Annapurna North Base Camp Trek: Hidden Gem of the Annapurna Region

Introduction

The Annapurna Region is one of the ideal destinations for adventure activities in Nepal, especially mountaineering and trekking. Every year we find an influx of tourists in the district, such as Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Kaski of the region. There are several well-known trekking trails located in these places.

Every trekking route has its own beauty and value. Nevertheless, some are popular globally, whilst others are still underrated. Among those, the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek is one of the newly opened trails in the country, and tourists, especially domestic, have already begun to explore the area recently.

The North ABC Trek is currently lesser known around the world compared to the South Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek and is considered an off-the-beaten-path path. As a result, it's best for you if you don't care about the popularity and other facilities in the area but prefer to immerse in silent nature and want to enjoy its beauty to the fullest alone often time.

This blog is all based on my recent experience during this trek. I have to say that it's one of the best treks I've had in Nepal, with fewer crowds, no traffic, and no disturbance. All I found was myself with nature and its beauty from the beginning to the end of the journey.

If you're planning to go on a trek anywhere shortly and are having a hard time choosing the best destination for you, then I bet you won't regret it later by visiting the north base camp of the Annapurna I. I'm expressing all this because what I found, in the end, is that, without a shadow of a doubt, the place is worth going to. 

Annapurna North Base Camp Trek Overview

The Annapurna North Base Camp Trail is in the Myagdi district of Gandaki province in the Western Development Region of Nepal. Its actual name is Maurice Herzog Trail; however, it's currently famous as the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek among the people. 

The reason why it's actually named after the person is because the legendary French mountaineer, late Mr Maurice Herzog and his teammate, Louis Lachenal, were the first ever humans to climb a mountain that is equal to or above 8,000 m (26,247 ft). It was the 10th highest peak in the world, Annapurna I, which stands at an elevation of 8,091 m (26545.28 ft), they successfully summited on 3 June 1950, the expedition led by Maurice himself.

They made it happen nearly three years before the late Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa made history by successfully climbing the world's highest peak, Mt. Everest (8,848.86 m/29,032 ft) on 29 May 1953. During their expedition, they followed the same path as the Annapurna North Base Camp Hike.

Since then, the trail has been used by climbers for the expedition of Annapurna I, and hence, the locals of the area officially named it the Maurice Herzog Trail. But it wasn't famous for trekking purposes before 2023.

Despite the fact that the craze for this trek has increased among domestic tourists recently and has already started to go for a trek there, the trial has not officially opened yet. The opening ceremony is set to take place on 3 June 2025 when the current Prime Minister of Nepal, KP Oli, the Tourism Minister, Badri Prasad Pandey, and the Family of Maurice are coming to the Annapurna North Base Camp (ANBC)for the event.

In addition, you'll also meet one of the friendly ethnic groups of Nepal, Magar, during trekking. There are several sub-castes within the Magar community, with Pun predominant in the entire area. Thus, if you're also more into learning others' cultures and traditions, you'll get to discover theirs.

 

The major attractions of this adventure, besides Annapurna I are: 

• You'll be entirely accompanied by the beautiful river known as Miristi during your journey to the base camp. 
• You'll witness the stunning Phutphute Waterfall on your first day, making you stop for a while for a photo session. 
• You'll enjoy the breathtaking views of the peaks in the Annapurna Mountain Range, Tilicho (7,135 m/23,409 ft) and Nilgiri North (7,061 m/23,166 ft).
• Last but not least, you'll see Panchakunda Lake (4,050 m/13287.4 ft) at the campsite, which is just below the base camp, making the only trekking trail in the country that has a beautiful lake at the top point.

Now that you've finally learned about the origin of this trail, its name, and the major attractions, there are other important things you need to know before planning your adventure to the north base camp, which we discuss later in the below sections. Please stick with me till the end of the blog patiently, you'll be fully prepared for this trek. You'll get detailed information before arriving there, such as follows:

• Highest elevation 
• Difficulty Level
• Risk of altitude sickness and its prevention tips
• Best Season
• Required permits
• Available accommodations 
• Itinerary

Annapurna North Base Camp Trek Elevation: How High Is It?

Elevation of the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek ranges from 2,890 m (9,482 ft) to 4,190 m (13,747 ft), where the lowest point is Hum Khola (the starting point) and you might've already guessed the highest point. Nevertheless, it is the ANBC. 

The more you gain height here in this trek, the more you'll be amazed by the scenery. They'll give you a hiatus for a while to observe the natural things you see and yes, of course, to capture them with your camera for long-lasting memories.

Annapurna North Base Camp Trek Difficulty Level: How Demanding Is It 

The difficulty level of trekking to the Annapurna North Base Camp is moderate. You can easily conclude the trip in three days. Therefore, it's considered among the easiest treks in Nepal.

But know that it doesn't mean you won't feel hard to walk during your journey. I comparatively found it an easy trail; yet, there are a bit demanding parts you will encounter on your first day, on the way from Hum Khola (2,890 m/9,482 ft) to Guphaphant (3,250 m/10,663 ft), where you'll need to ascend frequently.

Overall, the trek is easy, as it isn't technically hard. You'll need to pass through some steep regions on the first day. On the second day, you'll only gain height gradually, but the route is not that vertical or scary to pass.

North Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Itinerary: Why It's Necessary

Before diving directly into the itinerary, I would like to make you aware of why it's crucial to design before starting the adventure to the Annapurna North Base Camp Trail. Here are some reasons to consider:

• Stops you from even thinking of going off course, or at least getting lost.
• Enables guides or rescue personnel to find you if something goes wrong.
• Minimizes the possibility of altitude sickness due to planning a gradual ascent, and planned rest days.
• Aids with reserve accommodations or camps on your behalf ahead of time for extremely remote areas.
• Some permits (e.g., TIMS or ACAP) necessitate a specific path.
• Allows you to pack and plan accordingly to daily realities.
• Prevents unexpected costs by detailing all transport, food and entrance fees.
• Useful for letting friends, family, or travel agencies know your route and date of departure.

Brief Itinerary Of The North Annapurna Base Camp Trek

• Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to the starting point, Hum Khola (2,890 m/9,482 ft) via Pokhara and Bhurung Tato Pani, covering approximately 120 km in 15 hours, and begin the trek from Hum Khola to Guphaphant (3,250 m/10,662 ft), takes roughly. (4 hours with a normal walk)
• Day 2: Trek from Guphaphant to the Panchakunda Lake (4,050 m/13287.4 ft), taking approximately 5 hours at a normal walking pace.
• Day 3: Early morning hike from Panchakunda Lake (4,050 m/13287.4 ft) to the ANBC (4,190 m/13,747 ft), taking about 45 minutes at a slow walking pace, and descend to Hum Khola and then drive back to Bhurung Tato Pani.
• Day 4: Drive from Bhurung Tato Pani to Pokhara (822 m/2,697 ft)
• Day 5: Return to Kathmandu

Note: It is just a standard itinerary for the ANBC Trek that I'd designed for myself. However, it’s not necessary to follow the same plan as mine. You can modify it according to your preferences with the help of your local trekking agency, like Hiking Bees.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Annapurna North Base Camp?

The best time to visit the Annapurna North Base Camp is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Several reasons make these two seasons the best time, and they are listed below:

Spring

• Clear skies allow you to enjoy breathtaking mountain views and other landscapes.
• Favourable temperature, neither too cold nor too hot.
• Lush green and blooming rhododendron forests along the trail.
• Stable weather; no snow or major storms.
• Cultural experiences with major festivals: Holi (festival of colours), Nepalese New Year, and Buddha Jayanti (Birthday of Lord Buddha)

Autumn

• Great visibility following the monsoon season
• Dry route, with great trekking situations
• Cosy daytime temperatures
• Cultural experiences with major festivals: Dashain and Tihar

According to my recent experience, I was on the Maurice Herzog Trail in April. The weather was perfect with clear skies, not too cold in the morning and at night or hot in the daytime as mentioned above. I got to click several photos of the peaks in the Annapurna Mountain Range, the rivers, and waterfall for the memories.

But every day after 2 pm during my journey to ANBC, I experienced cloudy weather. As a result, I faced little rainfall on the first day and snowfall on the second day. Nevertheless, the weather wasn't that bad and scary.

Actually, I was enjoying the climate instead while hiking, as it made the temperature just cool, and I didn't feel so hot. Now, just imagine how cool it is to go on the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek in spring or autumn. 

However, the weather is always unpredictable. It can turn on you at any time, no matter, even if you're trekking either in these two seasons. So, my advice to you is to be smart enough to stick with the weather forecast every day.

Permits Required for The North ABC Trek

Currently, there's no checkpoint on the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek because it's just a virgin trail, and the opening ceremony is yet to happen, which is happening on 3 June of this year. Perhaps after that, there'll sure be a checkpoint on the route. So, for now, there's no need to show any permit on this trek.

Yet, you might still need a permit to visit the Annapurna Region if you want to go on another trek in the area after finishing this one. You'll required to have not just one but two permits to trek on the Maurice Herzog Trail in future and anywhere in this region. They are: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) cards.

Below are the purposes of the need for these permits:

• To protect the flora and fauna in the area.
• To promote sustainable tourism, ensuring that tourists are friendly to the environment.
• To contribute to the work of trail care and garbage management.
• To support the local community along the route by providing them with employment opportunities, an awareness program regarding trekking and environment, and healthcare.
• To maintain the legal entry of foreigners in the area.
• To keep track of the tourists in case any serious case occurs during trekking like getting lost, becoming a victim of natural disasters, etc.
• To help manage the tourist flow and prevent traffic on the trekking trail.

As per Nepal's government law, tourists aren't allowed to immerse alone in the wild. You'll need to go through a local travel or trekking agency or at least, you'll need to hire a guide or porter. Hence, you don't need to worry about applying for ACAP and TIMS cards.

Whichever agency you contact for your program, they'll take all the responsibility. From your paperwork to accommodation, everything. Doing so will make your journey even more hassle-free and convenient.

I'd suggest you a local tour operator, Hiking Bees. They've been the best in the tourism sector for years, located in Thamel, Kathmandu. They have designed several exceptional trekking packages, including the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek, which you may like for your adventure. 

Annapurna North Base Camp Trek Accommodation: What To Expect

Currently, there are accommodation facilities at each point on the way to the Annapurna North Base Camp, run by the local community. But they're not like well-established tea houses available on other commercial trails in Nepal, such as the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, etc. 

They are all tent hotels, and that's more than enough for now on this trekking route. At least, trekkers don't need to worry about bed and meals during this trek even though these accommodations don't have modern amenities like electricity, internet, hot showers, etc.

It's just been two months since the locals began to operate tent houses along the trail in order to make our journey comfortable and easy. Before, there were no such facilities and all the trekkers who've been there, have managed their accommodation by themselves carrying every necessary stuff, such as a tent, food, gas, etc.

Although these tent hotels don't have all the facilities we expect while trekking, they have managed to provide us with warm service and organic food. I had a delicious meal during this trek than any other trek I've done so far. Thus, I reckon they deserve a big shout-out.

Annapurna North Base Camp Trek Altitude Sickness: Types And Symptoms

Altitude sickness is so common while hiking to high-altitude locations like ANBC. If you're the person from the sea level, it can start happening once you reach the altitude of 1,800 m(5,906 ft), and after you make it up to 3,000 m (9,843 ft), you'll have a high chance of getting sick and worse. 

Your single carelessness is enough to cause you to get sick while trekking. The most expected altitude sickness is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). 

AMS can happen to anyone when our body doesn't get enough oxygen because of decreased air pressure, causing low oxygen levels at high-altitude places. Your age, fitness, and experience don't matter at high elevations.

If AMS isn't taken seriously, it turns to High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). Both of these are terrifying, as they can cost your life. What exactly happens to your body when you suffer from either is fluid build-up in the lungs in HAPE, while the same occurs in HACE but in the brain.

Now, you might be wondering how you could know which of three have developed in your body during the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek. Here are the symptoms of AMS, HAPE, and HACE:

AMS

• Headache (most common and early sign)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Tiredness or weakness
• Loss of hunger
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia or frequent waking)
• Shortness of breath with exertion
• Swelling (edema) of hands, feet, or face (in some cases)

HAPE

• Shortness of breath, even at rest
• Continuous cough (frequently making frothy or pink sputum)
• Chest tightness or congestion
• Fast heartbeat
• Blue or grey lips/fingertips (cyanosis)
• Weakness, exhaustion
• Gurgling sounds in the chest when breathing

HACE

• Extreme headache
• Loss of coordination (ataxia)
• Disorder, disorientation
• Hallucinations
• Trouble walking or standing
• Slurred speech
• Coma (in advanced stages)

As stated earlier, HAPE and HACE develop in your body when you take AMS lightly and don't treat it in time. These two can be lethal within an hour, and you can die within a day.

What Are The Best Altitude Sickness Prevention Tips For Hikers On The North ABC Trek?

It's essential to learn about the prevention tips for altitude sickness before moving out to trek the North Annapurna Base Camp or anywhere else at high altitudes. As mentioned above, it doesn't matter what your age, how fit you are, and how experienced a trekker you are, if your carelessness reaches its peak during trekking, you'll get in serious trouble which you definitely don't want.

You don't play around with elevation, and encourage AMS to stand a chance before you. We should always stay on the safe side. Yes, we can cure high-altitude sickness if unfortunately, we suffer from it; however, there's an old saying prevention is better than cure.

Three years ago, during my expedition to the Mt. Chulu Far East in Manang, I suffered from one of the symptoms of AMS, headache. At that time, one mistake I made was motivating myself to fight the pain like a hero in film instead of applying the cure process. 

Consequently, AMS made me pay the price. I endured it for over five days and was left with no other option but to wave a white flag to my adventure at last. If I'd been careful and acted smart since the beginning of my expedition, I could've succeeded in summiting the Chulu Far East with my team.

It was one hell of a terrible moment in my life. Yet, it taught me a valuable lesson that will always be remembered when trekking at high-elevation sites. So, drawing from my experience, I've prepared some prevention tips to help you avoid AMS during your trek on the Maurice Herzog Trail if you're a beginner or planning to go out at height for the first time.

High-Altitude Sickness Prevention Tips For Trekkers

• Don't hurry to get to the destination of your overnight stay. Instead, walk patiently, especially when ascending the steep parts.
• Take enough rest while hiking. Don't walk continuously, but take a break of at least 5 to 7 minutes frequently.
• Drink plenty of water at least 3 to 4 litres a day during the trek. Also, eat foods that contain high portions of water like cucumber and apples.
• Don't compromise with meals. Consume foods with high levels of carbohydrates like rice, pasta, and potato as much as you can.
• If you ain't a regular workout person, start doing daily exercises such as stretching, squatting, and running at least for an hour a month before the date of your trek to the Maurice Herzog Trail.
• If you aren't confident with your body, you can also take a medicine called Diamox, which is best for the high altitude treks only by consulting your trusted doctor.
• Consume garlic every morning or a garlic soup in a meal by mixing a Timur (Sichuan pepper) powder while trekking the ANBC, as garlic and Timur are considered natural Diamox.