Annapurna region attracts adventurers from all around the world. Whether you choose Annapurna Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, each hike provides a unique blend of adventure.
Regarding the views throughout the journey, Annapurna Circuit is a win. However, Annapurna Base Camp is no less as you get spectacular views while you reach your destination. In addition to that, the best hiking route can be determined based on altitude, cultural significance, and more.
This blog will showcase which one is best, either the circuit or the sanctuary.
Overview comparison of both hikes
The Annapurna Sanctuary Hike takes you to the Annapurna base camp. You will witness mountains including Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, and Tent Peak during the trek.
On the other hand, crossing the Thorong La pass is the main highlight of the Annapurna circuit hike. You will get a panoramic view of the Annapurna Massif, Thorong Peak, Pisang Peak, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and Tilicho Peak throughout your entire journey.
The following table shows the overview comparison of both hikes:
| Comparison of | Annapurna Circuit | Annapurna Base Camp |
| Location | Annapurna Conservation area of Lamjung, Manang, and Mustang along the Marshyangdi River Valley | Annapurna Conservation Area of Myagdi District followed by Modi River |
| Highest Altitude Reached | 5,416m. | 4,130m. |
| Distance Covered | 160-210 km | 110 km |
| Permits Required | ACAP(Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) | ACAP(Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) |
| Difficulty | Strenuous and Challenging | Moderate |
| Best Season of Hike | Spring, Autumn, and Early Winter | All year round |
Similarities of Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit
Both the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit are distinct from each other but share many similarities. Both hikes fall under the same conservation region and will take you to the lap of the Himalayas.
Annapurna Conservation Area
The main similarity shared by these hikes is that they both lie under the Same conservation region. One needs to get the same permit ACAP( Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) for both Treks. If you are lucky enough, you will also witness the conservated species of flora and fauna during both hikes such as the Chinese Pangolin, Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Red panda, Himalayan Black Beer, and Kashmir Musk Deer, and more.
Accommodation and food availability
Annapurna region itself lies at a high altitude. It is difficult to manage proper facilities at such altitudes with less human settlement. Thus, for both hikes, you will get the same amount of facilities.
There is the availability of proper guesthouses which provide cozy bedding and food to the hikers. You will find fewer or almost no attached bathrooms in the rooms. There is a common bathroom for the hikers. You can also access the internet as Lodges provide free wifi to the guests. However, you may be charged for the internet and device charging as many of the lodges use Solar Power to run.
Though the Annapurna Base Camp trail does not have attached bath hotels, you might find a few in the circuit.
You will get to experience local as well as Western cuisine made from available natural ingredients. You can not find seafood during both hikes.
Differences between Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Hikes
While both hikes provide stunning views of the Annapurna Massif, it is important to know the differences between both to choose which trek is best for you.
Route Difference
The base camp hike usually starts with a drive from Pokhara and follows the trekking path from Ulleri. This is what the regular route looks like:
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara(822m.) to Ulleri(2050m), and Trek to Ghorepani Village(2,874m)
Day 2: Morning Hike to Poon Hill(3,210m) and trek down to Tadapani(2,630m)
Day 3: Trek to Sinhua(2,340m) via Chhomrong(2,170m)
Day 4: Trek to Deurali(3,200m)
Day 5: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp(4,130m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp(3,700m)
Day 6: Trek to Bamboo Village(2,310m)
Day 7: Trek to Jhinu Hot Spring(1,564m)
Day 8: Hike to Jhinu Danda(1,780m) and drive back to Pokhara(822m)
This hike generally takes up to 8 days. Hikers will get to experience a blend of subtropical forests, terraced farms, and alpine meadows as they gradually ascend to the base camp.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek generally starts from Dharapani from Kathmandu via Besisahar. This is what the regular route looks like:
Day 1: Drive to Dharapani(1,960m) from Kathmandu(1,400m) via Besisahar(760m)
Day 2: Trek to Chame Village(2,650m)
Day 3: Trek to Upper Pisang(3,300m)
Day 4: Hike to Manang(3,519m)
Day 5: Acclimatize in Manang Valley and a side hike to Ice Lake(4,600m)
Day 6: Trek to Leddar Village(4,200m)
Day 7: Trek to Thorong Phedi(4,540m) or High Camp(4,800)
Day 8: Trek to Muktinath(3,800m) via Thorong La Pass(5,416m)
Day 9: Drive to Jomsom(2,743m) and fly to Pokhara or Drive to Pokhara
Nowadays, direct Jeep transportation to Manang from Kathmandu is available. This raises a common question of why we do not drive to Manang directly. This is because Manang is located at a higher altitude of 3,519m. If one drives directly to Manang, they can face altitude sickness.
Thus, hiking from a lower altitude like Dharapani even though on a drive road is suggested. It will also help adjust to the altitude and increase the chance of a successful trek over the Thorong La Pass.
Altitude Difference
The altitude difference between the base camp and the circuit is quite notable. The maximum altitude reached during the circuit is 5,416m(Thorong La pass) and 4,130m(Annapurna Base Camp) for the base camp hike.
The route difference also has a significant impact on the altitude difference. For instance, We start our hike from Ulleri (2050m) during the base camp. However, for the circuit hike, we start the hike from Dharapani (1,860m).
If we observe the altitude difference every day, the Annapurna Sanctuary is pretty high. With an average gain of around 800-900 meters every day, this hike loses around 400 meters of altitude each day. In the case of Annapurna Circuit though, the hikes are gradual with less elevations of around 650-700 meters on average. On the other hand, this hike loses an altitude of around 300 meters each day.
Difficulty Level
Annapurna Circuit hike is much more difficult than base camp. It requires more technical guidance as there are significant hard sections of the hike. So, your body needs proper acclimatization. Moreover, the route is also steeper and more exhausting than the sanctuary hike.
The length of the circuit trek is also longer than the camp hike. Thus, It requires more energy and stamina.
Best Travel Time
The best time can be determined depending upon the seasons especially.
Circuit
The best time to visit the camp is Mid-Spring, Early winter and Autumn. You can get a clear panoramic view of the mountains such as ;
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Annapurna Massif
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Thorong Peak
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Pisang Peak
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Dhaulagiri
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Manaslu
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Machhapuchhre
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Tilicho Peak
The hiking route will not be slippery, preventing any mishaps during the trek.
Sanctuary
Sanctuary hikes can be done all year around which makes it one of the most crowded regions. You will get to witness panoramic views of mountains such as:
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Annapurna South
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Annapurna I
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Annapurna III
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Gangapurna
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Hiunchuli
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Tent Peak
Cultural Differences
Due to the short route of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, You will have much time to experience the life of the local communities. Magar, Gurung, and Loba are found here. Travelers can experience local Gurung culture in the village. You can especially do so in the Gurung villages of Ghorepani and Chhomrong.
One is more exposed to the diverse culture of the region during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. This is because of the longer distance as well as areas not covered by the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
You will be exposed to a wide range of communities in Nepal such as Magar, Gurung, Thakali, Chettri, and Manangis. The circuit trek will take you through the sacred shrine of Muktinath as well. It is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. You will witness the eternal flame of Muktinath and the 108 spouts of water along the hike.
Differences of Views
During the Annapurna Base Camp, hikers will pass through dense forest at the beginning days. You will not get to properly witness any Mountains in the beginning days.
However, during the Annapurna Circuit Trek, You will be among the mountains almost throughout the whole trip. One can get a clear view of the Annapurna II and Pisang Peak
Thus, The Circuit Hike provides far better views than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Which one is best: Annapurna Circuit Vs Annapurna Base Camp?
The Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit both are good choices for trekkers to enjoy the natural beauty of Nepal’s Western Himalayas. There is no absolute answer on which hike is best. It rather depends upon the Hiker's choice of interest.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is comparatively easy and short compared to the circuit trek making it a great choice for beginners. It will also provide you with a panoramic view of the mountains in a shorter and easier hike.
On the other hand, the Annapurna Circuit Trek can be moderately difficult for hikers as you will pass through steep ways. Despite being technically challenging, the Annapurna Circuit Hike provides much better panoramic views of the mountains as well as the scenic beauty of the Nepali Himalayas. You will also achieve the feat of passing the Thorongla pass.
In this sense, It depends upon the physical and mental state of the hikers to determine which hike is the best.
