Annapurna base camp vs Annapurna circuit trek

Annapurna base camp (ABC) and Annapurna circuit trek (ACT) both are amazing trek in Annapurna region. There is variation on trekking route, trekking duration and sites between these treks. The trek to Annapurna base camp is short as compared to Annapurna circuit trek. Table 1 shows the major differences between Annapurna base camp and Annapurna circuit trek. 

Table 1: Comparison between Annapurna base camp and Annapurna circuit trek

Which trek is longer, Annapurna base camp or Annapurna circuit trek?

Annapurna circuit trek is longer than Annapurna base camp trek. ACT is a 22-day trek that includes the trekking route of the Annapurna base camp trek, Ghorepani poonhill trek, the Tilicho lake trek, and the Lower Mustang trek. It covers four districts of Gandaki province: Lamjung, Manang, Mustang and Kaski. We should walk around two hundred thirty-kilometer distance throughout its route. 

Annapurna base camp trek is a part of Annapurna circuit trek. It is 14 days of trekking that covers the Ghorepani Poonhill trekking route spread within one hundred ten kilometers. 

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What are the similarities between Annapurna base camp and Annapurna circuit trek?

Region

Both Annapurna base camp and Annapurna circuit trek lie in Gandaki province, Nepal. Both trekking routes undergoes in Annapurna conservation area. 

Food

We can get common food on both trekking routes. The common food includes Nepali thali (rice, dal, pickle, pappad), noodles, porridges, momo, soup. You can select food items based on your choice from menu. 

Permit

Permit is common for both trekking. We should have an Annapurna conservation area permit for both ABC and Annapurna circuit trek. One permit can be used for both treks without exiting the Annapurna region. 

Best time to trek

The best time for ABC and circuit treks is spring and autumn. We can enjoy the pleasant view of mountains under clear skies during these seasons. Months of Mid-March to mid-May and mid-September to mid-November are best for trekking in the Annapurna region.

What are the differences between Annapurna base camp and Annapurna circuit trek?

Climatic condition

The climatic conditions of the Annapurna circuit trek and Annapurna base camp both are different due to being in opposite locations of the Annapurna range. We can experience southern climatic conditions in the ABC trek, whereas the Annapurna circuit trek gives experience of the northern climate. The surrounding area of ABC is covered by green forest, whereas the upper route of ACT is completely dry. 

Landscape

Annapurna base camp trek covers the route of southern landscape. It includes amazing forest land, pasture, snowcapped peaks, rivers and terrace farmland. The landscape includes steep slopes that increase difficulties during the trek. 

In contrast, the Annapurna circuit route covers the northern landscape of Annapurna region. You can enjoy the forest trial, alpine kharka, Tilicho lake, Thorong La pass and dry mountains of Manang and Mustang in ACT route. 

Accommodation

Annapurna base camp trek route entirely lies in Annapurna conservation area which doesn’t allow big hotels with many rooms. We get limited rooms in small tea houses. Therefore, trekkers should share a room during peak season. The tea houses target to sell food rather than rooms. 

Annapurna circuit route from Chame to Jomsom covers some private land within Annapurna conservation area. So, we can see luxury hotels in private lands of Chame, Manang, Mustang and Jomsom. We can expect more comfortable rooms in Annapurna circuit rather than in ABC route.

Trekking route

Annapurna base camp trekking route is short but challenging with uphills and downhills. The stone stairs from base of the hill leading to hilltop and continuing to river is difficult. The route from Jhinu to Choomrung and upper Sinuwa is the hardest part of ABC trek route. We should walk around six hours daily and cover 11-12 Km during the ABC trekking.

Annapurna Circuit trekking route is comparatively easier than ABC due to its horizontal slope. We should not pass steepy uphill and downhills on ACT route. Even though Thorong La Pass is a challenging path that should be passed as fast as possible. It is better to cross Thorong La pass early in the morning because the heavy wind in the day will make it impossible to walk. The falling stone and heavy wind of Thorong La pass is dangerous during noon. 22 days Annapurna circuit trek includes ABC as well, which is challenging, whereas the 17-day Annapurna circuit trek is comparatively easier. We should cover around 12 Kilometer every day in Annapurna circuit except  acclimatization day.

Mountain view

We can enjoy the southern face of Annapurna range, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhare Annapurna base camp trek. While we can get mesmerizing view of northern face of Annapurna range and other mountains during Annapurna circuit trek. 

Altitude sickness

There is no risk of altitude sickness in Annapurna base camp trekking route due to its low elevation. There is a high chance of altitude sickness in Annapurna circuit while going to Tilicho base camp and Thorong La pass.  

Transportation facility

We can see developing transportation facilities in Annapurna circuit trek. We can drive to Manang from Besisahar and Muktinath to Tatopani in Annapurna circuit. The transportation facility has increased mobility and facility in ACT route. Walking or using vehicle is based on your trekking interest. 

We can drive to Jhinu in Annapurna base camp trekking route which makes the trek shorter. Even though we can choose trekking route based on our choice. 

Is Annapurna circuit trek more difficult than the Annapurna base camp trek?

No, Annapurna circuit trek is not more difficult than Annapurna base camp trek based on trekking route. ABC trekking route is difficult with staircases on uphill and downhills whereas ACT route is easier for walking. 

Annapurna circuit is more difficult than Annapurna base camp trek based on altitude. There is less chance of altitude sickness in ABC trek while we may suffer from altitude sickness in Annapurna circuit. 

Conclusion

Annapurna base camp and Annapurna circuit are both are amazing destinations to enjoy your holiday in the mountain. Annapurna circuit trek includes ABC. Although we suggest ABC trek and short Annapurna circuit trek separately for an ideal trek in Nepal. Separate trekking will be joyful due to short duration and revisiting Nepal. It will be economic friendly for both trekkers and trekking companies.