The honest difference
| Factor | EBC | ABC |
|---|---|---|
| Max altitude | 5,545 m (Kala Patthar) | 4,130 m |
| Trail days | 12–14 on the path | 7–9 typical |
| Start | Lukla flight | Jeep from Pokhara |
| Cost | Higher (flights + altitude lodges) | Lower |
| Culture | Sherpa Khumbu | Gurung + sanctuary |
If you have under two weeks or have never slept high, we book ABC. If the Khumbu is the trip you came to Nepal for, we still brief you in Lakeside, then connect Kathmandu–Lukla with buffer nights.
Read the best treks in Nepal table if you are still choosing among Mardi, Circuit and Langtang.