Everest Base Camp vs Annapurna Base Camp – Which Trek Is Right for You?

📍 Location and Region

Everest Base Camp (EBC)

• Located in the Khumbu region of northeastern Nepal.

• Lies at the base of the world’s highest mountain – Mount Everest (8,848.86 m).

• Elevation of EBC: 5,364 metres.

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)

• Located in the Annapurna region of central Nepal.

• Base camp of Annapurna I (8,091 m), the 10th highest peak in the world.

• Elevation of ABC: 4,130 metres.

➡️ So, Everest Base Camp is higher and colder than Annapurna Base Camp.

🥾 Trek Difficulty Level

Everest Base Camp Trek

• More challenging because of higher altitude and longer days.

• Trek duration: 12 to 14 days.

• Terrain: rocky, steep climbs, glaciers, suspension bridges.

• Risk of Altitude Sickness is higher.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

• Easier and shorter.

• Trek duration: 7 to 10 days.

• Altitude gain is slow and steady.

• Less risk of altitude sickness.

➡️ If you’re a beginner or moderate-level trekker, ABC is safer and more comfortable. EBC is better if you have prior experience and good fitness.

🏔️ Scenery and Landscape

Everest Base Camp

• Breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and many 6000m+ peaks.

• Walk through Sherpa villages, monasteries, and the Sagarmatha National Park.

• You also visit Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for panoramic views.

Annapurna Base Camp

• You get a 360° amphitheatre view of Annapurna I, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna.

• Pass through dense rhododendron forests, terraced fields, waterfalls, and Magar/Gurung villages.

• Trek passes through Annapurna Conservation Area.

➡️ ABC is more green and forested. EBC is more rugged and mountainous.

📅 Best Time to Visit

Both treks are best done during:

• Spring (March to May) – Rhododendrons bloom in ABC trail, clear sky in both.

• Autumn (September to November) – Best views, dry weather, less risk of landslides.

Avoid monsoon (June to August) and harsh winter (December to February) unless you’re experienced.

➡️ Weather at EBC is colder year-round than ABC.

💰 Cost Comparison

Everest Base Camp Trek

• Flights to/from Lukla are costly (around ₹15,000–₹20,000 roundtrip).

• Higher altitude means more expensive food and lodging.

• Trek cost: ₹65,000–₹1,20,000 depending on agency, gear, guide, porter, etc.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

• No flight needed if you start from Pokhara.

• Lodges, food, and permits are cheaper.

• Trek cost: ₹35,000–₹70,000.

➡️ ABC is more budget-friendly.

🚶 Trek Route and Duration

Everest Base Camp Trek Route

• Common route: Lukla → Phakding → Namche Bazaar → Tengboche → Dingboche → Lobuche → Gorak Shep → EBC.

• Optional: Kala Patthar viewpoint.

• Total: Around 130 km round trip.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route

• Popular route: Nayapul → Ghandruk → Chhomrong → Himalaya → MBC → ABC.

• Some start from Phedi or Kimche.

• Total: Around 70–80 km round trip.

➡️ EBC takes more days and covers more distance.

🏡 Accommodation and Food

Both treks have tea houses/lodges for stay. Rooms are basic, with shared toilets. As you go higher, facilities get limited.

• Food: Dal-bhat, noodles, soups, fried rice, omelettes available on both routes.

• In EBC, food and water prices are higher due to helicopter and yak supply.

• In ABC, due to road access till Nayapul or Jhinu Danda, things are more affordable.

➡️ Both offer decent stay, but ABC is better in terms of comfort and price.

👣 Crowd and Popularity

• Everest Base Camp is more famous internationally, so gets more foreign trekkers.

• Annapurna Base Camp sees more Indian and Asian trekkers.

• During peak season, both get crowded, but Namche Bazaar and Lukla in EBC are more packed than Ghandruk or Chhomrong in ABC.

➡️ ABC feels more peaceful and culturally immersive.

🙏 Culture and Local Life

Everest Region

• Home of Sherpas, known for mountaineering.

• You’ll find Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, and a deep spiritual vibe.

• Visit Tengboche Monastery on the way.

Annapurna Region

• Villages of Magar and Gurung communities.

• Rich in traditional dance, dress, and food.

• You can experience hot springs at Jhinu Danda after the trek.

➡️ Both are culturally rich but ABC feels more local and intimate.

✅ Permit and Entry Fee

Everest Base Camp

• TIMS Card – Trekker’s Information Management System.

• Sagarmatha National Park Permit.

• Local Permit from Khumbu Rural Municipality.

Annapurna Base Camp

• TIMS Card.

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

➡️ Permits for both are easy to get through agencies or in Kathmandu/Pokhara.

✈️ How to Reach

Everest Base Camp

• Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (35 min flight).

• Start trek from Lukla.

Annapurna Base Camp

• Take a bus or flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

• Drive to Nayapul or Ghandruk and start trek.

➡️ ABC has better access and backup road in case of emergency.

🏁 Summary Table – Everest vs Annapurna

📝 Final Conclusion – Which Trek is Right for You?

• If you want to see Mount Everest, feel the adventure of high altitude, and experience Sherpa culture, then Everest Base Camp is the ultimate trek. But be ready for tough climbs and cold nights.

• If you want less risky, shorter, budget-friendly, and scenic trek with lovely forests and close mountain views, go for Annapurna Base Camp.

✅ My tip: If it’s your first time trekking in Nepal, start with ABC. If you’re ready for a big Himalayan challenge, try EBC.

🔗 Also Read

• Trekking to Satopanth Tal – A Himalayan Spiritual Trek

• Planning your first Himalayan trek? Read this checklist

You can also explore more on Himalayan treks like Darma Valley, Adi Kailash, and others on my website mohitbangari.com, where I share full guides, routes, permit tips and cultural info.

Do you know about Ramman festival of Salud-Dungra village? It’s one of the intangible world cultural heritage of India in UNESCO. You can read a detailed article on this topic here.