Nepal is indeed a trekker’s paradise country. The small Himalayan country is gifted with some of the world’s best mountains and human beings. Nepal has several beautiful trekking trails, all close to nature, culture, and adventure, with eight of the world’s tallest peaks.
As you may have guessed, the most popular are the base camp treks as they take you to the base of the world’s tallest mountains. There is an Everest Base Camp trek, and one that takes you to the tranquil Manaslu Circuit. Each trek is unique; some hard treks and some easy treks, but all very beautiful treks.
We are discussing the most popular five base camp treks of Nepal in this article: Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Langtang Region Trek, and Makalu Region Trek. Each of these treks is special in its own way, picturesque in its own way, and elegant in its own way.
1. Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC Trek)
Overview:
Everest Base Camp Trek is the ultimate trek for most individuals traveling to and from around the world. It shows you a path to the base of the tallest mountain on earth that stands 8,848.86 meters above the clouds. The walk shows a lot of different things around the high mountains. After all, it is an experience of a trans-Himalaya journey to be remembered forever.
On your way, you will be passing through the lifestyle of the remote Sherpa villages, antiquated monasteries, and on the crossing of the hanging bridges over the deep gorges.
Trek Experience
The scenery of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam will be with you throughout your trek.Watching the sun rise over the Mount Kala Patthar (5,545 m) is perhaps the most wonderful experience – the first sun rays bathing the Mount Everest in its golden gleam is the kind of thing you will always remember. Besides the Mount Everest base camp trek, you will also get to visit the Tengboche Monastery which is the most visited monastery in the region as well as the serene mountain-vibe place.
The Sherpa people are very loving and hospitable. Without a doubt, it is an experience that is more rich and memorable when one stays at their teahouses, eats local food, and listens to their stories.
Trek Details
Mostly because of its very high altitude, the Everest Base Camp trek difficulty level varies from moderate to hard.The use of proper rest and acclimatization cannot be underrated. The two best times of the year when one can undertake this trek are definitely spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) as the weather is stable and views are very clear. The trek can be done in about 12 to 14 days normally.
Reasons to Visit
Close-up and magnificent as the Himalayas are, no other trek can match that of the Everest Base Camp Trek. Actually, the most amazing thing is to see Mount Everest with your own eyes, and the whole experience of the Himalayas’ power is indescribable.
2. Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC Trek)
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek which is popularly known as ABC Trek is ranked at the top of the most loved treks in Nepal list. It is ideal for a person who wants to get a glimpse of nature as well as the local culture within a limited period of time.
The journey will lead you along landscapes that have been carved into steps for farming, through the lovely and tranquil villages of the Gurung and Magar people, you will pass through dense bamboo forests and then finally you can see the towering Mount Annapurna when you get there physically to the base camp.The trek is full of surprises as you may see a stunning mountain view taking your breath away, then on another day a beautiful and peaceful waterfall may greet you and then again on another day, you may get the warm friendly smile of a local person.
Trek Experience
Without a doubt, staring at the sun rising at Poon Hill is among the magnificent things that can be achieved on this trek. Just about the entire regional area appears as if it were a fairy tale when the sun’s first rays hit the summits of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.You can also view some great mountain ranges out of which are Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain), Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South.
Additionally, the trek opens the door for you to visit the villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong where you can take the traditional stone houses and the local lifestyle for your admiration. There will also be the trail, decorated with the blossoming rhododendron forests, in spring. And when you get to Annapurna Base Camp, you are totally sure that you are the lucky one to be there among the snow bowl of mountains, huge peaks surrounding you.
Trek Details
Way is a medium-level hiking trail, so a fresh hand with average physical condition may also have the ability to try it. Certainly, the most lovely seasons are still spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Time can be from 7 to 12 days, approximately, depending on your path.
Reasons to Visit
As a matter of fact, a small and brief trail packed with nature’s stunning beauty and the attractive local culture, Annapurna Base Camp Trek would be an ideal selection for you.
3. Manaslu Circuit Trek
Overview
Manaslu Circuit Trek is the closest opposites of the quietest and at the most thrilling trek, which you can probably debate, in Nepal at the same time.Essentially the journey is a circuit of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the world’s eighth-highest peak. To be honest, while other treks are heavily packed with tourists, Manaslu is still very calm, and therefore you can really experience the absolute nature of the area.
You will walk through stunning valleys, cross hanging bridges, visit ancient monasteries, and small mountain villages that are dominated by Tibetan culture on the trek. Every day seems like a brand new and undiscovered world.
Trek Experience
The trek offers you breathtaking views of Manaslu, Himlung, and the Annapurna range. It is undoubtedly the crossing of Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) that makes the trek most impressive – the view from the top is gorgeous, although it is a pretty difficult way Sama Gaun and Samdo are such villages where one can relax and feel the local atmosphere after an exhausting trek.
The whole journey is peaceful, serene, and a real experience of nature.The only nice thing about the fact that you will hardly come across other trekkers is that you can trek even more.
Trek Details
The hiking trail is a combination of moderate and challenging levels. So, those who decide to go on this hike should be mentally and physically fit and capable of enduring lengthy days and high altitudes.It is superb to go through the two incredible seasons, fall (September–November), and spring (March–May). The time for the trek is usually between 14 and 18 days.
Reasons to Visit
In case you are a fan of isolated paths with less crowd and want to experience nature in Nepal in the most pristine way, then opting for this trek will be the right choice. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an ideal method to still have your adventurous nature.
4. Langtang Region Trek
Overview
Langtang trek is perfect for those adventurers who desire a brief and tranquil hike in the Himalayas and are inclined to stay near Kathmandu. Most of the area is covered with ice and hence it is widely referred to as the ‘Valley of Glaciers’.
It is only a few hours’ drive from Kathmandu but the Langtang area is still very much a wilderness of nature and the mountains. The lifestyle of the Taman people, who originate from Tibet, has a major impact on the culture of the region.
Trek Experience
During your walking tour, you can view the majestic tall Langtang Lirung (7,227 m) from nearly every side. The journey will take you to Kyanjin Gompa, a stunningly beautiful Buddhist monastery, from where you can feel the mountain’s peace very clearly.In case you want, you can also go to the cheese factory and have a bite of the fresh yak cheese which has become quite popular locally.
Walking through the woods, alongside the river, and across the yaks’ grazing land will fill you with the purity of nature and calm your mind. The Tamang people are good-natured and smiling, always willing to welcome the trekkers, and hence the journey will be not only in your memory but also in your hearts.
Trek Details
The trail is fairly easy and not very tough, so a beginner hiker or a person with less time could probably make the way as well. I think the two best and most beautiful seasons would be the spring (March–May) and the autumn (September–November).One can make the journey in about 7–10 days.
Reasons to Visit
If you intend a short trek of three days incorporating these three characters- culture, nature, and peace, and also you don’t want to be far away from Kathmandu, then the Langtang area would be an ideal selection.
5. Makalu Base Camp Trek
Overview
Makalu Base Camp Trek lies in a very remote and environmentally friendly area of Nepal. It is an adventurous expedition that goes to the base of Mount Makalu (8,485m) – the highest summit of the world after four peaks. Such people that are nature lovers, seekers of peace, and adventure will definitely rank this trek as their absolutely perfect one.
The trek will take you through the changes of nature from forest to glacier, mountain to valley and you will also have different weather on your way.
Trek Experience
These incredible views of Makalu, Everest, and Lhotse will be visible to you throughout your walk along the path of the Makalu Barun National Park that is not only a nature refuge but also a home of rare animals, birds, and plants. On your way, you will encounter the remote villages which are the homes of the Rai and Sherpa people whose lifestyle is simple, strongly spiritual, and intimately connected with the old customs.
Almost no trekkers are found on this trail; therefore, it is very calm and unspoiled. The pristine nature and mountain quietness are what rank it among the most genuine trekking experiences in Nepal.
Trek Details
This trek is extremely hard and is suitable only for those who have trekking experience. It is usually done within 18 to 22 days.The spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the two best times when the weather is the most stable and there is no rain.
Reasons to Visit
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is definitely the adventure you have been dreaming of if you are a fan of isolated mountains and want to see the untamed nature of Nepal.
Comparison and Choosing Your Trek
Each of these treks has its own allure and beauty. If it is Mount Everest that you want to see and Sherpa culture you want to experience, then the Everest Base Camp Trek is the only way. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is often chosen as a short one and a splendid combination of mountain views and cultural life is provided to you. With Manaslu Circuit Trek, you get an authentic adventure in a place that is quiet and away from the city. Langtang Trek is a nice idea if you want a quick, easy trek that is full of local culture. And Makalu Base Camp Trek is there for those who are insanely in love with distant, untamed nature adventures.
It would be better to decide your trek first by thinking about the amount of time you have, your fitness level, and what kind of experience you want – cultural, scenic, or challenging.
Conclusion
Any trekker would choose Nepal as their dream destination.They actually each have their own unique appeal which can be the sheer awe of the giant peaks, the friendliness of the locals or the unbreakable charm of nature. Although the Mount Everest Base Camp is probably the one that makes you feel proud and inspired, it is the Annapurna Base Camp that takes your breath away with its stunning view. The Manaslu Circuit offers you a trip to the most remote valleys; Langtang is a perfect mix of culture and peace; Makalu is just for getting you a close shot with the pristine nature.
Definitely, Himalayas will be your place of return with unforgettable and timeless memories and also with a deep connection.
