Both treks are legitimately world-class and accessible to non-technical trekkers. The question is not which is 'better' but which suits your particular goals.
The classic Annapurna Circuit takes 10-14 days. The EBC trek typically runs 12-14 days. Both include essential acclimatisation rest days.
Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) on the Annapurna Circuit is higher than Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), though EBC has a longer sustained high-altitude approach above 4,000 m.
The Annapurna Circuit wins on landscape variety: it crosses from sub-tropical forest through high alpine terrain to the Tibetan plateau in a single route. EBC is more singular but more dramatic — dominated by the world's highest peaks.
“If you want to see the greatest single mountain, go to EBC. If you want to see the greatest variety of landscapes and cultures, do the Annapurna Circuit. If you can — do both.”
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