People often ask ‘Which is the best trekking destination in Nepal?’ To be more specific, people are more curious about ‘Which is the best trek between Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp?’ So in this article, we are going to compare Annapurna Base Camp Trek vs Everest Base Camp Trek. We will be comparing some of the important factors of trekking that should be considered while choosing the trekking in Nepal.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek vs Everest Base Camp Trek
Let’s compare different areas like altitude, duration, weather, mountain view, difficulty level, starting point, cost, permits, culture, villages, etc between EBC and ABC Trekking.
Altitude
Annapurna Base Camp is one of the popular trekking destinations in Nepal that is located in the Annapurna region. It is also known as a high altitude trek in the Annapurna region as the maximum height attained in this trek is 4,130m. Similarly, Everest Base Camp is located in the Khumbu region and the maximum altitude attained in this trek is 5,350m.
Everest Base Camp Trekking Duration
Considering the altitude to be achieved, you might have already guessed that the days required to accomplish the adventurous Everest Base Camp Trek is longer than Annapurna Base Camp trek. Normally, it requires 7-10 days to complete the classic Annapurna Base Camp trek. The ABC packages are designed in such a way that it can be completed within 7-10 days.
The Everest Base Camp trek requires around 10-15-20 days to complete. So, if you intending to take EBC trek, you need to arrange at least 2-3 weeks for the trek whereas a week will be enough to accomplish ABC trek.
If you’re going to take the adventure to the next level then you should try these treks. Besides Everest Base Camp trek, there are various Everest Base Camp Trek Route to choose such as Everest Heli Trek, Everest view Panorama Trek, Three Sister Passes Trek,(3 Passes Trek), Gokyo Valley Trek, Everest Base Camp with Island Peak Trek, and Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek. These treks also take you to the Everest Base Camp but the trek routes are different.
Different treks offer a different experience. You will find different challenges on each trek. Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek is a trek whose trekking trail starts from Jiri. This trek demands a massive 23-24 days to complete so you have to plan accordingly.
Another Everest long trek is Everest Base Camp with Island Peak trek which extends up to 20-21 days. If you desire to see the serene Gokyo valley along the Everest trek then you have an option of Gokyo Valley trek which is 12-13 days long.
Another interesting and popular trek in the Everest region that concludes in just 7 days is the Everest Heli trek in which you would view the spectacular Everest region landscape and the mountain ranges from above the clouds. This helicopter tour rejects long tiring walks and altitude sickness.
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Duration
In addition to Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you can challenge yourself with other ultimate Annapurna region treks like Annapurna circuit trek, Poon hill, Nar and Phoo Trek, KAJIN SARA LAKE 5002m. Trek, Tilicho Lake, Muktinath trek, and Annapurna North Base Camp trek.
Annapurna circuit trek is quite long as it exceeds 2 weeks to complete due to the spiral route and 3 more days are required to reach Tilicho Lake.
Tilicho Lake resides at the foot of Annapurna mountain at a height of 4,919m. If you don’t have enough time for long treks but wish to see those gigantic Annapurna vistas then, you can choose short treks in the Annapurna region.
Consider Ghorepani Poon Hill, Ghandruk, Mardi Himal, Khayer Lake or Khopra trek for short treks which extends merely 4-7 to 11 days at your convenience.
Weather
The fact that both treks lie in the Himalayan region at a high altitude, the weather of both treks is cold. The temperature drops as the altitude elevate in both treks.
Both treks are extremely cold at a maximum height so the best season to visit both Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) and Everest Base Camp (EBC) is considered as Spring and Autumn.
As the altitude of Everest Base Camp is higher than Annapurna Base Camp, the temperature is lower at Everest Base Camp trek than at Annapurna Base Camp. During these seasons, the rhododendron forest is dense, various vegetation, flora, and fauna can be found different in different altitudes of these treks.
Sometimes, the weather is unpredictable, mainly during winter. So, visiting both of these treks during winter is not recommended. Heavy snowfall may cause avalanche and blocks. Be aware of the weather condition beforehand through guides in both Annapurna Base Camp trek and Everest Base Camp trek.
Mountain View
Both treks are incredible for mountain viewing. If you want to observe Mount Everest with a closer glimpse then Everest Base Camp is the best trekking in Nepal for you. Everest Base Camp gives you a spectacular view of the World’s highest mountain, Mount Everest which stands at a height of 8,848m.
Along with the view of majestic Mount Everest, You will get an opportunity to view other high peaks like Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cho Oyu, and Mt. Makalu during Everest Base Camp trek.
Annapurna Base Camp is the best option to have a panoramic view of the Annapurna range. Annapurna Base Camp trek will take trekkers to the zenith of Annapurna mountain from where not only the view of massif Annapurna range but also other high peaks like Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, LamjungHimal, Himchuli, Nilgiri, Manaslu, and Machhapuchhre are clearly visible.
Difficulty Level
One of the most important factors that trekkers have to consider while selecting a trekking destination in Nepal is the difficulty level of the trek. The difficulty level of the trek depends upon the trekking trail and the altitude to be conquered.
In Annapurna Base Camp trek, the trekking trails are not spiraling so average physical fitness would be enough for trekking. The trekking trails of ABC trek are not off-beaten so Annapurna can be considered as a moderately difficult trek. Beginners can also try ABC trek.
They can probably complete this trek without much of a toil. Trekkers can feel difficulties at higher altitudes. Higher altitudes may cause Altitude sickness.
In Everest Base Camp, the trekking trails are not difficult. They are not rough but the altitude can cause difficulties at times. Average fitness is enough to accomplish this trek but ensure you acclimatize between the trek itinerary.
It is essential to avoid altitude sickness. To avoid altitude sickness, you can take enough time to acclimatize, drink lots of water and walk at a steady pace.
Starting point
The thrilling trip to Everest Base Camp starts off from a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The flight to Lukla airport is an adventure in itself. The 35 minutes long flight is full of scenic views of the Everest region and mountains.
If you choose to go Everest Base Camp via Jiri then we’ll first go on a long drive from Kathmandu to Jiri, Bhandara and start the trek from Jiri, Bhandara
Annapurna Base camp, on the other hand, starts from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The starting point for Annapurna Base Camp trek is Pokhara, Phedi, Naya Pul or Kande.
Cost
The cost of both Annapurna Base Camp trek and Everest Base Camp trek varies according to season. During peak season, the cost is usually high. The peak season is during Spring and Autumn. Other times, the cost is low and the crowd is also less. Both Annapurna Base Camp trek and Everest Base Camp trek can be included between $1,000 – $1,800.
Permits
Different treks require different permit cards. Acquiring permits are essential to be eligible for trekking in Nepal. Since Annapurna Base Camp trek lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area so ABC trek demands ACAP(Annapurna Conservation Area Project) Permit along with TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management) card.
Since Everest Base Camp trek lies within the Sagarmatha Conservation Area, Everest Base Camp requires Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and TIMS card. These permits are the primary requirements to be fulfilled by every trekker in Nepal. The cost of making these permit cards is not likely to exceed 5000 rupees.
Culture
Foods are one of the major attractions of both Annapurna Base Camp trek and Everest Base Camp trek. The majority of Gurung, Magar and Thakali people are residing in the Annapurna region. These people can be seen following their centuries-old traditions and preserving their own culture through their food, clothes, and lifestyle.
Trekkers during Annapurna Base Camp trek can explore the Gurung and Thakali lifestyle with a closer look. Trekkers can observe the activities they are indulged in, the unique food they prepare, their traditional kitchen with artistic utensils, and many more. Try out their ethnic dishes while in Annapurna Base Camp trek and enjoy their cultural dance.
Foods in the Everest Base Camp trek are equally popular. The thick settlement of Sherpa people is mainly indulged in mountaineering, guide, porter, teahouses, guesthouses, animal husbandry, and dairy production.
During Everest Base Camp trek, explore the Sherpa lifestyle who has been preserving the Sherpa culture since ages. You can explore their ethnic foods while enjoying cultural dance. You will be intrigued by their warm hospitality.
Villages
Trekkers are often spotted delving into the beauty of the wonderful villages in the Himalayan region. You will be stunned to know that the trekking trails of both Annapurna Base Camp trek and Everest Base Camp trek encompass several villages with unique natural beauty.
During Annapurna Base Camp trek, visiting Ghandruk village is recommended. Set aside a full day to explore the incredible landscape and mountains in Ghandruk. Interact with the people there enjoy their hospitality.
During Everest Base Camp, exploring Namche Bazaar is highly recommended. Namche Bazaar is a semi-urban village as it is a major trading hub between Nepal and Tibet. There’s a huge market in Namche Bazaar which you can explore while acclimatizing. The landscape of Namche Bazaar is beautiful and there are museums and monasteries to visit too.
Trekkers get an opportunity to shop essential trekking gears at Namche Bazaar. Beyond Namche, you won’t see such a rich market in the Khumbu region.
Conclusion
Well, it’s somewhat impossible to really decide which is better between Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp trek but it is apparent that both treks are unique and popular treks in Nepal. The ambiance, the experience, the challenge that these treks offer are variant and incomparable.
It depends on your choice which you would choose as your holiday package. What matters is you enjoying your trekking in Nepal and rejoicing your moments while you stay in Nepal.
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