Annapurna Circuit crosses Thorong La at 5,416 m and finishes toward Pokhara through a rain-shadow. Annapurna Base Camp walks into a bowl of peaks and comes back the same trail family.
Choose Circuit if you have twelve-plus days and want villages, a pass, and variety. Choose Base Camp if you want the amphitheatre and a shorter, lower high point. Mardi Himal is the quieter middle if Circuit is too long and ABC feels crowded.
Both start in our Pokhara plan. Permits: ACAP + TIMS. Read best treks in Nepal.