Next year, I am heading to Nepal as part of my biggest challenge yet; summiting the infamous Mount Everest. It is an incredible feat I am taking on, physically, mentally and financially. I am currently in training for this obstacle.
Though many people may not be able to summit Mount Everest due to the difficult factors it pertains, reaching the different base camps that Nepal has to offer can be a challenging, surreal experience in itself. Basecamp treks are very popular as they require people to take on challenging trails whilst enjoying the awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas along the way.
Check out the top 5 base camp treks in Nepal below.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek is what comes to most peoples minds when they hear the words ‘Base Camp’. The trek takes you to the base of the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, standing at a magestic 8848m.
Not only does the climb offer a view of the magnificent mountains, but it allows you to learn more about the Sherpas, their villages and their lifestyle. Some of the best locations during the trek include the Sagarmatha National Park and the Khumbu glacier.
The climb itself can take between 12-18 days, dependant on your experience, conditions and the trail itself.
The cost for the trek may differ dependant on the company you book with and the time of year you travel, but the average cost ranges between $1200 and $1600 (US dollars.)
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers the view of all the peaks of Annapurna. The trail routes north-bound to Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp before it finally leads on to the Annapurna Base Camp for its grand finale.
As with most nepalese treks, the route is magical and includes some of the most beautiful natural views you can find. The trek passes through Kaligandaki gorge, which is actually the deepest gorge in the World!
It is a cheaper trek that Everest Base Camp, with average cost being around $600. It is also a quicker trek, with the average time being around 7 days, however it has been known to extend up to 13 days.
Makalu Base Camp
If you want to experience a variety of different landscapes, then the Makalu Base Camp Trek is for you.
It is also one of the least-explored parts of the Himalayas, meaning you lose a lot of the ‘touristy’ experience (which is a plus in my opinion!). The route begins in eastern Nepal, at Makalu Barun National Park and passes through the Arun river valley, Keke La Pass ( at 4127m), Shipton La Pass (at 4170m), Tutu La Pass (at 4080m), the Upper Barun river valley, Yangla Kharka, Sherston, before finally reaching the Makalu Base Camp.
When you reach the base camp itself, the incredible views stretch as far as Everest, Lhotse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga ranges. If you wish to, you can also continue on from Makalu Base Camp towards the Everest region.
This is a longer trek, taking around 22 days on average. Due to the time it takes, the cost is also slightly higher, costing on average around $1700.
The Manaslu Base Camp Trek
The Manaslu Base Camp Trek is one of the most ‘off-the-beaten-track’ routes for trekking compared to others in Nepal.
As do all the treks, the Manaslu provides incredible, magical views. During the climb, you can see Mt Manaslu (8163m), Ganesh Himal (7422m), Himalchuli (7853m), and even several peaks in the Annapurna, Shringi, and the Ngadi Himal ranges.
The trail passes by the villages of Namrung, Samagaon, and Samdo which adds a religious element to the trek and differentiates it from some of the other treks in Nepal. You can also pass by some monasteries, which adds a ‘wow-factor’ to the route itself.
The Manaslu trail is a longer trek, with the duration taking approximately 18 days on average. The cost is usually between $600 and $800.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek goes deep into the remote mountains ranges and explores the third highest mountain in the world; Mt. Kanchenjunga standing at 8586m.
One of the most amazing parts of this trek, is the beautiful flora and fauna climbers can experience and view throughout. Climbers will also trail through the culturally rich villages of Yamphudin, Mamankhe, and Lalikharka.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is more difficult than some of the others in Nepal and takes longer to complete, at around 28 days. Due to the length of time and difficulty of the trek, the cost is higher than the others, at a price of around $2500.
