Annapurna Base Camp Vs Annapurna Circuit Trek

Nepal offers several destinations for trekking, and the Annapurna Region is one of the most famous, attracting thousands of tourists every year. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek have long been the most sought-after trails by adventure enthusiasts from around the world in this region.

This blog, Annapurna Base Camp vs. Annapurna Circuit, compares these two treks to help you choose one if you're planning to visit the region for trekking in 2025. You'll learn every single detail about these two here today.

After understanding all the important details about these treks, I'm sure you'll become even more excited to leave your comfort zone and take a risk in nature for the worthy reward in the end. However, you might find yourself in a dilemma about which one to choose for your future program.

It's simple: just choose the option that suits your situation, or you can do both if you prefer. I can guarantee you with full confidence that both treks will win your heart. You won't regret it later by trekking either of these trails.

You know what? Nepal is actually one of the best destinations for adventure activities, such as mountaineering, trekking, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, bungy, etc. Among these activities, mountaineering and trekking are highly famous here. 

But peak climbing is not for everyone, and it needs months of advanced training. While trekking doesn't require any training, it just requires proper guidance and is suitable for people of almost all age groups.

For me, when it comes to trekking, the Annapurna Region is my favourite destination so far, and within the region, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is my favourite trail. I'd highly recommend that you visit this region for trekking.

However, choosing between the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek is up to you. Just read my blog patiently till the end and choose your destination wisely.

Annapurna Base Camp Vs Annapurna Circuit: Highlights

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

• Also known as the ABC Trek in short.
• Offers magnificent views of the world's 10th-highest peak, Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,545.28 ft), Annapurna II (7,937 m/26,040 ft), Annapurna South (7,219 m/23,684 ft), Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail, 6,993 m/22,943 ft), Hiuchuli (6,441 m/21,132 ft), etc.
• Offers the chance to learn about the Gurung culture and traditions, as they occupy the entire trail.
• The Modi River accompanies visitors in the upper section, and the Komrong River in the lower section during the journey.
• Several beautiful waterfalls, including the Modi Waterfall, add attraction to this trek.
• Can take on another adventure, such as the Poon Hill Trek.
• Availability of natural hot springs in Jhinu, the typical starting and ending point of the trek, where most trekkers enjoy a bath after concluding the journey.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Offers majestic views of the world's 10th-highest peak, Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,545.28 ft), Annapurna II (7,937 m/26,040 ft), Manaslu (8,163 m/26,781 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,459 ft), Pisang Peak (6,091 m/19,984 ft), etc.
• Marsyangdi River accompanies the trip.
• Offers the opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of the Gurung and Tibetan Buddhists.
• Get the chance to visit Nepal's largest apple farm in Bhratang, Manang.
• Visit the ancient Milarepa cave in Bhraka.
• Can take on another adventure to Tilicho Lake, the world's highest lake at 4,919 m (16,138 ft), and Ice Lake at 4,620 m (15,157 ft) in Bhraka before making up to the world's highest trekking pass, Thorong La at 5,416 m (17,769 ft).
• Enjoy a natural hot spring in Tatopani, Myagdi, after the trek.

Annapurna Base Camp Vs Annapurna Circuit: Location And Distance

Both the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek are located in the Gandaki Province of the Western Development Region. However, the districts are different.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is entirely in the Kaski District. On the other hand, the Annapurna Circuit Trek encompasses three districts: Lamjung, Manang, and Mustang, where the trek generally starts in Lamjung, goes through Manang, and ends in Mustang. Anyway, most parts of this trek lie in Manang.

Speaking of the trek's distance, the ABC Trek covers 110 km (68 miles), where you will walk 10 to 12 km and 4 to 6 hours a day during the trek. Likewise, the Annapurna Circuit Trek covers 160 to 230 km (100-140 miles), where you'll hike 11 to 13 km and 5 to 7 hours a day.

Annapurna Base Camp Vs Annapurna Circuit: Duration

The duration of the ABC Trek is typically four days. It also varies depending on the village you begin your journey from.

If you start from Jhinu and you're an active hiker, then you can finish it in four days. Nevertheless, some trekkers begin the adventure from Ghandruk, and from there, it takes an extra day.

On the other hand, the Annapurna Circuit Trek normally takes 10 days to complete. It also depends on the point you start your journey from. The typical starting point of the trek is Jagat in Lamjung.

But everyone doesn't need to begin their trip from Jagat. Some start from even below Jagat, while others prefer to drive directly to Chame in Manang and start their trek the following morning. Hence, the duration depends on the point you commence your trip.

Note: The duration of both treks excludes the two-way journey from Kathmandu to the starting point and back, and also, it depends on how much you can walk in a day.

Annapurna Base Camp Vs Annapurna Circuit: Itineraries

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,324 m/4,344 ft) and transfer to the hotel

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Jhinu (1,760 m/5,774 ft) via Pokhara (822 m/2696.85 ft)

Day 3: Hike from Jhinu to Dovan (2,500 m/8202.1 ft)

Day 4: Hike from Dovan to ABC (4,130 m/ 13549.87 ft)

Day 5: Descend from ABC to Lower Sinuwa (2,340 m/7,677 ft)

Day 6: Descend from Lower Sinuwa to Jhinu and drive to Pokhara

Day 7: Return to Kathmandu

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,324 m/4,344 ft) and transfer to the hotel

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat (1,300 m/4,265 ft)

Day 3: Hike from Jagat to Dharapani (1,860 m/6,100 ft)

Day 4: Hike from Dharapani to Chame (2,650 m/8,690 ft)

Day 5: Hike from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,310 m/10,860 ft)

Day 6: Hike from Upper Pisang to Ngawal (3650 m/11,975 ft)

Day 7:  Hike from Ngawal to Manang (3,519 m/11,545 ft)

Day 8: Acclimatisation Day

Day 9: Hike from Manang to Yak Kharka (4020 m/13,189 ft)

Day 10: Hike from Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp (4,880 m/16,010 ft)

Day 11: Hike from Thorong High Camp to Muktinath (3,762 m/12,343 ft) via Thorong La (5,416 m/17,769 ft)

Day 12: Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara (822 m/2696.85 ft)

Day 13: Return to Kathmandu

Note: These itineraries are the standard ones we have designed. We can modify them if you are planning to go for either of these treks according to your preferences by adding an extra rest day or any activity during the trek.

Annapurna Base Camp Vs Annapurna Circuit: Difficulty Level And Highest Elevation

The difficulty level of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is moderate, with the highest point at 4,130 m (13549.87 ft). It's an ideal trek for first-timers.

Similarly, the Annapurna Round Trek is moderate to challenging in difficulty, where you'll reach altitudes of up to 5,416 m (17,769 ft), which is Thorong La (Pass). It is the highest trekking pass in the world.  

What Is The Best Season For The Annapurna Base Camp Trek And the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

There isn't just one, but always two seasons that are considered the best for both the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek. They are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The reasons behind considering these two the best seasons for trekking are listed below:

Spring

• The temperature is mild, and the weather is stable. This weather makes trekking more pleasant, especially in the higher elevations, which are usually blanketed in snow.
• The hills and forests have blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers, which add beauty to the walk.
• The air is clean, and the mountain and sunrise/sunset views are often crystal clear.
• Each day is longer and provides trekkers with more time to hike and to relax before darkness arrives, as the sun sets around 7 PM.
• In this season, the snow of winter is melting, making the paths that trekkers are taking more walkable and less slippery than in early winter.
• The months in spring include some popular festivals like Holi (the festival of colours) and the Nepali New Year, as well as Buddha Purnima (the birthday of Lord Buddha).

Autumn

• It is the time after the monsoon has passed, and with it comes the cleansing and renewing of the dust and dirt, the clear blue skies, and the great visibility of the views.
• The weather during autumn is very moderate, not too hot or too cold, so trekking is generally pleasant during the daytime.
• Rainfall is minimal, so routes are likely to dry quickly and remain safe to trek upon because there is less risk of landslides and slippery slopes during this time.
• Some of Nepal’s major festivals, Dashain and Tihar, take place during this season, allowing trekkers the opportunity to experience local traditions, culture, and celebrations.
• This season also has some of the best wide views of Annapurna I and the surrounding villages to appreciate. The clear weather and visibility highlight a good time for trekkers and photographers.

Note: Always consider checking on the daily weather updates while planning either of these treks, and even during the trek, as the weather has no guarantee and can turn its back on us at any time. Consequently, to be on the safe side, you should stay tuned to the weather forecast until the end of your journey.

What Kind Of Accommodation Can You Expect During the Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Treks?

Both the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek are among the popular and commercialised treks of Nepal. You can blindly rely on the quality of accommodation along the trail during these adventures. Both trails offer a similar level of food and accommodations.

All the hotels and tea houses along these treks are operated by the locals under the regulations of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). They all share the same menu with food prices fixed by ACAP.

But the cost of the room varies in some hotels, depending on their standards.

There's a variety of food options available for you on the menu, from local Nepalese cuisines, such as dal bhat, momo, chowmein, and thukpa, to western options like burgers, pizza, and pasta. Therefore, you can order food according to your preferences. But what I highly suggest to you is to try to enjoy local dishes while you're in Nepal.

Regarding the amenities, they provide you with all the necessary modern facilities, such as:

• Electricity
• Internet Service
• A hot shower
• Basic Bedding

You don't need to worry about hygiene. They clean up the room and everything right after a guest checks out of the hotel, as they are more concerned about it than we are.

Well, the hotels along these treks might not be that highly standard compared to the hotels in city areas. Nevertheless, finding such facilities at such remote and high elevations is more than enough, I guess. And we can at least appreciate the efforts they're making to make our journey as comfortable as possible.

What Are The Trails Like On The Annapurna Base Camp Trek And The Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The trail on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is well-maintained. More than half of it is stone stairs constructed by the ACAP for trekking purposes. It goes up and down the whole journey.

On the Annapurna Circuit Trek, there are no stone stairs you'd find during the trek. The entire route is natural, and you hike through several beautiful settlements or villages. Whereas on the ABC trek, you don't pass through the local villages except for the starting point, Ghandruk or Jhinu, and the second point, Chhomrong.

After Chhomrong, all the places you walk through aren't exactly local villages. They're all hotel and tea house areas run by the locals to provide accommodation services to trekkers. There are no landslide areas along the way on the ABC Trek.

However, on the Annapurna Round Trek, you would find a landslide area along the way to Thorong Phedi on the 2nd-to-last day of your journey. Anyway, the path is not too long to cross.

It might take 30 minutes to cross, depending on your pace. Yet, you should use caution while walking along that path because stones can fall all of a sudden, directly at you sometimes.

Most trekkers also choose to visit Tilicho Lake, which is not exactly a part of the Annapurna Circuit. To reach there, you'll need to take another turn and again, come back to the trail to reach the final and highest point of the trek, Thorong La.

The trail to Tilicho is deadly. It is technical because you will hike through a completely landslide area for around three hours. As a result, for beginners and kids, Tilicho isn't recommended.

So, if you also choose to visit Tilicho Lake during the circuit trek, then you'll feel your journey demanding. Otherwise, the entire trip is equally tough and easy at the same time.

Compared to each other, the Annapurna Circuit Trek has a slightly more difficult route than the ABC Trek. Especially, as I stated above, if you visit Tilicho Lake, the route is challenging. Overall, both treks have moderate trails.

Permits And Accessibility

As we know already, both the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek are located in the Annapurna Region, which is why both treks require the same permit. Two different permit cards are needed for these adventures, and they are:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) card.
• Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card.  

Regarding accessibility, the Annapurna Round Trek has road access for more than half of the trail, although the journey is tougher compared to the ABC Trek. To make your adventure shorter, you can take a public vehicle that reaches Manang Town, which is also the ideal place for acclimatisation for those who begin their trip from the point below or the typical starting point, Jagat.

However, doing so may cause you more problems, even if it shortens your journey, especially if you're a beginner or an average hiker. Some experienced hikers take a public vehicle and go directly to Chame (2,650 m/8,690 ft), and begin their adventure the following morning.

For them, that's okay. But if you're a first-timer, then you'd better start your trek from Jagat (1,300 m/4,265 ft). The lower the trek you choose to begin, the safer and more successful your journey will be.

On the other hand, there is no road access on the ABC Trek once your journey begins from Jhinu or Ghandruk. No shortcut you can take, but follow the trail that leads you to the base camp.

Altitude Sickness And Acclimatization

During both the ABC Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will make it up to 4,000 m (13,123.36 ft) above sea level, and altitude sickness is most likely to happen when you reach a height of 2,500 m (8,000 ft). Even though both treks' routes are not that technical, the altitude can play a scary role during either of these journeys if you act carelessly while hiking.

The common symptoms of altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), are:

• Headache (most common and early sign)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Tiredness or weakness
• Loss of hunger
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia or frequent waking)
• Shortness of breath with exertion
• Swelling of hands, feet, or face (in some cases)

If you find any of these symptoms in your body, then you should take quick action. The only cure for AMS is to descend at least 500 m (1,640.42 ft) and spend an extra day there.

If you feel like you're fine now and have the confidence to ascend, then you can continue your journey or otherwise, you should dismiss your trek and return. There's always a next time. It's better to quit than to lose a life.

Nevertheless, if you don't wanna go through that phase or wanna avoid altitude sickness, then you should exercise caution. Some of the prevention tips for AMS are:

• No rush, just ascend as slowly as you can, and take a break of at least 7-8 minutes frequently while hiking.
• Drink enough water, at least 3-4 litres a day. Also, consider eating apples and cucumbers because these foods contain a high level of water, helping you stay hydrated.
• Consume high-carbohydrate foods, such as pasta, rice, potatoes, etc.
• Spend an extra day in the same place to acclimate your body once you reach 3,000 m (9,842.52 ft), especially if you're trekking the Annapurna Circuit.
• If you aren't feeling confident to start either of these treks due to the elevation, you should take the best medicine for altitude sickness, acetazolamide. It can be found in any medical store under the name Diamox, but before you buy it, you had better consult with your trusted doctor.
• Eat a piece of garlic every day before you start your hike, or you can also add garlic soup with timur (Sichuan pepper) to your meal during these treks, because garlic and timur are considered a natural Diamox.

ABC Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit: Which One Suits You Best?

• Time: If you have enough time, you want to experience a demanding trek along with nature's beauty, then the Annapurna Round Trek is for you. If you've a busy schedule, yet want to experience the beauty of Nepal's Himalayas, then the ABC Trek is best for you.
• Physical Fitness: Compared to each other, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is more challenging due to its trekking duration and altitudes. Therefore, if you're first time trekker, you may choose the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, being said so by no means i mean you can't complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek, it's only my suggestion.
• Scenic and Cultural Experience: The ABC Trek offers the closest views of Annapurna I and beautiful Gurung culture. On the other side, the Annapurna Circuit Trek offers stunning views of the Annapurna Range from a short distance, but you can experience a more diverse culture and landscapes.
• Elevation Experience: For those who prefer to experience as much height as possible besides the real beauty of the Himalayas, the Annapurna Circuit Trek offers you the world's highest trekking pass, Thorong La at 5,416 m.

Both treks offer you the breathtaking beauty of the Annapurna Massif and the local culture. Nevertheless, it is up to you. You can do either of these treks depending on which one is suitable for you.

You'll surely be amazed and realise how beautiful Mother Nature is in the end. You can choose according to your situation.

Still Undecided? Let Us Help You Plan Your Perfect Annapurna Trek

How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek compared to the ABC Trek?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is moderate to challenging in difficulty, while the ABC Trek is considered moderate. 

Can beginners do the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Yes, beginners can do the Annapurna Circuit Trek by following the proper guidance from experts.

Do I need travel insurance for the Annapurna trek?

Travel insurance for the Annapurna Trek is not compulsory. However, we suggest you buy it in your country, which covers medical, helicopter rescue, and other emergencies for the trek in Nepal. Doing so will be helpful in case of a sudden, unwanted outcome like altitude sickness.

What is the duration of each trek?

The duration of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is generally 6 days. Likewise, the Annapurna Circuit Trek usually takes 12 days to complete.

Annapurna Circuit or ABC. Which trek is more accessible?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is more accessible compared to the ABC Trek, as the roadway covers more than half of the trail. Therefore, you can begin your journey from anywhere you want along the route. Whereas, on the ABC Trek, you can only reach up to the starting point of the trek by vehicle, and after that, you need to hike to the base camp.