Side by side
| Annapurna Circuit Trek | Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 16 | 22 |
| Highest point | 5,416 m | 5,143 m |
| Difficulty | Challenging | Strenuous |
| Total distance | 210 km | 225 km |
| Best months | March to April and October to November | March to May and October to November |
| Typical cost | $900 to $2,200 | $2,500 to $4,500 |
| Starts from | Besisahar or Chame (for road-shortened version) | Taplejung (1,820 m) — via flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar then to Taplejung, or overland |
| Permits | 2 | 2 |
Choose the Annapurna Circuit Trek if
The Annapurna Circuit is Nepal's most diverse trek, taking 14 to 21 days to circumnavigate the entire Annapurna massif. It climbs from subtropical river valleys through pine forests and across the highest trekking pass in Nepal, the Thorong La at 5,416 m, before descending into the arid Mustang rain shadow. The circuit is partly motorable, so most trekkers now begin at Chame or Dharapani to preserve the best sections.
The altitude and duration are the main challenges. The walking itself is rarely technical, but Thorong La at 5,416 m is the highest trekking pass in the world that is regularly crossed and demands thorough acclimatisation at Manang.
Choose the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek if
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a 20 to 25 day challenging remote trek in far-eastern Nepal, approaching the third highest mountain in the world (8,586 m) from both north and south base camps. It requires a restricted area permit, a licensed guide, and significant logistical preparation. The reward is some of the most pristine wilderness and authentic cultural encounters in all of the Himalaya.
One of the most demanding teahouse treks in Nepal due to the remoteness, altitude, duration, and the physical demand of the full north-to-south traverse. Not recommended for first-time Himalayan trekkers.
