Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the classic treks in the world that offers a fantastic view of the tenth Highest peak in the world, Mount Annapurna along with Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Manaslu, and Mount Machhapuchhre. This trek will take you to the subtropical region to the forest of alpine to the diverse landscape of the Annapurna region. You will get an opportunity to interact with the people of different caste and ethnicity.
It starts from Chamje taking you to the most popular places such as Manang and Mustang along the rice paddy valley, Buddhist Villages, and Kali Gandaki river bed. Kali Gandaki river is the deepest river gorge in the world. You will trek to the area rich in biodiversity where a wide range of wild flora and fauna are found.
Whereas, Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal which will lead you to the highest Base Camp in the world, Everest Base Camp. It has always been a trekker’s dream. Many trekkers wish to follow the footprints of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hilary, who were the first ones to climb the peak of Mount Everest.
Everest Base Camp Trek starts from a scenic flight to Lukla which is the gateway to the Everest Region. This trek will take you to one of the most popular places of the Everest region such as Namche Bazar, Tengboche, and Gorek Shep. This trek will give you a chance to explore the largest Monastery of Khumbu region, Tengboche Monastery. Along with this, the major attraction of the trek is hiking up to the Kala Patthar which will give you a great viewpoint of the mountains such as Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Ama Dablam, and other neighboring peaks.
Comparing Annapurna Circuit Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek and Everest Base Camp trek are very popular among different trekkers all around the world. But, when it comes to choosing between these two treks, Everest Base Camp trek is given more priority than the Annapurna Circuit trek. This also depends according to the choice and preference of a particular type of trekker.
Trekking to the footprints of the highest peak in the world is a dream of every trekker due to which it out rules Annapurna Circuit Trek. But Annapurna Circuit Trek is aesthetic in it's own way. It is exciting and challenging. The number of trekkers trekking to the Annapurna Circuit is no less than the ones trekking to the Everest Base Camp. The highest point of the Everest Base Camp trek is at Kala Patthar which sits at an altitude of 5545 meters whereas the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is 5416 meters at Thorung La pass. Crossing this pass in one of the most difficult yet exciting parts of the Annapurna Circuit trek.
You can find diverse landscapes in the Annapurna Region than in the Everest region due to which Annapurna Circuit Trek has been a favorite trekking destination among many trekkers. If you are new in trekking, it would be best to trek to the Annapurna Circuit first than trekking to the Everest Base Camp.
Trek duration and Distance of the Annapurna Circuit VS Everest Base Camp Trek
The total distance covered by Annapurna Circuit trek ranges from 160- 230 kilometers. This depends upon the type of itinerary you choose. To cover this distance you may have to walk for about 6-7 hours a day. Annapurna Circuit trek can last for 11 days to a month according to your choice and travel package you choose.
Likewise, Everest Base Camp covers a distance of 130- 150 kilometers. So, you may have to walk for about 5-6 hours during the Everest Base Camp trek. But the walking duration also depends upon the trekking package and the number of acclimatization you have. This trek can be completed in 13-21 days.
Getting to the Annapurna Circuit Vs Everest Base Camp Trek
Getting to the Annapurna region is quite easy. You will drive to Beshisahar from Kathmandu for about 8-9 hours by a local vehicle and then to a local village of Chamji. It is from Chamji where your trekking journey officially starts. You will walk towards Dharapani from Chamji then to the places according to the type of your itinerary.
Similarly, your Everest Base Camp trek starts from a scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. Your flight will be absolutely unforgettable. From Lukla, you will head towards Namche Bazar which is a market where you can buy souvenirs for your family and friends. You can also start your trek from a classic route to Jiri. You can walk from Jiri to Lukla and then start your trekking journey.
Annapurna Circuit Vs Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty
Both Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp trek are amongst the challenging treks in Nepal. Both the treks are physically demanding but more than physical strength, mental strength is what you need.
One of the most challenging parts for most of trekkers trekking to the Annapurna Circuit is crossing the Thorung La Pass which sits at an altitude of 5416 meters. Thick snow and narrow ridges might make crossing the pass even more difficult. But, if you walk on a slow pace with proper acclimatization, crossing this pass may not be too difficult.
The Everest Base Camp sits at an altitude of 5380 meters and hiking up to the Kala Patthar is 5545 meters. Hiking up to the Kala Patthar might be quite difficult since you may face having to face the problem of altitude sickness. Trekking to the Annapurna Circuit as well as the Everest Base Camp might cause you altitude sickness as they both are high altitude trekking. So, altitude sickness is very common as the oxygen level is very low at a higher altitude. Other than this, you may not need any ropes, ladders or crampons when trekking to the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp.
For detailed information: Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty
Annapurna Circuit Vs Everest Base Camp Trek Best Time
Autumn and Spring are the best seasons for trekking to the both Annapurna Circuit as well as Everest Base Camp. Autumn and Spring are also considered as post Monsoon and pre-monsoon period respectively. Autumn falls in the month of September, October, and November whereas Spring falls in the month of March, Apri, and May.
The best time for Annapurna Circuit Trek is during the month of October, November, March, and April where the average weather condition of the Annapurna region may range from 15- 23 degrees. During early September and late May, you may expect some light rainfall.
Similarly, October, November, March, and April are also a perfect time of the year for Everest Base Camp Trek. During October and November, the temperature of the Everest Region may range from 7- 15 degrees and in March and April, the temperature ranges from 13- 20 degrees.
Both the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp trek are doable in all seasons. But, during winter and monsoon season, you may have to face some challenges while trekking. The paths may be covered by the winter snowfall and because of the rain, the trails of your trek may get muddy and slippery due to which you may have some difficulty in walking.
Food and Accommodation during Annapurna Circuit Trek Vs Everest Base Camp trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek
There are plenty of teahouses and restaurants along the way to the Annapurna Circuit. Most of the teahouses will provide you with basic facilities. But, teahouses in the Annapurna region have variety in food items. You can find anything from local food such as Dal Bhat and Tarkari to international food items such as pizza, burger, porridge, sandwich, pasta and many more.
The accommodation facilities are quite proper. You will be provided with enough blankets to make you warm. But the toilet facilities are very basic. Most of the teahouses may not provide you with proper toilet facilities. So, it is better to bring your own toiletries.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Along the way to the Everest Base Camp, you may not find many teahouses and restaurants like in the Annapurna Circuit. Especially during the offseason trekking, most of the teahouses get closed due to which you may have some difficulty in finding a proper teahouse or a lodge.
Although you might find fewer teahouses along the way to the Everest Base Camp, you will be surprised to see the facilities they provide even in such a remote area. The accommodation facilities might be basic but enough to make your night comfortable. Varieties of food items such as eggs, porridge, and bread in the breakfast and traditional national food for lunch and dinner are prominent. You might also have to share your room when you trek to the Everest Base Camp during the peak seasons. So, it is better to book for your food and accommodation facilities earlier.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek Acclimatization
Acclimatization plays an important role when trekking to a high altitude in order to avoid altitude sickness. This helps you to take rest and cope with the surrounding environment which will help you when ascending to a higher altitude.
Acclimatization at Everest Base Camp Trek
There are two acclimatization days for your 14 days trek to the Annapurna Circuit. The first acclimatization day is at Namche Bazar which sits at a height of 3441m. As a part of acclimatization, you will visit the Sagarmatha National Park along with Khumjung Valley before ascending to Tengboche and higher.
The second acclimatization day is at Dingboche which is at an altitude of 4410 mt. you will explore around the valley on this day. This day will prepare you before you climb up to NangkarTshang at an altitude of 5616 meters.
Acclimatization Day at Annapurna Circuit Trek
During Annapurna Circuit trek, people usually face the problem of altitude sickness above the height of 3500 meters. So at least one-day acclimatization is necessary for this trek. In 18 days Annapurna Circuit trek, you will have one-day acclimatization at Manang. On this acclimatization day, you will explore the biggest village in the entire district. Acclimatization at Manang will help you to trek further at a higher altitude at Thorong Phedi at 4450 mt.
Conclusion
Both the Annapurna Circuit Trek and Everest Base Camp Treks are amazing in their own way. These treks are one of the best trekking destinations in Nepal and is very popular among enthusiastic trekkers like you.
If you are someone who wants a trek with more diverse landscapes and cultures, you should go for Annapurna Circuit. Similarly, if you want to see yourself trekking along the snow-clad mountains and explore the natural beauty, Everest Base Camp trek would be best for you.
So, if you are sure about your trekking destination, High Camp Adventures will help you further on your adventurous trip. We can customize your trips according to your choice as well. Contact us if you have any queries regarding Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp trek.
