Annapurna sanctuary trek is a relatively easier hike in comparison to the Everest Base Camp trek. The reasons behind it is because hiking in the Annapurna region involves shorter days of trekking, reaching elevations of maximum 4,130m/13,550 feet, and staying for a minimum number of days on higher elevations. Also, because of the green forests in the low altitudes of the Annapurna region has more oxygen level in the air as compared with EBC trek. Annapurna sanctuary trek begins at an altitude of 1,070m/3,510 feet thereby allowing sufficient days for acclimatization.
Although Annapurna sanctuary trek may be easier than EBC trek, the fitness level required on both the treks isn’t any different. Trekkers do not require technical expertise or rock climbing and mountaineering skills as the trek is basically a long hike on low elevations in the green hills of Annapurna massif’s southern flank. The trek is only taxing because of its duration of 10 days hike with lots of uphill and downhill walks (14 days, including arrival, departure and one day each in Kathmandu and Pokhara). However, the trek can be accomplished by hiking for 7 days taking the shorter route if you are time-restrained.