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7 Incredible Base Camp Treks to do After Everest

Blue skies over Ama Dablam | Melissa Nakhle
Blue skies over Ama Dablam | Melissa Nakhle

For anyone heading to the Himalayas, nothing beats the feeling you get when you first lay eyes on the world’s highest mountains. Most are drawn to Everest for their first base camp trek, and for a good reason – it’s truly the experience of a lifetime, but where to after that?

There are so many incredible base camps that are accessible to trekkers in the Himalayas. From the sacred Kanchenjunga to the famous Annapurna, we list other impressive trails (some of which are more scenic than Everest Base Camp) that’ll see you sleeping in the shadow of Nepal or Bhutan’s magnificent giants.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Trekking near Kanchenjunga |  <i>Michelle Landry</i>

Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world, located on the Nepalese side of the Nepal-India border. It is sacred to the people of Sikkim. In 1955, the first expedition team to climb it promised the Chogyal (king) that they would stop short of the summit. Ever since then, every climber has observed this tradition.

At 5,140m (16,864ft), Kanchenjunga Base Camp is nearly as high as Everest Base Camp but strikingly remote in comparison.

 

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

 

The Annapurna region is the second most popular trekking area in Nepal. However, it is very different in character from Everest, both culturally and ecologically. Annapurna I was the first ever peak over 8,000 metres (26,000 ft) to be climbed. The summit was reached in 1950 on a French expedition led by Maurice Herzog.

Passing through villages and terraced farmland on your way to base camp at 4,131m (13,553ft), this trek takes in some of Nepal’s most stunning and diverse scenery.

 

Makalu Base Camp Trek

High Camp in Bakim Kharka |  <i>Ray Mustey</i>

Makalu is notorious for its steep slopes and knife-edged ridges, forming a challenging section of the Great Himalayan Trail. The trail to base camp is renowned for its cloud forests and lush vegetation of hanging orchids and vibrant rhododendrons.

With the summit of Makalu rising 3,000m (9,843ft) above base camp, this trek is a sure-fire way to feel humbled by the mountainous landscape.

 

Jomolhari Base Camp Trek

 

Also known as the ‘Bride of Kangchenjunga,’ this is arguably the finest short trek in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Due to restricted access and complex routes from Tibet, there is little climbing activity in the region. Only a handful of mountaineers have climbed Jomolhari since the summit was first attained in 1937.

At 4,100m (13,450ft), this is a great base camp trek for those who are short on time and keen to pack in both remote wilderness and a unique cultural experience.

 

Manaslu Base Camp Trek

Trekking through peaceful villages in Manaslu |  <i>Graham North</i>

The ‘Mountain of the Spirit,’ Manaslu is one of Nepal’s most beautiful yet rarely visited areas – the Nepalese Government only opened the area to trekkers in 1991. It has since flourished as a sanctuary for many endangered animals, including snow leopards, grey wolves, musk deer and blue sheep.

Trekking around Manaslu offers incredible mountain views, remote Buddhist villages close to the Tibetan border and cultural and geographic diversity that rivals any other trek in the Himalayas. A visit to base camp at 4,895m (16,060ft) is definitely a standout.

 

Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek

On the trail in front of Ama Dablam |  <i>Phillip Gordon</i>

‘Mother’s Necklace’ is one of the most stunning mountains along the popular trekking route to Everest Base Camp. This steep pyramid of ice with vertical walls and sharp, exposed ridges is also referred to as the ‘Matterhorn of the Himalayas.’ 

This trek takes you beyond the tourist trails, and at 4,600m (15,092ft) high, the base camp provides stunning 360-degree vistas across the ranges.

 

Damodar Saribung Traverse

Trekkers on our Damodar Saribung Traverse trip |  <i>Dan Beacom</i>

Explore a region seldom visited by Westerners, trekking through Mustang and the Damodar Range and emerging into the Annapurna region. Cross several high passes with incredible vistas, including the stunning Saribung Pass (6,042m), a snowy trail exiting Damodar Kunda High Camp near the Tibetan border. 

An additional highlight is the close encounters with Tibetan culture, including a visit to Luri Gompa, the oldest and most famous cave monastery in the Mustang region, constructed in the 15th century.

Our pioneering treks are designed to get you deep into the heart of the Himalayas. View our full range of Himalayan treks >
 

base camp treks, Bhutan, EBC, everest base camp, Himalayas, mustang, Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet

Comment (1)

Sanjib

Nepal is safe for traveling! According to the information from various sources such as Trekking Agencies Association (TAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board, Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp,Annapurna Circuit , Upper Mustang ,Dolpa, , Kanchenjunga Trek ,Ghorepani Poon hill, Jomsom Trek and Rara are safe for trekking, Pokhara tour, Chitwan safari tour, and Lumbini tour . Therefore, I personally went up to the Annapurna Base Camp on the first week of June. The purpose is to access the condition of the trek as to ensure the safety of the clients in the upcoming autumn season trek from September to November. The condition of the mountain is safe. All the lodges still good. The mountains still look beautiful as before. Do not hesitate to put Nepal as your travel wish list in next season. The beautiful country awaits you to visit. You support will help the country to rebuilt

9 years ago
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