Everest Base Camp is by far the most well-known and is widely considered a relatively challenging trek taking around 12 – 13 days depending on your precise itinerary.

What do you think the shortest time you can do Everest Base Camp in?

The anticipation and excitement of flying up into the Everest Region provides the buzz, that feeling of flying into another world. The tiny airport (Lukla) that serves the region is, after all, considered the most dangerous airport in the world given its vulnerability to the mountain weather, which is why you need a resilient itinerary on any Everest Base Camp trek. And another world it is too. There are no roads, no vehicles, everything is moved by humans or pack animals.

Physically, taken at a relaxed pace, there’s nothing too extreme here with 2 or 3 sections worthy of note where climbing steeply for a couple of hours on each occasion is involved. But when you add the altitude, potential disruptive weather and the basic (and harsh) conditions, it becomes a different beast.

There is no question that this is a stunning trek; you have a constant view of the biggest mountains on the planet. The challenge is to cope with what I describe as harsh conditions; living conditions are relatively basic (albeit in lodges), the temperatures are low (especially at night) and the high altitude will cause all sorts of changes to your body. There is undoubtedly an element of robustness required.

Reaching EBC is therefore a feat in itself. It is certainly not a given. Some are a little disappointed as there is no formal ‘base camp’, the term EBC really refers to a general location as there are no buildings. The traditional location of the base camp is at the turn of the Khumbu glacier where it pitches up to the right through what is known as the Khumbu Ice Fall. Hundreds of tents are sprawled out, pitched on the glacier (usually in expedition groups), clear of perceived avalanche threats. It is a sight to behold in April/May when the climbing season is in full flow.

Read our Comprehensive Review of the Everest Base Camp trek.

Annapurna Base Camp is a different kettle of fish. Located in the heart of the Annapurna’s some 200km west of Everest, the area is accessed through Pokhara, a 6 hr drive or 30 min flight from Kathmandu. The trek length is similar but at 4130m, the maximum altitude on this trek is much lower.

ABC is a group of stone buildings, providing a much more comfortable base for climbers and visitors generally to ABC. It is a fantastic location, an absolute amphitheatre of snow and ice, being completely surrounded by towering peaks. Sunrise on Annapurna South is a wonderful sight.

For those looking for a physical challenge, just because the maximum altitude (4130m) isn’t as high, don’t underestimate the physicality of this trek. In my view, it matches the EBC route easily with its fair share of long steep heart pumping ascents. Whilst the route up to ABC itself (within the Annapurna Sanctuary) is out and back (5 days), the route to get to that point can be different to the exit route (recommended), making the whole trip more varied and interesting.

A recommendation would be to go in the shortest way (Landruk or Ghandruk), and exit via Ghorepani, which means you’ll also take in Poon Hill.

Read our comprehensive review of the Annapurna trekking region.

The paragliding is world class in Pokhara.