Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty: Everything you need to know

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most challenging trekking routes in Nepal with the maximum elevation of 5,160 meter i.e. Larke pass. It is one of the eight highest peaks in the world and it’s renowned for its challenging trails, high altitude passes and breath taking views. For the adventure lover Manaslu circuit trek is even more worth it because of its unique landscapes and unmatched serenity. So if you are planning Manaslu Circuit Trek it is better to prepare physically and mentally for the successful journey. The trek usually completed in 14-18days depending upon the route you choose and physical fitness. Walking 5 to 8 hours every day can be challenging for the beginners so need to prepare physically and mentally to overcome the challenges. Larke pass is the highest point of Manaslu circuit and more challenging because of the high altitude and harsh weather. Compared to Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek is easier trek as it lies at the lower elevation. The best season for the trekking is September to November and March to May in the spring season so during this time the weather will be very good and sky will remain clear as a result you will get to see the best view of the mountain and surrounding. As it is restricted area you need to obtain 3 permits i.e. Manaslu restricted area permit, Manaslu conservation area permit and Annapurna conservation area permit.

 Acclimatization and Altitude Difficulties on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

One of the big challenges of the Manaslu circuit is the change in the altitude ranging from 700 meters from Soti Khola to the highest elevation point at Larkya pass ranging at 5,106 meters. So drastic change in the elevation some time the body takes time to adjust the altitude so it’s better to calm and relax during the trek. In such altitude the oxygen level will decrease significantly so you may feel uncomfortable and some trekkers experience the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) including headaches, dizziness, and nausea and breathing problem. So if the condition got worse the trekkers should descend to lower altitude immediately.

In order to adjust the altitude the itinerary is design from the lower altitude starting from samagaun (3,520m) to the highest point Larke le pass which is the highest point of Manaslu circuit. The itinerary is design from the lower altitude so that body can adjust the temperature slowly. In such high altitude it is important to hydrate by drinking 3 to 4 liters of water daily and eat high energy food to increase the stamina. Alcohol and smoking should be completely avoided during the trek as it dehydrated the body and worsen the altitude symptoms. For the safety measures it is very important to have a guide as they are very much familiar with the routes and the altitude challenges plays a crucial role in monitoring your health and ensuring a safety trek. 

Requirements for the physical fitness to compete in the Manaslu Circuit

Manaslu circuit is one of the difficult trails located in Nepal because of its rough and remote trails the trekkers need good level of physical fitness and strong mindset. The trekkers should walk 10 to 20 kilometers everyday on such rocky and uneven trail so it’s crucial to prepare physically and mentally to tackle the condition. The trekkers pass through a suspension bridge, river and dense forest making the trail more adventurous and you will get to connect with the nature closely.

Manaslu circuit trek is one of the toughest treks in Nepal so for the experience trekkers they might not have any issues in between the routes however for the inexperience trekkers it is important to prepare 15 to 20days before starting the trek so that they don’t have to face any issues in between the routes. Physical activities like short hiking, stretching, cycling, stair climbing can be the good exercise to maintain the physical fitness and increase the stamina. Apart from physical fitness mental resilience is also the crucial apart of the trek so it is crucial to motivate yourself every day and remembering the reward reaching Larkya La pass.

Trail conditions and Difficulties in Manaslu Circuit

Rough and Tough condition make Manaslu Circuit even more difficult. The trek started from lush and subtropical forest and terraced farmlands which are the lower altitude of the route. As you ascend larkya La pass is the maximum elevation of the trek making it more challenging. The trail becomes more dangerous because of the rough condition and slippery icy road. So it’s better to use the trekking poles and wear proper trekking boat to avoid the hazard. Because of the freezing cold and low temperature during spring and late autumn it is important to be very careful to avoid the slips as the landscape is covered with the heavy snow so need careful navigation.

Weather and Seasonal difficulties

Weather plays a vital role in the Manaslu Circuit trek so it is crucial to choose the best time and season to have an adventurous and successful trek. March to May on spring season and September to November on autumn season is the best time for Manaslu circuit trekking. During these times the weather will be stable as a result you will get to see the clear skies and mild temperature making it favorable for taking awesome photography and experiencing good trekking. Whereas in  optimal season in such high altitude reason weather changes drastically making it more challenging and cold winds and heavy snowfall may catch off the guard. Winter season especially on December to February is more challenging for the trekkers because of the extreme cold and heavy snowfall making it almost impossible especially on high altitude Larkya La pass. June to August is the monsoon season in Nepal so during this time there will be a heavy rainfall as a result there is high chances of landslides and flooding and more slippery making trail more challenging.
So to tackle with the condition it is important to carry proper trekking gear and choose the right season so that your can have good trekking experience.

Trekking the Manaslu Circuit: Accessibility and Remoteness

Compared to many routes in Nepal like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna base camp trek, Manaslu circuit covered more remote areas so the trekkers need to push more adding more difficult in the trekking because of its difficulty. Between the routes you need to pass through a dense forest, rugged mountain and remote villages so it can more adventurous. The route started from the Soti Khola which is gateway for Manaslu Circuit.

As it is one of the remote areas of Nepal you will get basic facilities like accommodation, medical assistance, and mobile network especially in higher altitude. Along the route there are many Tea houses where they provide the best hospitality service however it is difficult to get modern toilet, Hot water which can be a problem during winter season.

Trekkers must keep in mind that they are hiking on remote areas so they need to carry the essential matter along with them like power bank, electronic devices, healthy bar, extra snacks and warm clothes. Hiring guide and porter is very important as we not know the proper routes and some areas are very much risky so the porter they knows the routes so you don’t have to face any issues along the route. Therefore for the safety concerns it is crucial to go through trekking agencies as they will be very much reliable and provide the expert and experience guide .In case of emergencies the trekking company will rescue the trekkers and you don’t have to face any issues in the routes.

Sensitivity to environmental and Cultural factors

Manaslu Circuit region is known for its rich biodiversity and Cultural heritage. It is very important to plan a good itinerary and start the trail without harming the wildlife and vegetation. Recent study of Nepal tourism said that the excessive use of water bottle and plastic has destroyed the beauty of the mountain so in order to protect the nature reduce the plastic water instead use the reusable bottle and avoid the plastic bag. It is trekkers responsibility to protect the environment and use proper designated toilet in case of emergencies dig a small hole and buried it so that it does not destroyed the beauty of the mountain and the surrounding. That wildlife are protecting the environment and adding beauty to the environment and the mountain so always observed them with distance without harming them. The manaslu region is very rich in culture and they are very much proud of their culture so during stay in Tea house you can understand their culture and the lifestyle of the people in the region. The local people worship the tourist as a god as they believe because of the trekkers they are feeding their family so you will experience the best hospitality of a lifetime.

Technical challenges and Gear requirements

For the successful and adventurous trekking it is very important to have proper gear. Manaslu circuit does not require technical skills however Larkya La pass can be more challenging because of its high altitude. So to tackle Larkya La pass needs some technical skills and equipment apart from Larkya La pass other routes is not more challenging. During the winter season the trail becomes more icy and slippery so in order to prevent hazard sometime we need to use the trekking poles for the balance. Proper gear can make your trekking more easy and adventurous rather than buying cheap gear always purchase good trekking gear for the safety.

During manaslu circuit trekking you will pass through rivers so it can be challenging for some of the trekkers however most the rivers are spanned by suspension bridges. So where there is no suspension bridge you need to use wooden bridges or stepping stones. Hiking quality hiking boots, waterproof clothing and durable pack are the most essential gear for the trekking.

Permit and cost considerations

As Manaslu Circuit is restricted area it is mandatory to have a guide along with the trekker’s .It can increase your cost but you enhance safety. Manaslu Circuit is restricted therefore you need to obtain 3 permits for the trekking.

• Manaslu restricted area permit(MRAP): cost USD 100-150 FOR Seven days trek
• Annapurna conservation area permit: USD 30$
• TIMS (Trekkers information Management System): USD 10-20 

Mental Readiness and Sturdiness

 Walking 8 to 10 hours every day for 12 to 14days can be challenging for the trekkers even on such high altitude so it is important to be mentally strong and motivate yourself with positive mindset and feel the sense of reaching at the top which will be the best time of your lifetime. These small things can make your trek more adventurous and worth it. Along the routes you can interact with the fellow trekkers and enjoy the beauty of the mountain. Reaching at the top will remove all your stress and tiredness as it offers the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and can be unforgettable moment of your life.