The goal of visiting any or both of Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp is undoubtedly shared by enthusiastic trekkers and travellers, regardless of their country of origin, age, or gender.
A lot of people have travel dreams that include visiting the Everest region, however, some people still think that the renowned Annapurna is the better option than Everest. There are several peculiar contrasts as well as certain similarities between the two nature treks.
Your decision over which of these treks to choose will be difficult because they both have the breathtaking magnificence of the Himalayas and an overwhelming number of sights. The world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest (8,848m/29,029ft), is reached at the base of the EBC journey, while the ABC trek ascends Mount Annapurna (8,091m/26,545ft), the tenth-highest mountain in the world.
However, EBC is more well-known and has a more difficult element because of its higher altitude, ABC offers a greater range of landscapes and a more varied path. Other mountains, including Machhapuchre (Fishtail), Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, and others, are visible from the ABC Trek trail in addition to Mount Annapurna.
The rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forests you will pass through are analogous. You will pass by historic monasteries, rugged terrain, and Sagarmatha National Park on the EBC Trek. Mountains like Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Everest will be visible to you.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights
- The breathtaking view of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri from a close distance.
- Explore the Gurung and Magar communities in the Annapurna region and experience their distinct culture, traditions, and hospitality.
- Relax at the natural hot springs of Jhinu.
- Observe the stunning terraced fields that highlight conventional farming methods.
- Traverse the enchanting forests of oak, rhododendron, and bamboo.
Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights
- You can peek at the world’s highest peak on the EBC climb through the heart of the Khumbu region.
- Wonderful views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, and Makalu.
- Experience the unspoiled and distinctive Sherpa culture and customs that have been practised for generations in the area.
- A beautiful flight to Lukla.
- Cross several tall suspension bridges that provide breathtaking views of the valleys below and are festooned with vibrant prayer flags.
Trek Duration
Everest Base Camp is 130 km away, whereas the typical trek to Annapurna Base Camp is 110 kilometers. Thus, compared to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp is shorter. The amount of days needed to finish these two excursions can vary, though, as you can take different routes.
The trekking period for Everest base camp is 14–16 days, while the trekking period for Annapurna base camp is 11–14 days. While EBC might provide a degree of surprise and adventure, ABC might provide a more predictable and efficient trip duration.
For both of these destinations, there are ways to reduce the time. Although it is important to recognize the value of acclimating to new settings, travelers would gladly prefer to cut down on the number of trekking days.
Permits necessary
The Nepal Tourism Board or authorized trekking organizations are usually the ones who organize permits for these two well-liked treks. Permits are necessary for both the Annapurna Base Camp trek and the Everest Base Camp expedition.
- For Annapurna Base Camp, the Conservation Area Permit is necessary because the trek is located inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. In the Annapurna region, TIMS Cards (Trekkers’ Information Management System) are also required for all hikers. The total cost to obtain both permits is approximately fifty dollars.
- The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit sometimes referred to as the Everest Region Permit, and the Sagarmatha National Park Permit are the two permits that trekkers must get. Trekkers must now get a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card in order to participate in the EBC trek starting in April 2023.
Trek Difficulty
There is a moderate difficulty rating for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Even without prior hiking experience, anyone can accomplish this walk with the right instruction and supervision.
But Everest Base Camp is at 5,364 meters, and Kala Patthar Viewpoint is 5,555 meters above sea level, the highest point of the EBC trip. Treks that surpass 5,000 meters are typically considered difficult.
Compared to the ABC path, the EBC trail is the longer trek in terms of overall length. Thus, additional strength training is needed to finish the EBC trek. Acute mountain sickness is always more likely to occur in the Everest region than in the Annapurna region, where the EBC journey is higher elevation than the ABC trek.
Due to its higher elevation than Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp suffers colder weather than ABC. The fact that EBC has a decreased likelihood of receiving rainfall during the monsoon season is the fact’s hidden benefit.
When it comes to avalanches and landslides, the Everest Base Camp journey is safer than the Annapurna Base Camp expedition. There are deaths from avalanches that originate in the Annapurna South in a region that runs from Deurali to Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
Foods and Accommodation
While the food services on the Annapurna Trail are moderate, the ABC Trek and EBC Trek offer comparable dining alternatives. Dal bhat is a popular dish among both residents and hikers in Nepal. It is a filling and aromatic blend of rice, lentils, and veggies that is ideal for providing energy to the body.
Other food items include bread, soups, and momo. In a similar vein, foreign options such as burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and so forth are available. All you need to keep in mind is that food prices always go up as you go higher.
Accommodations on the Everest Base Camp Trek trail and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek track offer conventional amenities, the ABC trail’s accommodations are somewhat less developed. When comparing the Annapurna Trail to the Everest Trail, there are fewer western restrooms.
Landscape
There is a lot more to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. With a lovely setting, the entire region is quite beautiful. Traditional Gurung and Magar villages may be seen throughout the landscape, offering a glimpse into the local way of life and architectural style.
Small towns are scattered amongst the massive rocky hills of the Everest base camp trek, offering stunning alpine views. All along the way, several locations provide views of various snow-capped mountain summits.
In contrast to the EBC trip, Annapurna provides a greater range of scenery. Hikers are guided by ABC across the Tibetan Plateau’s scenery, high glacial pass, and canyons of the Modi River. Similar to this, the Everest journey takes hikers to the breathtaking glaciers of Kala Patthar and Tengboche Monastery.
Crowd During Peak Season
Trekkers have to pick the best time of year to go, and the best seasons are usually crowded up. Both of the trails grow congested with hikers from all over the world during the busiest trekking seasons.
More people are thought to travel the Everest trail than the ABC trail in the springtime. Unless you book in advance or use a trek operator, finding lodging would be difficult due to the crowding. The EBC trail has more hikers than Annapurna because of Everest’s popularity.
However, fewer people trek on the Everest and Annapurna treks during the winter and rainy seasons.
Final Say
Trekkers who reach Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp will have experiences that are unlike anything else. Your unique priorities and tastes ultimately determine which option is best for you.
Between these two internationally renowned treks, there is no right or wrong choice. Choosing between the Everest base camp trek and the Annapurna trek can benefit you in both cases.
An excellent place to start if you’re new to hiking and want something reasonably priced is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. However, the Everest Base Camp Trek is a great option if you’re an experienced hiker looking for a fresh challenge.
Given its longer duration and numerous stops along the route, the Everest Base Camp journey can be more costly in terms of money than the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Pravin Baniya, a local and licensed tour and trek guide in Nepal, is dedicated to providing exceptional experiences and expert guidance in exploring the stunning landscapes and cultural wonders of the region.