Head to head
Annapurna Circuit vs Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek is the more approachable option (Challenging, max 5,545 m), while Annapurna Circuit is the bigger undertaking (Strenuous, max 5,416 m). Pick based on your experience, available days and how high you're comfortable sleeping.
Difficulty
Annapurna: Strenuous
vs Everest: Challenging
Max altitude
Annapurna: 5,416 m
vs Everest: 5,545 m
Duration
Annapurna: 14 days
vs Everest: 12 days
Choose
Annapurna Circuit
if you want…
- Lower max altitude (5,416 m) — gentler on acclimatization
- More time on the trail — 14 days to immerse
- Explores the Annapurna region
Choose
Everest Base Camp Trek
if you want…
- Less demanding — Challenging vs Strenuous
- Shorter trip — 12 days vs 14
- Higher summit point (5,545 m) for bigger mountain views
- Explores the Everest region
Full comparison
| Annapurna Circuit | Everest Base Camp Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Strenuous | Challenging |
| Duration | 14 days | 12 days |
| Max altitude | 5,416 m | 5,545 m |
| Total distance | 160 km | 130 km |
| Elevation gain | 8,500 m | 6,340 m |
| Best season | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Mar–May, Sep–Nov |
| Est. budget | USD 900-2,200 | USD 700-1,500 |
| Permits | Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card | Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit |
| Accommodation | Teahouses, lodges, and camping where required | Teahouses, lodges, and camping where required |
| Mobile network | Patchy in upper sections | Patchy in upper sections |
| Safety level | High | High |
Planning aid only. GPX and route pages are not live trail authority. Map packs need download on Wi‑Fi; weather and SMS need connectivity when used.
Still weighing it up? Build a side-by-side with any routes in our interactive tool.
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