North Annapurna Base Camp in Monsoon: Complete Guide to the Maurice Herzog Trail
When most trekkers think of Nepal during the monsoon (June to August), they imagine mud-soaked paths, leech-infested woods, and views blocked by heavy clouds. While classic routes suffer from heavy downpours, a rugged sanctuary remains accessible: The North Annapurna Base Camp (North ABC), also known as the Maurice Herzog Trail.
Trekking from Narchyang in the Myagdi region, this trail offers raw landscapes, roaring waterfalls, turquoise glacial lakes, and an unforgettable journey to the original 1950 base camp of Annapurna I (8,091m).
What Makes the North Annapurna Base Camp Unique?
Unlike the legendary South Annapurna Sanctuary trek (which goes via Ghandruk and Chhomrong), the North ABC route leads to the historic original base camp. This is where French mountaineer Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal first stood in 1950 after conquering Annapurna I (8,091m) making it the very first 8,000-meter peak ever summited in human history.
Starting from Narchyang village in Myagdi, this trail winds through steep river canyons, high alpine meadows, and glacier-fed rivers straight to the northern wall of Annapurna I.
Quick Trek Facts & Overview
Trek Duration: 5 to 7 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Maximum Elevation: 4,190 meters (North ABC)
Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Starting Point: Narchyang / Humkhola (Myagdi District)
Permits Required: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) & TIMS Card
Accommodation: Community Homestays, Basic Lodges, and Shelters
Visual Journey & Map
1. Trailhead & Route Planning
Before starting your hike from Narchyang, the official trekking board maps out the entire Maurice Herzog Trail, highlighting stops from Tatopani to Humkhola, Bhusketmela, and North ABC.
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| Official trekking map of the Maurice Herzog Trail at Narchyang. |
2. Crossing Suspension Bridges Over Mistri Khola
The trek begins alongside the roaring Mistri Khola river. Cable and traditional wooden suspension bridges adorned with Tibetan prayer flags cross the turquoise waters.
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| Wooden suspension bridge draped in prayer flags over the Mistri Khola. |
3. Roaring Waterfalls and Canyon Gorge
Monsoon rainfall activates heavy water cascades along the route. Natural waterfalls cut through steep granite cliffs inside the narrow river canyon.
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Waterfalls cascading through steep rocky gorges along the trail.
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4. Rugged River Valley Path
Moving higher up the canyon, the foot trail passes thin alpine birch trees and rocky paths hugging the glacial riverbeds.
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| Walking along the rocky canyon path toward the high Himalayas. |
5. High Alpine Pastures and Herds
In summer and monsoon, high pastures turn vibrant green. Local sheep herds graze around rustic stone shelters nestled against misty slopes.
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| High alpine pastures alive with grazing sheep herds and basic shelters. |
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Emerald slopes dotted with summer wildflowers under cloud cover.
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6. Rustic Teahouses with Mountain Views
Lodge settlements along the trail feature traditional stone construction with blue and red roofs, providing shelter beneath snow-dusted peaks.
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Teahouses along the trail offering mountain views.
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7. Sacred Pancha Kunda Lake (4,050m)
Directly below the North Face sits Pancha Kunda (Diki Chho) Lake. Its turquoise glacial water stands out sharply against the rugged surrounding moraines.
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| The turquoise waters of sacred Pancha Kunda Lake at 4,050m. |
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Reflections of high cliffs on the surface of Pancha Kunda.
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8. Reaching North Annapurna Base Camp (4,190m)
A signboard decorated with prayer flags marks entry into the North ABC plateau, situated directly beneath Annapurna I.
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| Welcome signboard at North Annapurna Base Camp (4,190m). |
9. High Altitude Base Camp Tents
Because teahouse infrastructure is minimal at the base camp plateau, overnight stays rely on expedition tents set up on the rocky moraine ground.
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Expedition tents pitched directly under the Annapurna wall.
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10. Glacial Moraines and Surrounding Peaks
The upper sections feature wide moraine fields framed by high rocky walls and glacier-capped ridges.
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Glacial moraine landscape leading toward the high peaks.
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Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary (Monsoon Route)
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara to Narchyang (1,300m, 8-9 hours drive)
Drive along the Prithvi Highway passing Tatopani to reach Narchyang village. Overnight at a local homestay.
Day 2: Narchyang to Humkhola (Drive), Trek to Sandharka / Bhusket Mela (2,800m, 4-5 hours hike)
Off-road jeep ride along Mistri Khola, followed by a hike through green monsoon forests and river canyons. Overnight at a community shelter.
Day 3: Sandharka to Pancha Kunda & North Annapurna Base Camp (4,190m, 5-6 hours hike)
Ascend through alpine pastures and glacial moraines, visit Pancha Kunda lake, and reach North ABC. Overnight at tented camp / shelter.
Day 4: Exploration at North ABC, Descend to Humkhola & Drive to Narchyang (6-7 hours total)
Enjoy morning mountain views, hike down the canyon to catch a jeep back to Narchyang, and visit Tatopani natural hot springs.
Day 5: Narchyang to Pokhara & Kathmandu (8-9 hours drive)
Return drive to Pokhara and Kathmandu.
How to Reach the Trailhead
Kathmandu to Pokhara: Take an early morning tourist bus (7-8 hours) or a 25-minute flight.
Pokhara to Tatopani / Narchyang: Drive via Beni along the Mustang highway to reach Narchyang village.
Narchyang to Humkhola: Local 4WD jeeps drive up the hydro-project access road to Humkhola, where the foot trail begins.
Accommodation & Cost Breakdown
Accommodation in Narchyang is based around local homestays offering traditional Nepali meals. Further along the trail and at Base Camp, accommodation switches to basic stone shelters and tented camps (bring a sleeping bag rated to -5°C).
Budget Breakdown:
Transportation (Buses & 4WD): NPR 6,000 – 10,000 ($45 – $75)
Food & Lodging (Per Day): NPR 2,000 – 3,000 ($15 – $25)
Guide Fees (Per Day): NPR 2,500 – 3,500 ($20 – $30)
Permits (ACAP & TIMS): Minimal / Free for Nepalis, ~$25 – $30 for Foreigners
Total Estimated Budget: NPR 15,000 – 22,000 for local Nepalis, USD $250 – $400 for foreigners
Essential Monsoon Packing List
Rain Gear: GORE-TEX jacket, waterproof pants, dry bags for electronics, backpack rain cover.
Footwear: Waterproof boots with deep lug soles and synthetic quick-dry socks.
Protection: Salt pouches or leech-proof socks for forest paths.
Gear: Trekking poles, headlamp, first-aid kit, water purification tablets, and a 3-season sleeping bag.
Safety & Local Guide Advice
Trekking North ABC in the monsoon requires route awareness due to rain and swollen streams.
Hire a Local Guide: Certified guides from Narchyang know safe river crossings and trail variations.
Early Starts: Start daily hikes by 5:00 AM to cover ground before afternoon rain clouds gather.
Final Verdict
The North Annapurna Base Camp monsoon trek offers quiet trails, fresh alpine greenery, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes. Equipped with proper rain gear and a local guide, it remains one of Nepal's most rewarding offbeat trekking routes.
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