–30 L) – for daily essentials (water, snacks, camera).
Compression sacks/dry bags – keep clothes and electronics dry
- Waterproof, broken-in trekking boots with good ankle support.
- Camp shoes or sandals (for lodges/camps).
- Gaiters – useful in snowy or muddy sections.
- Trekking socks (wool/synthetic) + liner socks to prevent blisters.
Base Layers
- Moisture-wicking tops and bottoms (synthetic/merino).
Insulation Layers
- Fleece jacket or hoodie.
- Down or synthetic down jacket for cold evenings and higher camps.
Outer Layers
- Windproof & waterproof shell jacket (with hood).
- Waterproof pants.
Other Clothing
- Quick-dry trekking pants (2–3 pairs).
- Thermal underwear for cold nights.
- Warm hat/beanie, sun hat/cap, and buff/neck gaiter.
- Lightweight gloves + insulated gloves.
- Sleeping bag (-15 °C to -20 °C rated) – critical for high camp nights.
- Sleeping pad (foam or inflatable) for insulation and comfort.
- Inflatable pillow (optional but helpful).
- Trekking poles – reduce strain and improve balance.
- Headlamp with spare batteries – essential for early starts and evenings.
- UV-protected sunglasses (wrap-around with high SPF).
- Water bottles / hydration bladder (total capacity 2–3 L).
- Water purification tablets/filter for safe drinking.
- Passport, permits (ACAP & TIMS) safely packed.
- Cash (Nepalese Rupees) — many mountain lodges/shops don’t take cards.