(content by Christopher H.)
Two very different treks along the majestic Himalayas of Nepal—both the Manaslu Circuit trek and the Everest Base Camp trek—are iconic invitations to this trekker’s paradise. A trek of a lifetime amidst the mountainous wonders of the country, these treks are one of the best teahouse treks.
With the brimming grandeur of the mountains weaving a unique tapestry of cultures, both these treks are equally enticing. Each trek has its own unique allure and choosing one can be quite intimidating due to the vast differences in culture, landscape, views, difficulties, and other aspects.
Treks at a Glance:
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Also known as the ‘New Annapurna Trek’, the Manaslu Circuit trek is rising as one of the well-known trekking goals in the midst of the grand Himalayas of Nepal. This trek circles around the 8,163 m (26,781 ft) tall Manaslu mountain in the untouched Manaslu Conservation Area.
This trek is a special take on nature’s glory, with the crudeness and genuineness of the Himalayas blended with a bunch of challenges. For individuals needing to get a bona fide encounter along the Himalayas improved with the social touch, this trek is the consul capture giving you the genuine pitch of trekking.
Everest Base Camp Trek
One of the best trekking goals in the world, the Everest Base Camp trek is a special and life changing involvement. An entryway to Everest, this notorious path takes you to the stride of the most noteworthy top in the world.
Traversing through the white-water streams, affable Sherpa towns, socially enhanced scenes, and dazzling displays along the Sagarmatha National Stop, this trek is your idealized presentation to the splendor of nature.
Location and Distance
Manaslu Circuit
Encircling the eighth most noteworthy top in the world, the Manaslu Circuit trek takes you on a bold trek along the Manaslu Conservation Zone. This dazzling trek is in the Gorkha area of Nepal.
As you circle around Mt. Over the distance of 177 km, it takes you to a section of the Annapurna Circuit as well.
Beginning from Machha Khola in the Manaslu locale, this trek offers you a father’s involvement with a captivating assortment of scenes by the time you conclude your trek at Tal in the Annapurna region.
Everest Base Camp
A notorious welcome to the doorstep of the world’s most elevated crest, the Everest Base Camp trek is settled in the lap of the Himalayas. This awe-inspiring trek begins and closes in Lukla, navigating over the Khumbu locale in the Sagarmatha National Park.
Going through the captivating, however sensational, mountain scenes, the EBC trek covers a distance of roughly 130 km, or 80 miles, with progressive pick-up in height. The EBC trek weaves its way through distinctively lovely stops like Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Kalapathar, inevitably coming to the EBC at 5,364 meters (17,598 ft).
Altitude and Acclimatization
Manaslu Circuit
Acclimatization gets to be a critical viewpoint amid the Manaslu Circuit trek as the trekkers prevail over the height distinction of over 4,260 m (13,976 ft). Beginning from Machha Khola at 900 m (2952 ft), the most elevated point of the trek lies at the Larke Pass, standing tall at 5,160 m (16,929 ft).
At least one day of acclimatization has been prescribed some time recently. You head towards Dharmasala at 4,460 m (14,632 ft). Areas like Samagaon or Samdo make for a great acclimatization spot with get-to for an acclimatization climb to Birendra Tal or to the foot of the powerful Manaslu at the Manaslu Base Camp.
Everest Base Camp
Taking you to the doorstep of the world’s most elevated top, the EBC trek takes you to the greatest elevation of 5555 m (18,225 ft) at Kalapathar. As compared to Manaslu, this trek is much more complicated in terms of altitude.
The beginning point of the trek at 2,840 m (9,317 ft) at Lukla itself is much higher for most of the individuals setting out on this exciting enterprise. With a progressive climb, the trek covers a height contrast of 2,715 meters (8,907 ft).
Therefore, acclimatization gets to be much more pivotal in the EBC trek. You must designate at least a couple of days for acclimatization if you need to avoid height affliction at the tall elevations that this trek will take you to.
Permits and Guide
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu locale is a limited range; hence, it exposed the trekkers to very little bother of getting distinctive grants. One needs to compulsorily have the licenses recorded underneath to effectively trek the Manaslu Circuit:
– Trekker’s Data Administration Framework (TIMS) card
– Manaslu Conservation Range Allow (MCAP)
– Annapurna Conservation Zone Allow (ACAP)
– An extraordinary Limited Range Permit
Everest Base Camp Trek
Although trekking along the Everest locale might not be as limited, you still require certain licenses to set out on this trek.
– Trekker’s Data Administration Framework (TIMS) Card
– Sagarmatha National Stop Permit
– Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rustic region entrance card
Difficulty and Safety
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Considered an extreme trek among the well-known treks in the Himalayan locale of Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit trek is very challenging. The trek requires you to handle the 177 km of travel on foot while passing through harsh landscapes and soaking up risings and descents.
With a normal walk of 6-7 hours per day, this immature path takes you over wooden bridges and untouched ranges of the nation, making it a strenuous and troublesome trek.
The trek, be that as it may, is not considered an unsafe one given that you are physically and rationally arranged. You will come over challenges like height ailment as you cross over the elevation of 5,000 m (16,404 ft) to handle the Larke Pass.
Everest Base Camp Trek
In terms of length of the trek, the EBC trek is much more doable as compared to the Manaslu Circuit trek and invites trekkers of all ages. In any case, you will be going to a comparatively higher elevation, which welcomes other challenges your way.
As you navigate the Khumbu locale to reach the base camp, you will have to prevail at Kalapathar at 5555 m (18,225 ft), expanding the chance of height ailment. The beginning point of the trek is sufficient to donate mellow elevation ailment to the trekkers.
With a day-by-day increment of 600-800 m in height, physical and mental planning is exceptionally significant for handling the trouble of the Everest Base Camp trek. You will walk for up to 5-6 hours on average per day, making the trek marginally strenuous and, as it were, a little less challenging.
Cultural Encounters
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The complex Manaslu Circuit trek offers you true and crude culture in the midst of the towns untouched by modernization. You will be involved in deep-rooted Gurung culture submerged in Buddhism with a touch of Tibetan culture.
The nearness of supplication banners, main dividers, and a few cloisters is beyond any doubt to make your encounter quiet while keeping in touch with the genuine substance of life in the midst of the Himalayas.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Along with being a beautiful path, the Everest Base Camp is a similarly enhancing trek in terms of social encounters as well. This trek is ensured to cultivate a profound sense of appreciation in the midst of the trekkers towards the flexible and affable nature of the Sherpas.
At normal Sherpa homes like Namche Bazar, Dingboche, Pheriche, etc., you will be able to closely witness the day-to-day life of the Sherpas along with locks in in the nearby economy and social immersion.
Seasonal Accessibility
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The crest trekking seasons, i.e., spring and harvest time, are considered the best time for Manaslu Circuit trek. Amid these seasons, the trekkers get a culmination of the Manaslu locale, counting the captivating scene, staggering Himalayan vistas, rich timberlands, blossoming greenery and fauna, and more.
Draped in snow, the winters as well grant a flawless and ethereal encounter along the untouched and disconnected path. In any case, trekking in this locale amid a storm is profoundly not fitting, as it can be exceptionally hazardous.
With tall chances of avalanches, flooding of streams, and collapsing of wooden bridges, availability gets indeed more restricted amid a rainstorm. Hence, the Manaslu Circuit trek is not conceivable amid the storm season.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The EBC trek, on the other hand, is open all year round, in spite of the fact that the favored seasons incorporate spring and harvest time. It is since these seasons are the top trekking seasons in Nepal with ideal climate and clear scenes of the Himalayas.
However, the off-seasons serve a diverse point of view of the Himalayas to the trekkers, bragging a calmer and more peaceful take on the path. In spite of tossing in a few challenges, the EBC trek amid storms and winters is similarly doable.
Therefore, the best time for the EBC trek depends on your individual inclinations, with all four seasons being accessible on your platter to choose from. Examined for more points of interest on the climate and temperature in the Everest Locale.
FAQS
What is the Everest Base Camp trek?
The Everest Base Camp trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal that takes you to the base camp of Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. It typically starts from Lukla and takes around 12-16 days to complete, including acclimatization days.
What type of accommodation is available on the trek?
Accommodation is primarily in tea houses or lodges along the route. They offer basic facilities, including a bed and meals, but the standard can vary.
How can I obtain the necessary permits?
You cannot apply for a trekking permit for Manaslu yourself. As per the government rule, you will need to contact the registered agency and your agency will carry out the necessary process and have your permit issued for you.
What is the best time for the Manaslu trek?
The best time for the Manaslu trek is during the Autumn season (September to November). As during autumn, there are least chances of rainfall, and the Himalayas views are clear.
Contect to Nepal High Trek
Nepal High Trek And Expedition Pvt. Ltd. is an authentic local trekking company based in Kathmandu, Nepal, specializing in multi-day tours, treks, climbing and other related activities for solo travelers and private groups. You can contact us at [email protected] or via WhatsApp at +977-9851142116.
