Want to learn about the Annapurna Circuit Vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal? This guide is for you. Although both the trek lies in the Annapurna Region, they are distinct from each other. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek will take you to the foothill of Mount Annapurna, the 10th-highest mountain in the world. Similarly, the Annapurna Circuit encircles the Annapurna Massif.
With many differences involved, the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp Trek follow different routes. While the circuit trek involves longer days of hiking and tackling more challenges, the ABC is quite shorter and involves less difficulty. However, both treks offer beautiful views of the Himalayas, such as Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Nilgiri, and more. Also, the cultural immersion you get in both treks is also quite similar.
In comparison to both, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is quite popular. Thus, with the circuit route, you will witness a slightly lesser crowd. Let’s delve into the article and discover some major differences. We will also point out some of the similarities between the two adventurous journeys towards the Himalayas.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
| Aspect | Annapurna Circuit | Annapurna Base Camp |
| Highest Altitude | 5,416 meters (Thorong La Pass) | 4,130 meters (Annapurna Base Camp) |
| Length | Approx. 160 to 210 km | Approx. 110 km |
| Trek Route | Circular, starts from Besishar and ends in Jomsom | Linear, starts from Nayapul and ends at Base Camp |
| Features | Diverse landscapes and high-altitude passes | Alpine scenery and close-up views of the Himalayas |
| Difficult | More demanding | Less Demanding |
| Popularity | Less popular and less crowd | More popular and more crowd |
| Cost | More Expensive | Less Expensive |
| Permits | ACAP and TIMS | ACAP and TIMS |
| Ethnicity of people | Gurrung, Manangi, and Thakali | Gurung and Thalaki |
| Mountain views | Annapurna and Dhaulagari | Annapurna, Dhaulagari, and Machhapuchere |
| Season | Spring and Autumn | Spring and Autumn |
| Accommodations | Teahouses | Teahouses |
Trek Route and Direction of The Trail
The Annapurna Circuit trek starts from Besishar. It encircles the Annapurna Massif and covers a total distance of approx 160 to 210 kilometers. You will make your way through lush forests, terraced fields, alpine meadows, and desert-like terrain. The major highlight includes crossing the challenging Thorong La Pass. With this adventure, you will visit some of the top destinations, such as Chame, Pisang, Manang, and Muktinath. You can complete this overall trek within 12 to 16 days.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek follows the linear route with the starting point at Nayapul. With a round trip of about 110 kilometers, you will pass through villages like Ghandruk, Chhomrong, and Deurali. The trail gradually climbs through dense forests, terraced fields, and alongside rivers until you reach the base camp. Unlike Annapurna Circuit, you can complete this trek within 8 to 12 days, based on the itinerary you choose. ABC’s route is more well-maintained and has proper navigation facilities than Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Elevation And Highest Altitude You Reach
The highest altitude you reach while taking the Annapurna Circuit trek is 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) at Thorong La Pass. It is one of the highest passes in the world. Thus, your trekking itinerary should involve a proper acclimatization plan. Your journey starts from 760 meters from Besisahar, taking you through Manang at 3,519 meters to ultimately reaching up to 5,416 meters in Thorang La. For this trek, you will pass through low-elevation forests to high alpine and desert-like terrain.
On the other hand, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek‘s highest altitude is just 4,130 meters (13,550 feet), which is ABC itself. It is about 1,286 meters below the Annapurna Circuit, making it a lot more accessible for beginner trekkers, too. The starting point of this trek is Nayapul, which is at 1,070 meters. Ascending forward, you will pass through villages like Chhomrong (2,170 m) and Deurali (3,230 meters), reaching EBC. Although its altitude is below the Annapurna Circuit trek, this trek offers you the best views of the surrounding mountains. No matter what you choose, both treks should include a proper acclimatization plan for a successful trek.
The Difficulty Level And Physical Demand
The Anapurna Circuit Trek is a more challenging trek. As the trek involves 12 to 16 days with 6 to 7 hours of trek daily, it can be quite difficult for you. Crossing over 5,000 meters, this trek has a high risk of altitude sickness. Also, the remote location of the journey and the continuous steep ascends and descents will make your entire journey more challenging. Suitable for experienced trekkers, beginners with good physical fitness can also complete this journey.
In contrast, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is quite an easy journey compared to the circuit one. With a less physically demanding journey, the trek is shorter, and you can make your way through well-maintained trekking paths. Also, about 1,000 meters below the Circut trek, the ABC trek offers you better accommodation options. Still challenging; you do not have to have prior experience to complete the trek. A beginner with a good physical fitness level and a better mental endurance capacity can complete this entire journey with ease. If you are looking for a less demanding journey in the Annapurna Region, the ABC is for you.
Popularity and Crowd
Still popular, the Annapurna Circuit trek tends to attract a lower number of trekkers than the ABC trek. This is particularly due to its longer duration and higher difficulty. The remoteness of certain sections and the challenge of crossing Thorong La make it less frequented by casual trekkers. However, during peak seasons (spring and autumn), you may still encounter many trekkers, especially around popular stops like Manang and Muktinath.
ABC is quite popular compared to Circuit Trek. With shorter duration and direct access to the stunning Annapurna Sanctuary, many people opt for this trekking adventure in the Annapurna region. The easy accessibility makes it a top choice among first-time trekkers, making the route more crowded. The trails and teahouses can get quite busy, particularly as you approach Annapurna Base Camp, but the scenic beauty and well-developed infrastructure continue to attract many trekkers.
Cultural Experiences
The Annapurna Circuit trek offers you rich cultural experiences. The longer route and the variety of ethnic groups of people give you a chance to immerse in the unique traditions of people residing there. Gurung, Thakali, Manangi, and Tibetan communities reside here. Each group has their own culture and language. With this trial, you can visit many ancient Buddhist monasteries and temples like Muktinath, which is the major highlight of the journey. The diversity of cultures along the circuit adds a rich layer of human experience to the trek.
Similarly, the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, while shorter, still provides meaningful cultural encounters, primarily with the Gurung and Magar communities. Villages like Ghandruk and Chhomrong are known for their hospitality and well-preserved traditional lifestyles. Though it provides less cultural immersion than the Annapurna Circuit, with this trek, you can also learn about local customs, visit monasteries, and participate in the mountain people’s simple yet fulfilling daily routines.
The Cost Differences
The cost of Annapurna Circuit Treks is generally high compared to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. This may be due to the longer duration and the remote location of the place. The ABC trek is more budget-friendly due to its shorter duration and the relative ease of access to supplies and services. Below is the cost details for you:
| Trek | Duration | Daily costs (food & accommodation) | Transportation | Total Estimated Cost |
| Annapurna Circuit | 12-16 days | Higher, due to remote locations | Higher (flights/bus to/from Jomsom) | $970 |
| Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) | 8-12 days | Lower, more accessible villages | Lower (closer to Pokhara) | $725 |
Are There Any Similarities Between Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Although there are many differences involved, the Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Trek also have some similarities within them. The permits you get, the mountain views, and the infrastructure available are some aspects of the trek that you may find similar. Also, the ideal trekking season for both routes is the same. If you want to learn more about the similarities between these two adventurous journeys, here is a brief explanation.
Permits
Both the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp require the same trekking permits. It includes the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekker’s Information Management Permit (TIMS) card. You can get this permit either in Kathmandu or Pokhara at the Nepal Tourism Board offices or even through the trekking agency you make your booking with. You need to get both permits if you are planning to trek on any of these adventures.
| Permit | SAARC Nationals | Foreign Nationals |
| ACAP | NPR 200 | NPR 3000 |
| TIMS | NPR 300 | NPR 2000 for individuals and NPR 1000 for group |
Mountain Views
Trekking to these two trails gives you the same mountain views but with a distinct perspective. You will be amazed to see the breathtaking snow-capped Himalayas from the ABC and Circuit Trek. Wondering what mountains you can see? You will witness towering peaks such as Annapurna I, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Dhaulagiri. Although the treks offer different routes, both of them provide you with incredible panoramic views of mountain peaks and alpine scenery.
However, with ABC, you will get closer views of mountains than with the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Trekking Infrastructure: Meals and Accommodations
Both treks offer you with well-marked and well-established trails. You will also get similar types of accommodations, such as teahouses and lodges. They offer you basic and comfortable amenities with shared bathrooms. With the availability of a good number of night-staying places, you will also get a variety of meals on the journey. For food, you will get options such as traditional Nepali dal bhat to international dishes like pasta, noodles, and pancakes.
But, you will get a slightly larger number of teahouses and lodges in ABC than in Annapurna Circut because of the circuit remoteness feature.
Season
Trekking to both trails is suitable during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, you will get the best views of peaks with clear skies, stable weather, and mild temperatures. Also, if you trek during summer and autumn, you do not have to encounter challenges like huge rainfall or huge snowfall in summer and winter. This enhances your safety and overall trekking experience towards the Annapurna Region.
Which To Choose: Annapurna Circuit Or Annapurna Base Camp
The choice between Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp depends on what type of trekking experience you are looking for. Annapurna Circuit Trek is for you if you want a longer trek with more diverse landscapes and higher altitudes. This trek takes you through lush forests and gives you some thrilling adventure while crossing the highest pass, Thorang La Pass. Along the way, you will also experience various Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali cultures. This makes your trek both culturally and naturally rich.
On the other hand, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is perfect for you if you are looking for a relatively easy and shorter trek in the Everest Region. With this trail, you will see alpine scenery and nearby views of mountains. Although this is a short trek, you will not have to compromise with the views and experience you will get. It is perfect if you are looking for a slightly less demanding trek than Annapurna Circuit. Regardless of which you choose, both treks offer you the best experience. So your decision comes to how much time you have and the type of scenery and challenge you are after.
Conclusion
The Annapurna Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit can be the best alternative to the Everest Region Trek. No matter which treks you choose from, both offer you the best memorable experience of your life. However, there are certain things you need to consider, such as duration, difficulty, budget, and fitness level, before you make a final consideration. Or, for a more thrilling adventure, you can also consider merging both treks together. Think about the Annapurna Region trek if you want to experience more varied landscapes and have a perfect cultural immersion along with the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
FAQs
What is the difference between Annapurna Circuit and ABC?
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek are different from each other. The Annapurna Circuit is longer and more difficult than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Taking a circuit route can offer you more scenic adventure compared to ABC. However, ABC will get you closer to Mount Annapurna I, the 10th-highest mountain in the world.
Which is harder, Annapurna Circuit or ABC?
With the involvement of longer duration, high altitude, and challenging terrain, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is harder than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. To complete the circuit trek, you must have good physical fitness and a better plan and preparation than ABC. However, it is recommended to have a good acclimatization plan, which can ease your journey on both treks.
Which trek offers more scenic beauty in the Annapurna Region?
The Annapurna Circuit trek offers you more scenic beauty. It takes you through lush valleys, high mountain passes, and desert-like landscapes, giving you more scenic adventure. On the other hand, the Annapurna Base Camp trek offers you alpine scenery and nearby views of the Annapurna ranges.
Which trek is more expensive, Annapurna Circuit or ABC Trek?
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is more expensive than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The circuit trek involves a long duration and more remote locations. This results in increased costs of food, accommodations, and transportation. Meanwhile, ABC is more budget-friendly.
Do both treks require prior trekking experience?
No, both treks do not require any prior experience, but good physical fitness and preparation are key for success, especially for the Annapurna Circuit. It is longer and includes high-altitude crossings. ABC is more accessible for beginners, though both can be challenging without preparation.
Is it possible to do the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp on the same trip?
Yes, combining the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp on the same trip is possible. However, it will extend your trekking duration, which can be quite a challenge for most beginner trekkers. You can start the circuit and then detour to ABC before completing the trek.
