In this article today, we are going to discuss Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp Trek.
Annapurna and Everest Base Camp Trek are two of the prominent treks in Nepal. The choice that every trekker in Nepal eventually faces: Annapurna or Everest Base Camp Trek. Mt. Everest is famous for trekking credentials whereas Annapurna is less crowded.
Everest is an inspirational trek. Annapurna provides a more intimate interaction with the local culture. Located at a lower altitude, Annapurna Trek is more diverse with gorgeous rhododendron forests.
If it is your first trek, you should start with the Annapurna Trek. If you are scared of flying small planes and don’t like colder temperatures, Annapurna is the better option.
Trekking Annapurna vs Everest
Annapurna
If you are insecure about your abilities, Annapurna is the less difficult circuit. The altitude is lower and there are fewer steep hills. You can choose varieties of trekking trails in this circuit.
Annapurna gets more snowfall. The canyons make this region prone to avalanches. Avalanches only occur during the winter season. Some of the trails in Annapurna don’t even exceed 2000 meters.
The trail is much gentle and flat in Annapurna. The starting and ending point of the trek is different. Instead of roaming around the Khumbu Valley on Everest, Annapurna offers new terrain every day. Annapurna circuit trek vs Everest base camp trek
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Everest
Trekkers usually trek the Everest trail to get to the base camp of the highest mountain in the world. Many expeditions wait for their ascents at the base camp with prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The altitude is higher and you are surrounded by mountains.
By day 2, you are at an altitude of 3420 feet above sea level. This elevation is reached after 6 days in the ABC trek. Lack of oxygen and air density may cause a problem at the higher elevation. The starting and ending point of this trek is the same place.
Everest Trek is the most classical Himalayan trek option in Nepal. The route to Everest has more elevations gain which makes it difficult. It is cold and dry.
Getting Annapurna vs Everest
Annapurna
Pokhara is the gateway for the Annapurna trek. Pokhara is the tourist capital of Nepal.
With lakeside hotels, Pokhara offers a range of options to relax and have fun. You can get to Pokhara easily by road or flights.
Everest
In the 50s, Hillary and Tenzing had to travel from Kathmandu on foot to Everest. Today, you can take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Most people walk from Jiri to Lukla to avoid the flight.
Lukla is the starting point of the Everest Trek. It is not connected by roadways. The scenic flight to and from Kathmandu is worth the journey.
The scenery of Annapurna vs Everest
Annapurna
The Annapurna Circuit holds more than just mountains. It begins from fertile lowlands, passing through rice fields, oak and rhododendron forests. In April, the rhododendrons are in full bloom.
The mountains, beautiful terraces, dense jungles, and farming communities form a breathtaking background. You spend your time trekking through the canyons of Modi Khola. The high glacial pass and landscape of the Tibetan Plateau add to the diversity.
The incredible sights of Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri make the trek more valuable. Machhapuchhre is called the Matterhorn of the Himalayas. Annapurna is one of the diverse treks with stunning views.
Everest
Everest is a high altitude trek with the spectacular and direct scenery of the Himalayas. It is the perfect trek for mountain lovers. You will pay for the beautiful scenery by aching thighs and calves.
You can get a view of peaks like Thyangboche, Kusum Kanguru, and Thamserku in the first few days. Once Namche Bazaar is passed, you can get a direct view of Everest along with Ama Dablam, Pumori, Nuptse, Lhotse, Cholatse, Lobuche.
You can find the biggest and wildest mountains on this trek. You are surrounded by Gokyo Lakes while trekking through it. If you want to submerge in the mountains, then this is the trek.
Communities of Annapurna vs Everest
Annapurna
The Annapurna Circuit passes through rural settlements. Small farming communities reside along the valley. Gurung communities are dominant in this region, especially in Ghandruk Village.
You will pass through many villages that are home to the famous Gurkha Soldiers. There are traces of Hinduism and Animism along with Buddhism in the region. Annapurna trek gives a different vibe and more local flavor.
Everest
Everest is the home of Sherpas (legendary mountain climbers). You can meet Tibetan traders in the village of Namche Bazar. If you are trekking the region in March or April, you will come across professional teams preparing for their climb in May.
The abundance of Buddhist monasteries can be found in this region. Buddhist chants dominate the region. Along the trails, you can see various mani stones carved with Buddhist Mantra. You can feel a strong sense of spirituality.
Accommodation at Annapurna vs Everest
Annapurna
The facilities in Annapurna is less developed compared to Everest. You will come across only a few western toilets.
Attached baths are only available in some places. The bathrooms are mostly outdoors. The outdoor bathrooms are a problem in the dark.
Everest
Everest is more famous among the tourists. The facilities in this region are tourist standards. This route is more developed compared to others in Nepal.
The rooms are much nicer. Attached bathrooms are common in lower altitudes.
This region offers a system of western toilets. Higher altitudes lodge often have shared indoor bathrooms.
The food at Annapurna vs Everest
Food is equivalent in terms of quality. Both regions offer the local cuisine along with some others. Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari is the most common dish you will find.
Annapurna
Annapurna region is more fertile. Farming communities reside in the place. Therefore, you are able to find more veggies in the Annapurna region. You can also have meat in the region as they are fresh.
Everest
It is not recommended to have meat. The meat is carried from the lower villages because of no-kill policy in the Everest region. You can find Starbucks in the village of Lukla. You will also find foreign cuisines here.
Cost during Annapurna vs Everest
Annapurna
Annapurna is more affordable compared to the Everest Region. The price of food and accommodation is reasonable. The transportation cost is less as it is easily accessible.
The roads are a little rough. You will reconsider the Lukla flight expense after the trip to Besisahar by bus.
Everest
There are various reasons which make the Everest Region more expensive. Everest has a bigger brand name so the permit cost is high. The region is more luxurious with tourist standard facilities.
The flight ticket to Lukla adds to the cost. You can save this by traveling from Jiri. However, the journey from Kathmandu to Jiri will drain half of your energy.
Vehicular transportation is not available in the region. The goods available in this region are carried by people to higher elevations. Labor makes the goods worth more.
The crowd at Annapurna vs Everest
The crowd depends on the season. It is less crowded during the winter. A larger amount of tourists travel during Spring.
Annapurna
Annapurna circuit is less crowded compared to the Everest. The varieties of trails also make it less crowded. As an exception, Annapurna is more crowded during the winter.
People usually trek in small groups. Lack of exposure in the international world is also one of the reasons.
Everest
Everest trek is famous and considered prestigious around the world. This makes the region more crowded. Large groups are common.
Guides and Porters
Hiring guides and porters is important for a pleasant trek. The majority of people hire porters in the Everest region even if they are not trekking. The reason is the challenging terrain.
Guides and porters are more helpful EBC compared to the ABC trek. Guides are also useful for reserving rooms in crowded areas. The room problem doesn’t occur on ABC.
Conclusion
Annapurna Trek and Everest Base Camp offer diverse experiences and opportunities. If you want an epic and exhausting trek, head to EBC. If you are looking for a more diverse experience, head to ABC.
Both the trails are highly recommended. No matter which trek you choose, you will have an incredible experience.
