12-Day Annapurna North Base Camp Trek via the Historic French Route

12 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Follow the historic French Route on a demanding 12-day trek to Annapurna North Base Camp, a remote and lesser-known trail in the Annapurna region. This journey...

Duration: 12 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Included · Premium · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Pokhara, Kathmandu, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Tatopani · Languages: English

About Annapurna

Nepal

Annapurna

Get a local guide to help plan your treks around the Annapurna Himal; an area of jagged peaks and chiseled summits that forms the heart of the Nepalese Himalayas, reigning as one of the world’s top hiking destinations.

Explore Annapurna Nepal All destinations

What's Included

Meals in Cities: Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara are not included.
Personal Expenses: Charges for battery use, laundry, phone calls, and hot showers during the trek.
Trekking Gear: Personal trekking clothing and equipment, such as sleeping bags and climbing shoes.
Additional Personal Costs: Drinks, bar bills, and other personal purchases.
Domestic Flights: Flight tickets between Kathmandu and Pokhara are not included.
Insurance: Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation and rescue must be arranged separately.
Entrance Fees: Fees for donations and monument entrances during the trek are excluded.
Tips: Gratuities for the guide, porters, and other staff members are not included but are appreciated.

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Trek Briefing

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft) Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Marvel Treks. You will be transferred to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle. After check-in, you may either rest or visit the office for a detailed briefing about the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek and trip preparations. Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Pokhara (822 m / 2,696 ft) After an early breakfast, begin your scenic drive to Pokhara by tourist bus, which takes approximately 7-8 hours. The journey follows the picturesque Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, offering views of terraced hills, rivers, and rural settlements. For those preferring a quicker option, a domestic flight (approx. 25 minutes) can be arranged at an additional cost. Accommodation: 3-Star HotelMeals: BreakfastDuration: 7-8 hoursDistance: 205 km Day 3: Drive from Pokhara (822 m) to Tatopani (1,243 m) and Trek to Upper Narchyang (2,140 m / 7,020 ft) After breakfast in Pokhara, drive to Tatopani by local transport. Tatopani is renowned for its natural hot springs along the Kali Gandaki River. If time allows, you may enjoy a relaxing dip either today or on the return journey. From Tatopani, the trek officially begins, following a gradual trail to Narchyang Village and onward to Upper Narchyang. Accommodation: Tea HouseMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDuration: 4-5 hours Day 4: Trek from Upper Narchyang (2,140 m) to Chhotepa (2,369 m / 7,772 ft) Today marks the transition from teahouse trekking to camping. Upper Narchyang is the last settlement with permanent accommodation. The trail to Chhotepa is demanding, featuring steep ascents, grassy slopes, stone steps, and river crossings at Lekhgaun, Ghalemdi, and Mristi Khola. Overnight stay will be in a fully supported tented camp. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDuration: 7-8 hoursDistance: 14 km Day 5: Trek from Chhotepa (2,369 m) to Sandhi Kharka (3,165 m / 10,383 ft) After breakfast, trek towards Sandhi Kharka. The trail passes through pristine wilderness, featuring waterfalls, streams, and the scenic settlement of Humkhola. This section offers outstanding mountain solitude and dramatic landscapes. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 9 km Day 6: Trek from Sandhi Kharka (3,165 m) to Annapurna North Base Camp (4,190 m / 13,746 ft) The most awaited day of the trek. Today's challenging ascent leads you to Annapurna North Base Camp, following a rugged trail with gradual uphill sections. Upon arrival, enjoy spectacular close-up views of Annapurna's northern face and surrounding glaciers. Your experienced Marvel Treks guide will select the safest and most scenic campsite. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDuration: 7-8 hoursDistance: 10 km Day 7: Trek from Annapurna North Base Camp (4,190 m) to Sandhi Kharka (3,165 m) Spend the morning exploring the base camp area, surrounded by towering peaks such as Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri. After soaking in the dramatic Himalayan scenery, descend back to Sandhi Kharka. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDuration: 7-8 hoursDistance: 10 km Day 8: Trek from Sandhi Kharka (3,165 m) to Thulo Bugin (3,500 m / 11,482 ft) Today's trek takes you through beautiful rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and small mountain streams. During spring, the trail is especially colorful with blooming wildflowers. Wildlife sightings are also possible along this route. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDuration: 6-7 hours Day 9: Trek from Thulo Bugin (3,500 m) to Lete (2,010 m / 6,594 ft) After breakfast, trek downhill towards Lete, crossing Thulo Bugin Pass, one of the high points of the journey. Depending on time, fitness, and interest, an optional side hike to Titi Lake may be possible. Continue descending through forested trails to Lete. Accommodation: Tea HouseMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDuration: 6-7 hours Day 10: Drive from Lete (2,010 m) to Pokhara (822 m) Your trekking adventure concludes today with a scenic jeep drive back to Pokhara. On a clear day, enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna range during the drive. Upon arrival, you may explore Phewa Lake, enjoy boating, or sample local cuisine. Accommodation: 3-Star HotelMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerDuration: 4-5 hoursDistance: 122 km Day 11: Drive from Pokhara (822 m) to Kathmandu (1,400 m) After breakfast, return to Kathmandu by tourist bus. The drive follows the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers, passing lively towns such as Damauli, Dumre, and Mugling. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Spend your final evening shopping or exploring Thamel. Accommodation: 3-Star HotelMeals: BreakfastDuration: 7-8 hoursDistance: 205 km Day 12: Final Departure / Onward Journey According to your flight schedule, Marvel Treks will arrange airport transfer approximately three hours before departure. If you have extra time, optional sightseeing or extension trips can be organized. Meals: Breakfast