Thinking of trekking to the Annapurna region but can’t yet decide about going to the Annapurna Base Camp trek vs Annapurna Circuit trek? You’re not alone! Though these treks may seem similar, they differ from one another in many aspects. The Annapurna treks are identical to the Everest base camp trek. The Annapurna Sanctuary is all about serene villages, waterways, rhododendron forests, and, most of all, the beautiful Himalayas. And if you’re new to trekking and wondering if you must climb the Annapurna massif, you don’t have to! 

Trekking to the base camp and around the mountain is simpler than climbing the hill. Anyone with good physical fitness and mental capacity should opt for this trek. If you didn’t know already, the trek in the Annapurna region, the ABC trek, or the Annapurna circuit trek, is the most in-demand trek in Nepal. So, you certainly have good taste in finding a good destination if you’re going on either of the journeys soon. To know more about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek while making the final choice, read until the end!

Overview of Annapurna Base Camp Trek Vs Annapurna Circuit Trek

One of the most popular treks in the world, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, offers stunning views that will leave you in awe. The trek, which is the most chosen journey inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, attracts a massive yearly crowd. At an elevation of 4,130 m above sea level, you’ll be close to the world’s tenth-tallest mountain without the strenuous effort of most other treks in Nepal. The 9-day itinerary to the ABC is moderately challenging, but the breathtaking views make every step worth it.

Annapurna Circuit Trek will take you to an elevation of 5,416 meters above sea level at Thorong La Pass, one of the most popular passes in the world. Trekkers can expect to spend 18 to 21 days on the trails. You will traverse the Annapurna range and make a circular trip up the mountain. This means you will indulge in the beauty of almost every fantastic element of the popular Annapurna Peak. Needless to say, this journey offers you a terrific panoramic view of the Annapurna massif. 

Similarities Between Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek

There are many similarities between the Annapurna Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit trek. These similarities make your journey simpler or more challenging concerning its many elements. The following are the similarities between the ABC trek and the Annapurna Circuit trek: 

Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit both locations are autumn and spring. You will see many people in both trekking destinations because of the favorable weather and clarity in the sky at almost all times. There is the least possibility of rainfall during spring, which falls between the months of March and May. Likewise, autumn months from October to December are just as good for trekking and don’t see rainfall either. You can get the perfect view of the mountains and enjoy your journey hassle-free!

Accommodation

The trek provides similar accommodation facilities. You will find teahouses and smaller guesthouses along the trails. These teahouses have a traditional make. There is a fireplace in the middle of the living room, and almost every other teahouse has one. You will find decent twin or single beds in each room. The walls are likely to be made of wooden planks. And, the ventilation in each room is satisfactory. The sheets and pillows in the room are clean as well. Similarly, the toilets in the upper Annapurna regions have Indian-style toilet pans, and the ones in the lower may have Western-style toilet pans. You can get a bucket of hot water to shower with for extra pay.

Habitat

Annapurna Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit trek will take you through similar villages, though they are not entirely the same. Both villages are dominated by Gurung people since they dominate almost the entire Annapurna region. You will be welcomed warmly by the inhabitants. Trekkers can get the perfect view of the Annapurna range from both villages. You will also see similar houses and almost equal populations in these locations. 

Permits

You will need the same two permits when you’re visiting either of the locations. These permits are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS). The ACAP permit is necessary to promote tourism and trekking activities while maintaining the beauty and authenticity of the Annapurna region. A TIMS permit is required to keep a record of trekkers who visit the Annapurna Base Camp or are going to the Annapurna Circuit trek. 

Difference Between Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek

Challenges of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

When going to the Annapurna Base Camp trek, you will face plenty of challenges along the Annapurna trails. Still, there won’t be as many difficulties in the ABC trails as there will be in the Annapurna Circuit trails. The following are the challenges you will especially face when you’re going on the ABC trek: 

Trails 

The trails in Annapurna Base Camp are mostly made of stones. These steep stone trails are not very easy to get through. The difficulty in the trek begins in Ghorepani, where the central part is the stone steps. The steep pathways may not be as simple to complete as a beginner trekker might assume, given that we say this trek is easier than the Annapurna Circuit trek.

Altitude Sickness

You may get sick as you go beyond a certain altitude along the ABC trek trails. Feeling sick during the trek is very common among trekkers. However, it is recommended that trekkers rely on acclimatization and rest when they see the earlier symptoms of altitude sickness, which may come in the form of a headache or nausea. 

Dangers of an Avalanche

There will always be dangers of avalanches when you go on the ABC trek. Avalanches are common in the base camp, especially during summer and winter. There is a big reason why there is a bigger crowd during the peak months, spring and autumn, since there won’t be as many chances of avalanches. This does not save you from the possibility of witnessing a natural disaster, as the works of nature are unpredictable. 

Challenges of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

For many reasons, the Annapurna Circuit trek is the most challenging trek you will go on in the Annapurna Conservation Area. It is not easy to take a trip to one of the world’s tallest mountains. Due to its difficulty level, the Annapurna Circuit route is often compared to the Everest Base Camp trek route. The following are some of the significant challenges faced by trekkers during the trek:

Altitude Sickness

There is a big possibility that you will face symptoms of altitude sickness during the Annapurna Circuit trek if you are reckless. Trekkers should always learn to acclimate between the treks to reach their destinations safely. The Thorong La Pass, the highest elevation of this journey, may suffocate you if you don’t rest adequately during the trip. A trekker’s body may not habituate appropriately to the changing conditions of the mountainous region, which often leads to nausea, headaches, and vomiting. All these are symptoms of altitude sickness.

Trails

The trails in the Annapurna circuit journey are challenging if you’ve not been physically and mentally trained as a trekker. You will mostly go through steep pathways, which will challenge you each step of the way, especially as the trekking days are checked day after day. Due to the difficulty of trekking, your legs and back may feel uneasy by the end. 

Thorong La Pass

Thorong La Pass is the most challenging part of the Annapurna Circuit trek. While climbing up the pass can be challenging, descending the pass can be extremely difficult. If you are unfamiliar with the different climbing techniques and getting off an icy pass, then it is best to avoid the Annapurna Circuit Trek. During this journey, you may also need more gear than you will in most other treks in the Annapurna region.

Avalanches

There is a probability of you having to face an avalanche during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The avalanches are caused by snow and ice bundling up over time, the melting of snow and ice, or a sudden fall of the same due to any other factors. The impact of avalanches is very extreme. You need to ensure you’re visiting the destination during peak months to avoid the threat of avalanches. 

Choosing Between the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Is your mind still on a debate between the Annapurna Circuit trek vs the Annapurna Base Camp trek, explorer? Because making a choice can be very difficult. You have to consider every single factor that may come your way during the journey before you comfortably choose one. The following are the main aspects to consider before you decide between the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek:

• For shorter Treks: The Annapurna Circuit trek is longer and more challenging than the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Also, the Annapurna Circuit requires more physical and mental endurance than the ABC trek. Likewise, you can expect to spend double the time on the circuit trek as on the base camp trek. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a better choice for anyone who wants to go on a shorter journey. 
• For beginner-level trekkers: A beginner-level trekker should opt for the ABC trek since it is more accessible than the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The Annapurna Circuit trek is longer and more strenuous, requiring trekking expertise. You can trek to Annapurna Base Camp if you don’t have it. 
• For adventure: The Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you like never before. It is usually compared to the Everest base camp because of the thrill. Annapurna Circuit and the Everest Base Camp trek are similar, although the EBC trek will likely be shorter and surprisingly more straightforward! The Thorong La Pass and a trip around Annapurna during the trek demands you to have the heart of a true adrenaline junkie.
• For a peaceful trekking experience: Many trekkers prefer peaceful trails on a lifetime journey, like in Annapurna. The Annapurna circuit is a better choice if you’re one of them. When comparing the two trek routes, there is less crowding at the circuit destination. It won’t be wrong to say that the Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the best for exploring and getting the real thrill of the mountains!

Conclusion

We have provided an elaborate exploration of the Annapurna treks, including the Annapurna Circuit trek and the Annapurna Base Camp trek. While the Annapurna base camp trek is more straightforward to complete and shorter than the Annapurna circuit trek, you should consider your personal goals when you make the final decision. The mountains of the Annapurna region are alluring no matter where you are, and so are the cultural aspects of each area. Be sure to contact us for bookings once you’ve made the big decision. Happy journey in advance, adventurer!