Why trek Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp in Nepal?

As the two most well known treks in Nepal we often get asked should I trek Annapurna or Everest. For us the answer is simple Annapurna. But why trek Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp in Nepal?

Choosing Nepal as the destination for your next trekking holiday is a fairly easy decision to make. It’s home to the world’s largest mountains, has a diverse landscape, vibrant culture and unique history. Without doubt Nepal is one of top destinations for trekkers.

Comparison: Annapurna vs Everest in Nepal

However choosing where in trek in Nepal is harder. For first timers, the choice often comes down to whether to trek Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp in Nepal.

Everest base camp trek provides towering peaks and dramatic vistas and the allure of the highest mountain on the planet. Alternatively a trek in the rolling foothills and friendly villages of the Annapurna region is less dramatic and less likely to be something folks back home have heard of.

Both areas have huge amounts to offer in terms of experience, diversity and physical challenges. Also both can be tailored and adjusted to suit your specific needs and requirements.

The Everest base camp trek is best attempted in the autumn, spring or winter months. However you can trek Annapurna throughout the year. A visit to Nepal during spring gives the added benefit of seeing the rhododendrons in full bloom.

Why trek Annapurna vs Everest Base Camp?

For many people, the main reason to trek Annapurna instead of Everest is the fear that the routes to the famous base camp will be overrun with other trekkers. To be honest, at the most popular times of the year crowds can be a real issue on the Everest Base Camp trek.

Crowds

Though the Annapurna circuit can also become busy, there’s a little more flexibility in the route that you take. This gives you (and everybody else) the chance to avoid the crowds and find your own piece of Himalayan paradise.

Culture

The culture and landscape around Annapurna is also very different and more varied to that around Everest. Many of the villagers hold either Hindu or Animist beliefs in Annapurna. In the region surrounding Everest locals are mostly Buddhist Sherpas.

Views

On the way to Everest, you’ll be completely surrounded by the Himalayas, with many parts of the trek almost completely enclosed by the mountains. But the Annapurna region however has a more varied landscape, with rolling hills, mountain passes and alpine fields dotted with traditional communities.

Pokhara

A trek to Annapurna also gives you the chance to visit the city of Pokhara, one of the most beautiful places in Nepal. A lot of treks start from here, so make sure that you make the most of your time in this unique city.

Conclusion

Whilst trekking to the Everest base camp in Nepal is an amazing experience we feel that Annapurna offers that bit more. Annapurna’s culture and landscape are more varied. Plus there are less people on the trail and more route options, meaning you are more likely to have the Himalayas to yourself.

Check out the 10 best treks in Nepal to find other options for great trekking holidays. And be sure to check out our Nepal trekking discounts as you could save a fortune.