The Everest base camp trek is much more doable as compared to the Manaslu Circuit trek and welcomes trekkers of all ages. Still, you’ll be going to a comparatively advanced altitude, which invites other challenges your way.
With the brimming majesty of the mountains weaving unique shades of society, both of these journeys are inversely enticing. Each with its own appeal, picking one among these journeys can be relatively intimidating as they’re fully different in terms of culture, geography, views, difficulties, and others.
Thus, in this blog, we give you detailed insights on both the journeys, helping you to unveil the secrets and make way for your Himalayan adventures.
Brief overview of the Manaslu Circuit Trek vs. Everest Base Camp Trek:
Aspects:
Manaslu Circuit Trek Everest Base Camp Trek Location
Gorkha District in the Manaslu Conservation Area, along the Budhi Gandaki River
Khumbu region, Sagarmatha National Park Highest Point Larke Pass at 5,160 m, Kalapathar at 5,555 m Length: approximately 177 km, approximately 130 km
Permits:
MCAP, ACAP, TIMS, Restricted Area Permit TIMS, Sagarmatha National Park Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality entrance card .
Difficulty:
Difficulty Steep ascents and descents with rough trails are comparatively more difficult. Higher altitude with rapid ascent and limited oxygen
Cultures:
Gurungs with deep-rooted Tibetan culture and widespread Buddhism Sherpas follow Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
Seasons:
Spring and autumn. Not preferred during the monsoon Preferred during the spring and autumn.
Open all year round, Trekker’s traffic is moderate during peak season, less during winters.
Crowded due to popularity and no restrictions on mountains
Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Annapurna II, and Himchuli
Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Pumori, and Thamserku Treks at a Glance
Mt Manaslu from Lho village This trek is a unique take on nature’s grandeur, with the rawness and authenticity of the Himalayas mixed with a bunch of challenges.
Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Considered a tough odyssey among the well-known treks in the Himalayan region of Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit trek is quite challenging. The trek requires you to tackle the 177-kilometer journey on foot while passing through rough terrain and steep ascents and descents.
With an average of 6-7 hours of walking per day, this underdeveloped trail takes you over wooden bridges and untouched areas of the country, making it a strenuous and difficult trek.
The trek, however, is not considered dangerous, given that you are physically and mentally prepared. You will come across challenges like altitude sickness as you cross over the altitude of 5,000 m (16,404 ft) to tackle the Larke Pass.
physical fitness :
Therefore, it is highly recommended that you be fully prepared in the physical fitness and gear departments. A physical checkup before the trek would be highly recommended due to the lack of immediate Manaslu Circuit Trek. Considered a tough odyssey among the well-known journeys in the Himalayan region of Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit journey is relatively grueling.
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A mountaineer on the way to Bumthang after crossing Larke La Pass A mountaineer on the way to Bumthang after crossing Larke La Pass You might also face challenges due to changeable rainfall, steep ascents and descents, and snowfall. Thus, it’s largely recommended that you’re completely prepared in the physical fitness and gear departments.
Everest Base Camp Trek:
Medicines for all general ails, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and drugs for your specific ails, if any, are a must to carry in your pack. Everest Base Camp Trek In terms of length of the journey, the EBC journey is much more realizable as compared to the Manaslu Circuit journey and welcomes pedestrians of all ages.
Still, you’ll be going to a comparatively advanced altitude, which invites other challenges your way. As you cut the Khumbu region to reach the base camp, you’ll have to conquer Kalapathar at 5555 m( 18,225 ft), adding to the threat of altitude sickness.
Difficulty and safety:
As far as your safety during the EBC journey is concerned, some of the health issues, like food poisoning or altitude-related sickness, might come your way. Other issues like limited oxygen, overexertion, dehumidification, sunburn, and environmental hazards might also arise.
Thus, whatever safety measures apply for the Manaslu Circuit, the same applies then as well, along with the possibility of copter evacuation in case of an emergency.
Cultural Encounters:
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Cultural hassles Manaslu Circuit Trek The intricate Manaslu Circuit journey offers you authentic and raw culture amidst the townlets untouched by modernization. You’ll witness deep-embedded Gurung culture immersed in Buddhism with a touch of Tibetan culture. although helicopter evacuation can be possible in case of emergencies.
EBC Trek:
Medicines for all general illnesses, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and medicines for your specific illnesses, if any, are a must to carry in your backpack. Everest Base Camp Trek In terms of the length of the trek, the EBC trek is much more doable as compared to the Manaslu Circuit trek and welcomes trekkers of all ages.
However, you will be going to a comparatively higher altitude, which invites other challenges your way. As you traverse the Khumbu region to reach the base camp, you will have to conquer Kalapathar at 5555 m (18,225 ft), increasing the risk of altitude sickness.
You get to experience the joy of Sherpa cuisine and the legendary Sherpa hospitality while basking in the stunning view of nature’s grandeur.
The starting point of the trek is enough to give mild altitude sickness to the trekkers. Trekkers relaxing on the Dingboche acclimatization hike Trekkers relaxing on the Dingboche acclimatization hike With a daily increase of 600–800 m in elevation, physical and mental preparation are crucial for tackling the difficulty of the Everest Base Camp trek.
Also Read: How to Choose an E-bike for Camping
