Side by side
| Langtang Valley Trek | Annapurna Base Camp Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 8 | 10 |
| Highest point | 4,984 m | 4,130 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate |
| Total distance | 65 km | 110 km |
| Best months | March to May and October to November | March to April and October to December |
| Typical cost | $500 to $900 | $650 to $1,200 |
| Starts from | Syabrubesi (1,550 m) | Nayapul or Jhinu Danda, near Pokhara |
| Permits | 2 | 1 |
Choose the Langtang Valley Trek if
The Langtang Valley trek is a 7 to 9 day moderate route in the Langtang National Park, north of Kathmandu. It climbs through rhododendron forest to the high yak pastures of Kyanjin Gompa at 3,870 m, with optional side trips to Tserko Ri at 4,984 m. No internal flight is needed, which makes it the most practical short Himalayan trek from Kathmandu.
The valley trail is well-graded and the altitude gain is gradual. Tserko Ri is a genuine high-altitude day hike that demands a careful start and good acclimatisation.
Choose the Annapurna Base Camp Trek if
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a 10 day route in central Nepal that climbs through terraced villages and bamboo forest into the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130 m. It starts near Pokhara, needs no flight, and is the best first Himalayan trek for most people.
Long staircase days rather than thin air. The altitude stays low enough that acclimatisation is rarely the limiting factor, but the stone steps above Chhomrong punish unprepared knees.
