Annapurna trek vs Everest Base Camp Trek

What happens when two goliaths of Nepalese Trekking scene are compared to each other? Well, it is always tempting to compare between two of the best trekking routes of Nepal. This blogger is also no exception. For years, I have wanted to write something about the Annapurna Trek vs Everest Base Camp Trek. Both of these trekking routes are cornerstone of Nepalese tourism industry especially in the field of trekking. Therefore, the contributions of these two trekking routes are commendable to the national economy and identity.

We can’t deny the fact that these trekking routes have characteristics of their own! Travelers should not be manipulated and bounded. Traveling should have no bounds and travelers are free to choose the destination of their choice. Therefore, today’s blog is unbiased and it features only the facts. Ultimately, it is the choice of a traveler to give verdict on the Annapurna Trek vs Everest Base Camp Trek. Please note that the Annapurna Trek refers to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Now, let’s compare these two trekking routes in terms of significance, difficulty, scenery, culture, logistics, and budget. All these headings describe the character of any traveling destination.

Comparison: Annapurna Trek vs Everest Base Camp Trek

Comparing the Annapurna Trek vs Everest Base Camp Trek can be a daunting task. However, we have tried to put on some facts. Please note that the things mentioned here are from the personal observation and remarks of trekking guides who have been working in these two routes for more than 2 decades.

Significance

The Everest Base Camp Trek is the journey to the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest. In addition, the trail also reaches the foothill of the world’s 4^th tallest mountain Mt. Lhotse.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the journey to the base camp of the world’s 10^th tallest mountain Mt. Annapurna.

Verdict: The Everest Base Camp Trek has slight edge over the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in terms of significance.

Difficulty

The journey of the Everest Base Camp Trek is in the high – altitude places for most of the time. It requires meticulous acclimatization activities due to high risk of altitude sickness. The trail is rugged through glacier and moraines. Trekkers gain the elevation quickly and the maximum altitude on this trekking journey is 5545 m which is the height of Kalapathar. The altitude of the Everest Base Camp is 5364 m.

In contrast, the highest point on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal is 4130 m which is the height of the base camp. The trek is moderate with gradual gain in elevation. Therefore, there is less risk of altitude sickness during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Verdict: Annapurna Base Camp Trek has edge over the Everest Base Camp Trek in terms of difficulty.

Scenery

Trekkers can get the views of Mt. Everest and other high peaks during the Everest Base Camp Trek. You can get the best views of more than a dozen mountains. The trail is through barren alpine landscapes, glaciers, and moraines.

Interestingly, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek traverses through diverse landscape full of green lush forests, terraced farmlands, and diverse mountain vista from Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri range.

Verdict: Both of these trekking routes are scenic offering great vista or mountains but ABC Trek is more diverse than the EBC Trek.

Culture

The trail of the Everest Base Camp Trek traverses through the villages of Sherpa People. In lower sections like Lukla, you may find few houses of Rai community but the trail is full of Sherpa villages. Trekkers can get chance to know about the traditions and culture of the people who are known globally as the mountaineers.

Magar, Gurung, Tamang, Brahmins, Chhetris, and Dalits live in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek trail. You get to know about the culture and traditions of different ethnic community. Lots of these villages offer you great chance to immerse into the local culture.

Verdict: The Annapurna Base Camp Trek has slight edge and advantage over the Everest Base Camp Trek in terms of cultural attractions.

Logistics

The logistical difficulties are very high for the Everest Base Camp Trek journey. The main hurdle is the flights to Lukla. The flight is prone to delays and cancellation due to unpredictable nature of weather conditions. Therefore, lots of problems are faced by travelers in terms of logistic arrangement. However, the standards of tea houses and eateries are very high with different options.

Logistic support in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is very strong. The trek starts from Pokhara which is accessible both by flight and by road. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about the schedule disruptions. There are enough tea houses and eateries on the trail to support the trekkers.

Verdict: The logistic comparison is on level terms between these two trekking routes. However, the Lukla flight uncertainty gives advantage to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Budget

The cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek is comparatively higher than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Generally, it costs around 1400 $ for regular Everest Base Camp Trek whereas the Annapurna Base Camp Trek can be completed in about 800 $ to 900 $ for regular trekking package. Note that the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is possible to do in 5 days itinerary as well. This significantly decreases the cost or the budget for the trek.

Verdict: ABC Trek is cheaper than the EBC Trek.

Final Verdict

The choice is yours! People must travel considering their own preferences and aspirations. The Everest Base Camp Trek is an epitome of all trekking trips due to its significance of being the trip to the foothill of the world’s tallest mountain. Accessibility, budget, logistical support, and overall trek experiences must be considered while choosing the trek. Whichever trek that you choose can surely offer you the best Himalayan wilderness experiences.