One of the most exciting prospects in the trekking industry is the Himalaya base camp trek. These incredible explorations are famous across the world for the incredible experience they provide. Nepal, the small nation nestled in the Himalayas is undoubtedly one of the top destinations when it comes to the most rewarding Himalaya base camp trek opportunity.
If you have never trekked in Nepal before or have familiarity with the nature of the Himalaya base camps, you have come to the right place. Today, we are going to discuss some of the most popular base camp treks in the Himalayas and what you can expect during your journey.
This list includes some of the most popular Himalayan base camp treks in Nepal from the popular mainstream routes to the isolated endeavours. After checking out the list, you can decide on your next great adventure to the magical Himalayas.
Everest Base CampÂ
Highest Elevation: Kalapatthar (5,644 meters)
Trek Duration: 12 to 14 days
Let’s kickstart the list with the most popular Himalaya base camp trek in the entire world, Everest Base Camp Trek. The reason it is so widely popular among other trekking enthusiasts across the world is due to it being the foot base of the highest standing alpine peak, Mt. Everest (8,848 meters).
Even among the mainstream trekking destinations in the country, due to its high elevation and isolation from the roadway, the wilderness experience in this base camp trek is quite fascinating. You will able to see a different part of the world that has adapted to different lifestyles; you can really call it an eye-opening experience.
This is also the Himalayan base camp trek that will introduce you to the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the mountain people, Sherpas. These mountain ethnic groups have evolved further from the rest of the world so much that they don’t even need oxygen for scaling high-altitude mountains.
So, the Everest Base Camp Trek will also be a wonderful opportunity to witness these brave mountain people who are the formidable pillars of the mountaineering industry from up close.
Annapurna Base Camp
Highest Elevation: Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 meters)
Trek Duration: 7 to 11 days
Annapurna Base Camp is considered one of the easiest and shortest Himalaya base camp trek. This journey to the foothills of the tenth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Annapurna (8,091 meters) is one of the oldest and classical treks in Nepal.
Located inside the second mainstream trek destination in the country, this Himalayan base camp trek isn’t that challenging or long. The majority part of this trekking trail is below 3,000 meters and you will reach the highest point only at the base camp itself.
So, it’s an easy-grade trek that you can enjoy with friends and family without the need to worry about the risks and challenges that come along with mountain treks. This Himalayan journey is an inclusion of both remarkable cultural exploration and the charming natural beauty that the Annapurna is famous for.
Manaslu Base Camp
Highest Elevation: Larke La Pass (5,106 meters)
Trek Duration: 14 to 16 days
Unlike other mainstream Himalaya base camp trek routes, the Manaslu Base Camp Trek is more of a wilderness experience. For the trekkers who are looking for a different experience that takes them away from the crowd of the mainstream routes, this Himalaya odyssey is the perfect fit.
Due to its closeness with the Annapurna region, this off-beaten trekking trail is a milder form of wilderness exploration that doesn’t completely stray away from the civilizations. This journey takes you to the western side of the central Himalayas giving you the opportunity to explore the scared hidden valleys.
However, unlike other mainstream routes that take you directly to the base camp of the mountain. For this journey to the base of right highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu (8,163 meters), you will need to take on the circuit trekking journey that revolves around the mountain.
But, if you don’t want to take on a complete circuit trekking journey, you can also make the request to the agencies to customize the package just for the Manaslu Base Camp.
Makalu Base Camp
Highest Elevation: Makalu Base Camp (4,870 meters)
Trek Duration: 17 to 19 days
Another popular Himalaya base camp trek, Makalu Base Camp is a restricted area exploration that leads you to the basin of the fifth highest peak on earth, Mt. Makalu (8,485 meters). If you are looking for a longer off-beaten trekking experience with demanding trails, this is the most ideal trek for you.
Although the trek doesn’t take you across significantly major altitudes, the long length of the trek that takes you through the rugged and remote landscape can be a bit of a pickle for beginner trekkers. Unlike other mainstream treks, the settlements of this eastern Himalayan region are also isolated and have still preserved their ancient cultures and traditions.
The beautiful culture traditions of the ancient settlements, diverse landscapes, raw Himalayan beauty untouched by modernity, and Makalu Barun National Park are some of the major highlights of this Himalaya base camp trek.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp
Highest Elevation: Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (5,143 meters)
Trek Duration: 21 to 26 days
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the most incredible Himalaya base camp treks in Nepal that lasts almost a month. This exciting exploration of the two of the base camps of the third tallest peak in the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters in a single trip. If you don’t want to do a nearly month-long adventure, you can also do the exploration of each base camp, one at a time.
This restricted area trek has been labeled as the king of off-beaten trekking adventures in Nepal. Farther from the crowds of the mainstream, this trek takes you to the isolated section of the far-eastern Himalayas. Due to its length and high altitude regions along the trails, it is considered one of the most physically challenging trips.
If you don’t have any previous trekking experience in the remote parts or have a problem with high-altitude points, then, this trek isn’t meant for you. However, if you are looking for thrills and excitement and a long vacation away from the bustling modern life, then, this is your cup of tea.
When Should I Go for Himalaya Base Camp Trek?
Although the treks in Nepal can be done all year round, the experience can differ depending on the season of visit. If you want to ensure a comfortable and exciting experience, you should go for the seasons like spring and autumn.
These seasons have appropriate settings and stable climatic conditions, so even if you have to take on some challenges during the trek, the weather factor will always be favorable. Going into the specifics, if love nature and want to experience the natural beauty of the Himalayas at its peak, you can do this trek in spring.
Similarly, the autumn season has stable climatic conditions, moderate temperatures, dry trekking trails, and an overall pleasant atmosphere to enjoy the Himalayan journey. The views of the Himalayas are also said to be perfect during this season as you can enjoy it from anywhere on the trail.
