Annapurna is the centre of the entire area, running across Annapurna (8,091 meters), Annapurna III (7,555 meters), and Annapurna IV (7,525 meters) from west to east. At the same time, the Annapurna has the richest natural and cultural landscapes and the most complete supporting facilities.
Nepal's Best Treks: Annapurna Circuit Short Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek
The altitude difference is very large, and the vegetation and landforms along the way are very rich, from broad-leaved forests on the plains to alpine meadows at high altitudes, to passes with no grass growing, stunning snow-capped mountains. The dazzling mountain lakes as well as the deserts and hot dry valleys in the western section of the route allow you to travel through almost all Nepal's landforms.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The iconic Everest Base Camp Trek leads you via the Khumbu Valley, permitting you to journey the great splendour of the surrounding Sagarmatha National Park whilst concurrently presenting breath-taking vistas of four of the 6 very best peaks in the world – My. Everest (8,848m).
When is the Best time for Everest Base Camp?
In Nepal, the twelve months are divided into four awesome seasons. These seasons have their very own special features, so a tourist can pick out the seasons that exceptionally fits him or her. Likewise, the fantastic time for Everest Base Camp Trek is throughout the spring and fall months, which fall at some point of April-May and October-November respectively. The climatic circumstance of both areas is specially precise with vibrant and heat days, with much less probabilities of showers.
Knowing the Neighbourhood Culture: Annapurna vs Everest
If you’re anybody who wishes to get engrossed in simply one culture, then EBC trek is simply proper for you. The ABC trek exposes a hiker to many greater communities and cultures, thereby giving a higher standpoint of the ethnic agencies in Nepal. Hinduism is a distinguished faith in the Annapurna place whilst Buddhism is what the Khumbu Sherpas practice, with a pinch of Tibetan Buddhist flavour. While humans of the Annapurna place rely on farming barring the tourism sector, human beings of Everest vicinity definitely rely on tourism.
The Sherpas in the Everest place have a very brilliant and fascinating lifestyle and traditions while site visitors get to journey an extra various cultural and social trip whilst trekking in the Annapurna region. Although communities in the Khumbu vicinity exercise Buddhism, trekkers get to stumble upon inhabitants with stronger ethnic, cultural and spiritual ties to Tibet. This can be found as you hike greater into the Annapurna mountains. People up there seem different, dress differently, construct interesting houses and communicate in a distinct dialect.
5 Reasons to Choose ACT
1. Less physically challenging
You should have noticed that the Annapurna Circuit short trek has a maximum altitude of 5,416 meters, which is actually higher than the Everest Base Camp (5,364m). Because the ACT route is not long-winded, it goes up gently from beginning to end and there are very few steps. The most challenging part is the section over Tuolong Pass (5,416m).
2. Convenient transportation (save time)
In fact, I am preparing to hike the ACT. The question that bothers me the most is how much time it will take. There are different opinions on the Internet. Some people say 15 days, while others say 21 days. It only lasts for 2 weeks. It’s not like most people have such a long vacation. I think this is why there are very few Asians on this route, because it’s hard for us to take time off (boring~). But actually… different from other routes, the ACT’s hiking routes have been developed.
3. On the ACT hiking route, cars and motorcycles can pass to Manan
Since cars can travel up to 3,500 meters above sea level, if you feel uncomfortable or have altitude sickness on the road, you can go down the mountain by car. This was also the option I considered when choosing ACT. If you look at the EBC route, you have to take a flight to Lukla (the starting point of the mountain climbing). Not only does it cost extra, it is risky to fly (the most dangerous airport in the world), and flights are often grounded due to weather; however, at the ACT transportation is convenient, relatively economical and affordable and it also provides a route choice for those who dare not take a small plane.
4. Landscape and cultural diversity
The reason that attracts me most to hiking is the culture and scenery. Since the ACT route starts from Besisahar (760m), along the way it will pass through low-altitude jungles and waterfalls, high-altitude coniferous forests, vegetation shrubs, and alpine snow. The return journey will pass through Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world's deepest gorge. Along the way, you can enjoy the world-class snow-capped mountains above 7,000 meters, such as Dhaulagiri (8,167m), the seventh highest peak in the world, Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth highest peak in the world, and the Annapurna Peaks (Annapurna II, 7,937m), Gangapurna (,7455m), Tilicho Peak (7,134m) and many other snowy peaks.
Accommodation: Annapurna vs Everest
The meals and accommodation in the ACT are relatively cheap, and the accommodation can even be free (spend 2 meals in the mountain house, and some mountain houses have accommodation discounts). In fact, the accommodation is not expensive at all, with an average of 500 rupees for a personal suite. Since the hiking route can be reached by local transportation (bus, jeep), the transportation fee is actually not expensive. Unless you take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara on the return trip, it will be more comfortable to save the time of taking a bus (you'd have to pay more money). A room with a bathroom is only 500 rupees.
Regarding the EBC: as the trekking industry has grown, accommodation services have also improved. In addition to teahouses, there are now high-quality lodges available on the EBC trail. These lodges, although not exactly hotels in the urban sense, resemble lodges in terms of their facilities. They offer comfortable beds with electric blankets, hot water showers, and free WiFi services. The camping mode of accommodation is generally used by expedition teams while climbing Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse or any other peak as there are no lodges beyond certain points. While trekking, camping accommodation is used in remote treks such as Dhaulagiri, Dolpo, and Kanchenjunga. Usually, tents are used for accommodation and cooking staff prepares food while big crews are hired for different work.
3 Reasons to Choose Everest
Here are three reasons to choose a Mt Everest trek:
1. Namche Bazaar
Located in Khumbu’s thighs, Namche Bazaar is a vibrant town of Sherpas, one of the bravest people the world has ever seen. This town has been a popular stop for trekkers and climbers, including Everest trailblazers, Tenzing and Hillary.
2. Kala Patthar
The sun rising like a pearl behind Mt Everest is a lifetime sight for sure. You can embrace the view from nowhere but Kala Patthar (5,644m), the highest point of the trek.The Kala Patthar morning hike is one of the best things to do in the trek. The sunrise is always special to watch.
3. Everest Summit Lodges:
Resting at altitudes where comfort can often be compromised, MTS selects lodges with utmost care. Everest Summit Lodges are models of comfort and safety, ensuring that each night’s rest rejuvenates trekkers for the challenges that lie ahead.
Wrap Up: Nepal's Best Treks
For those with the desire to stand in the shadow of Everest and dive into the glacial beauty of the region, the Everest Base Camp trek is the best fit. And for those looking for an elaborate experience across landscapes, our best pick is the Annapurna Circuit trek. If you crave the thrill of high altitudes and a deep dive into Sherpa culture, Everest Base Camp is your calling. If you look at the final score, the Annapurna Circuit is a clear winner if you plan your first trek in Nepal. Firstly, it is a slightly less physically demanding and less crowded route. Secondly, the landscape is more varied. Thirdly, it is easier to organize thanks to more transportation options. Lastly, its overall cost is lower despite more frequent opportunities of hot showers.
What about you, have you ever done either of these treks? Feel free to share any tips & advice below!
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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