About the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna North Base Camp Trek is a little known nor
trekked route near Tatapani in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
It is also know as the Maurice Herzog Trail after the French climber who first summited it and also as Annapurna North Base Camp trek. The basic trek is relatively short but requires several nights
camping as there are no lodges. It reaches 4200 meters making it
an ideal trek for those looking for a short mountainous adventure.
The trek has been explored as a potential alternative to its
counterpart the famous Annapurna Base Camp trek. However, the
reality is that it's nowhere near the same type of trek. It should
be thought of as a separate low-facility adventurous camping trek. Interestingly, despite many trekkers looking for off the beaten path treks, Annapurna North remains one of the least visited treks in Nepal.
Glacial Lake at Annapurna North Base Camp
Trek Overview
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging |
Days: 7+ |
Max Altitude: 4,190 m (13,746.72 ft) |
Distance: 46.6 km (29 mi) |
Accommodation: Teahouse/Camping |
Contents
Where is the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek?
The Annapurna North Base Camp Trek is located in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Geographically it is west of Tilicho Lake on the Annapurna Circuit and North of Annapurna Base Camp.
Despite looking as though it is close to both Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Base camp both are blocked by large mountains. The trek passes through forest areas before following the Mristi khola (river) along a steep valley bed.
There are no trekking lodges near Annapurna North Base
Camp . There are only two shelters in place which are
very basic. Despite a lot of promotion hinting at lodges
being built in the area over the past few years, none
have been built. Nonetheless, the ABC North Trek is
short and camping areas are in place. Given this, it is
one of the better camping treks in Nepal.
Recent landslides in 2020 along the Thulo Bugin Pass despite good weather have blocked the pass. Local authorities have said they will be cleared and process put in place to prevent more. Such claims should involve a lot of work and there's no sign of a start. Caution is advised if considering that route.
The Tadapani start/finish route is far safer leading all the way to Annapurna North's Base Camp and formidable wall of mountains leading to Annapurna One Base Camp.
Map of the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
This map shows you the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek Route.
This map shows you the Annapurna North Base Camp area
The above map is courtesy of Himalayan Travel Guides who are the publisher of my print guidebook to Nepal.
Please note these maps should not be used as a practical trekking maps. Detailed trekking maps can be obtained in Nepal at very low costs and in my own trekking in Nepal guidebook.
Facts about the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna North Base Camp Trek or ANBC should not be confused with the Annapurna Base Camp trek or ABC. The Annapurna North Base Camp Trek is a great moderate camping trek that takes about a week to complete.
Highest point on the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
At 4,190 m (13,746.72 ft) Annapurna North Base Camp is the highest part of the trek.
Mountains surrounding Annapurna North Base Camp
Highest sleeping point on the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
The highest sleeping point on the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek is at Annapurna North Base Camp while camping which is 4,190 m (13,746.72 ft).
Total distance of the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
The full distance of the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek is 46.6 km (29 mi).
How long have people been trekking to Annapurna North Base Camp ?
French climbers Maurice Herzog and
Louis Lachenal first climbed Annapurna 1 in On June 3,
1950. It was the first eight-thousand-meter peak ever
successfully climbed. The mountain is the seventh-tallest
in the world and one of the most deadly for climbers. It
has a 32% fatality rate.
For
trekkers, the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek is still
not well known. This is primarily because it lacks
accommodation and requires camping. However, in recent
years trekkers have been looking for trails that have
fewer trekkers or groups. The ANBC is just the trek for
anyone looking to avoid the crowds.
Is there any wildlife to see on the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek?
At lower portions of the trek lynx, Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan tahr, weasels, marten, and Himalayan mouse hares are found. However, it would be rare to spot them.
What mountains can you see on the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek?
Annapurna and Nilgiri mountain ranges are visible.
What guidebook covers the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek?
Trekking in Nepal was the first guidebook to cover the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek and is the only guidebook that includes the trek.
Highlights of the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
Highlights of the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek include:
- A trek to the base of the world's seventh-tallest mountain
- A short trek to reach a remote area
- Camping under mountains
- Budget-friendly
- No crowds
How to arrange a Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
Arranging a Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
A Annapurna North Base Camp Trek is easy to
arrange so long as you know the right trekking company
with camping equipment. The problem is it's not a
well-known trek, not all companies will have camping
equipment (they'll hire it) and it's a short trek so
they'll often want to add days to increase their
profits.
You'll probably notice online that a
lot of trekking companies list a NABC itinerary but few
go into any details day by day (or at least many will
have tried to copy details from this page). There's a
reason for this and it's that many have simply not done
the trek!
In 2019 TAAN had a trekking agency tour
of the area. It was a rushed trek. Do be wary of guides
saying they went on a training course to the area.
Most of the trek is below 4,000 m. I would strongly
advise that if you are going for mountain views you go
during the peak seasons. Otherwise cloud cover will be
an issue.
As this is a fairly new trek, the
pandemic has meant few people have visited the
area since it was offically opened. Do please go with
reputable guide or trekking agency that has been there
and knows the route. Use the
Find a Nepal Guide Trekking service.
Finally, read this page carefully and
understand exactly what the Annapurna North Base Camp
Trek is. With the right trekking guide and time of year,
it can a phenomenal experience.
Package treks & tours for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek bought online
Package treks & tours to the Annapurna Base are available online but you won't find many. Most have longer than necessary itineraries. It should also be noted that there's no guarantee the guide will actually know the area.
Package tours to Annapurna North Base Camp online range from USD $1100-1500 per person. They usually include all permits, a guide, accommodation, and meals.
Pro's of a package trek on the Annapurna North Base Camp includes having everything ready for you when you arrive.
Con's include porters being extra, adding in Kathmandu to Pokhara as a day, inflexible itineraries, hidden extras, unsure shared accommodation, and fixed meals. Not knowing if the guide knows the area or not.
Package treks bought in Nepal for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
Do your research on the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek before visiting trekking agencies. Pokhara trekking agencies are far better suited than Kathmandu trekking agents for this trek. Do read the itineraries and maps carefully to work out if you really need extra days or not.
Use the information on this page to work out the costs and days needed!
Pro's of a local Annapurna North Base Camp Trek includes meeting your guide before the trek. Going over the costs in person. Inspecting the camping equipment.
Con's includes listening the trekking companies talk about the area but realizing they've never been there! Once again, do your research before going.
If you'd like to take the hard work out of finding a guide or package trek with experienced guides for Annapurna North Base Camp Trek before you arrive then do try my Find a Trekking Guide Service.
Hiring a local Guide for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
I strongly urge you to be careful with this.
Many inexperienced guides may be told by others to take
a different route across a pass which is landslide-prone. This is dangerous. You really need an experienced
guide who's been on this trek.
Camping equipment
is difficult to get outside Kathmandu. Even then it's
usually for sale or the rented tents are often old and
badly maintained. It's windy and cold on this trek at
night so you should have good equipment.
Pro's of hiring a local guide alone include meeting your guide before leaving and having a hands-on independent part of planning.
Con's include having to make sure the guide is licensed. Paying for the guides tent, and expenses. Finding a good porter. Carrying cash in the mountains yourself to pay for accommodation, meals etc. Getting all your camping equipment sorted. Take a look at the cost of this trek further on this page and you'll see it's not a big-budget trek and packages often work out cheaper.
If you are looking for a local registered trekking guide for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek I recommend you read my article on How to find a trekking guide in Nepal.
In my guidebook to Nepal there are several well-vetted trekking agencies you can choose from that hire out local guides.
You can also save some time by using my Find a Guide Trekking Service to get a local guide.
Trekking Annapurna North Base Camp Trek without a guide
This is possible. However, caution is advised if you
have not trekked in Nepal before and want to trek
Annapurna North Base Camp Trek alone. ACAP/TAAN doesn't have a
single signpost up on this trek. Maps are not up to
date. There are some local rumors that the trek is very
easy to do despite some clear issues with landslides.
Watch out for online blogs or videos showing
trekkers doing it alone. Some are simply sponsored or
trying to sell something somewhere along the way.
Likewise forums with trekkers saying it's no problem -
things are usually easier to say when the trek is over!
This is a high altitude trek. Unless you've trekked
before in Nepal then it is advisable to go with a
qualified guide.
The Annapurna North Base Camp
Trek covers an unpredictable area in Nepal. Strong and
changeable cold weather conditions mean you need to be
prepared. There are no villages or help along the
camping areas for several days. The good news is that
it's not particularly high altitude or if you stay on
the main trail it's fairly straight forward. However,
with camping gear and food needed it's is simply more
practical to go with someone.
If you are looking for a guide for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek I recommend you read my article on How to find a trekking guide in Nepal.
You may also use my Find a Guide Trekking Service.
Best time of the year to trek the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
While the Annapurna North
Base Camp Trek can be attempted at most times of the
year, special attention should be given to the low
altitude. Generally speaking, the cloud will be more
likely to appear below 4,000 meters on a trek. While
above, though still possible, is less likely. This is
especially true during the off-seasons.
Personally speaking, if mountain views are your goal, I
would save this trek for peak seasons only.
Do
note there are no permanent weather stations anywhere
near Annapurna North. As such the weather chart here
will only show you approximate values and weather
trends.
Temperature and precipitation table for Annapurna North Base Camp (NABC)
| Avg. Temperature (°C) |
Avg. Temperature (°F) |
Precipitation / Rainfall (mm) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -5 | 23 | 9 |
| February | -6 | 21.2 | 14 |
| March | -2 | 28.4 | 9 |
| April | 0 | 32 | 8 |
| May | 5.5 | 41.9 | 13 |
| June | 8 | 46.4 | 39 |
| July | 12 | 53.6 | 123 |
| August | 14 | 57.2 | 136 |
| September | 14 | 57.2 | 62 |
| October | 10 | 50 | 6 |
| November | 0 | 32 | 0 |
| December | -5 | 23 | 5 |
It's important to note that wind chill is not calculated into the temperatures above. Wind chill at Annapurna North Base Camp can drive temperatures down -10 to -15 degrees with ease depending on conditions. Keep in mind that tents and camping outdoors will make it seem even colder again.
Temperature Chart for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek Ri Trek
