Are you searching for a place to escape from your daily life in the city for a while and wanna go away from your home to experience the real beauty of nature? Then, the Annapurna Region in Nepal is perfect for you to find peace of mind. There are several beautiful trekking trails available in this region that are worth going to, from commercial to underrated, and one of them is Annapurna North Base Camp Trekking.
The trek is a magnificent Himalayan journey located in the Myagdi district of Gandaki province in the Western Development Region of the country that leads you via traditional Magar villages, lush green forests with blooming rhododendrons, waterfalls, rivers, and high-elevation landscapes. It ends up at the north base camp of the world's 10th-highest peak, Mt. Annapurna I, which stands at an elevation of 8,091 m (26,545 ft) above sea level.
Besides Annapurna I, there are also some other major attractions on this trek that are the cherry on top during your trip. They are listed below:
The crystal clear lake known as Panchakunda is a bit below the ending point at 4,050 m (13287.4 ft). It holds religious importance for both Hindu and Buddhist followers. The view of the Annapurna Mountain Range and the glacier are clearer from here than from the north base camp.
The beautiful river called Miristi accompanies you on your journey from the beginning to the end of the trek.
Last but not least, Phutphute Waterfall appears in the middle of your adventure, making you stop to click some pictures of it for your memories. It sits at an altitude of 3,133 m (10,279 ft).
One of the most interesting facts about the route is that the legendary French mountaineer, Maurice Herzog and his team used the same path to climb the majestic Annapurna I on June 3, 1950. It was the first time in human history that a peak above 8,000 m was ever climbed successfully. After two years, on May 29, 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa broke the record by summiting the World's highest peak, Mt. Everest (8,848.86 m/29,031.7 ft).
For that reason, the trek's actual name is Maurice Herzog Trail and it is a tribute to him. However, currently, it's commonly popular as the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek among the people. The area's locals have also built a statue of him in his honour with short details regarding his and his teammate, Louis Lachenal's date of birth and the date of their successful expedition of Annapurna I at the base camp.
Compared to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek, it is currently not that popular and considered an off-the-beaten path even though it offers majestic beauty to visitors. But, recently, the trail has gradually gained popularity among the trekkers. It's been a year that people have been going there to experience the adventure.
There are currently no proper tea houses or hotel facilities available for accommodation along the way. As a result, this trek is ideal for those who seek a less crowded trail, more remote, and more challenging experience rather than a commercial destination.
The opening ceremony of the Maurice Herzog Trail is yet to take place. It is scheduled for June 3 of this year. Perhaps, after its opening ceremony, it'll get a promotion globally, and facilities such as proper accommodation, internet connection, electricity, and a phone network could be available along the route.
Just keep reading patiently. By the end of this blog, you will find yourself getting thoroughly ready to venture at any time on this exceptional journey that'll last forever in your memory, as we'll discuss everything you need to learn about the trek. That includes the following things, such as follows:
Annapurna North Base Camp Trekking Difficulty Level
Altitude Sickness on Annapurna North Base Camp Trekking
Best Season for Annapurna North Base Camp Trekking
North Annapurna Base Camp Itinerary
Annapurna North Base Camp Trekking Accommodation
Permits for Annapurna North Base Camp Trekking
Packing List for Annapurna North Base Camp Trekking
Annapurna North Base Camp Trekking Difficulty Level
Regarding the difficulty level of the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek, it is considered moderate. For individuals from every age group and from experienced to beginners, this trek is best for all. However, altitude is a concern here.
A magnificent view of Annapurna I from Annapurna North Base Camp
Despite the fact that the trial is not technically hard, it can still be tough sometimes, especially for the first-timers, because you'll make it up to the height of 4,190 m (13,747 ft). Also, there are not plenty of hotel businesses along the trail like in the ABC Trek. But you don't need to worry that much, as there are also some tricks to avoid altitude sickness and availability of accommodations, which we discuss in detail later in the below sections.
Altitude Sickness On Annapurna North Base Camp Trekking
Altitude sickness is widespread when hiking at high-altitude locations like the Annapurna Region. You'll need to be concerned about this matter. Your single carelessness can lead you to serious conditions and might cost your life as well.
The most common altitude sickness that can happen to anyone is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It doesn't matter how experienced or physically fit you are. AMS can occur to anyone at any time when negligence reaches its peak.
A beautiful view of Miristi River with the Tilicho Peak in the background.
Even after knowing that you've developed one of the symptoms of AMS and you still don't act carefully about it, then it turns to one of the other two sicknesses, High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). These two are life-threatening and have a high chance of losing life in such conditions.
Symptoms Of AMS, HACE, and HAPE
AMS
Headache (most common)
Dizziness and nausea
Loss of appetite
Fatigue and weakness
Insomnia
Shortness of breath with exertion
HACE
Severe headache and confusion
Loss of coordination
Hallucinations or altered mental state
Difficulty walking
Loss of consciousness
HAPE
Extreme shortness of breath (even at rest)
A persistent cough (may produce pink, frothy sputum)
Chest tightness or pain
Bluish lips and nails (cyanosis)
Weakness and dizziness
What Are The Best Altitude Sickness Prevention Tips For Hikers On Annapurna North Base Camp Trekking?
You should be fully aware of everything, especially about altitude sickness when you're planning to go for an adventure in Nepal's Himalayas. Here, in this blog, we're discussing the Annapurna North Base Camp and its trekking trail, and also, you've already learnt about the kinds of altitude sicknesses and their symptoms in the above section.
Therefore, it is time for you to understand the best altitude sickness prevention tips for hikers while travelling to the North Base Camp of the Annapurna I now. This is because you'll be heading towards the elevation of 4,130 m, which isn't a joke or an easy game to make it up to such height if you're trekking for the first time or someone from the sea level.
Breathtaking views of Panchakunda Lake and Annapurna I en route to Annapurna North Base Camp.
We've provided you with some of the best practices you can do to avoid getting sick while trekking at high-altitude locations. They're listed below:
Slow Ascend
The more you gain height, the more oxygen gets thinner due to lower air pressure and that can lead you to altitude sickness, as your body feels hard to take in enough oxygen. Hence, you will need to walk as slowly as you can with no rush to reach the next stopping point. Doing so will give you enough time to get familiar with the air and environment of the area.
Frequent Breaks
Also, take a break of at least 7 to 8 minutes frequently while hiking along with slow ascend because even if you walk slowly and patiently, your body gets tired when it reaches its limit and getting exhausted is getting weak. That's where altitude sickness stands a chance and unleashes on you. Thus, you'll need to recharge your body even if it's only for a few moments.
Eat Well
Preventing altitude sickness also varies depending on your diet. You must know what to eat and what ain't. Foods containing high amounts of carbohydrates like potatoes, rice, bread, pasta, etc. are the best meals to eat while trekking at high elevations.
High carbohydrates equal to high calories and calories provide excessive energy that lasts long in your body. In addition to this, you should also avoid drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and eating too oily and fried dishes.
Drink Enough Water
Your body should stay hydrated all the time at high altitudes. To keep it hydrated, drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water during trekking and also, prefer to eat foods that have high portions of water like cucumbers and apples.
Now, you might be thinking about how you could know that your body is safe and far from dehydration. Keep monitoring your urine every time you go to the bathroom and if you find it clean like water, then you know that you're on the right side of heaven.
Workout
To stay fit as a fiddle, all you need to do is worship your body like it's god by exercising at least an hour every day. Accordingly, if you're already a daily workout freak, you're doing a great job and ready for the hike to the Annapurna North Base Camp (ANBC) or anywhere else.
However, if you aren't, you should better start working out for an hour daily at least a couple of weeks before the date of your adventure. The ideal exercises to prepare for trekking are stretching, squatting, and running. These three workouts help you get your body flexible, strengthen your thighs, and boost your stamina, respectively.
Moreover, you won't get exhausted too easily and early. There'll be very little chance of altitude sickness developing in your body with the help of these exercises.
Apply Early Medications
If you're uncertain about how your body will deal with high altitude and also, want to minimize your risk, then you can take acetazolamide, the most suggested medicine for altitude sickness prevention. It's available over the counter in pharmacy stores under the brand name, Diamox.
Each tablet is 250 mg. The instructions are:
1/2 of a tablet (125 mg) after breakfast
1/2 of a tablet (125 mg) after dinner
Take it for one to two days before your trek to the Annapurna North Base Camp (ANBC) and continue daily after that. Once you reach 3000 m, take it for another couple of days, and then stop.
Please note that acetazolamide has some side effects as well like tingling, vomiting, frequent urine, etc. and also, not sure that it's effective for everyone else body. Consequently, you should better consult with your trusted doctor in your town before taking it.
What Is The Best Season For Annapurna North Base Camp Trekking
Two seasons are considered the best time to visit the ANBC for trekking and they are spring and autumn. Speaking of the months, March to May falls in spring, while September to November in autumn. These seasons are ideal for some reasons that are mentioned below:
You'll have a long day to enjoy your trek with stable weather, warm during the day and cold at night.
Skies are clear most of the time during both seasons, allowing mesmerizing views of the peaks in the Annapurna Mountain Range, including Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Tilicho Peak (7,135 m/23,409 ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m/22,943 ft), Nilgiri North (7,061 m/23,166 ft), etc.
The possibility of facing weather-related challenges like heavy rainfall and snowfall, landslides, and floods is very low during these seasons.
You'll witness the blooming wildflowers along the route during spring and lush green areas during autumn.
You'll get the opportunity to experience the culture and traditions of Nepal, as festivals such as Holi (the festivals of colour), Nepalese New Year, and Buddha Purnima (the birthday of Lord Buddha) happen in spring and the biggest festivals of the country, Dashain and Tihar in autumn.
The trails are nice and clean. All the hotel businesses are also open, providing hygienic and authentic foods at each stop.
You'll get the chance to click as many pictures of the landscapes and mountains as you want while hiking.
What Are The Permits Required for Annapurna North Base Camp Trekking?
There are two different permits required for the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS). There are several reasons why you will need to have these permits in order to trek the ANBC. They are as follows:
To help protect the flora and fauna and other natural resources found in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
To help maintain routes and bridges and manage the waste produced by the tourist and tea houses.
To track the trekkers along the way, rescue them in case they're lost or something bad happens to them, and manage the impact of the tourists' flow in the area.
To control illegal activities and confirm safety standards are followed along the trail.
To generate employment opportunities for the local communities in the area.
Now, you might be wondering about how to obtain these permits. Since solo trekking isn't allowed in the country according to Nepal's Government law, you'll need to go through local trekking agencies or at least, you must have a professional licenced guide with you.
It's for your safety because in recent times, many tourists have faced problems while trekking at high altitudes and some of them have even lost their lives. So, it's necessary to go through local tour operators here.
One of the best in the tourism business in the country is Ammonite Adventure & Treks Pvt. Ltd. You can directly contact us to arrange your trek to the Annapurna North Base Camp. It'll be very helpful and hassle-free for you, as we'll arrange everything needed for your trek from guide to permit. You don't need to worry about anything.
The Annapurna North Base Camp Trek is an exceptional trail with breathtaking views of the Annapurna Mountain Range, rivers, and waterfalls. Yet, it is still lesser known. Very few visit the base camp.
But domestic tourists have already begun to experience this trek in recent times and gaining popularity among adventure enthusiasts gradually. Due to its less popularity, there were no single tea houses or hotels along the way. All those trekkers who've been there have camped on their own.
Trekkers resting and having lunch at a Tent hotel in Bhusket Mela (3,651 m/11,978.35 ft) on the way to Panchakunda Lake, with Tilicho Peak in the background
However, monitoring the recent flow of tourists in the area, the locals are now running a normal tent hotel business at every point to make our journey comfortable, and it's been just two months. With this simple initiation of the locals, they've made this trek even more convenient than it was before.
Also, as stated earlier the opening ceremony of the trail is scheduled for June 3. Hopefully, there'll be more tea houses with modern amenities such as electricity, hot showers, Wi-Fi connection, etc like in the ABC Trek along the way to north base camp in the coming days. For now, at least we can appreciate the effort the locals are making for us even though those tent hotels are not enough for us.
Trekkers getting ready to head towards the Panchakunda Lake via Bhusket Mela from a tent hotel in Guphaphant.
Before there wasn't even a tent house for overnight stay but now we have. At least, we don't have to arrange everything by ourselves like then and with their help, we can have hygienic local meals and good sleep at night during the trek.
North Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Itinerary: Its Importance
When planning a trip that takes you far away from your home base, it is vital to develop an effective itinerary for your adventure. It can provide organization to keep your trip on track by providing an outline of where you are headed for each day of your trip.
Of course, you can always include other important information, such as projected dates, times, elevations, distances and driving times. Here are some reasons to think about why it is important to have one:
It is an outline of each day with your planned stops with dates, start and stop times, elevations, distances and driving times!
It allows you to plan your time so that you don't feel as rushed!
It will let you budget in advance for things like meals, overnight accommodations, transportation and entry fees.
It will help ensure the group is in the same spot, including guides.
If things go wrong when you are on the trip, it can quickly help you solve your problem without added stress as you will know your normal schedule.
It allows your family and/or friends to know and have a general outline of your itinerary so that they can track you down if things go wrong.
Short Itinerary Of The Annapurna North Base Camp Trek
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m/4593.176 ft)
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to the starting point, Hum Khola (2,890 m/9,482 ft) via Pokhara and Bhurung Tato Pani, covering approximately 120 km in 15 hours and begin the trek from Hum Khola to Guphaphant (3,250 m/10,662 ft), takes roughly 4 hours with a normal walk.
Day 3: Trek from Guphaphant to the Panchakunda Lake (4,050 m/13287.4 ft), taking approximately 5 hours at a normal walking pace.
Day 4: Early morning hike from Panchakunda Lake (4,050 m/13287.4 ft) to the ANBC (4,190 m/13,747 ft), taking about 45 minutes at a slow walking pace and descend to Hum Khola and then, drive back to Bhurung Tato Pani.
Day 5: Drive from Bhurung Tato Pani to Pokhara (822 m/2,697 ft)
Day 6: Return to Kathmandu
Note: This itinerary is our standard edition; it may be modified at your request. Furthermore, the trek times are estimated using the average walking speed but may differ depending on each individual's speed. You may hike some sections more quickly or slowly than estimated.
