There’s something about the Himalayas that calls to every trekker. For years, I dreamed of standing among the world’s highest peaks, hearing the crunch of ice underfoot, and feeling the thin, crisp air fill my lungs. Eventually, I made that dream a reality — not once, but twice — by trekking both the Annapurna Circuit and the Everest Base Camp trails.
These two treks are Nepal’s most iconic, each offering a different flavor of adventure. In this post, I want to share my personal experience of walking both trails: the surprises, the challenges, the rewards, and how they shaped me as a traveler and trekker.
I Began with the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Which Surprised Me with Its Diversity
My Himalayan journey started with the Annapurna Circuit Trek, often called the world’s most beautiful long-distance trek. I chose it because I’d heard it offered incredible variety — not just in scenery, but also in culture and terrain. And it did not disappoint.
From the first day, I was amazed by the contrast. We started in Besisahar, where the trail winds through lush, subtropical forests and rice paddies. It was warm, almost tropical, with waterfalls cascading down steep green hillsides. Villagers waved as we passed, and children ran alongside us, shouting “Namaste!”
As we climbed higher, the air grew cooler, the landscape rougher. We passed through pine forests and crossed roaring rivers on long suspension bridges. Each day revealed something new: a cliffside monastery, a stone chorten lined with prayer wheels, a herd of yaks lumbering across the trail.
What struck me most was the cultural richness. We moved from Hindu villages in the lower regions to Buddhist settlements influenced by Tibetan traditions. I remember visiting a monastery in Braga, where the monks let us watch their evening prayers, the chants echoing off the stone walls as incense filled the air.
Crossing Thorong La Pass: The Physical and Mental High Point
The most challenging — and rewarding — part of the Annapurna Circuit was crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,769 ft). We set out before dawn, headlamps glowing in the icy dark. The air was painfully cold, and every step felt heavy in the thin atmosphere.
I’d been nervous about this section for days, wondering if altitude sickness would strike or if my legs would give out. But slow, steady progress paid off. As we reached the top, colorful prayer flags flapped wildly in the wind, and the view opened up to a sea of jagged, snow-covered peaks stretching in every direction.
I felt both exhausted and exhilarated, standing on top of the world — and proud to have made it there under my own power.
Later, the Everest Base Camp Trek Delivered the Dramatic Mountain Vistas I’d Always Imagined
After completing the Annapurna Circuit, I knew I wanted more. A year later, I returned to Nepal to tackle the Everest Base Camp Trek. Where Annapurna had been about variety, Everest was all about big mountains — the kind you dream of as a child, the names you’ve read about in adventure books.
The trek began with a heart-pounding flight to Lukla, landing on a narrow airstrip carved into the mountainside. From there, the trail wound through the Khumbu Valley, passing through Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche.
Everywhere I looked, enormous white peaks loomed overhead: Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse — and, of course, Everest itself.
This was the Himalayan landscape I had always imagined: dramatic glaciers, sheer cliffs, and icy rivers cutting through high-altitude desert. Compared to Annapurna’s varied terrain, the Everest region felt stark, powerful, and raw.
The Challenge of Altitude and Acclimatization
One thing that surprised me on the Everest trek was how challenging the altitude felt. Even though Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) is only slightly higher than Thorong La, the experience was different. The ascent is steeper, with less gradual acclimatization, and we spent several days sleeping at very high elevations.
I noticed I was slower here, taking deep breaths even on gentle slopes. Rest days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche were crucial for adjusting. Our guides emphasized the “climb high, sleep low” principle, encouraging short acclimatization hikes during rest days.
Despite the challenges, reaching Everest Base Camp was unforgettable. Standing among the colorful tents, with climbers preparing their summit attempts, I felt connected to a history of exploration and endurance. Climbing to Kala Patthar the next morning gave us the famous view: Everest glowing gold in the sunrise, a moment that remains etched in my memory.
Comparing the Two Treks: What Stood Out
Having done both treks, people often ask me which one I recommend. The answer depends on what you’re looking for.
Scenery and Diversity
The Annapurna Circuit offers more varied scenery: from jungle to alpine desert, from rice fields to glacier-fed rivers. Everest, on the other hand, delivers pure, concentrated Himalayan majesty — the kind of dramatic, towering peaks that fill photography books.
Cultural Experience
Both treks offer cultural immersion, but in different ways. Annapurna takes you through a mix of Hindu and Buddhist communities, giving you insight into Nepal’s cultural patchwork. Everest immerses you deeply in Sherpa culture, with its unique mountaineering history and Tibetan Buddhist roots.
Physical Challenge
Both treks are demanding, but I found Everest tougher overall, due to the rapid altitude gain and the cold, barren conditions at higher elevations. Annapurna, while long, offers more gradual acclimatization, which made it feel more manageable physically.
Crowds and Infrastructure
Everest is more famous internationally, so it tends to be busier, especially during peak seasons. Annapurna has become less crowded in recent years due to road development, but you can still find quieter sections, especially if you explore side routes.
Lessons I Learned from Trekking Both
Both treks taught me valuable lessons, not just about hiking, but about myself.
- Patience pays off. Success at altitude isn’t about speed — it’s about pacing, listening to your body, and letting yourself adapt.
- Pack light but smart. Every extra kilo in your backpack feels twice as heavy at 4,000 meters. Focus on essentials: warm layers, good boots, and a solid sleeping bag.
- Mental strength matters. There were moments on both treks when I felt drained, cold, and frustrated. Learning to push through those moments and find joy in small victories made all the difference.
- Respect the mountains. Weather can change in an instant, trails can become dangerous, and altitude can affect anyone. Humility is key.
Final Reflections
Looking back, I’m grateful I had the chance to experience both the Annapurna Circuit and the Everest Base Camp Trek. Each offered its own magic, its own challenges, and its own rewards.
If you’re considering trekking in the Himalayas, my advice is: do both, if you can. Start with the Annapurna Circuit Trek, which surprised me with its diversity and accessible beauty. Then, when you’re ready for something more intense, later the Everest Base Camp Trek will deliver the dramatic mountain vistas you’ve always imagined.
Both treks will change you — not just by testing your endurance, but by opening your eyes to a world of towering peaks, resilient people, and the incredible strength you hold within yourself.
