Annapurna South Vs North Base Camps: Key Differences

The majority of trekkers are familiar with Annapurna Base Camp for its up-close views of nearby peaks. However, there is an alternative route to Annapurna I from the north, where the trip is more secluded, quieter, and very different from the well-known ABC trek.

Annapurna North Base Camp and South Base Camp are two distinct treks that reach the base of Mount Annapurna I from opposite sides.

The South Base Camp, commonly known as Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), is situated at an altitude of 4,130 m (13,550 ft) above sea level. It is situated in the Annapurna Sanctuary and follows an established route from Jhinu Danda.

North Base Camp, on the other side, is at roughly 4,190 m (13,747 ft) on the mountain’s northern side. Reaching here requires a long jeep ride from Beni to Humkhola. The two trails do not join or meet at any point.

Annapurna North vs South Base Camp at a Glance

Here’s a quick comparison between the two trails.

Yes. There are actually two base camps for Mount Annapurna I. They lie on opposite sides of the mountain.

When trekkers say Annapurna Base Camp, they generally mean the southern one in the Annapurna Sanctuary. The North Base Camp is a different place on the other side of the Annapurna Massif. They are reached through different trailheads and routes.

The two camps are not linked by a trekking trail, nor do they meet at any single point. They are both trekking base camps and are not used for expeditions to Annapurna I.

What is Annapurna South Base Camp?

South Base Camp, generally called ABC, lies at an altitude of 4,130 m (13,550 ft) inside the Annapurna Region. It is situated inside a glacial bowl of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

The trail to Annapurna South starts from Ghandruk or Jhinu, then towards Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Bamboo, Deurali, and Machhapuchre Base Camp before reaching the ABC itself.

Reaching there gives you an amphitheater-like view of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre all around you.

The trek to Annapurna South Base Camp is a popular and established trekking route. It is famous among local tourists and Trekkers from around the globe.

To get a clear picture of the location and route, you can refer to the ABC trek map guide. yesari direct garnu bhanda naturally nai rakhnu hola hai sir le mannu hudaina yesari rakhna

What is Annapurna North Base Camp?

North Base Camp lies below the northern aspect of Annapurna I at an altitude of 4,190 m. Getting there starts with a drive from Pokhara to Tatopani through Beni in Myagdi district. Then begins the off-road section towards Humkhola, where you’ll take a private or public jeep. Humkhola is the popular trailhead for this trek.

The trail then follows Sandhikharkha, Gupha Phant, Bhusket Mela, and Panchakunda Taal before reaching Annapurna North Base Camp.

Although this place has a long history, it was only in 2019 that the local municipality recognized it as a trekking trail. Before then, it was the route used by the 1950 French expedition to Annapurna I. It is less commercialized and off the beaten trail.

There are fewer teahouses, and camping options should be confirmed in peak seasons. Fewer trekkers visit this place due to inadequate infrastructure.

Where Are the Two Base Camps on the Map?

Both of the base camps lie in the Annapurna Himalayan Range. The south base camp is south of Annapurna I, and the north base camp lies north of the majestic mountain.

Getting to any of these places starts at Pokhara. The road approach changes after reaching Nayapool. For North ABC, continue towards Beni and Tatopani; for South ABC, take a right from Nayapul Jeep station to Jhinu or Ghandruk.

How Annapurna South and North Base Camp Differ

Although both base camps are on the same Mountain, they offer different trekking experiences. The route to South Base Camp is more developed, with well-established trails and teahouses, and it attracts more trekkers annually. The North route is less commercialized, remote, off the beaten trail, and has very few visitors.

Location and Approach Direction

The two base camps sit on opposite sides of Annapurna I, and the roads to reach them are completely different.

The South Base Camp is inside the Annapurna Sanctuary in Kaski District. Its approximate coordinates are 28.5300° N, 83.8780° E. From Pokhara, it’s a 1-2-hour drive to Nayapool, followed by a jeep ride to Ghandruk or Jhinu Danda, which takes around 2-3 hours depending on road conditions. After a day or two on the trail, the valley narrows, and you enter a high mountain basin with peaks on almost every side.

The North Base Camp is on the northern side of the mountain, which lies in the Myagdi District. Its approximate coordinates are 28.6479° N, 83.7905° E. The journey to get there starts from Pokhara as well. But you have to stay on the road towards the west, even from Nayapool till you reach Beni in Myagdi district. Once in Beni, a private or public jeep will take you to Humkhola via Tatopani, where your trek starts.

Trekking Route

South ABC follows a trail that has been walked for decades. The typical route is Pokhara to Nayapul to Ghandruk/Jhinu to Chhomrong to Sinuwa to Bamboo to Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) to Annapurna Base Camp.

There are many changes in the scenery along the way. The first two days are mostly terraced hillsides and villages, with stone steps easier going up than down. From Chhomrong, you cross the river and up through bamboo and rhododendron forest. Beyond Deurali, the trees become sparse, and the valley becomes rock, ice, and snow.

North ABC is a different type of trek. The usual sequence is Pokhara to Beni to Tatopani to Narchyang to Humkhola by a jeep. And the trek starts from Humkhola to Phutphute, Sandhikharka, Gufaphant, Bhusket Mela to a high camp near Panchakunda and Narchyang, and then to North ABC.

The journey is mostly uphill and through forest before reaching open ground, with waterfalls and gorges along the route.

Altitude

South ABC is at 4,130 m (13,550 ft) above sea level, whereas North ABC is at 4,190 m (13,747 ft) above sea level. The 60 m gap does not make North harder on its own, and this factor alone cannot be a deciding factor in choosing which trek suits you best.

What actually matters with altitude is how quickly you gain height each day.

Although the altitude gained per day varies among itineraries, trekking to both of these base camps involves only a moderate step-up.

Trek Duration

The trek to North ABC is shorter than the trek to South ABC. The duration varies from itinerary to itinerary depending on trekking operators.

South ABC usually takes 9 to 11 days in total, and 7 to 8 of those are walking days. The Himalayan Masters Annapurna Base Camp trek runs 11 days. However, North ABC takes around 5 to 7 days in total, with 3 to 5 days of walking, because a large part of the schedule is the drive to Humkhola.

The number of days changes with the starting point. Some trekkers begin walking at Humkhola, some at Narchyang, and a few at Lete. That is why two itineraries for “North ABC” can differ by several days.

Trekking Distance

The round trip from Nayapul to South ABC is about 97 km. The route from Deurali to ABC via MBC is only about 7 km, but it takes 5 to 6 hours due to the altitude. The descent from ABC to Bamboo is around 16 km and takes 7 to 8 hours, which is longer than most people expect after an early sunrise start.

North ABC distances are harder to specify. Different operators publish different totals because they start at various points. Before booking your trek, ask for the day-by-day distances and walking times.

Difficulty

Both treks are demanding, but the difficulty comes from different places. South ABC is tough on the legs due to long days, many stone steps, and a real elevation gain at the end. It is also well supported, so there is always a teahouse, a guide, and other trekkers nearby. North ABC is harder in terms of logistics. The trail is rougher, help is further away, and everything you need has to travel with you.

Which Route Has Better Mountain Views?

The two base camps offer very different views of the same mountain, and there’s no single winner here. It is subjective, and your perspective is the deciding factor.

Mountain Views From South ABC

South ABC sits inside a bowl of peaks. Annapurna I (8,091 m) is straight ahead, with Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m) and the sharp peak of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) all around you. You can stand in one spot and turn slowly to see them one after another. That is what people mean when they call it an amphitheater.

Mountain Views From North ABC

From North ABC, you look at Annapurna I from its northern side. You can also see a dramatic, close-up view of the Dhaulagiri massif, Nilgiri, the Fang, and Baraha Shikhar. The setting is more open, with glacier terrain and high lakes near the camp. It is a view of one large face, not a ring of peaks, and the surroundings feel wilder and quieter.

Sunrise and Sunset Experience

At South ABC, sunrise is the main reason people wake up at around 4 in the morning. The first light hits the high summits while the basin is still in shadow, and the snow changes from grey to gold. Sunset is quieter, but the light on Machhapuchhre in the evening is worth waiting for.

North ABC acts differently at sunrise and sunset. North-facing slopes get less direct sun for much of the year, so the face of Annapurna I itself will look softer and flatter than the peaks around South ABC. The best view often comes when the sun skims across the surrounding ridges.

Landscape Differences

South ABC

The scenery along the South ABC trail is almost always different. It starts in terraced farmland and villages, goes down to the river, and then involves climbing through bamboo and rhododendron forests. Higher up than Deurali, the trees become less dense, and you enter alpine terrain, before the last section brings you into the glacial Sanctuary. This kind of trail is appropriate for people who enjoy variety.

North ABC

The ABC landscape in the North is more compressed, consisting of a narrow valley with waterfalls and gorges that lead into a forest, then into open high ground with lakes fed by glaciers. Although the changes from day to day are less noticeable, the walking does have a more enclosed, quieter feeling.

Which Route Feels More Remote?

North ABC does, by a clear margin. On the South route, you are rarely more than a few hours from a teahouse and other trekkers. Above Humkhola, on the North route, you are with your own team. There are no villages along the trail, and the road is behind you. Remote does not mean untouched, though. There is a hydro project near Humkhola, and the new road has changed how people reach the area.

Accommodation: Teahouse Trek vs Remote Trek

South ABC has a developed teahouse network. You can expect simple twin rooms, shared toilets (some with hot showers for a fee), dal bhat and a long menu, charging points (usually paid), and patchy Wi-Fi even on the base camp. In peak season, rooms at Deurali, MBC, and ABC fill up quickly, so guides prebook your stays early on.

North ABC is a different model. There is a basic lodge at Humkhola, and above that most itineraries camp, usually at Sandhikharka and the high camp near the lakes. Newer teahouses are being built as the trail is gaining popularity. There is no camping at North ABC itself. You need a proper sleeping bag rated to well below freezing temperatures, a team to carry and set up tents, and a plan for cooking. Infrastructure is one of the clearest differences between the two treks.

Food and Drinking Water

South ABC

Teahouse menus are usually extensive. You will find dal bhat, noodles, pasta, eggs, pancakes, and soup at almost every stop. Boiled and bottled water are sold along the way, and you can treat your own water with purification tablets or a filter. Prices go up the higher you climb, because everything is carried using mule trains or porters.

North ABC

There is almost nothing to buy above Humkhola, so stock up on snacks from Kathmandu or Pokhara. The limited number of teahouses that are open operate with a limited menu. Dal bhat is found at almost every teahouses which can be your main dish for this trek. Ask about menus and water treatment before you go.

Crowds and Trail Experience

South ABC is busy in October to November and March to April. Lodges near the top can be full by mid-afternoon, with queues for showers and charging points. Outside those months, it is calmer, and winter and the monsoon are quieter, as conditions are harsher.

North ABC sees far fewer trekkers. Depending on your itinerary, you may go long stretches without meeting anyone outside your group. If you want quiet, this is the appeal. If you prefer company on the trail, South ABC suits you better.

Culture and Villages Along Each Route

South ABC Villages

The South ABC trail passes through Gurung villages. Ghandruk is the most popular village, with stone houses and slate roofs. Chhomrong sits on a steep ridge facing Annapurna South and is the last proper village before the Sanctuary. Sinuwa and Jhinu Danda, which has hot springs, are also one of the major villages. Our Annapurna Sanctuary vs Circuit comparison looks at the cultural side of this region in more detail.

North ABC Communities

The North ABC approach passes through farming villages around Tatopani, known for its hot springs, and Narchyang, which has a waterfall and village homestays. You will see terraced fields and local people who farm and herd animals. Above Humkhola, the people you are most likely to meet are herders and other trekking crews. If you spend a night in Narchyang before heading up, you get a good sense of daily life in the area.

The History Behind the Two Base Camps

Annapurna I and the 1950 French Expedition

Annapurna I was the first 8,000 m peak ever climbed. On 3 June 1950, Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal, members of a French expedition, reached the summit. Both men suffered severe frostbite on the way down and lost fingers and toes. Herzog’s account of the Annapurna climb was published in 1951 and is still widely read.

Why North ABC Is Associated With the Maurice Herzog Trail

According to Herzog’s account, the French team first considered Dhaulagiri, then turned to Annapurna and found a way to its northern side. The North ABC trek is often called the Maurice Herzog Trail because it follows the same valley system, the Miristi Khola. Operators describe the exact line a little differently, so the name is better treated as a historical link than as an exact retracing of the expedition’s steps.

How South ABC Became the Classic Trekking Route

The Sanctuary is a short trip from Pokhara, has villages along the way, and ends in a dramatic basin. Those qualities made it popular with trekkers, and teahouses grew along the trail as more people came. That infrastructure is why the South ABC trek is easy to organize today. North ABC has seen far less of this development.

Permits for North vs South Annapurna Base Camp

Permit rules in Nepal have changed several times in recent years, so check the current requirements before you plan your trek. At Himalayan Masters, both your north and south base camp trek permits are prearranged by us.

• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit: NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals. It is required on the South route, and applies to North ABC as well.
• Guide rules: Guides are not mandatory for either of these treks, as they don’t fall within a restricted area. However, a licensed guide is sensible on South ABC and strongly recommended on North ABC.
• Where to get permits: At the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara through your trekking operator.

Safety and Emergency Access

The two treks differ the most here. Conditions change with season and weather, so confirm the details with your trekking operator.

Which Annapurna Base Camp Trek Costs More?

Both treks fall into similar cost categories, including transport, permits, guide, porter, accommodation, food, and equipment.

The cost of the South ABC trek can vary depending on several factors. It can cost between $800 and $1,500 per person for a 7 to 14-day trek. Our 11-day itinerary costs USD 980, which is a group joining cost. If you’re a solo trekker, an additional single supplementary fee will be added.

North ABC trek costs are also different due to various factors. The accomodation cost also varies depending on whether you want to take a camp and tent crew or stay at the limited teahouses along the route. The cost ranges from $500 to $1,400 per person for a 5 to 10-day trek.

Packing Differences

What You Need for South ABC

Standard teahouse kit: layers, a warm down jacket, waterproof shell, sturdy boots, trekking poles (they help on the stone steps), a sleeping bag rated to about -10°C (or rent one), a daypack, water bottles and purification. Our ABC packing guide includes a more complete list.

Extra Equipment for North ABC

• A proper sleeping system: a four-season bag and an insulated mat, if you will be camping.
• Food and fuel logistics (usually provided by your operator, but ask).
• Power bank, since there’s no charging above Humkhola.
• Water purification, ideally two methods.
• Navigation and communication: a charged phone with offline maps, plus a satellite communicator if your team does not carry one.
• A personal first-aid kit and emergency supplies, for you and the group.

Can You Trek Both Annapurna Base Camps in One Trip?

Yes, as two separate treks. They are not connected on foot, but both start from Pokhara, so you can finish one, rest in Pokhara, and start the other.

Plan for roughly 14 to 16 days on the ground: about 6 to 7 days for North ABC, a rest day in Pokhara, and about 8 to 9 days for South ABC. Some trekkers do North first while they are fresh, and others do South first as an acclimatization block. It depends on your time and your appetite for a long trip; one trek on a comfortable schedule is a good trip in itself.

Combined North and South ABC Itinerary (17 days)

Note: Altitudes are approximate, and timings depend on your pace, the weather and the season.

Choosing Between the Two Annapurna Base Camps

Annapurna South and North Base Camp are not two paths to the same place. They are two different treks on opposite sides of Annapurna I, and the 60 m height difference is the least important factor separating them.

South Base Camp is the one most people come for. The trail is well-established; there are teahouses every night, and the route takes you through Gurung villages and forests before opening into the Sanctuary, with Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre all around you. It suits first-time Himalayan trekkers, older trekkers on a slower schedule, and anyone who wants a comfortable bed and a hot meal at the end of each day.

North Base Camp is quieter and harder to organize. You drive a long way to Humkhola, camp for most of the trek, and meet very few other people. In return, you see Annapurna I from its northern side, along a route linked to the 1950 French expedition. It suits trekkers who already have some high-altitude experience and are happy with a camping trip.

Whichever you choose, give yourself enough days to acclimatize, check the permit rules before you travel, and ask your operator for a clear day-by-day plan. If you are still unsure, you can always do both, with a rest day between them.

Ready to start planning? Our 11-day Annapurna Base Camp trek follows the South route with guided support, and you can contact us if you would like help choosing between the two routes.

Author

Jayanta Neupane

Jayanta Neupane is a travel content writer with a genuine passion for exploring, researching, and sharing travel experiences. He enjoys turning firsthand experiences and destination research into engaging, informative, and practical content. With an interest in adventure, trekking, and Nepal’s diverse landscapes and cultures, he focuses on creating authentic content that helps travelers better understand and experience their destinations.