Everest Base Camp Trekking is a high-altitude trek in the Mahalangur Himalayan range. The landscapes are different from those in other areas of Nepal. Most of the trekking trails are above 4000 m dry and not good for any cultivation apart from potatoes. The Everest region is the home of the Himalayas, including the world's tallest mountain, Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Cho You, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and many more trekking peaks, as well as the world's biggest and longest glacier, Khumbu Icefall and Ngozumpa Glacier, respectively. Namche Bazar is the gateway to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lake trek, which are the most beautiful villages in the Everest region.
Everest region is the home of the legendary Sherpa, who is an expert in mountaineering. Climbing and mountaineering are professions of the Sherpa, and they are caring for their profession from generation to generation. Most people believe in Buddhism, which is a calm religion, and follow the Lama and worship in the monastery. In every village, there is a beautiful monastery.
Annapurna Base Camp trek is also one of the top trekking trails and gives you a taste of different lifestyles and cultures. In the Annapurna region, you may see multi-culture, multi-language, multi-tribes, and diverse landscapes. Annapurna Base Camp itself is a natural amphitheater (360 degrees) dominated by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Tent Peak, Fish Tails, Gangapurna, and Himchuli Mountain. Ghorepani Poon Hill is the best viewpoint of the sunrise into the 180-degree mountain range, including the Dhaulagiri range, Annapurna range, and Mardi Himal Base Camp neighbors in the distance.
Before and after the ABC trek, you have an opportunity to visit Lake City, Pokhara. This is the cleanest and calmest city in Nepal. Above 8,000 m, mountains like Dhaulagiri (8,156 m/26,755 ft.), Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,540 ft.), and Manaslu (8,165 m/26,785 ft.) dominate Fewa Lake Pokhara.
Conclusion: In Everest Base Camp, the chances of rain in the Everest region are less even in the monsoon season because the higher altitude part of Nepal receives fewer rains than the region of low altitude. So if you are looking for a monsoon trek interrupted by less rain, then surely the EBC trek will be the best trek destination.
Which one is better, Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest base camp trekking (5,316 m.) route has more up-and-down elevation gain, so it is probably a bit more difficult. Annapurna Base Camp trek (4,130 m.) also involves ups and downs but at a lower altitude. So, in comparison, EBC is 5,316 m. ABC is 4,130 m = 1,186 m, which is different between the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp treks. If you anticipate problems with altitude, then ABC will be better.
Which is harder, EBC or ABC?
The Everest Base Camp trek can be harder because it involves about 13–15 km, 6–7 hours. Walking per day above the 4,000 m altitude. The total distance you travel from Lukla to Everest Base camp is 63 km.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek involves 4-5 hours, 10–14 km a day. Start walking from 1,100 m. to 3,100 m, descend to 2,600 m. and gradually go up to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m.). This trek duration is about 10 to 12 days. If you are physically fit, both treks can be done with any age group. Manaslu Circuit Trekking is a great alternative trekking trail with less traffic.
What are the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp trek itineraries?
Everest Base Camp trek itinerary
Day 01: Arrival and transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu flies to Lukla and treks to Phakding (2,620 m), 4 hours.
Day 03: Phakding trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), 5 hours.
Day 04: Rest day in Namche for acclimatization
Day 05: Namche Trek to Tengboche (3,680 m). 5hrs
Day 06: Tengboche Trek to Dingboche (4,400 m.), 5 hours
Day 07: Acclimatize day in Dingboche
Day 08: Dingboche trek to Lobuche (4,900 m.), 6 hours
Day 09: Lobuche-Gorakshep (5,100 m.). 3 hours. (Optional hike to Everest Base Camp)
Day 10: Hike to Kalapathar and trek back to Pheriche (4,250 m), 6 hrs.
Day 11: Pheriche trek back to Namche, 6 hours.
Day 12: Namche Bazaar trek to Lukla, 6 hours.
Day 13: Lukla-Morning fly back to Kathmandu
Day 14: Kathmandu Hotel-Transfer to Airport (TIA)
Annapurna Base Camp trekking itinerary:
Day 01: Kathmandu (1,350 m.) Arrivals and transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing
Day 03: Kathmandu drives To Pokhara (8,50 m.), 200 km, 6–7 hrs
Day 04: Pokhara drives to Nayapul (45 km, 1-2 hrs) and treks to Hile (1,450 m), 9 km, 4 hrs.
Day 05: Tikhedhunga trek to Ghorepani (2,860 m), 10 km, 6 hrs.
Day 06: Ghorepani hike to Poon-Hill (3,200 m) and trek to Tadapani (2,600 m), 12 km, 6–7 hrs.
Day 07: Tadapani trek to Chhumrong (2,150 m), 10 km, 5 hours.
Day 08: Chhumrong trek to Himalaya (2,900 m), 12 km, 7 hours.
Day 09: Himalaya trek to Annapurna Base Camp "ABC" (4,130 m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp "MBC" (3,700 m), 9 km, 6 hrs.
Day 10: Annapurna Base Camp Trek back to Bamboo (2,300 m), 14 km, 6 hours.
Day 11: Bamboo trek to Natural Hot Spring (1,750 m), 10 km, 6 hrs.
Day 12: Hot Spring trek to Nayapul ( 17 km, 7 hours.) then drive back to Pokhara
Day 13: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 14: Departure to the Airport for your onward flight.
Conclusion: In my personal opinion, the Annapurna region trekking is a world-class trek but due to road construction and development, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is dead. 160 km–230 km Annapurna circuit Trek is shortened only for 7 days. There is a bus service to Manang and Muktinath, huge concrete building construction, too much horn, and pollution.
The Everest region trek is still a version and not a huge human construction. The food and lodging facilities are excellent and the diverse flora and fauna, amazing landscape, towering Mountain, and High altitude The pass trek is fantastic. I highly recommend it to those who are looking for adventure and new experiences.
