Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit back to back in Spring

Hi All:

I'm hoping someone can help me out with some travel planning. I decided very last minute to do another atw trip(!). I'm heading directly to Nepal as my first stop to try to beat the Monsoon. I did EBC in 2010 and VERY MUCH want to return since it was, I think, the highlight of my life. I'm also dying to do the Annapurna CIrcuit.

Here's the question, is there any way I can feasibly do both treks before the weather gets too gross for trekking? I intend to do the "original" EBC trek, beginning in Jiri, and the full Annapurna Circuit, including the portions that track the relatively new road (though I could conceivably skip this last portion if not doable under the time frame). The earliest I could feasibly arrive in Kathmandu is April 8. If you think this might be feasible, do you have any idea weather-wise, which trek would be preferable to do first? Of course, I'm planning for a couple of days R&R between treks.

Thanks so much for all advice.

Cheers,
Tom

In 2009 we did Manaslu Circuit, AC - NaarPho - Tilicho - ABC and then continued to EBC (Lukla-EBC-Shivalaya in 12 days). This took a total of 52 walking days, starting at the beginning of April (we were both 50+ years old already). We came back from EBC in late May, actually we were at the EBC the day first summits were done that season (we had some acquaintances of ours climbing). This shows it is perfectly possible, doing full AC and Jiri-EBC should take about 40 days or so plus transportation and rest days in between.

We flew to Lukla, so we were able to fully utilise our pre-acclimatisation, it took just 5 days to get to Gorak Shep and 12 days to do the whole Lukla-EBC-Shivalaya hike. If you want to hike from Jiri (GREAT idea!), you will loose more of your acclimatisation before getting back to altitude, but I believe not all of it. At least you will be considerably fitter and faster than your average trekker dropped off the plane in Lukla.

If I were you I would go to Annapurna first to ensure the good weather for the region you have not seen before. Going to EBC in mid-late May has the benefit that the camp is at the summit frenzy. Weather up there is naturally still clear at least in the mornings. Walk in might be somewhat misty, or not. Try to find some expeditions with your countrymen as members and contact them on some pretext, they might let you visit them and offer you hot chocolate...

Hi Tom,
Welcome back to Nepal!!!
I suggest you first EBC trek then AC Trek. April is already good visibility/weather. No one can predict the weather so far. This is why, better first EBC because of your original goal and weather issue... if some days cut off due to bad weather of Lukla then you can be tailored made AC Trekking. Personally, Full ACT is still worthy.

All the Best!

As Petrus says, entirely doable. You have to decide which one first.

If one is short on time doing AC first would make most sense to me. On AC there are not so much need to slow down* for acclimatisation as there is on the EBC route (2 nights in Namche and DIngpoche, then 2 or 3 really short days). This means a pre-acclimatised person can skip more acclimatisation days when doing EBC, thus saving time. Basically on EBC route 4-5 days are spent acclimatising, only 1 or 2 on AC.

*) usually 2 nights in Manang, and short days to Yak Kharka/Letdar, then to Thorong Phedi. Which can be partly avoided by staying in Ghyaru or Ngawal.

Thanks very much for the replies!

Yes very doable as others have said, but also no guarantee of weather in the mountains no matter when you finish. I agree with petrus do the Annapurna first, and don't be in such a hurry to get to Everest that you skip Tilicho Lake, it's spectacular and one of the highlights of the region. I was also up at Everest basecamp during late May during the summit attempts great time to be at basecamp. During that trip mostly clear in the morning and clouded up by mid to late morning, with a couple snow days and one clear day.

-micah
Sherpana Guide Share

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