Kilimanjaro vs Everest Trek

Kilimanjaro vs Everest trek. Both are the most iconic trekking destinations in the world. Both of these mountains offer you challenging experiences. And rewards you with breathtaking views. But, they do vary a lot in various aspects. Here is a quick Kilimanjaro vs Everest trek.

Elevation and Difficulty
Scenery and Landscape
Trekking Season
Trekking Duration Kilimanjaro vs Everest Trek
Cultural Experience
Permit and Cost Kilimanjaro vs Everest Trek
The highest altitude reached during Kilimanjaro and Everest Trek
Which one is a harder trek Kilimanjaro vs Everest?
Accommodation types Kilimanjaro vs Everest Trek
In conclusion: Kilimanjaro vs Everest Trek

Elevation and Difficulty

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania. It is the highest peak in Africa. The elevation of this peak is about 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. It is way lower than that of the Everest summit. The Kilimanjaro trek is challenging. But trekkers with various fitness levels can do it. Yet, great fitness is a must to conquer this peak.

But, Mount Everest Base Camp Trek is located in Nepal. It is the tallest peak in the world. Towering at an altitude of 8,848.86 meters (29,029 feet). The trek to Mount Everest Base at (5,364 meters/17,598 feet) is demanding. The rough terrain and erratic climate make Everest Trek more difficult.

Scenery and Landscape

Kilimanjaro and Everest are both situated on different terrain. Both offer you some of the most stunning landscapes but differ.

Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano that is surrounded by mountain forests. It takes you through various ecological zones. It also provides you with diverse scenery throughout the trail.

Everest Base Camp takes you to the great Himalayan Mountain range. The trail passes through many small Sherpa villages and lush forests. You can also get a great immersion in unique cultural norms. You can also experience a variety of terrain.

Trekking Season

Situating on completely different continents, the time to trek these destinations differs.

The best time to trek Kilimanjaro is during the dry season. From January to mid-March, and June to October. These months offer you the most stable weather conditions. There are lower chances of rainfall. There can be clear skies for the best views during this time.

For the Everest Trek, people can do any month of the year. But the trekking season here is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). This season provides you with the most optimal weather conditions.

Trekking Duration Kilimanjaro vs Everest Trek

Kilimanjaro Trekking
A typical Kilimanjaro Trek takes around 6-9 days. It depends upon the route you decide to take. This includes acclimatization days to prevent altitude sickness. This is short compared to Everest Trek.

Everest Trekking
The Everest Trek usually takes around 12-14 days, including the acclimatization days. Acclimatization days are needed to avoid altitude sickness.

Cultural Experience

With the variation in the region, they both lie. The cultural experience is unique. The Kilimanjaro trek takes you through the local villages. You can also interact with the Chagga people. Thus, you can learn about their customs and traditions.

Whereas, the Everest Trek takes you through many small villages. You can interact with the Sherpas. The Buddhism culture in the Himalayan region will impress you. The Buddhist way of life, interaction with the locals, and their cuisine add on to make your trip a great one.

Permit and Cost Kilimanjaro vs Everest Trek

The cost is an important factor while trekking. The permits and trail contribute a lot to the cost factor.

For Kilimanjaro, trekkers are required to get a climbing permit. This permit varies on the chosen route and the time you will spend in the region. The permit cost includes park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and other charges. A local tour company manages everything.

For the Everest Base Camp Trek, the trekkers need to get a Sagarmatha National Park permit. And Pasang Lhamu municipality and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card. If you plan to ascend beyond the Base Camp, you will need a climbing permit. Thus, the cost of these permits when combined with trail, accommodation, and meals. All the things are managed by the tour operator.

The highest altitude reached during Kilimanjaro and Everest Trek

The highest altitude during the Kilimanjaro trek is Uhuru Peak. This is the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Standing at an elevation of meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. This is the highest peak one can reach during their Kilimanjaro Trek.

Whereas with the Everest Trek, the story is different. Summiting the peak is out of the question, as it sits at an altitude of 8848.86 meters above sea level. Which makes it the highest peak in the world. There are many points you can trek in Everest, such as the Everest Base Camp at an altitude (5,364 m/17,598 ft). And also, the Kala Patthar (5,364 m/17,598 ft.).

Which one is a harder trek Kilimanjaro vs Everest?

The difficulty of a trek depends on various factors. Like the altitude, days needed, accommodation facilities, trail conditions, and the region. The Everest Trek is harder than the Kilimanjaro Trek based on these factors. This is due to the extreme altitude of Everest that can take you to exceeding altitudes. Moreover, the region is rural, the accommodations are hard to find. And the time required to trek is also more than Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation types Kilimanjaro vs Everest Trek

Kilimanjaro Trek:

During this trek, trekkers stay in designated campsites. Here, you will be spending the night inside the Tent, a camping trek. not a tea house accommodation.

Mt. Everest Trek:

During the Everest base camp trek, trekkers stay in designated trekking teahouses. Teahouses are scattered all over the Everest region. and in a few places, there is an inside bathroom as well. You can easily access the teahouses. These teahouses provide you with a cozy room to spend the day, with great food, and a bathroom. Moreover, they may also have facilities such as hot water and charging, but they do come with an extra price tag.

In conclusion: Kilimanjaro vs Everest Trek

Both Kilimanjaro and Everest Trek are unique trekking experiences. They have different elevations, regions, scenery, culture, and duration.

Kilimanjaro is a challenging trek that offers diverse landscapes. Whereas the Everest base camp trek is hard but provides you with great views of the great Himalayas. Based on your personal preference and what you want, choosing a trek that suits you should be your main goal. But, rather than comparing. You should try both. Both have their own unique features. You can experience new things from both of the treks.

Take a vacation and explore the beautiful nature and the Himalayas. Travel with an expert and local tour company.

We welcome you to nature, traveling is worth it. Pack your bag and head to your journey.