Trekking in the Himalayas is the dream for many, and Nepal has so many incredible trails to choose from. Trekkers who are visiting Nepal for the first time in Nepal, their 1st question: Which trek is best? In this blog today, we will describe two most famous and iconic treks in Nepal: the Everest Base Camp vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Both of these treks promise an unforgettable journey and experience that will leave you in awe. However, each of these treks differ from each other as they are located in different regions, offer different Himalayan views, local culture, unique landscapes and experiences.
You will learn key differences between the Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Base Camp trek. By knowing this, it will help you choose the right trek that suits you best.
Overview of Everest Base Camp Trek
- Trek duration: 12–14 days
- Maximum altitude: 5,545 meters (Kala Patthar)
- Trek difficulty: Moderate
- Estimated EBC Package Cost: $800-$1,200
- Required EBC Permit: Sagarmatha National Park Permit, Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
One of the most famous treks in the world is the Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC). This trip leads you to the base of Mount Everest (8,848.86 m), the highest mountain on Earth. It lies in the Solukhumbu (Khumbu) region inside the Sagarmatha National Park.
The journey of the Everest base camp trek starts from the Lukla Flight from Kathmandu or Manthali Airport. From here, you will follow the EBC trail, which passes through famous Sherpa villages such as Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Lobuche to reach EBC.
The altitude of Everest base camp is 5,364 meters (17,598 feet), which is surrounded by Khumbu Icefall, Khumbu Glacier, Glacial Moraines and Towering Peaks like Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and Ama Dablam. The view of Mt. Everest is not visible from the EBC, so most of the tour operators take trekkers to Kala Patthar(5,545 m) viewpoint to enjoy a close view of Everest.
Here’s the standard 14-day Everest base camp trek Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2840m/9318ft) and trek to Phakding(2601m/8563ft)
Day 3: Trek Phakding to Namche Bazar (3440m/11286ft)
Day 4: Acclimatizing at Namche Bazar (rest and exploration day)
Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazar to Tengboche(3860m/12664ft)
Day 6: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m/14469ft) trek hours: 5 to 6 hours
Day 7: Acclimatization day at Dingboche and hike to Nagarjun Hill(5100m)
Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Loubche(4910m/16109ft)
Day 9: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (visit to Everest base camp and return to Gorak Shep)
Day 10: Hike to Kalapatthar(5550m/18209ft) and descend to Pheriche(4240m/13911ft)
Day 11: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazar
Day 12: Trek from Namche to Lukla(2840m/9318ft)
Day 13: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 14: Final Departure
Overview of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Trek duration: 6–10 days
- Maximum altitude: 4,130 meters (Annapurna Base Camp)
- Estimated ABC Package Cost: $500-$900
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
- Required ABC Permit: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek, or ABC Trek, is located in the Annapurna region in central Nepal. People love this trek because it has diverse scenery, doesn’t take long to complete and brings you up close to the Annapurna range.
Most of the time, the journey begins in Pokhara, which is one of Nepal’s most beautiful cities. The ABC trek route continues past lovely villages like Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Bamboo, and Deurali, and then it takes you to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). The base camp is framed by beautiful snowfall mountain peaks, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
Here’s the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary:
Day 01: Fly to Pokhara, Drive to Jhinu Danda, and Trek to Chhomrong
Day 02: Trek from Chhomrong (2,170m) to Himalaya (2,890m) or Deurali (3,174m)
Day 03: Trek from Himalaya/Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,720m)
Day 04: Trek to Bamboo (2,310m)
Day 05: Trek to Jhinu Danda (1,780m)
Day 06: Trek to Siwai, Drive to Pokhara, and Fly back to Kathmandu
Everest Base Camp Vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Route and Trail Highlights
Everest Base Camp Route Highlights
- Lukla – Tenzing Hillary Airport – the world dangerous airport in the world and main entry point of the Everest region trek
- Namche Bazaar – Sherpa capital with lots of restaurants, cyber cafes, bakeries, souvenir stores, bookstores, general stores, pharmacies, art galleries, pubs and even a spa.
- Tengboche Monastery – Main monastery of the Sherpa people. Tengboche Monastery (also known as Dawa Choling Gompa), the Spiritual heart of the Khumbu region
- Everest Base Camp – The dream destination, travelers proudly take photos standing beside the iconic graffiti-covered EBC sign rock.
- Kala Patthar – Vintage viewpoint for the best panoramic Himalayan viewpoint with sunset and sunrise views
The Everest base camp trek trail is rocky and rugged, with long walking days and steady altitude gain.
Annapurna Base Camp Route Highlights
- Pokhara – Famous tourist destination for adventure activities, a variety of hotels and restaurants, beautiful lakes, stunning mountain views, pleasant weather
- Ghandruk – A Popular mountain village to understand the Gurung lifestyle, tradition and culture. Travellers often visit here to wear the Gurung culture dress and take pictures with background images of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountains.
- Chhomrong – last significant settlement before base camp
- Annapurna Sanctuary – High altitude mountain village with breathtaking views of the mountain peaks, with peaceful nature.
- Annapurna Base Camp – A perfect spot to celebrate the success of the ABC trek, where trekkers take memorable photos beside the fresh signboard marking Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m)
The ABC trail includes stone steps, forest paths, and river valleys with frequent village stops.
Everest Base Camp Vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Geography and Landscape
Everest Base Camp Trek
The EBC trek lies inside the Sagarmatha National Park, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The EBC trek journey starts from Lukla airport, whose altitude is 2,846 m. Every day you will gain an elevation of 400-800 meters (1,300-2,600 ft). The significant acclimatization places are Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. It is compulsory for acclimatization in this place to avoid altitude sickness and other altitude-related issues.
The maximum altitude you will reach on this EBC trek is Kala Patthar, 5,644 meters (18,519 feet). The EBC is a high-altitude tea house trek where you can find sherpa tea houses on trekking trails to stay and for meals. The trail passes through rivers, lakes, rhododendron and pine forests, river valleys, and a Sherpa village. Vegetation becomes sparse as altitude increases.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is located within the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) and is controlled by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). There are different starting trekking points for the ABC trek, such as Nayapul, Ghandruk, Jhinu Danda, Phedi, Kande or Siwa / Kimche. Depending on the itinerary days, the routes to this trekking point vary, and it is easily reachable from Pokhara. Generally, your trek starts from an altitude of 1,000m, and then you will reach ABC at 4,130m.
Compared to the EBC, the ABC trek has a lower risk of altitude sickness due to its lower maximum altitude, shorter duration, and more gradual ascent. On the ABC trek route, you will pass through subtropical forests, rhododendron jungles, terraced fields, waterfalls, and alpine zones.
Everest Base Camp Vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Difficulty Level and Physical Challenge
Compared to the Annapurna Base Camp, the Everest Base Camp trek is more demanding due to:
- Higher altitude
- Longer duration
- Cold temperatures
- Risk of altitude sickness
If you have a high altitude trekking experience or if you are physically fit for the trek with strong stamina, you can join the Everest Base Camp trek. ABC trek can be done with friends and family as it is beginner-friendly trek. ABC trek is best to do it with friends and family, and can be done without having previous trekking experience. Even though ABC is easier than EBC, we still need to have a moderate fitness level.
Everest Base Camp Vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Cultural Experience
During the EBC trek, you will meet mostly local Sherpa People. Sherpas are the dominant people living in the Everegion region, mainly in the Solukhumbu district. Sherpas are famous worldwide for their bravery, strength, and skills as guides and porters play the leading role in trekking and climbing journeys.
Sherpa people see Everest as their god, and they often worship the mountain. Sherpa people see Everest as their god and often worship the mountain. For this reason, you can find them praying for their health and safety toward the mountain. Sherpa People follow Buddhism; you can find Buddhist culture here.
The sacred places, such as the monastery, are covered with prayer flags and mai walls. Due to the cold climate in the Everest region, you can find locals wearing warm traditional clothing. The hospitality of the Sherpa people adds excellent value to the journey.
During the ABC trek, you will pass mostly through the Gurung and Magar Community villages. These local people have operated the tea house where you will stay during your trek. These local people have their own unique local culture, traditions and customs. You can see the blend of Hinduism and Buddhism in the Annapurna Region. Which means you will encounter prayer flags, monasteries, chortens, mani walls, Hindu temples, and local rituals. The local hospitality at the local tea house from local people will make your trek more interesting and memorable.
Everest Base Camp Vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Scenic Viewpoints and Mountain Views
Everest Base Camp Trek Views:
- Mount Everest
- Lhotse
- Nuptse
- Ama Dablam
- Thamserku
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Views:
- Annapurna I and South
- Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)
- Hiunchuli
- Gangapurna
EBC offers iconic mountain views, while ABC provides a 360-degree mountain panorama from the base camp itself.
Best Time to Trek For EBC And ABC
The best seasons for both EBC and ABC treks are:
- Spring (March to May) – clear skies, blooming rhododendrons
- Autumn (September to November) – stable weather, best visibility
ABC and EBC treks in the winter are also possible with extra clothing and equipment. During monsoon season (June–August), it is off-season due to heavy rainfall, cloudy sky with poor visibility and risk of flood and landslides.
Safety and Preparation
No matter whether you choose the ABC trek or the EBC trek, you must prepare and do well research about the trek for your safety and comfort. Choose the right itinerary that suits your trekking pace and fitness level.
Here are some of the expert tips that you can follow:
- Main good level of physical fitness. Make sure that you will be able to walk for 5-6 hours on average.
- Learn altitude sickness symptoms and preventive measures.
- Invest in good trekking gear and equipment, and pack wisely for different weather conditions.
- Buy an insurance policy that covers all risks related to trekking, including evacuation.
- Always hire a licensed trekking guide and porter
- Manage the budget
- Book the trek early, especially during the peak trekking season( spring, autumn)
Which Trek Should You Choose?
Choose the Everest Base Camp Trek if:
- You want to see Mount Everest
- You want to experience a high attitude challenge
- Enough time for trekking and have strong fitness
Choose the Annapurna Base Camp Trek if:
- You prefer a shorter trek
- You want diverse landscapes
- You are a beginner trekker
- You are seeking budget budget-friendly trek in Nepal
Final Thoughts
We hope that you find the main difference between the Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Base Camp trek. You can choose this trek as per your personal interest, fitness level, vacation duration, budget and trekking experience. Both of the treks are world famous, so whether you choose EBC or ABC, you will have a good time in the Himalayas of Nepal.
Peaceful Nepal organizes different types of treks in Nepal. If you are planning to visit Nepal for treks in Nepal, you can make us your travel partner. To know more details about the package, you can either visit our website or directly contact us. Thanks for reading!!!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which trek is better for beginners?
If you are trekking for the first time in Nepal and you are a beginner, then the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is a better choice compared to the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek.
2. Which trek is more physically demanding?
Everest Base Camp trek is graded as Grade 3(moderate to strenuous) whereas Annapurna Base Camp trek is graded as 2–3 (moderate, slightly less strenuous) in terms of difficulty level.
3. Which trek is more budget‑friendly?
ABC is typically cheaper overall because:
- Short trekking days compared to EBC
- Food and Accommodation cost is slightly cheaper in ABC than EBC.
- No flight needed for ABC; EBC usually requires a flight to Lukla which is quite expensive for foreign citizens.
4. Short trekking days compared to EBC
Food and Accommodation cost is slightly cheaper in ABC than EBC.
No flight needed for ABC; EBC usually requires a flight to Lukla which is quite expensive for foreign citizens.
5. Can I do either trek independently, or do I need a guide?
Trekking solo is possible for both treks if you are experienced trekkers. But for those who are trekking for the first time in Nepal or who are beginner trekker we highly recommend you to hire the licence guide with you
6. Which trek is more crowded?
Both treks see high traffic during peak season (April‑May, Oct‑Nov). EBC can feel more congested on the Lukla‑Namche segment. ABC spreads crowds over a larger area; the trail to Annapurna Base Camp can still be busy but has more room to spread out.
7. Is there an option to extend either trek?
For EBC: You can extend to the Gokyo Lakes or Three Passes Trek
For ABC: Combine Poonhill, Ghorepani or Mardi Himal Base Camp
8. Which trek offers a better cultural experience?
Both treks offer rich culture, but ABC provides more village diversity, while EBC offers a stronger spiritual and Buddhist experience.
9. Is there a risk of altitude sickness on these treks?
Yes. EBC has a higher risk due to altitude (> 5,300 m). ABC poses a lower risk but can still affect hikers above 3,500 m. But altitude sickness is manageable by following acclimatisation rules, walking slowly, and staying well hydrated.
10. Are there medical facilities along the routes?
There are a few small medical services along the EBC trek. For example, there is a tiny hospital in Phakding and clinics run by the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) in Pheriche and Namche Bazaar. There aren’t any major hospitals along the ABC trip paths; the medical facilities are very basic. For serious issues for both treks you helicopter evacuation is required.
11. What is the average cost of a full trek (including permits, flights, food, accommodation, guide/porter)
Approximate price for package (per person):
EBC: $1,800‑$2,500 (includes Lukla flight, permits, guide, porter, meals, teahouses).
ABC: $1,200‑$1,800 (no flight, cheaper meals, optional guide/porter).
12. Which trek offers better wildlife viewing?
ABC has a richer wildlife experience: Himalayan thar, musk deer, red panda, snow leopard (rare). EBC mainly offers birds (e.g., snow pigeon) and occasional Himalayan tahr.