How Difficult Is It To Trek The Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit offers breathtaking mountain views, tranquil eco-friendly communities, and a great opportunity to explore unspoiled wilderness. With the Manaslu area being less developed and popular than other areas for trekking, it gives the hiker the opportunity to experience the real beauty of Mother Nature.

This hike can be done without any prior experience; however, the remote site of this trek is located high in the mountains and therefore will require the climber to gradually acclimate to the high altitude. During this trek, the hiker will walk through deep ravines, over suspension bridges across waterfalls, and up into the high Himalayan mountain passes. The altitude will be increased by about 200-300m daily, making it an enjoyable but physically demanding experience.

This guide will provide you with all the information on the Manaslu Circuit for trekkers who are looking for something simple, clear and easily understood. If you are a novice trekker looking to make your first trek at altitude or if you are an experienced backpacker looking for a new challenge, this guide will prepare you for your journey.

Overview of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

As an ideal choice for trekkers who enjoy a peaceful trail, the Manaslu Circuit is an exceptional (and relatively rare) hiking experience through the amazing ecology of South Asia and the powerful mountain ranges of the Himalayas (from the perspective of the natural world).

Total Distance and Duration

The Manaslu Circuit typically takes 12 to 17 days, depending on walking speed and the number of acclimatization days taken during this trek. The entire trek will be approximately 160 -180 km (100-110 miles) in length, with an average of five to seven hours of walking each day. During this trek, the hiker will be gradually ascending and descending the mountains, crossing rivers and hiking along forested paths.

Maximum Altitude

The highest elevation point of this trek will be located at Larkya La pass at a height of 5,160 m (or approximately 17,300 ft). The hiker will gain altitude slowly, allowing the body to gradually adjust to the demands of altitude while maintaining safety while hiking.

Accommodation and Food Conditions

The accommodation that will be offered during the Manaslu Circuit is predominantly supplied in teahouses operated by locally owned families. Although they provide basic but nevertheless clean sleeping quarters usually consisting of 2 single beds and maybe even another complete shared toilet, this is not hotel-type accommodation. You should find plenty of meal options throughout the circuit, such as dal bhat, noodles, soup and tea, all at reasonable costs. While the level of comfort differs from course to course, the number of teahouses offering heated areas, hot shower facilities and Wi-Fi decreases as you travel higher on the circuit. You will need to prepare for a more basic way of living along the Manaslu Circuit.

How Difficult Is the Manaslu Circuit?

The Manaslu Circuit is regarded as one of the more difficult treks due to the length of time spent walking each day, a high altitude and changing terrain. However, with proper training, pacing and sufficient fitness, almost all trekkers can complete the circuit without injury or discomfort if you take into account the types of difficulty discussed below.

1. Physical Difficulty

Most trek days will require you to walk for 6–8 hours a day. The trail does contain many steep up and down hills, which your legs may find tiring, especially during the day. The most physically demanding portion of the trek occurs when crossing over Larkya La Pass, where the time spent walking will be between 10 and 12 hours depending upon altitude and rugged path condition. You should build your stamina through a regular exercise routine prior to beginning your

2. Terrain Difficulty

Along your route, you will traverse narrow cliff-patterned trails that present themselves especially during the beginning half of the trek. Your trail will transition into rocky, snowy, or icy terrain as you get closer to the high pass, depending upon what time of year it is. You should also expect to encounter areas affected by landslides or where you must cross over rivers by utilizing caution in order to ensure your safety.

3. Weather Challenges

The weather conditions at a higher altitude can be extremely cold, especially in the early morning and evening. An unexpected snowfall may make the area around Larkya La Pass slippery. The monsoon season’s precipitation contributes to landslides, muddy trails, and slippery paths. This makes this trek notably more difficult.

4. Altitude Difficulty

The altitude also creates challenges for trekkers; trekking at high altitudes can result in Acute Mountain Sickness if trekkers ascend too quickly. The Manaslu Circuit Trek includes acclimatization days that allow trekkers to acclimatize; common symptoms of AMS are headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. To avoid this, trekkers must stay hydrated, sleep at lower altitudes, and ascend slowly.

Factors That Influence Trek Difficulty

The difficulty of the trek varies from person to person. Individual fitness level, previous trekking experience, and size of pack are significant factors affecting how difficult a trek is.

Fitness Level

Maintaining fitness is essential while trekking on the Manaslu Circuit. Trekkers should train to be physically fit enough to be able to walk for hours at a time and to have the strength to hike up hills. Endurance should be developed by walking, hiking and participating in a cardiovascular fitness program prior to trekking in the Manaslu Circuit.

Previous Trekking Experience

When it comes to trekking at high altitude, prior experience can help big time. Trekkers that have trekked at high altitudes in the past will know how their body will react to low oxygen conditions. Also, those who have hiked on remote and unattractive trails will be prepared for inadequate facilities, unpaved trails, and a long period of time spent walking.

Time of Year

Seasonality will have a major impact on the overall difficulty of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

The most suitable time of year to trek in the Manaslu Circuit will be during the autumn months. In this season, the weather is predictable and there are no rainy days.

In the spring months, there may be some melting snow; therefore, visibility may not be as good as in autumn.

The extremely cold weather and the extremely large amounts of snow near the pass make winter very hard to deal with. The rain, landslides, and muddy trails created by monsoon months add another level of difficulty.

Weight of Backpack

The experience level that you have and your personal preferences will determine if you are carrying a heavy backpack or hiring a porter to help reduce some of the load off of your back. In most cases, carrying your own pack is the most rewarding as long as you are physically fit enough to handle the extra weight. The decision on whether you should hire a porter or carry your own pack is a very personal one based on your experience.

Preparing for the Manaslu Circuit

Making sure to prepare yourself properly for the Manaslu Circuit Trek will affect your ability to have a safe and enjoyable experience on this trek. If you focus on getting in shape, taking only needed items, obtaining the appropriate trekking permits, and making sure you are equipped with the proper equipment, you will be able to complete this trek.

Recommended Fitness Training

One of the most important things that you can do to prepare for a trek on the Manaslu Circuit is to get your body ready for this type of strenuous activity. There are many types of physical conditioning that can be beneficial to prepare for the rigorous nature of this trek. Regular cardio workouts such as jogging, cycling, and stair climbing will help you build up your endurance for those long days of walking.

The additional benefit of strength training for your legs and abdominal area will help you perform better on all of the steep and uneven hills and trails that you will encounter on your trek. Being comfortable with the physical demands of the trek can be accomplished by practicing hikes with a lighter backpack.

Essential Gear

These are the essential items that you should remember to carry with you while you are trekking on the Manaslu Circuit so you stay safe, warm and comfortable.

• Footwear: A sturdy, broken-in trekking boot with good ankle support will work well on rocky, uneven trails.
• Winter Weather Protection along the high pass: Warm, insulated jackets, thermal layers, gloves, and hats will help protect you from the cold near Larkya La Pass.
• Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are an advantage because they assist in maintaining balance, assist in reducing strain on knees, and make ascending and descending steep slopes much easier.
• Layering System: A combination of base layers, fleece or mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell to adapt to rapidly changing mountain weather.

Permits and Regulations

The Manaslu Circuit has regulations, known as permits, that are required to trek the area. To trek in this area, you will have to have a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), as this is a requirement for all treks. All treks have to be completed with a licensed guide, as this is a safety requirement for trekking alone. The Manaslu Permit and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) are required to trek the entire route.

Is the Manaslu Circuit Suitable for Beginners?

Although the trek is physically challenging, involves high altitudes, and involves long days of walking, trekking is not recommended for absolute beginners. Trekkers with prior experience can complete this trek with good preparation and proper equipment. Beginners should explore other easier alternative treks in Nepal.

For Total Beginners: If you have never trekked before, you would not want to attempt a trek like the Manaslu Circuit. This trek has long hiking days, high altitudes, and isolated areas; thus, you must first train yourself on shorter treks in order to adjust to the change in altitude before attempting the Manaslu Circuit.

For Intermediate-Level Trekkers: If a hiker has some degree of physical fitness, has grown accustomed to trekking at high altitudes, and has also trained thoroughly for this trek, then the Manaslu Circuit could be an excellent and satisfying trek.

Substitutes for Beginners: For anyone who has not previously trekked in Nepal, there are much easier treks to take, such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Langtang Valley Trek, or the Poon Hill Trek, because they provide excellent views and great hiking conditions, even though they do not ascend to the elevations or have the roughness of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Tips to Make the Manaslu Circuit Easier

This section of content will provide a few examples of what to do in order to make your experience on the Manaslu Circuit Trek easier, more enjoyable, less stressful, and more comfortable. Implementing any of these options will improve your experience and help you to accomplish your goals.

• To help with acclimatization, you should walk at a slower pace. You should also take days off along the way from trekking. Examples of this would be at the major stop-off points of Sama Gaun or Samdo.
• Drinking lots of water, eating lots of warm, nutritious meals, and not drinking alcohol will help prevent altitude sickness while trekking.
• To be safe, have a qualified trekking guide accompany you and he/she should assist you with directions and safety and provide assistance in case of an emergency.
• If you start trekking early in the morning, you will have better weather conditions, and you will be able to book better rooms in the teahouses along the way.

Conclusion

Manaslu is a moderately to very difficult trek due to many factors, including long days of walking, steep climbs, and acclimatization, especially near the Larkya La Pass. Because of these factors, Manaslu is more suited for those with considerable experience trekking or for very fit individuals who want to enjoy an incredibly beautiful, remote part of the Himalayas.

Those who enjoy hiking on quiet trails of rich culture and breathtaking mountain views will find the Manaslu Circuit to be an incredibly rewarding experience. Therefore, if you plan ahead and are well-prepared, I would recommend that you train diligently, treat altitude with the utmost respect, and walk at a comfortable, steady pace. Your experience of the Manaslu Circuit will not only be successful, but it will also be one of the greatest experiences of your life.