Top 5 Base Camp Treks In Nepal

Nepal, where the Himalayas tower as if belittling the entire world, rivers flow as if they have miles to run, and the rich inherited culture thriving under the delicate supervision of caring souls. These and much more amalgamate to make some of the supreme trekking trails for enthusiasts who yearn to wander the lustful ambiance of the country. Never and nowhere will anyone be able to find an array of diversity present here in Nepal.

Basecamp treks are trekking along the trails to reach to the base of high mountains which ultimately pave the way for the most surreal of experiences. Basecamp treks are popular as they require individuals to walk through challenging trails and yet enjoy the majestic views. Every base camp trek involves mountains and mountains as far as you set your eyes. Feast on the grandeur of the Himalayas, exotic culture, and a mesmerizing array of flora and fauna. Based on the popularity, attraction, and suitability, some top treks are listed below.

1. Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek is the trek that takes you to the base of the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest (8848m). The trek offers one to view magnificent mountains and explore around Sherpa villages and their lifestyle. The trek leads to the valley of Khumbu and passing through villages of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche. Some major attractions from this trek are the Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu glacier, and the thrill that gradually increases while doing so. Further, ascending to Kalapatthar, one can see the clear views of Mount Everest (8848m). The days can vary as one chooses the trek to be. The short trek can be of 12 to 14 for experienced trekkers with limited time. There is also an option to undertake the Everest Base Camp Trek including Gokyo Lake, which can take around 18 days. Getting back to Kathmandu from Everest base camp is also possible by taking Everest base camp Heli trek. The cost may vary as per as the trek, but average cost range is about 1200 to 1600 US$. 

2. Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The trek offers to view all the peaks of Annapurna and get to the Annapurna base camp trek. The trek offers stunning views of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Machhapuchhre (6997m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and numerous of the peaks in Annapurna Range. Trekking along the Gurung and Magar villages of Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Tadapani, the route ascends north-bound to Deurali and Machhapuchhre Base Camp to finally lead to Annapurna Base Camp. The Base Camp is nothing short of natural wonder and then descends along some of the exquisite destinations involving Jhinu Danda and Ghandruk. The trek also explores Kaligandaki gorge- the deepest gorge in the World. Depending on the route, it might or might not include Ghandruk and Ghorepani Poon Hill. The typical trek duration for this trek is 7 days for a short trek and can be around 13 days as well. The average cost range usually starts from 600$.

3. Manaslu Base Camp Trek

Manaslu remains one of the least explored and off-the-beat path for trekking as compared to other treks in Nepal. The trek is still remote but it has teahouses, making the trek one of the best teahouse treks available in the country. The trek involves marvelous sights of Mt Manaslu (8163m), Ganesh Himal (7422m), Himalchuli (7853m), and even several peaks in the Annapurna, Shringi, and Ngadi Himal ranges. The trek begins from Arughat and heads along Tatopani and Jagat to lead to Lokpa. Villages of Namrung, Samagaon, and Samdo are next on the trek which adds a religious flair to the trek. The Pung Gyen, Sho, Ribung, and Sama monasteries are culturally insightful to provide the wow-factor which reflects the Tibetan-Buddhism prevalence along the trekking routes. Crossing the Larke La Pass (5160m) is the highlight of the trip and the trek finally begins to descend along Bimthang and Besisahar. Also, further trek to Tsum valley can be added as one prefers. The duration of this trip is around 18 days. The cost starts from 600 to 800$.

4. Makalu Base Camp Trek 

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is an ideal trek to experience a variety of landscapes, walk through one of the least explored regions and relish the delights of the sky-piercing Himalayas. Makalu Base Camp Trekking route lies in the area of Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area in eastern Nepal. Makalu base camp trek starts from Tumlingtar and heads up the Arun river valley to Num, Seduwa, and Tashigaon. Further ahead, the trek crosses Keke La Pass (4127m), Shipton La Pass (4170m), and Tutu La Pass (4080m) into the upper Barun river valley offering sublime views of Makalu (8463m) and Chamlang Mountain Range. Further ahead, the trek continues to Yangla Kharka, Shershon, and finally to Makalu Base Camp. From Makalu Base Camp the sights of the mountains stretch as far as Everest, Lhotse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga ranges. An alternative route to continue from Makalu Base Camp towards the Everest region is also available. The overall completion duration takes around 22 days. The cost can differ slightly and ranges around 1700$.

5. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

This trek goes deep into the remote mountains ranges and explores the abode of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m), the third highest mountain in the world. One of the main highlights of this trek is Kanchenjunga Conservation area which is home to diverse flora and fauna. Throughout the trekking, trekkers get to enjoy the sights of mountain peaks such as the Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8414m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), Makalu (8463m), and many more. Beginning from Suketar, the trail heads to Chiruwa, Sukethum, and Amjilosa. Gaining altitude in a rapid manner, the trek ascends to Ghunsa and then to Lhonak. Pangpema, the north base camp of Kanchenjunga, a short trek away from Lhonak offer outstanding Himalayan panorama. The return journey can also incorporate a visit to the southern base camp along Tseram and Ramche. Trekking through culturally authentic and rich villages of Yamphudin, Mamankhe, and Lalikharka, the trek reaches its climax on the return to Suketar. This trek is rightly described to be one of the difficult ones and while the journey may be arduous, the mesmerizing trek makes it all worthwhile. The duration for this trek is a little bit longer than other Himalayan treks, which takes around 28 days but again days can be flexible. The overall cost can be around 2500$.

Base Camp Treks are the most preferred and viable approaches to explore the Himalayan domain of the nation. Even more intriguing is the fact that the trips to the base camps of these esteemed peaks even offer plenty of opportunities to indulge in the ravishing culture and traditions in the country. A blend of history, nature, and culture, the base camp treks in Nepal are glorious journeys that are bound to have a rapturous impact upon the ones undertaking the journey.