Lumbini vs Annapurna Base Camp
Pick Lumbini for
peace and quiet, tight budgets, family trips, fewer people, an easier walk, a smaller budget, fewer days
Pick Annapurna Base Camp for
adventure, a real challenge, photography
| Lumbini | Annapurna Base Camp | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Nepal, Rupandehi, Lumbini | Nepal, Kaski, Gandaki |
| Highest point | 180 m | 4,130 m |
| Difficulty | Easy | Moderate |
| Trek distance | No trek needed | about 110 km |
| Days on the ground | 2–3 | 8–10 |
| Best months | Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov |
| Snow likely | Rarely | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar |
| Crowds in season | Moderate | Busy |
| Daily spend | about ₹2,500 | about ₹3,500 |
| Gateway | Bhairahawa (Gautam Buddha Airport) | Pokhara |
| With kids | Great | Not advised |
| With seniors | Great | Not advised |
| Permits | Indian citizens: passport or voter ID; no visa needed. Monastic zone entry is free. | ACAP permit. Guide rules for foreign trekkers changed in 2023 — check current rules for Indian nationals with the Nepal Tourism Board. |
Lumbini: when to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely
Annapurna Base Camp: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely