The Annapurna region of Nepal is the most popular trekking destination of Nepal. The presence of the mountains, diverse vegetation, wildlife, multi-ethnic villages, and diverse trekking routes make this the most famous among several trekking regions of Nepal. However, people debate over which is the best trekking route of the Annapurna region of Nepal. Therefore, there is the most talked about debate on Annapurna Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek. These two trekking routes are the most commercial and major trekking trails of the region.
In this blog, we will delve into the details about finding answers on the Annapurna Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Please read through all the blog and plan the trekking trip in Nepal’s Annapurna region. At the end of the blog, you will know the answer on which trek to do, either the Annapurna Circuit Trek or the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
As a trekking and tour blogger based in Nepal, I prefer both of these trekking trips. Each trekking route has its significance. The Annapurna region of Nepal is becoming on par with the Everest region of Nepal. It is all due to the presence and inclusion of the Annapurna Circuit Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek itineraries in the travel website.
Which are the famous trekking routes of the Annapurna region of Nepal?
Trekkers from across the globe can find more than two dozens of trekking trips inside the Annapurna region of Nepal. All the trekking routes of the region are equally picturesque. Therefore, debating over the Annapurna Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Base Camp is futile! This is ironic! As a blogger, it is our utmost responsibility to showcase all the advantages and disadvantages of trekking inside Nepal’s most famous destination.
The famous trekking routes of the Annapurna region of Nepal are as follows:
- Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Tilicho Lake Trek
- Nar Phu Valley Trek
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Mardi Himal Trek
- Khopra Ridge Trek
- Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Besides these trekking routes, trekkers can trek in some off the beaten trekking trails like the Mohare Danda Trek, Annapurna Royal Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Kagbeni Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Sarangkot to Dhampus Australian Camp Trek etc.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Introduction
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is the classical and oldest trekking route of Nepal. This is the momentous detour walking around the Annapurna Massifs! The trail encompasses famous villages like Manang, Pisang, Chame, and Muktinath. If you follow the traditional trekking itinerary then the journey of the Annapurna Circuit Trek encompasses the Ghorepani Poon Hill section as well. On par with this trekking route, you can count the EBC Chola Pass Trek of the Everest Region. The journey of the Everest Base Camp Trek is similar to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek while the EBC Chola Pass Trek can be considered as the Annapurna Circuit Trek of the Annapurna region. Both of these trekking routes are circuit trek routes.
Understanding the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal
The walking journey to the base camp of the world’s 10th tallest mountain Mt. Annapurna, is one of the joyous yet captivating way to explore the Annapurna Himalayas. Please note that the journey of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal is not only about the exploration of the mountains but also the immersion into the multi – ethnic culture as well as traditions of the Gurung and Magar people. You can do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal with different itineraries ranging from 5 to 14 days.
Comparing Annapurna Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Let’s compare the Annapurna Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek in terms of distance, difficulty, duration, altitude, and cost.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is longer, diverse and challenging as it circumnavigates the Annapurna Massifs including the high passes like the Thorong La Pass (5416 m). In comparison, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is shorter and less strenuous. Moreover, it takes to the base camp of the Annapurna South, Annapurna I, and Machhapuchhre Mountain. Generally, the Annapurna Circuit Trek consists of 12 to 20 days itinerary, whereas the Annapurna Base Camp Trek consists of the 5 to 14 days itinerary.
The highest altitude on the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal is 5416 m which is the height of the Thorong La Pass whereas the maximum altitude on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the 4130 m which is the height of the Annapurna Base Camp. Comparatively, the cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is expensive than the cost of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal. The average cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek starts from 650 $ per person and the average cost of the shorest 5 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts from 405 $ per person. Please note that the cost of the trekking depends upon the number of trekking days and the types of the amenities that you prefer!
When is the best time to do the Annapurna Trek in Nepal?
Annapurna Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek is similar when it comes to the right time to do the trek. Yes, both of these trekking trips is best when you do the trek during the months of the spring and autumn season. However, you can do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek during the off season like in winter as well. Make sure that you are with the experienced trekking company like the Nepal High Trek if you are traveling during the off season!
Can I do both the Annapurna Circuit Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek as one trip?
It is possible to do both the Annapurna Circuit Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek as one trip in Nepal. The itinerary includes the classical way of doing the Annapurna Round Trek and addition of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Ghorepani area. The classical Annapurna Circuit Trek includes the exploration of the famous Poon Hill area. Therefore, if you add additional 4 to 5 days to make sure that you have done the Annapurna Circuit Trek Annapurna Base Camp in one single trekking trip.
Please don’t debate about Annapurna Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek! Both of these trekking routes are the best and jewels of the Annapurna region of Nepal! Feel free to inquire with us and know more about various aspects of trekking in Nepal.
Nepal High Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. Explore The Himalayas
