NABC (NORTH ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP)
TREK:
(WRITTEN BY PREM RAI)
NABC (North Annapurna Base Camp) or Maurice Herzog
trek is a “Hidden-Treasure” with a great
value that only few diligent and manful workers may able to dig up it. There
are particular places on the earth, where you get the energies of positive,
transformative and healing. You definitely gain all these energies by walking
this trail. Annapurna-I (8091 meters) was climbed for the first time on 3 June
1950 by the French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lacahenal and they did it
from the northeast face.
Maurice Herzog trail; as well as being important for
wildlife and a hub-zone for medicinal plants like – lichen species, salep
orchid, cordiceps sinensis, paris polyphylla, kutki, nirmansi and betula utilis
(Himalayan birch) tree etc. It is said in the ancient era sages used to write
scripts on the bark of betula utilis.
It is a real adventure and isolated nature of
natures. Clockwise; the trail up to thulo Bukin is Godly made amphitheatre -
where the snow-clad mighty Himalayas dramatize themselves including the whole
range of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Fang and the mysterious valleys in
the south. And you see the most impressive face to face view of Dhaulagiri!
After many ascent and descent on the grassy steep,
you will enter the deep gorge of Mristikhola; I call it “waterfalls-gorge”.
Walking up to the wide range of moraine and come to see the pure glacial lake
of Diki Cho. There are three different base camps of NABC and hugely deposited
icefall scenery including the rock-noir wall, Annapurna I, Tilicho peak and
Nilgiries give you the real feelings of a different planet.
Descending in the Mristikhola gorge “waterfalls-gorge” is an extra
challenging (especially after the confluence of Humkhola and Mristikhola or
between Humkhola Dovan and Narchyang). Other hands you will be speechless before
the joyous waterfalls, lush greenery forest and the delightful landscapes.
Trail condition between Humkhola Dovan and up to
NABC is easy and well maintained. Let’s hope till Nov – Dec of 2018, the
Nilgiri hydro project will bring the dirt road to here, then you will have
better chance to trek to NABC.
Doing this trek; you have to know the best timing or
season, because it’s impossible to trek whole round the year due to the heavy
snow fall and may block the path. I can say, it’s good time to trek mid. Sept.
- mid. Oct. and first week of May - mid. June (you have to take the current
information, if the snow is totally melted). Also just after monsoon is over;
most of the wooden bridges are swept, so you have to hire strong supporters who
will able make instant bridge for the group being involved with.
The guide and supporters must be well experienced.
At least 50 meters of climbing rope, light-crampons and ice-axe are compulsory
to have with you in-case. It is totally recommended for camping trek yet. It
depends on the length of your vacation; if you will have shorter visit can only
do the water-falls valley trek. But, you have to make sure about well
acclimatized. Total distance of this trail is 63 kilometers.
I was told about the waterfalls-valley -there is a
plan made to build some community lodges to support prabha ma vi school of
Narchyang. To get detailed information can contact CMC (conservation management
committee) chairperson Mr. Tej Gurung at Narchyang village. His mobile nr: +977
9857622133.
I’ve done this research on my own (Prems Nepal Trek) expenses. I was accompanied by
Pawan Magar Pithakoti (one of my agency guides) and Jwaharlal Tulachan as a
local guide from Jhipradeurali Mustang. Mr. Tulachan is well experienced about
the trail between Jhipradeurali and ANBC. His mobile nr: +977 9847711086.
Note:
Time duration I have mentioned here below is only "Walking-Time"
an extra break time, count yourself.
Pokhara to Tatopani (hot spring)
1200 meters (5-6 hrs approx)
Drive with jeep or bus to Tatopani and by evening
take a natural bath in the hot-spring! It definitely makes sense to relax and
energize your body before tough climbing the mountains. Or I can say it would
even be better to spend two nights at Tatopani.
Tatopani to Kalopani/Lete 2535
meters (2 -3 hrs drive)
Kalopani/Lete is a beautiful place to spend over
night, where you can view the sunset/sunrise at the Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche
peak, Nilgiries and Annapurna-I. I love to stay at See You Lodge with good
food, neat and clean rooms and nice people.
Kalopani/Lete to Jhipradeurali
2502 meters (1.5 hrs)
You start it, at See You Lodge, turn right on the
road and walk for 2 min. to the water fountain, turn left and continue walking
a min. just near the electric pole with red/white NATT
signals.
Here, turn left entering the pine forest, in 3 – 4 min. you will come to join
the NATT
trail, turn right to follow it for 19 min. will reach at the trail junction,
continue further through a little settlement, and again hike in the forest for
11 min. come near a little field with green houses. Now, you slightly turn left
to descend at the suspension bridge 2404 meters, will take 7 min. cross it and
6 min. later you will reach at the trail junction of Chhoyo village 2409
meters. Turn right, walk 3 -4 min. to cross a suspension bridge, after it turn
left and follow the river bed trail in the pine forest for 26 min. Then turn
right to climb up 6 min. reaching the water fountain of first village of
Jhipradeurali, now you turn right to continue walking another 4 min. to the
Annapurna Lodge and restaurant 2479 meters (near the school) with 4 basic rooms
and 8-12 beds.
You walk on the rural dirt road for 20 min. to the
last house of the village 2502 meters and just after this house you will branch
left, soon you come to a trail junction, take a left to continue to Maurice
Herzog trail.
In 5 -6 min. you reach the empty field (kind of
meadow) 2494 meters. The trail is a bit confusing in the beginning you should
take it right side for few min. and descend through, soon you will cross this
field, now you have to bend left direction and go straight about 22 min. You
will arrive at a little chautari 2490 meters. Another 10 min. walk to the last
point of the meadow 2501 meters, entering the pine forest trail passing through
a high cliff and come to grassy steep, descent in the bamboo forest to Bhutar
Khola (2435 meters) took us 18 min. There is no bridge, in dry season no need
it and normally temporary wooden bridge is set by shepherds or villagers. For
the camp you are heading; need to bring water to cook from here minimum 3 ltr
each of you.
Now, you start climbing the huge steep in the bamboo
and rhododendron forest. In 1.5 hrs come at a little sitting place 3092 meters.
Another 1.5 hrs to Khalkyu Camp (in Thakali language it is called
water-pasture) but an interesting thing there no water indeed! It is a nice
camp site with the view of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak and the deep valley below.
In the past seasonally piping water was provided to drink but it's destroyed
with fire.
Take a walk along the bushy ridge with breath-taking
view! After 40 min. straightly steep up 3577 meters, turn left in the bamboo
forest, do walk some flat and gently descent for 10 – 12 m. and reach to a
little cave on left side 3562 meters.
Oh, again you climb on the grassy steep of
Dhadkharka for 1.6 to 2 hrs. to get the ridge with a little shelter spot for
shepherds 3846 meters.
The view of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak and the valley
below is truly stunning! And the main attraction is you just standing face to
face view at Dhaulagiri – I never seen such a massively spectacular face of
this mountain and its icefall!
Continue 10 min. along the ridge and slightly bend
left, reaching the metal railings and you start the danger zone 3886 meters and
it ends at the little pass with a deurali (pile of rocks) and nice cave 4112
meters. Where, there are 5 – 6 people may sleep in.
As Jwaharlal says; where there is fresh snow or ice,
it's danger to cross, because it's located on the northern (shadow) side, so
the snow takes more time to get melted and of course this grassy steep path
took us 1 hour. Also he says – there were 3 people (one local porter, Sherpa
guide and a Korean tourist) died while crossing it.
Villagers have set metal railings almost 2 km. long
but some parts of it destroyed from the avalanches. As long as there is no snow
or ice; it's not that difficult, 2 – 3 meters wide path and not so much climb.
But while there is snow, take it serious and in case of staying at the cave no
water is available.
Continue to the view point of Thulo-Bukin, follow
the same ridge, and gently bend left, 15 – 20 min. later you will come at
salt-feeding spot for sheep with many stone plates and there is a kind of
shrine, standing rock pillars, couple of min. further there is a camp site 4292
meters, temporary shelters, even you can land helicopter if necessary. No,
water – if someone is experienced can bring from few hundred meters below (west
side).
While weather is clear – views are mind blowing, see
all the snow clad mountains as I mentioned an earlier including Narcheng
village, Ghorepani, Poonhill, Mohore etc.
Now, turn left and take a hike just few meters below
the shelter, in 6 min. you come at the ridge and walk always westside and 5 –
10 meters below the edge of this ridge. While there is fresh snow would be so
slippery. Keep going 10 – 12 min. reaching the corner 4251 meters, turn left
(don't try right even it looks like a trail) an easy climb on grassy slope for
5 min. and walk flat about 8 – 10 min. arrive to a sitting spot at another
corner 4291 meters. Again take a left gradually climb 5 – 7 min. come at the chautari 4316 meters, slightly bend left
and straightly climb up, in a min. will reach shelter spot, continue 10 – 15
min. to the ridge (top of landslide) 4373 meters. At this point, you turn right
just above this landslide and climb in the direction of Annapurna-I, in next 10
min. you will cross the Sandanda Pass 4419 meters.
Hike on Nepali-flat to Khanya Kharka 4395 meters for
15 min, nice camping site with shepherd shelter spots without water. Jwaharlal
and Pawan foud four pieces of yarsagumba (cordyseps sinensis). You continue
walking at the same elevation through the grassy steep for 15 – 20 min, and
then you gently start to descend about 10 min, cross a small landslide 4243
meters, soon you are at Humkhola Camp (Nilgiri South Base Camp) 4232 meters. This
is a beautiful campsite, water can bring from the nearest Khola. You can set
many tents if necessary. The surrounding mountains and the valleys in the south
are just amazing. Sometime Nilgiri south expedition team climbs from this point
as well.
Humkhola Camp (Nilgiri South Base
Camp) to Mristi Khola Camp 3543 meters (7.6 hrs)
Now, everyone has to take serious that you are going
to walk a very difficult path; after 3 min. you cross Humkhola-I 4216 meters,
now turn right and start one of the most difficult trail along the edge of a
huge grassy cliff and after 30 min. descent reach at Humkhola-II (middle) 4116
meters. Make sure before; if it is crossable yet or not? Until this book is
written there is no bridge, you always should bring minimum of 50 meters rope in
case, in a minute you cross Humkhola-III and climb 15 min. to the little
landslide 4173 meter. Again, 10 min. climb, come to shelter spot 4203 meters.
Do continue hike on flat for 10 – 15 min. cross landslide area 4222 meters,
reaching the next ridge (Tanamche Kharka) 4254 meters in 10 min. There is
emergency campsite, no water.
Now, go ahead about 25 – 30 meters flat, slightly
turn left and climb on grassy steep for 15 min. and then turn right, easy climb
to come behind the grassy ridge, walk 8 – 10 min. cross a minor landslide, keep
going straight for 4 min. cross a larger landslide 4347 meters. Be careful
there are many loose rocks, steep and narrow path about 30 meters long.
7 min. later you will pass by a small cave and soon
you start crossing many minor landslides area – will take 30 – 40 min. 4445
meters, then climb steep to Fanche Pass 4501 meters, took us 20 min. This is a
large pasture for sheep with shelter spots, campsite without water, if you know
the spring its somewhere down 1 hr round trip.
Continue 7 min. to the last shelter 4517 meters and
then easy descent to the next grassy ridge 4441 meters in 22 min. There you see
4 small pillars of two feet height stones put as trail signals. You need to
consider is; from here don't go right or left but straightly go ahead behind
the grassy steep and try to follow the rock signals. You always keep descending
more to the left direction, 40 – 50 min. later you reach at Ragate Odar (blood-cave)
4339 meters, where can sleep 5/8 people. Water can bring from the nearest
river.
Still descent another 10 – 15 min. cross Ragate
khola 4264 meters, no bridge jump rock to rock, walk 5 min. on grassy real flat
of Ragate campsite, again cross side river, 7 – 8 min. flat hike and cross an
easy landslide, soon you come to the ridge of Phulbaridanda 4238 meters. Now,
do not turn right or left, just directly descent on other side, it is very
steep and difficult, while getting down can grab grasses sometime. 25 – 30 min.
later you reach at the bottom of the huge cliff 4105 meters, where you see few
rocks as trail signal. Another hour difficult descent in the bushy and rocky
trail to reach the edge of Phulbari (right above the huge cliff) 3846 meters.
Just before this cave you descent about 8 min. to
Mristi Khola 3514 meters, where the trail connects with the trail leading from
Tatopani or Narchyang. Now, turn left and follow the right bank of the river
for couple of min. cross the wooden bridge 3509 meters and continue an easy
climb along the left bank for 12 min. to campsite of Mristi Khola, there is a
newly built Thanti (shelter) 3543 meters. Where, there are at least 20 people
can sleep in, water available from the nearest river.
Mristi Khola Camp to NABC-I
(Thadokhola) 3962 meters (1.96 hrs)
25 – 30 min. an easy climb, cross a landslide area
3626 meters, in another hour will cross Thadokhola a side river 3841 meters, no
bridge need to find the dry rocks to jump on. Continue 25 min. just near the
river turn right from the main trail and few min. climb on moraine and reach
the campsite 3962 meters. The expedition team of Annapurna-I climbs from this
point as well. There are few rocks piles as shrines around the camping site.
NABC-I (Thadokhola) to NABC (Diki
Cho Lake) 4041 meters (50 min.)
Now, turn left and continue walking on the huge moraine
trail to the beginning point of the Diki Cho Lake for 45 – 50 min. The campsite
is just before crossing the lake and a newly built toilet. Well, there is another
campsite just below the temple also, normally you are not allowed to camp here
and it makes sense not to camp near by the temple and right above the lake. The
main source of this lake is hugely deposited icefall of Annapurna-I, Rock-noir
wall and Tilicho peak.
NABC (Diki Cho Lake) to NABC
(New) 4173 meters (1.18 hrs)
If you are interested seeing the lake more to the
north-east corner, then start below the temple and continue alongside of it for
10 – 15 min. and climb a little view point 4045 meters. Now, you see a real
mysterious lake of melting-cracking and breaking sound of the solid-ice!! Now
do not proceed your hike, just turn back couple of min. and turn right to climb on rocky steep for 10
– 15 min. and will connect with the main trail, turn right to continue another
10 – 15 min. cross a stream 4136 meters (until mid-day there is nearly no
water, after mid-day it will be a large khola with lots of dark water, because
the melted ice-water of Tilicho peak arrives here lately). 4 min. later you
will pass by a pile of rock 4158 meters, turn slightly right and walk on sandy
flat about 20 min. to the corner 4173 meters. Where, there are some rock piles
as shrines with some flags, this is safest newly built campsite for Annapurna-I
expedition team. Water can bring from the nearest stream. Views are Annapurna-I
and Rock-noir wall, Nilgiri, Tilicho peak and to see the valley below including
the Lake need to climb the ridge some min. extra.
NABC (New) to Namaste Odar (Cave)
4273 meters (25 min.)
Less than 10 min. walk from the campsite, turn left
and climb on the grassy slope to get the cave at the ridge will take next 15
min. tough climbing. While you reached this rock, still the cave is behind so
you have to turn right and go there. If there is no fresh snow, you easily can
see plastic bags, can and whisky bottles. 3 people max can sleep in it. Views
are amazing to see the Annapurna-I and its icefall, Tilicho peak, Nilgiri, Diki
Cho Lake and the valley.
Namaste Odar (Cave) to NABC (Old)
4303 meters (16 min.)
After 6 min. walked you will join the trail comes
from NABC (New) and continue another 10 min. to NABC (Old) 43030 meters. In
fact old one is more beautiful and wider camping ground with the massive
icefall and glacier view just in-front of you, the Annapurna-I, Rock-noir wall,
Tilicho, Nilgiries and the valley in the west-south.
This base camp used for many years. Unfortunately
13/14 years ago a massive avalanche fallen from Tilicho Himal and destroyed
more than half of it. Good news is no one was killed. So you cannot use this
spot anymore for camping. There are many memorial plates written in the names
of who died during the climb the Annapurna-I. Water is available from the
nearest stream. There is a helipad in case of emergency. The large part of the
ground (campsite) is about to fall down as you clearly see the big cracks! Be careful
not to go to the edge. If you go directly from NABC (New) to NABC (Old) will
take 25 – 30 min. in maximum.
NABC (Old) to Mristi Khola Camp
3543 meters (2.83 hrs)
Descending down NABC (Old) to NABC (New) takes 15
min. then to the lake of Diki Cho about 30 min. Continue to the trail junction
of NABC (I) nearby the river will take 25 – 30 min. and exactly 20 min. descent
at Thadokhola 3851 meters. To Mristi Khola Camp 1.25 hrs.
Mristi Khola Camp to Humkhola
Dovan 2909 meters (4.5 hrs)
Easy descents to the bridge come along the right
bank of the river and continue 25 – 30 min. to cross a landslide area 3450
meters. Walk 5 min. cross again a minor landslide, 3 min. later come to a
confluence of two rivers with beautiful waterfall view 3413 meters and you
cross the side river. Go ahead 5 min. you will cross a larger landslide area
and right above can see Jharal or Himalayan thar by chance. 10 – 12 min. later
cross an old landslide, in 7 – 8 min. another landslide area 3344 meters and watch
out of stone may fall down. Soon you will come to a beautiful place of Chattane
Jharna with a high-waterfall view on other side of the river 3324 meters. But
do not stay here for a long time, because if there is fresh snowfall over high
mountains may easily slide down to here as avalanches. Continue 8 – 10 min.
further at landslide area and can see another waterfall. In 15 – 20 min. you
will enter the good smelling pine forest trail high above the river 3264
meters. And then 25 – 30 min. easy descent to come at the bottom of a huge cliff
(chattane chhahara or rock water spring), where you get purely natural taste of
water dripping out of it and you can use it for cooking, in fact we prepared
lunch with it, 3209 meters. 
Now, walk along this cliff-bottom for 15 min. and
cross the wooden bridge over Mristi Khola of Salleridanda 3201 meters, follow
on the left bank, few min. later will reach at a place where can set tents under
the trees. 12 min. walk in the bamboo and pine forest, you pass by a little Cave
3203 meters, soon you descent to the river takes 15 – 18 min. and cross a
suspension bridge over Futfute jharna 3126 meters with the most amazing view of
waterfall!
Keep walking 10 min. just above the river and climb
steep up in the dense bamboo forest, come to a beautiful Gunrase chautara 3152
meters took us 25 min. Flat hike 2 min. and descent steep in the forest for 16
min. reaching a minor landslide and follow it couple of min. till the
suspension bridge 3039 meters, just after this bridge there is a nice Cave
(Gunrase Odar) 3042 meters,
5 – 7 people can sleep in. Now turn right and continue 40 – 45 min. to the
confluence of Mristi and Humkhola (it called Humkhola Dovan) 2909 meters.
According to the master plan of CMC (conservation
management committee) of Narchyang; they suppose to build community lodges
along the Mristikhola (Water-falls) valley to support shree prabha ma vi school
of the village and one of the lodges is going to build at this point too.
Now, as you descending; continue walking left bank
of the river, don't cross the wooden bridge just at the right side (also not to
cross it while coming up). 10 – 15 min. later come to Nigale Odar (Bamboo Cave) 2883 meters, no
water but can bring it from the nearest spring.
Still, need to descend 15 min. near the river and
starts difficult hike on rock to rock another 10 – 15 min. and cross a wooden
bridge 2787 meters. Few min. later come to a Cave just nearby the river, now you climb up for 10 – 15 min. and it
begins (2774 meters) the most difficult part of Mahabhir trail passing through
the high cliff and far above the river and it ends at 2843 meters, took us 30
min. Keep going the slippery trail in the forest for 1.33 hrs and reach at a Mahabhir
Odar (Cave) 2668 meters. About 5 –
6 people can sleep in it. Water can bring from the nearest stream. As Mr. Tej
Gurung said; there is a camping site under trees just 10 – 15 min. further up
(while you come from Narchyang side), we could not realize it while we were
coming down in the dark! And he says there is water spring somewhere near.
Few min. walk and cross a water stream, 10 min. in
the dense forest and turn right to climb up, soon cross a monsoon stream in 10
min. 2627 meters, go down and cross two little streams in 8 min. 2585 meters.
Continue descending in the bamboo forest for 25 min. and step-down a slippery
wooden ladder 2525 meters, in next 4 min. you will cross a suspension bridge
over the Mristikhola 2507 meters.
18 min. in the bamboo forest and come to a point to
see a high waterfall (especially just after monsoon) 2478 meters. Again 15 min.
in the forest and cross the wooden bridge 2448 meters, 6 min. after it, there
is a ground can set tents under high trees 2422 meters (in dry season is good),
water can bring from the river. 5 – 7 min. gentle descent to a huge Cave (Chhotepa Odar) 2400 meters just
above the river and it is always dry place, where at least 10 - 15 people can sleep
at once. While coming down, it is situated at left side few seconds to step
there from the trail.
20 min. walking in the dense bamboo forest and you
come to see the best waterfall view of Dovan Jharna 2328 meters. Immediately
descent at a difficult wooden ladder and slippery cliff! Continue 15 – 20 min.
in the bamboo forest, see again a wonderful waterfall and cross a wooden bridge
2257 meters. 8 min. walk to cross a wooden bridge over upper Kalokhola (tallo
mahabhir jharna); unfortunately it was destroyed by the monsoon and we had to
jump rock to rock. The waterfall view is breath taking!
Now, walk Nepali flat about 30 min. in the dense
forest and climb steep up for 30 – 40 min. 2430 meters, again couple of min.
flat hike and climb up 15 min. 2436 meters. Some descent and ascent for 15 min.
and cross tallo Kalokhola (lower Kalokhola) 2434 meters, next 5 min. to come at
a place where you can camp under the trees (Kalokhola Camp) 2415 meters. This
is a nice spot to camp in dry season and water can bring from the both kholas
(after and before it).
Kalokhola Camp to Sirupate Odar (Best
Cave) 1915 meters (3.74 hrs)
In couple of min. you will pass by a little
chautari, 6 min. descent at one of the Kalokholas (in dry season no water) and
climb up for 15 – 20 min. 2484 meters. Turn right and continue climbing to the
top 2529 meters took us 35 min. and next top to climb for 5 – 7 min. 2539
meters. 20 – 25 min. later you will come at the ridge 2502 meters, turn right
to descend and few min. later you will come at a nice chautari of Falang-Filing
2483 meters. Keep descending in the dense forest to the Cave 2185 meters, took us 1.16 hrs. Cross a little landslide area
and 15 min. hike to a beautiful view point of mathillo Khelung (upper Khelung)
2150 meters.
20 min. descent to the chautari of tallo Khelung
(lower Khelung) and Cave
just 15 meters above the trail 1994 meter, no water. At this cave can sleep few
people and there is automatic trapping camera is set. You continue going down
about 15 – 20 min. turn left (1923 meters) and walk along the cliff bottom for
couple of min. reaching at the Sirupate Odar (one of the
best cave that I mentioned an earlier) 1915 meters, at least 10
people can sleep in it. Mr. Tej Gurung said; water can bring from the nearest
spring, need to follow the hydro project trail about 10 – 15 min. to the left while
you come up from the direction of Tatopani or Narchyang.
Sirupate Odar (Best Cave) to Baskot
Gaon 1512 meters (1.41hrs)
In a min. you descent at a Sirupatedanda with a
small chautari 1913 meters, (now at this point take a left to go down but while
you are coming up the valley step on right above this Chautari to get in the Sirupate
Odar or the best Cave)
after some min. you walked, will reach at a very steep and high cliff that your
path goes through it, soon cross a landslide and continue descending a min,
turn left and hike the narrower trail for 8 – 10 min. and arrive at the trail
junction 1822 meters.
Here, if you want to go via Narchyanglek (upper
Narchyang); follow left to the ridge and continue further. But if you have plan
to go down to Tatopani then turn right and keep going down for 20 - 25 min. to
cross the bridge over Mristikhola 1630 meters, join the hydro project road and
area (there are five different hydro project companies), continue walking on
this road for 40 – 45 min. and enter the Baskot Gaon 1512 meter. There are
twenty five households including three busy lodges because of the hydro
project.
At the middle part of the village turn left a bit,
descent couple of min. turn right near by the white house and continue for 15
min. to a Chautari near the Tatopani hydropower station and walk 9 min. more to
connect with the NATT main trail, right at the Nilgiri Aadharbhut School 1351
meters. It is an important to notice about this school is a landmark as
entering or exit point for the Maurice Herzog trail. Turn left and continue to
Tatopani via lower Narchyang village or on the rural dirt road. To get more
information you can read the NATT book. Tentatively it takes 2 hrs more to
Tatopani.
Tatopani to Pokhara 800 meters
There are two options going to Pokhara:
Option (a):
Hiring a jeep or bus, drive via Beni may take 5 - 6 hrs.
Option (b):
Still continue the most beautiful trek via Ghorepani Poonhill or Moharedanda. But
there is other option also that; if you want to skip the hot spring and feel
lazy to climb the Shikha and Ghara trail, then you already continue via
Narchyanglek and Paudar village (less climb and beautiful view).
Itinerary for NABC or Maurice Herzog Trail:
Option
(A) for fit walker:
Day
01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal 1300 meters.
We will receive you upon your arrival at Tribhuwan
International Airport (TIA) and transfer to hotel.
Day
02: Kathmandu to Pokhara 800 meters.
You can take a flight for 25 min. or overland drive
with car/bus and it will normally take 5 – 6 hrs, and to hotel.
Day 03: Pokhara to
Pokhara.
Final preparation for the trek including meeting your
guides, ensure permits and shopping if necessary.
Day
04: Pokhara to Tatopani 1200 meters (5 – 6 hrs).
Overland drive with jeep or bus to Tatopani, the
road after Beni is bumpy. By evening take a bath in the natural hot spring.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
05: Tatopani to Lete / Kalopani 2535 meters (2 – 3
hrs).
Bus or jeep drive for 2 – 3 hrs to Lete / Kalopani.
If you have sufficient time to trek along the NATT-trail, it will be helpful
for you to acclimatize. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
06: Lete / Kalopani
It is always better thing to rest here at least one
day extra to acclimatize.
Day
07: Kalopani to Khalkyu Camp 3377 meters (7 hrs
approx).
Beautiful hike via Chhoyo village – Jhipradeurali
and to Bhutar khola is easy, but after here you will have to climb up very
tough to Khalkyu Camp. Views are wonderful. Stay overnight at tent. Bring
packed lunch with you.
Day
08: Khalkyu Camp to Humkhola Camp (Nilgiri South Base
Camp) 4232 meters (7 – 8 hrs approx).
Today's sceneries are enormously stunning! Trail
condition up to Thulo Bukin is so strenuous. You need to bring sufficient water
to drink with you. Stay overnight at tent. If you will have longer vacation
then Thulo Bukin is truly amazing place to camp! Bring packed lunch with you.
Day
09: Humkhola Camp (Nilgiri South Base Camp) to Mristi
Khola Camp 3543 meters (7 hrs approx).
Views are breath taking, trail condition is up and
down and steep. At Mristi Khola you can stay overnight either at the campsite 12
min. after the bridge or at the cave 8 – 10 min. before ascending at the
bridge. Bring packed lunch with you.
Day
10: Mristi Khola Camp to NABC (New) 4173 meters (4 – 5
hrs approx).
Trail condition up to Diki Cho Lake is an easy, and
rest part to NABC (New) is tough climb. Camping near the lake is very beautiful.
It would be so nice to sleep near the lake and another night at NABC (New). Lunch
can prepare nearby the Lake!!
Day
11: NABC (New) or Diki Cho Lake to Salleridanda 3201
meters (7 hrs approx).
An easy descent along the Mristi Khola with the
views of green forest, waterfalls and the virgin landscapes! Bring packed lunch
with you.
Day
12: Salleridanda to Chhotepa Odar (Cave) 2400 meters (5
– 6 hrs approx).
Beautiful landscapes, lush forest, waterfalls and
difficult trail to descend along. Bring packed lunch with you.
Day
13: Chhotepa Odar (Cave) to Sirupate Odar (Best Cave)
1512 meters (7 hrs approx).
Mysterious landscapes, dense forest, waterfalls and
lots up-down. Bring packed lunch with
you.
Day
14: Sirupate Odar (Best Cave) to Tatopani 1200 meters (5
hrs approx).
Final descent to connect the NATT main trail at the
Nilgiri Aadharbhut School via Baskot Gaon and continue to Tatopani.
Day
15: Tatopani to Pokhara 800 meters (5 -6 hrs drive)
Drive with jeep or bus, it will take normally 5 – 6 hrs.
Option
(B) for fit walker:
Day
01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal 1300 meters.
We will receive you upon your arrival at Tribhuwan
International Airport (TIA) and transfer to hotel.
Day
02: Kathmandu to Pokhara 800 meters.
You can take a flight for 25 min. or overland drive
with car/bus and it will normally take 5 – 6 hrs, and to hotel.
Day 03: Pokhara to
Pokhara.
Final preparation for the trek including meeting
your guides, ensure permits and shopping if necessary.
Day
04: Pokhara to Tatopani 1200 meters (5 – 6 hrs).
Overland drive with jeep or bus to Tatopani, the
road after Beni is bumpy. By evening take a bath in the natural hot spring.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
05: Tatopani to Baskot Gaon and Sirupate Odar (Best
Cave) 1512 meters (6 hrs approx).
You can
walk on the dirt road to Nilgiri Aadharbhut School and climb up
to Baskot Gaon and continue walking on the hydro project road, cross
Mristikhola and tough climb to Sirupate Odar (Best Cave), water need to find
along the hydro project trail, stay overnight at cave. Bring packed lunch and with
you.
Day
06: Sirupate Odar (Best Cave) to Kalokhola Camp 2415
meters (6 hrs approx)
It is strenuous climb in the dense forest, camp at
under trees; it is located between two Kalokholas. Water can bring from one of
these Kholas. This is a cool place to camp, oh! it is very fresh air and calm
environment. Bring packed lunch with you.
Day
07: Kalokhola Camp to Mahabhir Odar (Cave) or Camp 2668
meters (7 hrs approx).
Tough
hike in
the purely untouched and dense forest, crossing rivers and reach at the little
cave. It is not sufficient place for bigger group, so as Tej Gurung said 10 –
15 min. ahead is a camp site in the forest, which is I did not realize because
we already got so dark. Water is available at the nearest spring. Bring packed
lunch with you.
Day
08: Mahabhir Odar (Cave) or Camp to Salleridanda 3201
meters (7 hrs approx).
Still
long ascent and then cross the huge cliff trail to descend at Mristikhola,
again climb up to Humkhola Dovan and continue many ascents and descents to
Salleridanda to camp nearby the Khola of Mristi. Water is easily can use from
the nearest khola. Bring packed lunch
with you.
Day
09: Salleridanda to Mristi Khola Camp 3543 meters (7
hrs approx).
Today's trail condition is easier, not so much climb
and the sky touching hills (most of them more than 4500 meters high) are just
amazing, all day long you follow the Mristikhola. At the camp-site there is a
large shelter can cook and sleep for many people. Water can use from the
nearest spring. Bring packed lunch with you.
Day
10: Mristi Khola Camp to NABC (New) 4173 meters (4 – 5
hrs approx).
Trail condition up to Diki Cho Lake is an easy, and
rest part to NABC (New) is tough climb. Camping near the lake is very
beautiful. It would be so nice to sleep near the lake and another night at NABC
(New). Lunch can prepare nearby the Lake!!
Day
11: NABC (New) or Diki Cho Lake to Salleridanda 3201 meters
(7 hrs approx).
An easy descent along the Mristi Khola with the
views of green forest, waterfalls and the virgin landscapes! Bring packed lunch
with you.
Day
12: Salleridanda to Chhotepa Odar (Cave) 2400 meters (5
– 6 hrs approx).
Beautiful landscapes, forest, waterfalls and
difficult trail to descend along. Bring packed lunch with you.
Day
13: Chhotepa Odar (Cave) to Sirupate Odar (Best Cave)
1512 meters (7 hrs approx).
Mysterious landscapes, dense forest, waterfalls and
lots up-down. Bring lunch with you.
Day
14: Sirupate Odar (Best Cave) to Tatopani 1200 meters
(5 hrs approx).
Final descent to connect the NATT main trail at the
Nilgiri Aadharbhut School via Baskot Gaon and continue to Tatopani.
Day
15: Tatopani to Pokhara 800 meters (5 -6 hrs drive)
Drive with jeep or bus, it will take normally 5 – 6 hrs.
Thus,
your trip ends and much congratulation!!
Contact:
Prem Rai
PREMS NEPAL TREK PVT. LTD.
Lakeside – 6 (street no: 19), Pokhara Nepal.
E-mails:
Website:
Cell
Phones:
+977 9846306028
+977 9807380590
+ 977 9804115956
Namaste!!
