North ABC Trek in 10 days - 10 Days
The Annapurna North Base Camp Trek is Nepal’s one of the most remote and least explored trekking destination popular among adventure lovers. Located behind the mighty Annapurna Range, this trail leads trekkers to the northern face of Annapurna I (8,091m), the world’s tenth-highest mountain. Unlike the popular Annapurna Base Camp trek on the southern side, North ABC offers a raw wilderness experience filled with untouched landscapes, dramatic glaciers, ancient villages, and true Himalayan solitude. While the Southern Part of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered as beginner friendly and preferred by many, the Northern Base Camp is quite challenging and adventurous. Below is the trek highlight for North Annapurna Base Camp.
For decades, the route remained largely forgotten after the historic 1950 French expedition led by Maurice Herzog, who achieved the first successful ascent of an 8,000-meter peak via Annapurna I. Today, the trail has slowly reopened to adventurous trekkers seeking a quieter alternative to Nepal’s crowded trekking routes.
Trek Highlight
- Max Elevation Gain : 4180 Meters at North Base Camp
- Trekking Distance : 28–32 kilometers Approx
- Trek Duration: 10 days (vehicle + foot)
- Difficulty Level : Moderate to difficult
- Accommodation: Tenthouse and hybrid sometimes
- Food: Nepali local cuisine
- Starting Point: Humkhola (via Tatopani / Narchyang)
- End Point : Lete (Mustang)
Expedition Itinerary Summary
| Day | Destination | Elevation | Activities / Highlights |
| 1 | Kathmandu(Arrivals) | 1,400m | Pickup from Airport, trek briefing, local Nepali cuisine |
| 2 | Kathmandu to Pokhara | 820m | Travel to Pokhara by Bus, afternoon relaxing or boating on Phewa Lake. |
| 3 | Drive to Tatopani and Trek begins, goal to reach Upper Narchyang | 2,140m | Natural hot spring soak in Tatopani and trek to a traditional Magar village. |
| 4 | Trek Upper Narchyang to Chhotepa | 2,369m | Enter the silent hils, follow the wild, forested Mristi Khola valley. |
| 5 | Trek Chhotepa to Sandhikharka | 3,165m | Steeper alpine climb past roaring rivers up to high summer sheep pastures. |
| 6 | Trek Sandhikharka to Annapurna North BC | 4,190m | Reach the historic 1950 base camp and explore turquoise Pancha Kunda Lake. |
| 7 | North BC to Sandhikharka | 3,165m | Sunrise photos of the lethal Annapurna I North Face and descend to safer air. |
| 8 | Sandhikharka to Lete via Thulo Bugin Pass | 2,010m (Pass: ~4,310m) | Hardest Day of trek, Conquer the high pass for panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and descend to Lete. |
| 9 | Drive Lete to Pokhara | 820m | 4x4 mountain drive through the deepest gorge and at the evening lakeside celebration. |
| 10 | Return Travel Pokhara to Kathmandu | 1,400m | Return to the capital of Nepal, last-minute shopping in Thamel and farewell feast. |
| 11 | Departure from Kathmandu | – | Final airport transfer and flight back home. |
Day to Day Itinerary
Your Himalayan journey to North ABC begins right after you land on the Airport. You'll be warmly greeted by our team with a Namaste and some flowers to boost your mood from jetlag once you land at Tribhuvan International Airport(TIA) and pick you up on our private vehicle stationed at TIA. Then we will take you to at a comfortable 3-star boutique hotel in the lively Thamel area for the stay. With refreshing drinks you'll be given some time to freshen up before meeting expedition leader for a short trip briefing. In the evening, you'll have a chance to experience the rich Nepalese culture with a traditional Nepali Cuisine dinner or authentic Newari dishes including Veg and Non-veg (buffalo, chicken, duck options) as a gesture of our warm local hospitality.
On the second day you'll travel from Kathmandu to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara, located at an elevation of 820 meters (2,690 feet). You have two options here:
One, take a short 25-minute scenic flight with breathtaking views of the Langtang and Manaslu mountain ranges and reach Pokhara International Airport where we’ll pick you up again.
Second is, you get on a 6–7 hour drive (Could take more if Landslides falls) along winding highways beside the roaring Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. After reaching Pokhara we make sure you get proper accommodation with some nice lake view. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and explore the peaceful surroundings of Phewa Lake. You may enjoy a traditional wooden boat ride on the calm waters or visit the Lakeside area to shop any last-minute trekking gear before the adventure continues.
On your third day of the North ABC Trek you’ll get on a bus ride of a few hours from Pokhara to a beautiful place called Tatopani. Tatopani, in english means hot water which is a small riverside village known for its natural hot springs. It’s the perfect place for you to relax for a while and ease your muscles before starting the trek. After spending some time there you’ll start the trail gradually and climb toward Upper Narchyang, a quiet and traditional Magar village surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. This walk offers a nice mix of nature, local culture and peaceful village life, making it a rewarding start to the trekking journey. Overnight stay will be at a teahouse or community lodge.
Today’s trek takes you deeper into the quieter side of the mountains as the trail leaves the main villages behind. Walking through the peaceful forests along the Mistri Khola valley, you’ll be surrounded by untouched nature, the sound of the flowing river, and fresh mountain air throughout the day. The route feels remote and calming, with beautiful scenery at every turn and very few signs of busy settlement life. It’s a perfect day to enjoy the raw beauty of the region and fully connect with the wilderness. Overnight stay will be at a camp or simple wilderness lodge.
The journey becomes more adventurous today as the trail climbs higher into the alpine landscape. The path is steeper than previous days, following powerful glacial rivers and rugged mountain terrain along the way. As you gain altitude, the scenery slowly changes from dense forest to wide open highland pastures that are traditionally used by local shepherds during the summer months. The peaceful surroundings, dramatic views, and feeling of remoteness make this section of the trek especially memorable. Overnight stay will be at a camp or wilderness lodge.
Today is one of the most exciting and rewarding days of the trek as you make your way to the historic Annapurna North Base Camp. The trail gradually leads into a dramatic high-altitude landscape surrounded by towering peaks, glaciers, and rocky mountain terrain. This base camp holds special historical importance as it was once used by Maurice Herzog’s famous 1950 Annapurna expedition. After reaching camp and taking some time to rest, you can explore the beautiful Pancha Kunda Lake, known for its striking turquoise color and peaceful atmosphere beneath the massive Himalayan walls. Overnight stay will be at a high-altitude base camp.
An early morning start rewards you with stunning sunrise views over the massive north face of Annapurna I, as the first light slowly touches the snow-covered peaks and glaciers around the base camp. The peaceful atmosphere and dramatic mountain scenery make this a truly unforgettable experience. After spending some time enjoying the views and taking photographs, the trail heads back down toward Sandhikharka. Descending to the lower altitude brings more comfortable air and a relaxing end to an incredible high-mountain adventure. Overnight stay will be at a camp or wilderness lodge.
Today is the most challenging day of the trek, with a long climb toward the high Thulo Bugin Pass. The trail is demanding but incredibly rewarding, offering breathtaking mountain scenery throughout the journey. From the top of the pass, you’ll be treated to wide panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri massif and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After spending some time enjoying the views, the route descends steeply toward the village of Lete, where the greener landscape and lower altitude bring a completely different atmosphere after days in the alpine wilderness. Overnight stay will be at a teahouse in Lete.
After completing the trek, the journey continues with an adventurous drive back to Pokhara in a 4x4 vehicle. The road follows the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, famous for being one of the deepest gorges in the world, with towering mountains rising on both sides. As you leave the high Himalayas behind, the warmer air and comfortable surroundings of Pokhara feel especially refreshing. In the evening, you can relax by the lakeside, enjoy good food, and celebrate the successful completion of the trek. Overnight stay will be at a hotel in Pokhara.
Today you travel back to Kathmandu, bringing your Himalayan adventure close to an end. After arriving in the capital, you’ll have time to explore the lively streets of Thamel, known for its colorful shops, cafés, and local markets that are perfect for picking up souvenirs and gifts. The evening is a great opportunity to enjoy a farewell dinner and reflect on the unforgettable experiences shared throughout the journey. Overnight stay will be at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Best Time to Visit Annapurna North Base Camp
Spring (March to May)
Spring is considered one of the best times to trek to Annapurna North Base Camp. The weather is generally stable, with mild daytime temperatures and clear mountain views throughout the journey. Forests along the lower trails come alive with blooming rhododendrons and fresh greenery, adding vibrant color to the landscape. The comfortable conditions and beautiful scenery make spring ideal for both photography and trekking.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is another excellent season for the trek and is widely regarded as Nepal’s peak trekking period. After the monsoon rains clear the dust from the atmosphere, the mountains appear especially sharp and dramatic under deep blue skies. The weather is usually dry and stable, creating reliable trekking conditions and breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Winter (December to February)
Winter trekking is possible, but conditions become much more challenging at higher elevations. Temperatures can drop well below freezing, especially during the night, and heavy snowfall may block trails or make high passes difficult to cross safely. Trekkers attempting the route in winter should be well prepared for cold weather and changing mountain conditions.
Monsoon (June to August)
The monsoon season is generally not recommended for the Annapurna North Base Camp trek. Frequent rainfall can make trails muddy, slippery, and vulnerable to landslides, particularly in lower sections of the route. Clouds and fog often reduce mountain visibility, and river crossings may become more difficult due to rising water levels. While the landscape turns lush and green during this period, trekking conditions are usually less comfortable and more unpredictable.
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation varies from teahouses in lower villages to camping in higher remote sections.
Common Meals
- Dal Bhat
- Noodles
- Fried rice
- Soup
- Tibetan bread
- Tea and coffee
Facilities become more basic at higher elevations.
Drinking Water
Water is available in villages, but purification tablets or filters are strongly recommended.
Electricity and Wi-Fi
Charging facilities may be limited and will cost you to charge your devices. Wi-Fi is mostly unavailable in remote areas.
Permits Required
Trekkers generally require:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for entering the Annapurna region.
- TIMS Card for current safety regulations and trekking arrangements.
(Don’t worry your permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara and we will handle the process of obtaining them.)
Altitude and Acclimatization
The highest point of the trek is Annapurna North Base Camp at around 4,190 meters. As you gain altitude, the air gets thinner, so it’s important to walk slowly and stay well hydrated.
Some trekkers may feel mild symptoms of altitude sickness above 3,000 meters, such as headache or tiredness. The gradual itinerary helps your body adjust naturally, but listening to your body and resting when needed is key for a safe and enjoyable trek.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Appetite Loss
Prevention
- Walk slowly
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid alcohol
- Acclimatize properly
- Descend if symptoms worsen
Packing List
Clothing
- Base layers
- Fleece jacket
- Down jacket
- Waterproof shell
- Trekking pants
- Gloves and warm hat
Trekking Gear
- Sleeping bag that supports -20 degree celcius
- Trekking poles or Trekking Sticks
- Backpack
- Headlamp
- Water purifier tablets
Personal Items
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- First aid kit
- Power bank
- Snacks
ABC North vs ABC South
| Feature | North ABC | South ABC |
| Crowd Level | Very low | High |
| Difficulty | More challenging | Moderate |
| Infrastructure | Limited | Well-developed |
| Scenery | Wild and rugged | Scenic and accessible |
| Accommodation | Basic/camping | Comfortable teahouses |
| Experience | Expedition-style | Popular trekking route |
Suggested Training Before the Trek
Prepare at least 6–8 weeks before departure with:
- Cardio training
- Stair climbing Practice
- Long-distance hikes
- Strength exercises or GYM
- Backpack training
You know well that a good preparation significantly improves trekking performance and ensures safety.
Includes and Excludes for Trek
- Full board trekking experience with accommodation in lodges and standard hotels
- Meals provided in lodges, featuring good quality local food chosen by the guide
- Transportation included for round trip to trek location and during the trek
- Accompagnement par un guide professionnel francophone
- Porter provided for 2 people to carry bags (maximum 20 kg total)
- Airport reception, hotel/airport transfers, and reconfirmation of return flights included
- 3 nights in a good quality hotel in Kathmandu and 1 night in Pokhara with breakfast included
- Hotels offer hot water showers and a peaceful environment with restaurant facilities
- Hotels offer hot water showers and a peaceful environment with restaurant facilities
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (excluding breakfasts), additional drinks throughout the entire stay and trek (excluding teas or coffee for breakfast)
- Entrance fees to monuments, towns, and museums
- Nepalese visa fees (15 days = $25, 30 days = $40, or equivalent in euros, in cash)
- Your insurance, tips, and domestic airport taxes
FAQs
No, North ABC Trek is not recommended for beginners as it can be life threatening. Also, this trek is better suited for trekkers with previous hiking or high-altitude trekking experience.
A guide is essential for the remote and difficult nature of the trail at North ABC. Also, without guide Annapurna Conservation Area won’t give you permit for the trek
Yes, camping may be required in higher sections where teahouses are unavailable.
Approximately 4,190 meters is the highest point you’ll reach on the North ABC trek.
Typically 9–12 days is needed to cover North ABC Trek depending on itinerary and acclimatization.
