Annapurna Base Camp Vs Annapurna Circuit – Which One to Choose?

Duration: 7-12 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Max Elevation: 4,130 meters (13,550 feet)
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a relatively shorter trek that takes you right to the heart of the Annapurna massif. Starting from Nayapul, the trek passes through charming villages, terraced fields, and dense forests, leading you to the base camp of one of the world’s highest mountains. The trail offers stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and other peaks.

Highlights:

•  Imagine standing right at the base of towering peaks like Annapurna I and Machapuchare. The views are absolutely breathtaking!
•  You’ll walk through lush green forests, bamboo thickets, and alpine meadows. Each day brings a new scenery that’s a treat for the eyes.
• The trail takes you through Gurung and Magar villages where you can experience their rich culture and hospitality. Staying in traditional teahouses and interacting with the locals adds a unique charm to the trek.
• After a long day of trekking, there’s nothing better than soaking in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda. It’s the perfect way to relax your tired muscles.

Route Details:

• Starting Point: Nayapul
• Major Stops: Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Bamboo, Deurali, Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC)
• End Point: Nayapul

Who Should Choose ABC Trek?

The ABC trek is perfect if you’re short on time but still want a full Himalayan trekking experience. It’s moderately challenging, so it’s great for those looking for a trek with significant altitude gain and stunning scenery.

→ Recommended Read: Beginners Guide to Everest Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp vs Annapurna Circuit Duration and Distance:

• ABC Trek:
  Shorter, typically 7-12 days, covering around 110 km.

  If you have a limited amount of time, the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is an excellent choice. This trek typically takes 7-12 days to complete, making it perfect if you only have about 10 days available. You’ll cover around 110 km, experiencing stunning landscapes and reaching the base camp of one of the world’s highest mountains.

• Annapurna Circuit:

  The Annapurna Circuit trek is renowned for being longer and more demanding. Completing the entire iconic route traditionally takes around 18-21 days. However, with the development of roads in the region, most trekkers no longer walk the entire distance on foot. In theory, you could complete the Annapurna Circuit trek in 9 days now, but this would mean spending 4 days looking at the mountains through a jeep window and significantly increasing your risk of altitude sickness.

ABC vs Annapurna Circuit Altitude:

• ABC Trek:
  The highest point of the Annapurna Base Camp trek is, as its name indicates, the base camp itself at 4,130 meters.

  At 4,130 meters, you get the thrill of high-altitude trekking without pushing into the extreme heights. Altitude sickness tends to be a bigger issue above 4,500 meters, so the Annapurna Base Camp trek stays comfortably within a safer range for most trekkers. This makes it a fantastic option if you want an exciting trek without the added stress of severe altitude.

• Annapurna Circuit:
  Now, if you’re looking for something that really tests your limits, the Annapurna Circuit trek might be calling your name. The highest point here is Thorong La Pass at a whopping 5,416 meters. To put it in perspective, this altitude is almost on par with the Everest Base Camp trek, which peaks at 5,364 meters. So, if you’re craving an Everest-like experience, the Annapurna Circuit is a fantastic choice. But be ready for the challenges that come with it—thinner air, tougher climbs, and a higher risk of altitude sickness.

Annapurna Base Camp vs Annapurna Circuit Scenery:

• ABC Trek:

  On the other hand, the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is perfect for those who want to get up close and personal with the magnificent Annapurna Range. This trek offers unbeatable views of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and the iconic Machapuchare (Fishtail). Machapuchare, with its distinctive shape, is one of the most striking mountains you’ll ever see. The main peak, Annapurna I, standing at 8,091 meters, is prominently visible throughout the ABC trek, offering unparalleled vistas that are hard to beat. If you’re worried about altitude sickness, you can avoid spending the night above 4,000 meters by starting your hike from Machapuchare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp early in the morning and returning the same day, taking in the stunning views before the clouds roll in. And just like on the Annapurna Circuit, you can end your trek by relaxing in natural hot springs—this time at Jhinu Danda—providing a perfect end to your adventure.

• Annapurna Circuit:

  The Annapurna Circuit trek is often hailed as one of the most beautiful treks in the world, and for good reason. This journey offers an incredible variety of landscapes that will take your breath away. Picture yourself starting in lush green forests, surrounded by the serenity of nature, before moving on to jaw-dropping views of the Annapurna range. You’ll see peaks like Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Pisang Peak up close. As you trek further, the landscape dramatically shifts to the arid deserts of the Lower Mustang region. The highlight of the trek is the Thorong La Pass, standing at a mighty 5,416 meters, offering stunning panoramic views that make every step worth it. This route takes you through remote and unique areas, including the world’s deepest gorge and beautiful apple orchards, encircling the Annapurna Massif and passing by other towering giants like Manaslu and Dhaulagiri. After such an epic adventure, there’s nothing better than soaking in the natural hot springs at Tatopani, relaxing your muscles and soaking in the beauty of your surroundings.

Annapurna Base Camp vs Annapurna Circuit Difficulty:

• ABC Trek:

  The Annapurna Base Camp trek is considered easier, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,130 meters. Generally, altitude becomes a significant issue above 4,500 meters, where it’s much colder and the risk of altitude sickness increases.

  If you’re worried about altitude sickness, you can avoid spending the night above 4,000 meters on the ABC trek. A practical strategy is to hike from Machapuchare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp in the morning and return the same day. Start early, as it often gets cloudy in the afternoon. This approach allows you to enjoy the stunning views without the risk of high-altitude overnight stays.

• Annapurna Circuit:

  The Annapurna Circuit trek is often considered more difficult than the Annapurna Base Camp trek. It’s longer and more strenuous, primarily due to the Thorong La Pass, which sits at 5,416 meters, and requires a few nights spent above 4,000 meters.

  Crossing Thorong La Pass is a significant challenge. To avoid strong winds, trekkers start early in the morning, with some setting off as early as 4 am. Personally, starting at 6 am worked well for me. The ascent is steep and rocky, and if it snowed the night before, the trail can be tricky to navigate. However, during the main trekking season, the trail is well-marked and well-trodden, making it hard to get lost. As you climb higher, the air gets thinner, making breathing and walking more difficult. The descent can take several hours and is tough on the knees.

ABC vs Annapurna Circuit Permits Required:

Both Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp treks require the same permits:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 25)
• Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 17)

Make sure to arrange these permits before starting your trek. They can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Annapurna Base Camp vs Annapurna Circuit Cost:

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is generally less expensive due to its shorter duration and lower transportation costs. You can expect to spend between USD $1,190 for the ABC trek with the Tidy Himalaya. 

In contrast, the Annapurna Circuit trek, being longer and potentially involving more expensive transportation options like jeep rides, can cost with USD $1,460 with Tidy Himalaya.