Last Updated on March 12, 2019 by Treks Planner Nepal
Are you a trekking enthusiast and planning to trek in Nepal? Are you in a dilemma to choose between the most preferred trekking destination of Nepal – Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) and Everest Base Camp (EBC), then my friend you have landed on the right page.
There are many factors to consider while comparing the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. The factor includes the best season to trek, difficulty level, weather, duration of the trek and other considerations. You should carefully compare all of these aspects before you choose to go to either of these trekking destinations. It’s tricky right? Let us help you through it.
Table of Contents
Major Differences Between EBC and ABC
| Everest Base Camp | Annapurna Base Camp | |
| Max. Elevation | 5,545 m (17,600 ft) | 4,130m (13,545ft) |
| Duration | Max 16D / Min 10D | Max 14D / Min 9D |
| Difficulty | Fairly Challenging | Moderate to Strenuous |
| Ethnic Group | Sherpa/Rai/Tamang | Gurung/Thakali/Manangba |
| Culture | Buddhism | Hinduism/Buddhism |
| Starting Point | Lukla | Pokhara |
Everest Base Camp / Annapurna Base Camp
The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most adventurous as well as outstanding trekking journeys of Nepal. Following a trail filled with striking views of Himalayan peaks, glaciers, and impressive Sherpa villages and their richest culture, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and an incredible panorama of the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest (8848m). Together with the beauty of the Himalayas, the trek is culturally appealing which makes it the trek of a lifetime for the trekkers. Brace yourself for the most thrilling and exquisite journey of your lifetime!
Annapurna is the most popular trekking region of Nepal. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderate type of trek that suits to all the experienced and inexperienced trekkers. Annapurna base camp trek is the best way to experience smooth trek that is most of the easy hikes and is a worthwhile exploration to the immensely beautiful landscape surrounded by the magnificent peaks Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Machapuchhre (6993 m) and Hiunchuli (6441).
Difficulty Level EBC vs ABC
As daunting as the name may sound, the Everest Base Camp Trek is not a difficult trek, with a little bit of preparation and determination almost anyone can succeed the trek. People of all ages, shapes, and sizes have completed the trek over the years. Everest Base Camp trek requires no climbing expertise and there is certainly no technical expertise or mountaineering skills required whatsoever as it is basically a long hike at high altitude.
Despite being non-technical and entirely achievable for anyone with some basic fitness, there are still some considerations that need to be taken into account before you set out on your own Everest Base Camp Trek, such as altitude, length, and training that will enable you to better understand what you are getting yourself into before deciding.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a comparatively easy trek that can be done throughout the year. The trek is a moderate which welcomes both the novice as well as the experienced trekkers. Unlike other treks, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek doesn’t require any high-level physical fitness level. So, anyone with a stable health condition can enjoy this trek. This trek is utterly amazing and comparatively easy in terms of the altitude.
Comparatively Everest Base Camp trek is more challenging than ABC.
Fitness Level EBC vs ABC
Taking about the fitness level, you should be reasonably fit to go in both of the Trek. And by reasonably fit, it doesn’t mean to be like some ultra-athletic who takes part in the Olympics.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek falls on the moderate scale of trekking difficulty. It doesn’t require you to have any kind of alpine trekking experience or technical mountain climbing experience. Even if you don’t do regular exercises, if you can walk like 4 to 6 hours a day taking enough breaks in between, you are reasonably fit.
The most difficult and underestimated aspect of the EBC trek is the altitude. The high altitude profile of the trek certainly makes the trek more difficult as compared to ABC. In fact, if it were not for the altitude, the EBC trek would be very basic indeed. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) should not be taken lightly nor underestimated, especially at the altitudes reached on the EBC trek. The key to high altitude trekking is to go slow.