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Trekking in Nepal -
Annapurna vs Everest
The two most popular trekking areas in Nepal are Everest and Annapurna. We are frequently asked, which of the two is the best place to trek. Well, how long is a piece of string! Both are brilliant trekking destinations. Remember, the two best things about trekking in Nepal are the mountain views and the friendly people. Everest and Annapurna have both.
The Everest area has, you guessed it, Mt Everest; the highest mountain on Earth. Depending on what trails you follow, you may also see 3 other peaks over 8,000m, Choy Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu. In Khumbu, as the Everest area is known, you get the sensation of being surrounded by mountains. To stand atop the viewpoint of Kala Pattar, with Mt Everest so close, and enveloped by a sea of snow peaks, is a euphoric, yet humbling, experience.
The inhabitants of Khumbu are the Sherpas, a tough, hardy, yet wonderfully open and friendly people who originally migrated from Tibet. Like their Tibetan brethren, they are devout Buddhists. Khumbu is permeated with monasteries, monuments, and inscriptions painted and etched in rocks. The lodge you sleep in will probably be an extension of a Sherpa house, staffed by members of your host family. This close interaction you have with the Sherpas will give you a wonderful insight into their unique culture.
The Annapurna area has its fair share of gigantic peaks, the highest being Annapurna 1, over 8,000m. Depending where your trek takes you, you may also see the other 8,000m giants, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. The view from the foothills is of an immense panoramic sweep of glittering snow and ice clad mountains. You won’t see Mt Everest from the Annapurna region. So if you’ve decided on an Annapurna trek but are really keen to see Everest while you’re in Nepal, we suggest you do the famous ‘Mountain Flight’ – a one hour flight that takes you close to Mt Everest – the views are better than you get from any trek.
The Annapurnas are noted for the ethnic diversity of its inhabitants; The villages of the Gurung, Magar, Brahmin, Chetri, Manangi, Thakali and other farming and trading groups dot the valleys and ridges. Wherever you roam, you’ll find the people friendly, hospitable and unabashedly curious.
In summary, we can’t recommend one trekking area over another. Both are sensational! We can only suggest that you do both!
In 2010 Back Track are taking our Hidden Annapurna and Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Lakes treks. In 2011 we’ll be introducing remote treks along the Great Himalayan Trail. Details will be in the April Edition of our Newsletter.
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Everest
Base Camp &
Gokyo Lakes |
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Hidden Annapurna |
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