Annapurna North Base Camp Trek reviews

After an introduction to Kathmandu and the colourful whirl of Thamel and then exploring Pokhara and its marvellous setting, mountains beckon. Don't be put off by a hair-raising ride in a four by four up the valley from Tatopani. Close your eyes if needs be or pray if needs be. Don't look down. Within a couple of hours you are safe and sound at the start of a three-day walk up. This is a new trail for most western trekkers. Much of the route up the gorge and valley is over well constructed stone steps, though they have been swept away in places. A week's walking in total, on a route that is at times over loose moraine, landslides and rockfall but you are rewarded by a top camp set in a stunning bowl, by a stunning lake, ringed by massive mountains. Here at about 4000m you are surrounded by Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna's peaks sweeping down to Lake Nachang with the Annapurna glacier dominating the far shore. This campsite setting is magnificent and well worth the approach. Climb further and the views are good as you can find in central Nepal. The campsites on route are untidy at best. This short trek is used mostly by young Nepalese who it seems who have much to learn about litter and great trails deserving great care. At times their consideration of others on site can be lacking! It is however worth the moans about the environment and the neighbours as the days spent around the lake are breathtakingly beautiful.

John J, Somerset