Everest Base Camp (EBC) vs Annapurna Circuit Solo Hike Experience Comparison

Nepal's top two famous trekking routes that can also be hiked on self-guided basis 

Because I have 3 months multiple entry tourist visa granted on my first visit to Nepal, I have more than enough time to trek Everest Base Camp (2015) and Annapurna Circuit (2016), two famous trekking routes in Himalayas Region.

Mt. Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit from Nepal are two of the most popular mountain trails and tourist-hiker friendly trails in Nepal's Himalayan Range. As an amateur hiker, this two mountains are the top-most priority on the bucket list. As such, I visited them both and the following was the observation I had during the course.

To summarize Nepal's famous 3 trekking routes (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit and Lantang Valley) based on my self-guided solo winter hike adventure in comparison to each other; E​VEREST BASE CAMP (5,364masl) and KALAPATHAR (5,550masl) trekking route is costly because of the Lukla flight, trekking difficulty is hardest (but much rewarding) because of the series of ascent/descent trails from Jiri and the high elevation challenge, and nothing beats the view of the world's highest mountain peak. On the other hand, ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT (5,416masl) and BASE CAMP (4,130masl) trekking route is the mainstream trail based of its tolerable high elevation for all tourist types and can be minimized to at least 7 trekking days for ABC only. Also, trail is much scenic and somehow easy because of continuous ascent/descent trails.

Everest Base Camp (November 2015)

Mt. Kilimanjaro vs Everest Base Camp (EBC) Solo Hike Experience Comparison

highest peak of Africa and Nepal's most promising trekking route

The reason why I hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro (2014) first was to challenge myself for extremely high elevation treks. Since this mountain cannot be hiked by self-guided basis and is very expensive, I tried that much to reach the summit but unfortunately altitude sickness effects kicked-in strongly like vomiting, dizziness and headache. On the other hand, trekking Everest Base Camp (2015) needs no more explanation. The main reason of everybody is to see the majestic summit of Earth's highest mountain.  

Mt. Kilimanjaro from Tanzania and Mt. Everest Base Camp from Nepal are two of the most popular mountains and tourist-hiker friendly peaks in Africa and Asia. As an amateur hiker, this two mountains are the top-most priority on the bucket list. As such, I visited them both and the following was the observation I had during the course.

MT. KILIMANJARO (5,895masl) is also known as the ‘Roof of Africa’ and is one of the Seven Summits (highest mountains of each of the seven continents). Trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro is much expensive because it can only be hiked with a recognized local travel agency supported by guide and porters (which also has a minimum tip for each other). I consider the summit push as very difficult because of around 1,000m elevation gain that started from 2300H up to 0600H the following day. On the other hand,  E​VEREST BASE CAMP (5,364masl) and KALAPATHAR (5,550masl) trekking route is costly because of the Lukla flight, trekking difficulty is hardest (but much rewarding) because of the series of ascent/descent trails from Jiri and the high elevation challenge, and nothing beats the view of the world's highest mountain peak.

Mt. Kilimanjaro Solo Hike (July 2014)

Day 16-18: Gorakshep(5,140masl) to Namche(3,440masl) to Lukla(2,840masl)

18 Days Winter Self-Guided Solo Hike from Jiri to Mt. Everest Base Camp (5,364masl)

November 27 to December 15, 2015

Day 15: Gorakshep(5,140masl) to Kalapathar Peak (5,550masl)

After that 2 successful ascents and a 3 nights stay on an almost 5,200masl Gorakshep, I got colds and cloggy nose. My initial plan was to include Gokyo Peak that will passed-by on the glaciers and  the Chola Pass, 5,400masl high pass. I cancelled this side trip, could not resist the extreme coldness anymore and decided to go low as fast I can. I still managed to get on track and be on schedule just like other trekkers despite of not feeling well. The 5-days ascent I made starting from Lukla has been done for 3-days on descent. I booked my flight ticket to Kathmandu immediately upon my arrival to Lukla. One-way fare is $178 regardless if I booked one month or just a day before. 

REMINDER: Please take note that my trekking hours is of below average, I'm always lagging for around an hour to the next destination. Also, check-out bill in the morning day after includes lodging for 1 room, dinner and breakfast.   

DAY 16: GORAKSHEP (5,140masl) TO PANGBOCHE (3,930masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0735H	12-Dec	ETD Hostel	check-out w/ all meals for 3 days	4,740	45.1
0935H	SAT	ETA Lobuche (4,910masl)	descent back
1110H		ETA Dughla (4,620masl)	rak-rak noodles & water	500	4.8
1200H		ETD Dughla	descent back
1530H		ETA Pangboche (3,930masl)	Buddha Lodge
TREKKING HOURS: 7			daily budget:	₹5,240	$49.9
DAY 17: PANGBOCHE (3,930masl) TO NAMCHE (3,440masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0700H	13-Dec	ETD Hostel	check-out w/ dinner/bfast	1,350	12.9
0850H	SUN	ETA Tengboche (3,860masl)	descent back
1200H		ETA Sonasa (3,550masl)	mixed fried noodles & juice	850	8.1
1230H		ETD Sonasa	descent back
1415H		ETA Namche (3,440masl)	Mountain Dreams Lodge
TREKKING HOURS: 6.75			daily budget:	₹2,200	$21.0
DAY 18: NAMCHE (3,440masl) TO LUKLA (2,840masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0730H	14-Dec	ETD Hostel	check-out w/ dinner/bfast	1,600	15.2
0940H	MON	ETA Monjo (2835masl)	Park Check-out
1145H		ETA Phakding (2,610masl)	mixed fried noodles & hot lemon juice	500	4.8
1230H		ETD Phakding	descent back
1545H		ETA Lukla (2,840masl)	Khumbu Resort	700	6.7
TREKKING HOURS: 7.5			daily budget:	₹2,800	$26.7

EBC Solo Trek Day 16: Gorapshep (5,140masl) to Pangboche (3,930masl)

Day 15: Gorakshep(5,140masl) to Kalapathar Peak (5,550masl)

18 Days Winter Self-Guided Solo Hike from Jiri to Mt. Everest Base Camp (5,364masl)

November 27 to December 15, 2015

Day 14: Gorakshep(5,140masl) to Mt. Everest Base Camp (EBC) (5,364masl)

The next day after the successful EBC trek, I aimed for the highest extreme altitude record on my amateur hiking career. The trail going to Kalapathar is very steep, slippery and windy. I consider this trek as difficult, not the mention that I have to defy also the altitude sickness effects. Usually this trek is made early morning for sunrise viewing which is at the back of Mt. Everest and sunset which is at the right side when facing the Mt. Everest. Because of my exhaustion, I trekked the wrong direction which I had a crucial lost time. Instead of blaming myself, I still continue to go to the right direction giving me an hour trek at more than 5,000masl elevation. The hardwork pays-off when I saw Mt. Everest upclose together with its base camp, I was alone going up.

REMINDER: Please take note that my trekking hours is of below average, I'm always lagging for around an hour to the next destination. Also, check-out bill in the morning day after includes lodging for 1 room, dinner and breakfast.   

DAY 15: GORAKSHEP (5,140masl) TO KALAPATHAR PEAK (5,550masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0730H	11-Dec	ETD Hostel	hiked wrong direction
1030H	FRI	re-start trek	very steep ascent., slippery & windy
1400H		Kalapathar Peak (5,550masl)	ascent success to world's highest summit closest viewpoint
1430H		ETD Kalapathar	moderate to hard trek difficulty
1545H		ETA Gorakshep	lunch & dinner
TREKKING HOURS: 8.25			daily budget:	₹0	$0.0

EBC Solo Trek Day 15: Gorapshep (5,140masl) to Kalapathar Peak (5,550masl)

Day 14: Gorakshep(5,140masl) to Mt. Everest Base Camp (EBC) (5,364masl)

18 Days Winter Self-Guided Solo Hike from Jiri to Mt. Everest Base Camp (5,364masl)

November 27 to December 15, 2015

Day 12-13: Dingboche(4,410masl) to Lobuche(4,910masl) to Gorakshep(5,140masl)

Dreams are made to be followed and this is it, the moment of truth, every amateur hiker's dream. I schedule this day for Mt. Everest Base Camp trekking purpose only so as to ensure that my plan is perfectly executed. Despite the tremendous exhaustion of 13 consecutive days hiking and the defying the altitude sickness effects, I have to go by the mindset. The trail is a series of rocky ascent/descent with a little portion of icy rocks. I went to EBC early because most of the guided trekking group perform this hike in afternoon. I arrived on the EBC area with only other 2 tourists with me. I let them finished first their photo-ops so that I can own the place for how many minutes. No signboard, I just follow the trail going north, I consider the trekking difficulty as easy.

REMINDER: Please take note that my trekking hours is of below average, I'm always lagging for around an hour to the next destination. Also, check-out bill in the morning day after includes lodging for 1 room, dinner and breakfast.   

DAY 14: GORAKSHEP (5,140masl) TO MT. EVEREST BASE CAMP (EBC) (5,364masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0730H	10-Dec	ETD Hostel	series of ascent/descent rocky trail
1030H	THU	Mt. Everest Base Camp (EBC) (5,364masl)	ascent success to world's tallest mountain closest place
1100H		ETD EBC	easy to moderate trek diffuculty
1300H		ETA Gorakshep	lunch & dinner
TREKKING HOURS: 5			daily budget:	₹0	$0.0

EBC Solo Trek Day 14: Gorapshep (5,140masl) to Mt. Everest Base Camp (5,364masl)

Day 12-13: Dingboche(4,410masl) to Lobuche(4,910masl) to Gorakshep(5,140masl)

18 Days Winter Self-Guided Solo Hike from Jiri to Mt. Everest Base Camp (5,364masl)

November 27 to December 15, 2015

Day 10-11: Namche(3,440masl) to Tengboche(3,860masl) to Dingboche(4,410masl)

There is a gradual ascent then a short descent passing an icy river going to Dughla from Dingboche. Afterwards a rocky, steep ascent going to Thokla Pass where the tombstone area of all those who died during Everest expedition is located including the characters in the movie "Everest". From Lobuche up to the base of Lobuche Pass is a rocky flat trail. Lobuche Pass to Gorakshep trail is a series of rocky descent/ascent. Usual itinerary is for morning, Lobuche to Gorapshep then Gorakshep to EBC afternoon on the same day. I decided to make the EBC trail the next day due to exhaustion and the altitude sickness is attacking my health, I'm trekking now for 13 consecutive days without rest. I decided to stay in Gorakshep for 3 nights and have the EBC and Kalapathar trek perform on separate days. 

REMINDER: Please take note that my trekking hours is of below average, I'm always lagging for around an hour to the next destination. Also, check-out bill in the morning day after includes lodging for 1 room, dinner and breakfast.   

DAY 12: DINGBOCHE (4,410masl) TO LOBUCHE (4,910masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0800H	8-Dec	ETD Hostel	check-out w/ dinner/bfast	1,255	12.0
1130H	TUE	ETA Dughla (4,620masl)	mixed fried noodles & water	500	4.8
1230H		ETD Dughla	flat to rocky ascent trail
1445H		ETA Lobuche (4,910masl)	Mother Earth Lodge
TREKKING HOURS: 5.75			daily budget:	₹1,755	$16.7
DAY 13: LOBUCHE (4,910masl) TO GORAKSHEP (5,140masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0700H	9-Dec	ETD Hostel	check-out w/ dinner/bfast	1,780	17.0
0930H	WED	ETA L. Pass (5,110masl)	series of rocky ascent/descent trail
1230H		ETA Gorakshep (5,140masl)	Yeti Resort
TREKKING HOURS: 5			daily budget:	₹1,780	$17.0

EBC Solo Trek Day 12: Dingboche (4,410masl) to Lobuche (4,910masl)

Day 10-11: Namche(3,440masl) to Tengboche(3,860masl) to Dingboche(4,410masl)

18 Days Winter Self-Guided Solo Hike from Jiri to Mt. Everest Base Camp (5,364masl)

November 27 to December 15, 2015

Day 07-09: Nunthala(2,194masl) to Lukla(2,840masl) to Namche(3,440masl)

From Namche there is a open cliff flat trail gong to Kenjoma where in I first glimpsed the Mt. Everest Summit. Then a dusty rocky descent going to Phunke Tenga where the suspension bridge is. Afterwards a continuous dusty, rocky ascent to Tengboche. Mt. Everest summit is clearly seen again in Tengboche. Then a gradual forest descent to Deboche, then a gradual ascent to Pangboche and Samore. After crossing the steel bridge from separation trail between Pengboche and Dingboche trail, another gradual rocky ascent to Dingboche. 

REMINDER: Please take note that my trekking hours is of below average, I'm always lagging for around an hour to the next destination. Also, check-out bill in the morning day after includes lodging for 1 room, dinner and breakfast.   

DAY 10: NAMCHE (3,440masl) TO TENGBOCHE (3,860masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0715H	6-Dec	ETD Hostel	check-out w/ dinner/bfast	1,420	13.5
0915H	SUN	ETA Kenjoma (3,550masl)	smooth flat trail
1100H		ETA P. Tenga (3,200masl)	mixed fried noodles & water	650	6.2
1145H		ETD Phunke Tenga	rocky, dusty zigzag trail
1430H		ETA Tengboche (3,860masl)	Thangshikek Lodge
TREKKING HOURS: 6.5			daily budget:	₹2,070	$19.7
DAY 11: TENGBOCHE (3,860masl) TO DINGBOCHE (4,410masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0745H	7-Dec	ETD Hostel	check-out w/ dinner/bfast	1,750	16.7
1000H	MON	ETA Pangboche (3,930masl)	flat descent to rocky ascent
1130H		ETA Somare (4,010masl)	mixed fried noodles & water	695	6.6
1230H		ETD Somare	flat descent/ascent trail
1445H		ETA Dingboche (4,410masl)	Hotel Family
TREKKING HOURS: 6			daily budget:	₹2,445	$23.3

EBC Solo Trek Day 10: Namche (3,440masl) to Tengboche (3,860masl)

Day 07-09: Nunthala(2,194masl) to Lukla(2,840masl) to Namche(3,440masl)

18 Days Winter Self-Guided Solo Hike from Jiri to Mt. Everest Base Camp (5,364masl)

November 27 to December 15, 2015

Day 05-06: Lamjura Pass(3,400masl) to Junbesi(2,700masl) to Nunthala(2,194masl)

From Jubhing, there is continuous dusty rocky ascent to Kharikhola. Then a gradual descent until the suspension bridge and immediate dusty, rocky steep ascent to Bupsa. From Bupsa there is dusty rocky ascent to Kari Pass then muddy, rocky descent to Paiya. the trail afterwards is a open cliff flat ascent until Surke, then a tiring dusty, rocky, steep ascent to Lukla. No more orange marker on the  trail after Lukla. From Lukla there is 6 suspension bridge to cross including the double suspension bridge before Namche. The trail to Namche from Jorsale is zigzag dusty, rocky ascent. Permit validation is in Monjo and police checkpoint before Namche. 

REMINDER: Please take note that my trekking hours is of below average, I'm always lagging for around an hour to the next destination. Also, check-out bill in the morning day after includes lodging for 1 room, dinner and breakfast.   

DAY 7:  JUBHING (1,680masl) TO PAIYA (2,730masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0645H	3-Dec	ETD Hostel	check-out w/ dinner/bfast	1,250	11.9
0900H	THU	ETA Kharikhola (2,040masl)	smooth descent, rocky, muddy ascent
1115H		ETA Bupsa (2,360masl)	Yak Steak, Mint Tea & water	700	6.7
1200H		ETD Bupsa	rocky steep ascent, muddy ascent
1645H		ETA Paiya (2,730masl)	Trekker's Lodge
TREKKING HOURS: 8.75			daily budget:	₹1,950	$18.6
DAY 8:  PAIYA (2,730masl) TO GHAT (2,492masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0645H	4-Dec	ETD Hostel	check-out w/ dinner/bfast	1,270	12.1
1045H	FRI	ETA Surke (2,220masl)	flat trail to rocky ascent
1345H		ETA Lukla (2,840masl)	yak steak & juice	680	6.5
1500H		ETD Lukla	flat descent trail
1715H		ETA Ghat (2,492masl)	Yak Guesthouse
TREKKING HOURS: 9			daily budget:	₹1,950	$18.6
DAY 9: GHAT (2,492masl) TO NAMCHE (3,440masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0645H	5-Dec	ETD Hostel	check-out w/ dinner/bfast	1,250	11.9
1045H	SAT	ETA Monjo (2,865masl)	Sagarmartha Park Permit Check
1115H		ETA Jorsale (2,740masl)	mixed fried rice & water	600	5.7
1215H		ETD Jorsale	steep ascent
1545H		ETA Namche (3,440masl)	Mountain Dream Lodge	520	5.0
TREKKING HOURS: 8			daily budget:	₹2,370	$22.6

EBC Solo Trek Day 07: Jubhing (1,680masl) to Paiya (2,730masl)