Everest Base Camp is harder than Annapurna Base Camp for most trekkers. Altitude is the biggest reason. Annapurna Base Camp reaches 4,130 m. Everest Base Camp is about 5,364 to 5,400 m.
The EBC route also keeps trekkers high for more nights. The CDC notes that Everest trekkers often sleep above 4,000 m. That creates a larger load on the body. EBC also needs more days and more time to adjust. ABC is still a hard walk. It has steep stairs, repeated climbs, and long trekking days.
Some ABC days can feel harder on the legs than EBC days. Even so, EBC is harder overall. It has higher altitude, longer exposure, and greater recovery demands. For a prepared first Himalayan trek, ABC is usually the more accessible choice.
