The North Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a 9-day Himalayan journey to the northern side of Mount Annapurna I (8,091 m). The trek includes 5 days of walking and takes you to North Annapurna Base Camp at 4,190 m, where you get close views of the mountain’s north face.
This is a newly opened trekking route in the Annapurna region. Unlike the popular Annapurna Base Camp Trek, this trail does not have developed teahouses, restaurants, or the same level of infrastructure found on Nepal’s classic trekking routes. It is a route for trekkers who are comfortable with basic facilities and want to explore a part of the Himalayas that is still developing as a trekking destination.
People often ask me how North Annapurna Base Camp compares with Annapurna Base Camp. The difference is not only the mountain view; it is the overall trekking experience. Annapurna Base Camp has comfortable lodges, established trails, and more facilities along the way. North Annapurna Base Camp is much more basic, with fixed tent camps, simple meals, and fewer trekkers on the trail.
The journey starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by the road journey through Tatopani to Hum Khola. From here, the trekking begins. The trail passes through Sandhi Kharka and Bisket Mela before continuing toward North Annapurna Base Camp.
As you gain altitude, the landscape changes quickly. The green hills and forests gradually disappear, and the trail moves into a higher mountain environment with rocky slopes, open valleys, and views of Annapurna and surrounding peaks. Near the base camp, you also visit Panchkund Lake, a high-altitude lake surrounded by mountains and one of the special places along this route.
After several days of climbing, you reach North Annapurna Base Camp at 4,190 m. Standing on the northern side of Annapurna I gives you a perspective of the mountain that is rarely seen from Nepal’s established trekking routes.
One important thing to understand about this trek is that the challenge is not the distance. The walking distance to base camp is only around 15 km one way, which may look easy on a map. However, the trail climbs quickly from lower elevations to over 4,000 m. Trying to complete this distance in a single day can put unnecessary stress on the body because of the rapid altitude gain.
That is why the itinerary takes around 3 days to reach North Annapurna Base Camp and 2 days to return. This slower approach gives your body time to adjust and reduces the risk of altitude-related problems. In the Himalayas, elevation gain matters more than kilometres.
The facilities on this trek are basic. Since the route is newly opened, many sections do not have permanent mountain lodges. Overnight stays are arranged in fixed tents, and food is prepared by the trekking team with limited supplies available in the area. Trekkers should come prepared for simple mountain conditions rather than expecting the facilities available on popular routes like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp.
The hardest part of the North Annapurna Base Camp Trek is not technical climbing. It is the combination of altitude, remote conditions, and limited infrastructure. A good level of fitness, patience, and the right expectations are important for enjoying this trek.
Most days involve around 5 to 7 hours of walking. The trekkers who enjoy this route are usually those who are comfortable with basic conditions and value the experience of walking on a trail before it becomes crowded and highly developed.
North Annapurna Base Camp Trek at a Glance
- Highest Point: North Annapurna Base Camp – 4,190 m (13,747 ft)
- Mountains Seen: Annapurna I (8,091 m), Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, and surrounding Himalayan peaks
- Trekking Distance: Approximately 30 km (18.6 miles) round trip
- Average Walking Time: 5–7 hours per day
- Longest Trekking Day: Around 7 hours
- Average Daily Elevation Gain: Approximately 600–900 m
- Oxygen Availability at Base Camp: Around 60–62% of sea-level oxygen
- Trail Type: Out-and-back trek
- Accommodation: Fixed tent camps with very basic facilities
- Meals: Simple freshly prepared Nepali meals with limited menu options
- Mobile Network: Limited after Hum Khola
- Electricity: Very limited on the trekking route
- Hot Shower: Generally, not available
- Wi-Fi: Not available during the trek
- Technical Climbing: Not required
- Best For: Trekkers looking for a newly opened, remote Himalayan trekking experience
