Manaslu Circuit Trek V/S Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek and the Manaslu Circuit Trek are two of the most well-liked treks in Nepal. The two finest high-altitude walking experiences in the world are unquestionably found on these paths, which draw hundreds of hikers each season.

Every trekker on a tirp to the Himalayas should complete these two treks. You get a glimpse of the distinctive culture of the ethnic communities that live in the highlands, in addition to the once-in-a-lifetime experience of hiking beneath some of the highest mountains in the world.

If you are planning a trekking adventure to Nepal for the first time, you may be wondering which trek to take: Manaslu Circuit Trek or Everest Base Camp Trek. To make this situation easier for you, we have compiled a list of pros and disadvantages for both hikes based on advice from our local trekking experts. Which trek should you choose: Manaslu Circuit or Everest Base Camp? Continue reading to discover out.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

Which trip provides a better trekking experience, the Manaslu Circuit or the Everest Base Camp?

The trek to Everest Base Camp and Manaslu each have their own unique attractions.

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a world-famous trek that brings you within eyeshot of the world’s tallest mountain – Mt. Everest (8849m). This Everest Base Camp Trek is a rough-terrain trip up into the Himalayas that rewards those who complete it with breathtaking sights.

On top of the world (Well, almost!)

Imagine waking up to the sight of the world's highest peak, Mt. Everest.

Will you not have a divine smile on your face?

The one and only Everest Base Camp Trek can offer you this.

With snow-covered mountains, pine and rhododendron woodlands, roaring rivers, waterfalls, and glaciers, the landscape along the trail dubbed by some as "the path to heaven" is magnificent. You get to see 7000 and 8000-meter peaks up close and visit some of the world's highest inhabited sites. One of the highest vistas in the Himalayas is reached at Kala Patthar.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered by some guides to be the best all-around trek in Nepal.  The 20-day expedition leads deep into the Himalayas on a trail that circumnavigates Manaslu (8163m), the 8th highest mountain in the world.

It is a challenging journey in northwest Nepal that passes through Tibetan Buddhist-influenced ethnic villages and is a popular alternative to the Annapurna Circuit Trek for those who prefer to avoid crowds.

If we filter our search by popularity and less crowded, Manaslu Circuit Trek is at the top of the list.
 

Difficulty Level

Which trek is easier – Manaslu Circuit or Everest Base Camp?

The difficulty of accomplishing Everest Base Camp trekking is classified as moderate to tough, whereas Manaslu trekking is classified as strenuous. Manaslu trekking has a greater success rate regardless of difficulty level. The main explanation for this could be the substantial variation in the highest point of both treks, with the highest point of Everest base camp trekking being Kalapatthar at 5644m and the highest point of Manaslu trekking being Larkya la pass at 5106m. This difference in altitude immediately correlates to an increased risk of altitude sickness, which can end the expedition at any point. The differential in trekkers' experience may also be a factor in Manaslu trekking's higher success rate and Everest base camp trekking's lower success rate.

 

Accessibility

Is it easier to reach Manaslu Circuit or Everest Base Camp?

Manaslu Circuit Trek: Our epic journey starts in Arughat Bazaar (608m), along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River.  The area is characterized by picturesque terraced rice fields, lots of domestic animals, and kind villagers.  We climb north and upward, noticing the drastic changes in scenery as we go.  Gaining altitude, not only the landscapes change, but so do the villages.  We first pass through Gurung and mixed villages to eventually reach communities where the population is ethnically Tibetan and different dialect is spoken. Local people are Tibetan Buddhist influenced and offer brilliant hospitality. After traversing the hilly lowlands, we soon arrive into the desolate, high alpine landscapes where we are surrounded by a choppy sea of mountain peaks.

A major highlight of the trip is the Larkya La Pass, where trekkers reach an altitude of 5160m. It is the highest point on the circuit, and the setting of the pass is otherworldly. It is usually covered in snow, with peaks extending past the clouds, high into the sky.  From here, we descend steeply down back to Besisahar to catch our ride back to Kathmandu.

Everest Base Camp: After a short, scenic flight to Lukla, we begin our trek full of excitement.  The following day, after passing through Sherpa villages and their fields, we reach Namche Bazaar – a trekking and trading hub of the region where we can spend time with the kindhearted Sherpa ethnic group.  We pass several Tibetan Buddhist monasteries – Tengboche Monastery being the largest and most well-known. From here, the incredible alpine landscape fills us with energy.

Upon arriving at Everest Base Camp (5364m), we instantly see the pristine beauty of this alpine region. Everest Base Camp Trek is an opportunity to see massive Himalayan peaks taller than 8000 meters - Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and several others. The views of the deadly Khumbu Icefall and surrounding glaciers are incredible.  Next, we visit Kala Patthar (5540m), which gives us a panoramic view of high peaks, as well as the Khumbu Glacial Valley.  Feeling rejuvenated, we descend back to Namche Bazaar and eventually fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla.

 

When the mechanics of travelling to these two famous trailheads are compared, it is easier and less expensive to get to Manaslu Circuit Trek than Everest Base Camp and the fact that you have to use flight to start your EBC Trek.

 

Duration

Which trek is shorter – Manaslu Circuit or Everest Base Camp?

The entire distance of the Everest Base Camp Trek is 130km, which may appear to be very long, but if you choose the proper and well-planned trek, you will only have to walk for 9 days out of 12 days, covering approximately 15km per day. For the most part, you won't be walking on a paved path. This walk will take you through rugged and sometimes snowy terrain. The ascent of the hike will feel more tough than the descent. Because porters or mules carry your belongings, you may relax and concentrate on getting up the trail.

 

The Manaslu CircuitTrek begins in the village of Arughat or Soti Khola, which is about 8 to 9 hours by bus from Kathmandu. This walk will cover approximately 177 kilometers. This hike can be completed in 10 to 12 days, depending on your daily walking hours. This is a difficult trekking trail for beginners. One of the most difficult parts of this walk is the Budhi Gandaki Gorge. This walk requires you to regularly trek uphills and downhills, which exhausts you. In this area, you will cross suspension bridges.

 

Why choose one over the other?

Even during peak season, the Manaslu hiking trail is significantly less crowded than the famous Everest base camp trekking trail. Manaslu hiking is best suited for people who prefer solitude to regular social interaction and environmental exploration deep into the wilderness to going through teahouses in every other settlement. However, because solo travel is prohibited in this region, total isolation is not feasible; trekkers must be accompanied by at least one guide, which is a good idea even in other non-restricted places. Larkya la pass is not only the highest point on the Manaslu trekking route, but it is also the most technically difficult point on the entire track, which is unheard of in Everest base camp trekking.

The Everest base camp trekking trail is somewhat more congested, but the teahouses along the way provide far superior accommodation, cuisine variety, and required utilities, at least up to a certain height. The vista from Kala Patthar of Mount Everest from this vantage point is unrivaled. In Manaslu trekking, there is no such vantage place to see the entire Mount Manaslu. Trekking to Everest Base Camp is appropriate for hikers who are comfortable meeting other trekkers, guides, porters, and local ethnic communities along the paths. Trekking to Everest Base Camp can be appealing for a variety of reasons, including experiencing Sherpa culture up close, acclimatizing in Namche bazar, often known as the entrance to Everest, and enjoying the flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park.

 

In Conclusion:

Manaslu Circuit Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek are each distinct in their own right. We can't compare the thrills and pleasure we experience from these excursions. Several variables must be considered before deciding on the perfect route for you. The time of visit, budget, purpose of visit, and expectations from the destination are all elements to consider while deciding between the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Everest Base Camp trek. The trekkers' physical and mental fitness is a crucial component in the trek's secession.

Both trekking locations provide the beauty of nature as well as the isolation of the renowned region. Both journeys provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will make you proud of yourself. Both treks, however, differ in terms of lodging and attractions. You won’t regret choosing any of the above destinations for your trek.