Everest Base Camp VS Annapurna Base Camp

“This pic was taken at Annapurna Base Camp just after sunrise. Annapurna can be seen in the background.”

So, you’ve decided to journey to the Himalayas but unsure which of these classic base camp treks is for you? Although both experiences are epic, we’ve put together a comparison of some of the key considerations that most first-timers have when making their choice.

THE VIEWS
Let’s put this one to rest from the start. Both experiences are equal when it comes to epic views, beautiful villages, incredible mountains and remote nature. In fact, the two most iconic and most photographed mountains in Nepal are equally split between these two trails.

LENGTH OF TIME
Our Annapurna Base Camp trek is 9 days in total whereas the Everest Base Camp trek is 15 days in total. For those of us who’re limited in the number of days we can take off from work, Annapurna is the obvious winner. However, we offer a shorter version of the Everest Base Camp trek by taking a helicopter back to Kathmandu directly from the base camp. This will reduce the trip to 11 days. Annapurna still wins.

THE FLYING EXPERIENCE
Nothing beats flying into Lukla, the starting point for the Everest Base Camp trail. Lukla is deep in the Khumbu region of the Himalayas and we’ll be able to see Everest, Lhotse, Mera and many other iconic summits as we make our approach to land. It’s made even more fun because we only use helicopter transport on this experience. On the Annapurna side, we fly on a traditional aircraft into a far more traditional airport.

“Crossing the suspension bridge in the foothills of Ama Dablam on the Everest Base Camp trail.”

It’s not as thrilling as an aviation experience. If you’re not afraid of flying then Everest takes the point on this one.

ALTITUDE & CHALLENGE
Trekking to Everest Base Camp means reaching an altitude of 5,300 meters above sea level. This is a full 1,000 meters higher than Annapurna Base Camp. Although both treks are objectively similar, the higher altitude environment increases the difficulty making Everest Base Camp a bigger challenge. With the challenge it really comes down to what you’re looking for. Both treks are very doable even for first-timers but it’s a matter of what kind of experience you’re seeking.

COFFEE
If you’re a big coffee drinker like me, you’ll appreciate this one. On the Everest trail there is hardly a village that doesn’t have a real coffee machine with epic java. You’ll find local baristas pretty much all the way to the base camp. On the Annapurna side there is far less access to coffee and you’ll have to bid farewell to the lattes and americanos by the end of the second day.

HOT SPRINGS
The Annapurna Base Camp trail ends at the Jinhu hot springs, which is an amazing way to finish a big trek. The hot springs are naturally occurring and have been directed by the locals into pools for trekkers and villagers to swim in. Don’t forget your bathing suit!

Can’t choose which one is for you right now? Reach out to us on info@lifehappensoutdoors.com and let’s plan your next epic experience together!JOIN THE COMMUNITY