Whether you choose the trek to Everest Base Camp or the trek to Annapurna Base Camp, you are in for a feast of delights that only Nepal can provide. Mystical, mysterious mountains and truly wonderful people & their cultures to leave you with lifetime memories. We often get inquiries asking what we would recommend, a trek to Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp, and could we provide some information on the respective merits of both regions?
Perhaps the major difference is, in the Everest Region, the vast majority of trekkers have one goal: Everest itself. In the Annapurna Region, there is more variety, and whilst Annapurna Base Camp is way up there as the destination to go to, it is not the only one. It is a difficult question to answer, as both provide some fabulous days in the Himalayas.
Rather than arguing one side or the other, here are some broader facts about the two regions and trekking options, highlighting in a little more detail the EBC Trek and ABC Trek. Whatever option you choose, you are treated to a region full of Biodiversity, fantastic mountain people, and mountain scenery unmatched anywhere on the planet.
At the Everest Base Camp
The Everest Region
The majority of people who visit Nepal would like to see Mount Everest at least once while they are here. Many take the easy option with a mountain flight from Kathmandu. However, for those who prefer to make their encounter with Everest much more rewarding, there is only one way to appreciate the experience fully: go trekking there to witness in person the last earthly rung on the stairway to the heavens.
A few facts about the Everest region
The Sagarmatha (native name for Mt. Everest) National Park is 137 km northeast of Kathmandu. The region, which covers an area of 1148 sq km, has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1979. The landscape in the region varies from alpine-like in the southerly regions, becoming a lot harsher and rugged, dissected by deep gorges higher up the trail. Elevations range from 2845m in the south to 8848 meters on the summit of Everest in the north on the border with Tibet.
The region has several rare animal species. The snow leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, and the lesser panda are among the many species found in the Sagarmatha National Park, along with over 120 species of birds. On average, 35,000 tourists visit the region each year. Around 10,000 Sherpa people live in the Khumbu Valley, many in villages and seasonal settlements situated along the main tourist trails.
Best Times to Visit
While trekking is possible here the whole year round, the best times to visit are from March to mid-May and from September to mid-November. April and early May for nature, with the trees bursting into bloom, rhododendrons, in particular, add a spectacular blaze of colour to the lush landscape. September to Early November is also good and the most popular, with clear skies and fantastic mountain views.
It is very cold in the winter, and snow on the upper trail may make it difficult to travel higher than Tengboche. Many of the lodges are also closed above this altitude. Summers are wet with clouds and poor visibility, so there are really not ideal trekking conditions unless you have no option.
The most desirable trek to Everest Base Camp
For many, a trek to Everest Base Camp is a dream they have always had. For some, it might be part of a bucket list of things they want to do, and for others, it just happens! Famous for its spectacular mountains and the warmth and friendliness of its iconic Sherpas, it is not surprising the Everest region is one of the most popular destinations for trekking in Nepal. Most treks nowadays begin with a flight into the mountain airstrip of Lukla.
The trail is full of surprises through an exceptional area of dramatic mountains, glaciers, and deep valleys, dominated, of course, by the mighty Mount Everest (8,848 m). The direct route up to Everest Base Camp provides some fantastic mountain vistas within the rich mountain Sherpa culture you travel through.
There are a variety of good lodges to rest up over a hot meal at the end of the day. Higher up the trail, north of Tengboche, the scenery changes dramatically, from lush forests during the early stages of the trek onto mainly composed rugged terrain as you head up in the thinning air towards base camp. The higher you go, the more basic the accommodation, which, in a strange way, adds to the overall experience.
The Kala Patthar (The best viewpoint to witness Mount Everest)
Kala Patthar is a fantastic point from which to view Mount Everest. It is only when you are standing there that you fully appreciate the journey and what you have achieved as you look out onto a dramatic 360-degree panoramic view. The mighty Mt. Everest and the surrounding mountains of Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Ama Dablam seem as if they are reaching out to touch you.
Everest Base Camp Trek Outline Itinerary with approximately walking distance and time
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu. Preparation for the trek.
Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (Straight line Flight Distance: 138 km). Start trekking to Phakding (2,610m). Walking: 8 km/ 4 hours)
Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,441m). Walking: 12 km /7 hours
Day 4: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar: Hike up to the Everest View Hotel. Walking: 4 km /4 hours.
Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m), Walking: 10 km/6 hours
Day 6: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m), Walking: 12 km /6 hours
Day 7: Acclimatization day in Dingboche. Hike up to Nagarjun Hill, Walking 4 km/ 4 hours
Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m), Walking: 12 km /6 hours
Day 9: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,180m) to Everest Base Camp (5364m) and back to Gorakshep, Walking: 15 km/ 8 hours)
Day 10: Trek from Gorakshep to Kalapatthar (5,545m) and then down to Pheriche (4,280m), Walking: 18 km/8 hours
Day 11: Trek back from Pheriche to Namche BazaarWalking: 19 km / 8 hours
Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to at Lukla, Walking: 20 km /7 hours
Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu
The Everest Region Trekking Map
More Remote and Challenging Options to Reach Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp via the Gokyo Lakes
If you want a more remote and challenging trek that will test your stamina, look no further. A trek to Everest Base Camp via the Gokyo Lakes by crossing Chola Pass is certainly up there with the best. The trek provides absolutely stunning mountain views through the best mountain scenery in the world. The trail is a lot less busy, so you have more time to soak it all up. It’s a beautiful trek for the natural beauty of your surroundings within a varied and dramatic landscape.
The Three Passes Trek to Everest Base Camp
This trek is up there with the best in the world, taking you remotely and far away on what is a very demanding trail. You need to be fit with a good degree of stamina. The trek covers much of the Everest region on a circular route from Lukla to Lukla. On the way, you cross the three high passes of this region – Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La – each of these is over 5,000m.
One of these alone would be a fearless challenge. There are some long days on the trail, nine hours on occasions but the rewards are numerous with some of the best mountain views in Nepal or in the world for that matter.
Not enough time or fancy easier options to View Mount Everest
The Everest Panorama View Trek
If you are short on time or don’t have the energy to trek all the way to Everest Base Camp, this is a perfect introduction to the Everest region. On a trail rich in biodiversity, you will experience stunning views of Mount Everest and many of the other great peaks. You will also have an opportunity to learn more about the unique history, culture, and traditions of the friendly and gracious Sherpa people.
Pikey Peak Trek
Pikey Peak lies south of the main Khumbu Everest trekking region. The view of Mount Everest from Pikey Peak is said to be the best to be had, a statement borne out by none other than Sir Edmund Hillary himself. You hike on a trail through authentic Sherpa villages, visit ancient monasteries, and experience the best of Sherpa culture with some wonderful laid-back days on the trail away from the crowds.
The Annapurna Region
The Annapurna region is a National Park of extreme beauty; it is Nepal's most widely visited trekking region. There are many treks for all fitness levels, and the trek to Annapurna Base Camp is one of the best choices. Some of these treks follow the ancient salt trade route between Nepal and Tibet that cuts through The Kali Gandaki Gorge (the deepest in the world).
The region has well-established trading and trekking lodges and tea houses and good road and air links with Kathmandu. The area is north of the beautiful lake town of Pokhara, situated 200 km to the west of Kathmandu. Pokhara is a six-hour road trip or a flight from Kathmandu that takes around 20 minutes.
The region has many spectacular mountains of over 8000 meters, and the elevation extremes here are not elsewhere in Nepal. Many different plants and animals are found in the region. There are a lot of Oak, Bamboo, and Rhododendron forests in the south, whereas high alpine meadows and windswept plateaus are mainly dominant in the northern regions that border Tibet.
The Grey Languor monkey and various cats and rodents are found at lower levels, and the elusive Snow Leopard and The Himalayan Black Bear inhabit the higher altitudes (4500mtrs and above). Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the region.
At the Annapurna Base Camp
Treks in the Annapurna Region
Like the Mount Everest region, there are many treks to choose from, each offering its own charm and unique experiences. The trails are such that you are often able to combine treks into a longer route. The longest of these would be the full trek around the Annapurna Circuit and on to Annapurna Base Camp, a classic trail that has it all.
Brief Outline of this trek
With the new road network nowadays on either side of the High Pass at Thorung La (5416m), you have choices regarding the number of days you want to spend on this particular trail, from approx 12 days to approx 18 days. This is a fantastic trek; you get to experience the delights of the Marshangdi Valley with its rich Buddhist culture and also the challenging crossing of the Thorang La on your way to the pilgrimage town of Muktinath.
Head on down the trail from here (by foot or jeep to Tatopani) and on to Ghorepani. Stay overnight at Ghorepani and do the hike up for a stunning sunrise over both the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges at Pun Hill. From there, a wonderful journey up into the Annapurna Sanctuary and Annapurna Base Camp for something very special as laid out in the latter stages of the ABC trail below from Ghorepani onwards.
The classic Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The majority of the treks in the Annapurna Region begin with a one-hour drive to Nayapul, the trail roadhead. The first two days are spent on a trail through mainly rhododendron forest with small villages on the way. On reaching Ghorepani, it is a must that you make the pilgrimage to Poon Hill for dawn over the Himalayas, a magical experience as the rising sun lights up Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Fish-tailed Machhapuchhre, and Langtang range.
You then head out on the ABC trail, reaching the lovely village of Chhomrong in two days. This is the last established village on the trail; your overnight stops onwards are in settlements built to cater for Trekkers.
The trail then moves east towards the Modi Khola river valley, formed from the meltwater from the peaks and glaciers above. As you move above Chhomrong, the trail gets stiffer with the vegetation changing; the tree line gives way to bamboo and dwarf scrubs on the way to the Annapurna Sanctuary, where the peaks are beginning to reveal themselves at this stage. There is a hike up to Machhapuchhre Base Camp and a stiff two-hour hike up to Annapurna Base Camp.
Annapurna Base Camp is Annapurna’s answer to Kala Patthar in the Everest Region. It is a huge ice-clad amphitheatre situated at an altitude of 4130 m. It is a surreal experience just standing there with the mountains towering vertically above you. Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna III (7937m), Annapurna IV (7 525m), Gangapurna (7455m), and Machhapuchhre (6993m) magic. You then need to retrace your steps for 3 days.
Another bonus on this trek is the night spent at the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda where you can soothe and relax tired muscles. From here you have choices, take a short trek down to the new road and drive back to Pokhara, or trek along the river for a day back to Nayapul and pick up your transport there.
Annapurna Base Camp Outline Itinerary with approximately walking distance and time
Day 1: Kathmandu Airport Pickup and Transfer to Hotel (1345 meters) and Preparation for the trek.
Day 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara (827 m), distance Traveled: 201 km by Bus (6-7 hours drive) or by flight: 30 min.
Day 3: Drive to Nayapul (40km, 1.30 hour) and trek to Ulleri (1920m), Walking: 15 km /5 hrs
Day 4: Ulleri to Ghorepani (2860 m), Walking: 10.5 km/ 5 to 6 hours
Day 5: Ghorepani to Poon Hill and Tadapani (2610 meters), Walking: 9Km/ 6-7 hour
Day 6: Tadapani to Chomrong (2170m), Walking: 10 km / 5 hour
Day 7: Chomrong to Himalaya (2900 m), Walking: 10 km/ 6 hours)
Day 8: Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m), Walking: 13km/ 7 hours
Day 9: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310 m), Walking: 17 km/7 hours
Day 10: Bamboo to Jhinu Hot Spring (1780 m), Walking: 12 km/ 6 hours
Day 11: Jhinu Hot Spring to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara (827m), Walking: 13 km/5 hours and driving 1.30 hours
Day 12: Drive/Fly Back to Kathmandu, Distance: 201 km, 6/7 hours driving or flight: 30 minutes
Day 13: Departure from Nepal
The Annapurna Region Trekking Map
If you don’t have a lot of time
The Short Annapurna Base Camp trek
The Short Annapurna Base Camp trek is a great option to consider if you are looking for the same classic mountain experience of the longer A.B.C. trail especially if your time is short. With new roads being laid in the region, it is now possible to trek to Annapurna Base Camp without spoiling anything of the base camp experience. This Annapurna Short Trek cuts at least a day off the journey from Pokhara and up to three days if you do not visit Poon Hill on the way.
Best times to visit Annapurna Base Camp
As the altitude is around 1200 meters lower than Everest Base Camp (5364m), the trekking season is extended somewhat in February, March, April, and May, and post-monsoon late September, October, November, and December are all possible times to fully enjoy the experience.
How difficult are EBC Trek and ABC Trek
It depends; if your idea of exercise is a five-minute walk to your local shop, both treks will likely be extremely difficult for you. If, on the other hand, you are reasonably fit with a good degree of stamina and the will to get there, a trek either to E.B.C. or A.B.C. whilst challenging should be well within your reach. Let’s break them down. Do I have a preference? Yes, I would do both.
Altitude Sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness)
There is a greater risk on the EBC trek as the maximum height made is Kala Patthar ( 5545m). On the other hand, ABC stands at an altitude of (4130m). To avoid any problems, It is very important to build in acclimatization days as you go.
Two rest days are highly recommended for the Everest Base Camp Trek (normally Namche Bazaar and Dingboche). The Annapurna Base Camp trail, being around 1200 meters lower, does not present the same problem. Even so, it is very important to take your time on the ascent. Most people will suffer some effects of high altitude, perhaps light-headedness and loss of appetite. If these symptoms persist, the solution is to descend at least 500 meters and rest up for a day.
Both trails are well established and in general very good, the same applies to the accommodation with good Wi-Fi provision. Like most treks in Nepal, the higher you go the more basic the conditions. Neither trek requires any technical climbing skills, although on the Everest trek there are tougher moraine and icy conditions in thinning air to negotiate.
How many days on the trail
The regular Everest Base Camp Trek takes at least 8 to 12 days to complete, starting and returning to the mountain airstrip of Lukla. If you want to be safe, there is no other option to do this trek quicker. However, there are options to vary your route to A.B.C. The Nayapul to Nayapul trek via Ghandruk takes five days to base camp and three days back. I have mentioned other options to A.B.C. earlier in this blog. Days on the trail: expect anything from 4 to 8 hours a day on both trails, which will vary in difficulty.
My Recommendation
Whether you choose the Everest Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you are in for a feast of delights that only Nepal can provide. Mystical, mysterious mountains and truly wonderful people leave you with lifetime memories. The best advice I can give is to extend your trip by varying your trek in both regions if you have time. Via the Gokyo lakes would be a good one for EBC Trek and certainly take in Poon Hill in the Annapurna Region. You will not be disappointed.
