Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

Manaslu Circuit Trek is in a restricted region of Nepal that takes you on the off-the-beaten-path journey. The trek allows you to experience the untouched part of western Nepal. The Manaslu Circuit trek difficulty level is moderately challenging. Several factors make the trek challenging, such as varied terrain, high altitude, long trekking hours, unpredictable weather, and many more. Manaslu trek is less traveled and less discovered. The trek offers the raw beauty of the Manaslu region. Moreover, it takes you to the isolated surroundings, which makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek a great alternative to the Annapurna Circuit Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek. 

The major highlight and challenging part of the trek is crossing the Larkya La Pass(5,106m), one of the longest mountain passes that increases the difficulty level of Manaslu. Also, the Manaslu Circuit trek lies in the Manaslu Conservation Area and encircles one of the eight highest mountains among the 14th peaks of the world above 8000m, Mount Manaslu. In this guide, we will discuss how difficult the Manaslu Circuit trek is and how trekkers can handle the challenges to complete the trek successfully.

How Difficult Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The trek is moderately difficult; the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted area protected and preserved by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). Thus, few trekkers can be seen on the trek. As the region is restricted, you cannot trek alone, so hiring a guide is compulsory for safety reasons. One of the reasons is trekking through steep and rugged trails in the higher elevation area. Trekkers have to face altitude challenges on the Manaslu trek, especially in the Larkya La Pass area, where trekkers are mostly affected by Acute Mountain Sickness.

Diffucult of Manaslu Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty 1

Similarly, the trek takes you to remote villages where you have to deal with minimum facilities. Moreover, finding network connectivity, electricity, and even accommodation during peak seasons in higher altitude regions will be difficult. Also, trek distance increases the difficulty of the Manaslu trek as you will be trekking 180km in 12 to 17 days based on the trek itinerary. Overall, trekking to Manaslu is challenging for beginners, but with proper preparation and research, even first-time trekkers can make the trek.

What Makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficult?

Trekking in the Manaslu region requires good fitness because you have to walk in the rugged terrain for several hours, making the Manaslu a challenging trek. Other difficulty factors such as high altitude, weather conditions, remote areas, trekking days, and trail conditions lead to the trek’s difficulty. Let’s further discuss these factors that make the Manaslu Circuit trek difficult.

High Altitude Challenges

High altitude is the major challenge every trekker has to go through. The journey starts with the drive to Machha Khola from Kathmandu. Then you start the trek from Machhakhola(900m) to Jagat(1340m) and to Ghap(2250m), where the altitude rises significantly. These are the lower regions, so the elevation gain in this region won’t affect you. However, if you trek to the higher elevation region from Samagaun(3530m) to Dharmasala(4460m), the sudden elevation gain will make you uncomfortable during the trek.

The oxygen level decreases, which makes it difficult to adjust to the changing atmosphere in the Higher altitude regions. That leads to altitude sickness. Thus, proper acclimatization is very important, especially in the Larkya La Pass(5,106m), the highest point of the Manaslu region.

Weather Conditions and Temperature

Trekking in Nepal is always unpredictable, especially in the higher altitude region. Even during peak seasons, you can experience sudden rainfall, snowfall, and strong winds, hindering the trekking journey. The Manaslu Circuit trek is open throughout the year, but you have to choose the best season due to the unpredictable weather and harsh temperature. Spring and autumn are the peak seasons that offer the best and most stable weather and clear views of the mountain vistas. The average daytime temperature in Spring and Winter ranges from -2 Â°C to 5 Â°C and -5 Â°C to 10 Â°C respectively.

The less favorable seasons are Summer and Winter. The trail conditions are very poor during these seasons due to the heavy rainfall and snowfall. The rainfall makes the Manaslu Circuit trail muddy and slippery, and there is a high risk of landslides in the lower region. Similarly, heavy snowfall may block the path and lead to a high risk of avalanches in the higher regions. The average daytime temperature in the Summer and Winter seasons are 6°C to 15°C and -10 °C to 5 °C respectively.

Long Daily Trekking Hours

The distance and duration of the trek also increase the difficulty of the trek. You have to cover a total distance of Approximately 180km to complete the Manaslu Circuit trek. The average duration of the trek ranges from 12 to 17 days based on your itinerary and the acclimatization days. The Manaslu trek is a high-altitude trek, and you will be walking in the rugged and uneven terrain for 6-8 hours daily to reach the Manaslu Circuit Base Camp. You will cover around 6-15km daily from the Machha Khola to Dharapani. Trekking daily for long hours needs reasonable fitness and sound health. Thus, you should build your leg strength and stamina to conquer the strenuous trek.

You Can Also Check: Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance

Remote Area

The trails of the Manaslu region are less traveled. The remoteness of the Manaslu Circuit makes it difficult to complete this trek. There is limited road transportation access, and trekkers must pass through the Manaslu’s narrow paths and difficult terrain. You must make steep ascents and descents and cross several suspension bridges throughout the trek. The major challenge trekkers will face in remote areas is the limited availability of accommodation facilities.

Remote Area at manaslu region
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty 2

 You will get minimal facilities with twin beds and shared bathrooms. Finding the network connectivity and hot showers in the higher region of Manaslu is difficult. Moreover, you won’t be able to find various dishes. Nepalese staple food Dal, Bhat, is served, which is delightful and gives you the energy you need for the trek. Furthermore, in the peak seasons, it is hard to find accommodation, so pre-booking is recommended.

Risk of Altitude Sickness

The risk of altitude sickness is very high in the Manaslu Circuit trek. You will reach the highest altitude of 5,106 meters above sea level in the Larkya La Pass, which is the most challenging part of the trek. The major highlight of the trek is also crossing the Pass. As you ascend higher regions, your body will find it difficult to adjust to the changing atmosphere and low oxygen level, which leads to altitude sickness. The common symptoms of altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain sickness, are nausea, dizziness, difficulty breathing, headaches, etc.

If you experience these symptoms and take it lightly, then it can lead to life-threatening altitude-related sicknesses like HACE and HAPE. Thus, you should be careful, and proper acclimatization should be done, especially near Larkya La Pass. Drinking plenty of water also helps, and if it worsens, then consult the Doctor or Guide and take necessary actions.

Mental and Emotional Challenges

While trekking on the Manaslu trek, you have to face many mental and emotional challenges. It is an unfamiliar environment, and you have the fear and anxiety of dealing with the new and high-altitude environment. This trek’s difficulty makes you doubt your physical and mental capabilities. Yes, you have to go through loneliness and isolation, which leads to limited communication with loved ones because of the remote area. Similarly, you will be frustrated with the unpredictable weather in Manaslu.

You must trek for long hours, where physical exhaustion leads to mental fatigue. Moreover, there are cultural differences and language barriers, which are also challenging for you. Remember, this adventure allows you to face and overcome the challenges with your self-doubt. Thus, it is recommended to build mental resilience and a positive mindset. You can also seek support from the guides whenever necessary.

How to Handle Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

Get Fit Before the Trek

The trek is challenging and demands physical fitness because you have to walk in the varied difficult terrain with steep ascents and descents for 12-17 days. Thus, you must be physically fit and train your body before the trek. You should do strength training to increase your strength and stamina, which helps you trek uphill. Also, cardiovascular exercises help you to adjust to the higher altitude regions with lower oxygen levels and balance your heart rate. You can do exercises like running, jogging, cycling, swimming, stair climbing, and many more in your free time.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is the major thing you must follow while trekking in high-altitude regions. You can prevent altitude sickness if you drink plenty of water and are properly acclimatized. Dehydration decreases your stamina and energy level. Staying hydrated helps manage the symptoms of altitude sickness, like headaches and dizziness. Moreover, it helps stay cool and avoid overheating during hot days. It is very necessary to be hydrated to make your overall trekking experience better. It is recommended to avoid the intake of caffeine and alcohol.

Mental preparation

Like sound physical health, the Manaslu trek demands mental endurance as well. You must go through a challenging journey with unpredictable weather, rugged terrain, longer trekking hours, and remote places, which will also be mentally exhausting. You have to be mentally prepared for the challenges you will be facing and have that motivation and confidence in yourself. Staying calm and focused on the natural beauty of the Manaslu region will be helpful rather than stressing over the difficulty of this trek.

When Should We Trek the Manaslu Circuit?

The best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit is in the Spring and Autumn seasons because these seasons offer the best weather and temperature with well-maintained trekking trails. You can witness blooming rhododendron forests along the trails in the Spring season. The Autumn season offers vibrant landscapes and clear crystal views of the mountain vistas of the Manaslu region.

For first-time travelers, skipping the Summer and Winter seasons is recommended because it offers unfavorable weather conditions, trekking trails are muddy and slippery, and paths are blocked by the heavy snow. But if you are an experienced trekker and want to experience the adventure, then you can plan your visit in the Summer and Winter seasons.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Manaslu Circuit trek is moderately difficult but can be conquered by anyone with a basic fitness level and strong mental desire. Some factors like distance, weather, narrow trails, higher elevations, and varied terrain of the Manaslu trek influence the difficulty level of the Manaslu Circuit trek. Thus, it is necessary to prepare yourself for the trek.

The trek does not require technical skills; even first-time travelers with proper preparation can complete this trek. Manaslu region offers the off-the-beaten-path journey where you can witness the greatest Himalayan ranges and diverse landscapes and encounter Tibetan-influenced communities. Don’t worry about the difficulties; plan your journey and make unforgettable trekking memories.

FAQs

Jagat Dahal

Jagat B. Dahal, founder and CEO of Himalayan Leaders, has over thirty years of experience in the tourism industry. Born in the Dolakha district, Jagat started as an assistant guide and now leads his own trekking company. Passionate about nature and adventure, he has guided treks in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and India. Jagat is dedicated to providing exceptional trekking experiences and fostering strong relationships with travelers. He also enjoys exploring foreign cultures, attending travel fairs, and has traveled to numerous countries worldwide.

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