North Annapurna Base Camp (Maurice Herzog Trek)

North Annapurna Base Camp Trek: The Maurice Herzog Trail

The North Annapurna Base Camp Trek, also known as the Maurice Herzog Trek, is a dream destination for trekking enthusiasts. This trail offers a safe and efficient route to the northern base camp of the iconic Annapurna Mountain, combining natural beauty with historical significance. It has rapidly gained popularity among local and international trekkers, shining a spotlight on a region that was once less explored.

Historical Significance and Naming

The trek is named after Maurice André Raymond Herzog, a legendary French mountaineer who became the first person to summit Annapurna on June 3, 1950. In 2019, the Annapurna Rural Municipality officially christened this route the “Maurice Herzog Trek” to honor his incredible achievement.

Accessibility and Growing Popularity

With the development of a road connecting Narchang village to Humkhola, the trek has become more accessible, allowing visitors to reach the trailhead within a single day. This improved connectivity has contributed to a surge in trekking activity, establishing the North Annapurna Base Camp as a must-visit destination.

Scenic Beauty and Immersive Experience

The trail meanders through the pristine Annapurna Conservation Area, following the tranquil banks of the Mistrikhola River. The breathtaking landscapes, from lush forests to alpine meadows, offer an immersive experience that captivates every adventurer.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Significant investments by the Ministry of Tourism and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) have enhanced the trekking experience. Modern infrastructure, including well-maintained footpaths, suspension bridges, rest areas, and shelters, ensures a comfortable journey. The Annapurna Rural Municipality has further upgraded these facilities, making the trek suitable for adventurers of all levels.

The Trekking Route

The journey begins at Narchang village, the gateway to the trek, situated along the 21-kilometer road from Myagdi to Humkhola. From Humkhola, the trek unfolds over approximately nine hours, revealing picturesque views of towering peaks and pristine lakes.

One of the highlights is a stop at Panchkund Lake (4,500 meters), a serene and scenic resting point located just an hour from the base camp. Finally, at the North Annapurna Base Camp (4,190 meters), trekkers are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of Annapurna’s northern face. Camping under the starry sky amidst these majestic surroundings is an unforgettable experience.

Why Choose the North Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

  • Historical and cultural richness: Trek in the footsteps of Maurice Herzog.
  • Natural splendor: Explore the untouched beauty of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
  • Accessible and safe: Well-developed infrastructure and a manageable trekking route.
  • Thrilling adventure: A perfect blend of challenge and reward for all trekking enthusiasts.

The North Annapurna Base Camp Trek is not just a journey but an adventure into the heart of the Himalayas. With its blend of history, natural beauty, and well-planned infrastructure, this trek promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Start planning your adventure today and explore the hidden gem of the Annapurna region!

Multi Adventure Tour

Embark on a thrilling multi-adventure tour that spans across the vibrant landscapes of Nepal, offering a rich tapestry of experiences through trekking, rafting, urban exploration, paragliding, and a jungle safari. The adventure begins with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a city that serves as the gateway to the country’s diverse regions. Connectivity is seamless with major cellular carriers like Ncell and Nepal Telecom providing reliable service throughout your stay.

Your adventure tour takes you first through the bustling streets of Kathmandu, where you’ll explore ancient temples, bustling markets, and historic landmarks. The city’s compact size means you’ll cover about 30-40 km during your tour, making it easy to soak in its rich culture and history within a day. The urban exploration is enhanced by WiFi availability in most tourist areas and accommodations.

Next, you drive approximately 200 km to Pokhara, a journey that includes an exhilarating rafting experience on the Trishuli River. The drive takes about 6-7 hours, with the rafting adventure adding a few more hours of thrill as you navigate serene gorges and cascading waters. Pokhara, known as the haven of lakes, welcomes you with its iconic Phewa Lake and the sacred Barahi Temple, accessible only by boat. The city’s vibrant landscape, dotted with monuments, museums, and caves, offers plenty of WiFi hotspots and robust cellular coverage.

From Pokhara, a trek to the enchanting hills of Dhampus awaits. This trek covers about 20 km over two days, offering mesmerizing views of radiant blooms and the majestic Annapurna Himalayan range. The trek is followed by another 15 km trek to Sarangkot, a vantage point known for its breathtaking sunrise views. The early morning light touching the peaks of the Annapurna range is a sight to behold, and paragliding from Sarangkot provides a bird’s-eye view of Pokhara’s beauty, making for an unforgettable experience.

Continuing your adventure tour, a drive of approximately 150 km takes you to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its biodiversity. The drive takes around 5-6 hours, and the park offers a thrilling jeep safari. This safari brings you face-to-face with wildlife such as the one-horned rhinoceros, deer, monkeys, and possibly even the majestic royal Bengal tiger. The park’s cellular connectivity is decent, ensuring you can stay connected even in the heart of the jungle.

After your adventures in Chitwan, you drive back to Kathmandu, a journey of around 170 km that takes about 5-6 hours. This final leg of your adventure tour allows you to reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had across Nepal’s diverse landscapes. The trip culminates with your departure from Tribhuvan International Airport, leaving you with memories of a lifetime.

Hindu Pilgrim Tour

Nestled within its landlocked borders, Nepal boasts a rich tapestry of topographical diversity. Across its varied terrain, diverse communities uphold unique practices of religion, lifestyle, language, culture, and tradition.

With over eighty percent of its populace adhering to Hinduism, Nepal stands as a bastion of Hindu faith. Renowned worldwide, the country’s abundance of temples and Hindu shrines, particularly in its capital city Kathmandu, has earned it the moniker “City of Temples.” A pilgrimage tour through Nepal offers a profound exploration of Hinduism’s sacred sites, including the revered Pashupatinath Temple, nestled along the banks of the holy Bagmati River.

Among the most revered temples is Muktinath, situated in Mustang district. This sacred site draws Hindu pilgrims from far and wide, with trekkers descending upon it after traversing the challenging Thorong La pass. Notably, in 2018, the Indian Prime Minister paid homage to this revered temple. Likewise, the Manakamana Temple in Gorkha district, dedicated to the Goddess, holds deep spiritual significance, with devotees believing that prayers offered here fulfill their deepest desires.

As the world’s oldest living religion, Hinduism finds its most fervent practitioners in Nepal and India. Unlike other faiths, Hinduism lacks a single founder or scriptural authority. Instead, its rich tapestry is woven with the teachings of numerous revered figures who imparted diverse philosophies and authored spiritual texts. With its roots tracing back through millennia, Hinduism’s teachings continue to resonate in modern times, providing profound insights into the human condition. According to Hindu mythology, humanity has traversed through three epochs, or Yugas, with the present era being the Kali Yuga.

Central to Hindu belief is the concept of reincarnation, driven by the immutable law of Karma. This Sanskrit term denotes the consequences of one’s actions, whether virtuous acts aligned with Dharma or transgressions against it. Thus, embarking on a Hindu pilgrim tour is a spiritual odyssey, encompassing a journey to the heart of Hinduism’s most sacred shrines.