The North Annapurna Base Camp Trek, also known as the Maurice Herzog Trail, is a relatively less-explored and pristine trekking route in the Annapurna region. For those seeking alternative trekking paths in the Annapurna Circuit, this trail offers a thrilling and unique adventure. The route was officially explored in 2019 by the Annapurna Rural Municipality (ARM) group, with the support of organizations such as the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), local communities, and the Ministry of Tourism. These efforts are aimed at promoting this historically rich trekking route to various travel agencies.
The Annapurna North Base Camp Trek, also known as the Maurice Herzog Trail, has deep historical roots. On June 3, 1950, a French expedition led by Maurice Herzog became the first team to summit Mount Annapurna, marking a significant achievement in mountaineering history as the first ascent of an 8,000-meter peak. This groundbreaking expedition also explored the North Face of Annapurna, which later inspired the name "French North Face Route."
Due to its historical significance, the trail is often referred to as the Maurice Herzog Trail. Despite its rich history, this route remains one of the least-traveled in the Annapurna region, primarily due to its rugged and challenging terrain. With no tea houses along the route, trekkers must rely on camping throughout their journey, making this trek even more adventurous.
As with most high-altitude treks, the weather in the North Annapurna Base Camp area is unpredictable, with conditions often changing rapidly, However, the best times to trek are during Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) when clear skies and minimal rainfall provide ideal hiking conditions. Snowfall is common, adding a stunning layer to the already spectacular views.
The higher altitudes can often experience fog, which may obscure views of the majestic peaks. Therefore, trekkers generally prefer the dry seasons when visibility is at its best.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
To trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area, trekkers are required to obtain an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit). The permit usually costs around US$ 25 per person and is an essential requirement for anyone entering this protected region.
The North Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered moderately challenging. It is not a technically difficult trek, but its high altitude and extended hiking days make it suitable for trekkers with a moderate level of fitness. The trail leads to the base camp at 4,190 meters, where the gradual ascent allows for proper acclimatization.
The trek's difficulty is enhanced by the absence of modern facilities, such as tea houses, along much of the route. Trekkers must camp each night, which requires additional preparation and equipment. The presence of hanging bridges, such as the one over the Nilgiri River, eliminates the need for dangerous water crossings, making the trek easier to navigate.
Despite the challenges, the trek remains accessible to most, provided trekkers are well-prepared for the physical demands and the remote camping conditions.
Unlike many other popular trekking routes in Nepal, the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek lacks tea houses and lodges for accommodation. A basic hut, Dharamshala, exists in Humkhola, but it is unsuitable for overnight stays. Thus, trekkers will need to camp for the entire duration of the trek, bringing their own tents and camping supplies. This unique feature adds an extra layer of adventure, but also requires careful planning and preparedness.
This trek is suitable for both experienced trekkers and beginners who are comfortable hiking at higher altitudes. If you're new to trekking, it’s helpful to prepare by engaging in regular cardiovascular exercises such as hill hikes or stair climbing. For those with experience, managing 6-7 hours of walking per day at altitudes above 3,000 meters should be manageable.
Given the lack of basic amenities, trekkers must be prepared to camp in remote areas. Mental and physical preparation is crucial, as the journey will require adapting to changing weather conditions, simple living arrangements, and limited facilities along the trail.
The Annapurna North Base Camp Trek is a camping trek that spans 3 to 4 days, taking you to the base of Mount Annapurna I (8,091 meters). The trek requires camping equipment, a guide, and a porter, all of which contribute to the cost. A 6-7 hour drive to the starting point adds to the overall price, which typically amounts to around $490 to 650 per person for a group of at least two trekkers. This price includes camping supplies, food, transportation, and a guide.
While the cost may seem higher compared to other treks in the region, the trek offers a more authentic, remote, and tranquil experience. It is a unique opportunity to explore the Annapurna region's rugged beauty away from the crowds.
The North Annapurna Base Camp Trek is rich in breathtaking landscapes, offering countless opportunities for stunning photographs. Key highlights include:
As you ascend, the towering mountains of Annapurna and Nilgiri become even more awe-inspiring, with constantly changing views. Early morning and late afternoon light enhance the photogenic quality of these mountains, providing perfect lighting for landscape shots.
Narchyang Lake, also known as Pancha Kunda, lies at an elevation of 4,050 meters and is a natural wonder. The lake transforms with the seasons: in summer, it remains a peaceful water body, while in winter, it freezes, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding snowy landscape. This lake holds cultural significance for the local communities and is an important feature of the trek, offering trekkers a glimpse into the rich natural heritage of the region.
The Annapurna North Base Camp Trek offers an unparalleled adventure through some of the most pristine and untouched regions of the Annapurna range. While it requires physical endurance, camping experience, and careful planning, it rewards trekkers with mesmerizing views, rich biodiversity, and a sense of tranquility that is hard to find on more popular trails. Whether you're seeking a challenging trek or an authentic experience away from the crowds, the Maurice Herzog Trail offers a truly unique Himalayan adventure.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1310 m, welcome program by a member of Himalayan Magic Treks then transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara 8, 20 m, overnight at Hotel nearby Lake Side on Bed & Breakfast
Day 03: Drive from Pokhara to Narchyang Village 1,530 meters 5 ½ hours Overnight Home stay
Day 04: Trek from Narchyang Village to Chottepa 2,370 meters 7 hours Overnight Camping
Day 05: Trek from Chottepa to Sandikharka 3,160 meters 5-6 hours Overnight at Camping
Day 06: Trek from Sandikharka to Campsite 4,050 meters 5 hours Overnight Camping
Day 07: Explore North Annapurna Base Camp & Return to Thulobugin Pass (4,190 meters (Base Camp), 4,310 meters, 7 hours (Thulobugin Pass) Overnight at Camping
Day 08: Trek from Thulobugin to Ghasa 3,260 meters, 6 hours Overnight Camping
Day 09: Drive from Ghasa to Pokhara 6 hours by Bus, reflecting on the incredible journey through the remote Annapurna region. Overnight at Hotel nearby Lake Side on Bed & Breakfast
Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu overnight at Hotel with Breakfast plan
Day 11: In Kathmandu City Tour UNESCO world heritage sites three different places (Pasupatinath, Bouddhanath and Swyambhunath (Monkey Temple) overnight at Hotel with Breakfast. Evening will take together dinner with typical Nepali Culture
Day 12: Departure from Kathmandu to your onward destination
Upon your arrival at the airport our representatives person with a Himalayan Magic Treks (LOGO) sign board, to show you on your arrival exit gate. Who taking care of you with reception then safely drive to the hotel, Briefing about program details before going to Mountains. At the airport we cannot enter the interior of the airport because a person who doesn’t have a plane ticket is not allowed to enter.
We will provide you the best quality of Services for our guest to serve them at superior level that is what making us today Himalayan Magic Treks, so we can compromise with guest as per demanding accommodations in mean city and other’s part of Trekking. We have been providing star hotels in Katmandu and even normal guest house according to the guest demands and need. During the trek we provide standard Guest House with sound environment and hygienic food for the guest to make their trip happening and healthy. Being one of the paramount destinations in the world Annapurna region collects lots of tourist. So, there will always be better Lodge and facilities in Annapurna & Everest Region rest of the Trekking destination will normal and sometime needs camping as well.
We get paradise of food especially in the cities areas especially in Katmandu valley. We have a lot of restaurants with different cuisine in city but during the trek we get to eat from Continental and Nepali menu especially choices like Pasta, Pizza, Mo. Mo, soup items, Potatoes items, Dal Bhat, Hot drinks Tea & Coffee etc.
Being homeland of Himalayas, it’s obvious to have challenging routes, High altitude problems, Weather and other conditions; any of those situations is big enough to ruin your trip. Leading around the steeply hills and rocky routes is not a job of common climbers and trekkers. Himalayan Magic Treks have been providing native leaders and staffs working in this field perfectly since long years to overcome tough challenges and make your trip a golden memory. They are trained and well certified by the Government of Nepal. All of our staffs have received emergency guidance in Himalaya’s and have knowledge of first Aid for our guest. We never compromise giving safety to our staffs; therefore we provide insurance and medical services during the trek and compensation when they need especially to Porters, Kitchen member and other.
we are very much concern about the comfort of our guest and whenever it is about the staffs in the field. When we are on trek trekking through challenging route we need proper number of workers like Guide, Porter, Assistance guide, Camping members and other staffs. We provide 1 assistance guide with every 4 - 9 guests and 2 assistance guide with 10 guests. We do need strong and portable Porters to carry our weights, we provide 1 porter for 2 guests depending on guest stuffs and we allow only 25 kg for porters. We have professional and expert Guide, Leader and City guide in the field and can speak proper English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and other required. We can also manage any other staffs as per your demand.
We believe equipments does matter to make your trip easy and comfortable. Caring excessive quantity of equipment doesn’t make your adventure more interesting but the drawback. So, we request you to carry only selected and needed one and save your extra expenses for other need in trek though we have our potential porters. Warm Clothes, Down Jacket, Trouser, T-shirt, Hiking Boot, Sunglass, Sun cream, Knife, Walking Steak, day back pack, Head Light, Sleeping Bag etc. These are the equipments which you most carry during the trek.
Security is our primary concern from your beginning day (we will be there to pick you up with our staffs and identity) to departure date (airport drop services) we are always there to help you. We have proper remedial services during the trek with professional staffs; first aid kit, oxygen bag and Helicopter service for emergency rescue whenever trekkers get physical Loss or altitude sickness. We have focused more on acclimatization days to get rid of altitude sickness too.
Autumn (September - November) and spring (March - May) is the best trekking season for the trekking and mountaineering in Nepal. Weather is mostly clear and temperature is moderate which offers beautiful views without any obstruction. Spring collects beautiful flowers, plants and rare animals Walking is also very much suitable during this season.
Summer (June - August) and winter (December - February). Though Summer collects heavy monsoon rainfall it is very much clear to trek around Mustang, Dolpo and Nar- Phu valley since they are rain shadow areas. Tibet is much more favorable for Tibet trek. Everest, Langtang and Annapurna are always comfortable to trek even in winter season.
Trekking in Nepal for Annapurna Sunrise View Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Everest View Trek, Pikey Peak Trek and Mohare Danda Trek does not require any past experience; though we have challenging route in Annapurna our itinerary suggests walking comfortable distances. Trekking in Himalayas always takes us to challenging altitudes and rocky routes, demands proper rest time and acclimatization to sustain their strength. We always have both listed properly in our itinerary. However certain training like Running, Skipping and other workout will definitely help you in roots.
Altitude sickness is a significant risk when trekking on any trails above about 2,500 m. However good health , Proper care and drinking plenty of water will definitely help you to prevent from altitude sickness. Every trekkers needs to be familiar with the heights so, for this we have life saving acclimatization days during the trek, peak climbing and expedition. We also provide certain medical support for your relief and emergency rescue through helicopter whenever guest require.
We only leave foot prints! Himalayan Magic Treks is very much concern agency on environment pollution and Global Warming. We are always serious and genuine towards our garbage during the trek especially in Camping type. We collect all the rubbish and deposit it to proper place to protect our environment. We also partake in every program conducted in KEEP Kathmandu Environmental Education Project. We also suggest all travelers to protect our environment and Stop Global Warming.
Profit oriented is not only our priority! We have been helping some of ours every villagers from different corners of Nepal to sustain their social life and help them with education and required materials. We are always looking forward for interested candidates in this field to give helping hand to support and inspire them for their better beginning and good future. If you are interested please contact us:nabinkarki04@gmail.com. In the community they really need us, so let’s hands together for better change the Rural Development Community to Support us to be there for Helping Hands.
Himalayan Magic Treks concerning to have tailor-made program for any kind of Treks / Tours in Nepal. Days in the itinerary are always flexible, can be increased & decreased depending on your holiday and time schedule. Trekking in all Region around the Himalayan goes through unexpected complication like natural and health challenges resulting chances in the itinerary for your security during the trek by our professional guides and leader to take you to final point safe and sound so, please cooperate with your guide for you protection.
Booking Confirmation, Payment, Cancellation and Other information is must before affirmation of booking any trips. Terms and Conditions comprise a legally required contract between Himalayan Magic Treks and you for the services to be provided by us and bond the basis of your legal relationship with us.
-To Book any types of trips you must send us a completely filled Booking Application Form, with 20% of payment of your trip cost. This will comprise acceptance by you of our Terms and Conditions. You need to submit a copy of each passport to our office via email or fax including two photos of passport size. Rest of trekking cost should be paid as 2nd installment at Nepal before trip.
-Please, contact us once regarding direct deposit details.
Account Holder: Himalayan Magic Treks (P.) Ltd.
Company Address: Kapan-3, Baluwakhani.
Paying Bank: Himalayan Bank
Bank Address: Thamel, Kathmandu
Our Bank A/C No:
Swift Code: HIMANPKA
-For the payment by Credit Card, please contact us in mail or follow the procedure listed below. Please keep in mind that we only accept Visa or MasterCard and a 4% levy, will be added for card processing fee on top of the package bills.
-To pay the trip bill by offline credit card you need to submit the following documents to our company attesting in the mail:
-A copy of passport
-A Copy of your Credit Card of either side
-An authorization letter mentioning the Bill Amount inclusive of bank charge.
An authorization letter mentioning the Bill Amount inclusive of bank charge.
-A Passport size Photo
-In case of failure of on-time payment, as required Himalayan Magic Treks (P).Ltd will not be compelled to provide the services as per the bookings and agreement made between us.
A notice of cancellation shall be submitted by client in written by mail with authentic reason(s), and then refund procedure will be made as follows:
-If cancellation made before 30 days of the trip departure date, 15% of the total trip cost will be charged as cancellation and rest will be adjusted in their next trip or refunded after deducting the processing charge of Nepal Rastra Bank to make a draft.
-If cancellation made before 15 days of the trip departure date, 25% of the total trip cost will be charged as cancellation. Further will be same as above process
-If Cancellation made before 07 days of the trip departure date 40% of the total trip cost will be charged as cancellation.
-If cancellation made within the week of departure or upon arrival in Kathmandu no refund shall be provided.
-Cancellation before 60 days of the trip, 15% cancellation will be charged.
- Cancellation Before 30 days of the trip 25% cancellation will be charged.
- Cancellation Before 15 days of the trip 50% cancellation will be charged.
- Cancellation Before less than 15 days no refund will be provided.
-The cost of Climbing Permit/s already purchased is/are not refundable.
Cancellation rule for Air ticket purchase
-If cancellation made before 30 days of the ticket departure date, 15% of the total face value will be charged as cancellation and rest will be adjusted in their next trip or refunded after deducting the processing charge of Nepal Rastra Bank to make a draft.
-If cancellation made before 15 days of the ticket departure date, 25% of the total face value will be charged as cancellation. Further will be same as above process.
-If Cancellation made before 07 days of the trip departure date 50% of the total face value cost will be charged as cancellation.
-If cancellation made within the week of departure or upon arrival in Kathmandu no refund shall be provided. Due payment should be made or claimed by legal process.
-No refund will be made of the deposit amount in case of cancellation of trip for any other else reason.
-No refund will be made to clients who drop out from the journey regardless of whatever portions remain unused in the itinerary.
We focus mostly and firstly for the fulfillment of your every desire. We perform our duties truthfully and seriously to make your experience one of the best moment. However, this Company will not take any liability regarding changes and alternations in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstances such as disasters, political-unrest, and cancellation of flight, delay arrival, sickness or accidents. Himalayan Magic Treks while undertaking tours, transportation, hotel accommodation and other services only acts as an means on the clear understanding that it shall not be, in any way, responsible or liable for any accident, damages, loss, delay, international flight cancellation or delays, or inconvenience caused in connection with the travel facilities arranged by the company, its employees or agents. All bookings are accepted and executed with utmost care, yet no responsibility is undertaken for any change or deviation because of factors beyond our control.
The traveler / trekker understands that during the course of the trip certain risks and dangers may occur including the pressure of traveling in mountainous terrain, accident or illness in remote places without medical facilities. The traveler agrees to assume all risks associated with the journey, and agrees that no liability will be attached to the company or its outfitters, employees or agents, or to any member of the tour group in respect to death, personal injury, illness or delay of trekker, or for any loss or damage to the property of the traveler / trekker during the course of the trip, however caused.
It is a condition while booking treks and tours with us that trekkers must be protected by insurance themselves that covers cancellation, accidents, health, emergency evacuation, and loss of items, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects. All costs for emergency evacuation must be paid in cash in Nepal unless an insurance company has agreed to pay the costs on your behalf. It is important that any insurance policy issued to cover emergency evacuation for trek/tour does not exclude mountaineering.
Himalayan Magic Treks use images of you taken during the trip without recourse to you and without compensation to you, for publicity and promotion purposes only through whatever medium it chooses.
In order to collect information from you to making a booking through our Company we inquire many questions to get the necessary permits.
If you have any subject of complaint about the tour, you must notify to the tour leader or guide at the earliest and provide opportunity to correct them.
On our trekking and tour packages, rooms or tents are provided in twin sharing basis. Thus, single room supplement charge will be imposed to client who does not have another tour participant to share room or tent with others.
TREKKING GEARS/EQUIPMENTS for your travel to Himalaya and around mountains side
Himalayan Magic Treks suggest these are just like a guidelines for your equipments/clothing’s preparation, things can be added or deducted as per your suitability and necessity and remember the number of days you are traveling for and time of the year and altitude you are going at.
For Head:
Far upper Body:
For Hands:
Lower Body:
For Feets:
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