Which One to Choose: Everest Base Camp Trek vs. Manaslu Circuit Trek

Nepal is the destination of trekkers from all around the world. Nepal consists of beautiful snow-capped mountains, including the world’s highest peak. Nepal is genuinely a god-gifted paradise with abundant mountain peaks and ranges.

The best part about trekking is choosing the destination from many lists. We will help you choose the best-suited destination for you. After you go through our blog, you will definitely be able to pick one.

In this blog, we’ll serve as your compass, guiding you through the intricate decision-making process as we delve into the nuances of the “Everest Base Camp Trek vs. Manaslu Circuit Trek.”

By the time you’ve journeyed through our insights, which are centered around the Everest Base Camp Trek vs. Manaslu Circuit Trek, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed choice. This will ensure that your trek in Nepal aligns perfectly with your aspirations.

Everest Base Camp Trek – Journey to the Foot of the Everest

Everest Base Camp trek is the trek towards the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, with an altitude of 8848 m above sea level.

This trek takes 14 days to complete. It starts from Namche bazaar of Solukhumbu district in eastern Nepal. Along the journey, you come across great views of mountain ranges.

Panoramic views of breathtaking peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Doblam, Pumori, Lobuche, and many more, come into view. The most welcoming Sherpa community makes your heart flutter, making you visit this place again and again.

Everest Base Camp Route

The journey to this trek starts from 35 minutes of the most scenic flight of Nepal from Kathmandu to Lukla. After reaching Lukla, trekkers start their journey from the river bank of Dudh Koshi.

One passes through Sagarmatha National Park to Namche Bazaar, the trading hub of the Everest region. Most of the mountaineers start their journey to the peak of this region.

After reaching Namche Bazaar, trekkers embark on a journey that takes them first to Tengboche Monastery. From there, they continue their trek to Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep.

Along the way, they encounter the awe-inspiring Khumbu Glacier, which is known as the world’s deepest glacier. Ultimately, their destination is the iconic Everest Base Camp.

Trekkers hike to Kala Patthar the next morning at 5,545m for the mesmerizing sunrise through the peak. This is the highest altitude any trekker could reach during the trek.

The Mahalangur mountain range, including numerous summits in the Khumbu region, offers a breathtaking life experience. The journey includes encounters with Sherpa villages and immersion in Buddhist culture.

The rugged paths, raw beauty of the Himalayas, Sherpa people, and most vivid tradition, culture, and their lifestyle remind you to be down to earth and very humble.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek – A Journey into the Heart of the Himalayas

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a breathtaking trekking adventure located in the remote regions of Nepal. This trek encircles Mount Manaslu, which stands at an impressive elevation of 8,163 meters. It is the eighth-highest peak in the world.

The trek takes you through diverse landscapes, including pristine forests, remote villages, and high mountain passes. The trek’s major highlights are incredible vistas of the mountains like Manaslu, Himlung, and Annapurna II.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Route

This trek lasts around 13 days, starting from low landscapes and slowly ascending to the high altitude. It starts at Machho Khola, leading to Beshi Sahar, then north to Larkya La Pass (5,167 m).

Manaslu Circuit Trek, having Annapurna to the west and Ganesh Himal to the east, is the least crowded trek you will ever experience. It is a more peaceful trek than the Everest base camp with fewer people.

The gorgeous low landscapes from various cultivation to gorges of Budi Gandaki with its waterfalls lead to Larkya La Pass next to Tibet, the most difficult part of the journey. You can see Cheo Himal, Gyali Kang, Himlung Himal, and Kang Guni Himal from Larkya La Pass, the highest you can reach in this region.

Journey

The destination and the journey to both places give you an authentic lifestyle, beauty, and good vibes. Both regions will welcome you with the warmest gestures, ensure you are having a great time, and bid you farewell with deep memories.

The trek length, altitude, terrain, and weather conditions vary between the Everest Base Camp trek and the Manaslu Circuit trek. The Manaslu Circuit Trek spans a distance of 177 kilometers, making it notably longer than the Everest Base Camp Trek, which covers a distance of 130 kilometers.

The Everest Base Camp journey ascends continuously from the beginning, while the Manaslu Circuit trek starts from low to high altitude, giving you time to adapt to that region.

Everest Base Camp trek is an overhyped trek among trekkers, so it is quite populated during peak seasons. Opting for the Manaslu trek is advisable if you desire a tranquil journey with fewer fellow trekkers.

Landscapes

Though Everest Base camp is situated at a higher altitude than the Manaslu Circuit trek, Manaslu is considered a challenging trek due to the longer distance and difficult landscapes in Larkya La pass.

Culture

Everest region is full of Sherpa people only, whereas Manaslu is more diversified with Gurung, Tibetans, Tamang, and Brahmins. Both places are full of warm, welcoming people. Due to immigrants in Manaslu, you can enjoy diversity in culture.

Religious Diversity

You can find only Buddhism in the Everest region, whereas you get to see both Hinduism and Buddhism in the Manaslu region. Religious diversity teaches about the renowned quote, “Unity in Diversity.”

Trial Crowd

Everest Base Camp is more crowded than Manaslu. During peak season, many people prefer to trek the Everest region, so it is quite crowded. Both places are peaceful far from the hustle and bustle of the city, but if you prefer a less crowded trail, Manaslu is the best option.

Conclusion

As we come to the end of our exploration of the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you should have a thorough understanding of these incredible regions. Your preference and what connects with your trekking goals will eventually determine which of the two you choose.

Both destinations provide unforgettable adventures and memories to last a lifetime. Whether you’re drawn to the towering peaks of Everest or the quiet serenity of Manaslu, each journey provides a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience.

As you plan your trekking journey in Nepal, keep in mind that both the Everest Base Camp and the Manaslu Circuit will leave an irreplaceable impact on your heart and soul.

Whatever trek you choose, may it be filled with stunning scenery, cultural enrichment, and a sense of adventure that will stay with you for years to come.