Everest High Pass Trek Vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek - 10 Differences

Are you confused, about which trek to choose for your next adventure trekking in Nepal? Considering the circuit trekking trail in Nepal, our blog guide Everest High Pass Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek will help you select the best circuit trekking trail in Nepal. Here we are mentioning the apparent differences between these two best circuit trekking in Nepal. However, these both are circuit treks. Only another similar feature is the majestic views of the mountains.

A guide to choose between Everest High Pass or Annapurna Circuit

Have a dream of circuit trekking in Nepal, but are stuck on which one to choose between Everest High Pass Trek Vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek? The blog focuses on clearing your confusion and gives the best answer to match a perfect trek for you. Each of these treks comes with unique qualities, attractions, and challenges. First, however, you have to decide which walk you select with your limits of resources, personal fitness, and interest.

The topics we present here help you give more freedom to choose one among Everest High Pass Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek. Our ten reasons like Trip Duration, Trailhead, accessibility, cost variation, trekking trail alternatives, and significant attractions help you to choose the best Trekking in Nepal for 2024.

Let’s dive and find which one is best with the 10 Differences between Everest High Pass Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek.

1. Trip Duration: Everest High Pass Trek Vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a 16-day trip, while the Everest Three Pass Trek needs 19 days to complete. To cope with the longer duration short trek is also available. For example, This short Annapurna Circuit Trek can be done in 10 days using the local drive. But we have to skip among the three high passes to make Everest Three High Pass trek shorter, although both tours take you in the deep middle of the Himalayas, but in different parts of Nepal.

In our experience, trip duration is the primary key before choosing any of the holidays. It sounds easy question but not easy to answer. How many days can I afford it? Whether you are trekking in the Himalayas or Alps, on Luxury Tours, or on Budget Holidays, trip duration matters.

If the 19-day trip of the Everest Three High Pass Trek is more extended for you, the Annapurna circuit trek may fit you. However, if Everest is your choice, 16 Day Everest 2 High Pass Trek is the best trek for you. The fundamental difference between Everest 2 Pass and 3 Pass is a short trek by choosing the alternative circuit trail.

Above mention days for each trek are not only for hiking. So to make it simple, we are showing the difference in the table below:

Trip Activities	Everest Three High Pass Trek	Annapurna Circuit Trek
Arrival and Departure	2 Days	2 Days
Acclimatization	2 Days, Namche and Dingboche or in Gokyo	1 Day, Manang
Trailhead and Back	1 Day	2 Days
Hiking Days	14 Days	11 Days
Trip Duration Total	19 Days	16 Day

Every Himalayas trips need efforts to reach the remote local area known as the trek starting point and where it ends. These are not only far from Kathmandu and Pokhara but also includes difficult mountainous trail drive. Like, wise our ten days Short Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal.

Almost all Everest Trekking starts with a 35-minute flight to Lukla. Unfortunately, this Lukla Airport has a lousy reputation as World Dangerous Airport. The short runway, and frequent flight cancellations due to mountainous weather with few fatal crashes are the reason behind its bad reputation.

2. Accessibility and Trailhead: Everest Circuit Trek Vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek vs. Everest High Pass trek gives a sense of two very different trekking in Nepal. Yes! They both feature high-altitude trekking in the Himalayas trails; however, they have incredibly fundamental differences.

It takes longer to reach the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit trek than Lukla for the Everest High Pass Trek. This difference is only because of the means of transportation availability. However, flight cancelations, delays, and Highway traffic all add a different adventure to both circuit trekking in Nepal.

Typically Beshisahar is the trailhead for most of the Annapurna circuit trek. Beshisahar is 182 Kilometers away from Kathmandu and 107 Km from Pokhara and is only accessible by road transportation. These drives take about 4-8 hours depending on local traffic and season. However, you choose a flight or off-road drive from Jomsom to reach Pokhara at the end of the trek.

Meanwhile, the trailhead for Everest High Pass Trek starts as well ends at Tenzing Hillary Airport of Lukla. Only air transportation makes Lukla accessible for travelers as well as locals. Walking is another accessibility, but it takes five days each way. There is a regular flight between Kathmandu airport to Lukla, and all flights complete the trip before noon because of local weather. This 30-minute flight comes with USD 182 per person each way. Therefore, the helicopter ride is the only alternative to enter and exit Everest Three High Pass Trek in regular flight cancellation.

Airport of Kathmandu

For any of the holidays in Nepal, you must land in Kathmandu because the capital city has the only International airport. The same airport links up with Lukla with many other cities. But there is no direct flight between Kathmandu and Jomsom, where Annapurna Circuit Trek ends. So instead, with a short transit flight to Pokhara, you can arrive in Kathmandu.

Lukla: Trailhead of Everest Trekking

Lukla is a small town elevated about (6,759 ft) 2868 meters above sea level. It is one of the famous names for those who dream about Himalayas mountain climbing, Everest Trekking, and extreme airports. Unfortunately, the notoriously short and inclined runway on the cliff makes it the most dangerous airport in the world. Similarly, low visibility, high wind poor local weather, and flight delays add adventure to Everest High Pass Trek.

For this reason, our first day of Everest trekking is only 4 hours. Most importantly, any delay in our flight will not affect our Everest Three High Pass Trek.

3. Trek Difficulty

Maybe you have a big question about which one is more difficult to weather, Everest High Pass Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek. In short, both the Annapurna Circuit and the Everest Base Camp trek are challenging but still doable with a decent level of fitness and perseverance.

No one needs any unique skill sets Annapurna Circuit Trek or treks the Everest High Pass Trek. Just you need reasonable fitness and strong mental dream determination.

The name Himalayas strikes adventure travelers' minds; trekking there is more complex and not for us. Yes, it is not for everyone, but the Himalayas offer verities of trekking. You must remember that the Mountains are high and challenging, but not all on the Trekking Trail. Yes, the Himalayas trekking route has some difficulty but not beyond our physical capacity. With the support of our trekking guide, porters, and friends, you can achieve your dream of the Himalayas trekking in Nepal.

Most importantly, with our four weeks of Trekking Fitness Guide, you will be fit and achieve beyond your dream.

Some parts of trekking trails are challenging, which will test your physical endurance. Similarly, the thin air due to high altitude makes you feel difficult. All our activities are not like in our home garden. But slow and steady pace cope with trek difficulty of Everest High Pass Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit.

Number of Trekking Days

The level of difficulty increases with the number of trekking days you spend on the trail. For example, the Everest High Pass trek involves 14 days of trekking but two extra acclimatization days and rest. Similarly, Annapurna circuit trekking in Nepal needs to continue for 11 days from camp to camp, with one acclimatization day. The longer the trek, need our body more rest to revitalize with the same level of energy.

Rest and acclimatization day not only helps to revive your energy but also helps with altitude sickness risk. Above all, the views you get from the hike make your mind determined about completing the trek.

Trekking Distance

With the Everest High Pass Trek, we cover a total distance of approximately 194 kilometers. Each day we will hike about 10-12 km while hiking towards a high pass, while about 16-20 km on trackback. But only 5-7 km on the acclimatization rest day in both trek of Everest Three high pass and Annapurna circuit.

Even to cover this 10/12 km distance between camps, we need to spend more time on the trail because of dwindling oxygen levels above 3500 meters altitude.

On the other hand, Round Annapurna trek around the Annapurna massif also comes with some trek difficulty. This 140 Km long route starts with a lower altitude, in which the average daily hiking distance is 12-14 km. As we gain altitude, our camps are shorter, and our trekking distance matches our energy level.

No matter which treks you choose, there are not many differences in Trek Difficulty. You need to trek for about 6-8 hours in both treks and cover distant about 12 km each day. You will feel the same level of challenges in the Everest High Pass Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek. If you rate 10/10 difficulty in Everest Circuit, you will surely rate 9.5/10 for Round Annapurna. This difference is because of the altitude you started your trek, the maximum height you need to cross, and the surrounding green vegetation.

The Everest Three High Pass Trek is a little more challenging than the Annapurna Circuit trekking in Nepal. Similarly, it is a longer and higher trekking trail that also combines three different passes.

NOTE: If you choose Ice Lake for an acclimatization hike, the day will be the most difficult one in Annapurna Circuits Trek. Also, it will be the longest one, which takes up to 8-9 hours steep up and down.

Trail Type and Elevation Reach

The trekking trail of the Annapurna circuit trek is overall in good condition. For even most part, you will hike on the motor-able track with vehicles. However, it is not a pleasant, more accessible trail for hiking. However, because of the route along Throng-La 5416 meters, it is not difficult to walk.

The Everest High Pass Trekking trail is a mix of the track, barrier, icy and rugged, even needs to hike on glaciers, combines the Kalapatthar hiking for Sunrise, which is one highest hikes, and Everest base camp and Kongma La Pass of 5535m.

Both Annapurna Trekking and Everest circuit trek cross five thousand meters above sea level. Annapurna Circuit Trek, you travel only once at Throng-La Pass, which is 5416 m. But Everest High Pass Trek, You will cross six places above 5 meters. Even one you will spend one night at 5130 m at Gorekshep.

Highest points on Everest Three High Pass Trek

1. Kalapatther 4450 m.

2. Kongma La, 5,535 m.

3. Cho La pass, 5,420 m.

4. EBC, 5,364 m.

5. Gokyo Ri, 5,330 m.

6. Renjo La, 5,340 m.

7. Gorekshep ( Highest Place of Sleep ) 5130 m.

The one similarity is the swinging suspension bridges that you cross along the trekking trail. Some are high, some are long, and some are attractive with prayer flags. But, most importantly, you will be safe on these footbridges.

AMS Risk

The risk of a ruined trip is slightly higher on the Everest Three High Pass trek than on the Annapurna Circuit trek. Further, the Everest high pass trek has two different acclimatization days rather than the Annapurna circuit, but it worked because of the green vegetation and lower altitude trekking trailhead. Annapurna circuit trek starts at 820 meters at Beshisahar, while most of the Everest trek begins at 2868 meters high.

If you do not have any previous high-altitude trekking experience, 16 Days Annapurna Circuit will be the more brilliant option.

Always the trek above 3500 meters above sea level comes with altitude sickness risk. The majority of trekkers feel some symptoms of AMS, but very few got severe ones. There is no sure-shot answer whether you will be okay with AMS or not. But with healthy food and drinks, acclimatization, rest, slow-steady hiking with the perfect itinerary, and experience, you can cope with Altitude Sickness.

With this strategy, Trekking Trail Nepal is holding the records of ZERO RESCUE with a 100% SUCCESS RATE. So with Trekking Trail Nepal, you are in a safe hand.

4. Weather

Weather is the important deciding factor whether your trek will be a good experience or the most adventurous one. In simple words, every trekking plan must start with the weather, exceptionally high altitudes like Annapurna Everest Three Pass Trek.

Himalayas' weather is highly variable, and even in some cases, it becomes dangerous. However, the Annapurna circuit trail is in central and Everest in the Eastern Himalayas of Nepal but comes with similar weather patterns, seasons, and intensity. Because Nepal is a small country and the Himalayas share some weather features.

The two significant seasons trekkers have to plan perfectly and care intensely are the Monsoon and winter. On the other hand, spring and fall are the best trekking season for Nepal, whether Everest High Pass Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Best seasons for Trekking in Nepal

Peak seasons for both the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Three High Pass trek are autumn and spring. Moderate temperature, longer days, blue sky, flowers and greenery, festivals feature, and snow-white peaks make the spring and autumn seasons best for trekking in Nepal.

1. Spring Season: March, April, May till mid-June

2. Autumn Season: Mid-September, October, November to mid-December

• Check out The Best Trekking Season In Nepal.

Monsoon Season – Summer in Nepal

In summer, Nepal is affected by the Indian subcontinental Monsoon, which enters from the east towards the west. the most prominent Monsoon in the world. The monsoon season in Nepal starts in June and lasts long till mid-September. In the same vein, the temperature reaches its highest point, with dense humidity and continuous rains. The monsoon rain in Nepal continues for several days. It hit day and night over weeks and receives 75-85% rainfall between these months.

Trekkers are not restricted to embarking on the Annapurna Circuit Trek or Everest High Pass Trek even in the monsoon season. Only the trekkers who love rain, leach, slippery trails, flooded waterfall, and the cloudy Himalayas still hit the trail.

Although landslide and flight cancellation makes the trek dangerous, the trail is more peaceful, wild green nature, cheap flights, and a discounted trekking package attract thousands of trekkers for Monsoon trekking in Nepal.

Winter Season - Months of January and February

The winter season comes with colder temperatures, epically during January and February. Lower altitude gets chilly morning and evening while sunny day. Similarly, a higher altitude above 2500 meters comes with heavy snowfall, even blocking the trail. Unless you are experienced with these sorts of climatic conditions or guided in a big group with the best trekking gear and equipment, you do not recommend Everest High Pass Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek. However, treks like Everest, Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, Mohare Danda Trek, Dhampus Sarangkot, and Poon Hill Trekking. It can be completed easily, even in peak winter.

Trekking trails are certainly peaceful during winter trekking in Nepal. Even the view is crispy. The temperature will be between 11° C at max and goes negative up to -32° C at higher altitudes. The icy trekking trails and cold drizzling wind makes it even harder to complete the destination.

Best Season for Everest High Pass Trek

Autumn and spring season is the best season for Everest 3 High Pass Trek. Spring spread between March, April, and May, while autumn covers September, October, and November. However, this climatic division is because of global warming and climate change. The shining tents on the various base camps of the Mountains and renowned mountaineers around the globe are the one exciting part of Everest Trekking in the spring month. Especially the Everest Base Camp feels like a spiritual modern tent town standing over the Khumbu glaciers with stand-by copper with a satellite station for communication and weather.

Alternatively, autumn is another peak season for the Everest High Pass trek. In September, November, and mid-December, the weather and views are perfect, making autumn another best season for Everest trekking.

Best Season for Annapurna Circuit Trek

In short, Best Season for Annapurna Circuit Trek is similar to Everest High Pass. The Autumn season ( September, October, and November) and spring season ( March, April, and May) are considered the best season and months for the Annapurna Circuit trek. These two best seasons have different perks as well as disadvantages.

Spring, for instance, offers orchids, greenery, and very light snowfall to raise the adventure level. However, the days during day time, especially at lower altitudes, are scorching. Simply, the cultivated and harvested crops fields, festivals, and the perfect temperature for hiking is the feature of autumn season trekking in the Annapurna circuit. Admittedly, the trail is a little crowded, but the magical views of the Himalayas help to skip these drawbacks.

The Annapurna Circuit and Everest Three High Pass with Base Camp treks have grown in popularity in recent decades. However, there are some advantages and disadvantages to trekking in Nepal because you are not the only trekkers who dream about the Himalayas. You have to share the trail and lodges even view with others in both treks of Everest Circuit or Annapurna Circuit.

5. Costs: Everest High Pass Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek

Every holiday out of your home needs lots of resources. Some are of high importance, while some are less valued. The most important one is Money.

Every aspect related to your holidays comes with a cost. Some are cheap while some are expensive. However, the high price does not mean the best. Sometimes low-cost items and services come with great value. Here the cost is not only for Everest High Pass Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek. We are talking about the cost of the whole trip; starting from your home and back to your home.

Cost Of Everest High Pass vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek,

As we compare the cost of the trip, Annapurna Circuit Trek comes at a lower cost. Even if we calculate the average cost per day; the Everest Three High Pass trek is a little expensive. Because of the high price of flight between Lukla-Kathmandu and transportation cost mostly done by cargo chopper. While in the Annapurna circuit trek, a newly constructed road network was almost in all big towns along the trail.

The cost of the Everest Three High Pass Trek is ranging from USD 1700 to 4500 per person. Similarly, Annapurna Circuit Trek costs USD 1200 to 3100 per person. A Nepal-based local company like Trekking Trail Nepal offers the best-priced high-valued complete package. On the other hand, international brands cost more heightened because of to cover extra marketing, rather than services.

An all-inclusive trekking package covers about 90% of the basic requirements you must need for trekking in Nepal. The rest 10% cost is almost personal and interest, like tipping, drinking, and luxury dining. For instance, Trekking Trail Nepal's Everest High Pass Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek cover all transport inside Nepal, Guides, Porters, Permits, Accommodation, nearly all meals, entry fees, Government taxes, and essentials.

There are many good reasons to travel with a tour operator when embarking on an adventure holiday, like trekking to Everest Base Camp or along the Annapurna Circuit. An apparent reason is safety, and another is that most of the admin and busy work is taken care of for you.

The Annapurna Circuit trekking is more affordable than the Three High Pass trek with Everest Base Camp. If you book and trek with a local trek operator, you certainly help the economy of Nepal.

Cost of Trekking Gears

If you are not a regular trekker and start with one of the Everest High Pass Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek, your total cost of the trip is undoubtedly high. Quality trekking gear and equipment do not come in cheap. However, Trekking Trail Nepal offers the primary trekking gear like a sleeping bag, duffel bag, and down jacket for the trek. The same trekking gear and equipment will work for both Everest High Pass Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek tours. Check out the Trekking Gears Checklist for Annapurna Circuit Trek and Everest Three Pass Trek. Buying Nepalese local trekking gear, hiring, and re-selling may help you get the trekking cost lower.

Cost of International flights

International Flight cost is the one heavy item that takes most of the trip cost for Everest Circuit or Annapurna Circuit Trek. Depict of many direct flights to many big hub cities; international flight to-from Nepal does not come cheap. The price is pretty high during the peak season; however, the price decreases for Monsoon and winter.

6. Mountains Everest vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek

The shining and staggering Highest Mountains are one of the prime reasons any of you head to Nepal. Nepal is the home of the Himalayas, in which you find 8 of the world's Highest Mountains.

Mountains From Everest Trekking Trail

The Name Everest Three High Pass Trek is enough to present the understanding you will feel the Highest Peak in the world: Mount Everest. To be precise, you not only experience the allure of Mt. Everest from several points, but you will explore its Base camp.

Everest trekking is not only about Mount Everest. Most importantly, the Everest High Pass trek offers views of the other three 8000er mountains. Mount Cho-Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu will become visible from several points while other dozens of beautiful mountains will be your company during the trek.

On the other hand, the Annapurna circuit trek also offers three different eight-thousanders of Himalayas peaks. These peaks are not high as you see in the Everest trek but dramatically beautiful and take a position in the top 10 list.

Mountains on Everest Three High Pass Trek

1. Ama Dablam 6,812 m is the most iconic and beautiful mountain in the Everest Trekking Region. The shape is so distinct that it makes you confused every day. Mt. Ama Dablam is also known as Matterhorn. However, we say the queen of the Himalayas. Ama Dablam Base Camp Trekis one new easy trek in the Everest area.

2. Nuptse 7,861 m is known as the stately just in the south of Mt. Everest. You will be surprised by the massiveness of Nuptse when you see it from Lobuche. It is the protector of Mt. Everest from the southern side.

3. Taboche 6,542 m and Cholatse 6,440 m are two adjoined long ridge mountains. The name of Cho-La Pass comes from this peak at the base of Cholatse Lake. Similarly, the Taboche is a tilting mountain close to Pheriche close by the Everest Base camp trek route.

4. Mount Lhotse is the fourth highest mountain in the world, with 8516 m in height. Lhotse means east in the Tibetan language, which typically means the east of a significant attraction, Mt. Everest. You will see the massif south ridge after Kongma La Pass towards Chukhung Valley.

5. Makalu is the fifth highest peak in the world, with an 8485-meter height.

6. Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain whey you will experience from Renjo La Pass to Cho-La Pass with Gokyo-Ri.

There are, of course, many many other beautiful white-icy crowded mountains along the route of Everest High Pass Trek. Unfortunately, it is not possible to provide in-depth details, so we mention a few others here. Kongde, Thamserku, Kangtage, Kusum-Khangru, Dorje Lakpa, Ice Peak, Island Peak, and Peak 38 are just the names to mention here.

Mountains on Annapurna Circuit

As you know, Nepal is home to 8 of the 14 highest mountains in the world. Annapurna Circuit Trek comes with different sets of mountains. Let's check some of them.

1. Mount Annapurna I is the tenth-highest peak globally, with a height of 8,091 m. Although the trek has its name, This peak is only possible to see from only one point of Circuit Trail, near Kalopani.

2. 7485-meter-high Khangsar Kang is an adjacent mountain you see next to the base of Ice Lake. Ice Lake is the best acclimatization hike which is at 4600 meters Northern-east of Braga.

3. Annapurna II (7,937 m). This is the sixteenth-highest mountain in the world. The eastern peak of the whole Annapurna Mountains range.

4. Throng Peak is the one attraction of the Annapurna Circuit trek. This 6144 meters high peak is one famous accessible climbing peak in Annapurna. At the base of this mountain, we will cross the highest point of our trek. The name Throng La Pass comes from this mountain.

5. The White mountain Dhaulagiri is the seventh highest mountain globally with 8,167 m in height. This mountain belongs to a different range called the Dhaulagiri range just west of the Annapurna massif.

6. Machhapuchhre, aka Fishtail, is the most iconic mountain of Nepal. Just with a height of 6,993 m, its top is still unclimbed. This Mountain shape is constantly changing, but the best view is from Pokhara, where Annapurna Circuit Trek comes to an end.

7. Mount Manaslu is another eight thousand peaks you can see from the Annapurna Circuit trek. The sky limit's height of 8163 m comes under the Manaslu Himalayas range in the east of Annapurna.

8. Chulu Mid, with a height of 6,584 m, is another famous climbing mountain along the side of the Annapurna Circuit Trail.

As our record, we can see 43 different mountains along the route of the Annapurna circuit trek. Let us take the name of a few other names here as Annapurna 4, Pisang Peak, Himal Chuli, Nilgiri, Ganga Purna, Tilicho, Khangsar Peak, Muktinath Peak, Shree Peak. In short, to get witness the majesty of the High Mountains, you must hit the trail, experience the tour, and capture the views.

7. People, Cultural, and Religion

Nepal is not only the home of high mountains. This tiny gem has more language, culture, mixed religion, and diverse traditions with 1200 years of history.

The Everest Three High Pass Camp trek takes place in the eastern Himalayas, while the Annapurna Circuit is in the country's central region. However, there is a similarity between cultural and religious but vast significant differences in people and lifestyles.

Sherpa People Everest Region

If you like to immerse yourself in just one area with the same culture, religion, and people, Everest Trekking is best for you. The whole area of the Everest Himalayas region is the home of the Sherpa community. These are the people who are renowned for mountaineering as Mt. Everest rises in their backyard.

Sherpa people arrive in Nepal from Tibet between the 14th to 15th centuries crossing the pass close to Cho Oyu via the Numzumpo glacier. Any of the treks on Everest takes you to the core of the Sherpa people and culture. Sherpa people follow the Tibetan Buddhism religion practiced in the region later in the 16th century.

However, they have different lifestyles and cultures to cope with the high altitude and colder weather. The Trekking Trail of the Everest region passes through the colorful stupas, Manes, and monasteries, decorated with colorful flags and paints. The Tibetan chanting, along with the scents of incense and junipers, makes you feel in the cultural heart. People, Cultural, and religions of the Khumbu region are always able to please trekking.

Different people groups of the Annapurna Circuit

Round Annapurna Trekking trail exposes you to diverse cultures, religions, and many ethnical groups of people. Here you will able to experience the various communities with the culture of the Everest 3-pass trek. Annapurna Circuit gives you a broader perspective of the People, Cultural, and Religion of Nepal.

The first part of the Annapurna Circuit, until the Chame comes with mixed culture. This trail section is low land with a subtropical climate. The people are majority Hindus, but they share the practices with Buddhists. Most of the people are Chhetri and Brahmins, which cover about 30% of the national population.

As the religious differences, you can experience differences in culture and lifestyle. The religious monuments and attractions are different before Chame and after. Hindu temple, god and goddess statue, and sacred sites made with costume comes in the first part trail. As we gain height, these changes to the Buddhist monastery, stupas, prayer flags, and ancient Gumba continue until the Yak Kharka.

After the Throng-La Pass, the unique Mix-Religion people and religion make Annapurna Circuit Trek the best. The temple of Muktinath has an unusual practice in the world. Temple situated at 4000 meters is the most important pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists as well Jain. The priest here comes from both religions, Buddhism and Hinduism. The area is the home of the Thakali people, who live on the banks of the Kaligandaki River. The people are half Buddhist and half Hindu. They celebrate all religious festivals in their unique way. Some consider Hindu, while some follow Buddhism, but the traditions, lifestyle, and customs highly match Sherpa people.

The Annapurna trekking region is home to distinct people, ethnicity, caste, religion, migration history, and languages. This unique feature of People, Cultural, and Religion with biodiversity makes Annapurna Circuit trek the world's most incredible Hikes.

8. Alternative Trails: Everest High Pass Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek

The essential quality of the Himalayas trekking in Nepal is that it offers various alternative trekking trails. These range from difficult to easy, short to long, cultural to adventurous, and new to the world. Whichever trek you choose, Everest High Pass Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek comes with many Alternative Trekking Trails.

In the Annapurna Circuit trek, there are not many alternative trails choice as the pass trekking. However, this trek has many side excursions and day trips, ranging from 1-4 days. These day hiking trips along the original trekking trail of the Annapurna circuit featured the trek with culture, nature, and adventure.

Some of the Alternative Trekking Trail and Attraction Annapurna Circuit trek are listed below.

1. Nar Phu Kang La Pass with Throng La Pass Trek – 2 Pass Trek of Annapurna with the village of Nar and Phu

2. Tilicho Lake Trek is the four days of extra hiking from Manang to the World's Highest Lake, 4949 m

3. Mesokonta La Pass – The Alternative Pass of Throng-La. Mesokonta La Pass is the most challenging trekking pass in Nepal. It takes about 15 hours on the narrowest and isolation area between Tilicho Lake and Thini Village.

4. Dona Lake: The easiest Glacier Hike, which starts from Dharapani.

5. Milarepa Cave is a one day of historical and cultural hiking around Manang

6. Ice Lake: The beautiful one-day acclimatization hike in Braga, Manang

In the same vein, Everest Three High Pass Trek also comes with many alternative trekking trails. Some are for hiking, while some are making the trek short.

Let us dive into and get some of the popular trail options for Everest Three High Pass

1. Choice of Pass – As your interest, need, and days are available, you can choose the number of a pass in the Everest Circuit Trek. You can do only Renjo La Pass Trek, Chola Pass Trek, Kongma La Pass Trek, or a combination of any 2. Similarly, you can add or skip Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar's viewpoint to your needs. Any of your choices, you can make a loop and achieve circuit trek benefits.

2. Ama Dablam Base Camp Hike – 1-day hike to the base camp of the Most Beautiful mountain of Everest. This hike starts from Pangboche as well ends.

3. Chukhung Valley: One of the isolated villages at the end of Dingboche village, at the southern base camp of Lhotse. Above all, this route takes to Island Peak Base Camp.

4. Fifth Lake and Cho-Oyu Base Camp: The high-altitude lake of Gokyo has a series of 5 lakes. The biggest and third one is Gokyo. The fifth lake lies near the base camp of Mount Cho-Oyu, covered in glaciers.

5. Phortse Village Hike – This village is the most un-benefited village from this massive tourism activity of Everest. Being it lies in the middle of the region, it does not touch the popular route to any Everest trekking. You can reach it here from Pangboche village on the Everest Base Camp trail or Phortse Thangna from Gokyo Lake Trek.

6. Everest 3 High Pass Trek is also possible from Jiri and Pikey Peak if you need longer trekking in Nepal. Choosing Jiri or Pikey Peak as a starting point, you can skip the original trailhead as Lukla, but it comes with 5-8 days of extra hiking.

7. Kongde Range: If you want to make the Extreme Everest Trekking, You can make a mage loop as a circuit trek with the Kongde range hike. You will not visit the Namche twice, but your Everest Circuit Trek will be extra significant and filled with adventure.

8. Everest Heli Trek is the idea that helps you to end your trek from a higher altitude. You will fly from the Everest Base Camp area in a helicopter and save some days as well as painful downhill hiking.

9: Attractions and Highlights

The Himalayas peaks around the range of Annapurna and Everest are significant attractions and Highlights of the High Pass trek and Circuit trek. So let's make it simpler to understand what you can expect and experience as unique parts of each tour.

Attractions and Highlights of Everest High Pass Trek

1. Everest Base Camp Trek: Everest Three High Pass combines with the world-famous Everest Base Camp.

2. Kalapatthar is the highest point of the entire Everest Three High Pass Trek. This Kalapatthar viewpoint of Mt. Everest is 5550 m high and best for Sunrise and sunset. Everest can't be seen from its base camp, while Kalapatthar offers the best close views.

3. Kongma La Pass: This is another high point and challenging part of Everest High Pass Trek but comes with different levels of excitement and attractions.

4. Cho La Pass 5,420 m: The pass of Cho-La is unique because it is the bridge between Gokyo Valley and Khumbu Valley. Views of the villages of Dzongla and Thagna are fantastic, covered by high mountain walls.

5. Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri 5,357 m: This viewpoint peak at the side of Gokyo Village close to Cho Oyu Mountain offers majestic views of the 3 Highest Mountains in the world. Besides, the views of blue lake, the village, and Nepal's largest Ngozumpa glacier are other highlights and attractions of the Everest High Pass Trek.

6. Renjo-La pass is the most accessible pass among Everest High Pass Trek, but the quality of the trail with its diverse nature is one highlight of the trek.

7. Lukla Airport is the world's most adventurous airport. Likewise, Syangboche Airport is the world's highest airstrip.

8. The oldest monastery of Pangboche with the biggest of Tengboche

9. Climbers Village of Thame and Khumjung, Sherpa cultural museum, and Yeti skull

10. World highest situated hotel at 3880 meters above sea level. Similarly, Khumbu Glacier, Imja Valley, and Khumbu Valley are other highlights of Everest Three High Pass Trekking in Nepal

Attractions and Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek

1. Throng Pass: The highest point of Annapurna Circuit Trek is the world's most comprehensive trekking pass.

2. Unique mix of culture, religion, people, and Topography.

3. The Highland rain shadow area of Nepal and the land of the Manangi people.

4. Beautiful River Valley of Marshyangdi and Kaligandaki.

5. The Andha-Galchi, the deepest gorge in the world.

6. Once it was the world's famous trekking tail.

7 Gold monastery of Pisang, Mani walls, prayers wheel, Caves with a living monk, and more.

8. The windy valley of Mustang along the Kaligandaki River valley with gold fossil

9. beautiful lakes like Gangapurna Lake, Ice Lake, Tilicho Lake, and Dhikhur Pokhari

10. Who can forget the beautiful city of Pokhara, where you end your Annapurna Circuit Trek?

• DO YOU KNOW: Tibetan Buddhism is the new modified Buddhism developed in the 18th century in Tibet, China. In short, Tibetan Buddhism is a mix religion of Original Buddhism and Bon, The oldest religion of the Himalayas.

10: Actual Differences: Everest High Pass Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit

You may get lost in the vast, diverse Nature, Culture, and Adventure in Everest High Pass Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek. Don't worry; Trekking Trail Nepal makes it simple for you to check all the significant differences. Ultimately helps you to choose the best trekking in Nepal from Everest Circuit Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit.

Differences	Everest Three High Pass Trek	Annapurna Circuit Trek
Trip Duration	19 Days	16 Days
Trailhead Accessibility	- 2 Domestic Flight between KTM-LKU-KTM	- 2 Days of Driving - 1 Domestic Flight between JSM-PKR
Trek Difficulty	Moderate to Hard	Easy to Moderate
Trekking Days	- 14 Days Trekking - 2 Days Acclimatization and Rest	- 13 Days Trekking - 1 Days Acclimatization and Rest
Trek Distance	194 Km (Lukla to Lukla)	140 Km ( Beshisahar to Jomsom)
Highest Point	5550 m, Kalapatthar	5416 m, Throng La Pass
Best Season and Months	Spring and Autumn March, April, May, June, September, October, November, and December	Spring and Autumn March, April, May, June, September, October, and November
Trekking Gears	Ideal Set of Trekking Gears is Enough	Perfect Set of Trekking Gears is Enough
Mountain Above 8000 Meters	Mount Everest Lhotse Makalu Cho Oyu	Dhaulagiri Manaslu Annapurna
Trek Route Type	Circuit Trekking Trail ( Namche to Namche )	Full Circuit Trekking Trail
Climatic	Alpine Mountainous Temperate Subtropical	Trans Himalayas Inner Mountainous Temperate Subtropical
Wild Life	- Less diverse, Home to a few endangered birds, plants, and, wild animals. - In Everest trekking, we can find Red Panda. Especially in the lower region. - During the Covid-19 period of 2020-2021, Local reports saw Snow Leopard near Namche, Phortse, and Jorsalle.	More diverse, many endangered birds, flora and fauna, orchids, herbs, and wild animals make the Annapurna home. Most significantly home to Snow Leopard
Common Animals for Both Trekking Areas	Himalayan black bears, Martens, Himalayan Thar, Musk Dear, Himalayan Wolves, and Himalayan blue sheep, are common in both treks.
Cultural / Traditions	Sherpa Culture	Thakali, Manangi and Traditional Hindu Culture
Internet and Communication	- Reception is available mostly ( Not in Dingboche Valley) - Lodge also offers paid internet services - NCELL has the best connectivity but less coverage	- Cellular Reception covers most of the trail - Lodge also offers paid internet services - NTC or NCELL both are the best
Religion	Tibetan Buddhism	Ancient Buddhism and Hinduism
Highlights	- 5 Series of Gokyo Lake with other high lakes - 4 Eight-thousanders Mountains of the world - 3 Three highest pass circuit - 2 Viewpoint of Kalapatthar and Gokyo-Ri all in 1 circuit trek - Tibetan Buddhism religion - Sherpa climber's town and culture - Adventurous airport of Lukla - Everest Base Camp Exploration	- Mountains, Valley, Rainshadow area, and diverse topography - Deepest River Valley - Mix culture and religion and lifestyle - Greatest mixed culture temple of Muktinath - Ice Lake and Tilicho Lake - Highest and Widest Pass of Throng-La - Flight over the Himalayas - Pokhara, the beautiful city of Nepal

Conclusion Annapurna Circuit Trek vs. Everest Three High Pass Trek

Now you may know the actual differences between the Annapurna Circuit Trek vs. Everest Three High Pass Trek. Our in-depth ground information differentiates the best trekking in Nepal. Both of these treks are best in class and come with different experiences. Because of their Himalayas, culture, adventure, and landscape, one cannot replace others. Likewise, any other best trek cannot replace it.

If you ask us, still which one to choose we indeed give you one any ANYONE. You will surely win on both treks whether the Annapurna Circuit trek or Everest Three High Pass Trek. However, we can suggest the best alternative after knowing your interests, fitness, and resources. If you are still confused about which adventure to choose in Annapurna Circuit Trek vs. Everest Three High Pass Trek, Please feel free to Contact Us. We will love to share our experience, knowledge, and updated information to help you plan the trek of your Lifetime.