Side by side
| Langtang Valley Trek | Everest Base Camp Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 8 | 14 |
| Highest point | 4,984 m | 5,545 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Strenuous |
| Total distance | 65 km | 130 km |
| Best months | March to May and October to November | March to May and October to November |
| Typical cost | $500 to $900 | $1,250 to $2,400 |
| Starts from | Syabrubesi (1,550 m) | Lukla (2,860 m) |
| Permits | 2 | 2 |
Choose the Langtang Valley Trek if
The Langtang Valley trek is a 7 to 9 day moderate route in the Langtang National Park, north of Kathmandu. It climbs through rhododendron forest to the high yak pastures of Kyanjin Gompa at 3,870 m, with optional side trips to Tserko Ri at 4,984 m. No internal flight is needed, which makes it the most practical short Himalayan trek from Kathmandu.
The valley trail is well-graded and the altitude gain is gradual. Tserko Ri is a genuine high-altitude day hike that demands a careful start and good acclimatisation.
Choose the Everest Base Camp Trek if
The Everest Base Camp trek is a 14 day teahouse trek in Nepal's Khumbu region, reaching 5,364 m at Base Camp and 5,545 m at Kala Patthar. It starts with a flight to Lukla and needs no climbing skill, only solid fitness and patience with altitude. Spring and autumn are the reliable seasons.
The walking itself is rarely technical. What makes it hard is doing five to seven hours a day, back to back, in air that holds roughly half the oxygen you are used to at sea level.
