Everest Base Camp Trek vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC Trek) and Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC Trek) are the popular trekking packages in Nepal. Everest Base Camp Trek is known as EBC Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek is known as ABC Trek. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is shorter then Everest Base Camp Trek. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the mix of forest , small settlement village, mountain with green forest but Everest Base Camp Trek has different feature like stay in high altitude, Sherpa Culture and hospitality , World Highest peak : Mt Everest (8848m).
Everest Base Camp Trek 14 Days
The Everest Base Camp Trek is a popular trekking route in the Everest region of Nepal. The trek takes you through stunning landscapes and remote mountain villages to the base of the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest.
The trek usually starts from the town of Lukla, which is accessible by a short flight from Kathmandu. From Lukla, you'll trek through the Khumbu Valley, passing through picturesque Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, and lush forests. You'll also cross high suspension bridges over roaring rivers and climb steep hills to reach your destination.
The trek usually takes around 12-14 days, depending on your pace and the itinerary you choose. You'll spend your nights in teahouses, which are basic but comfortable lodges that offer meals and accommodation to trekkers.
The highlight of the trek is reaching the Everest Base Camp, located at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Khumbu Glacier and the surrounding peaks, including Lhotse, Nuptse, and, of course, Mount Everest.
Overall, the Everest Base Camp Trek is a challenging but rewarding adventure that offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of trekking in the shadow of the world's highest mountain.
- Location: Eastern Nepal, in the Sagarmatha National Park
- Length: about 12-14 days, depending on the itinerary and acclimatization
- Highest point: Kala Patthar (5,550m/18,209ft)
- Highlights: stunning views of the world's highest mountains, including Mount Everest (8,848m/29,029ft), Sherpa culture and hospitality, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Khumbu Glacier, and Everest Base Camp itself
- Difficulty: moderate to strenuous, due to the high altitude, steep ascents and descents, and unpredictable weather
- Permit and fees: Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Permit, TIMS card, and Everest Base Camp Trekking Permit (required)
Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Outlined 14-day itinerary for the Everest Base Camp Trek:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Arrive at Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Spend the day exploring the city and getting familiar with the Nepalese culture.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,652m).
Take an early morning flight to Lukla and start your trek to Phakding, a small village located on the banks of the Dudh Koshi River.
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m).
The trail passes through beautiful forests and crosses several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River before reaching Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu region.
Day 4: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar.
Spend the day acclimatizing and exploring Namche Bazaar. You can hike up to the Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (3,870m).
The trail passes through the beautiful rhododendron forests and offers stunning views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest before reaching Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery.
Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,360m).
The trail descends through the forest and crosses the Imja Khola River before ascending to Dingboche, a picturesque village surrounded by the Himalayas.
Day 7: Acclimatization day in Dingboche.
Spend the day acclimatizing and exploring Dingboche. You can hike up to Nagarjun Hill for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 8: Trek to Lobuche (4,940m).
The trail passes through the Khumbu Glacier and offers stunning views of Pumori, Nuptse, and other peaks before reaching Lobuche.
Day 9: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,160m) and visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m).
The trail passes through the rocky moraine of the Khumbu Glacier before reaching Gorak Shep, the final village before Everest Base Camp. After lunch, hike to the base camp and return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Day 10: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,550m) and trek to Pheriche (4,240m).
Early morning hike to Kala Patthar for stunning sunrise views of Mount Everest and other peaks before returning to Gorak Shep for breakfast. Afterward, trek down to Pheriche.
Day 11: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m).
The trail descends through beautiful forests and crosses several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River before reaching Namche Bazaar.
Day 12: Trek to Lukla (2,800m).
The trail descends through the beautiful forest before reaching Lukla, where you'll spend the night.
Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu.
Take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu and spend the rest of the day exploring the city.
Day 14: Departure.
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal, known for its stunning scenery, diverse landscapes, and cultural experiences. The trek takes you through picturesque villages, terraced farmlands, lush forests, and eventually to the base of the majestic Annapurna mountain range.
The starting point for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is usually Nayapul, which is a few hours' drive from Pokhara. The trek typically takes around 7-12 days to complete, depending on the route taken and the pace of the trekker.
Some of the highlights of the trek include passing through the charming villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong, trekking through the rhododendron forests of the Annapurna Conservation Area, and soaking in the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda. As you ascend towards the base camp, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (also known as Fishtail).
The trek can be challenging at times, with steep ascents and descents, but the stunning scenery and cultural experiences make it well worth the effort. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to interact with the friendly local people, learn about their customs and traditions, and sample delicious Nepali cuisine.
Overall, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a must-do trek for any avid trekker or nature enthusiast visiting Nepal.
- Location: Western Nepal, in the Annapurna Conservation Area
- Length: about 8-12 days, depending on the route and pace
- Highest point: Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,549ft)
- Highlights: diverse landscapes, from lush forests to alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks, traditional villages and cultures, hot springs, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
- Difficulty: moderate, with some steep sections and altitude gain
- Permit and fees: Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit, TIMS card (required)
Both treks offer breathtaking scenery, unique cultural experiences, and physical challenges. The choice depends on personal interests, time, budget, and fitness level. Some factors to consider are:
- Altitude sickness risks: Everest Base Camp Trek involves prolonged exposure to high altitude, while Annapurna Base Camp Trek has a shorter and less severe altitude gain.
- Crowds and infrastructure: Everest Base Camp Trek is more popular and well-developed, with many tea houses, lodges, and trekkers, while Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers more solitude and natural surroundings.
- Season and weather: Both treks have their best seasons, usually in Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November), but may have different weather patterns and challenges.
- Trekking agencies and guides: It's highly recommended to hire a registered and experienced trekking agency and guide, who can provide safety, information, and support throughout the Trekking. From 01 April 2023 , guide is compulsory to do trekking in Nepal.
Detail Itinerary of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a popular hiking route in Nepal that takes you through beautiful landscapes and breathtaking mountain views. The trek usually takes around 7-12 days depending on your pace and the number of rest days you take. Here is a sample itinerary for the Annapurna Base Camp trek:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and trek preparation
Day 3: Drive to Pokhara (820m/2,690ft) - 6-7 hours
Day 4: Drive to Nayapul (1,070m/3,510ft) and trek to Tikhedhunga (1,570m/5,150ft) - 4-5 hours
Day 5: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,840m/9,320ft) - 6-7 hours
Day 6: Hike up to Poon Hill (3,210m/10,530ft) and trek to Tadapani (2,610m/8,560ft) - 6-7 hours
Day 7: Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,210m/7,250ft) - 5-6 hours
Day 8: Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan (2,600m/8,530ft) - 5-6 hours
Day 9: Trek from Dovan to Deurali (3,230m/10,600ft) - 4-5 hours
Day 10: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,550ft) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m/12,140ft) - 5-6 hours
Day 11: Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,340m/7,675ft) - 6-7 hours
Day 12: Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,780m/5,840ft) - 5-6 hours
Day 13: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Nayapul (1,070m/3,510ft) and drive back to Pokhara - 4-5 hours
Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,600ft) - 6-7 hours
Day 15: Departure from Kathmandu
