Annapurna Sanctuary Trek vs Everest Base Camp Trek

If this is your first time at Nepal, then you might find yourself at a crossroads, deciding on trek between Annapurna Sanctuary trek vs Everest Base Camp trek.

If you are an adventure lover, then Nepal trekking trails should be at the top of your expedition bucket list and no matter which trek you choose, you will definitely have a trip of a lifetime.

Both Annapurna Sanctuary and EBC trekking trail offers incredible landscapes, awe-inspiring multi-day hikes and plenty of space for self-reflection.

But which one fits your trekking style?

Let’s compare Annapurna Sanctuary trek vs Everest Base Camp to find out which trekking destinations match your trekking style !!!

How to get there? Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary trek is also known as the Annapurna Base Camp trek among the trekkers in the world.

These 5 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek or 9 days wonderful treks starts and concludes to and from the famous lake city Pokhara. This valley is blessed with the natural surrounding hills and the close view of massive Annapurna Himalayas and Mt. Macchapucchre.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp trek start after the short and scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Along the way you’ll get the stunning views, sometimes canyons or the beautiful landscape.

You’ll also see the beautiful flora and fauna around Sagarmatha National Park. Starting this trek from Lukla, it all goes via Khumbu valley to the Kala Patthar.

Trek Duration: Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary trek is a more suitable trek if you’re short on time. Normally, it takes about 8-10 days to complete the whole Annapurna Sanctuary trek.

However, you can deduct the number of days by taking flights or renting a vehicle.

Even you can extend by taking one or more side trips. You can go on Annapurna Circuit Trek as well.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp trek demands 8 to fourteen days. It depends on where you start, how long you spend on acclimatization and how you choose to return.

Elevation: Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek

The next important factor that you might want to consider is altitude. Trekkers are more prone to the altitude sickness or AMS during the high altitude trek.

The mild symptoms of altitude sickness like a headache, nausea, dizziness, and exhaustion are normal at high altitude. But if your symptoms get worse like loosing consciousness, frothy liquid, or even coughing pink then you shouldn’t go higher and get back to a lower altitude immediately.

To avoid the altitude sickness you need to drink plenty of water.  In the worst situation, you can take Diamox, anti-AMS pill.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

The Annapurna Sanctuary trek deals with the great diversity of the climate. This trek starts from the warm subtropical climate and to too cold alpine climate towards arctic climate.

Annapurna Sanctuary trek is a bit lower in elevation as the ending point of the trek is 4,130 meter. During this trek, the height of altitude gradually increases each day which allows a fairly easy acclimatization. Thus, this trek has a fewer chance of getting AMS.

Everest Base Camp Trek

The lowest trekking point during Everest Base Camp trek is at Lukla 2,860 m and the highest point is at Kala Patthar 5,643 m.

You need to set a day for acclimatization to prevent yourself from altitude sickness. During the EBC trek, there are two acclimatization days, on day three at Namche and on day seven at Dingboche.

After traveling to Lukla from Kathmandu and trekking to Namche Bazaar, you need to spend some extra time in higher altitude so as to help your body adjust in the thin air. This way your body becomes used to at the high altitude.

Altitude sickness can have a major effect on short-term well-being. Be sure to acclimatize, especially in elevated places like Gorak Shep during Everest Base Camp trek.

Highlights: Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Highlights

• Annapurna Conservation Area

Annapurna Conservation Area is the largest protected region in Nepal. It is home to more than 1,226 species of plants and 478 species of birds. More than 40,000 tourists annually visit this conservation area to trek in Annapurna region. The conservation area is surrounded by high mountains and deep valleys. Annapurna region also has one of the most attractive features like Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.

• Ghandruk Village

Ghandruk village is another major highlight of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek. This wonderful village offers an excellent mountain view of holy mountain Annapurna, Annapurna south, and Hiunchuli. Ghandruk village is also popular for Gurung communities. You’ll come with face off with the lifestyle and culture of Gurung people.

• Poon Hill

Poon Hill is the best viewpoint that offers an amazing sunrise or sunset views on the Annapurna range. From the top of the hill, you’ll get breathtaking views of higher mountains including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna, Lamjung Himal, Mt. Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Hiunchuli, Mt, Gangapurna, and Manaslu range.

Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights

• Tengboche Monastery, one of the highest monasteries in the world. Form the top of the monastery you’ll get an amazing view of some highest peaks including Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Nuptse, and many other surrounding peaks.
• Namche Bazaar is the old trading center and the heartland of the Sherpa people. Here you’ll find a large number of stores, lodges, cafes, restaurant, and couple of world famous bakeries. From the top of the village, you’ll get the first view of Mt. Everest. Here you’ll also get familiar with the Sherpa culture and their lifestyle.
• Kala Patthar is one of the best vantage points as it provides a close-up view of Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world. Once you’re in the top of this rock, you’ll reward with the bucket list views of different amazing peaks.

Weather: Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Even in the best times, the weather around Annapurna Sanctuary may change as you reach higher altitude.

You need to remember that these are the Himalayas!!! Generally, the weather at the lower altitude is warm but as you go higher in altitude the temperatures drop significantly.

During the autumn and spring seasons, the weather is stable with a clear blue sky. It’ll be neither too hot nor too cold. In winter around the base camp area mornings are cold and foggy. Days and nights are even cold to trek during this time of year.

During the summer, the daytime temperatures are especially high. But the mornings and nights will be moderate. Though, there will be downpour during this season the rain keeps away all dust and pollutants during the trek.

The best time to go for trekking in Annapurna Sanctuary trek is during two seasons; autumn season (September, October, and November) and spring season (March, April, and May).

Everest Base Camp Trek

One of the most unpredictable thing during EBC trek is the weather conditions. You should be fully prepared for the upcoming twist and turns that can occur during this trek.

Generally, the nights are much colder than the daytime in the Everest Base Camp area. You might experience the incredible change in weather conditions that may occur in one day.

During the daytime, the temperature might reach as high as 25 degree Celsius and at night dip down as low as -20 degree Celsius.

During the spring and autumn seasons, the day temperature is warm and comfortable. Also, the rain is infrequent, the trails turn lush green and the whole weather is pleasant.

During monsoon season, you can expect regular rainfall and cloudy days around EBC area. Winter is the coldest days of the year in Everest Base Camp. During the night, the temperature gets below freezing level. During winter, with cold temperatures, the chill wind and heavy snowfalls are additional challenges on EBC trek.

On the basis of the good and stable weather conditions, the best time for the EBC trek is the spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September, October, November)seasons.

Scenery: Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

One of the reasons behind the popularity of Annapurna Sanctuary trek is diverse landscape with stunning mountain views. The Annapurna Sanctuary trek begins from Pokhara where it is hot and dry.

The trail follows the canyons of Modi Khola and walks via the dense rhododendron forests. But this warm landscape instantly changes when you’re closed to the base camp.

In spring this rhododendron forests even look more charming as the varieties of colorful flowers are in full bloom.

And, the continuous incredible views of the Mt. Machhapuchhre and Mt. Dhaulagiri makes this trek more beautiful.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp trek is a high altitude trek with the direct scenery of the Himalayas. Though the trail has many up and down hills you’ll get reward with the beautiful vistas of Everest region.

Everest Base Camp trail begins and ends at such high elevations that the scenery stays relatively consistent throughout the trek.

While on the Everest Base Camp trek, you’ll get a jaw-dropping view of Mt. Thyangboche, Mt. Thenmerku, and Mt. Kusum Kanguru on the first few days of the trek.

Once you reach Namche Bazaar, you can get a direct view of Mt. Everest along with Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cholatse, and Mt. Lobuche.

Although, in some ways, Everest Base Camp Tour is more epic for the harsh weather conditions. The excitement of being able to see yourself at the highest mountain in the world is an amazing feeling.

Trekking Difficulty: Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek

Comparing the trekking difficulty between these treks is not an easy task and it’s also doesn’t have a clear answer.

At first looking the trekking distance and altitude, you might expect Annapurna base camp trek to be the easier trek.

Both the Annapurna Sanctuary trek and Everest Base Camp trek are moderately difficult.

Both treks require a decent fitness level. So, it’s better to prepare your body in advance by doing short and long day hikes in your home country.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary trek is not considered as the difficult trek in Nepal. However, a good physical condition is required to take full advantage of the trek. Previous trekking experience and special mountaineering experiences are not required.

During this trek, you have to walk 7-10 km and ascend 200-400 meters elevation per day. You should be aware of the altitude sickness as you might face the difficulty in breathtaking in the high altitude.

This moderate trek sometime becomes strenuous for those who are not physically fit and healthy.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp trek is a moderately challenging trek. You’ve to trek continuously for two weeks and going up to the 5,634 meters is not an easy deal.

Yes, there are a couple of steep sections on the trail but there is no any rush. You can take rest in these sections and slowly continue. There is no any need of crampons, axes, ropes or any other technical pieces of equipment.

Thus, you require certain physical fitness and a positive attitude to complete this trek.

Communities: Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek

One thing is sure, wherever you go to Nepal you’ll meet some of the kindest and more friendly people in the world.

Though the people of both region differ in their culture and religion they will offer you an incredible hospitality.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

The Annapurna Sanctuary trek is one of the diverse treks in terms of scenery as well as the culture too.

The trek starts from fertile lowland and ends to the high glacial pass and to the arid landscape of the Tibetan Plateau.

At the beginning of the trek, you’ll pass via some small farming settlements where you’ll encounter the Gurung communities of people.

Especially in the Ghandruk village, you’ll get a close insight into the Gurung culture and traditions.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest region is the home to popular Sherpa communities. From the starting point of the trek, you’ll get a chance to visit different colorful monasteries.

During the Everest Base Camp trek, you’ll see several Mani stones with carved Buddhists mantras and prayer wheels.

Visiting such spiritually enrich places will give great knowledge regarding the Buddhists culture and traditions.

Cost: Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek

Higher the elevation higher the cost. Everest Base Camp trek is more expensive than Annapurna Base Camp trek and the main reason being altitude.

Additionally, the flight cost of Kathmandu to Lukla also adds a  few dollars to your budgets.

Of course, if you want to save money there is an alternative to Everest Base Camp trek,  a hike from Jiri. But due to insufficient time, most of the people choose to begin from Lukla.

Also, the expenses of both trekking entirely depend on you and your level of comfort.

Besides this, the cost also increases with the elevation. You should expect to pay more as you go close to the base camp. Also, as you gain the altitude you’ll get away from the civilizations.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary trek is more affordable compared to the Everest region. The price of food and accommodation is reasonable.

On the Annapurna Sanctuary trek trail, the basic accommodation might cost the US $2-4 per night. Normally, you can estimate roughly US $3-5 per meal on the daily basis.

While charging your electronic devices and taking a hot shower will cost you a few dollars in the meantime. During this trek, you don’t have to spend a huge amount of money on transportation and it is also easily accessible.

Everest Base Camp

On the Everest Base Camp trail, the basic accommodation might range from the US $ 3-5 per night.

Although, you’ve to pay the extra US $2-3 for a hot shower and even more to charge your electronic devices.

And you can enjoy a nourishing Nepalese meal in less than the US $10. Also, if you want some western food then expect to pay a high price.

Hiring Guides and Porters: Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek

Hiring a guide or porters make a huge difference in trekking in the Himalayas.

The main purpose of trekking guide is to take you from one destination to the next safely. Guides are totally different from porters as they don’t carry your backpack. Porters are the one who’ll carry your backpack along the trail.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

During Annapurna Sanctuary trek, if you want more solitude along the trail then you can go independently. But it’ll be helpful to have a guide to book your accommodations on the trail, especially during the peak trekking seasons.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Although, some experienced trekkers make the trek to Everest Base Camp without a guide, having one along by your side will keep you on safe side during the time of emergency.

Due to the high altitude, you might feel difficult to walk on the trail with your backpack. So, for a comfortable walk, it’s better to hire a porter.

Side treks: Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Poon Hill trek is great options for a side trip while doing the Annapurna Sanctuary trek. It can be done within 3-4 days. The panoramic sunrise and sunset view over the massif Annapurna range is amazing!!!

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp trek also offers a beautiful option for a side trip to Gokyo Lake.

Final Thoughts

I hope this article has made the difference between Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Vs Everest Base Camp trek a bit clearer. Which sounds best to you?

If you are not able to choose which trek is perfect for you. So, I think it is better to go for both treks as both of them are amazing in their own specific way.

Anyway, one of the primary purposes of picking either trek is getting the best views of amazing snow-clad mountains, which is possible in both treks.

Check out Annapurna Sanctuary Trek itinerary and Everest Base Camp trek itinerary for detail information on the route and the altitudinal variation along the trail.

Enjoy trekking !!!