Nepal for the Unconventional Traveler: Everest Base Camp and Manaslu Circuit Off the Mainstream Trail

Trekking in Nepal is often reduced to two words: Everest Base Camp. Yet for those drawn to authenticity, the Himalayas offer much more than a popular trail.

In this article, I’ll explore two routes that reveal the soul of Nepal: the iconic Everest Base Camp Trek and the lesser-known Manaslu Circuit Trek. Both challenge your body, but more importantly, they shift your perspective.

These aren’t tourist experiences. They are journeys—quiet, humbling, and, at times, beautifully uncomfortable.

What It Means to Travel Differently

Not every traveler wants luxury lodges and glossy itineraries. Some seek something else—a place to walk without performance, where encounters happen naturally and landscapes speak louder than itineraries.

Both Everest and Manaslu offer this, depending on how you approach them. The key is to slow down, stay curious, and respect the rhythm of the land.

Everest Base Camp Trek - Real Trails, Raw Views, Unfiltered Nepal

The Everest Base Camp Trek often draws crowds, and it’s easy to dismiss it as overdone. That would be a mistake. Done with care, this trek remains one of the most rewarding experiences in the Himalayas.

Starting from Lukla, you pass through Namche Bazaar, climb steadily to Tengboche Monastery, and eventually stand beneath the towering Khumbu Icefall. But it’s not about Everest itself. It’s about mornings with clear skies, soft-spoken guides who know the trail by heart, and the quiet pride of making it on foot.

Manaslu Circuit Trek: The Quiet Trail



If Everest feels like a chorus, Manaslu is a solo instrument—simple, haunting, and powerful. The Manaslu Circuit Trek remains one of Nepal’s least disturbed routes. It winds through dense forests, stone villages, and across the dramatic Larkya La Pass (5,160m).

You won’t find souvenir stalls or café bakeries here. Instead, you’ll walk alongside yaks, greet monks at hillside gompas, and feel the quiet presence of the mountains. It’s a different kind of reward—less celebratory, more meditative.

Culture in Layers: Sherpa and Tibetan Worlds

Both treks move through culturally rich areas, each distinct. On the Everest route, you’ll encounter Sherpa Buddhist culture—mani walls, spinning prayer wheels, and the deep-rooted reverence for the mountains.

In Manaslu, the air shifts. The villages carry a Tibetan influence, with stone houses, remote monasteries, and elders who speak a dialect passed down from across the border. This contrast isn’t just interesting—it’s immersive.

You’re not walking through scenery. You’re walking through worldviews.

Crowds and Quiet: Which Feeds You?

Everest offers connection. You’ll meet trekkers from around the globe, share tea in communal lodges, and hear a dozen languages at dinner.

Manaslu offers silence. Sometimes the only sound is the wind in the trees or the distant jingle of mule bells. There’s value in both.

If you crave solitude and reflection, Manaslu delivers. If you’re energized by people and shared effort, Everest won’t disappoint.

The Landscape’s Story

Everest is immediate. From day one, the peaks rise like stone cathedrals. The higher you go, the more the terrain hardens—glaciers, ridgelines, ice.

Manaslu unfolds slowly. It begins in lush lowlands and moves through alpine forests before revealing wide open valleys and barren, windswept passes.

If Everest is a visual climax, Manaslu is a slow build—one you feel in your body and memory.

Altitude and Acclimatization

Both treks reach altitudes over 5,000 meters. EBC tops out at 5,364m at base camp. Manaslu’s high point, Larkya La, sits slightly lower at 5,160m.

Manaslu ascends more gradually, which can help with acclimatization. Everest begins at a higher altitude in Lukla, so your first few days are critical. Both require patience. This isn’t a race—it’s a process of adaptation and awareness.

Permit Requirements: Know Before You Go

Everest Base Camp Trek:

Sagarmatha National Park Permit

Khumbu Rural Municipality Entry Fee

Manaslu Circuit Trek:

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

TIMS card

Note: A Licensed guide and a minimum of two trekkers are required if you plan to trek in the Manaslu region.

Manaslu’s additional permits and guide requirements may seem like a hassle. They protect the trail’s integrity and ensure local involvement.

Best Seasons for Both Treks

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal. You’ll find clear skies, moderate temperatures, and stable trail conditions.

Avoid monsoon (June–August)—landslides and poor visibility are common.

In winter (December–February), Manaslu’s pass may be closed due to snow, and high-altitude nights are bitterly cold on both routes.

Shoulder months—late November or early March—offer quiet trails with manageable weather, especially for EBC.

Accommodations: What to Expect

Everest has range. From basic teahouses to upgraded lodges with hot showers and Wi-Fi (in some villages), it’s evolved to handle global trekkers.

Manaslu is simpler. Teahouses are locally built, family-run, and often without modern amenities. Still, the welcome is sincere, and the food—dal bhat, momos, potatoes—is hearty.

What you lose in comfort, you gain in connection.

Trek Costs: Everest vs. Manaslu

Everest Base Camp (12–14 days):

· Group tour: $1,300–$1,800

· Independent (w/o guide): ~$900+

Manaslu Circuit (14–17 days):

Guided only: $1,300–$2,000 (permits, meals, transport, support)

EBC gives flexibility for solo trekkers. Manaslu’s higher cost includes necessary logistics—transport to trailhead, restricted permits, and professional guidance.

Safety and Support on the Trail

Everest has more infrastructure: health posts, helicopter rescue options, and a larger network of guides and porters.

Manaslu is remote. You’ll rarely see helicopters. Guides are essential—not just for safety, but for cultural access.

In both cases, travel insurance with high-altitude coverage is non-negotiable.

Environmental and Social Responsibility

Trekking should leave more behind than footprints. Choose local agencies that:

· Hire local staff at fair wages
· Minimize waste
· Educate trekkers on trail etiquette and culture
· Avoid plastic

Stay on trails. Respect customs—whether it’s removing your shoes in a monastery or listening more than speaking.

Which Trek Is Right for Traveller?

Feature	Everest Base Camp	Manaslu Circuit
Popularity	High	Low
Cultural Highlight	Sherpa Buddhism	Tibetan Influence
Infrastructure	Developed	Basic
Permit Process	Simple	Restricted, guide required
Trail Type	Structured, busy	Varied, remote
Ideal For	First-time trekkers, bucket list	Repeat trekkers, cultural depth

The best choice depends not on the trail, but on the type of experience you want to have.

Practical Trekking Advice

• Train before your trek—especially cardio and hill walking
• Test your boots beforehand to prevent blisters
• Travel with a local operator for permits, logistics, and safety
• Acclimatize properly: rest days are not optional
• Bring layers: expect warm days and freezing nights

Also, pack light. The less you carry, the more freely you’ll walk.

So, who’s the winner?

It depends on what you're looking for. But if we judge by authenticity, cultural depth, and trail solitude, the Manaslu Circuit Trek edges ahead for travelers who value raw, immersive experiences.

On the other hand, if you're seeking dramatic landscapes, world-renowned routes, and a sense of achievement that resonates across continents, the Everest Base Camp Trek holds its ground as a timeless classic.

For first-time trekkers, Everest offers stronger infrastructure and broader accessibility.

For those returning to Nepal—or looking to escape the obvious—Manaslu may just be the trek they never knew they needed.

Whichever you choose, both routes represent what trekking in Nepal is truly about: connecting deeply with the land, its people, and a rhythm far removed from the ordinary.

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10 Top Motorcycling Routes in the World

The joy of feeling the wind on your face, smelling the air, watching mother nature’s scenery go by while feeling your motorcycle engine roar below you is something that can be related by every single motorcycling afficionado around the world. It doesn’t matter whether you are a teenager riding his first motorcycle, someone going through their mid-life crisis or if you are an elderly pro who loves being on two wheels, each one will connect with this motorcycling love.

Such love can be felt while exploring these 10 top motorcycling routes across the world. Not only are some of these the most adventurous routes in the world, some of them happen to be the most scenic too. All you need to do is get your motorcycle in top condition, obtain an international driving permit, pack all your motorcycling travel gear and be ready to hit the road.

1) Ladakh, India



Home to some of the world’s highest motorable roads, the mountain roads of Ladakh in India’s Western Himalayas is for the die hard adventure enthusiast. Rarefied mountain air, stunning mountain panoramas, tough weather, gorgeous culture and lush valleys, the Himalayan roads of Ladakh has everything that a cold high altitude desert can offer and more. These roads are the mecca for all motorcyclists from across the world as they are home to some of the highest motorable passes in the world. Serene looking high altitude mountain lakes, 2nd highest astronomical observatory in the world, rich Buddhist culture are the icing on the cake. Below are some of the high mountain passes that you can visit in this region:

a) Khardung La – 18,380 feet – one of the most popular motorcycling routes in India

b) Marsimik La – 18,314 feet

c) Photi La – 18,124 feet

d) Kaksang La – 17,842 feet

e) Chang La – 17,586 feet

f) Tanglang La - 17,481 feet

g) Wari La – 17,216 feet

h) Umling La – 19,302 feet – getting a permit to ride on this road is tough due to its strategic location and proximity to the line of actual control between India and China.

2) Pacific Coast Highway, USA



The legendary Pacific coast highway covering over 900 kilometres of California’s rugged and beautiful coastlines takes you all the way from San Francisco to San Diego near the Mexico border. It is one of the world’s most astoundingly scenic roads and is meant to be explored slowly, while gasping at the mountains, towering trees, surfing villages, expansive beaches, local wine, Hollywood glitz and endless sky. Starting in San Francisco, the Pacific Coast highway takes you through:

a) Felton – a drowsy mountain town nestled among Redwood trees

b) Santa Cruz – a friendly beach town with a university, gorgeous redwood trees and waves that surfers from all over flock to ride

c) Big Sur – rugged mountains blanketed with dreamy redwood forests that drop into dramatic coastline

d) Cambria – a charming seaside village home to rocky shorelines, bluffs and tide pools teeming with sea life

e) Morro Bay – a small city by a large bay and estuary that is home to a diverse range of fauna including blue herons, monarch butterflies, hummingbirds and sea otters

f) San Luis Obispo – a mellow college town that is famous for its nearby wineries and lighthouse

g) Solvang – mini Denmark that is home to many Danish bakeries

h) Los Olivos – rustic charming town that is surrounded by expansive wineries

i) Santa Barbara – a city where beachy casual meets glitz

j) Los Angeles – home to Hollywood glamour, hipster cool, Disneyland and old fashioned food markets

k) San Diego – a border city famous for its Mexican food, surfing spots, a military outpost and a world famous zoo

3) Amalfi Coast, Italy



Originally built by the Romans, the intense 70 kilometre Amalfi coast road is cut into sheer rock face. On one side is the beautiful blue sea crashing beneath and on the other side is the massive rock face that you find yourself clinging to. Connecting the towns of Sorrento and Salerno, the Amalfi coast highway snakes and winds through endless hairpins and up and over steep hills. The famed Amalfi coast is exactly as you have always pictured: rugged coastline dotted with seaside towns whose classic, balconied buildings overlook the turquoise Tyrrhenian sea. The highlights of this route include:

a) Riding past vineyards that dot the countryside

b) Riserva Statale Valle delle Ferriere – a protected area with several waterfalls and lush plant life

c) Church of Santa Maria Assunta – offers views of opulent villas along the coast that hug the steep mountainside above a petite, sandy beach

d) Duomo Ravello – historic cathedral in Ravello with shops, lodging and dining nearby

e) Impossibly photogenic coast between Minori and Vietri Sul Mare

f) Lattari Mountain National Park – a great ecotourism site that offers some of the most stunning views in all of Italy

g) Fjord of Furore – special place fo artisans

h) Amalfi Cathedral – gorgeous 9th century building bearing the crypt of St Andrew

i) Sirenuse – a cluster of small islands off the coast, fulfilling all your idyllic beach dreams

j) Cetara – small fishing village located between the sea and lush green hills and that is home to affordable stay options and great dining avenues

4) Ceuta to Marrakesh Loop, Morocco



This 2,570 kilometre long exotic route offers an adventure of a lifetime. It takes you through a series of ancient citadels, souks, tall mountains and oodles of vibrant desert culture. The route starts in Ceuta (a Spanish island city on the north coast of Africa), passes through the Rif Mountains through Fez and then through the Atlas mountains to Erfoud and the mighty Sahara desert. From here, you pass through the Todra gorge to the palm groves of Ouarzazate and finally the city of Marrakesh where you get to experience the real flavour of old Morocco. From here, it is a short ride through the Tizi n’Test pass down to the Atlantic coast at Agadir, from where you can visit Casablanca and then Tangiers before returning to Ceuta.

Overall, it is a stunning desert ride where you can enjoy oodles of off roading, twisties and wide open roads, while experiencing the rich desert cultures of Morocco.

5) The Great Ocean Road, Australia



This is an Australian National Heritage listed 240 kilometre stretch of road along the South Eastern coast of Australia. The Great Ocean Road traverses rainforests, beaches, cliffs, natural limestone and sandstone rock formations to give you an experience of one of nature’s best spectacles. This motorcycle route starts at Torquay and travels westward to finish at Allansford near Warrnambool. Following are the highlights of the Great Ocean Road:

a) Surf coast – gorgeous coastline between Torquay and Cape Otway

b) Shipwreck coast – stunning coastline between Cape Otway and Port Fairy that is home to the famous limestone formations called the Twelve Apostles and that provides views of the Bass strait and the Southern ocean.

c) Anglesea – surfing town renowned for its eastern grey kangaroos, Coogoorah Park and the Angair wildflower festival

d) Lorne – seaside town on the Great Ocean Road popular for family bathing, surfing and fishing. It is known for its Falls Festival, 1.2 km Pier to Pub swim, the Great Otway National park, Otway Ranges National park and the Lorne Pier.

e) Apollo Bay – coastal town on the Great Ocean Road that plays host to the annual Apollo Bay seafood festival, Winter Wild and the Great Ocean Road Running festival. Southern right whales and humpback whales are spotted off the coast from winter through spring.

f) Port Campbell – coastal town on the Great Ocean Road that is famous for the following natural limestone and sandstone rock formations located in the Port Campbell National Park and around: Loch Ard Gorge, The Grotto, London Arch and the Twelve Apostles.

6) Kathmandu, Nepal to Lhasa, Tibet



This 1,250 kilometre ride will take you to the rooftop of the world while offering some surreal views of the Eastern Himalayas. The ride begins in Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu and goes to Lhasa in Tibet while crossing scenic Tibetan landscapes, nomadic villages, snow capped mountains, pristine blue lakes, ancient Buddhist monasteries, historical cities and some of the highest mountain passes in the world. The motorcycling route would be:

a) Kathmandu to Shyabrubesi (125 kms and Elevation of 1,140 m) – Long journey through the remote areas of Langtang National Park

b) Shyabrubesi to Kerung (42 kms and elevation of 2,750 m) – Border crossing into Tibet and acclimatization day

c) Kerung to Tingri (244 kms and elevation of 4,300 m) – Ride to the highest plateau in the world and enjoy breath taking panoramas of Himalayan ranges: Mt Cho Oyu (8201 m), My Xishapagma (8012 m) and Mt Everest (8848 m)

d) Tingri to Xegar (185 kms and elevation of 3900 m) – Ride through the beautiful Tibetan countryside, explore Ronbuk monastery – the highest Buddhist monastery in the world and enjoy the day at Everest Base Camp

e) Xegar to Shigatse (244 kms and elevation of 3900 m) – Cross high altitude snow covered mountain passes and beautiful panoramas to arrive at Shigatse, the second largest Tibetan city

f) Shigatse to Gyantse (95 kms and elevation of 3950 m) – Head to Gyantse while visiting Tashilumpu monastery, Kumbum stupa and Phalkor monastery

g) Gyantse to Lhasa (261 km and elevation of 3650 m) – Full day picturesque drive crossing over Karola (5010 m), Kambala (4749 m) , colourful Yamdrok Tso lake and the Tibetan lifeline Brahmaputra or Yarlung Tsangpo river

7) Namibia, Southern Africa



Namibia is a jewel of Southern Africa. The vast expanses of Namib and Kalahari deserts offer remote solitude that is perfect for off-road adventure travel that includes national parks, impossibly tall dunes, rugged canyons, lush rivers, spectacular coastline, savannah, desert and much more. With the highest dunes in the world located in the legendary Namib desert, the infamous Skeleton coast and the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park, there’s something for everyone in Namibia. Following are the best motorcycle routes in Namibia:

a) Kaokoveld to Skeleton coast: Opuwo –> Palmwag –> Bergsig –> Cape Cross –> Swakopmund: 674 kms, good gravel roads

b) Around the Brandberg: About 220 km, all unpaved, very sandy in the Ugab river

c) Bosua Pass: Windhoek –> C28 –> Swakopmund: 322 km, all unpaved, but good gravel roads

d) The D707: Betta – Junction C 27/D707 – D707 to end/junction with C13: ~150 km, all unpaved, initially gravel, then sand

e) C13 along the Orange river: Rosh Pinah –> Sendering Drif –> C13 to Aubenkehr: 105 km, all unpaved, but good gravel road

8) Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan



The legendary Pamir mountains sit amidst the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, Himalayas and the Tian Shan mountain ranges, all whispering to and luring adventurers for thousands of years. The ancient Pamir highway runs between Termez in Uzbekistan and Kara Balta in Kyrgyzstan. The majority of the road however runs through the highlands of Tajikistan, cutting through the Pamir mountains. This gorgeous ride clocks in over 2000 km and climbs to a height of above 15000 feet at Ak-Baital pass. The entire route is one of the higher motorable routes in the world and hence altitude sickness is quite common. It is part of the ancient silk road and is rich in history, adventure and danger. 80% of the roads are paved and about 20% are gravel. The people of Tajikistan are very hospitable and will always help the tourist (musafir) even in the remotest or corners in Tajikistan.

The Pamir highway route is as follows: Dushanbe –> Qal’ai Khumb –> Khorog –> Bibi Fatima Hot Springs (Yamchun) –> Murgab –> Ak Baital Pass (4655 m) –> Khorog –> Qal’ai Khumb –> Dushanbe

9) North East India to Vietnam



A few years back, the Indian government opened the India-Myanmar border for overland travel. This opened the possibility of a lush forest motorcycling route spanning 5,200 kms and 5 countries. Starting in Siliguri in the Northern part of West Bengal, this route meanders through the dense jungles and tropical forests of North East India before entering Myanmar at Moreh. In Myanmar, the roads are mostly dirt tracks or gravel roads with wooden and metal bridges till you reach Mandalay. From Mandalay, you cut across Inle lake and into the mountainous province of Myanmar and Mae Hong Son in Thailand before you reach Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand. From here, you follow the Mekong river and head towards Luang Prabang in Laos. Then, you head further north into the mountainous region of Laos before you enter the Sapa region of Vietnam. From Sapa, you travel east to Hanoi and then kiss the coast to travel south all the way to the capital city of Ho Chi Minh city. This entire route is a lush tropical paradise. Except for parts of the India-Myanmar border, most roads are paved or in the worst case are good quality gravel roads. You criss cross mountains, rivers, forests and cities to explore this gorgeous part of the world.

Route map: Siliguri, India –> Moreh, India –> Mandalay, Myanmar –> Chiang Rai, Thailand –> Luang Prabang, Laos –> Hanoi, Vietnam –> Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

10) El Camino de la Muerte, Bolivia



Last, but not the least in this list is the world’s most dangerous road. Known as the ‘Death Road’, this 69 km winding road stretch connects the world’s highest administrative capital of La Paz in Bolivia to the small Amazonian rainforest town of Coroico. The journey begins at 12,000 feet high Laz Paz with its mix of indigenous and modern cultures. The winding route with a single lane ascends to La Cumbre pass (about 15,000 feet high) in the Andean mountain only to dip back down into the Amazon rainforest over the course of 65 kilometres. The road weaves back and forth as it descends, and the thick forest below tends to obscure the steep drop below. The road is a mix of paved, dusty to loosened rock. Extreme weather is the think to stay aware of. At the top, you might face blinding fog and bone chilling weather, while in the rainforest, you can face high humidity and/or pouring rain. The sheer diversity and extreme route makes it a special motorcycling route of the world.

Photo Courtesy: Some of the photographs in this article have been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the creative commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

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Patan: Nepal’s Cultural Hotspot

It is one of Nepal’s cultural gems. It’s Durbar square that is full of temples, palaces,  statues, stupas and other amazing sights is a UNESCO World heritage site. Along with the durbar squares at Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, it forms the trinity of UNESCO world heritage cultural sites in the Kathmandu valley of Nepal. A stronghold of the Newari community, it is home to the palace where the Malla kings once resided. I am talking about the cultural city of Patan, that also goes by the name of Lalitpur.



Deriving its name from the Sanskrit world Lalitapattan, Lalitpur or Patan is full of cultural delights. And most of these delights can be found concentrated inside Patan’s durbar square. Water spouting from gargoyles, intricately carved pillars, stunning red brick foundations, beautifully carved stone sculptures, massive temples, colorful locals, snippets from Newari and Nepali culture, extravaganza of shopping avenues and many more cultural delights can be found in this heritage Durbar square.



A lot of Durbar square was damaged during the 2015 earthquake that hit Nepal, but a lot of it still stands tall. The Palace, the museum, the octagonal stone Krishna temple, the Shankar Narayan temple, the Vishwananth temple with the two stone elephants in front of it, the golden temple, the Krishna stone temple and the Mahaboudha temple are some of the architectural marvels in the durbar square of Patan.



But, there are many more smaller temples and stories of creativity all across Patan’s durbar square and beyond. Then, there are the old Newari residential houses and the small places that have been usurped by the hawkers. You are never far away from amazing cultural sights in Patan. All you need is some patience and a keen eye to track these stunning locations.



A center of both Hinduism and Buddhism, Patan durbar square has a total of 136 courtyards and 55 major temples. The Malla kings of Lalitpur, the Pradhanas and the Thakuri dynasty are credited for its architectural marvels. In its hey days, it used to be a very prosperous city. Today, it may not be rich in terms of money, but is certainly rich in terms of art and culture.



The best way to soak in Patan’s magic is to park yourself in front of one of its many action hot spots and watch the cultural world whirl by. As you keep your eyes and ears open, you will notice many more cultural elements that lie hidden behind or by the main ones. Repeat this technique at other hot spots and treat yourself to the cultural riches of Patan.



If you are a temple, art or culture lover, then Patan has to be on the top of your Nepal holiday itinerary. Even if you are in Nepal on a trekking trip, Patan’s cultural gems should certainly make for a day trip getaway. It is a place you definitely should not miss on your next holiday to Nepal.



Best season to visit:

Patan is open all year around, but the summer months can get quite hot.

The rains add character to this cultural city, while the winter months are perfect to bask in the sun and go on long walks.



How to reach here:The nearest airport would be Kathmandu.

From Kathmandu, you can either opt for a micro bus (more like a shared van) from Ratnapark, local buses or hire your own private taxi. It should take you between 60 and 90 minutes to reach the heritage area of Patan.



Vehicles are not allowed inside the heritage area and hence these are best explored on foot.



Where to stay:

If you wish to embrace local culture, I would recommend the homestays in Patan. They offer an immersive experience while allowing you to be away from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu.

If you wish to be more centrally located or if you wish for luxurious accommodation, I would recommend staying in Kathmandu city.



Where to eat:

There are a lot of cafes, bakeries and restaurants around the durbar square area that offer a variety of food items ranging from traditional Nepali thali to Indian and international food.

Ideally, you could have a traditional Nepali thali for lunch and may be choose a scenic cafe like Cafe du temple for a cup of tea or coffee whil enjoying the gorgeous view of the Durbar square.



Other nearby tourist attractions:

1) Bhaktapur: An ancient city known for its art, culture, festival, dances and indigenous lifestyle of Newari community.

2) Changu Narayan Temple: An ancient temple with lovely valley views

3) Kathmandu: The bustling capital of Nepal with its many temples and UNESCO World heritage Durbar square



4) Kirtipur: One of the oldest settlements in the Kathmandu valley

5) Nagarkot: One of the top places to see the sun rise over the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas

6) Dhulikhel: A nice quiet village with a stunning view and where one can see the non-tourist side of Nepali life

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Backpacking, cheapest locations

Backpacking is one of the most liberating ways to travel around the world. Being able to walk, bus or hitchhike, staying under canvas or in cheap rooms and trekking to beautiful sites while avoiding the tourist traps are great ways to see the ‘real’ countries. Trying to backpack on a budget needs some careful planning – you need cheap food, economical accommodation, access to low-priced public transport and some cash to visit special attractions.

1. Malawi



The Republic of Malawi – to give it its full name – is a landlocked country in the southeast of Africa. It’s bordered mainly by Mozambique to the east, south and west, Zambia to the northwest and Tanzania to the northeast.

We would be looking at a daily cost of $20 due to a very favourable exchange rate and a negligible tourist industry. Accommodation-wise you will be able to find a bed for under $3, and a decent, locally-sourced meal will set you back less than $2. Public transport is cheap and cheerful, if not a little hair-raising.

For outdoor activity you can try your hand at water-skiing on Lake Malawi for a fraction of the cost of a similar experience at more well-known resorts. Cape Maclear is a beautiful backpacker’s destination where you can enjoy swimming and diving in the crystal-clear waters or sunbathe on the beach. Malawi is a relatively small country and you can easily trek through the entire length of the country in a day or two. The safari trail is a big attraction – elephant-spotting being a popular draw. The views from the mountainous areas are spectacular and watching the sun setting over the amazing vista as you prepare to bed down for the night is pretty special.

The capital city of Lilongwe has extensive markets and you will be hard-pressed not to buy a few bargains.

The people are typically welcoming and friendly – keen to be good hosts and continue to earn their reputation as the ‘warm heart of Africa’.

Be sure to have a good travel insurance policy as Malawi is a known malarial region. If you are travelling for more than 3 weeks look at a dedicated backpacking policy. We recommend not to swim in Lake Malawi (as many do) due to the number of water based parasites which can causes diseases like bilharzia.

2. Turkey



The eastern border of Europe gives you the chance to experience standards that Westerners are used to but at prices more typical of Eastern countries. For a little over $30 a day you will be able to pick up some remarkable memories as you travel around enjoying fabulous fare, culture and scenery.

Accommodation will set you back around ten bucks in a hostel in the capital city of Ankara. Other cities will give you the same standard of lodging for around half this price. The southwest coast is expensive and touristy and not good for a budget-conscious traveler. Heading east will get you rooms that come with breakfast and lunch included too for around $30. And, indeed, it’s the eastern side of Turkey that is the real joy for budget backpackers.

The price of public transport is remarkably cheap and for around $15 you can get a good standard of bus service across the country. As you head east, the culture becomes distinctly Middle Eastern as the influence of migrant Kurds exerts its friendly influence. You can get very tasty meals for just over $4 – a real bargain!

Turkey has some amazing ruins and historical attractions – it’s seen many cultures come and go and is constantly evolving. Explore the ghost city of Ani on the Armenian border and travel to the Gobeklitepe Temple where this amazing structure is still being painstakingly unearthed and revealed!

3. Ethiopia



To the south on the Horn of Africa lies Ethiopia, the most populous landlocked country in the world with over one million souls living here. Backpacking around the country will set you back just over $12 a day. Depending on your comfort requirements a bed for the night can cost as little as $3 but, for a few dollars more, you can enjoy a few more frills. If you avoid the tourist areas and head to the authentic streets you will be able to eat healthily for less than a $1 a meal. You would expect to pay up to $2 for a meal in a restaurant so either option is still a good price. If you enjoy your coffee you must take every opportunity to sample it here, Ethiopia started the world’s coffee addiction and it now accounts for over half their foreign trade and employs more than 10% of its citizens. Oh and for a fraction over 10 cents a cup you can’t go wrong.

Travelling by bus works out at about a dollar per hour heading between cities. These are typically very crowded and hot though but if you go opt for a higher class of bus at around $3 per hour you will have more space, comfort and welcome air conditioning!

Some of the best places to visit are the temples at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Aksum. For five bucks you can search through the chapels that reputedly house the Ark of the Covenant. Aksum dates back over 4,000 years and, according to tradition was where the Queen of Sheba met with King Solomon.

4. Nepal



Our last choice is a perennial favorite of the budget backpacker. An adventure through Nepal can cost as little as $14 per day. Despite the earthquake two years ago, Nepal is recovering and is very welcoming to visitors.

Hitchhiking is popular and commonplace in areas like Jomsom, there is a strong sense of community and the willingness to help each other out is humbling. Public transport is mainly provided by modern minibuses that have air conditioning. A public transport pass costs only $12.

Food is inexpensive; a restaurant meal comes in at under $2 and if you shop in the local markets you will eat well for $1.

Some of the best sites in Nepal are free, the awe-inspiring World Peace Pagoda (Nepal is home to two of the world’s 80 Peace Pagodas) south of Phewa Lake in Pokhara. The snow-capped mountains of the Annapurna Range are beautiful and you can easily spend a day hiking around the circuit of the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Note: The first four pictures in this post have been re-used under the Creative Commons License.

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Travel Photo of the Day: Phewa Lake, Nepal

Happy Valentine’s Day people!

Today’s travel photo is a fabulous romantic destination that offers those private boat rides, paragliding together to see some of the snow capped peaks of West Nepal and lot of insane scenic beauty. This place is Phewa Lake, one of the many lakes adorning Pokhara in West Nepal. Pokhara is a great entry point to explore the Annapurna range of the Himalayas.

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