10 Most Popular Base Camp Trek in Nepal - Which is Best?

Everest Base Camp

Starting point: Lukla 

Ending Point: Lukla 

Base camp altitude: 5,364 m

Trek duration: 12- 16 days 

Best Season: March-May and September-December

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights: Flight to Lukla, Sagarmatha National Peak, View of the world’s tallest Peak, Sherpa villages, Monasteries, Khumbu Glacier, Beautiful Mountains

We all know that Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. But the other fact is- the Base Camp of Everest is also the base camp at the highest altitude in the world. The Nepal Base Camp in Everest is at an altitude of 5,364 m above sea level. The opportunity to trek in such a place is already prodigious. 

During the trek, one gets to witness the view of Everest and over 20 other peaks that are above 6000m. The amazing landscape, classic villages, and welcoming Sherpa people captivate you to the Khumbu core. Also, you get to walk along Sagarmatha National park, a UNESCO world heritage that is rich in different kinds of flora and fauna. The region is home to over 118 species of birds. 

Nepal Everest Base Camp Trek usually commences with a flight to Lukla- one of the most dangerous airports in the world. Once you land at the Lukla Airport, you are surrounded by the massif Himalayas. Then you trek to Namche Bazaar and up to Gorak Shep before exploring the Everest Base Camp. The entire journey takes you about 12 days on average. 

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Everest Base Camp Trek Cost Chart 

Annapurna Base Camp

Starting point: Pokhara

Ending Point: Pokhara 

Base camp altitude: 4,130m

Trek duration: 8 days to 12 days 

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Best Season: March-May and September-January

Highlights: Annapurna National Park, Gurung and Magar villages, Amazing view of over 14 peaks.

Annapurna region is a well-known trekking area. Trek to the Base Camp of Annapurna is easy and rewarding. The close-up views of mountain peaks like Annapurna l, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, Fang, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna II and III will keep you occupied. The picturesque landscape of nature is also very captivating.

 As the travelers stroll within the premises of Annapurna, they get lost in the prodigious forest of Rhododendrons, Pine, Oak, and other trees. During the trek, you also explore the unique Gurung and Magar ethnicity. You can interact with the locals and learn about their traditions and lifestyle. The region is ideal for adventure seekers, cultural learners, and nature explorers. The trek takes us to a famous tourist destination such as Poonhill which offers stunning sunrise views. 

The journey to the  Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal commences with a drive to Pokhara. Then you trek towards Ghorepani, Poonhill, Chhomrong, and Himalaya before you finally land at Annapurna Base camp.

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8 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost Chart

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek

Starting point: Beni

Ending Point: Pokhara

Base camp altitude: 4740m

Trek duration: 19 Days

Trekking Difficulty: Challenging

Best Season: March-May and September-November

Highlights: Very remote trail, Raw adventure, Empty trail, Undisturbed nature to its best 

Experience the beauty of nature in its rawest form as you wander around the remote land of Dhaulagiri Base Camp Nepal. Adrenaline will rush in your veins as you trek in Mount Dhaulagiri (8167m)- the 7th highest peak in the world. 

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek is ideal to experience the mixture of snowy peaks, glacier sightings, diverse landscapes, and incredible fauna. You get to explore the lifestyle of ethnic groups such as Magars, Chhetri, and, Gurung. The rough trails lead to fantastic viewpoints- Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek is all about the challenge with rewards. 

The 19 days-long trek begins with a drive from Beni ( 9-10 hours from Kathmandu). Then you climb Babichau, Dharapani, Muri, Baghar, Dobang, and Sallagiri before you reach the Italian Base Camp at 3660m. The trek then gets tricky with slopes and rocky edges as you get to French Camp at 4940m before you descend to Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The trek can further continue to the hidden valley at 5200m before you get back at a different route. Dhaulagiri Base Camp is a fulfillment of your adventure fantasy.

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Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek

Starting point: Taplejung 

Ending Point: Taplejung

Base camp altitude: 4785 m

Trek duration: 20-22 days

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Best Season: March-May and September-December

Highlights: alpine meadows and high-altitude wetlands, Explore the world’s third-highest peak- Kanchenjunga (8586 meters), Raw nature among the base camps In Nepal, this one has a totally different experience. Kanchenjunga region is located on the far eastern side of Nepal- bordering Sikkim in India and the Tibetian region of China. It’s an ideal place to experience the real flavor of the trek along with the unexplored trail. Tibetan Buddhist villages, prayer flags, and monasteries hit you on the spiritual level while experiencing the toughest adventure of your life. 

The north face base camp of Kanchenjunga is itself situated at Pangpema (5,100). The high track following the moraine of the Kanchenjunga Glacier takes you to the base. Located right above the Himalayan glacier, the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp is a stunning experience. You can enjoy the view of the north face of Kanchenjunga and Yalung Kang (and Kanchenjunga West). An extra day is spent here to regain stamina for the return trip and take in the glorious views of Mount Kanchenjunga, Janu Himal, and other Himalayan peaks.

In the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, you can witness the initiative of the World Wild Life Fund (WWF) where there is an abundant wildlife variety like snow leopard, Red panda Asian black bear, and other rare mammals. You can also witness golden-breasted full Vetta, blood pheasant, and snowcock.

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Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek

Starting point: Taplejung 

Ending Point: Khamdine

Base camp altitude: 4730m

Trek duration: 15-20 days 

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Best Season: March-May and September-December

Highlights: Empty trekking Route, awesome hospitality by new tea house, extreme adventure, exploring the wildlife

Despite the fact that the south base camp is located in the same region, it’s a completely different experience. It’s in fact among the best Nepal Base Camp trek with lots of adventure. Being a restricted region, you need at least one professional guide and a minimum of two people to get the special permit from the Immigration office at Kathmandu. The region offers the best tea houses trekking with amazing natural scenery and an almost empty trail. You can experience warm hospitality and good Nepali food in the Tea house. 

Kanchenjunga South BaseCamp Trek begins from the lowest elevation of 75 meters at Jhapa- the easternmost district of Nepal. From there, we climb to Yalung Base camp at 4730 meters. You can combine the trek to the Kanchanjunga circuit that takes you to Sele La Pass. The best experience for the trek can be gained from September to November in autumn and from March to May in spring.

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Makalu Base Camp Trek

Starting point: Tumlingtar 

Ending Point: Tumlingtar

Base camp altitude: 4,900 m

Trek duration: 22-28 days 

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Best Season: March-May and September-November

Highlights: See Everest from Kangshung face, Explore green terraced farmland, glaciers, and waterfalls, and Experience Rai and Sherpa culture 

Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world at 8,481m, is still a remote and relatively difficult trek. The Makalu Base Camp trek is an excellent trekking route that encompasses quiet trails, rural cultures, vibrant terraced farmland, rhododendron forests, and rare wildlife. Along with Makalu, travelers can witness several 8,000-meter-plus peaks including Everest. It’s an ideal trek to experience distinct landscapes, unique cultures, and rich biodiversity. 

The trek begins after you fly to Tumlingtar and then start walking on the remote trail. Deeper into the Himalayas, past the Barun River Valley, you walk via steep granite cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, and glaciers. From the Base Camp, you can get spectacular views of Kang shung face of Everest, Lhotse, Chamlang, and Kanchenjunga.

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Amadablam Base Camp Trek

Starting point: Lukla

Ending Point: Lukla

Base camp altitude: 4570m

Trek duration: 10-15 days 

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Best Season: March-May and September-December

Highlights: Easy trek, View of peaks in Everest region, witness Sherpa tradition, avoid the crowd of classic path

Amadablam Base Camp Trek is a highly popular trek in the Everest region of Nepal. It’s an opportunity to explore deep into the Khumbu region and yet avoid the crowd of the classic trail. This recently opened trekking path to Amadablam is a raw experience and a unique adventure. From the base, the distance view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse will keep you delighted. Along with the awesome views, one gets to enjoy the traditional lifestyle of the highlanders, and witness their religious practices, customs, and festivities.

Just like any other trek in the Everest region, Amadablam Base Camp Trek also begins with a thrilling flight to Lukla. Then you trek to the Namche Bazzar and head towards Tengboche before getting to the Base Camp. The trek is considered moderately easy and can be easily be combined with the Everest Base Camp trek for the overall experience. 

Manaslu Base Camp Trek

Starting point: Arughat Bazaar

Ending Point: Besisahar

Base camp altitude: 4800m

Trek duration: 20-22 days 

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Best Season: March-May and September-November

Highlights: Crystalline rivers, lakes, and waterfalls; see beautiful Sama Village and rural life; 

Manaslu Base Camp lies in the mid-western part of Nepal. Tucked between the Annapurna range and Ganesh Himalayan, this is a unique trekking experience. As you walk along the bank of Budhi Gandaki river that originates right from the Manaslu Base Camp (4800m), you make the most amazing memory of your life.

During the trek, one can witness the views of a hidden valley in Sama Gaun, Birendra Lake, Samdo peak, Naike Peak, Manaslu Peak, and Manaslu Glacier. You get to visit the monasteries, gompa, and stupas in the region where the mountain people pray to their god. 

Manaslu base camp trek begins as you drive to Arughat Bazaar and then trek to Lapubesi, Khorlabesi, Jagat, and Deng. A further walk to the villages of Namrung, Lho Gaun, and Samagaun finally takes you to Manaslu Base Camp. Here, you can experience the most spectacular scenery in the world.

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Cho Oyu Base Camp Trek

Starting point: Lukla

Ending Point: Lukla

Base camp altitude: 5419 meters

 Trek duration: 12- 18 days 

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Best Season: March-May and September-December

Highlights: Side trip to Gokyo forth & fifth Lakes, trek across the Sagarmatha national, Breathtaking mountain views 

Cho Oyu Base Camp Trek is another excellent trek in the Everest region for the raw Himalayan experience. Often combined with the trek to Gokyo lakes, the Cho Oyu trek is excellent to avoid the crowded trail of the Everest Base Camp trek. The panoramic view of the mountainous area from Cho Oyu base camp is even better than the ones in Everest. 

For the Cho Oyu trek, you leave the classic Everest trail from Namche Bazaar and hike along the large Ngozumpa glacier towards the remote Cho Oyu base camp. You can enjoy a stunning glimpse of the entire Everest region, Mount Kangchenjunga, and Mount Makalu. After your exploration of the base camp, you can leave the high Himalayan barren land and head towards Phortse. Visit the Gompas, interact with local people, and explore the biodiversity of the region as you trek down to Namche via Pangboche and Thyangboche. With the poor accommodation facility and almost empty trail, this trek will serve well to your adventure hunger. 

Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

Starting point: Pokhara 

Ending Point: Pokhara 

Base camp altitude: 4,500m

Trek duration: 7 to 10 days 

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Best Season: March-May and September-February

Highlights: Easy and short trek; rich bio-diversity of Annapurna conservation ready, beautiful mountain view 

Mardi base camp trek is the shortest, easiest, and yet the most rewarding base camp trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Recently opened for foreigners, this magical place has already captivated thousands of tourists to its premises. 

The trek begins with a drive from Pokhara to Dhampus. About 3 days of the walk via Forest camp, low camp, and then high camp takes you to the base of Mardi Himal. From the base camp, you will be mesmerized by the panoramic view of mountains in the Annapurna range. 

The best month for trekking to Mardi is from March to May. During these months, the surrounding is filled with the colorful bloom of Rhododendron. September to December which is marked by Autumn offers a clear view of mountain vistas.

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How difficult are Nepal Base Camp Treks?

Nepal base camp trek denotes walking in the remote trail at a high altitude (most likely above 4000m). If you have a sound health condition, and no major lung and heart issues, you can easily trek to the base camp. Nepal Base Camp altitude is the major issue travelers face during the trek. 

If you have the habit of regular exercise and experience high-altitude treks, it’s a great plus. Some base camps like Kanchenjunga and Makalu might need firsthand experience and good physique, but most of the other base camp trek is noted to be moderately hard. With the basic training and right preparation, those treks are not as difficult as it sounds. 

If you can hire a porter and a guide the trek gets even easier. With no load on your shoulder, the right kind of clothes, and a proper guide, a Nepal base camp trek is easily achievable. 

 Nepal Base Camp Trekking Price

Nepal is considered one of the cheapest countries for travelers. The lower valley of Nepal like Kathmandu and Pokhara is quite cheap. But as you trek in the higher region, the travel cost increases. Due to the Nepal Base Camp elevation, everything has to be carried by a human or mule. Though the cost totally depends on your trekking destination and itinerary, you can expect the Base camp trek price in Nepal to be about $450 to $3000. 

The per-day cost for food and accommodation will be between $30-$40. The cost for a guide and a porter is $25 and $20 per day respectively. The cost of a visa and permit is quite low but if you trek to the restricted region, the permit cost gets higher. The fare of the bus is very low but you might have to pay between $150 to $400 for domestic flights. 

The fact is Nepal base camp trek price quite less budget if you travel by bus, stay in a local tea house, and cut the budget on food. You can also try luxurious trekking which costs slightly higher but is worth the price. 

Which is the best Nepal base camp trek?

If your question is “Which is the most popular base camp trek in Nepal?”, I would say Everest base camp trek. Every year, almost 70 thousand trekkers walk up to the Everest Base Camp and around. Even Annapurna Base Camp trek received a very high number of visitors each year. The total number of trekkers in the Annapurna region (Including Circuit trek and others) is above 150 thousand. That’s pretty amazing, isn’t it?

There is other less-visited Nepal base camp hike like Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Manaslu that offers an even more amazing view and raw adventure. But due to relative inaccessibility and difficult path, this region receives fewer visitors. To be honest, every base camp trek has its own pros and cons and we cannot claim any one of them to be the best. That’s more of a personal choice 

 Nepal base camp trek best time of year

It’s amazing how trekking in Nepal has a peak season and low season. Autumn (September, October, and November) gets the highest number of visitors. Why? Because the sky is clear, the temperature is relatively high and most importantly the weather in the Himalayan is stable. Other busy months for the trekkers are March, April, and May i.e. spring in Nepal. Although the evening view in spring is quite dull, the colorful blooms of wildflowers and rich bio-diversity enrich the experience. During spring, most of the trail is decorated with red and pink Rhododendron and other wildflowers. 

Other months i.e. summer and winter receive relatively fewer visitors for Nepal Base Camp tours.  The monsoon rain in the summer makes the trail quite slippery and the snowfall in winter makes it difficult to walk. But you might be amused to know that even summer and winter trek to base camp has its own perks- less crowded tea house, amazing discount, and raw nature. With the right kind of preparation, this trek is even more beautiful. 

Why Base Camp trek in Nepal?

There are many things we need to learn from Mother Nature. In the majestic Himalayas of Nepal, the untouched beauty of nature is at its best. The giant Himalayas are not just beautiful to look at and capture in a photograph, they hit you on a spiritual level. As you wander in the remote trail of the mountains with no connection to the outer world, you feel connected to nature and eventually, you are connected to yourself. 

The base camp trek is not just about the views of mountains; it’s also about knowing the life of people at such altitude. It’s about the culture and traditions of the mountain people. It’s about exploring the alpine vegetation and wonderful bio-diversity. In simpler words, a base camp trek in Nepal makes you closer to a different aspect of nature and human life. 

Conclusion:

Exploring a totally different landscape than the one you have lived on can be rejuvenating on a different level. The out of the world feeling while you trek in the remote mountain trail will be a lifetime memory you will cherish in the later days. You get to learn and live a different life as you leave your hectic life schedule behind you. Each Base Camp Nepal Trekking has its own perks and downfall, you need to choose the best one for yourself and then enjoy the most amusing days of your life. 

Best wishes

Happy trekking, Namaste!!