Annapurna Circuit vs Annapurna Base Camp

Introduction: Annapurna Circuit vs Annapurna Base Camp 

Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is the popular trekking route in the Annapurna region, which lies in the north-central part of Nepal and circumnavigates the Annapurna Massifs, with a total distance of 160 to 230 km, which can be completed in 14 to 21 days. Your trek gets started from Besisahar and ends in Pokhara. You will get to observe the gorgeous mountain ranges, diverse landscapes, cultural diversity, and rhododendron forests.

The remarkable highlight of this trek is Thorong La Pass, a highest point in this trek, which is counted as the world’s highest pass, standing at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 ft). Due to its high altitude trekking, the pass can sometimes be difficult to cross due to ice and snow over the route. As there are some challenges during this trek, it is necessary for you to get prepared well both mentally and physically.

Annapurna Base Camp

The Annapurna Base Camp is also a popular trekking route for most tourists, just like the Annapurna Circuit. This trek provides you with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, dramatic landscapes, traditional villages, and diverse culture. This trek has a maximum elevation of 4,130 meters (13,550 feet) above sea level. This journey has a total distance of around 115 km, which can be completed in 6 to 14 days, and starts and ends at Pokhara.

The remarkable highlights of this trek are that you will be able to witness the 360-degree captivating Himalayan views that surround you while you are standing at the foot of Annapurna Base Camp, including Annapurna I, which is the tenth highest mountain in the world. It also requires some moderate to challenging physical fitness, as it also has steep uphill and downhill with narrow routes.

What is the difference between Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit?

Although both Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit lie in the Annapurna region of Nepal, they both have their unique features and differences. Let’s discuss the differences between these two treks and find out which is the best and most suitable for you. Let’s start with the summary table:

Which one has the best scenery? Comparing views on Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp

To know which treks can be best for you, it is necessary to know the trek scenery. Let’s discuss the Annapurna Circuit vs. Annapurna Base Camp trek scenery.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Scenery

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is well known for its most dramatic landscapes among all the trekking destinations in Nepal. You will get to see the different land structures on every point of this trek, such as lush, subtropical forests and terraced rice paddies in the lower altitudes, and the scenery changes into alpine meadows and after that into desert-like landscapes at the higher altitudes in the Manang and Mustang regions.

The major highlight is the mountain pass named Thorong La Pass, which is also the highest point of this trek. It is a bit challenging to cross the pass but rewarding as well, as you can see the heart-melting towering peaks of Annapurna II, Gangapurna Peak, and Tilicho Peak. You can also visit the beautiful Tilicho Lake and Nar Phu Valley, which are side trips during this trek. You can also trek Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake and Nar Phu Valley. Another highlight of this trek is the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki gorge, flowing in between the two mountain peaks, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I.

Annapurna Base Camp Scenery

The Annapurna Base Camp is not less than the Annapurna Circuit when it comes to the scenery. You will get the chance to witness the 360-degree snowy Himalayan views very closely, including Annapurna Massifs, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhare. You will be passing through the dense forests with the gorgeous mountain views during the trek. The trekking route is full of blooming colorful flowers and vibrant rhododendron forests, which add to the beauty of the surroundings.

You will be starting your trek from Pokhara city, which itself is the beautiful city with lakes in Nepal. You will be walking through the Modi Khola River, which eventually takes you through terraced fields, bamboo groves, and rhododendron forests. You can also visit Mardi Himal, Khopra Danda, Ghorepani Poonhill, and Ghandruk village during this trek, where you can add on your enjoyment of the natural beauty and traditional villages.

Annapurna Circuit vs. Annapurna Base Camp Trek Duration and Trekking Routes

While choosing the suitable trek in the Annapurna region, you should have knowledge about the trekking routes and distance. Let’s talk about this more.

Annapurna Circuit Route and Distance

The Annapurna Circuit trek is the circumnavigation of Annapurna Massifs, which takes around 14 to 21 days, totally depending on your preference of itinerary and your physical fitness. This trek distance is around 160-230 km (99-143 miles), which usually starts from Besisahar and ends at the beautiful city, Pokhara. This trek goes through Besisahar, the starting point of the trek, then Manang, Thorong La Pass, Muktinath, Jomsom, Tatopani, and Pokhara.

Annapurna Base Camp Route and Distance

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is shorter than the Annapurna Circuit Trek, which covers the distance of around 70-100 kilometers (43-62 miles) and takes 6 to 14 days to get completed, depending on your choice of interest whichever itinerary you choose. This trek usually starts from Nayapul near Pokhara city, and you will be walking through Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Deurali, Annapurna Sanctuary and the base camp, or the way of Dhampus, or the way of Ghorepani Poonhill, whichever you prefer, and we will end our trek in Nayapul.

Cultural Experiences on Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp

Both of the treks are rich in cultural diversity and have their own specialty in cultures and traditions. There are some differences in the culture because of the different communities of people in the Annapurna region.

Annapurna Circuit Cultural Experience

During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will get to experience different cultures and traditions of different ethnicities of people living in the Himalayas. The bunch of people from Gurung and Magar cultural zones live in the lower region of this trek, and as you touch the route of Thorong La Pass, you will get to know about the Tibetan culture who follow Buddhism. You can visit and learn about the ancient monasteries and temples on this route.

You can also get to interact with Manangi and Thakali people in the towns of Manang and Muktinath, which are the main highlights for the cultural experience during this trek. Muktinath is also a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.

Annapurna Base Camp Cultural Experience

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek also offers valuable insights regarding the cultures and traditions, but not more like the Annapurna Circuit Trek. You will get to learn about Gurung and Magar cultures deeply at this trek. There are Gurung villages, such as Ghandruk and Chhomrong, where you can experience the local way of life.

More than the cultural beauty, this trek mainly focuses on natural beauty if compared to the Annapurna Circuit. The people here are incredibly welcoming and friendly, and the teahouses provide you a chance to explore and experience Nepalese hospitality.

Altitude Sickness during Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp

Once you reach an elevation of more than 3,000 meters, there are some chances of having altitude sickness. It is a matter of concern while going on any trek, but there is an altitude sickness prevention method as well. Let’s delve into the altitude sickness of Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp.

Annapurna Circuit Altitude Sickness

As we know, the maximum elevation of Annapurna Circuit is 5,416 meters, which is above 3,000 meters, so there can be some chances of getting the symptoms of altitude sickness. As you ascend to the higher elevation, there might be some risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) while crossing the pass. Proper acclimatization is very important for the prevention of altitude sickness, and trekkers are advised to take extra rest days in places like Manang to adjust their bodies to the altitude.

Annapurna Base Camp Altitude Sickness

The Annapurna Base Camp has a lower risk of altitude sickness as compared to the Annapurna Circuit. The highest point of this trek is at Annapurna Base Camp itself, standing at an altitude of 4,130 meters (13,550 feet). There is a low chance of having the symptoms of altitude sickness, but still, you need to have proper acclimatization at lower altitudes to adjust yourself in a high-altitude area.

What are the permits required for Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp?

When it comes to trekking in the Annapurna region, both Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp require the same permits and documents. For both treks, you’ll need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits help to maintain the condition of trekking trails and protect the local environment of the trekking destinations.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

• NPR 3,000, approximately USD 25, is required for foreigners.
• NPR 1,500, approximately USD 10, is required for SAARC countries.

You can get permits at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card:

• NPR 2,000, approximately USD 15 for each foreigner individual.
• NPR 600, approximately USD 5 for SAARC countries.

You can get this card at the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN), Kathmandu.

Foods and Accommodations: Annapurna Circuit vs. Annapurna Base Camp

Both the treks offer similar kinds of foods and accommodations during the trek. You’ll find plenty of teahouses along the Annapurna Circuit route. These are basic but neat and clean guesthouses that provide a warm bed and good meals. The higher you go, the more basic the facilities become. You can expect the local dishes like dal bhat (lentil soup with rice) and momos (dumplings), as well as basic western food like pasta, soup, and pizza.

The food costs can vary from USD 3 to 10, depending on the place, as the food cost is low at lower elevations and high at higher elevations. Talking about the accommodation costs, it can vary from around USD 5 to 7, as the higher you stay, the more the cost is.

Same goes with the Annapurna Base Camp; similar kinds of foods and accommodations like the Annapurna Circuit are available over here. The traditional Nepal meals are the main offering in almost every trekking destination in Nepal. Please read this to know about the food and accommodation in the Annapurna Region Trek.

What are the trek difficulties and physical fitness requirements during Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp?

Both the treks have their own challenges and difficulties, but the Annapurna Circuit Trek is a bit more difficult than the Annapurna Base Camp due to Thorong La Pass. Let’s discuss further.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty and Physical Fitness Requirements

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the challenging treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The total distance that you need to cover during this trek is 160 to 230 km, depending upon which route you take, and you need to walk 6 to 8 hours per day to complete this trek. 

The Thorong La Pass is the highest point of this trek, which stands at a height of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) above sea level. You need to acclimatize properly, as you can have some chances of getting altitude sickness because of the low oxygen level. The more you ascend, the more you can feel the symptoms of altitude sickness if you do not acclimate properly. There is a saying, ‘Hike high, sleep low,’ so make sure you cover the high-altitude places in the daytime and sleep at lower elevation.

The trail is steep uphill and downhill with a narrow path somewhere, and you need to cross rivers and suspension bridges with the unpredictable weather. To conquer this trek with less hassle, you should be mentally prepared first, and a high level of physical fitness is also required. It is suggested to be prepared physically 3 to 4 months prior to your trekking days for the adjustment of your body to the Annapurna Circuit trekking difficulties and challenges.

For the Annapurna Circuit, you need to walk long hours in a day, so you must focus on cardiovascular exercises, and to walk through the difficult path, focus on gaining leg strength. You can train for the trek by going long hikes, uphill walking, and strength training. It is necessary to build endurance through running, cycling, or swimming, which definitely helps you during your circuit trek.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Difficulty and Physical Fitness Requirements

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek difficulty is a bit easier as compared to the Annapurna Circuit Trek, but it still contains some challenges as it has the maximum height of 4,130 meters (13,549 feet) from the sea level at the Annapurna Base Camp itself.

The total distance covered during the ABC trek is around 110 km (68 miles), and the trek usually takes 6 to 12 days to get completed, which makes it shorter than the Annapurna Circuit. But the fact is the shorter length doesn’t mean it lacks difficulty. You still have to climb steep uphill and downhill with many steep sections and high altitudes, especially in the days near the base camp.

The trail is well marked and navigated, so technically the trek difficulty is low. You need a moderated level of physical fitness to overcome a few difficulties during the trek and high altitude. You should focus on a basic level of cardiovascular exercise with moderate leg strength gain. Though the elevation is less than Annapurna Circuit, you still need to acclimatize in order to adjust your body to the low level of oxygen and thin air. You can train yourself with regular hiking and walking, especially uphill three months prior to the trek.

What is the cost of the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp?

The cost of the Annapurna Circuit is a bit more expensive than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The trek amount depends on the services and facilities you seek and the itinerary of your preference.

For the budget-friendly trekkers, the cost can be minimized by minimizing the certain services we provide; you can carry your own backpacks without a porter for cost-cutting, and you can eat lunch and dinner on your own except for the bed and breakfast.

Similarly, for the comfort-friendly trekkers, if you need the greater facilities and private transportation method and want to explore the natural beauty more, you can extend your days or choose whichever route you like. The prices may get higher for you, but if you seek comfort, you can choose the services according to your choice. Let’s briefly discuss the cost.

Cost of the Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit cost is usually expensive when we compare it to Annapurna Base Camp. It is because of the longer trek duration and distance. Normally this trek costs from USD 800 to USD 2000, and it includes transportation, accommodation, food, and permits. The trek prices vary because of the route you take, the services you seek for (transport and accommodation), and the extra facilities you need.

Cost of the Annapurna Base Camp

The Annapurna Base Camp cost is a bit low as compared to the Annapurna Circuit cost because of the shorter distance and trek duration. This trek usually costs from USD 500 to USD 1500, and it includes transportation service, food and accommodation service, and permits. If you want good private transportation and accommodation with extra facilities, the trek amount gets higher.

Conclusion

So what do you think? Which is better: Annapurna Circuit vs. Annapurna Base Camp? After this long read, we hope you have already come to the conclusion of what is best for you. Whichever trek you choose, you will get rewarded with the eye-capturing views around you, knowledge of cultures and traditions, and the amazing trekking experience you have ever had.

In the end, the best trekking destination totally depends on your time, preference, and the level of fitness you acquire. If you are looking for a longer trek with more exploration of culture and nature, go for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and if you are looking for the short yet rewarding trek with the best scenery, go for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, as the Annapurna region is rich in culture and natural beauty.