While comparing Everest base camp with Annapurna Base Camp (EBC vs ABC), there are numerous aspects to consider. The type of trek, elevation, ethnic group and its culture, difficulty level, rate of tourist flow, cost, length of the trek, climatic changes, landscape and other factors are among these aspects. Before you decide to visit either of these trekking destinations, you should carefully consider all of these factors.

The Most Significant Difference Between ABC vs EBC
Difference | Annapurna Base Camp Trek | Everest Base Camp Trek |
---|---|---|
Trekking Days | 8 to 11 Days | 12 to 14 Days |
Mountain Height | 8091 M (26,545 Ft) | 8848 M (29,029 ft.) |
Base Camp Elevation | 4130 M (13549 ft.) | 5364 M (17598 ft.) |
Cultural Ethnic Group | Gurung, Magar, Thakali etc. | Sherpa, Rai, Tamang etc |
Expenditure or Price | Cost Effective | Bit Expensive |
Level of Difficulty | Strenuous | Challenging |
Rate of Tourist Flow | Normal | Groups are common |
Major Peak | Annapurna-I, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre | Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse |
Cost Per day | 30 USD | 36 USD |
Cost Per Permit | USD 50 for both TIMS + ACAP | USD 52 for both National park + Local Government |
Everest Base Camp vs. Annapurna Base Camp
Nepal is truly a country of extremes, nowhere in the world. This is the home of the great Himalayas with eight of the world’s ten tallest mountain peaks, including Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, and the 10th highest peak, Annapurna.
There is no doubt that ABC and EBC are the best and most popular base camp treks in Nepal. Both trekking routes offer awe-inspiring and one-of-a-kind natural splendors. This and the Annapurna vs. Everest trek offer breathtaking mountain views, as well as natural and cultural attractions and gorgeous surroundings. Each year, thousands of trekkers from around the world visit both trekking routes.
However, there are substantial differences between Annapurna and Everest base camp. So, here are the differences between both the trips.
1. Day to-Day Altitude
Everest (EBC): The world’s highest peak, rising 8848.86 meters above sea level. This trek goes up to 5364 meters above sea level. Normally, the trek starts from Lukla, at 2860 meters, after you fly from Kathmandu. Thereafter, Namche Bazaar (3440 m)-Tengboche (3860 m)-Dingboche (4410 m)-Lobuche (4940 m)-Gorakshep (5170 m) -Everest Base Camp (5364 m) -Kalapatthar (5550 m).
Annapurna (ABC): The 10th highest peak in the world, at 8091 meters above sea level. This trek goes up to 4130 meters above sea level. Typically, the trek starts from Nayapul (1070 m) after driving 1.30 hrs. from Pokhara (830 m). After that, Tikhedhunga (1540 m)-Ghorepani (2750 m)-Tadapani (2640 m) -Chhomrong (2340 m)-Dovan (2600 m)-Himalaya (2900 m) -Machhapuchre Base Camp (3700 m)-Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m).
2. Cultural Ethnic Group
Everest (EBC): Sherpas are the most common ethnic group encountered by tourists visiting the Everest region. This is their home, and their impact can be observed in everything from their traditional clothing to their distinctive buildings and local monasteries. Other ethnic groups, such as Brahmin and Chhetri in the valleys and Tamang and Rai in the lower elevations, have a small number of communities. In fact, EBC has a stronger Tibetan influence and adheres to Buddhist customs and traditions.
Annapurna (ABC): The main ethnic groups existing in the Annapurna region include Thakali, Gurung, Magar, and Manangis. Each day of hiking in the Annapurna region allows you to see and learn about the local culture, as well as interact with the numerous local inhabitants and their different old traditions, which are still practiced by the majority of them for religious practices and worship. You will have free time to visit these Buddhist and Hindu settlements.
3. ABC vs. EBC Trek Difficulty
Everest (EBC): Comparatively, the EBC trip is more difficult than the ABC trek. Because Kalapatthar, at 5550 meters, is the highest point on the Everest base camp trek. Everyday hiking is mostly above 2800 meters in elevation. It adds to the difficulty of the Everest trek. You must be able to deal with an increase in altitude and low oxygen levels. Your body needs sufficient acclimatization for that. You may suffer from altitude sickness if you do not take precautions against it. Keep in mind that trekking is all about precautions and trying something new. Your final ascent to Base Camp will make you feel proud.
Annapurna (ABC): If you are afraid of altitude sickness or have difficulties with altitude, Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m/13549 ft.) may be a better choice. The Annapurna base camp, at an elevation of 4,130 meters, is the highest point on the ABC journey. The hike is less challenging due to the moderate elevation and the lack of life-threatening heights. You will also ascend and descend several times on your way to Annapurna Base Camp. whereas it aids your body in adjusting to different altitudes and oxygen levels. Therefore, this ABC trek is less difficult than the EBC trek.
4. Trekking Permit
Everest (EBC): You are required to obtain two types of permits during Everest trekking in Nepal.
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit – Available in Monjo – Cost 3000 NPR + 13 % VAT Per Person
- Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit – Available at Lukla – Cost 2000 NPR Per Person
Note: For the Everest region, you don’t need to obtain TIMS cards. Before 2018, it was compulsory to obtain this TIMS card. But now you need a local municipal permit that you can acquire in Lukla before Pasang Lhamu gate.
Annapurna (ABC): It is mandatory to acquire the two types of permits for this trek during Annapurna trekking in Nepal.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit provided by National trust for Nature conservation – Cost NRs. 2000 for Others (For SAARC nationals Cost: NRs. 200)
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) – Available at Kathmandu & Pokhara – It is also available along the route at entry point – Costs Nrs. 2000
Note: We suggest you obtain the Annapurna Permit and TIMS card in Kathmandu from the Nepal Tourism Board or from the Pokhara tourism board.
5. Glimpse of the Himalayas (High Mountains)
Everest Base Camp Trek: From Lukla to EBC, breathtaking mountain views include Karyolung (6511 m), Nupla (5885 m), Gongla (5813 m), Mount Everest (8848 m), Nupla (5885 m), Shar (6093 m), Thamserku (6608 m), Kusum Kanguru (6367 m), Nup (6035 m), Mt. Khumbila (5761 m), Tabuche (6501 m), L
Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Along the route to Annapurna base camp, there are spectacular views of the high Himalayan mountains. The terrain is constantly changing, ranging from subtropical forest to alpine heights. Annapurna South (7,219 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m), Annapurna IV (7,725 m), Fishtail (6,993 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), etc.
6. Foods (Meals)
Everest Trek: Food is generally eaten at teahouses or lodges, where a limited number of fixed menus are provided. Sherpa meals, such as rice, pasta, chowmin, sherpa stew, momo, and other vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, are mostly available. Dhal bat, as well as certain breads and bakery goods, are widely available. The cost of food is a bit more costly than in Annapurna. Everything is available there and is imported by porters from Lukla or lower elevations. I recommend not trying a meat item on the EBC trek.
Annapurna Trek: Breakfast and dinner are provided at the teahouse lodges, which have set menus with a fixed choice basis. Traditional Nepalese, Gurung, and Magar dishes are generally available. Dhal Bhat is widely available as well as several breads and bakeries in a small number of places. Food is tastier than Everest. The cost of food is much cheaper than in the Everest region. If you like, meat items can be tried. Fresh meat is available up to Chhomrong.
7. Accommodation Between Annapurna Base Camp vs Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest (EBC): Accommodation ranges from basic to standard and is based on a twin-share basis. to Annapurna, the rooms are comfortable for sleeping. One hotel can accommodate up to 20 to 30 people at a time. Don’t expect very high service in the upper mountains on Everest Trek. The cost of accommodation is quite expensive compared to Annapurna. On the EBC trek, the rooms are also available with an attached bathroom for an extra charge.
Annapurna (ABC): Accommodation is of basic standard with common-shared toilet facilities. The rooms are completely basic with two separate beds in one room. Above the Chhomrong, you have to adjust on a multi-share basis. One room has four to five beds. You have to be aware of rats inside the room. You should take care of your snacks to prevent rats. The cost of accommodation is cheaper than on the EBC trek.
8. Tourist flow and cost differences between Annapurna Base Camp vs Everest Base Camp
Hundreds of thousand people around the world have ambitions to see the planet’s highest peak. In terms of expeditions and trekking, the Everest Base Camp trek has a higher volume of visitors than the Annapurna Base Camp trek. because large crowds of tourists are common in the Everest region. In ABC, however, just a few groups are prevalent. Nowadays, Nepalese and Indian tourists are mostly seen in the Annapurna region.
As you may know, duration is an important factor in determining the cost. If you’re in good condition, the ABC trek can be completed in 7-8 days. Normal trekkers, on the other hand, normally take 13–14 days to complete Everest Base Camp due to the continual elevation gain. It is slightly more expensive in EBC than in ABC because it is located in a rural area with better housing and food than in the Annapurna Base Camp region. As a result, ABC is the more economical option, which may be a significant benefit to you. Finally, both excursions are spectacular and one-of-a-kind. Choose freely according to your desires and budget limitations.

Everest Base Camp Trek Details
Every traveler sooner or later chooses both Annapurna & Everest. The reason is that most people end up hiking both. Because trekking in Nepal, once will not be enough. Both regions are regarded as the world’s top hikes. When you are close to final ascent of EBC, you’ll admire yourself for your great accomplishment. Those who have an experience of doing trek in high altitude. Nepal is one of the perfect destinations that appeal to visit all international traveler.