North Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 12 days

Your total trip is 12 days from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu. Within that, you will be trekking for about 7 full days. The other days are for comfortable travel to and from the mountains, which is part of the adventure.

Your journey begins and ends in the capital city, Kathmandu. The actual trekking part of the North Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts in the village of Tatopani, after a beautiful drive from Pokhara. We will finish trekking in the village of Lete, and then drive back to Pokhara and Kathmandu.

The highest point you’ll reach is the Thulo Bugin Pass at about 4,320 meters. You will cross this pass on your return journey. The North Annapurna Base Camp itself is at 4,190 meters, which is also a very high and impressive point.

You will have beautiful views of many famous peaks. The star of the show is Annapurna I, which you will see up close from its north side. You will also see the beautiful Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Hiunchuli mountains throughout your journey.

No, it is a different trail. The classic Annapurna Base Camp trek goes to the south side of the mountain. The North Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a newer route that takes you to the base camp on the north face. It’s a more remote and quiet path with a different perspective.

Yes, this trek can definitely be done by a fit beginner. It is a steady increase, not ascending. If you can walk for several hours a day and are excited for an adventure, you can do it. We have guided many first-time trekkers to base camp successfully.

It is more challenging than short, low-elevation treks but generally easier than the very high routes like Everest Base Camp. The North Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a perfect balance—it’s rewarding and achievable for most active people.

You should be able to comfortably walk for 5-7 hours with a small daypack. Doing some cardio like jogging, cycling, or weekend treks in the months before your trip will make your experience much more enjoyable.

No, you do not need previous trekking experience. What you need is a good attitude and reasonable fitness. Our guide will be with you every step of the way to offer support and encouragement.

A guide is required and highly recommended. The trail is remote and not always clear. Going alone would be difficult and unsafe. With our guide and team, you can relax, stay safe, and fully enjoy the journey without any logistical worries.

You will first take a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, we take a shared jeep on a mountain road to Tatopani village. Tatopani is where we put on our boots and start the trekking part of your North ABC Trek.

Most days, we will walk for about 5 to 7 hours. We keep a steady, comfortable pace so you can enjoy the views. Some days are a bit shorter, and one or two might be longer, but we always plan to reach our camp with plenty of daylight left.

Not entirely. We return from Base Camp to Sandhi Kharka the same way. After that, we take a different, beautiful route out. We cross the Thulo Bugin Pass and descend to Lete village, which gives you new scenery to enjoy.

There is no full day without trekking, but our schedule is designed to go up slowly, which is the best way to acclimatize. We also have a relaxed morning at Base Camp to explore and take photos before heading down, which acts as a nice break.

We can sometimes make small changes if you ask us in advance. For example, you could take a flight to Pokhara to save a day. But we highly advise the entire 12 days plan. It allows your body time to get acclimatized to the altitude, and you do not miss out on any of the beautiful moments.

You need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card. These are standard for trekking in this region and help support the local area and trekker safety.

No, you do not need any special permit for the North Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The trail is in a conservation area, not a restricted zone, so the two standard permits are all that’s required.

It’s easy when you trek with us. We handle all the paperwork. Before you arrive, we’ll just ask for a copy of your passport and a photo. We’ll have your permits ready when you get to Kathmandu.

Yes, almost all travelers need a tourist visa. You can get it easily when you land at Kathmandu Airport. Just fill out a form, pay the fee in cash (about $50 for 30 days), and you’ll get your visa stamp. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six more months.

There is no strict age limit. We have had happy trekkers from teenagers to those in their 70s. The most important things are good health, reasonable fitness, and a positive spirit. Children should be accompanied by an adult.

Tipping is a polite means of appreciating the work of the team. It is not obligatory but much welcome. An average rule is around $80-100 on the guide and $40-60 on each carrier on the entire expedition, divided amongst your group. This can be provided in Nepali rupees at the end.

No, not at all. North Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a trekking trail. No special climbing gear such as crampons and ice axes are required. During normal seasons, all one needs is the good trekking boots and poles.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you’ll stay in comfortable hotels. On the trail, you’ll spend two nights in simple, friendly teahouses. The other nights, we will be camping in tents that we provide, set up in beautiful, quiet spots in nature.

Yes, for about five nights. After the first village, there are no more teahouses, so we need to camp. Our team sets up everything, and you’ll have a cozy tent, a warm sleeping mat, and a dining tent to enjoy meals together.

You’ll eat hearty, energy-giving meals. Dal Bhat is a traditional plate of rice, lentils, and veggies. Our cook also makes soups, pasta, and pancakes. In the cities, you can choose from many different restaurants.

Yes, but the water must be purified. Our team will boil and filter safe drinking water for you at every camp. Please bring a reusable bottle to fill up. We also recommend carrying purification tablets as a handy backup.

We can easily provide vegetarian meals. For vegan, gluten-free, or other specific diets, please tell us in advance. We will do our very best, but options can be limited in remote areas. Bringing some of your own favorite snacks is a good idea.

Please expect to be mostly offline. You might get a weak signal in the first and last villages, but there is no service at Base Camp or the high camps. Think of it as a wonderful chance to disconnect and fully immerse yourself in the mountains.

You can charge devices in the teahouses at the start and end of the trek, often for a small fee. During the camping nights, there is no electricity. We strongly recommend bringing a good power bank to keep your camera and phone charged for those days.

The local people speak Nepali. Our guides are also fluent in English, and thus, you will find it easy to communicate with our team. It is a pleasant way to bond with the people in the village by learning some Nepali words, such as Namaste (hello), and your guide may always assist you with translation.

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the most popular. These seasons have the clearest skies, the most beautiful views of mountains, and pleasant weather to walk. Spring is also blossoming with rhododendron flowers.

We do not recommend it. The monsoon (June-August) is rainy, leechy, and hazy. It is cold (Dec-Feb), and heavy snow, particularly in the high Pass. To be at the safest and most enjoyable, you would want to schedule your trek during spring or autumn.

Yes, because we pass over 4,000 meters, it might happen. We will have the trek up gradual, and that is the best precaution. The oxygen level of everyone will be monitored by our guide, and he has a device to check the oxygen levels. All you have to do is to drink as much water as you can and make sure to inform your guide at once in case you are feeling ill.

It is our main concern to take care of your safety. Our guide is equipped with first-aid. On the trail we can treat you in minor matters. When it comes down to anything serious, we will assist you in decreasing the altitude or a helicopter evacuation to a hospital. This is what makes good travel insurance so essential.

Yes, Nepal is a highly secure and hospitable nation to a solo female traveller, particularly in an organized trek. We have a professional and respectful team. We can also arrange a female guide to your trek, though you can inform us when you make your booking.

Yes, absolutely. In a serious emergency, we can call for a helicopter rescue from the mountains. We work with reputable companies to get you to a hospital quickly. Having insurance that covers this high-altitude evacuation is a mandatory part of booking your trek with us.

The key is layers! You’ll need clothes for warm days and very cold nights. Essentials are broken-in trekking boots, a warm down jacket, a waterproof shell, thermal layers, a good sleeping bag, a headlamp, and sunglasses. Don’t forget a water bottle and trekking poles—they are very helpful.

Yes, easily. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can rent or buy almost anything you need, like sleeping bags and down jackets, for a reasonable price. This is a great option if you don’t want to buy gear for one trip. We can help you find good rental shops.

Yes, you need your own warm sleeping bag for the camping nights. We provide the tent and a sleeping mat, but a good bag (rated to -10°C / 14°F) is essential for a cozy night’s sleep. You can rent one here if you don’t have one.

Each porter carries gear for two trekkers. We provide you with a duffel bag for your trekking clothes. Please try to keep it under 15 kg (33 lbs). You can safely leave any extra luggage or city clothes at your hotel in Kathmandu while we are on the trek.