If you are choosing between Langtang and Annapurna Base Camp, you are comparing two private teahouse treks that we grade as Moderate. Both are led by a licensed guide, and both start by road from Kathmandu. The differences are in length, altitude, getting there and cost.
In this article
Every figure below comes from our own trip pages for the Langtang Valley Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Side by side
| Langtang Valley Trek | Annapurna Base Camp Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 10 days | 13 days |
| Highest point | 4,773 m (Kyanjin Ri) | 4,130 m (Annapurna Base Camp) |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting to the trailhead | Public bus to Syabrubesi, 5 to 6 hours | Tourist bus to Pokhara, 7 to 9 hours, then about 2 hours by private vehicle to Birethanti |
| Internal flight | None | None |
| Seasons we list | Autumn, spring, winter, monsoon | Autumn, spring |
| Price per person, 1 traveller | US$770 | US$1,280 |
| 2 to 3 travellers | US$640 | US$1,065 |
| 4 to 6 travellers | US$600 | US$1,000 |
| 7 or more travellers | US$565 | US$935 |
Prices are per person for the Standard tier. Comfort adds 18 percent and Luxury adds 45 percent on both treks.
Days and pace
Langtang is the shorter trip. After the drive to Syabrubesi you have six walking days: up the valley to Kyanjin Gompa, a day for the viewpoints, then back down. Most walking days run 5 to 6 hours.
Annapurna Base Camp takes 13 days because it starts in Pokhara and climbs through Ulleri, Ghorepani and Poon Hill before it turns towards the Sanctuary. Several days run 6 to 8 hours, and the trail includes long flights of stone steps and a very steep descent to Jhinu Danda.
Altitude
Langtang has the higher top point. Kyanjin Ri reaches 4,773 m, and Tserko Ri at 4,984 m is there as a longer, harder option if you want it. You sleep lower, though. Your highest night is at Kyanjin Gompa, 3,830 m, and the walk up to it is a shorter day on purpose, which helps with acclimatisation.
On Annapurna Base Camp you sleep at the top. The night at Annapurna Base Camp is spent at 4,130 m, and the route gets there without a technical day.
Getting there
Neither trek needs an internal flight. Langtang is a single public bus from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. If you would rather have your own vehicle, it costs about US$280 extra for the round trip, shared across your group.
Annapurna Base Camp adds a Pokhara leg. That means a tourist bus from Kathmandu, two nights in a lakeside hotel in Pokhara, and a private vehicle to the trailhead. Some travellers like having Pokhara built in. Others would rather spend those days on the trail.
Seasons
Annapurna Base Camp is listed for autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). Langtang is listed for all four seasons, including winter and monsoon. If your dates fall outside autumn and spring, ask us what to expect before you decide.
What each trek offers
Langtang is a valley walk to Kyanjin Gompa, with a visit to the monastery and the yak cheese factory, and Tamang villages that were rebuilt after 2015. You can read more in our Langtang Valley Trek guide.
Annapurna Base Camp takes you into the Annapurna Sanctuary, with a Poon Hill sunrise on the way in and the hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the way out. Our day-by-day itinerary walks through every stage, and the cost breakdown shows what the price covers.
Price
Langtang costs less at every group size. For two or three travellers the gap is US$425 each. The Annapurna price also covers more of the trip: the Pokhara hotel nights, the Kathmandu to Pokhara bus both ways, the private vehicle at each end of the trail and a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. Both prices include permits, a licensed guide, porters and a down jacket and sleeping bag on loan.
Which one suits you
Langtang may suit you if you have about ten days, want a simpler start from Kathmandu, would like the higher viewpoint, or want the lower price.
Annapurna Base Camp may suit you if you have thirteen days, want to reach the Sanctuary, like the idea of Poon Hill and hot springs on the same route, and are happy with a few long walking days.
Still undecided? If you are weighing Annapurna Base Camp against a bigger name, see Everest Base Camp vs Annapurna Base Camp. You can also contact us with your dates and group size, and we will help you pick.