Annapurna Circuit Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek

Quick Links

Annapurna Circuit vs Everest Base Camp Trek are two of the most iconic trekking routes of Nepal. These are probably the most enticing and legendary too. However, there are numerous questions and dilemmas for the trekkers to choose between these two. As a travel planner, this blogger strongly requests travelers/trekkers to do both of these trekking. If you are in the mood to choose between these two here are the few parameters in which the blogger tries to differentiate. Read out all the parameters and make a decision. Moreover, the ultimate choice is yours!

  1. Ease of Access: Annapurna Circuit v/s EBC

Annapurna Circuit is in the Annapurna Region of Nepal which spans Nepal’s Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi and Kaski districts. Travelers can reach the trekking destination via road trips. Trekkers will travel to Besisahar through a blacktopped road and further towards Manang on a hilly gravel road. The first phase is comfortable but the later road trip is tiresome as it is on the hilly road on a four-wheel jeep. As for the Everest Base Camp Trek, trekkers can reach the trekking start point via flight (plane or helicopter). The trekking trail is well-paved and has signage. In terms of the trail condition, the Everest Base Camp Trek trail is better than Annapurna Circuit Trek.

  1. Amenities/Comfort/Facilities

There are enough teahouses/lodges on the Annapurna Circuit Trail. However, after passing Manang Valley there are limited rest points and limited hamlets only. Therefore, trekkers need to carry or plan ahead or meticulously during the entire trip until they reach the Lower Mustang Area. However, facilities like WIFI, hot showers, rooms, food and other basic needs are not an issue on this trail.

Everest Base Camp Trail is fully commercial. Probably the most modern trail is the EBC trek route. It is because of the presence of Banks, ATMs, Lodges, Hotels and others. Trekkers can get all kinds of facilities during the trip. In fact, until Namche Bazaar there is no difference between any kinds of modern towns. Therefore, in terms of Comfort and Facilities, Everest Base Camp Trek leads more than Annapurna Circuit Trek.

  1. Cost of Annapurna Circuit vs Everest Base Camp

Annapurna Circuit Trek’s price ranges from $900 to $1300. However, trekkers can choose to get rid of various services. The above price comprises full board basis packages. Everest Base Camp Trek’s price ranges from $1100 to $2600. However, trekkers can get bargain prices. There are numerous ways to book the EBC Trek.

  1. Traffic ACT v/s EBC

The number of people doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek in comparison to the Everest Base Camp Trek is very less. If you consider having a tranquil trekking experience then Annapurna Circuit is the best. However, in terms of traffic, the blogger keeps both on the same page. The huge area means no matter how many people are on the trail it looks, dwarfed.

  1. Cultural Experiences Betwwen ACT v/s EBC

Annapurna Circuit Trek wins in the Department of Cultural Experiences. While doing the Everest Base Camp Trek trekkers can experience the Sherpa community culture. However, during the Annapurna Circuit Trek Trekkers can experience the Magar, Brahmin, Gurung, Thakali, Tibetan and Dalit community cultures. If you want to have the Himalayan experience along with the cultural grandeur then Annapurna Circuit wins it all.

  1. Difficulty Level Between The ACT v/s EBC

If you talk about the difficulty of doing a trek then Everest tops it. However, the trail is easier to walk during Everest Base Camp Trek in comparison to the Annapurna Circuit. The circuit Trekking involves more uphill and downhill but Everest is comparatively on Nepalese Flat track. The highest point during the Annapurna Circuit Trek is 5,416 m but this altitude is only for a very short period of time as trekkers descend quickly to low altitude. However, during Everest Base Camp Trek trekkers stay at 5,164 m and travel as high as 5,545 m (Kalapathar).  Therefore, EBC is more difficult than Annapurna Circuit Trekking.

  1. Itinerary Certainty: ACT v/s EBC Trekking

Nepal is a country of multiple ethnic and diverse terrains. This results in changes in weather abruptly. However, the accessibility in Annapurna Circuit Trekking is via road. Therefore, there are fewer chances of changes in the itinerary. During Everest Base Camp Trek the accessibility is by air. Therefore, the climatic conditions result in the unpredictability of the flights to Lukla. Climatic conditions in Everest Region are unpredictable therefore the itinerary is not certain as planned in EBC Trek.

  1. Landscapes Comparison Between EBC v/c ACT

Landscapes are similar in both Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. However, the Himalayan desert experience is possible only during Circuit Trekking. In terms of vegetation temperate, sub-alpine, alpine and tundra are possible to experience in both trekking trails.

  1. Bragging Rights

In terms of bragging rights, Everest wins. To reach the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain is not comparable. Therefore, in this regard, Everest Base Camp Trek wins.

  1. Side Treks of the Annapurna Circuit V/s EBC

If you are searching for side treks Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Trek both has enough alternatives. The side treks during Annapurna Circuit Trek are Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Lake Trek and Upper Mustang Trek. The side treks during the Everest Base Camp Trek are the Gokyo Valley Trek, Everest View Trek, Three High Passes Trek, etc. The blogger highly recommends travelers do both of these treks. For more information about things regarding these two trekking routes don’t hesitate to contact this blogger at Karma Eco Adventure.