Nepal is home to some of the most popular trekking routes in the world and here we are going to compare two famous routes: Annapurna Base Camp Trek vs Everest Base Camp Trek.
There are some differences between the two treks that you should consider before choosing which one.
Before deciding which trek to choose, read this ultimate trekking blog between ABC Trek vs EBC Trek in terms of difficulty, duration, popularity, cost, etc.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek vs Everest Base Camp Trek Overview
1. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
To complete the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, one must commit between 10-14 days. This trek reaches the highest altitude of 4,130 meters (13,550 feet), which is lower than the altitude reached on Everest Base Camp Trek. Those looking for a moderate trek but one with fewer crowds then Annapurna Base Camp Trek is for you.
Related Reading:
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek Weather
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary – 10 Days
- Trek from Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp
- Why is Annapurna Mountain so Deadly Mountain?
2. Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek takes 14-16 to complete and it is one of the most challenging trek routes. In the world, no trekking route reaches a higher altitude than this trek which reaches 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). As the most popular trek in Nepal, the Everest Base Camp trek gets crowded during peak season.
Related Post:
Annapurna Base Camp vs Everest Base Camp Highlights and Features
| Feature | Annapurna Base Camp Trek | Everest Base Camp Trek |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Nepal | Nepal |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Challenging |
| Maximum Elevation | 4,130 meters (13,550 feet) | 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) |
| Trek Duration | 7-14 days | 12-16 days |
| Trek Distance | Approximately 110 km (round trip) | Approximately 130 km (round trip) |
| Starting Point | Nayapul | Lukla |
| Ending Point | Nayapul | Lukla |
| Scenic Highlights | Views of Annapurna Range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Mountain, Modi Khola River | Views of Mt. Everest, Khumbu Icefall, Tengboche Monastery |
| Terrain | Lush forests, terraced fields, waterfalls, stone steps | Rugged and rocky trails, suspension bridges, moraines |
| Accommodation | Tea houses and lodges | Tea houses and lodges |
| Altitude Sickness Risk | Lower risk due to lower altitudes | Higher risk due to extreme altitudes |
| Permits Required | Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit, TIMS Card | Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, TIMS Card |
| Peak Trekking Seasons | Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) | Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-November) |
| Crowds | Less crowded | Busier and more crowded |
| Cultural Highlights | Gurung and Magar culture, Hindu and Buddhist temples | Sherpa culture, Buddhist monasteries |
| Connectivity | Relatively more developed, better internet access | Relatively less developed, limited internet access |
| Cost | Generally less expensive | Generally more expensive |
Trek Difficulty
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered moderate in terms of difficulty, while the Everest Base Camp Trek is more challenging. The Annapurna trek reaches a maximum elevation of 4,130 meters (13,550 feet), whereas the Everest trek reaches a higher maximum elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet).
Trek Duration
The Annapurna trek typically takes 7-14 days to complete, while the Everest trek takes 12-16 days. The Annapurna trek covers approximately 110 km (round trip), while the Everest trek covers approximately 130 km (round trip). The starting and ending points for both treks are Nayapul and Lukla, respectively.
Scenic Highlights
The scenic highlights of the Annapurna trek include views of the Annapurna Range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Mountain, and the Modi Khola River. On the other hand, the Everest trek offers breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, the Khumbu Icefall, and the Tengboche Monastery.
Accommodation Type
Both treks provide accommodation in tea houses and lodges along the route. Accommodation for the Everest Base Camp Trek is in teahouses (camping is also possible), while accommodation for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is in tea houses/lodges.
Permits
The permits required for the Annapurna trek are the Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit and the TIMS Card, while the Everest trek requires the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the TIMS Card.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the Annapurna region is relatively more developed with better internet access compared to the Everest region, which has limited internet access.
Cultural Highlights
The Annapurna trek exposes trekkers to the rich Gurung and Magar cultures, along with the opportunity to explore Hindu and Buddhist temples along the way.
On the other hand, the Everest trek helps trekkers to know more about the Sherpa culture, and their traditions.
Additionally, the Everest trek allows visitors to visit Buddhist monasteries, offering a glimpse into the spiritual practices and rituals of the Sherpa community.
Trekking Cost
The cost of the Annapurna trek is generally less expensive, while the Everest trek tends to be more expensive. This is due to the popularity, crowd, hotels, tea house cost, trekking guide, and porter cost.
Which Trek is Tougher?
If we compare the difficulty level then Everest Base Camp Trek is the tougher trek but this trek is the ultimate prize and more rewarding. In terms of kilometers too, EBC Trek is 130 KM away while ABC Trek is only 110 KM.
If you are prone to altitude sickness and the physical conditions are not in good shape then the better option for you is Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Also if you are looking family trek in Nepal then both of them are good to go but with kids, it’s better to choose ABC Trek.
The more challenging the trek, the greater the reward, making it an extraordinary and unparalleled experience.
At The End
Choosing between these two popular treks will depend on your individual fitness level, experience, budget, preferences, etc.
Well, if you are looking for a moderately difficult trek with stunning views then Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the best option for you.
If you are looking to get the experience of Mount Everest, the ultimate prize for you is to go for Everest Base Camp Trek.
No matter which trek you choose between the two, we can assure you that you will have an amazing experience while Trekking in Nepal.
Besides these two trekking routes, you can also trek to
I hope this comparison will make you clear about ABC Trek vs EBC Trek.
If you have any comments, let us know.
