Top Base Camp Treks in Nepal

Base camps are famous for being a starting point for trekking and mountaineering expeditions. The foot of a mountain are the end of a long winding footpath and the beginning of ropes and crampons. Base camp treks have become attractive destinations ever since trekking gained popularity as a recreational sport.

Everest Base Camp is probably the most renowned base camp trek in Nepal. However, base camp trek to vast Himalayan range is arguably more challenging, remote and offers scenically spectacular trekking experience. Whether you are looking for a short and nearby trek like Annapurna Base Camp, or a remote and long journey like the rugged Kanchenjunga Base Camp, Nepal offers you the best base camp trekking destinations along the great Himalaya trails.

EVEREST BASE CAMP (5335 M)

Everest Base Camp is a bucket-list destination for many trekkers. The trail starting from Lulka airport take you through stunning alpine landscapes and along some of Nepal’s most iconic peaks. You can see many chortens, prayer flags and monasteries along the way. It adds spiritual setting that attracts many Himalayas, and the viewpoints like Kala Patthar (5550 m) adds a physical challenge to the enthusiastic trekker. The major highlight of the trek is reaching the base camp itself, getting a close view of the notorious Khumbu Icefall and watching expeditions prepare for their bid to the highest summit on earth.

KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP (5143 M)

Kanchenjunga Base Camp is the destination who prefers stretches of remote and empty trails to the busy teahouse treks. The wilder Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is one of the least densely populated areas in Nepal. Whilst Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek, you can explore cascading waterfalls, lush vegetation and thousands of species of plants. The approach to the base camp will not be short on spectacular mountain views either. Mount Kanchenjunga (8586 m), the world’s third tallest mountain, trek can be done in a 26-day long circuit, including a visit to the Pathibara Temple, an important religious site for many Indian and Nepali pilgrims.

MAKALU BASE CAMP (5000 M)

Makalu Barun is rarely visited trekking section of the Great Himalaya Trails. Through the journey to Makalu Base Camp, you get to explore the spectacular mountain views, empty trails and vast wilderness along with the Makalu Barun National Park. Trekkers constantly follow the stunning natural environment while ascending and descending to the trail. It will make every step of your way memorable. The lush Arun and Barun river valleys lead to Makalu Base Camp taking you deep into the high Himalayas with Makalu (8462 m), towering above you and Everest, Lhotse and Baruntse in view. In the lower reaches of the trail you’ll come across some of the most colorful rhododendron forests you’ll ever see.

MARDI HIMAL BASE CAMP (4500 M)

The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. Being near to one of the famous tourist destination Pokhara, this makes a perfect base camp trek for those short on time. Entering into a rugged high altitude mountain landscape brings a spectacular views of the Annapurna mountain range, including a close-up of the iconic Machhapuchare (Fishtail) mountain. There are simple guesthouses and homestays along the entire route saving trekkers from having to carry camping equipment like tents, sleeping bags and food. The lighter load makes all the difference at 4000 meters!

ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP (4130 M)

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. It was the first commercial trekking route in Nepal. At 4130 m, the base camp is surrounded on all sides by spectacular snow-capped peaks, like the supreme Annapurna I (8091 m) and her neighbors’ Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, Annapurna III. The favorite way to approach the final stages of the ABC trek is to spend the night at Machhapuchare Base Camp, get up early the next morning and trek the last 2-3 hours up to Annapurna Base Camp in time to watch the sun rise over the Annapurna mountain range.