Popular Base Camps Trekking Around Nepal Himalayas

Popular Base Camp Trekking in Nepal is the foremost country on this planet for all types of adventures and outdoor sports. Interested adventurers, trekkers, and explorers can enjoy the walks from the popular routes to off-the-beaten trails. Where some of the base camps are well hidden from the main trekking trails within absolute wilderness.

The country with great dramatic contrast and diversity from the low warm sub-tropical of the Terai belt to cooler alpine hills. Which extends towards a higher mountain range and ends at the arctic zone of snow, ice, and glaciers of the great Himalayas. From the 14th world’s highest peaks, Nepal with the most of 8th highest mountain within the Himalayas. The Himalayan Mountain range stretches from the Far East to the West of the country.

The popular base camp trekking Includes Mt. Everest 8,848.86 m, Mt. Kanchenjunga 8,586 m and Lhotse 8,516 m with Mt. Makalu 8,463 m. The list continues with Mt. Cho Oyu 8,201, Mt. Dhaulagiri 8,167 m, and Mt. Manaslu 8,163 m. The last on the list is Mt. Annapurna-I 8,091 m, the 10th highest and Nepal’s most popular base camp. Besides major world highest peaks base camps, there are other popular base camps below 8,000 meters. Like the famous Ama Dablam, Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal Himal Base Camps above and under 7,000 meters.
The most popular base camps trek are Everest, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. The Manaslu and Cho Oyu base camps are off the main routes, trekkers seldom visit except for the mountaineers.

Some major mountains have two base camps, like Kanchenjunga and Annapurna where trekkers can visit in one single journey. Especially on Kanchenjunga, the world’s 3rd highest, the treks include both Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camps. The other interesting to know is that Everest and Lhotse share, the same base camps.

List Of Popular Base Camp Trekking:

01: Annapurna Base Camp:

The shortest and most scenic Annapurna base camp, often referred to as ABC for short. It is a picturesque spot, unlike all the Himalayan region base camps, due to its proximity. Start and end points of trekking from the nearest motorable road to and from Pokhara.

Trekkers can cover the whole trek from Pokhara to Pokhara within a week. The best about the Annapurna Base Camp is that the trekkers do not have problems with HAS or High Altitude Sickness.

The elevation gains with slow and gradual paces to the highest point at Annapurna Base Camp. It is 4,130 m/13,550 feet, located beneath the towering east face of Mt. Annapurna-I. It is the only base camp around the Himalayas, where trekkers can enjoy the comfort of nice and cozy lodge accommodations.

Annapurna-I is the world’s tenth-highest peak and a massive range of mountain range. It extends as far as Manaslu Himalaya in the east and Mt. Dhaulagiri towards the west.

The Annapurna Base Camp is in the heart of the Sanctuary, around Kaski District and Gandaki Zone, Mid-West Nepal. Mt. Annapurna-I was the first 8,000-meter peak ever climbed in mountaineering history, on June 03rd, 1950. By the French Expeditions, three years before Mt. Everest was summited, on May 29th, 1953. Around the Annapurna Himalayan region and Annapurna Base Camp, trekkers need TIMS (Trekking Information Management Systems) permits.

As well as ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project), entrance fees are obtained by the local trekking agencies in Kathmandu.

02: Everest Base Camp:

Everest base camp lies beneath the world’s number one Mt. Everest. Everest base camp is the most famous and popular of all the base camps around the Himalayan ranges. It is one of the favorite destinations among all trekkers and mountaineers, a dream destination for millions of travelers and adventurers.

Everest Base Camp is located in the Khumbu district around Nepal North Mid-East, with various routes to reach Everest base camp. The earliest and classic route to Everest base camp was from Jiri, also known as Switzerland of Nepal.

It was the original route to high Khumbu through Solo areas to reach Namche Bazaar and then to Everest Base Camp. Since the airport was built in Lukla, for STOL aircraft the classic trail of Jiri is almost forgotten at present. Most trekkers prefer the shortest way taking the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Town airport.
Then following the scenic trail towards Everest base camp, it takes about 12 days from Lukla to Lukla. Covering a distance of approx. 130 km or 81 miles, exploring the lovely villages of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, and beautiful Tengboche.

Everest Base Camp Trekking, where all visitors need time to get acclimatized, having extra days at certain heights. As well as to enjoy the surrounding stunning scenery of landscapes and snow-capped peaks.
The route to Everest Base Camp is well maintained with a straightforward route, as well as crossing bridges over glacial rivers. The Everest and high Khumbu region is located within Sagarmatha National Park, the name Sagarmatha for Everest in Nepal. The native Sherpa calls Chomolungma for Everest, from Tibetan origin language. For the trek to Everest Base Camp, the permits are controlled by the Khumbu village community. Includes entrance fee for Sagarmatha National Park, at Lukla or Monjo or from the park entrance post.
The trek to Everest Base Camp follows on winding scenic trail with constant views of giant snow-capped peaks. From Namche Bazaar onwards views of Mt. Everest are seen most of the time during the walks. Until Everest base camp is reached, where you will stand beneath the towering peaks of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. As well with close views of Khumbu Ice Fall and the glaciers, the base camp is flooded with tented camps. During the peak mountaineering season of spring from March to May, with various camps of different nationalities mountaineering expeditions.

Everest base camp at 5,364 m / 17,599 feet high, the views of Mt. Everest are obstructed by adjoining peaks. For the best closest views of Mt. Everest and surrounding mountains climb up to the high Kalapathar rocky hilltop.

Kalapathar is a high black rocky ridge, close en route to Everest base camp and above Gorakshep.  The highest points of the adventure, at 5,643 m /18,514 feet, offer a spectacular panorama of giant snow peaks. The closest views of Mt. Everest at a mere distance with incredible scenery of towering mountain ranges.

After completing the adventure to Everest base camp and climb of Kalapathar, heading back to Lukla. Then, on a short sweeping flight to Kathmandu, with unparalleled views of the Himalayan peaks.

03: Kanchenjunga Base Camp:

Mt. Kanchenjunga is the world’s 3rd highest peak with a massive range, located in Far Eastern Nepal. Around the district of Taplejung, one of the less visited base camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Due to its remote locations and lack of good accommodation and food facilities, then on other popular base camp treks.

Despite the remote country of Kanchenjunga areas, it is one of the most interesting and exciting adventures to experience. Mt. Kanchenjunga the original name is Kanchendzonga, which means mountains with five jewels, referring to its five adjoining peaks. Mt. Kanchenjunga at 8,586 m/ 28,169 feet high, first ascent to the summit of Mt. Kanchenjunga on May 25th, 1955.

Climbed by the British Expeditions, since then the mountain is often climbed by various nationalities mountaineers.
Kanchenjunga with two base camps the North and South Base Camps.

The North Base Camp is higher at 5,150 m/16,896 feet, located at the small settlement of Lhonak and Pang-Pema.
The trek to Kanchenjunga is a full circuit visiting both base camps the south and the north. Where South Base Camp is popular among the mountaineers, due to its accessible route to the summit.

Most mountaineers use the original route for the climb from South Base Camp at Oktang. The treks to Kanchenjunga both base camps, is an adventure of a three-week duration. It involves flights both ways with drives on the hilly rough road to the starting point of the treks. As well as on the way back, on completing the whole Kanchenjunga circuit, trekking to both base camps.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking is an adventurous walk from mid-hill farm villages to dense lovely forest. Covered in tall rhododendrons, magnolia, oaks, pine, and fir trees, then reaching the arctic zone amidst snow, ice, and glaciers.

A remarkable adventure, where trekkers can enjoy the pristine wilderness, in less visited areas by the main flow of trekkers.

04: Lhotse Base Camp:

Mt. Lhotse is the world’s 4th highest peak at 8,516 m/27,940 feet. Mt. Lhotse, might not be a famous and popular peak, among the trekkers and mountaineers. But most trekkers are unaware that Mt. Lhotse shares the same base camp as Mt. Everest.

Mt. Lhotse is the adjoining peak of Mt. Everest, it is separated by the South Col. When visiting the Everest base camp, you will be standing at the base of Everest and Lhotse as well.

05: Makalu Base Camp:

Makalu Base Camp is in the district of Sankha Sabha, of Koshi Zone in Nepal Far East, around the Khumbukarna Himalayan range. Mt. Makalu is the world’s 5th highest peak at 8,463 m/27,766 feet high.

The first ascent was on May 15th, 1955, by the French Expeditions, and since then, often visited by mountaineers.
Makalu Base Camp, at 4,870 m/15,978 feet high at the western end of Barun Valley. The trek to Makalu Base Camp involves flights and drives from Tumlingtar to Tumlingtar, a moderate town.

It is the start and ending points of Makalu Base Camp Trekking after flying in from Kathmandu. Then, on the drive for a few hours to the Num Village, the trek leads to several farm villages. From the last Tashi-Gaon village, there are no permanent villages except temporary settlements. The lodges are small and very simple en route to Makalu Base Camp.

Barun Valley and Makalu Base Camp are less ventured by the mass flow of trekkers. Due to its remote location, it leads to a perfect country walk around the mountain wilderness. An adventure starts from low sub-tropical areas to a cooler alpine hill covered in dense pine and rhododendrons forest.

The walk follows to traverse and crossing the small pass of Keke, Shipton, and Tutu-La. The views of the snow-capped mountain remain constant as the walk reaches Makalu Base Camp.

At Makalu Base Camp, stand amidst remorseless fields of moraines filled with ice, snow, and glaciers. Makalu Base Camp is famous for its views of the rare Khansung or East Face of Mt. Everest.

Makalu Base Camps is protected by the Makalu and Barun National Park and Conservation. Makalu Base Camp Trek is of a two-week duration with drives and flights from Num to Tumlingtar and towards Kathmandu.

06: Cho Oyu Base Camp:

Mt. Cho Oyu, the world’s 6th highest peak, like Everest, straddles the borders between Nepal and Tibet-China. Mt. Cho Oyu towers high at 8,201 m/26,906 feet and most of the climb is done from Tibet.

The North side of Mt. Cho Oyu is much more accessible to reach the summit than from Nepal. Which is tough, difficult, and technical from Nepal, situated around the high Khumbu at the far end of Gokyo Valley. Mt. Cho Oyu was climbed on October 19th, 1954 from Tibet by the Austrian Expeditions.

Cho Oyu Base Camp in Nepal side is the least visited by mountaineers and trekkers. The mountain is located in the far northwest of the Gokyo Valley close to the 5th and 6th Gokyo lakes. The Cho Oyu Base Camp is at 5,600 m / 18, 372 feet high.
Trekkers on a visit to Gokyo Valley, where only a few groups seldom dare to venture to Cho Oyu Base Camp. Due to its remote and isolated location, the views from Cho Oyu Base Camp offer a magnificent panorama of surrounding high peaks. The views include Mt. Cho Oyu, and Gyachung Kang, with both the north and south face of Mt. Everest.
The walk from Gokyo Lodge around the 3rd lake takes more than 6 hours. Trekkers need to carry tents and sleeping bags, including food for overnight halt. From the main Gokyo areas, there are no lodges and human settlements, which is why most trekkers hike up to 5th Lake only. Due to its long distance as well as the rise in altitude. Interested people can enjoy the trek to Cho Oyu Base Camp of two-week duration hikes from Lukla to Lukla.

07: Dhaulagiri Base Camp:

Mt. Dhaulagiri is the 7th highest peak at 8,167 m high. It is one of the adventurous walks to reach the base camp of Mt. Dhaulagiri.

The treks require more than 12 days to cover the Dhaulagiri Circuit. Includes drives to reach the starting point of the treks around Mygdi District, around the Nepal Far West, of Gandaki Zone, then the treks end at Lower Mustang in Jomsom.

From Jomsom, on a short flight or a long drive to Pokhara, which is the starting and ending points. The trek to Dhaulagiri, camping equipment, and food required to carry for a week.

Dhaulagiri Base Camp is 4,740 meters high and situated around the moraine of rocks and glaciers. Right beneath the northwest face of Mt. Dhaulagiri and its massive Ice Fall and glaciers are the source of the Mygdi River.  Although a challenging trek, it leads to an enjoyable and exciting walk on a tranquil path. Away from the mainstream and human habitations and villages for a week till the walks reach Kaligandaki Valley.

The trek takes you from low sub-tropical farm areas and isolated villages, then towards complete mountain wilderness. Walk through a lovely forest amidst dense rhododendrons, oaks, firs, and pine trees. Then, the walk heads beyond the lush green vegetation, entering the wild arctic zone landscapes covered in ice, rocks, and glaciers.

Walk past the glaciated valley to reach Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and cross French Pass to scenic Hidden Valley. From Hidden Valley, the walk leads to traverse the last Thapa or Dhampus to reach charming Marpha Village.
The walk follows to the large town of Jomsom, the headquarters of Mustang district, for an exciting flight back to Pokhara.

08: Manaslu Base Camp:

Manaslu Base Camp treks take you to the bottom of the world’s 8th-highest Mt. Manaslu. The base camp is at 4,800 m/15,748 feet high, the mountain was first climbed in 1956 by the Japanese Expeditions.

From then on, the mountaineers mostly visit for the summit bid at 8,163 m/26,781 feet high. Manaslu Base Camp is situated far away from the main Manaslu Circuit route. Only a few interested trekkers often visit the Manaslu base camp for a long day hike from Sama Gaon.

The Manaslu base camp is well hidden and away from the main trekking trail. It is visited only by groups of mountaineering expeditions during the best climbing seasons. For the trekkers, it is a long day hike while spending a rest day for acclimatization at Sama Gaon.

Manaslu Base Camp is located on the far corners of Manaslu Valley, close to the beautiful Birendra glacial Lake. Most trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit trekking sometimes visit on rest days up to Birendra Tal/Lake.
From this spot trekkers can enjoy the view of Manaslu Base Camp, the ice falls and glaciers, and the towering peaks of Manaslu.

To enjoy a hike to Manaslu Base Camp, trekkers need to carry tents and food to spend an overnight. The hike takes more than 5-6 hours one way from Sama Gaon. This is why only a few trekkers hardly visit the Manaslu Camp, only if they are involved with the expedition group.

An amazing with beautiful scenery on the walks to Manaslu Base Camp. Trekkers can experience the dramatic contrast of green forest against the white snow-capped peaks. The journey to Manaslu Base Camp with a full circuit takes about two weeks.

It includes drives from Kathmandu to the starting point of the treks and at the end of the adventure, after crossing Larke-La Pass to reach Manang areas at Dharapani Village, and for the drive back to Kathmandu.

The popular base camp trekking Conclusion:

The popular base camps trekking around the Nepal Himalayas are just information for interested adventurers and trekkers. Some of the base camps are highly popular among the trekkers.

Only a few 8,000-meter mountain base camps are rarely visited by trekkers, other than mountaineers. Due to its remote location and lack of accommodation facilities for overnight stops, after the long strenuous walks.

The most popular base camps are Annapurna and Everest base camps, where thousands of trekkers and mountaineers visit every season.

It is due to the facilities, availability of the lodge accommodations, and the good foods to enjoy, with the picturesque mountain views.

Besides Annapurna and Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga base camps are gradually getting more visitors over the past few years. As the influx of trekkers has increased, and as well as the local lodge en route to base camps has been built. To cater to the trekkers, with the good foods and warm traditional hospitality.

Mt. Manaslu and Mt. Cho Oyu are the only base camps with the least number of visitors, except for the mountaineering expeditions.

The other base camps, like Dhaulagiri, are getting quite popular, as the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek itinerary includes base camp also. For interested trekkers and adventurers, an opportunity to choose from the popular or enjoy the less ventured base camps treks.