As the flowers blossom and birds chirp in the spring seasons of March to May, so do the tourist activities increase in Nepal, especially mountain climbing and trekking!
Likewise, the autumn of September to November is also known as one of the best seasons for valuable tourist inflow in the country especially in the Himalayas.
Amongst all tourism approaches, trekking or helicopter rides to base camps appear as favorite activities for tourists.
In this article, we will debate the topic of Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Basecamp, which is more ideal than the other for a visit!
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A Comparative Table On Annapurna Base Camp VS Everest Base Camp
Before diving into a comparative discussion, let’s identify an interesting fact about the two base camps.
Annapurna Base Camp is located on the lap of the 10th highest mountain in the world. Likewise, Everest Base Camp holds and even impeccable reputation for being located in the lap of the tallest mountain in the world, i.e. Mount Everest.
| Attributes | Annapurna Base Camp | Everest Base Camp |
| Altitude | 4,130m | 5,364m |
| Heli ride time | 2-3 Hours | 4 Hours |
| Cost per person (heli ride) | Cost usually ranges between $350 to $500 USD. | Cost typically ranges from $900 to $1,200. |
| Point of Departure | Flight starts usually from Pokhara | Flight commences from Kathmandu |
| Difficulty | Moderately Difficult | Difficult |
| Best season | spring (March-May) and fall (October- November) | spring (March-May) and fall (October- November) |
| Crowd | Estimated 25000-30000 annually | Estimated 35000-40000 anually |
| Food Options | Dal Bhat, potatoes, lentils, momos, western foods, dido, yam, gundruk | Sherpa stew, tsampa, western food, bakeries offering fresh bakes |
| Travel Recommendation | Group travel | Group travel |
Altitude:
Annapurna Base Camp is a highly situated landscape in Nepal’s exquisite beauty list. The exact location is 4,130m above the sea-level. Likewise, the Everest Base Camp which is as profound as the gateway to the top of the world, is located at an even astonishingly elevated altitude of 5,364m.
Ride Time:
Annapurna Base Camp helicopter tour is a 2-3 hour ride while the Everest Base Camp tours pull slightly more extra minutes at 4 hours.
Cost Per Person [Helicopter Ride]:
Opting for an Annapurna Base Camp tour, the starting price usually enlists between $350 to $500.In a similar fashion of events, the Everest Base Camp tour operates at a cost ranging from $900 to $1,200.
Point Of Departure:
The point of departure to Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp are Pokhara and Kathmandu respectively, opening the journey with excitement and thrill.
Difficulty:
The difficulty level in any adventure activity is always above the low difficulty level or even average. Given the dynamic challenges that envies every step of the tour, both these Base Camp helicopter tours are moderately difficult.
Best Seasons:
The best seasons to enjoy a Heli-tour are undoubtedly, spring (March-May) and fall (October- November), speaking specifically for these two Base Camps.
Crowd and Travel Recommendation:
Group travel is greatly recommended for Both ABC tour and the Everest tour with the average tourist inflow nearing the range of 25000-30000 for ABC and 35000-40000 for Everest Base Camp.
Food Options:
Food Options are the highest source of nutrition, uncompromisable to channel sufficient energy for the tour. Dal Bhat, potatoes, lentils, momos, western foods, dido, yam, gundruk, Sherpa stew, tsampa, western food, and bakeries offering fresh bakes are commonly found foods during ABC tour and Everest Base Camp tour.
Detailed Insights On Annapurna Base Camp Heli-tour
- Annapurna Base Camp is the gateway to the majestic Annapurna Mountain nestled at an altitude of 4,130 metres.
- The Journey usually inaugurates from the beautiful land of Pokhara offering magical sightings of the Annapurna mountain range, Machapucharea, and several other majestic peaks
- Speaking of the flight time, it usually takes around 45 minutes to fly from Pokhara to Annapurna Base Camp, gliding high in the winds, passing over green forests, rocky landscapes, and beautiful little villages
- The perfect time of the year to take this heli-ride are the months of Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March To May)
- Usually, a group-sharing ride demands only $350 to $500 while booking a private charter easily leads to $2,000 to $2500, out of pocket.
Detailed Insights On Everest Base Camp Heli-tour
- On a helicopter, the Everest Base Camp tour is the easiest way to witness the forehead nearest to the sky, “Mount Everest”. This experience is a once-in-a-lifetime worth every penny!
- This wonderful flight operates from Kathmandu to the Everest Base Camp, located at an altitude of 5,364 m.
- Given, the landing point at Kalapathar accompanied by clicking photographs and resting for some time, the total duration of this flight is 4-5 hours, compiling the transfer and the flight time in and out.
- The ideal times to take this helicopter ride are the seasons of Autumn( September to November) and Spring (March to May), during which the weather, skies, and environment are all in excellent condition.
- When riding in a group, the price per person for the Everest Base Camp Heli-tour averages from $900 to $1200. However, the cost for private heli-tour lists is $4,000 to $5,500.
Keeping aside the choice factor, it is upon you to choose which of these Base Camp tours favors you better. Both the Annapurna and Everest Base Camp tours are excellent choices to add to your next expedition list.
Besides, here are additional tips that help elevate your overall experience:
- Finding the best deal and timely booking are synonymous. Hence, booking in advance, especially during the peak trekking sessions, ensures you do not miss this year’s trip.
- Having early insurance ensures that all high-altitude helicopter flights are covered, especially if any medical emergency arises.
- Carrying medical itineraries and preparing for unforeseeable situations such as mountain sickness or severe colds is the most important tip to consider.
