Annapurna Base Camp vs Gokyo Lakes
Pick Annapurna Base Camp for
an easier walk, a smaller budget, fewer days
Pick Gokyo Lakes for
nature, fewer people
| Annapurna Base Camp | Gokyo Lakes | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Nepal, Kaski, Gandaki | Nepal, Solukhumbu |
| Highest point | 4,130 m | 5,357 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Difficult |
| Trek distance | about 110 km | about 120 km |
| Days on the ground | 8–10 | 11–13 |
| Best months | Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov | Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov |
| Snow likely | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar |
| Crowds in season | Busy | Moderate |
| Daily spend | about ₹3,500 | about ₹4,500 |
| Gateway | Pokhara | Kathmandu (Lukla flight) |
| With kids | Not advised | Not advised |
| With seniors | Not advised | Not advised |
| Permits | ACAP permit. Guide rules for foreign trekkers changed in 2023 — check current rules for Indian nationals with the Nepal Tourism Board. | Sagarmatha National Park + Khumbu local area fee. Check current guide rules. |
Annapurna Base Camp: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely
Gokyo Lakes: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely