Everest Base Camp Vs Manaslu Circuit Trek | What’s Your Ideal Trek?

Introduction

“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”

- Sir Edmund Hillary

Both the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek and the Manaslu Circuit Trek are popular adventures for trekking enthusiasts visiting Nepal. Each offers breathtaking 

There is no doubt that the both trails promise Himalayan views, rich cultural experiences, and challenging trails, but they differ in many ways such as accessibility, difficulty, and overall vibe.

How do you choose between them? Are you captivated by the allure of the world’s tallest mountain or the untouched beauty of a remote, restricted region? This guide highlights the key differences between the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Manaslu Circuit Trek to help you discover which adventure suits you best.

Manaslu Circuit Vs Everest Base Camp Trek

1. Trip Duration

Everest Base Camp Trek covers about 130 kilometers (80 miles) and usually takes 11 to 15 days depending on the route you choose. The classic trek includes a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, starting your journey high in the mountains.

Stretching approximately 177 kilometers (110 miles), the Manaslu Circuit trek typically takes 15 to 18 days. It includes parts of the Annapurna region and requires a longer drive to reach the trailhead, as there are no flights to the start point.

At Hidden Treks Nepal, we offer three different Everest Base Camp trek packages

At Hidden Treks Nepal, we offer three different Manaslu Circuit trek packages

Note: The trek durations listed may not precisely match the actual time you’ll spend on the trail. For example, although Manaslu lies farther from Kathmandu than Everest, it doesn’t always mean a longer trek. If you’re pressed for time, we can design a shorter, well-paced Manaslu itinerary that fits our guidelines.

All the packages mentioned above are flexible and can be tailored to your preferences. Just share your interests and available time, and we’ll create an itinerary that works perfectly for you.

2. Accessibility

Absolutely, both treks lead you through stunning Himalayan landscapes in Nepal and involve extensive high-altitude trekking. However, they differ greatly in several ways, especially when it comes to how easily you can access and return from each route.

Accessing the Everest Base Camp Trek Route

The Everest Base Camp trek typically starts with a scenic 30–40 minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Although this flight is quick and popular, it is highly weather-dependent, so delays and cancellations are common. For more comfort and flexibility, helicopter options are also available.

That said, flight cancellations, delays, and road traffic add a unique twist to the Everest trekking experience. As an alternative, you can take a jeep ride to Surke to begin or end the trek, especially when flights are canceled. This jeep option is also a more affordable choice and helps avoid potential flight-related issues.

Important note

Since 2022, direct flights from Kathmandu to Lukla during peak seasons are no longer available. Instead, you must drive south to Ramechhap and take your flight to Lukla from there. While the itinerary tries to complete this journey in one day, travel delays can sometimes add an extra day on both the start and end of the Everest Base Camp trek.

Hidden Trek Nepal arranges an early drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap around 3–4:00 am, aiming to catch the Lukla flight and reach your destination on the same day.

Accessing the Manaslu Circuit Trek Route 

Machha Khola is usually the starting point for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. To reach the Manaslu Circuit, you begin with a long but scenic drive from Kathmandu to either Soti Khola or Machha Khola. This journey offers an adventurous and picturesque ride through remote villages, terraced fields, and river valleys.

The drive typically takes 7 to 10 hours by jeep or local bus. Unlike the Everest Base Camp trek, flying to the start of the Manaslu Circuit isn’t possible, which is why the road journey is necessary.

3. Trekking Difficulty & Altitude

Both the Everest Trek and the Manaslu Trek feature demanding terrain, yet they vary in terms of accessibility, altitude gain, and overall level of difficulty.

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

The Everest trek follows a well-established, well-maintained trail that is wide and clearly marked, making navigation relatively easy. Starting from Lukla, the route gradually ascends to Everest Base Camp, making it more accessible and suitable for trekkers of all ages compared to the Manaslu Circuit.

However, as you journey through the Khumbu region, you’ll face the challenge of climbing Kalapathar at 5,555 m, which increases the risk of altitude sickness. Even the trek’s starting point can cause mild symptoms in some trekkers.

So, all the safety precautions needed for the Manaslu Circuit apply here too, with the added advantage of helicopter evacuation options in emergencies.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

Regarded as one of Nepal’s toughest Himalayan treks, the Manaslu Circuit is a challenging journey.

With daily walks averaging 6–7 hours, this less-developed trail takes you across wooden bridges and pristine, untouched landscapes, making it both physically and mentally demanding.

Starting at Soti Khola, the route climbs to the Larkya La Pass before descending into the Annapurna region. Along the way, you’ll encounter steep, rocky paths, river crossings, landslide-prone zones, and high-altitude sections.

Unlike Everest, the Manaslu trek has limited infrastructure, increasing its difficulty. Additionally, since it passes through a restricted area, solo trekking isn’t permitted, traveling with a guide is mandatory.

4. Food & Accommodation

Accommodation and food options vary greatly between these two treks.

Everest Base Camp Food & Accommodation

The Everest Trek offers a wide variety of accommodations, ranging from simple tea houses to luxury lodges featuring heated rooms and WiFi. Some of the best tea houses are located in Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Lobuche.

Food options are diverse, including traditional Nepali Dal Bhat, pasta, pancakes, momos, pizza, and even fresh bakery items. Wifi, hot showers, and charging facilities are commonly available for an extra fee. Trekkers can enjoy a comfortable stay with options like extra blankets, private rooms, and attached bathrooms at select locations.

Manaslu Circuit Food & Accommodation

Manaslu offers mostly basic teahouses with simple rooms and shared facilities. Many villages have limited electricity and no WiFi, providing a more off-the-grid experience.

Food options are simpler, mainly Dal Bhat, noodles, and Tibetan bread. In remote spots like Dharamsala, accommodations are very basic, often with just a common sleeping area. Hot showers are rare, and charging facilities for devices are limited.

5. Views & Landscape

Everest Base Camp Trek Views & Landscape

In the first few days of the Everest Base Camp Trek, you’ll wander through dense forests filled with rhododendron and magnolia trees. The Dudh Koshi River runs alongside much of the trail. Along the way, you’ll cross numerous suspension bridges and pass charming Sherpa villages nestled in lush valleys, where colorful prayer flags flutter in the breeze.

As you climb higher, the scenery shifts to rugged terrain dominated by moraines—vast fields of rocky debris left behind by retreating glaciers. The path crosses sparkling glacial streams and rushing rivers that carve through the valleys.

And of course, the unforgettable highlight of the Everest Trek is the stunning, close-up views of Mount Everest itself, along with majestic peaks like Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Views & Landscape

The Manaslu Circuit Trek winds through its hidden valleys and remote villages, offering a truly off-the-beaten-path experience. The trek begins with a descent into lush subtropical forests that border the lower trail, where diverse vegetation and the songs of birds accompany your quiet journey. Along the way, you cross the Budhi Gandaki River multiple times via sturdy suspension bridges decorated with colorful prayer flags.

As you climb higher, the landscape changes to alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers. You’ll navigate landslide-prone areas and trek along glaciers on mostly rugged and steep paths. Ancient monasteries and stupas appear throughout the route, while towering mountain views add to the thrill. From start to finish, you’ll also spend time near a stunning, serene lake.

The view from Larkya La Pass is otherworldly. The lack of vegetation and harsh, rugged terrain evoke a deep sense of isolation and solitude unique to the Manaslu Circuit.

And, of course, the trek offers incredible sights of Mt. Manaslu—the world’s eighth-highest peak—along with Ganesh Himal, Himlung, and Annapurna II.

6. Weather

The two critical seasons that require careful planning and attention are the Monsoon and winter. In contrast, spring and fall are the ideal trekking seasons in Nepal for both the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Best Seasons for Everest Base Camp Trek or Manaslu Circuit Trek

Spring and autumn are the peak seasons for both the Manaslu Circuit and Everest Base Camp treks. These times offer moderate temperatures, longer daylight hours, clear blue skies, blooming flowers, lush greenery, vibrant festivals, and stunning snow-capped peaks, making them the best seasons for trekking in Nepal.

• Spring Season: March, April, May till mid-June
• Autumn Season: Mid-September, October, November to mid-December

Monsoon Season for Everest Base Camp Trek or Manaslu Circuit Trek (June - Mid September)

Nepal is influenced by the Indian monsoon, the world’s largest monsoon system. From June to September, the monsoon brings heavy rain, high temperatures, and humidity to the Himalayas. Around 80% of Nepal’s annual rainfall occurs during this summer period.

Although some sections of both treks lie in the rain shadow of the high Himalayas, the lower parts of the routes are heavily affected by monsoon rains, making summer a poor season for trekking.

Winter Season for Everest Base Camp Trek or Manaslu Circuit Trek (December to February)

Between December and February, the winter monsoon brings cold temperatures, strong winds, and snow from northern Asia to Nepal. While a few adventurous trekkers attempt the Manaslu Circuit and Everest Base Camp trails during winter, they are in the minority.

The trails are much quieter and the views often clearer in winter, but temperatures can plunge to around –20°C at night, with wind chill dropping it even further by up to 10 degrees. Snowfall also increases the risk of high passes closing, potentially leaving trekkers stranded. Some passes, like the one to Gokyo Lakes, are routinely closed during winter, limiting the available routes for winter trekking.

Note: It’s generally wiser to attempt the Everest Base Camp or Manaslu Circuit treks in winter only if you are a very experienced trekker equipped with the right gear and clothing.

7. Cost of Trekking 

When planning a trek in Nepal, cost plays a major role in decision-making. Here's how the Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Manaslu Circuit treks compare in terms of expenses:

Verdict: Manaslu Circuit is generally more affordable, especially since it avoids domestic flights, though permit costs are slightly higher.

8. Attractions and Highlights

Both the Everest Base Camp and Manaslu Circuit treks provide unforgettable Himalayan experiences, yet their landscapes, cultural encounters, and overall atmospheres differ greatly.

Here’s a comparison of the key attractions and highlights of each trek to help you choose the adventure that fits you best.

Attractions and Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp trek is iconic, and for good reason. It traces the historic route taken by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, offering trekkers stunning close-up views of Everest, rich Sherpa culture, and breathtaking Himalayan scenery.

• Mount Everest (8,848m): Stand at the base of the world’s highest peak.
• Scenic Lukla Flight: A thrilling mountain flight to one of the world’s most adventurous airports.
• Tengboche Monastery: A 100-year-old monastery offering panoramic Himalayan views.
• Khumbu Glacier & Icefall: Experience dramatic glacial landscapes.
• Sherpa Culture: Rich Buddhist heritage and warm hospitality in villages like Namche Bazaar.
• Views of Iconic Peaks: Including Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Thamserku.
• Kala Patthar Viewpoint (5,545m): The best panoramic views of Everest without the climb.

Attractions and Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit is often called a “hidden gem” of Nepal. It offers a raw, less-commercialized adventure through diverse landscapes, remote villages, and vibrant Tibetan culture.

• Remote Wilderness: Off-the-beaten-path with fewer trekkers than Everest Base Camp.
• Mount Manaslu (8,163m): The world’s 8th highest mountain, offering spectacular close-up views.
• Authentic Tibetan Culture: Tamang and Tibetan-influenced villages like Sama Gaun and Lho.
• Larke La Pass (5,106m): A challenging and scenic high-mountain pass crossing.
• Wildlife & Forests: Rich biodiversity with chances to spot blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and lush rhododendron forests.
• Homestay Experience: Rustic, culturally immersive accommodations.
• Less Commercialized Trails: Quiet paths for a more spiritual and peaceful trek.

Conclusion: Manaslu Circuit Vs Everest Base Camp Trek, Which to Choose?

Both treks offer stunning Himalayan beauty, but Everest Base Camp is best for those seeking popularity, comfort, and well-developed infrastructure. In contrast, the Manaslu Circuit suits trekkers who crave raw nature, deep cultural immersion, and a more secluded route.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I trek Everest Base Camp or Manaslu Circuit trek solo?

A: You can trek Everest Base Camp solo, but Manaslu circuit trek requires a guide and at least two trekkers due to permit rules.

Q2: Where can I get a group trek to Everest Base Camp or Manaslu Circuit trek?

A: Hidden Trek Nepal’s Everest Base Camp or Manaslu Circuit trek set departure dates are tailored for the group joining option.

Q3: Where can I get a reliable guide to Everest Base Camp or Manaslu Circuit trek?

A: You can hire a guide or porter for the Everest Base Camp or Manaslu Circuit trek in Kathmandu or by contacting trusted trekking agencies, like Hidden Trek Nepal. 

We clearly communicate your requirements, and provide guide options who can navigate the trails, especially in challenging conditions. We also arrange to meet your guide or porter before your trek in Kathmandu.

Q4: Can you see Everest from Manaslu Circuit Trek?

A: No, you cannot see Mount Everest from the Manaslu Circuit. While the Manaslu Circuit offers stunning views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Manaslu itself and other majestic peaks like Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli, Mount Everest is located in a different region, much further east.

Q5: Is Manaslu trek harder than Everest?

A: Both the Manaslu Circuit trek and the Everest Base Camp trek are moderately difficult Nepalese hiking trails. Manaslu's terrain is easier than Everest's, but it has more remote areas and fewer facilities.

If you're looking for pleasant hotels and restaurants along the way, Everest may be a better option. However, if you only consider the walking time, the Manaslu Circuit trek is easier to access than the EBC trek.