Annapurna Base Camp Trek Vs. Abc Trek - Which Is Suitable For Whom?

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Annapurna ranges are one of the most popular trekking routes chosen by travel enthusiasts, mountaineering experts, and hikers. Since Mount Annapurna is a part of the Himalayan ranges, it is bound to hold grave importance for anyone who loves to travel.

The Annapurna ranges of the Himalayas are the home to the 10th highest peak of the world, Mount Annapurna I and has 13 mountains located here which are over 7000 meters in height. It also houses over 15 peaks that have an average elevation of over 6000 meters. The total of all these high mountain peaks gives Annapurna a very unique and stunning look that cannot be expressed well enough through words alone.

Both routes offer an entirely different perspective of the Himalayas and cannot be considered as similar, nor are these located along with the same geographical location.

The two routes to reach the Annapurna Base are through the Annapurna base camp trek commonly known as ABC Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek or better known as AC Trek.

• The duration of the trek and the difficulty level

While both the treks take about a fortnight to complete, ...
... the distance covered is different and the difficulty gradients too. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is relatively easier and shorter than the Annapurna Circuit Trek. While the distance travelled on ABC trek is 120 km, Annapurna Circuit Trek covers 230 km in total.

• The route to be taken

Annapurna Circuit Trek passes through Manang, which is an unusual location along the Marsyangdi River. Lake Gangapurna and Lake Tilicho are two spectacular sights that are only visible if Annapurna Circuit Trek is opted for.

ABC trek passes through the Poon Hills which is believed to showcase the most beautiful panoramic view of the Annapurna Mountain Ranges in the entire region. The Ghorepani Village along the Gandaki River is also the home to one of the few hot springs of the Himalayas. The unique vegetation of the area accompanied by the numerous waterfalls on the route is a sight to behold.

• The trail

While the entire trek trail of the Annapurna base camp short trek
is stone-paved, there are areas of overhanging cliffs and loosened stones on the route the Annapurna Circuit Trek which is about 75% stone-paved.

• Elevation

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek has a maximum height of around 13800 feet, whereas the Annapurna Circuit Trek is at a maximum altitude of 17700 feet. The approximate elevation difference of 4000 ft may not seem huge; however, Annapurna Circuit Trek has a steeper climb that requires a certain level of fitness. Acclimatization also is essential as the Oxygen level on the Annapurna Circuit trek is 63% as compared to 72% at Annapurna Base Camp Trek's final point.

• Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp trek Vs Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Base camp trek gives a spectacular view of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I besides the Manaslu peak. The village of Deurali is a sight for the unique Sherpa culture that is located at the crossing of the Annapurna Glacial Morraine. Hinku cave is one of the mysterious and ancient cave systems that is also situated on this route.

Annapurna Circuit trek has one advantage over ABC Trek as it is the path that leads to Thorong la Pass, one of the highest trek able passes that leads straight to the ancient and one of the holy pilgrim complexes of the world, the Muktinath Temple. The panoramic backdrop is breathtaking enough to want you to try this harsh trek again and again. Tilicho Lake is also another beautiful sight that is specific to this trail.

Conclusion

Both the
Annapurna Base Camp Trek and The Annapurna Circuit Trek has a unique appeal to it and are more or less similar. However, if you have an issue with time constraints, then it is best to opt for ABC trek.

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