Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
Annapurna North Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Your Journey, Step by Step
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
1,400m
Hotel
You are welcome to Kathmandu! On arrival, you are greeted by green hills that warmly encompass this old valley. Our Bold Himalaya representative will receive you at the airport, and you will be transferred safely to your comfortable hotel where you can rest or explore around.
If you arrive early, you can visit the city. In the evening, we have an open-air trek orientation where you meet your guide and fellow trek members. You will have all the information you require on the great adventure.
Day 2: Drive to Pokhara
822m/2,697ft
Hotel
Breakfast
6-7 hours
After breakfast, we drive to Pokhara, the loveliest lakeside town of Nepal. The drive on the Prithvi Highway is along the Trishuli River’s serpentine course through green hills, farm fields, and village settlements. Be prepared to spot waterfalls along the way and glimpses of the cable car ride up to the famous Manakamana Temple, where devotees make offerings for wishes to be fulfilled.
Upon reaching Pokhara, you are welcomed by the peaceful lakeside atmosphere and, on clear days, stunning views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare ranges. The afternoon is free for your leisure – wander around serene Phewa Lake, see the island temple of Tal Barahi, or wander through the shops and cafes of the vibrant Lakeside strip. Overnight in Pokhara.
Phewa Lake
Phewa Lake is the second-largest lake in Nepal and the heart of Pokhara’s natural beauty. Surrounded by lush ... Read More
Day 3: Drive to Tatopani and trek to Narchyang
1,400m/4,600ft
Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
5.5 hours drive & 3-4 hours trek
After early morning breakfast in Pokhara, we’ll drive to Tatopani. Our morning drive to Tatopani is along the beautiful Kali Gandaki River, the deepest gorge in the world.
Reaching Tatopani, you’ll have lunch and trek to Tatopani, a peaceful Magar village situated on the slopes of the Annapurna region. The trail passes through lush forests, cultivated fields, and traditional settlements, with wonderful views of the surrounding hills and snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival in Narchyang, we’ll settle into our tea house and enjoy the warm hospitality of the local community while preparing for the adventure ahead.
Day 4: Trek from Narchyang to Chhotepa
2,370m/7,775ft
Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
6-7 hours
Today, leaving the beautiful village of Narchyang, we’ll begin our ascent toward Chhotepa. The trail gradually climbs through dense rhododendron and pine forests, crossing small streams and peaceful alpine landscapes along the way.
As we gain altitude, the surrounding scenery becomes more dramatic, with breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. After several hours of trekking through this remote Himalayan wilderness, we’ll arrive at Chhotepa. Overnight in Chhotepa.
Day 5: Trek from Chhotepa to Sandikharka
3,165m/10,384ft
Tea house
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5-6 hours
We’ll hike today through some of Nepal’s most beautiful forests. The morning trail is through ancient oaks draped with moss and orchids. In spring, pink and red rhododendron flowers create a natural roof above. Listen to the distinctive call of the Himalayan Danphe (Nepal’s national bird) and look for the spots of deer and red pandas that live in these forests.
As we climb higher in the afternoon, dense forests gradually give way to alpine meadows scattered with tiny wildflowers and herbs. We’ll pass through the small village of Khopra, with few families that live there, tending rough mountain goats and potatoes.
Then we reach Sandikharka, a beautiful high-altitude campsite where we’ll rest for the night and enjoy the incredible Himalayan scenery.
Day 6: Trek from Sandikharka to North Annapurna Base Camp
4,190m/13,747ft
Tea house
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
6-7 hours
Today is our most exciting day, which begins with the sun painting the mountains gold. After a full breakfast, we hike on a high ridge trail where Himalayan griffon vultures soar on thermals below us. The landscape changes entirely; the forests disappear, and rocky moraines, alpine scrub, and glacial scenery replace them.
We will soon see a sacred Shiva temple and lovely Panchakunda Lake (also known as Narchyang Lake). This blue-colored lake is holy to Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, and has been spared tourist development. You might get a glimpse of Himalayan blue sheep grazing daintily at the shores of the lake – these nimble creatures are perfectly adapted to the harsh terrain.
As we approach the base camp, towering peaks and the impressive north face of Annapurna come into full view. Upon reaching North Annapurna Base Camp, we’ll have time to soak in the spectacular surroundings, capture incredible photographs, and experience the serenity of this remote and less-visited destination before settling in for the night. Overnight in tented camps in Annapurna North Base Camp Trek.
Day 7: Explore North Annapurna Base Camp Glacier and Return to Sandikharka
3,165m/10,384ft
Tea house
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5-6 hours
Wake up early to witness nature’s most spectacular light show. When the first light hits Annapurna’s summit, the snow turns pink, then gold, gradually illuminating the vast glacier below.
After breakfast, we’ll go to the hidden Ice Lake just 20 minutes from camp – a secluded pool few trekkers have the chance to see, surrounded by prayer flags planted by Sherpa guides. The brave can wet their fingers in the icy water said to bring good fortune. Our guide will point out the route followed by the initial 1950 French Expedition to summit Annapurna I for the very first time, and improve your own understanding of this special place.
We then descend to Sandhikharka. Coming back to Sandhikharka feels like returning to civilization, and you’ll appreciate the slightly more substantial air and warmer weather as we dine and watch sunset alpenglow on the peaks we have just ascended.
Day 8: Sandhikharka to Lower Narchyang
1,400m/4,600ft
Tea House
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5 hours
Today, we’ll leave behind the high alpine country and descend into one of the rich vegetation and cascading water. The trail drops steeply through fir and birch forests where you’ll hear the constant soundtrack of songbirds. We’ll cross several small streams on log bridges festooned with prayer flags, each offering great photo opportunities.
By mid-morning, we reach the ancient pilgrim site of Rupse Cave, where Hindu sadhus occasionally meditate for months at a time, living on minimal food in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
After a lunch break at the site of the stunning 100-foot Rupse Waterfall, we continue along the village of Upper Narchyang with a working water-powered flour mill. The stone stairs carry us across buckwheat and barley terraced fields to Lower Narchyang, a big village of over 200 ancient stone-built houses. Overnight in Lower Narchyang.
Day 9: Narchyang to Tatopani Trek and Return Drive to Pokhara
1,190m/3,900ft
Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
4-5 hours trek & 5 hours drive
Our final day of trekking sees us coming down through more and more tropical scenery as banana groves and bamboo forests replace pine forests. The trail is along the roaring Kali Gandaki River, the suspension bridges that we walk over dancing under our feet.
We’ll pass through the village of Dana, famous for its orange groves and honey production. If we’re fortunate, we might catch sight of locals extracting honey using ancient rope techniques from cliff-face beehives – a tradition that has been passed down through generations over centuries.
By midday, we reach Tatopani. The natural hot springs are the perfect remedy for tired trail muscles. Soak in the stone-paved pools where mineral-filled water bubbles up at a nicely rounded 105°F, loosening any tension as you share stories with foreign fellow travelers. After lunch, we’ll use our private car for the return drive to Pokhara.
Day 10: Drive Back to Kathmandu
After breakfast in Pokhara, we begin our drive back to Kathmandu. The road goes the same way, but you’ll notice things differently coming back.
Back in Kathmandu in the evening, you can do a little souvenir shopping in Thamel – perhaps pick up some local tea, paper handicrafts, or pashmina scarves. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a special farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant with live folk music and dancing.
Note:For the adventure-seekers, we can arrange an optional 2-3 hours whitewater rafting trip on the Trishuli River (extra cost) – a great way to extend the drive with Class II-III rapids that are perfect for beginners.
Trishuli River Rafting
Trishuli River Rafting
$65/person
Day 11: Final Departure or Optional Tours
Breakfast
Enjoy one last breakfast before we take you to the airport and bid you farewell for your home. With the Himalayas visible from Nepal, chances are strong that you’ll have one last farewell look at them as you fly off into the sky.
Want more? Bold Himalaya can book an add-on to your break with minimal hassle – maybe, for example, a jungle safari at Chitwan National Park to spot rhinos and tigers, a fly-by day out to Everest land for some more mountain magic, or a religious pilgrimage to Lumbini, the Buddha’s birthplace. Just say what you’d like, and we’ll sort it out!
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Inclusions
What’s Covered in Your Adventure
- Airport pick-up and drop-off services
- Stay at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with bed and breakfast included
- Local guide who can speak English
- During the trekking adventure, you will have three meals. Breakfast, Lunch and dinner, with a cup of tea or coffee
- Accommodation, at the lodge while trekking through the tea house section
- Camping equipment and food provisions, for your camping trip
- Hiking permits for entering ACAP along, with the TIM card fees
- All types of land travel
- Insurance cost of the guide and other team members
- Every government imposed taxes
- No Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- All invoices from the bar including drinks, like Coke and Fanta, and mineral water
- Tips for guide or porter
- Travel insurance
- Hiking equipment for the trip
- Cost for shower with warm water, and doing laundry
Packing list for Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layers (tops and bottoms)
- Fleece or insulated jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer jacket
- Waterproof trekking pants
- Lightweight trekking pants or shorts
- T-shirts (quick-dry)
- Warm Hat & Sun Hat
- Buff or neck gaiter
Footwear
- Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots
- Camp shoes or sandals
- Several pairs of trekking socks
- Gaiters (optional, especially in snow or mud)
Trekking Gear
- Backpack (30-40L) with rain cover
- Trekking poles
- Sleeping bag (rated to around -10°C, depending on season)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottles or hydration bladder
- Water purification tablets or filter
Personal Essentials
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Quick-dry towel
- Toiletries
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
First Aid & Medications
- Personal prescription medications
- Basic first aid kit
- Bandages and blister treatment
- Antiseptic cream
- Altitude sickness medication (if recommended by your doctor)
Fixed Departure
Fixed Departures, Guaranteed Hassle-Free Travel
Detailed Map of Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
Altitude Chart of Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
Good to Know
Things to Remember before you go
2. Altitude Sickness and Prevention
Since the hike reaches up to 4,190m at Annapurna North Base Camp, altitude sickness is something to be cautious about. You will be experiencing headaches, dizziness, nausea, or lack of breath. Here’s how you should act to stay safe:
- Ascend slowly and allow your body to acclimatize
- Drink water and no beer
- Consume carbs for energy
- Bring Diamox along just in case
- Go down at once if you are uncomfortable with any symptoms.
3. Accommodation on Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
Mountain trail accommodation is plain teahouses with shared showers and plain rooms. Pokhara and Kathmandu possess more advanced accommodations, with twin-sharing beds and better facilities. The standard of facilities goes down as one goes higher up, so refrain from bringing along your cozy sleeping bag. Guesthouses are limited in off-beaten-track villages, so plan during high season.
Near the base camp, teahouses are not present. You will be sleeping in the wild tents with the starry night sky during the trek. Your guide will provide you with these wild camps during trekking higher.
4. Food in Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
During the trek, you’ll enjoy the freshly prepared meals at local tea houses that include traditional Nepali dishes such as dal bhat (i.e rice, lentils, and vegetables), fried rice, noodles, pasta, soups, potatoes, eggs, pancakes, chapati, and seasonal vegetables.
Breakfast is usually served with tea or coffee, while hearty lunches and dinners provide the energy needed for each day’s trek.
Food is scarce and costly at higher altitude owing to transport charges. Take fresh, high-calorie foods and some snack foods such as chocolates, nuts, and energy bars.
5. Transportation
This journey is a combination of driving and trekking. You’ll travel in a comfortable tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara, offering beautiful views of rivers, hills, and traditional villages along the way.
From Pokhara, you’ll continue to Tatopani by private jeep, as the mountain roads are best suited for four-wheel-drive vehicles. After reaching Tatopani, the trek to North Annapurna Base Camp begins on foot. At the end of the trek, you’ll return by jeep to Pokhara and then travel back to Kathmandu by tourist bus.
Optional: If you prefer to save time, we can also arrange domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara at an additional cost.
6. Availability of Drinking Water
Safe drinking water is available in teahouses and villages on the trail. A refillable water bottle and water purification tablets or a filter are recommended to ensure safe drinking water.
Bottled water is available for purchase, but at a high price at high altitude, and also produces plastic trash. Boiled water is also available for purchase to most trekkers for a nominal fee in teahouses. Drinking water keeps altitude sickness at bay.
7. Trekkers' Permits in Annapurna North Base Camp
You will require two permits:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – Permit to enter the Annapurna region
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card – Permit for Security
Your company will arrange these permits for you, so you can enjoy yourself freely.
8. Travel Insurance
Never miss purchasing travel insurance for this trek. Make sure it includes emergency evacuation, accidents, cancellations, and altitude sickness.
Helicopter rescue from isolated mountains is a costly operation, so make sure your policy includes trekking up to 4,500m. Carry a photocopy of your documents with you at all times.
9. Safety and Security
Annapurna North Base Camp Trek is comparatively safe, with minimal chance of wild attacks or snatching. But since you will be venturing into remote highlands, watch out.
Your safety is our highest priority throughout the North Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Our experienced, licensed guides monitor your health, pace, and trail conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. We follow proper acclimatization practices to reduce the risk of altitude sickness and are prepared to respond quickly in case of emergencies.
We also stay updated on weather conditions and adjust the itinerary if necessary. With reliable local support, well-planned logistics, and 24/7 assistance from our team, you can trek with confidence and peace of mind.
FAQs of Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
Your Questions, Answered
2. When is the best time for North Annapurna Base Camp trek?
The ideal seasons for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May), when the weather is generally clear and the mountain views are excellent.
3. How difficult is the Annapurna north Base Camp Trek?
The Annapurna North Base Camp Trek is considered moderately difficult. You will hike for several hours each day and reach high altitudes, so good physical fitness is important. Previous hiking or trekking experience is helpful but not essential.
4. Where does the trek begin?
The trek begins with a drive from Pokhara to Tatopani. From Tatopani, the trail continues through Upper Narchyang, Chhotepa, and Sandhi Kharka before reaching Annapurna North Base Camp.
5. What permits are required for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek?
Trekkers generally require a TIMS card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
6. How high is Annapurna North Base Camp?
Annapurna North Base Camp is located at approximately 4,190 meters (13,746 feet) above sea level, offering close-up views of the Annapurna mountain range.
7. Is it suitable for beginners?
Although demanding, the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek can be completed by beginners with proper preparation, gradual endurance training, and adequate acclimatization. Beginners are advised to trek with a guide and porter.
8. Do I need a guide for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek?
While requirements can depend on current regulations and the trekking route, having a guide or experienced trekking companion is strongly recommended. The Annapurna North Base Camp route is relatively remote and less crowded than some of Nepal’s more established trekking routes, making local route knowledge and safety support valuable.
9. Are mobile signals available?
Mobile reception may be available in some areas but can become unreliable or unavailable at higher altitudes and remote sections of the trail. Communication options such as satellite phones may be necessary for emergencies in areas without mobile coverage.
10. Do I need travel insurance for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek. Your policy should cover high-altitude trekking, emergency medical treatment, evacuation, helicopter rescue, altitude-related emergencies, and other adventure travel risks.
11. What hiking equipment do I need for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek?
Basic trekking equipment includes sturdy trekking shoes, suitable trekking clothing, a sleeping bag, backpack, trekking poles, personal medications, and a basic medical or first-aid kit. Additional equipment may be required depending on the season and itinerary.
12. Is travel travel insurance compulsary for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek?
Yes, it is better to have travel insurance which includes policies for high-altitude adventure travel as well as rescue by helicopter.
13. What are the challenges of the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek?
The main challenges include high altitude, uneven and sometimes demanding trail sections, changing and harsh weather conditions, long hiking days, and the physical stamina required for sustained uphill trekking.
14. How do I acclimatize during the trek?
Proper acclimatization involves ascending gradually, taking appropriate rest, staying hydrated, eating sufficiently, and monitoring your body for symptoms of altitude sickness. Following a sensible itinerary and allowing time for your body to adjust to increasing elevation are important.
15. Are there hot showers on the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek?
Some teahouses along the route may offer hot showers for an additional charge. Availability can vary depending on the location and season, particularly in the more remote sections of the trek.
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