What Makes Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficult?
In Nepal, where the Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek have immense popularity, very few are aware of the Manaslu circuit trek. That’s mainly because many consider this trek as challenging.
We don’t disagree with the point here. Manaslu circuit trek is indeed technically difficult and strenuous. But if we compare it to the EBC, the trial offers comparatively fewer challenges. So, even beginners can complete this journey with the right guidance.
Let’s check into the things that measure Manaslu circuit trek difficulty:
Challenging and Long Larkya La Pass Hike
For every trek in the Himalayas, the distance is usually long. Walking for 6-7 hours a day isn’t for everybody, right? Because of this long trekking distance, many even tend to give up.
The main challenge starts once you start walking along the trail from Birendra Valley to Manaslu Base Camp, which is at 4,800 m.
The next difficulty is when you hike from Larke Phedi (Dharmashala) towards Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Note that Larkya La Pass is considered one of the longest passes in the Himalayan region of Nepal.
The descending can also become equally hard and tricky for some of us out there. It’s essential to be very careful, not to hurt your knees and toes!
Rough and Uneven Terrains
Manaslu Circuit Trekking offers you to walk through scenic routes of the Tibetian villages, the gorgeous Budhi Gandaki river, and the thrilling panorama of the Himalayan region.
However, the remote and rugged terrains add to the difficulty level of the trek. You start from the alpine region, with slowly leading to steep risings. Even when returning from the journey, the descends can be extremely tricky.
Especially during monsoon and snowy winter, the path can become slippery. So, you’ll have to gear yourself up with the right equipment.
Health & Physical Issues
When you’re up for this challenging Manaslu circuit trek, you have to be ready for the cold that you might catch along the way. In case you’re not in your best health, never start the journey as your condition may worsen.
Also, if you have major health issues, like Asthma, a doctor’s prescription is absolutely needed. In fact, this can be too risky for you as you might face trouble acclimatizing to the higher altitude of the Manaslu circuit.
Besides health, physical fitness and stamina are other important factors that increase or decrease the trek difficulty level. If you already have experience hiking in the Himalayas before, you are already a step ahead of your friends.
Another thing we want to mention is that the Manaslu Circuit Trek is sometimes mentally challenging as well. That too especially when you’re in the hardest parts of the trail, you feel like giving up, and that’s when your positive attitude has to be with you.
Altitude Sickness
Let us highlight Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m once more. It is the highest point you’ll be getting to during this journey. That’s the reason we have labeled Manaslu Circuit Trek’s difficulty as ‘Strenuous’.
A study even shows that three out of four people are affected above 5,000 meters. So, when you’re usually at such a high elevation, you might notice minor to even severe symptoms of altitude sickness.
One of the major reasons for AMS, HACE, or even HAPE is ascending to a high altitude in a shorter period of time. That’s why we always suggest our guests to go for the right Manaslu circuit trek package.
Picking the Wrong Season for Trekking
Choosing the wrong season is a common mistake from the trekkers’ side. Most trekkings here in Nepal have an appropriate time so that you get to experience the beauty while keeping the journey less strenuous.
If you pick monsoon season for the Manaslu Circuit trek, the trail becomes very slippery and dangerous. On top of that, the precipitation is usually high and the risk of landslides can make your journey even more frightening.
Similar is the situation during prime winter seasons. There are risks of avalanches near the Manasalu Region, plus, it isn’t easy to walk in the snow!
Unpredictable Weather & Temperature
Choosing the wrong season for trekking also has another disadvantage. The weather becomes unpredictable and the temperature can go down significantly.
The normal temperature around the region is 10℃ to 20℃. However, during the morning and evening times, it falls below 5℃. In fact, during winter, the upper parts of the Manaslu trek can reach below 0℃ too.
There have even been records of temperatures reaching -8℃ to - 12℃. This is all due to unpredictable weather conditions. So, if you trek in such situations, you’re sure to ruin your experience and the trek also becomes comparatively harder.
Getting Permits in the Restricted Region
The Government of Nepal has designated the Manaslu Circuit region as ‘restricted’. This means you require special permits to travel to this destination.
Let us include the permits here:
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
Also, you need to be accompanied by at least one other hiking member.
Getting the permits here isn’t a piece of cake tons of negotiations, and doing it all by yourself can be tiresome. In fact, you might need to spend extra days in Kathmandu and pay additional fees along the way in the restricted region.
Tea Houses Accommodation
While Kathmandu and other city areas do provide luxury hotels, the Manaslu region is a much more remote place in Nepal. So, you have to keep in mind that these locations do not have proper hotels or even guest houses.
That means you need to adapt yourself to tea houses for the night stays. Most of the tourists may find this discomforting, but there’s literally no other option. Thus, you have to manage this for the next 8 to 20 days.
Thankfully, there are tea houses all the way up to Bhimtang during your Manaslu circuit trek. Otherwise, in some remote trekking destinations, you’ll have to set up camps, which is not needed in this journey.
Not Finding the Right Guide and Porter
Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a long trekking route and you’ll have to carry a heavy backpack comprising all your essentials. Hiking while carrying heavy stuff can definitely become extremely difficult.
While most of us are strong enough to carry our own stuff, there’s always a better option. By letting the porters and mules carry the heavy stuff, you just don’t reduce the burden but even help them financially.
However, we understand that there’s always a fear that your items might be lost. But seriously, you don’t have to be. Nepali porters are gold-hearted people and they’ll ensure you complete the journey in the safest way possible.
Alongside, many make the mistake of not hiring a proper guide. Remember: without a guide, you’ll be missing out on a lot of stuff and in case anything goes wrong, there won’t be anyone to help you. This goes out to mainly the solo trekkers out there!
Long Drive on Bumpy Roads
It’s not that you land in Kathmandu and the trek begins. No! You have to reach the starting point of the Manaslu circuit trek, Maccha Khola via bus and the 9 hours ride itself is going to be an adventure.
If you’ve not got the habit of long bus rides, you’re going to face difficulty on the first day itself. Depending on the road conditions, you might even have to get off the bus in Arughat and take another jeep to Jagat.
The hassle can make you feel overwhelmed and can affect your mental endurance too. In fact, many of us are going to be tired from the bus ride itself, and starting the trek tomorrow might sound daunting.
How to Overcome Difficulties During the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Manasalu Circuit Trek covers the Gorkha and Manang districts. It offers you the best views of Mount Manaslu (8163m), Himlung Himal (7126m), Ngadi Himal (7871m), Ganesh Himal (7406m), and Annapurna II (7937m).
You’ll be passing through some of the most beautiful Tibetan villages. Here, the major attractions include Samagun Village, Pungyen Gumba, Birendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp, and of course the Larkya La Pass. So, even if the trek might sound difficult to complete, you should definitely not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Now, let us share some essential tips and preparation guides for your Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Understand Your Limits
The very first thing to do is understand how well and how long the walks you can do. Go and get yourself physically checked to ensure you don’t have any persistent health problems.
Basically, understanding yourself and your limits helps you plan your entire trip smoothly. How long you need to stay in Nepal, the number of days it takes to complete the Manaslu circuit trek, and everything!
Also, don’t forget to share these details with your travel company and the guides. Only then will the professional Nepalese guides be able to help you with proper preparation advice.
Acclimatize Properly
Since altitude sickness is the major concern in such a high-altitude trek, it’s absolutely essential that you accimilitize yourself adequately.
Stay in the lower regions as far as possible. Always opt for gradual ascends rather than focusing on completing the trek faster.
Stop immediately if you’re having these mild symptoms:
- Throbbing headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased heart rate
- Sleeping difficulty
- Fatigue and dizziness
Rest adequately and don’t hike for long periods. 6-7 hours per day is considered the optimal period and we recommend doing the same so that you have enough energy for the upcoming days.
During your final day in the Larkya La Pass, make sure you reach the top and descend as fast as possible. That’s because you’ll be gaining the highest altitude this day and the chances of altitude sickness increases.
Stay Hydrated and Take Nutritious Food
One way to tackle altitude sickness along the trail is to stay hydrated at all times. Carry hot water that you get from the tea houses and keep sipping every half an hour or so.
Avoid drinking directly from streams as you never know the germs and bacteria might affect you, which can make your entire trek experience go bad. Take absolutely the best care of your health!
Along with hydration, a nutritious diet is also equally essential. The Nepalese tea houses are always eager to offer you warm Dal Bhat with a variety of vegetables and pickles. Enjoying such high-calorie meals can boost your energy throughout the Manaslu circuit trek.
We also suggest carrying extra snacks, like protein bars and noodles so that you can stop for short snack breaks along the trail. Remember not to skip any meal!
Prepare Yourself Physically and Mentally
We often get asked about Manaslu Circuit Trek fitness. The answer to this is that you need to be good enough to walk 6-7 hours per day while carrying a heavy backpack.
That being said, you surely have to be physically fit, and mentally strong too! There are various psychological difficulties that can come along the way, so your mental preparation is equally important.
Before coming to Nepal, start your physical training from today itself. Give yourself time to build your cardiovascular endurance. Indulging yourself in running, cycling, hiking, and other physical activities is a great way to overcome the physical challenges of the Manaslu Circuit trek.
Equip Yourself With Proper Trekking Gears
A pair of sneakers and a regular backpack are the worst choices when you’re going for treks in any region. You have to pick the appropriate gear or you might end up having the most difficult period of your life.
Let us help you with the packing list for the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
- Proper hiking boots
- A trekking bag that can carry all your essentials
- Trekking poles
- Light slippers
- Warm clothes and blankets (as the mountain weather can be unpredictable)
- First-aid kit
- Water bottle / Thermos
- Water purification tablets
- Medicines (especially, for altitude sickness)
- High-energy snacks
- Torchlights
- Other essential electronic stuff (charger, power bank, etc.)
Choose the Right Season and Date
Winters in the Manaslu Circuit Trek can be extremely cold and the monsoon seasons can bring difficulties due to rain and slipping rocky paths. So, picking the right season is very important if you seek the best experience.
The best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during the March-May and September-December months. These are the peak seasons and unlike other trekking trails in Nepal, it still remains less crowded.
Along with the right season, we also suggest consulting the right dates with your travel agency before starting your trek. The truth about the peak seasons is that sometimes, weather can be unpredictable which can affect the views.
Customize Itinerary
Mount Glory Treks & Expedition offers three popular itineraries for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Check these out:
As we mentioned earlier, it’s essential that you know your limits. So, based on that, we suggest customizing the itinerary as per your needs.
The reality of Manaslu Circuit Trek is that due to timing and weather conditions, the days might be extended. So, you have to be prepared for that as well!
Also, if you’re willing to spend more days or wish to complete the trek even faster, Mount Glory Treks & Expedition can help you pen down your own unique itinerary too. It’s always best to have a backup/emergency plan.
Hire Professional Guides and Porters
Since Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted region and requires at least two travelers, hiring a professional guide is mandatory, especially if you’re doing this alone.
There’s a big advantage of hiring a guide and the local porters. They don’t just help you navigate the trail and lighten your burden but you even get to peek into the Nepalese and Tibetan culture in depth.
You’ll get to learn the history of the places you visit and the cultural importance of a lot of things that you see along the Manaslu Circuit trail. Also, your safety is prioritized this way and the guides shall help you provide essential tips along the way you go.
Don’t hesitate to communicate with the porters and tip them so that their hard work gets recognized. Most importantly, local tourism in Nepal gets the love it deserves.
Is Manaslu Circuit Trek Suitable For You?
Now you’re probably aware of how challenging the Manaslu Circuit Trek can be, right? So, it’s your turn to make the decision for yourself. Are you going to stay home and miss out on the opportunity or visit Nepal at least once to witness its magical beauty?
Since even beginners can complete this trek and you get proper advice from professional guides along the way, your trip is guaranteed to be fun, safe, and fulfilling!
All you have to do is carry the right equipment and give us a call so that we can start customizing an itinerary based on how difficult it could be for you.
Why Mount Glory Treks & Expedition For Manaslu Circuit Trek?
We cannot overlook the difficulties and challenges of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. So, choosing a trusted travel agency is crucial in order to feel safe and secure.
Along with that, hiring a professional guide, getting permits, and finding proper teahouses all by yourself can be daunting. If you give Mount Glory Treks & Expedition a chance, we promise to take care of all that!
Besides, our packages include:
- Airport pickups and hotel drops
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout your trekking days
- Transportation facility up to the starting point of the trek
- Recommendation on the best tea houses in the Manaslu region
- Hiring a professional expert trek guide for you who has high language proficiency
- Travel insurance and all other required permits and paperwork
- A free T-shirt and company Duffel Bag during trekking days from Mount Glory Treks
- Easy and Secure Online Booking System
- Experienced Operation Team
FAQs About Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek safe?
Manaslu Circuit Trek is safe to complete if you carry the right equipment, customize your itinerary based on your limits, and hire a professional guide for assistance.
How long is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek can be 8 to 20 days long, depending on your limits and desire to stay in the mountainous region.
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek harder than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Yes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is in a more remote region of Nepal and since the trekking duration is also longer, it is slightly harder than the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek harder than the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Although there’s a debate regarding Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Everest Base Camp Trek, the former is less strenuous. Since Everest Base Camp is at a higher altitude, its difficult is more.
Can beginners do the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
If you’re an absolute beginner but are still physically fit and mentally strong, you can do the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
What happens if you fall sick or get injured during the Manaslu trek?
If the fall is not serious, the first aid that you or our guides carry shall be enough. But in case anything serious does happen to your health, an emergency helicopter service will be called to pick you up and take you to Kathmandu for the best treatment.
What is the difficulty of crossing Larkya La Pass?
Larkya La Pass is the longest and the hardest part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Since it’s at a high altitude and the path is also uneven, it can be difficult to cross the pass if you’re not mentally strong.
Can you do a solo trek to Manaslu Circuit?
No, you’re not permitted to do a solo trek to Manaslu Base Camp or Lakya La Pass. It’s mandatory to have at least two travelers. You can hire a professional guide or porter to match the requirements.
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