| Everest base camp trek | Annapurna Circuit Trek |
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Maximum elevation | 5,545 meters (18,192 feet) | 5,416 meters/17,769 feet |
Major Attractions | Mount Everest, Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorak Shep, Base Camp of Mount Everest, Khumbu Glacier, Sherpa villages | Thorong La Pass, Muktinath, Tilicho Lake, Jomsom, Manang, Poon Hill, Kalopani, Dhaulagiri ranges, Dharapani |
Permits | A TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and an Everest National Park permit | TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) |
Total day / Itinerary | 12-14 days | 12-21 days |
Things to see on the trek | you will see beautiful landscapes, including lush forests, mountain streams, and terraced fields, as well as traditional villages and monasteries like Sama gompa, Rachen gompa, sho gompa, Lho gompa | you can expect to see diverse landscapes and terrains, including lush forests, and rocky terrain, mountain ranges, traditional villages, and glaciers, rivers, waterfalls, Hindu and Buddhist temples, and monasteries. |
Difficulty | The trek is considered moderately difficult and strenuous | The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek, due to the high elevation and the distance covered. |
Total distance | 120 km | 160-230 km |
Side trekking routes | Gokyo Lakes Trek, Three Passes Trek, Renjo La Pass Trek, Island Peak | Thorong La Pass Trek, Tilicho Lake Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek, Mardi Himal Trek |
Risk of altitude sickness | The Manaslu Circuit Trek takes place at high elevations and there is a risk of altitude sickness for trekkers. Its symptoms can include headache, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, insomnia, dizziness, and swelling of the hands, feet, and face. In severe cases, it can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs or brain, which can be life-threatening. | There is a risk of altitude sickness on the Annapurna Circuit Trek at the highest point of the trek (Thorong La Pass) is over 5,400 meters above sea level. It is important to acclimatize properly and be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness. |
cost | $1300-2000 | $1000-2000 |
Flights | Kathmandu to Lukla | Kathmandu to Pokhara |
Trekking routes | The trekking route of the Everest Base Camp Trek starts and ends in Lukla, Nepal. The route passes through traditional Sherpa villages, and lush forests, offering beautiful views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. The main stops on the trek include Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorak Shep, and Base Camp of Mount Everest, and return through the same route. | The journey leaves from the town of Besishahar and follows the Marsyangdi River, passing through Magar and Gurung traditional villages, lush subtropical forests, and terraced rice fields. After that, the trail ascends to the Thorong La pass, which provides breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges. The journey ends in the city of Jomsom after passing the pass and descending to the revered Muktinath. |
Best time September | September to November and March to May | September to November and March to Mayweather |
weather | It is usually temperate and sunny during the trekking season, which runs from September to November and March to May. However, it can get chilly and snowy at night, especially at higher elevations. The daytime temperature is relatively mild and the sky is typically clear during the spring season (March-May), but the evenings can get quite chilly. On the route to the base camp, a rhododendron woodland will be in full bloom at this time. The days are typically clear and sunny during the fall season (September to November), but the nights can get very chilly, especially at higher altitudes. The base camp can see temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C). | From September to November and March to May, the weather is generally clear with good visibility, and moderate temperatures. During the winter months, the temperatures can drop significantly, with heavy snowfall at higher elevations, making the trek challenging. During the monsoon season, the region receives heavy rainfall from June to August, making the trail muddy and slippery, and visibility may be poor. It's also the time when leeches are seen on the trail. |
Food and Facilities | Food: Available at most teahouses along the trek route, with varying availability and quality. Accommodation: Basic lodges and teahouses provide accommodation, with shared bathrooms and dormitory-style rooms. Private rooms are available but can be quite expensive. Electricity: Limited, typically only available in larger villages and through power generators at some teahouses. Internet: Limited, typically only available in larger villages with slow connection speeds. Hot shower: Available at some teahouses but not always reliable and can be quite expensive. Laundry: Available at some teahouses but quality and availability can vary. Drinking water: Available at most teahouses, either through taps or by purchasing bottles. ATM and banks: Not available on the trek route, so it is important to bring enough cash for the duration of the trek. | Food: Food options are available in most towns and villages including local Nepali cuisine, as well as Western-style food. However, options may be limited in more remote areas. Accommodation: Accommodation is available in the form of teahouses and lodges in most towns and villages. Electricity and internet: these facilities are available in most places but may be limited to more remote areas. Some lodges and teahouses may offer to charge services for a fee. Hot shower: Hot shower facilities are available in some teahouses and lodges. They may also come at an additional cost. Laundry: Laundry services are available along the Annapurna Circuit trek, but they may be limited or not available in more remote areas. They may also come at an additional cost. Drinking water: Drinking water is available in most towns and villages along the Annapurna Circuit trek. ATM and Banks: these facilities are available in some places along the trek, but they may be limited or not available in more remote areas. |
Preparation required physicalphysical physical | Physical fitness and proper training Adequate gear and equipment Obtaining necessary permits and arranging for a guide and porters Acclimatization and planning for altitude sickness Researching and familiarizing with the itinerary, route, and local culture Obtaining travel and medical insurance Vaccinations and obtaining necessary medical clearances Packing appropriate clothing and supplies
| Physical fitness Acclimatization Researching the trek and being familiar with the route, facilities, and weather conditions can help you prepare better. Mental preparation Obtain necessary permits: Insurance Hiring a guide can be helpful because Guides will help you navigate the route, provide information about the area, and deal with any issues that may arise. |
Packingstriking | Hiking boots Warm and waterproof clothing and shoes Sleeping bag and sleeping mat Headlamp or flashlight Water bottles and water purification tablets First-aid kit and personal medication Sunscreen and sunglasses Hat or beanie Warm gloves and thermal layers Down jacket Rain gear Personal hygiene items Camera and extra batteries Cash and credit card Travel documents and permits
| Warm clothing Rain gear: Waterproof jacket and pants, poncho, or umbrella. Hiking gear: Hiking boots, hiking poles, gaiters. Sleeping gear: Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and a liner. Headlamp and spare batteries. First aid kit Personal hygiene items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper. Sunscreen and sunglasses. Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate. Camera and extra batteries Passport, permits, and travel insurance documents Cash and credit cards Maps and guidebooks
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