10th Aug, 2025

Everest Base Camp trek Vs Annapurna Trek

- Magnificent Himalayan Treks

There will always be a dilemma for choosing the best destination for your adventures.

So, you want to go trekking in Nepal?  Wonderful ! 

We wish to take you! But are you in dilemma for Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp trek? This post is intended to help you answer that question. We will  discuss hike duration, difficulty, weather, expense, and more!

Route Variations

The Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp treks provide a variety of routes and itinerary options.

This is because the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek route has multiple paths traveling there and back. You can also add some intriguing detours.

On the Annapurna Circuit (AC), you can now drive some of the initial trek path, allowing you to skip some or all of the early sections if desired.

You can also end the adventure at different locations. You can also add an exciting loop via the Nar and Phu Valleys to make this walk longer.

As you can see, modifications on both journeys are feasible!

By the way, if you don't want to read any further but are curious :in the differences between the Annapurna Circuit and the Everest Base Camp trek, here's a video to watch instead! If you are still unsure, please schedule a call with our team.

Trip Duration

Everest Base Camp

The Everest Base Camp trek generally takes around 12 to 14 days to complete. This includes trekking days as well as acclimatization stops in key places like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to help your body adjust to the higher altitude.

The journey starts with a flight to Lukla and follows a steady pace to ensure safe altitude gain, making it a longer and more gradual adventure.

Annapurna Base Camp

The Annapurna Base Camp journey is shorter, typically lasting 7 to 10 days from start to finish. The trip begins in Pokhara, with the first part frequently requiring a short drive to a trailhead such as Nayapul.

While there is still significant height gain, the lower maximum altitude compared to Everest allows for a faster pace and fewer acclimation days, making it more time-effective.

Which trek is best for you?

The attractions and benefits of either trek route are numerous, and it is primarily your own preferences that will help you determine whether the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp trek is the better option for you right now.

We address the following things to help you decide:

How hard would you like to push yourself physically?

What types of sights do you most want to see?

How much of Nepal do you want to explore?

When do you wish to travel?

What amount can you afford to spend on the trip?

Availability

The Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp treks are extremely different.

Yes, they are both set in Nepal's Himalayas and include extensive high-altitude trekking. However, they differ greatly in many other ways, including how easily you can get to and from them. 

Note: The starting point of the Annapurna Circuit trek takes longer to reach than that of the Everest Base Camp trek.

Getting to the beginning of the Everest Base Camp journey

As previously stated, both treks need a flight into Kathmandu, which serves as the country's only international airport.

Once in Kathmandu, travelers planning the EBC trek can take a short 25-minute flight east to the town of Lukla, where the climb begin

You might start the EBC trip the day you arrive in Nepal! We don't do this since such a rush is unnecessary and dangerous.

 Instead, we spend the night in Kathmandu to rest up. Furthermore, a night's stopover provides some critical wiggle room in case anyone's flight into Nepal is delayed.

Important alert

As of 2022, you cannot travel directly to Lukla from Kathmandu due to massive airport development, and some local flights are currently unavailable. This requires you to travel south to Ramechhap and then fly to Lukla from there.

This adds another day of travel to both sides of the EBC trek.

Lukla

Lukla is a small town situated 2,060 meters (6,759 feet) above sea level. Its airport's runway is notoriously short. 

Poor weather can and does cause flights to be delayed longer than usual.

As a result, our first day of trekking along the Everest Base Camp route lasts only 5.5 hours, thus a short delay at Lukla Airport does not ruin our plans. 

Getting to the Annapurna circuit

The Annapurna Circuit's accessibility is considerably different. After spending the night in Kathmandu, we have two days of travel ahead of us to reach the trek's starting site. 

We'll be driven in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, so it'll be lovely to arrive in comfort. 

We drive since you can't fly to the start of the ABC like you can with the EBC trek.

While you could fly to Pokhara, which is renowned as the Annapurna Circuit's gateway, you'd still have to rent transportation to get to the trailhead.

From Magnificent Himalayan  trekkers are driven all the way to Pisang before they start trekking.

You don't need to travel this far to begin trekking the original Annapurna Circuit path, but because highways now connect many of the communities lower down on the AC, we prefer to bypass this part. 

We don't particularly enjoy strolling on jeep tracks and sharing the road with vehicles. The road stops in the village of Pisang, and everyone must walk from there.

So this is where Magnificent Himalayan prefers to start the journey.

Pisang is separated into Lower and Upper Pisang. Lower Pisang sits on the south bank of the Marsyangdi River, and you must cross a footbridge and ascend a little distance to reach Upper Pisang, where we slept overnight before beginning our hike the next day.

Getting back to Kathmandu

The Annapurna Circuit concludes in Ranipauwa in the Mustang District, where Magnificent Himalayan (and many other trekkers) arrive. From here, continue south to the airport town of Jomsom.

In Jomsom, you take a tiny plane through the massive Kali Gandaki Gorge to the lakeside city of Pokhara.

It's only in Pokhara that you can catch a flight back to Kathmandu.

So, at the end of the AC hike, the return journey consists of a day of driving followed by two short flights. The flights are on different days, so there is a night in Pokhara.

But trust us, you'll be grateful for the opportunity to discover this beautiful and adventure-filled region.

Communications

Both the Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit route have decent cell phone coverage and 3G access. 

Mobile reception can be spotty in some of the more distant areas. However, one of the advantages of trekking with a local guide, as our clients do, is that experts can advise you on the ideal places for connectivity. 

There are Ncell towers along the EBC route that even connect people ascending Mount Everest.

Many people prefer to purchase a SIM card in Nepal due to the low cost of the card and data.

 If you opt to do this, we recommend getting a Ncell card. Along the AC, you should be good with a Ncell or Nepal Telecom SIM card. Consider purchasing an eSIM rather than a traditional SIM card.

Trek Hazards

Both the Annapurna Circuit and the EBC trip are challenging, but they are completely possible with reasonable fitness and perseverance.

We go into detail in Is the Annapurna Circuit difficult? and how difficult is Everest Base Camp? about the obstacles of each journey. However, we will discuss the relative difficulty of each.

Days For Trekking

Let's talk about the number of days you'll actually be walking on each trek …

Everest Base Camp

If you choose the Everest Base Camp trip with helicopter return, you'll be on the path for seven days. This covers six days of trekking and one acclimatization day in the middle.

It is worth noting that on the day you board the helicopter, you will also embark on a strenuous morning climb up Kala Patthar for an unimpeded view of Mount Everest. A wonderful time.

The Classic Everest Base Camp trek, offered by Magnificent Himalayan, lasts 11 days and includes one acclimatization day in Dingboche on day 5. If you're feeling adventurous, you can go on some interesting day treks today.

The Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes trip lasts 13 days. This includes 12 days of trekking and one acclimatization day in the middle. So, if you go on the trek, you'll be walking for 13 days straight.

The Everest Base Camp and Three Passes trip lasts 16 days. Three of these days might be used for acclimatization and recuperation, but each also includes an amazing round-trip walk that you can add to your itinerary.

On Day 14, for example, you can rest or climb Gokyo Peak for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayas!

Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit requires only six days of trekking. Two are acclimatization days, although there are magnificent round-trip hikes you can take to discover more of the area. So it's six days of walking.

Summary: There are long and short itineraries for both AC and EBC.

Depending on your plan, you can hike for seven, thirteen, or sixteen days in the Everest region. You can trek the Annapurna Circuit for six or eleven days.

Distance traveled

Let's now talk about the distances you hike on each expedition.

Everest Base Camp trek

On the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return, we take the classic route to base camp. This is the most direct route, totaling 66 kilometers (41 miles).

 However, if you combine the optional day hike on your acclimatization day, as well as the short climb from base camp to Gorakshep (where you sleep that night) and the round-trip hike to Kala Patthar the morning before your helicopter flight, you will have hiked approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles).

 If you skip the acclimatization day hike, you'll cover 59 km (37 miles) total.

The Classic EBC trip with our customized return route covers around 115 kilometers (71 miles) in total.

This includes the journey to Gorakshep after reaching base camp and your hike up Kala Patthar the next day, but it does not include any hiking you may choose to do on your acclimatization day.

The EBC and Gokyo Lakes hike covers a total distance of 135 kilometers (84 miles). This covers the Kala Patthar hike but not the two optional day hikes (which we recommend you take). 

With those included, you travel 121 kilometers (75 miles). We enjoy this route because the return trip offers a variety of sights. After all, we do a loop rather than returning the same way we came in. 

You also see a more rural and peaceful portion of the region.

The EBC and Three Passes hike spans 182 kilometers (113 miles). This includes the Kala Patthar hike.

 It also includes the round-trip day climb to Gokyo Peak, but not the optional day hikes on the next two rest days. This trek should only be attempted by the most fit.

Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit is a wide loop that winds through the Annapurna Massif. It stretches from 160 to 230 kilometers (99 to 143 miles). 

The lengthier route became popular in the 1970s. Such a trek takes more than a fortnight to accomplish, and many people now only trek the middle stretch.

We at Magnificent Himalayan have also planned an abridged version of the classic Annapurna Circuit walk, which only includes the best-preserved, tallest, most remote, and most beautiful sections of the route. This route is 50 kilometers (31 miles), not including the optional day treks on our acclimatization days.

Our specific route involves trekking around 50 km (31 miles), not counting the day hikes on our two acclimatisation days.

The Nar-Phu and Annapurna Circuit walk covers 119 kilometers (74 miles), not including the optional day climb from Phu. This is, as you can see, the far more difficult Annapurna Circuit route.

Summary: EBC and ABC have both long and small distances.

Depending on the trek route you choose, you can cover approximately 65 kilometers (44 miles) on the EBC trip, 121 kilometers (75 miles) on the Gokyo Lakes variation, and 124 kilometers (77 miles) on the Three Passes variation.

The Annapurna Circuit can be completed in 50 kilometers (31 miles) or 119 kilometers (74 miles) via the Nar-Phu route.

Paths

The routes of the Annapurna trail are normally in good shape. In certain sections, you will actually travel along a jeep track, as the Nepalese government has recently improved infrastructure in the area to make it more accessible.

Overall, the paths on the AC are more mild than those on the EBC journey.

Our trek groups are always led by a native guide for the most important reason: safety. Along the Annapurna Circuit, your lead guide is frequently Sonam Sherpa, while along the Everest Base Camp trip, it is commonly Oangdi Gurung.

Elevation acquired

Both the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna hikes take you far into the Himalayas.

Everest Base Camp elevation

The EBC journey begins at 2,860 meters in Lukla. Everest Base Camp sits 5,364 meters above sea level. But base camp isn't the highest point on the climb; we also go up Kala Patthar ('Black Rock'), which stands 5,643 meters above sea level.

That means we climbed a total of 2,836 metres during the journey, which is nearly three vertical kilometers!

Annapurna Circuit Elevation

The Annapurna Circuit needs us to trek at a slightly lower altitude than the Everest Base Camp trek, as illustrated in the graph below.

The AC trip begins in Upper Pisang, a town about 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) above sea level. Over the next two days, we will climb to the circuit's highest point, Thorung La, which is 5,416 metres (17,769 feet) above sea level. This is a 2,216-meter (7,270-foot) ascent.

After Thorung La, we descend 1,161 meters (3,809 feet) to the settlement of Ranipauwa in just one day! So this day can be a little hard on the knees.

Summary: The EBC journey features a larger rise in elevation.

The Everest Base Camp trek route takes you slightly higher in elevation than the Annapurna Circuit. If you appreciate stats, you might be interested to know that the EBC trek has a 227 m (745 foot) higher elevation increase than the AC journey. 

Note:When you include the hike up Kala Patthar, your altitude gain on the EBC trek is 568 m (1,863 ft) more than on the AC.

Time spent at altitude.

By comparing the two elevation graphs, we can observe that the Everest Base Camp journey spends significantly more time above 5,000 meters than the Annapurna Circuit trek route. 

This implies spending more time in rarefied air, when exertion is significantly more taxing. The mental and physical hardship of the EBC trip is much greater than that of the Annapurna Circuit.

It's worth noting that the higher you ascend, the more likely you are to experience altitude symptoms like headaches and dizziness. 

These are not very severe and can be medicated to some extent.

The only problem is if you get severe mountain sickness.

When embarking on high-altitude hiking, especially for the first time, it is critical to understand and accept that if you acquire serious symptoms, you must abandon your journey and descend rapidly to a lower level.  

Note:If you’ve never trekked at altitude, the Annapurna Circuit is probably the smarter option.

For starters, because you won't have to climb as high on the Annapurna Circuit, the effects of the thin air will be less severe. This hike could put your altitude tolerance to the test.

(Keep in mind that altitude sickness occurs at random and can affect even the fittest people.)Second, the Annapurna Circuit is a shorter walk, so if you develop serious symptoms and have to turn back, you will miss out on fewer trekking days.

Third, the Annapurna trip organized by Magnificent Himalayan includes several days of travel and sightseeing at low altitude. So even if you are unable to complete your trek due to severe altitude sickness, you will still have a lot to look forward to and enjoy with your travel companions.

The risk of serious altitude sickness

Trekkers typically experience severe altitude sickness, but it does happen on occasion.

The chance of a ruined vacation owing to severe altitude sickness is slightly higher on the Everest Base Camp trek than on the Annapurna Circuit, as the former involves higher elevations and more time at high altitude.

Furthermore, the Everest Base Camp journey only allows for one acclimatization day, whereas the Annapurna trek includes two. 

Weather

The weather is a major deciding factor when it comes to planning any high-altitude trek.

The weather in the Himalayas is tremendously unpredictable and, at times, extremely deadly.

The Everest Base Camp climb is in Nepal's eastern Himalayas, whereas the Annapurna Circuit is in the central Himalayas. While the weather patterns are similar in all locations, the timing and severity of the numerous weather systems affecting them vary slightly.

Learn more about the Best time to hike the Annapurna Circuit and the Best time for the Everest Base Camp trek.

Summer monsoon

During the summer, Nepal is affected by the Indian monsoon, the world's most prominent monsoon system. Between June and September, the monsoon brings heavy rain, high temperatures, and humidity to the Himalayas. Nepal receives 80% of its rainfall in the summer. 

Note:The two main weather systems that we as trekkers have to consider are the summer and winter monsoons.

Few people go on the Annapurna or Everest Base Camp climbs in the summer since the rains make the trails slick and perilous, not to mention the obvious discomfort of hiking in downpours.

While parts of both treks lead you into the rain shadow of the high Himalayas, the lower parts of the journey routes are heavily influenced by monsoon rains, making summer an unsuitable period for trekking.

Winter monsoon

From December to February, the winter monsoon delivers frigid temperatures, wind, and snow from northern Asia to Nepal. Some brave souls choose to trek the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp paths in the winter, but they are far from the majority.

The paths are certainly calmer in the winter, and the views are typically stunning, but the temperatures are cold, with nighttime lows of around -20° C.

Furthermore, the wind chill can reduce the temperature by an additional 10 degrees. Furthermore, high passes may be closed due to snowfall, leaving you stuck.

Finally, many passes (such as the one to the Gokyo Lakes) are usually closed throughout the winter, leaving only a few routes open to winter trekkers.

For the majority of us, traveling to Nepal is a significant financial and time commitment, so it's critical to select a time frame that will provide the ideal weather conditions to make the journey both feasible and pleasurable.

It is arguably smarter to only attempt Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit route in winter if you are a highly experienced trekker who is confident in your equipment and gear. 

Peak seasons

The peak seasons for the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna trek are spring and autumn. Seasonal changes affect both regions at around the same time.

Everest Base Camp trek peak seasons

Note:Peak seasons for the EBC trek are late March to mid May (spring) and late September to November (autumn).

Many people prefer trekking in the spring because Everest Base Camp is bustling, with yellow and orange tents, mountaineering equipment, and eager summiters.

Given that the trek's aim is Everest Base Camp, arriving at the site of such activity and endeavour is really extraordinary.

In other times of the year, arriving to Everest Base Camp is like approaching an empty expanse that you only recognize as your destination because of a sign surrounded by wind-battered prayer flags.

The other peak season, fall, is more popular with trekkers due to the pleasant weather and clear views. However, many of the blossoms will be gone by this time of year.

Annapurna Circuit peak seasons

Note: Peak seasons for the Annapurna Circuit are April and May (spring) and October and November (autumn).

Each peak season offers unique benefits and cons. Spring, for example, has lovely blooms, although there can be a bit of haze at times.

 Autumn, on the other hand, provides more consistent, warmer weather and improved visibility, although the lower half of the trip path lacks spring blossoms and new vegetation. 

Crowds 

Both the Annapurna Circuit and the EBC treks have gained appeal in recent decades.

There are advantages and disadvantages to this, such as improved services and more congested routes.

If you want to go during peak season, as many do for better weather, you must understand that you will be sharing the trail with a large number of other trekkers.

Everest Base Camp trekkers' numbers

Note:According to Nepal Tourism, in 2016 over 45,000 foreigners visited Sagarmatha National Park.

This park contains Mt Everest, Everest Base Camp, and the majority of the EBC trek route, and there are no roads, therefore we may use this statistic to estimate the combined trekker and mountaineer population.

The majority of EBC trekkers ascend the route during one of the two peak seasons. During peak season, several hundred hikers can join the route each day.

As a result, lodges and teahouses along the route can and do fill up during peak season, and there are instances when overflow trekkers must pitch tents overnight. Magnificent Himalayan books our accommodations ahead of time to ensure that there are enough beds for everyone.

Annapurna Circuit trekker numbers

According to UNESCO, Annapurna attracts over 60% of Nepal's international trekking visitors, making it the most popular trekking destination in terms of numbers.

There are no precise trekker figures for the Annapurna Circuit, however there are additional trekking routes in the Annapurna Massif, such as the Annapurna Base Camp trek.

While we can't pinpoint specific figures, we do know that lodges and teahouses along the Annapurna Circuit fill up during peak seasons, which means that a few hundred trekkers can join the path each day. 

Trek dates

As you can see, the peak hiking seasons in EBC and Annapurna are similar, as the weather is very similar along both walk routes at any given time of year.

If you decide to join one of Magnificent Himalayan journeys and we hope you will  you can either look at our scheduled departures or offer your own date. We are quite flexible with dates.

And yes, if you want to be He-Man or She-Ra, you could trek Annapurna and then trek EBC straight after.

Costs

Every getaway necessitates some number crunching, including those all-important financial figures.

However, if you go with Magnificent Himalayan , the math becomes much simpler because you just have two major expenses: your flights and the Magnificent Himalayan charge.

If you have little or no previous trekking expertise, you may need to invest in some equipment, which is another significant cost to consider.

International flights

Flight prices will remain unchanged because, as previously stated, Nepal only has one international airport.

Follow Magnificent Himalayan 

There are numerous reasons to go with a tour operator when starting on an adventure trip such as trekking to EBC or along the Annapurna Circuit. One apparent argument is safety, while another is that most of the administrative and hectic work is done for you.

With Magnificent Himalayan, you pay a one-time package price that covers nearly every single cost you may spend in Nepal.

Note:The longer the trek, the more expensive it is, naturally. Also, a helicopter flight back from EBC adds substantially to the fee.

For example,Magnificent Himalayan  the Annapurna Circuit ticket includes all transportation within Nepal, all lodging, almost all meals, all park and other permits, and tour guide and porter expenses.

The Everest Base Camp ticket also includes all transportation throughout Nepal, all lodging, almost all meals, all park and other permissions, and the tour guide and porter expenses.

Equipment

For first-time trekkers, or those who have never trekked at high altitude previously, there will be a considerable investment to buy the equipment required for the cold and severe weather experienced in the higher parts of both treks.

Your Annapurna Circuit packing list and Everest Base Camp packing list are identical, as both require durable, warm, and waterproof equipment, clothing, and accessories.

Many trekkers hire some of the more expensive equipment after they arrive in Nepal. Kathmandu is brimming with establishments that rent (and sell) everything a trekker may require, including sub-zero sleeping bags and trekking poles.

Famous mountains

One of the main reasons we visit Nepal is to see the beauty of the Himalayan peaks.

Mountains of Everest Base Camp Trek

The EBC journey has the obvious - and sensible - draw of taking you up close to the King of the Mountains, Mount Everest. The mythology surrounding this giant makes this journey somewhat of a pilgrimage.

Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa, and Sir Edmund Hillary, an Englishman, became the first to climb Mount Everest in 1953. It's a treacherous mountain to climb, and many brave souls have died trying.

Other significant peaks on the Everest Base Camp journey

The Everest Base Camp journey is about more than just Mount Everest. You are also 

rewarded with views of other notable and attractive mountains such as:

Ama Dablam (6,812 m)

This distinctively sculpted peak is a favorite among Everest Base Camp climbers since it provides company to the right for a few days on the trail. 

Its steep slopes are spectacular, and the steeply protruding peak distinguishes it from the other peaks. The ridges on either side of the main peak are supposed to resemble a mother's arms shielding her kid. 

Cholatse (6,440 m) and Taboche (6,542 m)

The two peaks are connected by a lengthy ridge. The Chola glacier rushes down Cholatse's east face, while Taboche towers above Dingboche, where we will spend the night on our way out.

When we return from Everest Base Camp, we head straight for these two peaks. 

Nuptse (7,861 m).

When viewed from the south, this is a majestic mountain that is only 2 kilometers west of Everest. Despite being a thousand metres shorter, it more than holds its own against its famed neighbour.

Cho La Pass (5,420 m)

This pass is unique in that we actually cross it! The views down to the settlements of Dzongla and Thagna are spectacular, not to mention the views out to countless other peaks.  

Gokyo Ri (5,357 m). 

This summit is next to Nepal's largest glacier, Ngozumpa. On our way back, we go to its namesake town, Gokyo. 

There are many other peaks in the Khumbu region where we undertake the EBC trip, but we can't list them all here. It's best if you just go and see them all for yourself!

Mountains of the Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit also provides up-close and personal views of some incredibly high and magnificent mountains.

Because the mountains here are part of the Annapurna Massif, they do not always rise from such depths, but they can reach incredible heights. 

Note:Eight of the 14 tallest mountains in the world are in Nepal! 

Notable peaks of the Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna I (8,091 m), the Annapurna region's alpha male, is the world's tenth tallest peak. Other notable peaks on exhibit on the Annapurna Circuit trip are:

Annapurna II (7,937 m)

This is the world's sixteenth tallest peak. It is also the easternmost peak in the Annapurna range, thus it is the first thing we see when we start the circuit. It's stunning.

Khangsar Kang (7,485 m). 

This summit is near to Kicho Tal's ice lake. We hike to the lake after spending a few days acclimatising in Manang. When we visit the ice lake, we are surrounded by a stunning 360-degree view of snow-capped mountain peaks.   

Chulu (6,584 m)

This is a popular peak mountain. If you bring binoculars with you on the walk (which is a good idea), you might notice little ant people ascending it.

Machhapuchhre (6,993 m)

Climbers are not permitted on this mountain in order to keep it in shape and healthy. We are overjoyed with this selection because the sheer slopes are quite breathtaking.

Dhaulagiri (8,167 m).

This peak, the world's seventh tallest, located to the west of the Annapurna Circuit. Its name translates to 'dazzling, white, magnificent mountain'. We see it near the end of our journey, as we drop into the Mustang District.

Making the choice

And if you choose to fly back from Everest Base Camp by helicopter, you will have the most gorgeous flight of your life! So you've also won! There aren't any terrible options! 

However, you are probably convinced that you know which journey is best for you right now. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about either expedition. 

We'd be delighted to share our expertise and experiences with you about these two stunning, world-class treks, and to assist you in planning an unforgettable trip.

Conclusion

Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek both are thrilling adventures. You wouldn’t want to take a risk. Make sure are with a licensed guide, pack your essentials and be extra cautious about all the risks.