Everest Trek vs. Manaslu Trek: The Ultimate Showdown

The Manaslu trek is more difficult than the Everest trek, but it is also less crowded.

Which trek is better? Which one should you choose: Everest or Manaslu? This has long been a point of contention among hikers, and there is no simple answer.

Both treks are spectacular in their ways, and they provide hikers with an unforgettable experience. In this blog article, we'll compare and contrast the two treks to help you decide which is best for you.

Which is the Better Everest Trek vs the Manaslu Trek?

Some outdoor gear retailers use the term 'trekking' only to refer to multi-day, rigorous excursions.

In general, if someone is going on a multi-day trek for the first time far from home, they are more likely to call it a journey than if they were doing the same trek in their own country. Trekking helps you strengthen your core, endurance, and overall strength. Being in nature can help you regain your mental balance and offer a fresh look at life. Spending a lot of time trekking up and down hills, boulders, rock hopping, and climbing puts your entire body through strenuous activity, improving strength, agility, and cardio fitness.

Choosing between the Everest trek and the Manaslu Trek depends on your preferences. The Everest Trek offers iconic views of Everest, rich Sherpa culture, and well-established infrastructure, attracting more trekkers. It’s moderate to challenging, with crowded trails during peak seasons.

On the other hand, the Manaslu Trek provides a more secluded and authentic trekking experience. Both treks are unique and rewarding, so consider what aspects matter more to you for an unforgettable adventure. 

Why trekkers often compare these two treks

Trekkers often compare the Everest Trek and the Manaslu Trek due to their unique features and distinct experiences. Both treks offer incredible Himalayan views, but they cater to different preferences and levels of challenge. 

Known for its iconic status, Everest Trek attracts trekkers seeking to witness the world’s highest peak, rich Sherpa culture, and established trekking infrastructure. It’s relatively more crowded, making it suitable for those who enjoy social interactions on the trail.

Manaslu Trek offers a more isolated and less commercialized experience. It is appealing to trekkers seeking solitude and an off-the-beaten-path adventure. It provides stunning views, diverse landscapes, and a cultural immersion in Tibetan-influenced regions. 
 

Everest Trek

The world's highest peak is Mount Everest, which is located in Nepal and rises 29,029 feet (8,848 meters) above sea level. For many people, climbing to the top of Mount Everest is a lifelong ambition.

To climb Mount Everest, you must be in excellent physical condition and have previous mountaineering experience.

The trek to Mount Everest might be hazardous, as the weather can change rapidly and climbers may encounter severe weather.

The optimum season to climb Mount Everest is in the spring when the weather is optimal. Although it takes a long time and dedication to climb Mount Everest, some individuals have done so in only a few days!

Hiking to Mount Everest Base Camp is an amazing journey that takes you to the world's highest place or the base camp of the world's tallest peak.

Although this path is not as difficult as the others, it will still take some time and effort. The fact that you've decided to go on this journey means you're happy! For many people, it's one of their life goals. Furthermore, Lonely Planet has rated Everest Base Camp Trek as the World's fourth greatest trek.

What you'll do on your trip to Mount Everest's Base Camp?

The itinerary is based on a significant walking trip. You begin your trek after arriving at Lukla, the entrance to Mount Everest, on a sightseeing flight. The trail to the Everest Base Camp may be difficult after you've started.

If you're an inexperienced hiker, it's important to avoid the easy paths. Some days of the trek may be a long walk through an exhausting trail. It does not, however, require any technical climbing. So, having an Everest base camp guide will always be beneficial. Hiking with a mountain instructor would normally resolve the problem on its own.

The Everest base camp excursion is essentially a high-altitude trek, but other activities like helicopter flights, peak climbing, and so on can be added to the standard base camp itinerary.

Who wouldn't want to visit Everest? It allows you to get lost in the breathtaking majesty of the Himalayas' towering peaks. Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mount Ama Dablam, Mt. Cho-Oyu, and other mountains are among them.

Furthermore, if you climb to Kalapathar, which is a lovely viewpoint with panoramic views of the Himalayas. A sunrise or sunset vista from this location may be more mystical.

Furthermore, a walkthrough of Sagarmatha National Park and traditional Sherpa villages are both fascinating.

It is fantastic to learn more about individuals, their lives, cultures, and customs. You'll also get a glimpse of the beautiful mystique of vibrant prayer banners, monasteries, chortens, and Buddhism in this area.

The Everest base camp trip is best done in the spring, from March to May, and in the fall, from September to November.

Dry and clear conditions prevail during this epoch. You may also be a participant in the famed Mani Rimdu festival if you travel in October. Buddhists congregate at Tengboche Monastery for 19 days to celebrate the ancient celebration.

As usual, the date for Mani Rimdu's celebration has been set for the 20th, 21st, and 22nd of October, as per tradition.

Manaslu Trek

The Manaslu Trek is a trek in Nepal's Himalayas. The path leads to Mount Manaslu, the world's eighth-tallest peak.

The Manaslu Trail begins at Arughat and follows the Budi Gandaki River to Samagaon. The route then ascends to Larkya La Pass, which is 5255 meters high, before descending to the Annapurna Circuit.

The journey may be done in around two weeks. The trek is popular with tourists who wish to avoid crowds on other renowned treks like Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek.

For trekkers seeking excitement, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the finest option. This excursion is considered a moderate challenge. The physical fitness of the trekker has a significant impact on the difficulty level of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Manaslu Trek is one of Nepal's most difficult treks, taking you through rural villages in the Himalayan region. It's one of Nepal's offbeat trekking routes.

What Makes The Manaslu Trekking Experience So Memorable?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is truly unique. The trek follows a renowned salt-trading route along the steep-sided Budhi Gandaki River.

Trekking in the Manaslu region will reveal ten summits of more than 6,500 meters (21,300 feet) in height, including several peaks over 7,000 meters (23,000 feet).

Although there are fewer people on the Manaslu Circuit, it is still a more peaceful experience than its busier sibling, the Annapurna Circuit.

Nubri and Tsum are the primary inhabitants of this region. Chhikur, which branches off the river upstream, distinguishes these two race areas. Following Nepal's 1950 tourism boom, Nubri was frequently visited, but Tsum still conserves a significant amount of its ancient culture, art, and customs.

The Gurungs are the most numerous ethnic group in the region's central hills. If you're traveling alone and want to complete the Manaslu Circuit, find a buddy to go with you.

The four seasons in Manaslu and the rest of Nepal are Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.

The months of March, May, and October/November are the most popular for trekking in the Mount Manaslu. What must be acknowledged is that each trekking season has its particular allure and environment for hikers.

Trekking Difficulty and Terrain

Both the Everest Trek and the Manaslu Trek offer challenging terrain, but they differ in accessibility, altitude gains, and overall difficulty.

The Everest trek follows a well-established and well-maintained trail. The path is wide and marked, making navigation straightforward. The trek starts at Lukla and gradually ascends to Everest Base Camp, with key stops in Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche. The highest point, Kala Patthar, provides the most stunning view of Mount Everest. Despite its high altitude, the trek is easier logistically due to the numerous tea houses and infrastructure that cater to trekkers. The trails involve moderate to steep ascents, but with good acclimatization, trekkers can manage the altitude.

The Manaslu Trek is more remote and rugged, offering a wild trekking experience. It begins at Soti Khola and climbs to Larkya La Pass before descending into the Annapurna region. The trail includes steep, rocky paths, river crossings, landslide-prone areas, and high-altitude sections. Compared to Everest, this trek has less infrastructure, making it physically and mentally more demanding. Since the trek enters a restricted area, solo trekking is not allowed, and a guide is mandatory.

Scenery and Landscapes

The landscapes of Everest and Manaslu are breathtaking but offer distinct experiences.

The main highlight of Everest Trek is the up-close view of Mount Everest, along with other peaks like Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Trekkers pass through stunning glacial moraines, deep river valleys, and alpine meadows. The route is more exposed, meaning fewer forests but more high-altitude wilderness and expansive views. The iconic Khumbu Icefall and Everest Base Camp are key attractions. In spring, rhododendron forests bloom at lower elevations, adding color to the trek.

Manaslu trek offers a more diverse range of landscapes, from dense subtropical forests and terraced farmland to high-altitude glaciers and rocky cliffs. The trek follows the Budi Gandaki River, leading through deep gorges, waterfalls, and wooden bridges. The highlight is Mt. Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world, along with the views of Ganesh Himal, Himlung, and Annapurna II. Compared to Everest, the Greenery lasts longer, with many beautiful forests before reaching the barren high-altitude zones. Trekkers pass through less commercialized areas, making the scenery feel untouched and pristine.

Culture and Local Experience

Both treks provide cultural insights but differ in the ethnic communities and traditions encountered.

The Everest region is home to the Sherpa people, who are well known for their mountaineering skills and Tibetan-influenced culture. The trail is dotted with Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, and stupas. The Tengboche Monastery is the most famous in the region. Villages like Namche Bazaar are modern, with cafes, bakeries, and markets catering to trekkers. Due to its popularity, trekkers can interact with people from around the world. It is less of a cultural immersion compared to Manaslu.

The Manaslu region is home to the Gurung and Tibetan-origin communities, providing a rich cultural experience. Villages like Samagaun and Lho still follow traditional Tibetan Buddhist lifestyles. You can observe prayer wheels, mani walls, and ancient monasteries along the trail. Less exposure to tourists means interactions with locals feel more authentic and traditional. Trekkers pass through areas where yaks and mules are still the primary means of transportation. The influence of Tibetan Buddhism is more profound, and festivals like Lhosar (Tibetan New Year) are celebrated with enthusiasm.

Accommodation and Food

Accommodation and Food options are significantly different between these two treks.

Everest Trek offers a wide range of accommodations, from basic tea houses to luxury lodges with heated rooms and WiFi. The best tea houses are found in Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Lobuche. Menus are extensive, with Nepali Dal Bhat, pasta, pancakes, momos, pizza, and even fresh bakeries. Wifi, hot showers, and charging are widely available at an extra cost. Trekkers can enjoy a comfortable stay with options for extra blankets, private rooms, and attached bathrooms in some places.

Manaslu offers more basic teahouses with simple rooms and shared facilities. Many villages have limited electricity and no WiFi, making it more off-the-grid experience. Food choices are simpler, primarily Dal Bhat, noodles, and Tibetan bread. In remote areas like Dharamsala, accommodation is very basic, with just a common sleeping area. Hot showers are limited and power for charging devices is scarce.

Everest Trek vs Manaslu Trek: Cost Comparison

The Everest Trek tends to be slightly more expensive due to its popularity and infrastructure. The Manaslu Trek offers a more budget-friendly option with fewer crowds and a unique cultural experience.

Conclusion: Everest Trek vs. Manaslu Trek: The Ultimate Showdown

It's difficult to choose between these two treks, but I think the Everest trek is more enjoyable. The views are stunning, and if you make it to the top, you'll feel like you're conquering something.

There are also fewer people on the mountain, which means not only can we enjoy a stunning vista of Mount Everest (if the weather permits), but also have peaceful times on our trek with few distractions.

However, Manaslu has a lower elevation, making it easier to climb. It's also less expensive than climbing Mt. Everest, which makes sense since they're both equally difficult in their ways.

There are a lot of fantastic treks on the planet, but the Mt. Everest trek and Manaslu trek are two of the greatest. The classic Mt. Everest path takes you to the base of Mount Everest, whereas the less-traveled Manaslu journey provides breathtaking scenery and fascinating culture.

The climbs are both difficult, but the Mt. Everest trek is more difficult because of the altitude. The Manaslu journey is as demanding, if not more so, than the Everest owing to the higher risks of avalanches.

The Mt. Everest trek is more well-known than the Manaslu trek, although the latter is gaining popularity because it provides a one-of-a-kind experience that cannot be obtained elsewhere.

If you are going on the Mt. Everest trek, it is critical to become acclimated to high elevations before departing. You might develop altitude sickness if you start the journey from sea level and have to return home quickly.

Mt. Everest and Manaslu are both spectacular mountains, but they provide climbers with varying experiences. Mt. Everest is the world's highest mountain and has difficult ascents owing to its steep slopes and strong winds.

On the other hand, many people attempt to climb Everest every year. Manaslu is a tough mountain to trek up as well, but it isn't as crowded or costly as Mount Everest. Mt. Everest offers a more exciting experience for climbers seeking an adventure, whereas Manaslu is ideal for those looking for something quieter.

So, which trek is best for you—Everest or Manaslu? The answer is determined by your preferences and the type of experience you want. If you want to summit a peak and feel like you've conquered the world, Everest is the trip for you.

If you're looking for an adventure that will leave you breathless – both figuratively and literally – then Manaslu should be at the top of your list. Whichever route you take, make sure you prepare properly and study so that you have the most enjoyable trek in the hills.