Annapurna Circuit or Everest Region Trekking

I did the Annapurna circuit three years ago (it was my first time in Nepal), and trekked for three weeks in the Everest region this october-november. I agree with the two previous replies, both treks are different. The Annapurna Circuit starts low, you slowly climb through a narrow valley and every day the vegetation changes till you are in the real mountain region (from Manang to Kagbeni, 3à 4 days), and than you go down again through a completely different valley. During the Annapurna circuit I fell in love with Nepal, it was so diverce, everything was there: mountains, culture, nice village people. This year it was also fantastic but mostly because I like mountains. In the Everest region (above Namche Bazar) you always are in the real mountain region, which means: no trees, very few real villages (most places were original just summer setlements that are full of lodges these days) but very spectacular views. So what you like best all depends on what you expect, I find it very difficult to say which trek I liked best. Maybe when it is the first time you go so high it is better to trek in the Annapurna region (limited amount of days above 4000m) and when you feel that you acclimatize ok than you can go to the Everest region (I spend something like 10 days above 4000m this year).
Anyway have a nice trek

As Kantipur and Guide Trekking say they are quite different places for many reasons so it depends on what you are after. I have been lucky to trek in both areas on a couple of occasions so here’s my two cents worth.

If you want to see mountains close up for prolonged periods then the Everest area probably has more to offer in that respect. By trekking up to the Gokyo Lakes then crossing the Cho La across to Lobuche and then heading up to Kalar Patar to look across at Everest you will get a real feel for the mountains. Your also well above the tree line for a lot of the time so it feels more alpine and rugged than across in the Annapurnas. But, it’s not without other interest as you also have Tengboche monastery and, if you get to Namche on a Saturday, you see the traders and local people at the bazaar. Also, Namche has got a great Sherpa museum with photos there of early mountaineering trips.

Mandy 2 pretty much covers the diversity of the Annapurna Circuit, which I have to agree is wonderful. I really enjoyed the variety of scenery that the Circuit offered and the different trekking experiences covering diverse terrain. Dropping down from the Thorung La into Muktinath and Kagbeni gives you a totally different perspective to other parts of Nepal as its quite dry and dusty. So if you want variety and scenery then this is a good option.

One distinct difference with the Annapurnas, and possibly an advantage, is that you don’t have to worry about flying into a small airport (Lukla) and being subject to delays if the weather turns.

I have got images from both these areas on my web site, which might help to give you an idea of what the scenery is like.

Whatever you choose have a great trek

Dave
My images from the Himalayas

Agree: They are totally different.

many thanks for your help. I suspect some time I will have to go back and do Annapurna, because of my love of mountains, I think the Everest region wins this time