Annapurna base camp versus Annapurna Circuit trek

Annapurna base camp versus Annapurna Circuit trek, is an interesting subject and topic, to understand between these wonderful adventure treks.

Although, the massif Annapurna Himalayan range of peaks is the same for both exciting places to trek. The only difference is the high altitude, vegetation, landscapes, climate, and local cultures where trekkers can feel the contrast.

As well as the length of the journey and duration of walks, the comfort of accommodation, food, and scenery. The variations are quite different on these both beautiful destinations to choose from, Annapurna base camp and Annapurna Circuit treks.

Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Trek, are both exciting and worth a visit to experience. Depending upon one interest and holiday duration in Nepal, including physical fitness and health-wise.

Both trekking destinations require the same types of Trekking Permits TIMS (Trekking Information Management Systems); and ACAP entry fees (Annapurna Conservation Area Project).

Both areas are great Himalayan destinations to enjoy, choosing the full circuit or taking a short route to Annapurna base camp.

The other important things to know before choosing between Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Trek are. Is being of the best seasons of the year, where Annapurna base camp can trek nearly all seasons.
As for Annapurna Circuit due to its high altitude landscapes and crossing Thorang-La Pass; needs the right time of the seasons.

Annapurna base camp trek

Annapurna base camp versus Annapurna Circuit trek., Annapurna base camp trek is a short and scenic country walk that does not involves high passes. The only highest spot is the Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m 13, 550 feet, located within the picturesque Annapurna Sanctuary.

Annapurna base camp trek leads you to the heart of the massif Annapurna Himalayas surround by towering snow-capped peaks. Facing views most of the Annapurna range of peaks from number one Annapurna-I, III with Annapurna South, Huin-Chuli, Annapurna Fang / Vara Shikar. Mt. Annapurna-I at 8,091 m / 26,545 feet, stands as the world’s 10th highest peak. The first 8,000 m mountain ever climbed in the history of mountaineering, summited by French Expeditions in the 1950s. Which was three years ahead of Mt. Everest was conquered in 1953 by Tenzing & Hillary.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek, where trekkers can enjoy taking various routes to the last permanent village of Chomrong. Where all trail joins en route to Annapurna base camp and the sanctuary, enclosed within a series of snow peaks.

One can take the shortest route of a week to Annapurna base camp and back to scenic Pokhara city. The starting and ending point of the Annapurna base camp and various other destinations around the Annapurna Himalaya region.

People with more time can extend the duration of trekking including Ghorepani and Poon Hill. Then join on the main trail to Annapurna Base Camp at Chomrong village, the center point of the trek. Where trek leads through Chomrong village as well on the way back to the end of walks at Jhinu village.

On the Annapurna Base Camp trek, can enjoy a walk amidst a lovely forest of rhododendron and pine trees. Then the walk leads above the tree lines towards remorseless fields of ice, snow, and glaciers at Annapurna Base Camp.

Annapurna Base Camp is an adventure for all types of travelers and age groups, where altitude gains slowly and gradually. Without the problem and hassle of getting High Altitude Sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).

The only Base Camp in the whole Himalayas ranges with the comfort of nice and cozy Tea-Houses and Lodges. Annapurna base camp can be visited nearly all year round except the wet rainy season of monsoon time.

Best in spring March to May and autumn/fall from September to November months are the high seasons.

Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Annapurna base camp versus Annapurna Circuit trek, Annapurna Circuit Trekking, listed as world’s top ten best adventure destinations which you can experience, joining on this marvelous walk.

At present due to the construction of motorable dirt road; the trekking days are much shorter than it was in the past decades. However, Annapurna Circuit remains the best wonderful trekking adventure around the Himalayas. The walk involves a variety of landscapes, vegetation, and cultures as the trail follows slowly to higher terrains.

Annapurna Circuit trek can be done both ways anti-clockwise or clockwise, but the most popular route; is the anti-clockwise direction.

Annapurna base camp versus Annapurna Circuit trek, Trekkers have options to choose to start the trek from the low Syange village at 1,200 m or Dharapani at 1,860 m high. After taking a long drive from Kathmandu or Pokhara, whatever the start of a trek is chosen. Eventually, it leads you to the lovely town of Chame and Pisang village, then reaches the scenic Manang valley.

The whole picturesque valley is surrounded by giant peaks of the Annapurna Himalayas and a group of Chulu peaks with a lofty Pisang peak. The adventure continues reaching at main Manang village at the height of 3,519 m or 11,545 feet high.

Annapurna base camp versus Annapurna Circuit trek, A breathtaking spot with tremendous views of the Snow Mountains at a near distance, a perfect place for a rest day.

As well for acclimatization in the comfort of nice lovely lodges and guest houses with rooms facing grand mountain scenery. A great place to explore the viewpoints and visit the village adorned with the ancient traditional heritage of Buddhism.

The walk continues heading due west at the end of Manang valley reaching the base of Thorang-La high pass. Next early morning a steep climb to the top of Thorang-La pass, the highest point of the adventure. Thorang-La at 5,416 m / 17,700 feet, festooned with thousands of colorful Buddhist prayer flags.

The top of Thorang-La marks the boundary of Manang and Mustang districts, where the walk follows long descent to Muktinath premises. A holy temple and a famous pilgrimage site for Hindu followers, an interesting place to visit. Reaching Muktinath at 3,710 m, Muktinath is a Sanskrit word that means to be free or liberated from sins or wrongdoing.

From Muktinath with few options to choose to end the trek, either walk to the roadhead on route Pokhara. The other short alternative is taking a drive or a short flight to Pokhara city airport. But most trekkers opt for a few hour’s drives to low warm areas of Tatopani, the village with natural hot springs.

Spending overnight in Tatopani village and enjoying the refreshing warm bath and a dip in the hot spring. The next day, the climb leads to nice farm areas then reaches Ghorepani, a famous village for a hike to Poon Hill. The top of Poon Hill offers stunning sunrise over a 360° wide panorama of Himalayan peaks.

After Ghorepani and Poon Hill a long downhill through beautiful rhododendron and pine forest to low warm paddy fields. Where the Annapurna Circuit trek concludes by taking a short exciting drive to beautiful Pokhara city.

On Annapurna Circuit Trek, interested people can extend a few more days by visiting the world’s highest Tilicho Lake also.