The Annapurna North Base Camp Trek is Nepal’s most challenging and least-visited Himalayan adventure, taking trekkers to the base of Annapurna I (8,091m)—where the first 8,000-meter peak was summited in 1950 by Maurice Herzog’s French Expedition. Unlike the crowded Annapurna Circuit Trek or Normal Annapurna Base Camp Trek routes, this fully camping-based trek ventures into remote valleys with zero lodges, offering raw solitude amid Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre’s (6,993m) towering walls. The journey’s climax is crossing the Thulo Bugin Pass (4,400m), a high-altitude challenge rewarded with panoramic views of Annapurna’s treacherous North Face—the same route Herzog’s team climbed. With fewer than 1% of Annapurna trekkers attempting this route, you’ll pass some of authentic Gurung villages and sleep in local tea-houses.
Best suited for experienced trekkers or better for semi-beginners. The Annapurna North BC route demands for 8-9 hour hiking days and sometimes less than it. There are some steep ascents to 4,190m, and rugged trails with landslide zones. The best time to go is spring (March-May) for rhododendron blooms or autumn (September-November) for clear skies, while monsoon (June-August) brings landslides. Unlike commercial treks, this is a true expedition—requiring guides, porters, and self-sufficiency. For adventurers seeking Nepal’s last great wilderness, the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek delivers unmatched history, hardship, and Himalayan grandeur.
Your program of Annapurna North Base Camp Trek’s begins in Kathmandu (1,350m). We transfer you to your hotel in Thamel or somewhere else where we finalized. This day is sensible for your because of time-zone. The elevation is mild in Kathmandu so, it looks better for resting and hydrating your body for the trek ahead. Spend the evening exploring Thamel, picking up last-minute gear, or enjoying a traditional Nepali meal.
A beautiful flight of 25-minute from Kathmandu airport to Pokhara or 7-9 hours drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara to check in your hotel at Pokhara (820m). Pokhara is lower altitude than Kathmandu. Upon arrival, stroll along Phewa Lake, visit the International Mountain Museum, or simply unwind with views of Machhapuchhre (6,993m) reflecting on the water.
Descent -580m.
Overnight in Hotel with BB Plan.
From Hotel Pokhara, 6-7 hour jeep driveto Lete Village through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest canyon, passing Nayapul, Tatopani (hot springs), and Ghasa. You’ll arrive in Lete (2,438m), a Thakali village with your first glimpse of Dhaulagiri (8,167m). Though this is a significant altitude gain (1,618m), traveling by vehicle minimizes exertion.
Ascent +1,618m
Overnight in Local Tea-house with Dinner-Lunch and Breakfast.
The trek officially begins from here: LETE Village! A steep climb through rhododendron forests and over suspension bridges leads to Thulo Bugin (3,260m). This 822m ascent is your first test—pace yourself and hydrate to avoid altitude sickness. At camp, enjoy mountain views as the sun sets behind the peaks.
Ascent +822m.
Overnight at Thulo Bugin (3,260m) in local teahouse.
All food available.
Today’s challenge: crossing the Thulo Bugin Pass (4,400m), the trek’s highest point. The 1,140m climb is grueling, with rocky trails and possible snow patches. After celebrating at the pass, descend 270m to Miristy Khola (4,130m), a glacial riverbed camp. The thin air here demands caution—watch for headaches or nausea.
Ascent +1,140m,
Descent -270m
Total walking hours: (7 Hours)
A short but rugged hike brings you to Annapurna North Base Camp (4,190m) —the historic launch point of the 1950 French Expedition. The 60m altitude gain is minimal, but the high elevation (4,190m) means cold nights and possible mild altitude effects. Stand in awe of Annapurna I’s North Face, the Himalaya’s most treacherous wall.
Ascent of 60m (7 Hours)
Overnight in authentic local teahouse with all food: Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast.
Begin a steep 1,735m descent through landslide-prone terrain. The trail improves as you near Chhotepa (2,455m), a Gurung village where you’ll camp or stay in a homestay. The lower altitude brings thicker air and warmer temperatures — a relief after days above 4,000m.
Descent -1,735m
Total walking hours: (8 Hours)
Accommodation in Local hotels/teahouse/lodges.
Lunch-Dinner-Breakfast.
The final trekking day descends 1,055m through terraced farms and subtropical forests to Tatopani (1,400m). Celebrate with a soak in the village’s natural hot springs, a perfect remedy for tired muscles.
Descent -1,055m,
Total Walking hours: (7-8 Hours)
Overnight in Hotel at Tatopani with all foods.
About 5-6 hours jeep driving from Tatopani to Pokhara (820m). Enjoy a hot shower, lakeside dinner, and optional paragliding over Phewa Lake if you wish to afford.
Descent -580m,
Jeep Driving: 5-6 Hours,
Overnight in hotel at Pokhara Lake side,
Dinner at the Bank of Phewa Lake.
Spend the day relaxing or take an optional sunrise trip to Sarangkot (1,600m) for panoramic Himalayan views.
Overnight in same hotel according to program on BB plan.
Fly or drive back to Kathmandu (1,350m). Depart with unforgettable memories of Nepal’s wildest trek.
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget.
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget.
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget.
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget.