The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the world’s most popular trekking routes. Thousands of people from all over the world travel to Nepal each year to participate in this challenging and rewarding adventure. There are several ways to get to the base camp of the world’s highest peak, but the route via Manthali airport is a lesser-known and less-crowded option. This blog will go over the specifics of the Everest Base Camp Trek via Manthali airport.

Overview of Manthali Airport

Manthali airport is located in Nepal’s Ramechhap district, approximately 132 kilometers east of Kathmandu. It is a small domestic airport that has recently emerged as a better solution to Lukla, the traditional starting point for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Flights are frequently cancelled or delayed due to the limited capacity of Lukla airport, causing inconvenience to trekkers. The Manthali airport, on the other hand, is less crowded and more reliable, making it a more desirable choice for those looking to begin their journey elsewhere.

The Route

The road from Manthali airport to Everest Base Camp is longer than the road from Lukla airport. It lasts about 18 days and covers about 130 kilometers. Because trekkers will be hiking at high altitudes, the trek is difficult and requires a high level of physical fitness.

The trek begins with a 4- to 5-hour drive from Kathmandu to Manthali airport. The flight from Manthali to Lukla takes approximately 25 minutes and provides spectacular views of the Himalayan Mountain range. The trek begins in Lukla and follows the same route as the traditional trek to Everest Base Camp. Before reaching Everest’s base camp, the trek passes through beautiful landscapes such as forests, rivers, and mountain passes.

The trek includes checkpoints in traditional Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar and Tengboche to learn about local culture and cuisine. Trekkers will also pass through Sagarmatha National Park, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard.

The Advantages of the Manthali Route

The Manthali route to Everest Base Camp provides trekkers with several advantages. For starters, it is less crowded than the traditional route from Lukla. This means that trekkers will have a more peaceful and immersive experience, free of crowds and noise that can detract from the region’s natural beauty. The route also provides breathtaking views of the mountains, which are frequently obscured by cloud cover on the Lukla route.

Another advantage of the Manthali route over the Lukla route is its reliability. Flights from Lukla are frequently canceled or delayed due to the region’s unpredictable weather. This can be inconvenient and disruptive to trekkers’ plans.

The Manthali route also allows you to visit fewer areas of the region. The trek takes you through several remote villages and allows you to learn about the local culture and way of life. For trekkers interested in learning about local customs and traditions, this can be a rewarding and enriching experience.

The Manthali Route’s Difficulties

While the Manthali route to Everest Base Camp has many advantages, it is not without its difficulties. The trek is long and physically demanding, with hikers climbing up to high altitudes. To avoid altitude sickness, this requires a high level of physical fitness and acclimatization.

The trek also takes you through remote areas, which can be difficult for some hikers. The lack of infrastructure in some areas can also make the trek more difficult, as there may be limited food, water, and lodging options. Before embarking on the trek, trekkers should be prepared for these challenges and ensure that they have sufficient supplies and equipment.

Another disadvantage of the Manthali route is the extra time and money required to travel from Kathmandu to Manthali airport. The drive from Kathmandu to Manthali can take several hours, and trekkers may need to stay in Ramechhap before flying to Lukla. This can add time and money to the overall trek experience.

How to Have a Successful Manthali Trek

  1. Trekkers should carefully prepare and follow these tips to ensure a successful trek on the Manthali route to Everest Base Camp:
  2. Before the trek, train and prepare physically. The trek is stressful and requires a high level of fitness.
  3. Allow for sufficient acclimatization to high altitudes. This will aid in the prevention of altitude sickness and make sure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
  4. Pack sufficient supplies and equipment. Warm clothing, a good sleeping bag, durable hiking boots, and other necessary equipment should be brought by trekkers.
  5. Allow extra time and money for travel to and from Manthali Airport. Trekkers should plan on spending more time and money to get from Kathmandu to Manthali.

Conclusion

The Everest Base Camp Trek via Manthali Airport is a difficult and enjoyable adventure that provides a unique and less crowded route to the base camp of the world’s highest peak. While it takes more time and planning, the trek provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas, opportunities to learn about local culture and customs, and a chance to push oneself physically and mentally.

Trekkers must carefully prepare, acclimate, and take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. The Manthali route to Everest Base Camp can be a memorable and life-changing adventure for trekkers from all over the world with proper planning and preparation.