Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
Pokhara, Nepal
Grade
Moderate
No of Days
Maximum Altitude
4190 Meters
Price
INR 22,000/- per person(For Indians)
500$ per person (For Non Indians)
Pokhara to Pokhara
Available Date
29th Sep to 03th Oct 2025
Annapurna North Base Camp Trek – Nepal’s Hidden Himalayan Gem
When people think of trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, they usually imagine the popular south route through Ghorepani and Machhapuchhre. But tucked away beyond the beaten tracks lies a path far more raw, remote, and majestic — the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek.
This lesser-known trail leads you to the north face of Annapurna I, the 10th highest mountain in the world (8,091 m), where the true scale and grandeur of the Himalayas unfold in dramatic silence. With fewer crowds, rugged terrain, and untouched beauty, this trek is perfect for serious adventurers and wilderness lovers.
🗺️ Where Is Annapurna North Base Camp?
The Annapurna North Base Camp lies in Nepal's Myagdi district, on the other side of the massif from the traditional ABC route. It takes you through dense forests, glacial rivers, traditional Magar villages, and into a surreal alpine basin directly facing Annapurna I’s towering wall.
Why Choose the Annapurna North Base Camp Over the South?
While stunning in its own right, the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek offers an entirely different — and arguably more raw and rewarding — Himalayan experience. Here’s a deep dive into why the North face of Annapurna I deserves a place on every serious trekker’s bucket list:-
* An Untouched, Offbeat Trail:-
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The Annapurna North Base Camp trek remains one of the least explored Himalayan treks in Nepal, giving you a rare chance to walk through forests, ridgelines, and valleys untouched by mass tourism.
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Compared to the commercial Annapurna South trail, this route lets you experience the Himalayas in their purest form — wild, remote, and authentic.
* Close-Up Views of Annapurna I’s North Face :- From the Annapurna North Base Camp (approx. 4,200 m), you’ll witness jaw-dropping, up-close views of the world’s 10th highest peak, almost within arm’s reach.
* Authentic Cultural Encounters :-
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The trail passes through traditional Magar villages like Narchyang, where cultural traditions remain strong and tourism hasn’t diluted the lifestyle.
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Unlike the bustling teahouse experience the north route offers deep local interactions, homestay experiences, and meaningful connections.
* Peaceful & Crowd-Free:- The North Base Camp sees only a handful, allowing you to immerse in silence, wildlife, and true mountain solitude.
* True Adventure for Explorers -
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This route is for those who seek adventure over convenience. Trails are less developed, campsites are rustic, and the sense of isolation is real.
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It’s ideal for seasoned trekkers and nature lovers who want to go beyond postcard views and dive deep into the soul of the mountains.
* Raw Beauty & Unique Terrain -
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Expect glacial rivers, bamboo forests, wild ridges, waterfalls, and a surreal moraine valley leading to the base camp.
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The variety of terrain and untouched natural beauty makes this trek a photographer’s dream.
If you're looking for a unique trekking experience that’s less about following the crowd and more about connecting with nature and solitude, the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek is the path for you.
It’s more rugged, more remote, and far more rewarding — a true Himalayan secret waiting to be explored.
When is the best time for Annapurna North Base Camp trek :-
The ideal seasons to attempt this trek are:
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Spring (April to early June): Clear skies, wildflowers, and stable weather
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Autumn (Mid-September to November): Post-monsoon clarity, pleasant temperatures, and golden landscapes
Avoid winter (due to snow) and monsoon (due to landslides and leeches).
Itinerary
Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Reporting at Pokhara, in the morning, briefing and registration to be completed by every member. Then drive to Tatopani via Beni.
Your journey begins with a picturesque drive along the Kali Gandaki gorge, following one of the world’s deepest river valleys. As you pass through charming mid-hill villages and terrace-covered landscapes, you ascend steadily toward Tatopani, a riverside village known for its rejuvenating hot springs.
Upon arrival, check into a comfortable guesthouse, unwind with the sound of the river, and prepare mentally for the thrilling trek ahead. The day also helps in gentle acclimatization.
Humkhola to Bhusket Mela (8kms)
After a restful night in Tatopani, begin our second day of the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek with an early breakfast and high spirits. The journey further takes you on a bumpy and thrilling jeep ride deep into the forested heart of Myagdi, to a place called Humkhola — the last motorable point before the true trek begins to Bhusket Mela, a high-altitude alpine campsite nestled at 3,650 meters, and our ascent is designed to be gradual to support natural acclimatization and minimize altitude-related risks.
The trail begins with a steady climb up well-defined stone steps. After about an hour of trekking, we reached one of the day’s visual highlights — the magnificent Futfutey Waterfall. Cascading down the rocky cliffside with a roar of glacier-fed water, this waterfall is massive and mesmerizing. Continue the trek to Sandhi Kharka, continuing onwards to Ghupaphant, another small resting shelter along the trail. Expect visual gift — the first glimpse of the majestic Tilicho Peak (7,134 m).
After another hour of scenic walking through high alpine terrain, arrive at Bhusket Mela — a serene, wide-open expanse often used by shepherds during the summer.
Overnight stay at Bhusket Mela in Camps
Trek from Bhusket Mela to Pancha Kunda Campsite (6kms)
Begin the day in perfect harmony with nature after morning breakfast begin your trek to Pancha Kunda, the revered glacial lake nestled beneath the Annapurna Massif. The trail is a steady uphill climb through rocky terrain, with dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls lining our path. Nature’s soundtrack — flowing streams and distant winds — will accompany us every step of the way.
Roughly two hours into the ascent, reach a signboard marking Sun Khola, which translates to “Gold River” in Nepali — named after the golden-tinged stones lining its riverbed. A perfect spot for a short breather, offering a moment of reflection and awe. After few hours of trek reach Pancha Kunda, a a surreal, blue-green lake shimmering beneath snow-draped ridges. Overnight stay at camp in Pancha Kunda.
Pancha Kunda to Annapurna North Base Camp (4,190 m) → Back to Sandhi Kharka
Early morning we will set out for the Annapurna North Base Camp, just a 30-minute walk from Pancha Kunda. Reaching the North Annapurna Base Camp (4,190 m), find yourselves standing on a wide, gravel-covered plateau, offering panoramic views of the Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges. Peaks like Tilicho (7,134 m), Nilgiri North (7,061 m), Baraha Shikhar (7,647 m), and Annapurna I (8,091 m) dominate the skyline. Take time to explore, photograph, and reflect, soaking in the scale and silence of this hidden sanctuary.
After enjoying trek back to the Panch Kunda camp, have your breakfast back at camp,
The return trek to Sandhi Kharka takes around four hours.
Trek from Sandhi Kharka to Humkhola → Drive to Tatopani → Return to Pokhara
Our final day in the Annapurna wilderness begins early at Sandhi Kharka. After a warm breakfast and final campsite pack-up, we start our descent through familiar trails — this time with lighter steps and full hearts.
The route winds down through dense rhododendron forests, mossy boulders, and clear glacial streams, gradually taking us back to Humkhola, the last outpost before the road. The trek takes around 3 to 4 hours, offering one last opportunity to absorb the natural beauty and silence of this offbeat Himalayan trail.
At Humkhola, our vehicles await to take us down the rugged mountain roads. We begin the bumpy yet scenic drive back to Tatopani, where we take a short break to stretch, grab lunch, and perhaps soak briefly in the nearby natural hot springs that give this village its name.
From Tatopani, the road winds through the Kali Gandaki River valley, offering one last look at the mountains before gradually descending toward the bustling city of Pokhara. After approximately 6 to 7 hours of total drive time, we arrive back at Lakeside — a return to comfort after days spent in raw nature.
The trek may end here, but the journey continues in memory — of sacred lakes, high passes, glacier-fed rivers, and a part of Annapurna few ever see.
"What included"
Cost of transportation to and from Pokhara
Cost of Fooding while on trek (Morning and evening Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner- meals will be provided. Breakfast-Roti, Sabji/Maggi, etc., Lunch/Dinner-Rice/Roti, Sabji, Dal, Achar, etc.).(Day 1:- Dinner to Day 5:- Lunch)
Cost of accommodation in all places during trekking
Guide, and a Qualified experienced Trek Leader
Cost of Permit fees.
"What not included"
Cost of Personal expenses.
Cost of emergency due to bad weather conditions.
Cost of personal porter for offloading
Meals during transit i.e. meals while on road or travelling will not be provided. (Day 6:-Dinner will not be provided from our side)
Anything which is not mentioned in the inclusion.
Stays in Pokhara or extra stays in any other places
Booking Policy:
To book your trek, you need to pay 30% of the trek fees as advance. Rest 70% to be paid ten days prior to the starting date.
One can pay the amount online(Net Banking, GPay, UPI ID).
Details to be shared on request.
Cancellation Policy:
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30 days before the trek date, full refund of the paid amount
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15 days before the trek date, 50% refund of the paid amount.
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Cancellation less than 15days to the start date of the trek, no refund possible
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In case Himalayan Passion cancels the trek or trip, full refund will be paid.
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One has option to send another person on their behalf.
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One has option to adjust the paid amount on any other trek, if a person cannot join the trek he/she paid for.