Difference between Annapurna base camp trek VS Annapurna circuit trek
There is a lot of confusion among travelers about Annapurna circuit trek and Annapurna base camp (ABC) trek. These are both two extremely popular trek in Nepal. In our experience Annapurna Circuit is far more worthy in terms of beauty and at a same time it is more demanding trek. In this blog we are seeing the major difference in 5 categories.
1 Which Trek is more crowded ?
2 Comparison on Tea houses/lodges and culture.
3 Which Trek is more Challenging ?
4 Which Trek Contains more popular destination and interesting?
5 Cost comparison and other options.
Which Trek is more crowded ?
The Annapurna region welcomed 191,558 tourist in 2023, marking a highest number of visitors in tourism history. This gives us the vision of the density of tourist in Annapurna region. In the peak season (March, April may, October, November December) we can see lots of tourist visiting there. If you are searching for less crowded place between these two trek Annapurna circuit treks is the one because ABC trek is more accessible the Annapurna circuit trek.
One of the frequently asked question during the inquiry reply is that, do we also reach the Annapurna base camp while trekking the Annapurna circuit? So, the answer is No, but we can customize the itinerary by including Annapurna base camp and it will cost you some Extra days.
Comparison on Tea houses/lodges
Accommodation is almost same in both the trek. In Lower altitudes you can find more facilities like wifi, sim network, attach rooms etc. travelers don’t need to carry tent or camping. Food is also all local Nepali food like
- Dal Bhat,
- Thukpa,
- Momo
- Chowmin,
- Egg,
- Bread,
- Fried rice,
- Fried noodles,
- Fried potato etc.
Normal hot drinks like black tea, milk tea, lemon tea, and ginger tea etc. However, upon entering the Annapurna sanctuary after passing bamboo on Annapurna base camp trek, eating meat is prohibited. The cost of the food in the Himalaya region is always higher due to the lack of transportation service.
Which Trek is more Challenging ?
In terms of altitude Annapurna Base camp is the highest point that a trekker can reach in Annapurna base camp trek i.e. 4,130m but in Annapurna circuit trek there Is one High pass called as the Thorong la pass which needs to be crossed by trekkers and has an altitude higher than the Everest base camp i.e. 5,416m. The risk and challenges is far higher in Annapurna circuit trek, it has a history of killing 43 visitors at once in 2014.
In terms of beauty, as I have already mentioned Annapurna circuit trek is the Haven of all treks.
Which Trek Contains more popular destination and interesting?
For going to Annapurna Base camp pokhara is the main gateway. As we all know pokhara is one of the most popular destination in Nepal that is: you have the opportunity to explore another major city of Nepal. Pokhara is place where the culture has evolved in such a way that it merges the culture of west and the east . Macchapuchchhre (fishtail) is another popular destination that you will explore while trekking on Annapurna base camp trek and Annapurna base camp itself is a popular destination.
Trekking in Annapurna circuit trek there is four popular destination that you can visit. First is Manang which will be remembered by travelers for eternity. Manang is the gem of the Annapurna circuit trek.If you ask us why is Annapurna circuit trek so popular then it is just because of the breathtaking beauty of manang. Second is Thorong la pass: Crown of Annapurna circuit trek, Thorong La, also known as Thorung La, is a high mountain pass in Nepal. It's about 17,769 feet above sea level and sits between the Damodar Himal and the Annapurna Himal. Thorong La is situated on a path that links Manang village in the east to Muktinath temple and Ranipauwa village in the west. It's the highest spot on the Annapurna Circuit, a popular 190-mile trekking route around the Annapurna Mountains. Local traders also frequently use this pass. Thorong La is surrounded by mountains like Khatung Kang and Yakawa Kang. Third is Muktinath- Jomsom, this palace is spiritually very significant for Hindu Buddhist. It is a energy point influenced by geographical location. You can see lots of pilgrims coming to this place in search of liBeration. It is also true that if you sit and correctly meditate in this specific area like Muktinath the impact of the meditation will be much higher than in city or normal surrounding, and fourth is Pokhara.
Cost comparison and other option
Annapurna base camp is typically short in comparison with Annapurna circuit trek so obviously Annapurna base camp has a low cost. But the cost always depends in various factor for example if you are here to trek in October November or march April then you can get transportation easily in a sharing basis but in off season it is very hard to find in sharing so we have to book a private transportation which impact the cost in huge basis. The cost also varies in terms of luxury the travelers prefer. In Annapurna circuit trek contains higher altitude accommodation in compare to Annapurna base camp trek.
But basic comparison the packages of Annapurna circuit trek is higher than Annapurna base camp trek.
What is the option for those who want to go to Annapurna base camp without trekking ?
There is a option of Annapurna Base camp helicopter tour from Pokhara where you ca experience the culture of Pokhara, Have a luxury breathtaking Helicopter flight to Annapurna Base Camp. Enjoy the beauty of Annapurna Base Camp.
