Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp Trek: ‘which is the best or better?’
“Which trek to choose for my upcoming trekking on holiday in Nepal?”
They are the most common queries among trekking enthusiasts.
It is hard to go ahead and start comparing the Annapurna with Everest Base Camp trek. Since, they both have similarities, but at the same time some contrasting features.
First of all, both of these treks are spectacularly amazing so if you want to do both these treks then go for it.
But if you are thinking of choosing only one trek then this article will definitely help you at the end.
You need to take much decision regarding your trip and the choices can be overwhelming.
By the end of this article, I’ll provide you some insights on Annapurna Base Camp trek and Everest Base Camp trek to help you decide.
Here is a guide to the Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp trek.
Contents
Getting there: Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp Trek
To get to the Annapurna region is quite easy. The gateway to the Annapurna region is Pokhara, a beautiful lake city. Pokhara can be reached by bus or via a short flight from Kathmandu.
Whereas, the entrance to Everest Base Camp is Lukla. During the first attempt by Hillary and Tenzing in 50’s, they completed their whole Everest journey by foot. But today, you can take the short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Either you can enjoy a walk from Jiri to Lukla. The views on the way are worth the journey.
Trekking Terrain: Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most popular and best treks in Annapurna region. This spectacular trek passes through various terrain from lowland villages to glaciers offers outstanding views of high mountains.
Throughout the trail, there are all good paths. You can easily trek for 4 to 6 hours each day by taking rest and acclimatize. This will ensure you that you will be fit and healthy at the high altitude.
Along the trail, there are fewer steep climbs and the descents are gentler, which can help the knees in the long run.
The highest elevation of this route is Annapurna Base Camp at 4100 m. At this highest point, you will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Everest Base Camp trek is famous worldwide for its breathtaking views of the master peaks and legendary trail. On this trek, you’ll hike through deep river gorges and forests, ascend high ridges.
This popular trek takes you to the popular village of Namche “gateway to the Khumbu”. From here, you’ll walk through different ancient monasteries. You will also encounter with well known Sherpa people who inhabit this region and their culture is worth noting.
On the EBC trail, you will see some stunning Buddhists monasteries as well as countless prayer flags. You’ll also visit Sagarmatha National Park, home to some rare flora and fauna.
You’ll finally get at Everest Base Camp all the way through popular Sherpa villages of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep.
You can also choose the off the beaten trails through Gokyo valley. Along with this trail, you’ll pass through Cho La pass, one of the high passes before arriving at EBC.
The Scenery: Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp trek starts in the fertile lower lands of the Himalayas. You will trek through the different rice field, oak, and rhododendron forests as you ascend.
If you trek Annapurna in spring, the rhododendron trees will be bloom and they are simply colorful.
The Annapurna region is much wetter than Everest region. You’ll be walking through more forests and farms, you’ll get wonderful green scenery.
You will get the most iconic view of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri which is very impressive.
At Annapurna Base Camp, you’ll be surrounded by the Himalayas from 360 degrees.
Everest Base Camp trek attracts lots of travelers through with its spectacular scenery throughout the trekking trail. You will get the glimpse of stunning glaciers, ancient monasteries, and fascinating Sherpa people, their culture and traditions.
When you are close to the base camp, you are literally surrounded by the mountains. They tower just above you and their beauty takes your breath away.
Everest Base Camp trek takes you at the base of world’s highest mountain. Best views of Mt. Everest are seen from Kalapathar, one of the vantage points of this trek.
Tengboche Monastery is the largest monastery of the Khumbu region. This is a truly authentic Buddhist Monastery and a great place to visit. From here, you can get the stunning view of mountain peaks including Mount Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse.
The communities: Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp passes through different permanently settled villages. At first, you’ll encounter with lowland farming communities of the Brahmin and Chhetri people. You will also encounter with the Gurung people, especially in the Ghandruk village.
You’ll go through some of the colorful villages inhabited by Magars and Thakali people. You’ll explore both culturally rich Buddhism and Hinduism, especially at lower altitudes.
The Everest region is the home to the Sherpa people. They are famous worldwide as they are incredibly good at altitudes. When you are on EBC trek, you will encounter and experience the unique culture of the Sherpa people.
Accommodation: Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp Trek
Accommodation is quite similar to both trails. Yet, there is the biggest difference in the bathrooms.
Tea houses on the Everest route contain a shared indoor bathroom, especially at the lower elevation. Whereas on the Annapurna, you will get this in Manang only. Even when you lose the attached bathroom, your lodge on the Everest trek will have a shared bathroom in an interior corridor.
Western toilets are the normal on the EBC trek, while you might only come across one or two on the Annapurna Base Camp.
Food and Drinks: Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp Trek
The food and drinks are pretty equal in terms of quality in both regions. The teahouses along Everest Base Camp serve a variety of food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Although the taste of the food may not be the same as the cities because of the remoteness and also the supplied are not in easy access. Still, you can enjoy the plenty of cuisine Nepali, Tibetan, Continental, and Indian.
For breakfast, Tibetan bread, Porridge, oatmeal, boiled eggs, pancakes are on the menu. In lunch, the traditional Nepalese food Dal Bhat is served in the most of the teahouses. But you can also have noodle soup, steaks, momo, pizza, and the sandwich from the menu.
Dinner is usually eaten in the teahouses where you’ll stay overnight. The menu is same as the lunch menu. You can have garlic soup also help to diminish the altitude sickness.
The tea house along the Annapurna trail also serve same food menu. As Annapurna trail has been well-established so the varieties of foods will be available at the lower price compared to Everest region.
Difficulty Level: Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp trek is definitely more challenging than the Annapurna Base Camp trek. The biggest factor is altitude. As the altitude increase, there is a high chance of the altitude sickness.
On the EBC trek, you will reach 3,420 m above sea level on the 2 days. You reach this altitude on day 6 on the Annapurna circuit.
The Annapurna region offers the wide variety of trekking routes. You can choose a short, easy trek that doesn’t exceed 2000 m altitude.
But, for both these treks, you need to be physically fit.
For this, you don’t need any kind of the professional training. But you can get engaged in the basic training like jogging, running, or any other cardio exercise. This’ll help you to build stamina while trekking and you can trek easily in the short period of time.
Price: Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp Trek
In Annapurna region, it’s more affordable from the starting point of the trek. The price of food and accommodations is reasonable. The transportation cost is also less and it is easily accessible.
Everest Base Camp trek costs more than Annapurna for the few reasons: higher elevation, it’s the bit more luxurious and Everest has a bigger brand name.
Also, the flight ticket adds extra cost during the EBC trek. However, you can save this by traveling from Jiri.
For the budget traveler’s Annapurna Base Camp might be a great option.
Crowds: Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp Trek
Actually, it is difficult to compare the crowds on the two treks. As it really depends on the season of trekking. Normally, the pleasant weather invites a number of trekkers.
EBC trek is usually more crowded and large groups are common. If you plan trekking to EBC, you can do it at the beginning of the seasons in order to stay away from crowds.
The Annapurna Base Camp generally features hikers in pairs of small groups. During the offseason, the Annapurna circuit is less crowded and that the village had more of an authentic feel.
If you’re interested in, it might worthwhile to check it out.
Best Time: Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp trek
The best time to trek Annapurna Base Camp is in Autumn when the monsoons season ends. The monsoon clears all dust and pollution, and make the views of the Himalayas outstanding.
Also, the weather conditions are favorable, neither too hot nor too cold.
Likewise, ABC trek in early spring, before the monsoon begins is another good options. During this time, whole rhododendron and others flowers are in bloom. This makes trekking more relaxed and attractive.
The best time for the EBC trek is during October and November. At this time, the weather is the most pleasant and there is a better chance of clear skies.
Another benefit is there are fewer trekkers on the trail, as the climbers usually aim to summit in May.
Conclusion
Don’t choose a trek because it is easy or moderate. As all kind of treks needs physical preparation, even those labeled easy.
Both these hiking offers more than enough opportunity to explore the wonderful Himalayan destinations once in a lifetime.
I surely hope that after reading the above-mentioned points, now you are fully capable of deciding for yourself.
You need to pre-plan everything and think which fits with your schedule, budget, and style of trekking. So this might help you decide better over Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp.
No matter what, any trip to Nepal will be the life-changing experience in so many ways.
Happy Trekking !!!!
