The Maurice Herzog Trek stands as the ultimate destination for trekking enthusiasts, offering a safe and efficient route to the northern base camp of Annapurna Mountain. This trail has quickly risen in popularity among both local and international tourists, drawing attention to a region that once remained underappreciated.
Since becoming accessible from Narchang within a single day’s journey, the trail has experienced a significant increase in footfall. Officially named “Maurice Herzog Trek” in 2019 by the Annapurna Rural Municipality, the trek honors Maurice AndrĂ© Raymond Herzog, the French mountaineer who achieved the historic feat of being the first to summit Annapurna on June 3, 1950.
Set within the Annapurna Conservation Area, the trek follows the serene banks of the Mistrikhola, offering breathtaking landscapes and an immersive natural experience. Recognizing its potential, the Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), has invested in key infrastructure, including footpaths, suspension bridges, resting areas, and shelters. Later, the Annapurna Rural Municipality further enhanced these facilities to ensure a seamless trekking experience.
The journey begins at Narchang village, the gateway to Annapurna Base Camp, with a 21-kilometer road connecting Myagdi to Humkhola. From Humkhola, the trek unveils picturesque views and culminates at the base camp after approximately nine hours of trekking. Along the way, trekkers can rest at Panchkund Lake (4,500 meters), a scenic stop just an hour from the base camp. At the camp, situated at an altitude of 4,190 meters, adventurers can relish the majestic surroundings while camping in tents