How is this different from the regular Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek ?

The regular ABC trek goes to the South Base Camp. It is very popular and full of teahouses. The North Base Camp is on the opposite side of the mountain. It is much more remote, sees very few tourists, and requires camping. The views are more "raw" and the terrain is more rugged.

Do I need to be an experienced trekker ?

Yes. While the altitude (4,190m) isn't as high as Everest, the trails are narrower, steeper, and less "groomed." We recommend this trek for people who have trekked before and are comfortable with camping and walking 6–7 hours a day on uneven terrain.

What is the accommodation like ?

In the lower villages like Narchyang, you will stay in authentic local homestays. Once we move higher toward the base camp, we transition to camping. Lynx Adventure Tour provides high-quality, weather-resistant tents and warm sleeping bags to ensure a comfortable night's sleep.

Will I see the same mountains as the South side ?

You will see the same massif but from a completely different perspective. From the North, the face of Annapurna I is much more dominant and intimidating. You also get incredible views of the Nilgiri range and Dhaulagiri that you don't get from the southern sanctuary.

Is there electricity or Wi-Fi on the North trail ?

Once we leave Narchyang village, there is no electricity or Wi-Fi. This is a true "off-the-grid" experience. We recommend bringing a high-capacity power bank for your camera and phone.

Annapurna North Base Camp Trek

Step back in time and walk the path of legends with Lynx Adventure Tour. While thousands flock to the southern sanctuary every year, the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek remains a hidden wilderness, reserved for those who crave true solitude and raw adventure. This is the historic route taken by Maurice Herzog and the French expedition in 1950 the first humans to ever summit an 8,000-meter peak. If you are looking to escape the teahouse crowds and face the massive, icy north wall of Annapurna I, this trek is your ultimate Himalayan calling.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

The Annapurna North Base Camp trek (also known as the “Maurice Herzog Trail”) begins in the deep Kali Gandaki valley. Unlike the highly developed south side, this route is rugged and remote, winding through the traditional Magar village of Narchyang before climbing into a pristine alpine world of glacial rivers and hidden pastures.

The journey offers a front-row seat to the staggering North Face of Annapurna I (8,091m), a view few trekkers ever get to see. Because there are limited lodges on this route, it offers an authentic expedition feel, often involving high-quality camping under the clearest stars in Nepal.

Quick Trip Facts

Duration: 12 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Maximum Altitude: 4,190m (Annapurna North Base Camp)
Trek Grade: Strenuous / Challenging
Start/End Point: Tatopani / Narchyang (Accessible from Pokhara)
Best Season: Spring (April–May) and Autumn (October–November)
Accommodation: Mixed (Local Homestays and High-Quality Camping)
Highlights: The historic Maurice Herzog trail, the 800m-high Narchyang Waterfall, massive views of Nilgiri and Annapurna I, and untouched wilderness.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Kathmandu

Elevation: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft
Description: Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival, our representative will transfer you to your hotel. The evening includes a pre-trip briefing regarding the specialized gear needed for this remote northern route.

Day 2 :

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Elevation: 822 m / 2,697 ft
Time: 6 to 8 hours drive
Description: Enjoy a scenic drive through the hills and along the Trishuli River. We spend the evening in Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region, where we can enjoy a quiet dinner by the lake.

Day 3 :

Drive to Tatopani and Trek to Upper Narchyang

Elevation: 1,243 m (Tatopani) / 2,140 m (Narchyang)
Time: 4-5 hours drive | 5-6 hours trek (8 km)
Description: We drive along the Kali Gandaki corridor to the hot springs of Tatopani. From here, our trek begins. We leave the main road and climb steeply into the hills to reach Upper Narchyang, a beautiful Magar village that serves as our entry point into the wild north.

Day 4 :

Trek from Upper Narchyang to Chhotepa

Elevation: 2,369 m / 7,772 ft
Time: 5-6 hours trek (7 km)
Description: The trail becomes more remote as we follow the Mirusti Khola. We walk through dense forests and across temporary bridges. Chhotepa is a quiet clearing in the woods where the sounds of the rushing river dominate the landscape.

Day 5 :

Yak Kharka to Base Camp

Elevation: 3,165 m / 10,383 ft
Time: 5-6 hours trek
Description: As we gain altitude, the vegetation begins to change from sub-tropical forest to alpine scrub. The trail involves some steep sections and rocky paths. Sandhi Kharka is a beautiful high-altitude meadow used by local herders in the summer months.

Day 6 :

Trek from Sandhi Kharka to Annapurna North Base Camp

Elevation: 4,190 m / 13,746 ft
Time: 5-6 hours trek
Description: A momentous day. We climb toward the high plateau of the North Base Camp. As we arrive, the North Face of Annapurna I looms above us—a staggering wall of rock and ice. The views of Nilgiri and Tilicho Peak are equally spectacular from this vantage point.

Day 7 :

Trek from Annapurna North Base Camp back to Sandhi Kharka

Elevation: 3,165 m / 10,383 ft
Description: After a morning spent absorbing the immense scale of the Annapurna North Face and the surrounding glaciers, we begin our descent. We return to the sheltered meadows of Sandhi Kharka for a warmer night's sleep.

Day 08 :

Trek from Sandhi Kharka to Thulo Bugin

Elevation: 3,500 m / 11,482 ft
Description: Instead of retracing our exact steps, we move toward Thulo Bugin. This section of the trail offers incredible "distractions" in the form of panoramic views over the Kali Gandaki Valley and the massive Dhaulagiri range across the horizon.

Day 09 :

Trek from Thulo Bugin to Lete

Elevation: 2,010 m / 6,594 ft
Time: 6-7 hours trek (12 km)
Description: A long but beautiful descent takes us through diverse forest zones. We eventually drop back down to the classic Annapurna Circuit route at the village of Lete, known for its pine forests and spectacular views of the "Icefall" from Dhaulagiri.

Day 10 :

Drive from Lete to Pokhara

Time: 5-7 hours drive
Description: We board our vehicle for the drive back down the Kali Gandaki valley. We pass through Ghasa and Tatopani once more, eventually arriving in the comforts of Pokhara for a hot shower and celebration.

Day 11 :

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Elevation: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft
Description: We return to the capital city, following the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers. The evening is free for souvenir shopping or a final group dinner to celebrate the successful completion of the Herzog trail.

Day 12 :

Final Departure

Description: Our journey through the historic north concludes. We provide a transfer to the airport for your onward journey, leaving you with memories of the "Hidden North."