This article is the ultimate face-off between the Everest Base Camp Trek VS the Manaslu Circuit Trek. These two trek are the most popular treks in Nepal for adventure seekers and trek enthusiasts.
This is the comparison article Everest Base Camp Trek Vs Manaslu Circuit Trek.
The Everest Base Camp Trek takes to the lap of the gleaming Himalayas. It offers an up-close view of the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest (8848 meters). The trek takes you into the idyllic landscapes of the Everest region. It is a challenging trek that is most likely on the bucket list of every trekking enthusiast.
Manaslu Circuit Trek, on the other hand, takes you into the remote region of Gorkha district. It offers a stunning view of the world’s eighth-highest mountain, Mount Manaslu (8156 meters). It is one of the strenuous trekking journeys that take you through secluded regions and raw natural trails. The trek is a thrilling journey, perfect for an exhilarating trek experience.
Each destination has its unique charm. Similarly, you will glimpse the distinctive cultures of different ethnic groups in these two regions. Both treks take you from subtropical verdant to highland pastures. The diverse landscapes, geographical structures, and rich biodiversity make each trek unique and exciting.
We will discuss and compare the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Manaslu Circuit Trek. We will dive into the details of each, and by the end of this article, you can decide which is the best for you.
Now, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Comparison of Everest Base Camp Trek VS Manaslu Circuit Trek
Trek Difficulty of Treks
Let us begin our comparison of Everest Base Camp and Manaslu Circuit by comparing their difficulty levels. Everest Base Camp is a moderately difficult trek, while Manaslu Circuit is a strenuous trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek is doable by trekkers of any age and level. It does not require technical skills or prior experience. However, one must have excellent physical fitness to join the trek. On average, trekkers walk 5 to 6 hours each day.
Likewise, the total distance covered during the trek is around 130 kilometers. The trek is doable all year round, although the monsoon and winter seasons pose some challenges. Proper preparation makes it possible.
There is a risk of altitude sickness as you ascend to 5545 meters at Kala Patthar. The trails are rough, and trekkers must climb uphill and downhill. Likewise, there are a few steep and narrow sections in the trail. Physical and mental preparation is necessary to conquer the Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek is more challenging than the Everest Base Camp Trek. The arduous trail is more suitable for experienced trekkers. The rough and off-beat trails have steep ascents and descents.
Similarly, the trail takes you into remote valleys of the Manaslu region. The remoteness makes the Manaslu trek difficult and physically demanding. The best time for the Manaslu Trek is spring and autumn when the weather conditions are most favorable. During the monsoon season, there is heavy rainfall. Overflowing rivers and the risk of landslides make trekking impossible. Although trekking in winter is more challenging, it is possible with proper preparation.
Trekkers must walk 6 to 7 hours each day, covering 177 km. The trek requires proper physical and mental preparation. The highest altitude point is at Larkya La Pass, which is 5160 meters. Adequate acclimatization is necessary to avoid the risk of altitude sickness.
Landscape and Mountains View
The Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Everest Base Camp offer gorgeous scenery, unique landscapes, biodiversity, and the splendid Himalayas. The scenic landscapes and mountain views attract trekkers worldwide.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The journey to Everest Base Camp begins with a 35-minute scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. The trail goes through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trek goes from sub-tropical verdant forests to alpine highland meadows. Along the trail, you can witness diverse Himalayan flora and fauna while on the trek.
Similarly, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi River Valley. You will cross several suspension bridges along the way. As you get closer to Everest Base Camp, you will trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier while witnessing the Khumbu Icefall. It is one of Nepal’s largest glaciers, with a dramatic landscape of moraines and ice formations. The high alpine terrain has rough and rocky landscapes.
During the EBC Trek, you can witness iconic towering peaks like Mount Everest, Lhotse (8516 meters), Nuptse (7861 meters), Manaslu (5485 meters), Ama Dablam (6812 meters), and several others.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Trek trails access the restricted areas of the Manaslu region. The off-the-beaten-path takes you from luscious green forests of rhododendrons, oaks, bamboo, and conifers. You will also enter the Manaslu Conservation Area, inhabited by diverse wildlife and bird species. You will see more varied flora and fauna than during the EBC Trek.
You will drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, where your trek will begin. The trail slowly ascends, following the Budhi Gandaki River Valley. It passes dense woodland, steep gorges, and rugged terrain. As you ascend, you will cross one of the highest mountain passes, the Larkya La Pass.
Vegetation becomes sparse, making the landscape barren as you climb higher elevations. Likewise, glacial moraines will be encountered. The trek offers stunning views of Mount Manaslu (8163 meters), the eighth-highest mountain in the world, the Annapurna range, the Ganesh Himal range, and several other peaks.
Altitude, Route, and Duration of Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek usually takes 12 to 16 days to complete. You will start from Lukla (2840 meters) and pass several charming and picturesque Sherpa villages, such as Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. Before ascending to a higher altitude, you will take acclimatization days at Namche (3440 meters), the region’s central trading hub, and Dingboche (4410 meters).
En route, you will also pass numerous ancient monasteries, stupas, chortens, and mani walls. Tengboche Monastery is the largest and most famous monastery in the Khumbu region. Likewise, you will encounter Tibetan settlements at high-altitude. The EBC Trek route traverses green forests, cascading rivers, rushing waterfalls, and gleaming glaciers.
The trek’s highest point is Kala Patthar (5545 meters), which offers mesmerizing 360-degree mountain views. Most trekkers take an early morning hike to Kala Pathar to witness the golden sunrise amidst the gorgeous mountain peaks. After this, you descend to Pheriche and retrace your steps to Namche and Lukla.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek takes 13 to 16 days. You can start your trek from Arughat Bazaar, Soti Khola, or Machha Khola. Only jeeps and buses are available from Kathmandu to the starting points. Soti Khola (700 meters) is the most popular starting point. The trail passes by picturesque paddy fields and villages, following the Budhi Gandaki River. The Manaslu route is less crowded than the Everest Base Camp trail.
You will traverse Gurung and Tamang settlements such as Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Shyala, Sama Gaun, Samdo, Dharamshala, Bhimthang, Dharapani, and Besisahar. Sama Gaun (3530 meters) serves as the trek’s acclimatization stop. The Tibet border lies close to the trek route. So, you can see the considerable influence of Tibetan Buddhism.
Similarly, you can witness the traditional houses with Tibetan architecture and come across age-old monasteries, mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags. You will climb a high mountain pass, the Larkya La Pass, at 5160 meters. It is the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The mountain pass offers stunning mountain vistas views.
Food and Accommodation Availability
The accommodation and food options are wider during the Everest Base Camp Trek than during the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Plenty of teahouses and lodges are available during the Everest Base Camp Trek. You can even find luxury accommodations and hotels at Namche Bazaar. However, most of the accommodations in the region provide basic facilities and limited amenities. They are small but cozy and offer an authentic and cultural experience of the region.
The rooms are usually twin-sharing and have limited space and furniture. Each room comes with a mattress, pillow, and blankets. They mostly have shared bathrooms and a communal dining hall, but you may find a single room with an attached bathroom. As you ascend to a higher altitude, the facilities become more basic. You must pay extra for internet/WiFi, hot showers, extra blankets, charging electronics, heating facilities, etc.
The accommodations offer local and international cuisines on their menus. The traditional Dal Bhaat is a staple meal you will find everywhere. This high-carb meal is ideal for energizing trekkers during the trek. It includes rice, lentil soup, vegetable or meat curries, and pickles.
You can also find momo, noodles, pasta, Tibetan bread, pancakes, tea, coffee, and alcohol. It is highly advised to avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol intake while on trek. The ingredients are mostly locally sourced and organic. Vegetables and grains are more readily available than meat. So, it is better to opt for vegetarian meals.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Since the Manaslu region is among the remote areas of Nepal, accommodation options are limited. Compared to the EBC Trek route, fewer teahouses, lodges, and homestays exist. The facilities are very basic and focus on practicality. Do not expect to find luxurious accommodation on this trek.
The rooms are shared and have two single beds, pillows, and blankets. The furnishing is very simple. They have shared bathrooms and communal dining spaces. Usually, these accommodations do not have proper insulation. Facilities like internet, hot showers, charging, etc., will cost you extra. The internet connectivity is relatively poor or non-existent in many teahouses.
Like EBC, traditional Dal Bhat is the staple dish. Most menu options consist of Nepalese, Tibetan, and continental dishes. The menu may include momo, noodles, pasta, Tibetan bread, pancakes, Sherpa stews, tea, coffee, alcohol, etc. The food is prepared right on the spot, so the meals are cooked fresh. The availability and freshness of the ingredients may vary. It can depend on the location and altitude.
Cost Difference of Treks
The trek packages include transportation, accommodations, meals, guide and porter fees, and permits during the trek. However, they do not include personal expenses like visa fees, international flights, travel insurance, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, extra charges (e.g., hot showers, internet, charging cost during trek), tips, and contingency funds.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The cost of the Everest Base Camp Trek can vary depending on several factors, including the group number, trek duration, trek season, customization, and services. The average cost ranges from USD 1300 to USD 2500 per person.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Like the EBC Trek, the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost can vary depending on group number, trek duration, season, services, etc. However, unlike EBC, Manaslu Circuit requires a restricted area permit whose cost changes depending on the season. In the off-season, the permit cost is low, and vice versa. Manaslu Circuit costs range from USD 1300 to USD 3500 per person.
Conclusion
We believe you have an excellent idea for both treks. So, between the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Everest Base Camp Trek, which would you choose?
The classic Everest Base Camp Trek suits you if you want to take a short, less demanding trek. You will trek the well-established trails of the Khumbu region. Similarly, you can witness the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. However, note that you must ascend to an altitude of 5545 meters.
Meanwhile, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is ideal for a more adventurous trek into Nepal’s remote and unspoiled nature. It takes you to a lower altitude than the Everest Base Camp Trek. While on the trek, you will witness Mount Manaslu and other surrounding peaks. However, the trek takes longer. The challenging terrain will push any trekker’s physical stamina and endurance.
The trek is two unique experiences. Both treks have a unique charm, landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritages. They are challenging treks ideal for adventure seekers and mountain lovers. However, the difficulty level varies due to duration, terrain, and altitude differences. It all comes down to you and your choice. So, we leave it up to you to decide which trek best appeals to you!
