Annapurna Circuit vs Base Camp Trek

Understand

As stand-alone treks, these are very different in nature. Annapurna Circuit route is a round trek circles the Annapurna Massif, while the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC trek), also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, takes you to the base camp of Mount Annapurna where climbing expeditions begin their ascent to the Annapurna summit (8091 m).

In this blog we cover the main aspects of this trek including:

• the main highlights, similarities and differences of Annapurna Base Camp versus Annapurna Circuit
• comparison of the level of difficulty and grading.
• Cost, challenges and risks to consider for both of these treks

The ABC trek is designed for around 13 days and for the circuit it takes 15 days from Kathmandu. Yes, It is possible to combine both of these treks. It just requires the level of determination and your time.

Both of these treks are in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project in Nepal known as ACAP. You need a trekking permit to visit ACAP. The permit fee for foreigners is 3,000 Nepalese rupees (about US$30). The permit fee for SAARC nationals is 200 Nepalese rupees (about US$2).

For Annapurna Base Camp we drive to Nayapul taking 2 hours from Pokhara. For Annapurna Circuit it is a 10 hours’ drive to Jagat from Kathmandu.

Teahouse Accommodation

Accommodation is the same for both treks as you stay in tea house lodges every night. One difference worth noting is that for ABC you should expect dormitory-style accommodation. Whereas on Circuit you will get your own private room. ABC is very popular and there is only a limited number of lodges available on the trekking route.

Road Conditions

All treks in the Annapurna region are impacted to some extent by road building. In general, Annapurna Base Camp (“ABC”) is less affected by roads than Annapurna Circuit “AC”.

On ABC there is a jeep track on the first day of the trek to Tirkhedunga. The other section of the itinerary with a road is on the last day of the trek from Ghandruk to Nayapool. For the other eight days of the trek, you are walking away from traffic on old hiking trails.

Whereas on AC there is now a road on both sides of the Thorong La pass. The road extends to Manang village only two days before the pass. Once over the pass into Mustang, the road extends to Muktinath and it is possible to drive all the way to Pokhara. Having said this the road is often blocked especially during the monsoon season. In practice, these days one does not walk on the road too much as there are Natural Annapurna Trekking Trails “NATT” trails to follow.

Differences

Length

For the variations of Annapurna treks there is a range in itineraries from 14 days to 31 days. Your choice is likely to be determined by the amount of time you have available for your hiking holiday in Nepal. The shortest trek is Annapurna Base Camp at 14 days and the longest is the Complete Annapurna Circuit at 31 days. The distances of the trails are:

• Annapurna Base Camp – 74km
• Half Annapurna Circuit – 128km
• Annapurna Circuit – 197km

Characteristics

There are several variations of the ABC trek for the approach starts walking from Nayapul. Epic Trek Nepal’s itinerary includes routes via Ghorepani and Poon Hill. This is the best trail as it gives more time for acclimatization plus the mountain views are spectacular. On the walkout, we take the fastest route by following the Modi Khola river to Nayapul.

Whereas Annapurna Circuit is a hike around the Annapurna massif so you do not retrace any section of the trail. For many people, this is an attractive option as you see new views on every day of the trek.

Highest Altitude Reached

Annapurna Circuit crosses the Thorong La pass at 5,416m. Whereas Annapurna Base Camp trek reaches 4,130m. Thus the highest point of the ABC trek is 1,300m lower than AC. This means there is a lower risk of altitude sickness on ABC yet of course you still need to ascend slowly.

Difficulty

Due to the higher altitudes on Annapurna Circuit, we have classified the treks crossing Thorong La as Strenuous and a few nights above 4,000m. Whereas in ABC you just need to hike to the Annapurna Base Camp from Machapuchare Base Camp in the morning and return the same day. Thus we have given Annapurna Base Camp a grade of Demanding.

Strenuous is the fourth level out of five and Demanding is the third highest. Other Strenuous graded treks are Manaslu Circuit, Everest Three Passes, and Nar Phu Valley. Other Demanding treks are Everest Base Camp, Makalu Base Camp and Langtang & Pikey Peak.

Time of Year

The timing of the Annapurna Circuit is restricted to the months of April, May, October, and November. This is due to conditions for crossing Thorong La pass at a high altitude over 5,000m. At this high altitude, it is getting cold by December and during winter the pass is often blocked due to deep snow.

There is a larger window of travel for Annapurna Base Camp. It is often possible to trek during the winter as the highest altitude is 1,000m lower than the summit of Thorong La. If you are trekking in the winter months you should be aware of the avalanche risk near Hinku Cave and Deurali.

Diversity of Villages

Annapurna Circuit starts through Hindu villages with a range of ethnic castes. Higher up after entering the Nupri zone, there are Buddhist villages such as Manang (3,500m) and Pisang (3,190m).

The highest village on Annapurna Base Camp trek is Chomrong at 2,170m. There are many Gurungs settled in the Annapurna middle hills of Nepal as well as a range of Hindu castes.

Challenges and Risks at Annapurna Base Camp Trek

• Step Stone Paths
  • The trail for this trek is designed where you have to walk on a steep stone paths during starts (from Tirkhedunga (1,540m) to Ghorepani (2,750m)) and there is steep ascents ad descemt on the stone paths to and from Chomrong. Most people find walking on stone steps more challenging than a natural trail. Often the height between steps is either higher or lower than one’s natural gait.
•  Avalanches
  • The riskiest section of the Annapurna Base Camp trail for avalanches is from Hinku Cave (3,100m) to Deurali (3,200m). An avalanche off Mount Hiunchuli (6,441m) will be funnelled down several steep gulleys. As the valley is narrow at this point any snow and ice will hit the trekking trail.

Challenges and Risk at Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Altitude Sickness
  • Thorong La pass at 5,200m is a risky there is a chance you suffer from altitude sickness if the acclimatization is not properly planned.
• Snowy Terrain
  • This range often covered by snow so, in the path the ways may be slippery which i results occur loose in control. That is why we mentioned a crampons or Micro spikes.

Which trek is more beautiful in terms of the scenery and views?

Annapurna Circuit is often considered as the most beautiful trek in the world. It offers a wide variety of landscapes, including lush green forests, breathtaking views of the Annapurna range (including Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Pisang Peak), arid deserts and a high mountain pass.

Whereas, Annapurna Base Camp trek initially brings you through beautiful terraced farmlands and a bamboo forest, but in general is more focused on the Annapurna massif. Trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp is probably the best way to enjoy up-close views of the breathtaking Annapurna Range (including Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machapuchare).

At the end of both routes, the trail will take you to natural hot springs to relax after the long days of trekking. ABC concludes in Jhinu Danda, while the Annapurna Circuit route will take you to the springs at Tatopani.

Which is more expensive Annapurna Circuit vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek?