Side by side
| Pikey Peak Trek | Annapurna Base Camp Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 6 | 10 |
| Highest point | 4,065 m | 4,130 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | |
| Total distance | 100 km | 110 km |
| Best months | March to May and October to December | March to April and October to December |
| Typical cost | $1,000 to $2,000 | $650 to $1,200 |
| Starts from | Dhap or Phaplu | Nayapul or Jhinu Danda, near Pokhara |
| Permits | 1 | 1 |
Choose the Pikey Peak Trek if
The Pikey Peak Trek is a short, low-altitude route in the lower Solukhumbu region. It offers some of the best panoramic views of the Mount Everest range without the need for long acclimatization. The trail passes through authentic Sherpa villages, quiet monasteries, and lush rhododendron forests.
Requires a good level of physical fitness.
Choose the Annapurna Base Camp Trek if
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a 10 day route in central Nepal that climbs through terraced villages and bamboo forest into the Annapurna Sanctuary at 4,130 m. It starts near Pokhara, needs no flight, and is the best first Himalayan trek for most people.
Long staircase days rather than thin air. The altitude stays low enough that acclimatisation is rarely the limiting factor, but the stone steps above Chhomrong punish unprepared knees.
