Annapurna Base Camp Trek Vs Annapurna Circuit Trek
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Annapurna Base Camp Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek
Nepal is a popular destination for trekking as it offers multiple destinations all with some of the highest mountains in the world, including the highest of them all, Mount Everest. But along with the Everest region, the Annapurna region also sees a huge number of trekkers annually. In fact, Annapurna region has a greater variety of trails to offer that range from short treks of 3-4 days to longer treks of 2-3 weeks. And two of the most popular treks of the Annapurna region are the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
As we have established before, Annapurna is known for offering a variety of trekking trails across its region. Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit, both despite being part of the same region, have different things to offer. There are a number of things that separate these destinations from one another. On this blog, we will learn the similarities and differences between the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Trek Similarities on the Surface
Both Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit trekking trails are part of the Annapurna region and fall under the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is the largest and the first conservation area of Nepal. Both of these treks are extremely popular within the trekking communities and see hundreds of visitors every year.
There are similarities between the landscapes and culture as well. Mountains such as the Annapurna Massif and Machhapuchhre can be seen from both of these locations, but the angles you see from are very different. Ethnic communities such as Gurungs, Magars, and Thakalis reflect the culture of both areas. Both destinations have their own hot spring, which you can enjoy at the end of the trek and wash away all the tiredness of the trek.
But now let us dive into what makes the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek different from each other and, based on different aspects of the trek, which one will be more suitable for you should you embark on a trek to the Annapurna region in the near future.
Highlights of the Annapurna Base Camp vs Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Base Camp
- Magnificent views of the mountains, including Annapurna I (8091 meters), the 10th tallest peak in the world, and others such as Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, and Nilgiri.
- A tear-jewing sunrise at Poonhill.
- Immersing in Gurung culture in Ghandruk village.
- Take a relaxing dip in the hot spring at Jhinu Danda.
- Walk past Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples—a harmonious existence for two religions.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Conquer the highest pass in the world, Thorong La (5416 meters).
- Get a chance to try sweet and crispy apples from Mustang and Manang.
- Muktinath, one of the most revered temples for both Hindus and Buddhists.
- Diverse landscapes and topographies change with the ascent of elevation.
- Many places to view the majestic mountains with a 360° angle.
- Welcome and warm hospitality from the local communities.
- Soak in the hot spring at Tatopani after the completion of the trek.
Getting There: Accessibility, Transportation and Trekking Routes
One of the first and major differences between the Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit is the trekking routes. The trekking route of the Annapurna Base Camp begins and ends at the same place, whereas the route of the Annapurna Circuit begins from one point and ends at another point. For the Annapurna Base Camp, you have to drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, but for the Annapurna Circuit, you have to drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar. The ABC trek retraces the steps back upon reaching the base camp itself, and ACT officially ends the trek in Muktinath (usually depends on what itinerary you choose) and drives from Muktinath to Pokhara.
Originally, the Annapurna Circuit Trek used to be of 23 days, the trek beginning from Besisahar, but now, due to access to roads, you can ride a jeep up to a place called Chame that reduces the trekking days up to 12 days. As for the Annapurna Base Camp trek now, it takes anywhere from around 7-10 days depending on your preferred route.
Trekking Itineraries for Annapurna Base Camp vs Annapurna Circuit Trek
A standard itinerary for both locations is given below.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the Hotel
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 3: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga
Day 4: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
Day 5: Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani
Day 6: Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong
Day 7: Trek from Chhomrong to Himalaya
Day 8: Trek from Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp via Machapuchare Base Camp
Day 9: Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Day 10: Trek from Bamboo to Jinu dada (Hot spring)
Day 11: Trek to Nayapul (4 hours) and drive to Pokhara
Day 12: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and preparation
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Besi Shahar
Day 3: Drive from Besi Shahar to Chame
Day 4: Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang
Day 5: Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang
Day 6: Acclimatization in Manang
Day 7: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (can extend to Ledder)
Day 8: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi/High camp
Day 9: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong
Day 10: Drive from Muktinath to Jomsom, then drive to Tatopani
Day 11: Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara
Day 12: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 13: Reserve day
Day 14: Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour
Day 15: Final Departure
The Length of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek
As stated above, the length of days required for trekking for ABC and ACT are different. In comparison to Annapurna Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit trek requires almost double the days to complete the trek.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Distance
Total Distance: 110 km or 68 miles
Average Hiking Distance Per day: 10-12 km— 4-6 hours
Annapurna Circuit Trek Distance
Total Distance: 160-230 km or 100-140 miles— 5-7 hours
Annapurna Base Camp Vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek: High Altitude and Difficulty
Both of the destinations fall under the category of high elevation, and trekkers are prone to getting altitude sickness if not done with proper acclimatization. But the Annapurna Circuit Trek definitely wins in the battle of altitude.
Highest Point of the Annapurna Base Camp: Base Camp (4310 meters)
Highest Point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek: Thorong La Pass (5416 meters)
Talking about difficulty, both are at an incredible elevation and are a bit challenging to trek if not prepared. However, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is a tad more difficult compared to the Annapurna Base Camp. One of the major points of difficulty is the Thorong La Pass, which requires a lot more physical stamina and mental strength to conquer.
While both have a significant gain in elevation and are considered a moderately difficult trek, the circuit exceeds 1100 meters in comparison to the base camp, therefore making it more difficult in comparison.
Mountains, Scenes and Landscapes
Annapurna Base Camp
The scenery and landscapes seen from any point of the Annapurna Base Camp are otherworldly. The lower zones are covered with alpine evergreen forests with the snowy peaks of the Annapurna Massif and Machapuchhre. And as per the trekking route for base camp, Poonhill is one of the major highlights of the trek, as it has one of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets in Nepal and even the entire world.
The reverberating Modi River shows the path till you reach the very top of the Annapurna Base Camp, where you can see the mountains up close. The forests will be in full bloom of the multiple-colored rhododendrons in spring, and snow covers the path during the winter.
The close proximity of the mountains will leave you in a daze trying to comprehend their very gigantic size. Some of the mountains you can see during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek are Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Tilicho Peak (7,134 m), Pisang Peak (6,091 m), Annapurna I (8091 m), II (7937 m), III (7855 m), IV (7525 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Himchuli (6,441 m), and Gangapurna (7,455 m).
You can also observe some of the rare wildlife, such as Musk deer, native birds, Himalayan thar, Himalayan mouse, and so on. The trek offers a peaceful getaway with nature and mountains.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit Trek covers all the bases similar to the Annapurna Base Camp. But a significant difference as the circuit covers more places; in fact, it passes through six districts: Baglung, Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, and Myagdi. Each district presents its own unique feature and different views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif as well as Nilgiri.
You will be in the heart of the Himalayas and pass through the world’s highest pass and get to see the mountains all in their shining glory. There are drastic changes in the landscapes, from alpine forests filled with oaks and rhododendrons to deserts like topography filled with rocky paths and short shrubs.
The Annapurna Circuit will not only give you a chance to walk through some of the world’s highest mountains but also the highest pristine lakes. Gangapurna Glacial Lake is one of the prominent lakes of this trek. And if you want to add extra days to your itinerary, you can also go to Tilicho Lake.
Accommodation and Services
The accommodation and services in any mountain area will be limited and basic due to its inability to easily access the area, which requires a lot of human resources to get things up there and is equally laboring and expensive. Both of the destinations offer similar hospitality, especially in regard to food. You can easily find Nepalese staple foods such as Dal Bhat, Thukpa, and MoMo. You can also find some western food, such as spaghetti, pancakes, etc.
The rooms, especially in ABC, will be of dormitory style, and you might have to share with your friends during peak season. However, many areas of the Annapurna Circuit provide good teahouse and lodge facilities, as these places have access to roads. Places like Jomsom, Manang, and Mustang have good accommodation and other service facilities.
Permits and Cost for Annapurna Base Camp Vs Annapurna Circuit
Both treks require two of the same permits: the Trekker’s Information Management Card (TIMS Card) and the Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit. The TIMS card is required for all the foreign tourists who wish to go trekking in any part of Nepal; however, the ACA permit is only for those who enter the conservation area. The cost for the permits is the same for both treks.
The cost of the base camp and circuit trek depends on various factors, such as the length of the trek, the number of people in your group, and the types of services you wish to enjoy. But for standard pricing, the cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek exceeds that of Annapurna Base Camp, mostly because ACT is longer. Apart from transportation and accommodation, the cost also covers the trekking guide fee.
Going solo trekking in this destination is legally not allowed, as Nepal’s government has stated that one must have a registered trekking guide for the treks in Nepal.
What is the best time to do the trek?
For both trekking destinations, the best time and best season follow the same structure. As both of these locations fall in the same region, there isn’t much difference. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are considered the best times for trekking in Nepal, as they offer moderate temperatures and a clear sky for the best view.
But people often think winter and summer are not good for trekking, which is not true. In fact, winter is one of the best times to trek because you get some of the best and clearest views of the mountains. The only challenge is the cold, and it is prone to snow, which can make it a bit difficult to trek.
As for summer, if you wish to see proper greenery and do a monsoon trek, this season is the best. The rain also has chances to block roads due to landslides, which makes it a bit risky. Annapurna Base Camp sees more rain compared to Annapurna Circuit Trek, as places like Manang and Mustang fall under the shadow zone, so it receives little to no rainfall during monsoon.
Amenities and Facilities in Annapurna Base Camp vs Annapurna Circuit Trek
Talking about the amenities such as internet facilities, charging electronic devices, hot showers, and laundry for both places, it depends on the location. For Annapurna Base Camp, you can charge your devices and use wifi but you have to pay an additional charge. Similarly, you can also get a hot shower for extra cost, but laundry services are not available. The phone network works for most part of the trek but is not always reliable, especially the higher you ascend.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is similar in aspects of facilities such as WiFi and phone networks. You also have to pay extra money to be able to access facilities like the internet, hot water for showers, and charging devices. But some parts of the trek are very remote and you will not have mobile networks and internet. Therefore, taking power banks will be very helpful.
Annapurna Base Camp vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek: Which one to choose?
With all the information relayed above, you must have a lot of information now to weigh out the pros and cons of each trek and which one suits you the best. And one of the most crucial in picking any of the treks is:
- Time
- Cost
- Fitness
Compared to Annapurna Circuit, the Annapurna Base Camp can be done in a shorter time. You can customize your trip from 7 to 12 days. Whereas, the circuit trek can go from 12 to 18 days and if you choose to do the older version, it can take 23 days as well. The cost also varies depending on the service and length of the trek and transportation. Therefore, Annapurna Circuit Trek is generally more expensive than Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
And finally, your fitness also makes a difference while trekking. While both are categorized as moderate trekking destinations, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is more strenuous and difficult. You will need prior preparation and good equipment for this trek.
Can I do both the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek at the same time?
Yes, you can do both treks at once; it will take longer days and will be more on the expensive side. You can discuss it with your preferred company and customize your trek as per your idea and add or subtract the days as you see fit. Both Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit offer some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and mountain views; doing any one of these can also be one of the best highlights of your travel life.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, no matter what you pick, you will be walking right into the heart of the Himalayas. Both Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit have their own unique features that make trekking a memorable experience.
Hopefully, all the information relayed above has made it easier for you to decide which trek you will be embarking on in the future.