Manaslu Circuit Trek VS Everest Base Camp Trek: Which Trek is Right for You?

Introduction: Everest and Manaslu

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Introduced in the year 1991, Manaslu Circuit Trek is a newly opened trail that has become one of the top choices among trekkers who love to explore the less footed area (less crowded trail) and seek a profound connection with nature by circulating the whole of Mount Manaslu (8163 meters) world’s eighth highest peak. Not only that, but offers a chance to navigate the wilderness of the pristine Manaslu Conservation Area. 

Located in the Gorkha District Nepal, in between the confluence of Budhi Gandaki River and Marshyangdi River, it provides an authentic taste of rawness, and of course! The breathtaking views of some of the iconic peaks with a crisp perfect insight into the Himalayan lifestyle. For one who craves to look forward to experiencing how life is run on such rugged terrains with fewer amenities then, this trek should be on your bucket list. 

Everest Base Camp Trek

Well! This trek to the Everest Base Camp (EBC) seriously doesn’t need any sort of introduction by anyone as the name depicts the legendary position this expedition holds. Everest Base Camp Trek is an once in a lifetime opportunity for any individual who had once dreamt of conquering the world’s highest peak Mt. Everest. Yes! You heard it right. This trek takes you to the foothill of none other than the iconic peak.

Navigating through the Sherpa villages, experiencing the warm hospitality, and glancing at daring Sherpas who are the shadow of every climber submitting many legendary peaks surely leave you spellbound. Traversing through the Sagarmatha National Park regarded as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, makes you unfold a new adventure in your life where you can tell flashback stories to your friends, and family that last forever maybe a fresh story to share with your grandchildren at your 70’s. 

Understanding Differences between: Manaslu Circuit Trek VS Everest Base Camp Trek

Distance and Duration

As you circulate the whole of Mt. Manaslu by circulating half of the Annapurna Circuit Trail,  this trek to the Manaslu Circuit covers approx. over 178 km with being 110 miles. This trailhead distance is estimated from MacchaKhola, the starting point of the trek. To complete the trek from Kathmandu it takes a minimum of 13 days that traverse through the remote trails of the Manaslu Conservation Area, which shows a varied richness of landscapes from green valleys to alpine tundra of Himalayan peaks.

On the other hand, the Everest Base Camp Trek leads you on a profound journey to unlock a new chapter by reaching the launchpad of Mt. Everest. Entering the iconic Khumbu region, this EBC Trek covers approximately 128 km i.e. 79 miles that touches the lap of the world’s tallest mountain. This trek lets you explore the lively market of Namche Bazaar, the ancient rich monastery in Dengboche and Tengboche that takes you to the highest point anyone can reach closer to Mount Everest- Kalapathar without the climbing permits taking a minimum of 12 days to complete depending on the route.

Highest Point and Acclimatization

The starting line of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the Machakhola (930 m./3051 m.) and bypasses many settlements reaching the highest point of Larkya La Pass (5106 m./16754 ft.). In between the trekking, you must acclimatize for at least 1 day whether in Samdo or Samagaun as by then, you'll gain approximately 4450 meters to slowly adopt the rising altitude. 

Meanwhile, acclimatization day doesn't mean resting the whole day in a tea house, on the rest day at Samagaun you'll get a doorway to reach the famous Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base camp (4800 m./15749 ft.) which is one of the top-notch destinations within the Manaslu region that trekkers prefer to intake. Hence, it is a must to set 1 excursion day, and also if your time fits then make sure to keep 2 rest days. As Samdo gets you access to reach the Tibet Border of Rui La Pass so, it is highly recommended. 

During the trek to Everest Base Camp, the origin point of the trek is Lukla (2850 m./9183 m.) and reaches the highest point at Kala Pathar at 5555 meters which is a huge acclimatization variation. Yes! Before reaching Kalapathar viewpoint, you'll reach the base camp of Everest at an altitude of 5364 meters. Hence, the maximum altitude you'll attain is 5555 m. 

2 acclimatization days are highly suggested during the EBC Trek, one at Namche Bazaar and another at Dingboche. During the acclimatization day, you'll ascend to the most highly situated 5-star hotel in the world "Everest View Point" where you can see several snowcapped peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptshe, Ama Dablam, and Pumori. Strolling around Namche's biggest market hub you'll feel that this leisure day is one hundred percent worth it.

At Dingboche, another famous point you can undertake a day hike to Nangkartshang Peak where the heavenly mountains of Tabuche, Makalu, Tharmseku, Cholatse, and many other surroundings closely provide a heavenly feeling.

In comparison, you'll gain more altitude during the EBC Trek, however with the rise of altitude, the mirthful walk during the acclimatization days not only shows you the best corner of both regions but also prevents altitude sickness.

Landscape Diversity

Undoubtedly, both the expedition offers the best scenery of the Himalayas which is why they both are highly preferred trek in Nepal. Whether it is a dry landscape, dense forest, or the alpine valleys these two destinations showcase the rich variety of tropological contrast. However, the scenery is unique in its way.

The trek to Mount Everest Base Camp usually starts from Lukla (2650 m.) if you take a flight, if not then by the road it begins with Jiri (1905 m.). As the trek is more popular and preferred by the flight to Lukla, let’s only talk about that. From Lukla to Phakding, the trail takes you to the dense forests of blooming rhododendrons, pine, water streams, and lovely rolling green hills. 

Passing by several settlements of Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche you can witness the gradual transition of the landscape turning into a prominent view of several snowcapped views such as Mt. Lhotshe, Nuptshe, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and reaching the Kalapatthar, the panoramic vista of Mount Everest can be seen. The highest point is Kalapatthar (5555 meters) in this trek to the EBC.

In comparison, the Manaslu Circuit shows you the terrain variation of six climatic zones in total that navigate through rich forests starting from Machhakhola. Traversing through many charming villages such as Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Samgaon, Samdo, Dharamsala, and Bhimtang demonstrating the transition of the tropical zone, subtropical zone, and reaches alpine tundra along the way to Larkya La Pass (5106 m.), the highest point of the Manaslu Trek.

Throughout the trail, the views of many mountains such as Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Peak 29, Ganesh Himal, and Mt. Manaslu tend to accompany us on every step! Not only that but right from the start, the trail takes you to the agriculture farm, wildlife diversity, water streams, and ancient monasteries on the backdrop views of the towering black dry landscape show the unique tropological differences.

Although the EBC Trek takes you to a higher altitude in case of landscape diversity, the Manaslu Circuit navigates through the diverse landscape in comparison. 

Cultural Insights:

Being popularly known as the home of Sherpa people who assist climbers in summiting legendary peaks, the Everest/Khumbu region is filled with brave sherpas. Here, you’ll get to learn their brave stories, and their statues and also get to see the insight of their culture.

The Everest Base Camp Trek shows you the warm hospitality of these locals, and if your holiday plan fits with the main festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, and most importantly, the Mani Rimdu festival then it becomes a cherry on top of your adventure.

Whereas, in the Manaslu region of Nepal, you’ll truly feel what cultural diversity means. As, it is home to many communities such as Gurung, Magar, Tamang, and Sherpas in the lower region. While moving to the upper parts, a rich tapestry of the culture of Tsum, Nubri, and Tibetan communities starts to fascinate you. 

Not only that but you’ll feel how locals are surviving their livelihood on such rugged trails where there is 0 sign of modern amenities that’s when you will be transported to their 90’s far away from the modern world. 

Less Crowded Trail

When it comes to comparing the trail regarding the crowd there’s no comparison, undoubtedly, Manaslu Circuit Trek wins among all. 

Special permits are required to get access to the Manaslu Conservation Area where the government has set strict rules that there shall be a minimum of 2 individuals in the group and must be attained by the registered trekking agency. It keeps away many people from entering this restricted territory making it less crowded or you can say one of the less visited trails of the Himalayas due to the strict laws and regulations.

However, to commence on a hike to EBC (Everest Base Camp) there are no such rules due to which the trails are crowded by domestic and international traffic. Also, it is a gateway to the iconic peak of Mt. Everest which itself makes the route filled with high-traffic visitors.

Transportation Facilities

To do the Manaslu region Trek, the only means of transportation to reach the starting point, Maccha Khola from Kathmandu is by bus and private jeep. There are no modes of transportation from Maccha Khola to complete the trek, you must do a walking trail from here onwards. Finding the jeep won’t be a problem as it will be already booked beforehand during the peak season so, you can easily undertake the expedition. 

After circulating the entire region and descending to Dharapani, you’ll take a jeep drive to Kathmandu or Pokhara whatever the ending point you choose to prefer.

For the EBC, there are two modes to reach the Lukla- starting point of the trek; one is by Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri or Salleri which is a lengthy duration taking an extra 5-6 days just to reach the beginning point. Another popular one is; by flight to Lukla from Kathmandu or Manthali depending upon which season you are undertaking this expedition.

The flight timing might be delayed for 1-2 days during the peak season time and sometimes, due to the bad weather condition. If you are willing to do EBC Trek, just make sure to arrive 2-3 days earlier so, you don’t miss out on your flight back to the homeland even if the flight gets postponed by 1-2 days. 

Manaslu Circuit vs. Everest Base Camp: Which Trek is More Challenging?

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty Level 

Well! Being regarded as one of the tough voyages in the Himalayas, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging expedition anyone can undertake. Hiking constantly uphill in the rugged terrains, steep sections, and also snowy trails isn’t an easy task. On top of that, covering approx. 178 km (110 miles) with a pace of walking for 6-7 hours makes it even more challenging.

However, the trek isn’t considered a dangerous odyssey, but what makes it quite wild is the mental frustration due to the remote trail and limited amenities. It can be heart-pounding and annoying to some who have never done any sort of hiking before. If you have a basic level of fitness, you are good to go. If you have done any hiking before even short ones then you are all set for Manaslu Circuit Trekking.

Some challenges might come your way such as bad/unpredictable weather, that makes the trail full of snow making it slippery to hike. However, it is suggested to carry notable gear such as fine hiking boots, crampons for snowy trails, and warm clothes.

Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek Difficulty Level

In comparison, the EBC Trek is easier than the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which can be done by any age group, whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker this odyssey can easily be completed with no doubt. 

Although the Everest Trek takes you to the greater pinnacle heights at the Kalapatthar vantage point- 5555 meters, as you reach such high altitudes the body gets used to the rising high altitudes which prevents the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Besides, the modern amenities, well-maintained paths, and short-duration hikes are what make it more straightforward and doable.

Daily, this trek demands 5-6 hours of hiking covering 9-10 km each day through forested areas, steep sections, and man-made stone staircase. If chosen, in the right season then, the snowy trail won’t be a problem. 

Thus, at both expeditions of Manaslu Circuit and EBC, just consider having a balanced meal, avoiding cold and caffeine foods, and of course! Carry proper gear and types of equipment such as an oximeter- to check the heartbeat, and yes! Walk along with the guide and your team members at every step, they’ll ensure your safety, and comfort, and walk at your own pace without panicking.

Understanding the Age Restrictions for Everest and Manaslu: Is there any age limit? 

Manaslu Circuit

If you are wondering whether there are some criteria or not regarding the trekking to Manaslu then, No! There are no such age limits, anyone having the willpower to undertake the expedition can opt for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

There are many records from age 14 to the age of over 60 completing this trek successfully without any hassle. For the permits, there are no such criteria, anyone having a positive mindset, enthusiasm, and yes! An urge to complete this trip can go for this thrilling expedition. 

The trekking guides will always be there with you like a shadow ensuring your safety and comfort to avoid critical conditions. However, it is highly recommended for all age groups to do pre-medical tests with doctors and make some planning regarding the acclimatization days that probably would suit you.

Everest Base camp 

The same goes with the EBC Trek, everyone having the pre-preparation of all ages can complete this trip. Everest opens his gateway to all the people across the globe willing to embark on this mirthful journey, just like Manaslu it has no age restriction. 

Family commences on this trek with their children showing the lap of the world’s highest peak to the smaller ages creating an once in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Which to choose: the Manaslu Circuit Trek or the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The above-mentioned long article, hopefully clears your doubt regarding the confusion of Manaslu Circuit VS Everest Base camp. There's no such thing called which one is better. which one would you love the most and which which one you must choose? Both the expedition serves the best cultural insights and spectacular views in its unique way.

If you are someone who loves to be in a peaceful area far away from the crowded trails, and city life and feel the serenity of the Himalayas and course! have an ample amount of time then, Manaslu Circuit Trek surely fits you.

Just consider having some preparation beforehand and choose the best trekking season i.e. Autumn and Spring. Engage in some sort of muscle strengthening exercises as you'll be covering 6-7 hours of walking each day for approx. 174 km. Even though the Manaslu Trek throws some challenges you won't regret exploring the rugged terrain, experiencing remote life, and surely reaching the vantage point of Larke Pass (5106 meters.)

If we compare both expeditions, the Everest Base Camp Trek is easier and can be done by any age group, whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker you can easily complete this trek. 

If you crave to reach the world's highest peak foothill and feel the panoramic views of Mt. Everest reaching the Kalapathhar (5545 meters) then, this trek would probably leave you spellbound.

Conclusion

Well! there is no such thing called which one is right for you. It all depends on personal choice, holiday length cost estimation, and of course! the physical level. However, whether you choose Everest Base Camp or Manaslu Circuit Trek both promise to shower you with great cultural encounters, diverse landscapes, heavenly mountain views, and a rich tapestry of culture in every stride that leaves you forever.