Difference Between Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp Trek

[Rajesh Thapaliya]

Everest base camp and Annapurna base camp are two most demanded mountain treks in Nepal. Both of these trekking trails have hundreds of trekkers every day during the high trekking season. Everest base camp trek is in the east from Kathmandu in Sagarmatha national park and Annapurna is in the west in the Annapurna conservation area. Both of these trips take you to close to the high mountains within a few days walk from the city, but they have lots of differences.

Locations and Starting the Trip

Sagarmatha national park is a natural UNESCO site in Nepal where the Everest base camp trek remains. Similarly, the Annapurna base camp is in the Annapurna conservation area. Mainly, a short flight to Lukla from Kathmandu connects with the Everest base camp trails. Though, you can start the trip overland driving to Jiri and Salleri from Kathmandu. Driving routes are comparatively longer than taking a plane to Lukla.

Annapurna base camp trek starts from a beautiful lake city Pokhara, where you can reach about 6-7 hours drive from Kathmandu. You also can take a flight instead if you don’t want to drive. Everest base camp trek starts from 2,840m of elevation and Annapurna base camp around a thousand meters.

Difficulty Level

Both treks are moderate levelled treks, so everyone can successfully finish it. Some hiking practice has required before jumping into these trails. Annapurna has longer hours trekking days compared to the Everest because you trek on higher elevation in Everest. You hike about 6-7 hours per day in Annapurna except for the day of reaching the base camp.

Everest base camp trek has shorter hours trekking days. You walk around 4-5 hours most days on the way up. Variation of the altitude makes the difference to walk in the higher elevated lands during the trek. Annapurna base camp has a fewer chance of getting altitude sickness than the Everest base camp trek.

Lodge, Food and Drinks

Both treks are well-managed with lodge, food and other needs. Everest region is managing by the national park, Sagarmatha pollution control committee and the local Sherpa community. In the other hands, the Annapurna base camp trail is ruling by Annapurna sanctuary lodge management committee.

There are mostly enough space for accommodation while trekking in these trails but, places like Tengboche, Lobuche and Gorakshep might have a bit problem to ger accommodation if you don’t book in advance in the Everest region. Similarly, Annapurna base camp has also the same problem after Sinuwa for some nights. You might need to share accommodation with others sometimes in Annapurna base camp routes during the high trekking season.

There is the food menu in each lodge so you can choose foods from the menu. It means you don’t need to stay with the local food items on the trek in Everest and Annapurna. You can have local foods if you would like to try somehow.

You can buy a bottle of water in the Everest trek but not in Annapurna. Annapurna base camp trek is the plastic banned area. You can buy refill water or boiled and filtered. You also can drink normal tap water, but don’t forget to use tablets or sterilizer before drink.

Sceneries and Societies

Sherpa – Known as the mountain legend is from the Everest region and the Brave Gurkha are from Annapurna. Although the Gurkha people are from all over the country most are from the Annapurna region. Gurung and Magar are those people who are in the Gurkha regiment. Sherpas are practising Buddhism in Everest, and Gurung and Magar are Hindu and Buddhist.

Annapurna trail has greneary more than the mountains, and you can see hundreds of big mountains in the Everest. Everest trail has lots of religious shrines and monasteries, but Annapurna has least.

If you are unable to trek in the high Himalayan region or don't have enough time for a trek, you can take a helicopter tour to reach the base camp from Kathmandu to Everest and Pokhara to Annapurna.