North Annapurna Base Camp Trek

• Drive time: 6–7 hours
• Trek time: 1.5–2 hours (gentle uphill)

The day starts early from Pokhara with a scenic drive through lush hills, terraced farms, and traditional villages. The road follows the Kali Gandaki River, known as the deepest gorge in the world. You’ll pass Beni, a busy town where permits are checked, then continue through Tatopani, a popular village with natural hot springs. From Tatopani, a short uphill trek begins through stone-paved trails and small farming settlements. Along the trail, you’ll see orange orchards, rice fields, and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. After about two hours of easy trekking, you arrive at Narchyang Village, a beautiful Magar settlement surrounded by forested hills. On a clear day, you’ll get your first views of Annapurna South (7,219m) and Nilgiri (7,061m) glowing above the valley.

Accommodation : Tea house

• Trek time: 5–6 hours
• Altitude gain: +1,560m
• Overnight: Basic tea house or tented camp

After breakfast in Narchyang, the trek continues with a steady ascent. The trail enters thick rhododendron and pine forests, rich with birdlife and occasional monkeys. As you climb higher, the air becomes fresher, and the sound of nearby waterfalls fills the forest. You’ll cross wooden bridges over glacier-fed streams, and the trail sometimes opens to wide clearings with beautiful mountain views. Midway, you may rest near a small shepherd’s hut and enjoy a packed lunch. The climb is tiring but rewarding as you pass mossy trees and ferns, especially during spring when rhododendrons bloom. Finally, you reach Sandhikharka, a small highland plateau used by locals for grazing cattle. You’ll feel the remoteness here. If weather allows, you can see distant views of Mt. Fang and parts of Annapurna I in the north.

Accommodation : Tea House

• Trek time: 5–6 hours
• Altitude gain: +1,230m
• Overnight: Tented camp or shelter at North ABC

This is a truly thrilling and challenging day. The trail becomes rocky, wild, and more alpine. You’ll leave the forest behind and follow a rugged route over glacial moraines, boulders, and past landslide zones. The terrain can be tricky, and proper trekking boots are essential. You will see the landscape open wide as you enter the glacial basin of the north face of Annapurna. Stunning views surround you – especially Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna Fang (7,647m), and Baraha Shikhar. The huge glaciers and icefalls descending from these peaks are breathtaking. You’ll also pass glacial streams and see yaks grazing in high meadows. After about 5–6 hours, you arrive at North Annapurna Base Camp, a secluded and majestic place where you’ll camp near the glacier, right below towering Himalayan giants.

Accommodation : Tented Camp

• Activity: Acclimatization and exploration
• Overnight: Tented camp or shelter at North ABC

This day is dedicated to rest, exploration, and enjoying the incredible scenery. Early morning is the best time for photography, with soft light on Annapurna I and the surrounding snow peaks. You can walk to nearby glacial lakes that reflect the mountains like mirrors. There are also small hills and ridges where you can hike to get better views of the entire base camp. It’s a peaceful yet dramatic place, with the sound of glaciers cracking and winds blowing across the vast snowy basin. Look out for blue sheep, Himalayan birds, and even snow leopards’ footprints if you’re lucky. This day helps with acclimatization and offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to feel truly surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks in absolute wilderness.

• Trek time: 5 hours
• Altitude loss: -690m
• Overnight: Basic shelter or tented camp

After enjoying the last morning at North ABC, you start descending into a lesser-known southern valley. The trail is narrow, slippery at times, and passes through highland meadows and rocky slopes. You’ll notice a big change in scenery as you leave the icy surroundings and re-enter patches of green forest and grasslands. The descent offers a different perspective on the peaks – Hiunchuli (6,441m) and the ridge of Annapurna South appear behind you. The trail includes narrow ridgelines, a few stream crossings, and possibly foggy sections. Thulobugin Phedi is a small open area with a few shelters or tent sites used by shepherds and trekkers. It’s a quiet place ideal for resting and enjoying views of the Kali Gandaki valley far below.

Accommodation : Tented Camp

• Trek time: 5–6 hours
• Overnight: Lodge in Ghasa or Lete

The trail now descends sharply into the Lower Mustang region. You’ll pass through subtropical forests, stone steps, and traditional Gurung villages. As you descend, the temperature becomes warmer and the air thicker. Beautiful views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Nilgiri South (6,839m) dominate the western skyline. The trail finally joins the Annapurna Circuit route, where you’ll see more trekkers, mule caravans, and well-maintained paths. You may spot apple orchards, water-powered prayer wheels, and colorful village houses. Ghasa is a well-known village for trekkers and offers better lodges, while Lete is slightly further and more peaceful. You can choose either depending on your pace. Expect a cozy night in a warmer climate with good food, local hospitality, and mountain views.

Accommodation : Lodge

• Drive time: 8–9 hours (via Jomsom – Beni – Pokhara)
• Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara (optional)

The final day is a long but scenic drive back to Pokhara. The road follows the Kali Gandaki River through deep gorges, pine forests, and rocky cliffs. You’ll pass villages like Kobang, Marpha, and Jomsom, famous for apple orchards and Tibetan culture. After Jomsom, the road descends through Tukuche, Kalopani, and back to Tatopani. From here, it’s a bumpy but beautiful ride via Beni and then on to Pokhara. Along the way, you can look back at the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche Peak. Once in Pokhara, you can relax near Phewa Lake, enjoy a warm shower, and celebrate the successful trek to one of the most remote and stunning base camps in the Annapurna region.

Accommodation : Hotel