Comparison of Manaslu and Everest in a Nutshell
Are you confused about the best trekking experience in the Himalayas, Manaslu Circuit Trek vs. Everest Base Camp Trek? Overland Trek Nepal provides you with insights and highlights of these two iconic trekking routes. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is located in the Manaslu Region, while the Everest Base Camp Trek is situated in the Everest Region. Although these treks reach altitudes above 5000 meters in Nepal, they offer distinctly different trekking experiences.
The Mount Everest Base Camp Trek is in the northeastern part of Nepal, bordered by Tibet. It takes you to the heights of 5545 meters (Kala Patthar) and 5364 meters (Everest Base Camp).
Likewise, Manaslu Circuit Trek will lead you to the foothills of the eighth-highest peak in the world, Mount Manaslu. Located in the Mansiri Himal Ranges, the highest elevation of this trek is 5106 meters at Larkya La Pass.
Nevertheless, both treks are Himalayan Adventures, delivering unique highlights and features. Manaslu and Everest promise high-altitude thrills, stunning Himalayan views, distinct difficulty levels, cultural encounters, and natural beauty. Now, let’s dive into the details and differences between these two treks on this blog: Manaslu Circuit Trek Vs. Everest Base Camp Trek.
Major Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
- Off-the-beaten-path and less-crowded trekking route in Nepal.
- Journey to the Manaslu Base Camp while doing the circuit.
- Dramatic Landscapes and high passes like Larkya La Pass at 5106 meters.
- Hike to Manaslu Base Camp as a part of acclimatization.
- The Manaslu Circuit Trek Route passes through the Tibetan-style villages, Monasteries, and stupas.
Major Highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek:
- Get a reward of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, etc.
- Hike to Everest Base Camp at 5364 meters and Kala Patthar Hike at 5545 meters.
- Explore Sherpa Town like Namche Bazar and other tranquil villages to discover the Sherpa lifestyle and their culture.
- The Everest Base Camp Trek Route passes through the Sagarmatha National Park, offering several species of flora & fauna.
Culture of the Everest Region
Though the Everest Region is famous for its highest peaks, it provides a unique cultural experience. As you step into the heart of the Khumbu Region, immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the Sherpa People, who are known as the King of mountaineering. Stay in the teahouses run by the local Sherpas, share your stories with them, and experience their daily life activities. Moreover, visit the ancient monasteries, including Tengboche Monastery, and other small stupas along the way to get a deep insight into Buddhism.
Culture of the Manaslu Region Trekking
Trekking through the Manaslu Region is a unique opportunity to experience ethnic diversity and the distinct lifestyle of local people. In the lower part of the Manaslu Region, you will find Gurung and Tamang people. As you go to higher elevations, you experience more Tibetan-influenced people and their lifestyle. Moreover, you will experience Tibetan-style houses intricately built along with prayer flags.
Is Manaslu Trek harder than Everest Base Camp Trek?
While both treks present formidable challenges, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is generally considered harder than the Everest Base Camp Trek. Despite Everest reaching a higher altitude at Kala Patthar (5,545m), Manaslu's difficulty lies in its remoteness, rugged terrain, and longer trekking days.
The trail around Larke La Pass (5,106m) involves steep ascents and descents on rough paths with fewer resting points. Meanwhile, along the Everest Base Camp Trek, there are no high passes, and teahouses are well established. Manaslu also demands stronger endurance, as trekkers hike through more isolated regions with minimal infrastructure, meaning less access to supplies, emergency support, and gradual elevation gains.
On the other hand, the Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary includes regular acclimatization like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, and the advantage of more frequent villages, which allow trekkers to ascend steadily and recover more easily. The EBC trail is better suited for beginner trekkers or those trekking at high altitudes for the first time.
When comparing Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Everest Base Camp Trek in terms of difficulty, Manaslu is clearly the harder one, ideal for experienced hikers seeking a raw Himalayan challenge. For those prioritizing gradual altitude gain and comfort, Everest remains the more accessible choice.
Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Everest Base Camp for fewer crowds
Well, as a restricted trekking area of Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit undoubtedly receives fewer trekkers, whereas Everest is popular among adventurers worldwide. The top reason why the Manaslu Circuit Trek is less crowded in Nepal is that there must be at least two trekkers in a group to enter the Manaslu Region. Unlike, Everest trek, solo trekking to Manaslu is not allowed. On the other hand, Everest receives thousands of trekkers and climbers who want to do the Everest Expedition. If you are seeking a peaceful atmosphere, solitude, and enjoy the remote Himalayan trekking in Nepal, then the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a go-to destination.
Everest Base Camp vs Manaslu Trek distance and elevation gain
When analyzing the Everest Base Camp vs Manaslu Trek distance and elevation, the differences are substantial and play a key role in choosing the right trek for your fitness level and time constraints.
The Everest Base Camp Trek covers approximately 130 kilometers round trip, which takes 12 to 14 days to complete. The Everest Base Camp Trek route steadily ascends from Lukla (2,860m) to Kala Patthar (5,545m), offering breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam along the way.
In contrast, the Manaslu Circuit Trek spans roughly 177 kilometers and takes around 15 to 18 days to complete. Beginning at lower altitudes near Soti Khola (710m), the Manaslu Circuit Trek Route gradually climbs through diverse terrain—riversides, alpine forests, and remote mountain valleys—before crossing the challenging Larke La Pass (5,106m).
While Everest Base Camp is shorter and often faster, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a more immersive, off-the-grid adventure. If you're looking for a trek with varied topography, fewer crowds, and stronger physical engagement, Manaslu is ideal. For trekkers with limited time seeking high-altitude thrills and iconic Himalayan views, Everest Base Camp is the classic choice.
Cost comparison between the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the EBC Trek
When we closely examine the costs, we notice a few differences in the cost factors. The Everest Base Camp Trek's cost depends on the flight, guide, porter, permit cards, and other logistics. In contrast, the Manaslu Circuit Trek does not require flights. However, the costs are somewhat similar due to the Manaslu Trek permits. The average cost for the Everest Base Camp Trek starts from USD 1300 per person to USD 2200 per person. Similarly, the Manaslu Circuit Trek costs start from USD 1300 to USD 2500 per person.
FAQs
Can I trek Manaslu without a guide?
No. Manaslu is a restricted area trek in Nepal that requires a licensed guide and a group of two or more.
Which trek has better views?
Both are stunning. Everest has the prestige of being the world's tallest mountain. Manaslu offers wild beauty with fewer tourists.
Does the Everest Base Camp Trek require a restricted permit card?
No, the Everest Base Camp Trek doesn’t require a restricted permit card. Meanwhile, trekkers must have a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit & Khumbu Region Municipality Permit card to do the EBC Trek.
How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek compared to the EBC Trek?
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a bit challenging due to isolated, rugged, and remote terrain. However, the EBC Trek is a well-maintained trekking route with teahouses.
Can I do the Everest Base Camp Trek in 12 Days?
Yes, you can do the Everest Base Camp Short Trek in 12 Days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
Lastly, which one to choose between Manaslu Circuit Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek?
Now, we hope you have some idea of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek. Now, it’s your time to choose wisely which trek suits you according to your time and Budget. Both treks deliver their attractions and challenges. If you want to experience the highest peak in the world along with other 8000-meter mountains, then, EBC Trek is an ideal choice. Likewise, those who are seeking to explore the remote Himalayan Trek with ethnic diversity, then Manaslu is a better option.
Whichever trek you choose, ensure that you are well prepared and arranged by a reputable local trekking company in Nepal. Overland Trek Nepal is a leading adventure company in Nepal that has been organizing these treks for the last 10 years. If you are still confused about choosing one of these, contact us via email or WhatsApp at +9779851138871, and our travel planner will help you.
