5 Best Himalaya Base Camp Treks

Nepal is a beautiful Himalayan nation that presents you with incredible adventures. The rich diverse landscapes of the region extend from snow-capped mountains to lush jungles. The foothills of the tallest mountain peaks in the world provide excellent trekking opportunities for avid trekkers.

The Himalaya Base camp treks are those treks that take you to the foot or base of the high Himalayan mountains. Trekkers need to walk through challenging trails while enjoying the majestic views of snow-capped mountains. These treks generally have well-marked trails with proper directions so that you can trek without any hassle.

Himalaya Base camps are a starting point for mountaineering expeditions. This supply hub at the foot of a mountain marks the beginning of adventurous mountaineering expeditions. However, base camp treks are attractive adventures on their own. Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek, Manaslu Base Camp Trek, Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek, and Makalu Base Camp trek are the 5 best Himalaya  base camp treks in Nepal.

Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp are the most popular Himalaya Base camp treks in Nepal. These are some of the most trekked paths in the world. There are various other trekking destinations as well. Mardi Himal Base Camp is short and accessible whereas Kanchenjunga Base Camp is a remote and long trek.

Moreover, the trails of these spectacular base camp treks in Nepal pass through lush natural landscapes of green valleys, serene waterfalls, glacial paths, lush forests, and others. Trekkers also get a chance to stay at cozy teahouses and lodges run by locals. The culture, tradition, and lifestyle of ethnic communities will spellbind you.

We are offering these stunning treks at a reasonable cost. You can choose any one of the base camp treks listed below. Read further to know more about the 5 best base camp treks in Nepal and other relevant information in detail. Book your trip now!

Everest Base Camp Trek

Trekking Duration:  12, 14 Days
Trek Start from :   Lukla
Trek End:   Lukla
Elevation:    5,364 m
Cost range :  $ 1200 to $1400
Permit :             National Park $ 30 , Local  Government tax: $ 20

Everest Base camp is  world famous Himalaya Base camp trekking, Mount Everest (8848 meters), the highest mountain peak in the world. It offers some great foothills ideal for a trekking adventure. Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla is the gateway to the Everest region. You will get the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains including Mt. Everest, Thamserku, Kongde RI, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and others.

The trek to Everest Base Camp is the complete adventure in the Himalayas. Anyone with a basic level of fitness can complete this trek with no prior experience. Thousands of trekkers make their way to the Everest base camp every year. You can also observe the Sherpa culture and lifestyle of the Everest region. There are mani walls and Buddhist prayer flags throughout the trails along with many Buddhist monasteries.

There are various viewpoints like Kalapatthar (5,545 meters) along the trail that offer incredible views of the entire Himalayan landscape. The classic Everest base camp route is ideal for all skill levels including beginners and experts. The trail passes through the settlements of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, and finally, ends at Everest Base Camp.

Besides that, there are various other routes to reach the Everest base camp. Trekkers can take the EBC route via Gokyo valley or through Chola and Renjo la pass. The treks are more challenging than your regular Everest base camp trek. Trekkers will generally rest and acclimatize at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Namche Bazar is a vibrant town with many cafes, restaurants, hotels, bars, pubs, and others.

Hence, these various reasons make Everest Base Camp trek one of the most popular treks in the world.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Trek Duration:  8-10 Days
Trek Start from:   Nayapul
Trek End:   Nayapul
Elevation:    4,130 m
Cost range:  $ 700 to $900
Permit:             National Park $ 30, TIMS: $ 10

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. The incredible trek passes through the beautiful landscapes of Annapurna Sanctuary. Annapurna Base Camp trek was the first commercial trekking route in Nepal and trekkers have been trekking in the region for over 50 years.

The well-marked trails, along with proper lodges and teahouses make it one of the best places for trekking in Nepal. There are spectacular viewpoints from where you can observe snow-capped peaks including Mt. Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machapuchhre, Annapurna III, and others. We will also pass through Machapuchare Base Camp along the Annapurna Base Camp trek.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek requires a basic level of fitness and stamina as it is very steep. A proper training regime will help you immensely during the trek. The moderately challenging rugged trails are especially difficult, especially for first-time trekkers.

The trails of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek also pass through the rhododendron and oak forests. Besides that, the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the Tamang, Magar, and Gurung community will enchant you. Trekkers can also observe the snow-capped mountains including Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Mardi Himal, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, and others along the trail.

The trail starts from Nayapul after a scenic drive from the lake city of Pokhara. From Nayapul you will trek to Ulleri and then go on a scenic sunrise viewpoint called Poonhill. You can also shorten the trek by excluding Ghorepani Poon Hill and Ghandruk. The trail then leads us to Chomrong, Dovan, and finally to MBC (Machhapuchhre Base Camp).

From MBC trekkers can finally arrive at ABC. There are various hot springs where you can relax and heal your aching muscles. Trekkers can make changes in the itinerary by either reducing or extending acclimatization and side trips. Hence, the flexible itinerary incredible trails make Annapurna Base Camp Trek quite popular among trekkers.

Manaslu Base Camp Treks

Trek Duration:  14-16 Days
Trek Start from:   Machhikhola
Trek End:   Dharpani
Elevation:    4,800 m
Cost range:  $ 1200 to $1400
Permit:             Manaslu permit: $ 100, ACAP $ 30, MCAP $ 30

Manaslu Base Camp trek is a remote region trek in Nepal. This trek offers spectacular views of mountains, biological diversity, and diverse cultural heritage. The breathtaking views of snow capped mountains including Ganesh Himal (7319m), Mt. Manaslu Himal (8153m), Himal Chuli (7893m), Shringi Himal (7187m) and others are enthralling.

Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain peak in the world and lies in the Gorkha district, 64 kilometers east of Annapurna. Manaslu region opened in 1992 still remains unexplored by many. Manaslu Base Camp Trek passes through restricted areas, hence special trekking permits are essential while taking this trek.

The Tibetan origin settlements will provide a complete cultural insight of the region. You will also pass through the ancient monasteries and religious monuments along the trail. The trek also provides the incredible scenery of the Tibetan plateau. Manaslu Base Camp Trek involves strenuous walking and is a challenging trek.

You will need to prepare and train well for this trek in advance. You will cross high mountain passes like Larke La pass (5213m). Manaslu is an off-the-beat path for trekking in Nepal. The remote trek has few teahouses that offer food and accommodation. The facilities are basic but satisfactory overall.

Arughat is the starting point of the trek as it passes through settlements of Tatopani and Jagat to lead to Lokpa. The trail then leads to Namrung, Samagaon, and Samdo. The Sho, Ribung, Pung Gyen, and Sama monasteries reflect the influence of Tibetan-Buddhism in the region.

After arriving at the Manaslu base camp the trek finally descends along Bimthang and Besisahar. Overall, Manaslu base camp trek is ideal for those trekkers who want a quiet trekking adventure in the foothills of Himalayas.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Treks

Trek Duration:  22-24 Days
Trek Start from:   Taplejung
Trek End:   Taplejung
Elevation:    4,600 m
Cost range:  $ 2800 to $3200
Permit:          Restricted Permit USD 10 per person, per week, Conservation $ 20

This Kanchenjunga Base camp Trek is a remote region trek in the foothills of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m), the third-highest mountain in the world. Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek passes through the Kanchenjunga Conservation area that boasts of diverse flora and fauna.

The trails also provide you with the majestic views of Mt. Everest (8848 m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), Lhotse (8414m), Makalu (8463m), and others. The trail starts from Suketar and heads to Chiruwa, Sukethum, and then to Amjilosa. We then gain altitude by ascending to Ghunsa and then to Lhonak.

The trail then leads us to Pangpema, the north base camp of Kanchenjunga. The return journey takes trekkers towards the southern base camp passing through Tseram and Ramche. We will then pass through the cultural settlements of Yamphudin, Mamankhe, and Lalikharka before it reaches Suketar.

Moreover, this difficult trek passes through the remote trails. The long duration trek takes around 28 days to complete but the itinerary is flexible. The trails pass through mesmerizing rivers, grasslands, waterfalls, and glaciers. The rich biodiversity and wildlife along trekking trails of Kanchenjunga will enchant you. Also, there are chances of spotting some rare wildlife species including Snow Leopard, musk deer, among others.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek passes through cultural villages and settlements with ancient traditions and lifestyles. Remote and untouched villages have their own unique culture and norms. Rai and the Limbus are the main ethnic groups in the Kanchanjunga trail. Overall, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek provides trekkers with a unique off the beaten adventure.

Makalu Base Camp Treks

Trek Duration:  22-24 Days
Trek Start from:   Tumlingtar
Trek End:   Tumlingtar
Elevation:    4,900 m
Cost range:  $ 3200 to $3500
Permit:          Makalu Rural Municipality USD 20, National Park fee USD 30)

The Makalu Base camp Treks is a challenging remote trail that passes through the Makalu Barun National Park. The trek presents you with incredible mountain views and beautiful landscapes. This trek is ideal for those who want to go on a remote adventure instead of traditional teahouse treks.

The ascending and descending trail takes you through the natural environment. We pass through the lush Arun and Barun river valleys to reach Makalu Base Camp. You can observe the high Himalayas including Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, and Baruntse. There are colorful rhododendron forests in lower regions of the trail.

Our Makalu Base Camp trek itinerary starts from Tumlingtar to Khandbari. Trekkers will then reach Sakurate passing through the lush rhododendron forest. From Sakurate, we will cross suspension bridges and cross the Arun River and head towards Num. The ascending journey provides great views of terrace farming fields. The rocky roads from Mumbuk can be quite challenging for trekkers.

After acclimatizing you will head towards Nehe Kharka. We will pass through Shershon and reach Makalu Base Camp. After exploring the base camp we will then head down towards Nehe Kharka. We will hike to explore the Shipton La Pass (4,250m) that provides the best views of the mountains. We shall then make our return back to Sedua and end our trek by returning to Khandbari through Mure.

Makalu Base Camp Trekking lets you experience the exotic flora and fauna of this region. The remote trails and small beautiful settlements allow trekkers to interact with locals. Sacred Barun Valley has untouched natural beauty that is yet to get explored. Overall, the Makalu Base Camp trek is one of the best alternative treks in remote rural regions of Nepal.

The Final Say

Nepal is a land of adventures. The foothills of Himalayas make it an excellent trekking destination. Base camp treks are quite popular as they offer challenging trails along with majestic views. The trails of these base camp treks pass through the diverse flora and fauna and cultural settlements of the region. 

Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek, Manaslu Base Camp Trek, Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek, and Makalu Base Camp trek are the 5 best base camp treks in Nepal. The green valleys, lush forests, glacial paths, serene waterfalls, and other natural landscapes will enchant you along the trail. Trekkers also get a chance to stay at cozy tea houses and experience local culture, tradition, and lifestyle.

We hope you learned more about 5 best base camp treks in Nepal through this article. You can choose the best treks based on your desire and requirements. If you are interested in these treks, you can contact us for more details.