How hard is the Manaslu circuit trek?

Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest mountain, towers over 8,163 meters above sea level. Without any exaggeration, the Manaslu trek is quite spectacular, and someone who completes it will always have something to remember by. Manaslu is also known as "the killer mountain," but you need not to worry because it has nothing to do with the circuit trek. 

If you are someone who loves exploring isolated yet jaw-dropping landscapes, this trek should be at the top of your list. Moreover, if you have completed the Annapurna circuit trek, this trek will be a piece of cake for you. Breezy oxygenated air, dazzling blue sky, rugged trails, and unparalleled scenery have always been a trekker's dream, and this trek is the best fit.

 

How hard is the Manaslu circuit trek?

Talking about difficulty, this trek can be considered moderate, but you need to have some trekking experience if you want your journey to be smooth. Specific training is not mandatory, but you must train yourself and be in sound health to successfully complete the trek.

 

Distance and Duration

A proper Manaslu trek is roughly 177 kilometers, and the route follows the primitive Tibet-Nepal salt trade route accompanied by the Budhi Gandaki river. Ideally, the trek lasts for 14 days long.

With every step you take, the elevation increases and oxygen gets thinner. Moreover, walking continuously through the uneven path for multiple days can tear you down.

 

Altitude sickness

If you are someone with breathing problems like asthma, we recommend you to consult a doctor before attempting this trek. Despite being unquestionably exceptional, this trek will physically challenge you to some extent. Altitude Sickness, aka Acute Mountain Sickness(AMS), can tear you down if you are not physically fit.

 

Headache, vomiting, fatigue, confusion, sleep disturbance, and dizziness can give you a bad experience. Hence, AMS is something that is not to be taken lightly.

The highest altitude pass during the Manaslu circuit is Larkya La Pass. It is situated at an elevation of 5,106m. It is considered as the hardest milestone to pass during the trek because the oxygen level decreases by half as compared to the lower region. As a result, most trekkers experience altitude sickness on this spot.

Difficult trail

This trek is not as easy as a walk in the park, but an average person can definitely complete it with a decent effort. The route is well-trodden, but it is pretty bumpy with a lot of ups and downs and becomes harder when elevation increases.

The first couple of days alongside the Budhi Gandaki river will be tough because of the steep narrow trail. Moreover, the trail that leads to Larkya La Pass will test your endurance because of its height.

 

Lack of proper Accommodation 

Although being equally magnificent(if not more) as compared to other popular trekking routes in Nepal, this trail is less frequently visited by trekkers, this has resulted in a lack of proper accommodation throughout the path. Even if you get one, you should expect a minimal setup because of the remote location.

The places with a high number of tea houses and accommodation are Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lo, Samagaun, Samdo, Dharmashala, Bimthang and Dharapani.

Lack of food choice

We hope you don't expect to munch on fries and burgers during the journey because there's no KFC up in the Himalayas. Jokes aside, you will not have a lot of food choices. Popular Nepali dishes (rice, lentils, and vegetables) will be available in all shops, giving you enough energy to continue your trek.

 

Moreover, spaghetti is also served in most of the shops. Hot drinks like tea and coffee are a no-brainer as Nepalese have tea running through their veins.

 

 

Factor affecting the difficulty of Manaslu Circuit Trek

Unpredictable weather and climate

The weather and climate in the Manaslu trek can change in the blink of an eye. One minute it might be all sunny and peaceful, while another minute, it might get cloudy and dark. Although it's less likely to rain, a few minutes of downpour can significantly decrease the temperature.

 

Lack of training

 If you have a plethora of trekking experience, you are good to go. But if this trek is your first one, you should definitely consider training for a month or two.

 

Guide and porter

The route is well-shaped, but you might encounter conflicting paths. Additionally, the lack of internet and GPS will not allow you to use google maps. 

Moreover, all the trekking gear and supplies might slow you down. An experienced guide and potter will make your life easy throughout the journey.

Health

You must be in sound health to successfully complete the trek. It is recommended to do a full body checkup before attempting the trek. Always make sure that you have all your routine medical pills up your sleeves.

 

Time of the year

 Manaslu trek during the summer and monsoon season can give you nightmares for the rest of your life. Therefore, spring and autumn are considered the best

season as you will walk under the clear blue sky with sunlight guiding you to your destination.

 

Heavy Backpack

 You should not carry useless items in your bag and think twice before packing. If you are going to carry your own bag, every step will feel like ten because of continuous walking and sparsely available oxygen. Hence, you should create a checklist of only the essential items and stick to it.

 

Age

It might sound rude, but age can be a big factor in determining the trek's difficulty. If you are above 50 or under 16, you might want to opt for an easier route and see how things work out.

 

Nonetheless, if you are really determined, you can consult a professional and discuss the potential dangers that come with trekking when you don't belong to an ideal age group.

 

Tips to overcome the Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty

Hydrate yourself regularly

The human body is about 60% water, and for all your vital organs to perform well, you need about 3-4 liters of water per day. Moreover, hydration is responsible for digestion and maintaining body temperature. If you want a pleasant experience, remember to sip some H20 at regular intervals.

 

Take it slow

 The glorious scenery might trick you into pacing hoping to see more. As per the saying "slow and steady wins the race", take your time and move slowly because the journey is long, and you will need your energy throughout the route.

 

Carry only the essentials

If you choose not to hire a potter, you will be carrying around 15 kg of supplies. It includes first aid kits, energy bars, clothing, trekking gear, and other crucial items.

Packing irrelevant items will only make your journey stressful and exhausting. 

 

Proper clothes and equipments

 As per the saying, "there's a dress for every occasion, " specific outfits are designed to ease your trek. Clothing such as gloves, thick socks, and shoes are ideal for avoiding colds and are much preferred. 

Moreover, ensure that these clothes(especially socks) can dry quickly. I love Denims too, but warm, flexible, and lightweight outfits can make a huge difference.

 

Hire a guide and porter if needed

Investing in a guide and porter will be beneficial if you want to wander freely without worrying much about navigation and carrying your supplies. As Manaslu trek falls under a restricted area, it is mandatory to hire a guide. Additionally, you will find the best spots for photos and videos if you are a photo freak or a vlogger.

 

Train yourself

Well, you can hire a porter to carry your supplies, but you must walk alone to complete the trek. We recommend you to train yourself for at least 45 days before attempting the trek. You can prepare a routine training that involves cardio with weights, stretching, and a light workout.

 

Book the accommodation in advance

As stated earlier, the accommodation in Manaslu trek gets filled up quickly. Booking accommodation before starting the journey will definitely be a wise choice. This way, you can make sure that you will not have to worry about accommodation and food until the trek ends.

FAQs

Can you see Everest from the Manaslu Circuit?

No, you cannot. Everest lies in the China-Nepal border and Manaslu lies in the northern Himalayan range. They are situated in completely different regions. However,you can see mountains like Ganesh Himal (7,140m), Himalchuli (7,750m), Rani Peak (6,693m), Peak 29 (7,871 m), and Shringi Himal (7,161m) during the Manaslu circuit.

 

How long does the Manaslu Circuit Trek take?

The Manaslu circuit trek is about 177 kilometers long and follows a pristine Tibetan-Nepalese salt trade route along the Budhi Gandaki River. Ideally, the journey should take around 14 days.

 

Do you need a guide for Manaslu Circuit?

Yes, a guide is compulsory as per the Nepal government. Hiring a guide would be optimal if you want to ensure you won't have any problems with navigation. Moreover, you can learn about the culture and history of the places that you go through during the trek.

 

How much does it cost for the Manaslu Circuit trek?

The price for the Manaslu circuit trek ranges between $2000 to $3000.

 

Is trekking to the Manaslu circuit trek safe?

Despite being a rocky and moderately difficult path, the trek is safe. It is easy to acclimatize as the elevation increases gradually. Even for first-timers, fewer people have suffered from altitude sickness.

 

Conclusion

To conclude, the Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal can be considered as a good trekking experience. Lashed with unique and glorious landscapes, it has a lot to offer in terms of scenery, mountains, fresh air and unmatched beauty. 

The trek can be considered to be moderately difficult, and training for a couple of months will definitely be fruitful. Also, planning ahead and booking hotels would be an intelligent move to make. 

Last but not least, considering all the above-mentioned points will give you an in-depth knowledge of the information required to complete the trek easily.