There are several different and extensive trekking trails in Nepal. Among the most well-liked treks are the Everest Base Camp climb and the Annapurna Circuit trek. Both of these treks take the Nepalese northern Himalayan routes. You may already be aware of them if you’re arranging a trek to Nepal. However, it can be difficult to choose between these two possibilities. Here, we’ll compare the Annapurna Circuit to Everest Base Camp in brief.

A trek around the Annapurna Massif is known as the Annapurna Circuit Trek. On this walk, you pass through two different river valleys. Two versions of the Annapurna circuit trek exist. both the long and short ones. The lengthier one might endure for 22 days. The quicker one may only require 12 days. The route and manner of conveyance affect the length and distance of the expedition.

Trekking the Annapurna Circuit will give you a chance to see mountain ranges. Mountains like Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu will be part of the trek’s scenery. Additionally, Gangapurna, Tilicho, Pisang, and Paungda Danda will be visible. You will pass through Manang on the trails as well. You will therefore have the opportunity to go to the Muktinath temple.

 

On this Journey

 

Typically, the Annapurna Circuit Trek begins in Pokhara and concludes there as well. The Marsyangi river valley is the first one to be encountered on the walk. In the Kali Gandaki gorge, it comes to an end. Thorang la Pass will be the trek’s highest and most satisfying experience. At 5416 meters above sea level, it is the highest point of the journey.

The climb to Mount Everest’s base camp is known as the Everest Base Camp trek. The expedition to climb Mount Everest begins here. Everest base camp trekking has a distinct reputation. Experiencing the world’s peak up close is an unbelievable rush of excitement.

The climb to Everest Base Camp takes about 16 days. You are taken to a number of Buddhist communities. It enables you to travel via trails that offer breathtaking mountain vistas. In order to see Mount Everest at its best, you will also visit the Kala Patthar viewpoint.

Typically, the Everest Base Camp trip starts in Lukla and concludes there as well. The Dudhkoshi river must be crossed while trekking across two suspension bridges. You’ll have the opportunity to visit Sagarmatha National Park. The trek leads you to Namche Bazaar, a friendly valley. On the journey, you’ll travel by a number of monasteries.

Both of these hikes appear to have many alluring features. They are both among the best options for trekking in Nepal. It is necessary to carefully consider all the specifics before choosing amongst them. You should be better knowledgeable about the trek’s numerous components. It is important to comprehend the costs, challenges, accessibility of the routes, etc.

Here, we’ll offer you a thorough breakdown of each of these elements. After reading it, you’ll be able to choose your trekking location with ease.

 

Accessibility of Annapurna circuit vs Everest Base Camp

 

The trek’s accessibility simply refers to how simple it is to begin and end the walk. A more accessible trek is one that is simpler to go to and return from.

 

Annapurna circuit trek’s accessibility

 

From Pokhara, the Annapurna Circuit Trek begins. Then you will drive to Besi Sahar and start the actual footwork. Pokhara is relatively easy to get to. To get to Pokhara, you can drive there or fly there. Both are highly practical. Most cars traveling to Pokhara are air-conditioned and have enough room. It won’t take you more than 30 minutes to get from Pokhara to Kathmandu by short flight.

The journey’s destination is also a convenient place to return to. When your trek is over, you’ll take a car back to Pokhara. You’ll have no trouble finding a car to take you home. If you must depart for Kathmandu, proceed in the same manner as before. You have two options: driving or flying.

 

Everest Base Camp trek’s accessibility

 

From Lukla, the Everest Base Camp trek begins. It takes only 25 minutes to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. Therefore, getting to the trek’s beginning location won’t be too difficult. The trek’s return is made using the same path. From Namche, you will set out on foot for Lukla, where you will board a plane to return to Kathmandu.

The flight appears to be relatively accessible and comfortable. However, the runway at Lukla Airport is known for being relatively tiny. Due to weather, several flights are typically delayed. That should be on your mind.

 

Trekking days

 

Annapurna circuit trek

 

An average 12-day journey over the Annapurnas is required. The trek’s duration varies depending on the route as well. The lengthier approach typically requires longer than three weeks. The cost of the trek is based on how many days it takes. This is due to the fact that the longer you walk, the more expensive food and lodging become.

 

Everest Base Camp trek

 

Typically, it takes 16 days to finish the Everest base camp trip. Other variants of it are also possible. Even some 12-day trips can be completed. Some packages also let you visit EBC only by air. Such flights are finished in a day.

 

Permits required for Annapurna circuit vs Everest Base Camp

 

Annapurna circuit trek permits

 

TIMS permit (Trekker’s Information Management System)

 

Before trekking anyplace in Nepal, you must first obtain the TIMS permission. There are two types of TIMS permits available: one for a solo trip and one for a group excursion.

While a TIMS permit for a group trip with a guide costs about NRs 2000 or USD 18, it costs about NRs 1000 or USD 9 for a solo trek (without a guide).

 

ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)

 

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is the license that the Annapurna Conservation Area uses to safeguard and advertise the Annapurna protected area.

Your outlay for the ACAP permit will be NRs 3,000 or USD $25.

 

Everest Base Camp trek permits

 

To accomplish the Everest Base Camp hike, you will need two admission permits: one from Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality and one from Sagarmatha National Park ( also known as a regional fee to enter the Solukhumbu area).

The following is the total cost for the permits:

A permit from the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality will cost USD 20 per person/week (for the first 4 weeks)

A second permit for a period longer than 4 weeks will cost USD 25 per person/per week.

A permit for Sagarmatha National Park will set you back USD 30 per person.

 

Trekking routes of Annapurna circuit vs Everest Base Camp

 

Treks to Everest base camp and the Annapurna Circuit provide a variety of routes. On your trip, you will pass through a variety of natural features and cultural landmarks. Here, we’ll show you the locations your hiking routes will take you to see.

 

Annapurna Circuit trek

 

From Pokhara to Chame via Besisahar, a jeep trip is required to start the Annapurna circuit. You’ll also get to explore places like the Kali Gandaki Gorge and the Marsyangdi River.

Starting in Chame, this walk will follow an anticlockwise route.

The journey’s walking portion starts in Chame. You will come into contact with Tibetan culture throughout your tour. The region has a number of tea establishments with lodges. You may see Annapurna II as you make your way towards Pisang-Manang-Yak Kharka via a subtropical jungle.

After passing Yak Kharka, the trail begins to ascend more steeply. First, you’ll reach the Thorung La High Camp. Follow a more secure track as you descend from Thorung La High Camp towards Thorung La Phedi. You will walk from the Phedi to the Thorung La Pass (5416 meters). The highest point of your adventure is here.

Trekkers are enthralled by the stunning alpine scenery. The Annapurna Massif, Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Machhapuchhre, Mount Manaslu, Mount Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak are a few of these.

You will reach Muktinath through the path after crossing Thorong La Pass. The route to Muktinath is a highway, thus it is extremely dusty. Because of this, many people decide not to hike this part of the route. The trip to Muktinath will be more enjoyable if you take a direct jeep.

The road then leads to Jomsom and the Ghorepani-Poonhill viewpoint after passing Muktinath. After that, you drive to Tikhedhunga and arrive in Nayapul. You’ll get to Nayappul. The journey will come to a conclusion when you drive back to Pokhara from Nyappul.

 

Everest Base Camp trek

 

From Lukla, the trek path sets out. You’ll use two suspension bridges to cross the Dudhkoshi River. One of your first stops will be here. This will lead you to the well-known Sagarmatha National Park. The area is home to a variety of endangered plants and animals. Here, you can see a variety of wild ecosystems and vegetation.

You climb a few difficult steps to reach the intriguing Namche Bazaar after your trip of the Sagarmatha National Park. The villagers will give you a warm welcome. The Himalayas are visible from the Namche Bazaar in breath-taking views.

The next day, you’ll make your way through Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche to reach Everest Base Camp. In this region, you can visit Buddhist monasteries. You can converse with the local Sherpa population as well. You’ll be able to comprehend their culture better as a result.

You’ll travel to Gorakshep and eventually the Everest Base Camp on this tour. You can reach the Everest Base Camp by making a strenuous hike along these passageways. After that, retire to Gorakshep for a nice night of sleep. You will climb to the viewpoint of Kala Patthar. From here, you can view Mount Everest. Everest is supposed to appear like a dream in this area.

Retrace your steps back to Namche as you descend. You will trek to fly to Lukla from Namche

 

Vistas of Annapurna circuit vs Everest Base Camp

 

The Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Trek are two uncommon tourist destinations. You get to see a glimpse of many cultures and environments. The list of unusual encounters in these trips is shown below.

 

Annapurna circuit trek

 

• Awe-inspiring views of the Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna ranges may be seen.
• Beautiful route that travels through many environments and terrains.
• the magnificent Marsyandgi river and the breathtaking vistas of the entire Annapurna Massif.
• visiting the Muktinath pilgrimage and the lovely Jomsom valley.
• a hike that passes via a waterfall and one of the valley’s deepest gorges across the Kaligandaki Valley.
• The highest pass of Thorang La is traversed.
• seeing the deepest gorge of the Kaligandaki River.
• There are many different kinds of plants and animals, including some endangered ones like the snow leopard.
• observing Magar, Thakali, Gurung, and other caste communities, as well as experiencing a way of life based in Tibet

 

Everest Base Camp trek

 

• Exploring the numerous landforms, such as waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, and other natural treasures, along Nepal’s Himalayan paths.
• Beauty and warmth of Namche Bazaar.
• investigating the Sagarmatha National Park’s rarity.
• views of the Imja Khola, Dudh Koshi, and Nagarjun hills, as well as glacier streams, rivers, hills, waterfalls, and lakes.
• Sunrise as seen from the Nagarjun Hills.
• The summit of the planet may be seen through Kala Patthar.
• Take note of the monasteries and cultural landmarks in the area.
• Phakding, Namche, Tengoche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and the Gorakshep are Buddhist villages.

Annapurna circuit trek

 

Both the natural and cultural diversity of the Annapurna region are diverse. The Annapurna region has a diverse population and culture. Gurung and Magar in the south are the two main ethnic groups in the area. Additionally, they have a Thakali population, and the northernmost tribe is Loba.

These groups each have their own own languages, cultures, and traditions. A few members of the Brahmin, Chhetri, and other occupational castes are also present. There is observance of Hindu, Buddhist, and pre-Buddhist religions. A mixture of all of these religions is common throughout the area.

 

Everest Base Camp trek

 

There are more attractions in the Everest region besides the mountain paths. Everest’s inhabitants and culture are equally remarkable. The majority of the inhabitants of the Everest region are sherpas. Everest’s Sherpas are unique individuals. They are a Tibetan ethnic minority who originated in Nepal’s highest mountains and are considered mountaineering pioneers.

 

Crowds in Annapurna circuit vs Everest Base Camp

 

These two trekking locations are well-known. During the busy season, there are throngs of hikers. Let’s compare the amount of hikers and see which is busier of the two.

 

Annapurna circuit trek crowds

 

The number of hikes on the Annapurna Circuit has increased every year. 28,534 people completed the Annapurna circuit, according to latest data. Compared to 2017, there were over a thousand more trekkers. There were 27,068 trekkers in 2017. In October, the trail’s busiest month, there were 7,163 hikers overall.

The seasons have an impact on how crowded the Annapurna trails are. There are large crowds during the autumn months of September through November. After the autumn hiking season, the spring brings even more hikers. As few as 50 trekkers may be there during the entire monsoon and winter seasons.

 

Everest Base camp trek crowds

 

A lot of people travel to the Everest Base Camp because of Mount Everest’s fame. The number of hikers in this area is rather large. Sagarmatha National Park statistics from 2016–2017 indicate that there were about 45000 trekkers.

Like any other mountain trail, the Everest Base Camp sees a greater influx of hikers during the high season. Autumn brings about 42% of the annual trekkers to the Everest Base Camp. A sizable number of hikers also go during the spring. The 31% hiking crowd in the spring, however, does not match the crowd in the autumn.

Due to the severe weather, there are hardly any crowds during the monsoon and winter.

 

Annapurna circuit vs Everest Base Camp difficulty

 

Both the Everest Base Camp hike and the Annapurna Circuit are challenging. The challenges are not particularly distinctive because they are both Himalayan trails. On every hike, a different issue could arise due to the altitude and trail layout. Here are a few of those challenges contrasted.

 

Altitude sickness

 

Altitude sickness is a risk in both high-elevation trekking locations. The risk varies according to acclimatization and the trek’s routes.

 

Annapurna circuit trek

 

The hardest part of the Annapurna Circuit is the Thorong La mountain pass. Hiking up to a height of 5416 meters will bring you to the Thorung La, the highest pass in the region. Altitude sickness risks will undoubtedly increase with such a high altitude.

 

Everest Base Camp trek

 

The route to Everest Base Camp travels through a region of significant altitude. This trek starts in Lukla, Nepal, at a relatively low elevation of 2860 meters. At Kala Patthar, you’ll have to ascend to a maximum elevation of 5545 meters. As a result, many trekkers experience altitude sickness as they ascend the paths in the Khumbu region.

 

Dangers in the route

 

Annapurna circuit trek

 

The Annapurna circuit trek’s Thorong La pass is the most hazardous route.

You cross some of the most challenging terrains, which are frequently rocky, dry, and steep. The slope is extremely steep in certain spots when it is frozen, which makes it challenging to descend from the pass. The Annapurna journey becomes more challenging as a result.

The Himalayan region is always susceptible to avalanche threats. On the other hand, the Thorong La high pass region is where avalanche threats in the Annapurna region originate. On the slopes close to Thorong La, there is an avalanche risk if there has been recent substantial snowfall.

 

Everest Base Camp trek

 

The journey to the location at the highest elevation is exceedingly challenging. It is quite exhausting to climb to Kala Patthar. Additionally, the Everest region tour is infamous for its perilous routes during certain seasons. The trekking route is challenging because of the potential for avalanches, snowstorms, crevasses, and other dangers.

 

Seasonal weather and climate-based difficulties

 

Himalayan trail treks generally have a trekking season. This is also true for the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp trek. Treks scheduled during the peak trekking season will be more convenient for you.

 

Annapurna circuit trek

 

The finest times to hike the Annapurna trails are typically in the spring and fall. Treks scheduled at this ideal time of year will be more cozy, fulfilling, and fun.

However, the winter and monsoon seasons are when severe weather issues arise. It rains and snows during these seasons. They exacerbate the terrain and present new difficulties to be overcome while walking.

They might also make avalanches more likely. Health issues are more likely to occur in harsher conditions and temperatures. Large amounts of luggage will be difficult for travelers to transport. Accidents and injuries are more likely as a result of this.

 

Everest Base Camp trek

 

The Everest region endures excruciatingly cold winters. It rains a ton during the monsoon. Due to the rain, there will be a number of road hazards along the paths. As a result, if you go hiking this season, the weather won’t be on your side. You’ll require large luggage for your bulky apparel and/or rain gear.

There is a distinction between the spring and autumn seasons’ weather. The weather is ideal for both of them. Roads will be quite dry. There will be very little probability of rain or snow. You won’t have to haul around bulky bags or endure the cold.

 

Summary and conclusion

 

Differences and Similarities has previously covered in great length. These two trekking locations are different yet very similar. Both hikes appear to be accessible. The hikes’ routes appear to have a stark contrast. But certain travel authorizations are needed for both. Depending on the chosen schedule, the days of the hikes appear to be quite similar.

Despite the fact that both are in northern Nepal, they appear to be distinct from one another. It appears that there are many different cultures in Nepal’s north. It is evident from the diversity of ethnic groups inhabiting these two trekking routes.

Compared to the Annapurna circuit trek, the Everest Base Camp trek takes you to a higher location. There seem to be a lot of hikers attracted by Everest Base Camp’s renown. Although there are less people on the Annapurna circuit, it is still very popular.

 

Everest Base Camp vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek:

 

The two journeys have a lot in common in terms of difficulty. The tasks nonetheless share certain elements, despite the fact that the routes may make them distinct.

Your wish must guide the decision you make about your travel. You must decide on a place to go that is convenient for you. Don’t pick EBC just because it’s known for hosting Everest. Don’t just pick Annapurna because it has the Larkya La pass name. Choose the journey that has the most chance of success and go at your own pace.

There is no definitive answer to the question of whether the journey to Everest Base Camp is preferable to the Annapurna Circuit. Depending on what you’re looking for, it varies. The Annapurna Circuit is a fantastic accomplishment. Similar to this, reaching Everest Base Camp is a significant accomplishment.