North Annapurna Base Camp is a quiet trek of 7 to 9 days to about 4,200 m beneath the north face of Annapurna I, on the route of the 1950 French expedition, with very basic lodging. The Annapurna Circuit is a classic of 12 to 16 days over the Thorong La at 5,416 m, with good lodges throughout. Choose the north base camp for solitude; choose the circuit for variety and comfort.
North Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit at a glance
- Days. North Annapurna Base Camp: 7 to 9. Annapurna Circuit: 12 to 16.
- Highest point. North Annapurna Base Camp: about 4,200 m. Annapurna Circuit: 5,416 m.
- Lodges. North Annapurna Base Camp: few and basic; tents sometimes needed. Annapurna Circuit: good throughout.
- Crowds. North Annapurna Base Camp: very few trekkers. Annapurna Circuit: busy in season.
- Trail. North Annapurna Base Camp: rough, some river crossings and steep sections. Annapurna Circuit: well built, partly on jeep track.
- Access. North Annapurna Base Camp: road from Pokhara via Beni and Tatopani to Lete or Narchyang. Annapurna Circuit: road up the Marsyangdi valley.
The north base camp
In 1950 Maurice Herzog's expedition approached Annapurna I from the north, by the Miristi Khola, and made the first ascent of an 8,000 m peak. The trek to their base camp follows that valley from near Tatopani or Lete, through forest and high pasture, past waterfalls and a small lake, to a moraine camp facing the north face and its glaciers. It was opened to trekkers only in recent years and remains little visited. See the North Annapurna Base Camp guides.
The circuit
The Annapurna Circuit goes round the whole range. It climbs the Marsyangdi valley from subtropical farmland to the high, dry country of Manang, crosses the Thorong La and descends to Muktinath and the Kali Gandaki. It has been walked for fifty years and has the lodges, bakeries and health posts to show for it. See the Annapurna Circuit guides.
Difficulty of a different kind
The circuit's challenge is altitude: a pass at 5,416 m and several nights above 3,500 m. The north base camp is lower, but the trail is rougher, days are long, and in places it crosses streams and landslide debris. Shelters higher up are simple huts, and many groups take tents and a cook. It suits people who are comfortable without lodge comforts.
Season
October to November and April to May are best for both. The Miristi Khola valley is wet and slippery in the monsoon and its streams run high. In winter snow closes the upper valley. The Thorong La is often shut from mid-December to February.
Permits and guide
Both need the Annapurna Conservation Area permit and a licensed guide arranged through a registered agency. On the north base camp route a guide who knows the trail is essential, since it is poorly marked and conditions change from season to season.
Cost
Per day the north base camp trek can cost more than the circuit, because camping equipment, kitchen staff and extra porters may be needed. Overall the circuit usually costs more, simply because it is nearly twice as long.
Choose North Annapurna Base Camp if
- You want a wild, quiet valley.
- You are happy with basic huts or tents.
- You have about a week.
- You like mountaineering history.
Choose Annapurna Circuit if
- You want lodges with good food every night.
- You want a high pass and a wide range of scenery.
- You have two weeks.
- You prefer a well-marked trail with other trekkers around.
Can you do both?
The north base camp starts from the Kali Gandaki valley, where the circuit ends. A strong party with three weeks can finish the circuit at Tatopani and add the north base camp before returning to Pokhara.
Plan it
See north vs south base camp, or ask us about dates and whether camping is needed.
Common questions
How high is North Annapurna Base Camp?
About 4,200 m.
Is it the same as Annapurna Base Camp?
No. The well-known base camp at 4,130 m is on the south side. The north base camp is in a separate valley.
Are there lodges on the north base camp trek?
Only simple ones part of the way. Check the current position; many groups carry tents.
Which is harder?
The circuit is higher. The north base camp is rougher and more remote.
Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.
