You will be amazed to know that approximately 100 million tourists visit the Himalayan region every year, and this number is expected to go 2.5x higher in 2025. (Mongabay, India).
As a travel enthusiast for the last 9 years who has wandered around the world, I would always say people who haven’t visited the Himalayan gateways are missing out on replenishing views.
Destinations like the Manaslu Circuit trek and Everest Base Camp are considered prominent adventure spots of this terrain.
Through this article, I’m going to share a comprehensive guide for visitors who are going to these locations for the first time.
Let’s start the journey!
Everest Base Camp
This place on my list is my personal favorite for many uplifting reasons. Foremost, it is a well-established place for trekking in the Nepal region.
It is the most popular trek destination because it will bring you to the summit of the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters).
Now let’s take a closer look at its highlights.
Highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek
Although this domain is stuffed with amazing features and iconic views that a person can discover, to simplify, I have shortlisted some points that you should look at:
Spotlights of this place
Sky-touching peaks like Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam give you astonishing views
A UNESCO World Legacy pathway named Sagarmatha National Stop is a heavenly place consisting of fresh vegetation and botanical wonders
Journey to traditional towns and cloisters to incorporate yourself into the flourishing culture of the Sherpa people.
You can also find various types of climate conditions in the Base camp terrain.
Trek Details
Difficulty: Straightforward to tedious route encounters
Duration: 12-14 days (can be extended according to your preference)
Perfect Time to Visit: March-May and September-November
Elevation: Large indefinite height of 5,364 meters (Everest Base Camp)
How Much Does the Everest Base Camp Trek Cost?
As per my observation, every person who is planning to visit this place for the first time is concerned about theEverest Base Camp trek cost and the overall expenditure of the trip.
You can be worry-free because you can plan a vacation to your desired spot as per your budget. This division of trip planning consists of 3 stages.
Budget Treks: Entry-level packages of $1,200-$1,500 per person can provide treks including typical routine maintenance, meals, and permits but often disregard optional amenities like hot showers, Wi-Fi, or porter services.
Mid-Range Treks: Intermediate travel plans, costing between $1,500 and $2,500 give travelers a fairly balanced sightseeing trip with convenient teahouses, meals, and some additional inclusions such as guided tours in Kathmandu or better guestroom alternates.
Luxury Treks: People who want to spend their time in luxury while being on a mountain can achieve it by spending upwards of $3,000. These packages include premium privileges like exquisite lodges, experient guides, personal porters, and periodically even helicopter rides for parts of the trek.
Itinerary Overview
For people who are seeking a travel plan, I’ve fostered the best one for you.
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2
Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Day 3
Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 4
Conditioning Day in Namche Bazar
Day 5:
Namche to Tengboche
Day 6
Trek to Dingboche
Day 7
Rest Day in Dingboche
Day 8
Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 9:
Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp
Day 10:
Gorak Shep to Pheriche
Day 11
Pheriche to Namche Bazar
Day 12:
Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Day 13:
Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 14:
Fly Back Home
Did you know? Everest Base Camp in Nepal is much higher than most of the mountains in Europe, Antarctica, Africa, and Oceania. ( Natureloverstrek)
Manaslu Circuit Trek
This trekking paradise is an underrated travel destination in my opinion because it is less advertised, and because of that, tourists are less aware of it.
Although it is a challenging pathway, adventurous people like me can find extravagant opportunities to have fun and unleash insanity.
You will uncover iconic views by reaching the world’s eighth-highest peak Mount Manaslu (8,163 ft). This is a must-see destination for wanderers and voyagers.
Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek
The remote trails of this location are less jam-packed than Everest and perfect for finding peace in nature.
You can witness diverse sceneries of green valleys and snow-covered peaks.
The impact of Tibetan people can be seen in their local towns and their monasteries.
Cross the Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters), is a challenging gateway that you have to pass to reach the top.
Trek Details
Difficulty: Full of adventurous mission
Duration: 14-16 days
Best Time to Visit: March-May and September-November
Elevation: Greatest elevation of 5,106 meters (Larkya La Pass)
Itinerary Overview
Now let me present you with a comprehensive travel plan for making the most out of your Manaslu Trek.
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat
Day 3
Go for Arughat to Soti Khola
Day 4
Travel from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (River)
Day 5:
Machha Khola to Jagat
Day 6
Jagat to Deng
Day 7
Deng to Ghap
Day 8
Ghap to Lho Gaon
Day 9:
Lohegaon to Sama Gaon
Day 10:
Acclimatization Day
Day 11
Sama Gaon to Samdo
Day 12:
Samdo to Dharamsala
Day 13:
Dharmasala-Cross Larkya La Pass and trek to Bhimtang
Day 14:
Bhimtal to Goa
Day 15:
Goa to Tal
Day 16:
Tal to Ghermu Phant
Day 17:
Ghermu Phant to Bhulbhule and drive to Besisahar
Day 18:
Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 19
Fly to your destination
Intriguing Insights This graph here shows the yearly visitors that come to experience the Himalayan region of Nepal. This number is constantly growing over the years.
Cultural Experiences
Everest Region:
This region is majorly captured by the citizens of the Sherpa community, and it held its significance for a long time.
Their dynamic festivals, like Mani Rimdu, are celebrated between October and November.
Their cuisine includes famous dishes like Dal Bhat, Momos, and butter tea.
Manaslu Region
The Manaslu region’s culture is drastically molded by Tibetan principles, as the district lies adjacent to Tibet.
Little villages like Samagaun and Samdo offer fascinating insights into the mainstream Tibetan methodology of life.
You will observe various chortens (Buddhist sanctums) and religious community groups while walking the trail.
Local people are doing complicated, painstaking work, such as supplication banners and woolen articles of clothing, which are manufactured for meaningful souvenirs.
Packing Fundamentals for Both Treks
If you are thinking about what will be the necessary things that you should carry to avoid hassles,? Well, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered.
I’m giving a detailed packing list for both the treks that everyone should follow.
Clothing
Pack Warmer clothes and Waterproof outfits
Footwear
Hard trekking boots and warm socks
Gear:
Carry a trekking post , sleeping bag, and headlamp
Miscellaneous
Must carry Sunscreen, water refinement tablets, first-aid kit to avoid physical hassless
Documents:
Pile up complete paperwork including TIMS card, trekking licenses, and a substantial ID
The final words
To sum up this entire journey, I just want to say that both trails are filled with enormous features and eye-pleasing views of mountains and valleys. Choosing one completely depends on the preferences and quality of the place you want to witness.
Follow the above recommendations to make your journey hassle-free and convenient and make the most out of your trip.
