How Difficult is Trek to Manaslu Circuit?

The Manaslu Circuit is known for its challenging nature, considered to be a moderately difficult trek. You will need both physical and emotional endurance to be able to complete this trek. The Manaslu Circuit requires you to cover a distance of roughly 180 Km (110 miles), over 12-14 days. Trekkers must be prepared with the possibility of walking an average of 6-7 hours everyday. Along the way, you’ll get to experience the immaculate trails and experience the authentic local culture of Tibetan villages.

The high altitudes due to the thin air add to the physical strain of walking. The trek also features steep ascents and descents with rocky and narrow paths that require a lot of care. 

Moreover, high altitudes, rough terrains, and the sheer amount of walking contribute makes this trek physically demanding. You will also witness fewer trekkers, which can contribute to the feelings of isolation. Hence, these require emotional endurance from the trekkers who embark on this journey.  Perhaps these challenges of the circuit are what fill the trekkers with a deep sense of achievement alongside the stunning views of the mountains.

Manaslu Circuit Trek: General Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best trekking experiences in Nepal. The 12-14 day itinerary of Manaslu takes you around Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak. The trail offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains and lush valleys. You’ll pass through traditional villages, where you can immerse yourself in the region’s unique cultures. This trek combines natural beauty with rich cultural encounters, making it an unforgettable adventure.

Trek to Manaslu offers the perfect alternative to the Annapurna Circuit, ideal for trekkers seeking a quiet yet equally majestic trek. You can choose the Manaslu Circuit. The trail to the circuit has been open to foreigners since the early 1990s. However, it only sees a limited number of trekkers. The serene nature of the Manaslu trail is achieved by allowing only a limited number of trekkers and having different permits for you to be allowed into the area. By doing so, the local culture is preserved, and the trail remains uncrowded. The trail offers a rare opportunity for an intimate experience of the Tibetan villages, once part of the ancient salt-trading route with Tibet. 

How Technical is Trek to Manaslu Circuit?

The Manaslu Circuit isn’t necessarily too technical. You will not require any additional mountaineering equipment. The trek, rather than being more technical, is a physical climb. You must travel through well-trodden paths and navigate steep ascents and descents. The Larkya La Pass at 5106 meters can be extremely physically demanding due to the high altitude and the snowy conditions. 

Sometimes, the trails could get rocky and uneven. However, you will not require any technical equipment. But, it is recommended that you have a good trekking experience and good physical health. Trekkers should be prepared to navigate steep terrains and rough paths at higher altitudes, but no particular technical knowledge is required.

What Makes Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficult?

Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered to be a moderately difficult trek. Its rugged terrain, steep ascents, and narrow rocky paths make the trails challenging. Trekkers will have to navigate high elevations, especially at Larkya La Pass at 5106 meters, where the thin air can cause altitude sickness. The distance to be covered (180 km) can also be physically demanding, especially with unpredictable weather conditions. Meanwhile, the challenging nature of the trek makes the sense of accomplishment even bigger, and the memories you make in these mountains are worth every trouble. 

Challenging Terrain and Trail

The Manaslu Circuit is known for its challenging and rugged terrain, which varies throughout the journey. It begins with ascents along the Budhi Gandaki River and progressively becomes more difficult with narrow paths, rocky trails, and steep climbs. The trek gets particularly tough in landslide-prone areas, river crossings on suspension bridges, and high-altitude barren landscapes. The highlight, Larkya La Pass, is the most demanding section. Moreover, high altitude and steep inclines make crossing difficult, especially in winter when snow can block the route.

Distance of Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek covers approximately 180 Kilometers (110 miles), a distance that starts from Maccha Khola and ends at Dharapani. This journey itself will take around 12-14 days (depending on your itinerary plan, acclimatization periods, and so on). It is recommended to cover around 12 to 20 kilometers of distance which will take around 5-8 hours on average. Trekkers are recommended to allow for enough acclimatization days so that they can adapt to the high altitudes, especially as they get closer to Larkya La Pass. However, you should remember the higher the altitude and rough terrains will possibly make physical strain heavier.

Weather, Climate and Temperature

Weather in Manaslu region can vary significantly (depending on the season.) The recommended seasons for trekking in Manaslu Circuit are autumn( September to November) and spring (March to May). The reason behind this is that spring and autumn have temperatures that support a comfortable trekking journey with the additional benefit of experiencing the Manaslu Circuit at its best. 

During the spring season, the temperature in the lower elevations ranges from 10`C to 25`C while higher elevations have a temperature of -6`C to 5`C. Autumn offers comfortable weather with day temperatures ranging between 12`C to 20`C and nighttime temperatures dropping to -10`C at higher altitudes, especially near Larkya La Pass. Winters and summers are also an option for you to trek in the Manaslu Trek. Regardless we recommend you be mindful of the challenges that these seasons bring with them.  

Winter (December to February) brings forth icy trails, and the temperatures at higher elevations can plunge below -15`C making the trek difficult. The summer (June to August) season in Nepal coincides with the monsoon rains in Nepal which can make the trails especially muddy and slippery. At lower elevations, daytime temperatures can range from 15`C to 25`C and 10`C to 15`C at nighttime which can drop significantly at higher altitudes. 

Physical and Mental Stress

The Manaslu Trek is physically demanding due to its high altitudes, rough paths, and daily long hikes. A common phenomenon among trekkers is experiencing AMS (acute mountain sickness) where they are likely to experience headache nausea, dizziness, fatigue and so on as a result of high altitudes and thinning air. The trekkers with unpredictable weather and rugged terrains can experience stress regarding the completion of the trek.

Unlike the Annapurna circuit, the Manaslu circuit is less crowded so  you are less likely to see a lot of people at the trail amplifying the feelings of social isolation. Mental stress can also stem from constantly focusing, and navigating through challenging sections.  Trekkers are recommended to be physically and mentally prepared to take on the challenge of the stunning Manaslu Circuits.

Accommodation

Accommodation in the Manaslu Circuit treks can be found in terms of the traditional tea-house lodges. These tea houses offer basic but adequate lodging with comfortable services. They tend to have communal dining arrangements where you get to experience the local cuisine. Usually, the tea houses are deemed to be basic but they provide a warm and authentic experience in the local hospitality. Trekkers should prepare for the possibility of very basic lodgings as they ascend to remote terrains. The key feature of this kind of lodging is that it allows you to experience what it’s like living alongside the Tibetan and Gurung communities while also connecting you to a global community of trekkers.

Lack of Experience

Manaslu Circuit Trek isn’t a trek recommended for beginners. The physical strain that comes from high altitudes, and rugged terrains, in addition to the isolating nature of the trek can make this trek a significant challenge for those who haven’t had much experience with trekking. While the trek is known for its serene nature and exceptional views, it is recommended that you are informed of these challenges. We recommend that trekkers who’ve had prior experience with such trails consider the Manaslu circuit. Having prior experiences with trekking will make the challenges of the Manaslu Circle less daunting. Beginners should ideally choose treks that can build their endurance and experience before they attempt the Manaslu Circuit.

Foods and Drinks

The teahouses that you find along the trail will typically offer food and water. Trekkers get to enjoy diverse yet simple food options during the Manaslu trail. The options however will grow limited as you move into higher altitudes and remote areas. The food will reflect the local cuisine and will likely include Dal bhath (rice and lentils), vegetables, and any other variation that the teahouses have available. Soft drinks can be found in the lower elevations. We recommend against any alcohol as it can exacerbate the symptoms of altitude sicks and affect physical stamina. Drinking water is available however it is recommended that trekkers buy boiled water to avoid any illnesses.

Tips to Reduce Difficulty in Manaslu Circuit Trekking

• Acclimatize Properly: Rest days, especially in Samagaun or Namrung, help the body get accustomed to the altitude.
• Hire Licensed Guides and porters:  Hire the help of guides who know the route and a porter to carry the luggage to reduce the physical stress on you.
• Train in Advance: Exercising beforehand and getting physically ready is integral for the completion of the trek.
• Stay Hydrated: At least 3-4 liters of water should be drunk each day to deal with altitude sickness.
• Trekking Poles: They can come in handy during hikes to reduce the impact on your knees during steep descents.

Best Trekking Operators for an Enjoyable Manaslu Circuit Trek

Mountain Routes is one of the leading trekking agencies in Nepal. Known for its commitment to promoting Nepal’s stunning landscapes and culture to the world with a expert team at its disposal. Mountain Routes has an unmatched professional experience as a trekking operator. We have over a decade of experience in designing and creating the best trekking experience in addition to the cultural and adventurous experience. We provide detailed itineraries for individuals and groups. With a dedicated on-site and off-site team we are equipped to handle you with the utmost professionalism that you can expect. We pride ourselves on delivering the highest level of customer service, combining professionalism with personal care and attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Manaslu Trek harder than EBC Trek?

Yes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is harder in comparison to the Everest Base Camp Trek. First, the landscape of the Manaslu region is much more rugged and isolated, with far fewer amenities and steeper ascents. In addition, crossing Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters is considerably more challenging technically than anything on the EBC trek.

2. What is the altitude of the Manaslu Circuit trek?

The highest point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the Larkya La Pass, which is 5,106 meters.

3. Is Manaslu Trek harder than ABC Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is more challenging than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC) as the altitude gain is much higher, and the trails are more rugged and less developed. The challenge at Larkya La Pass is much more physically demanding than anything in the ABC trek.

4. Is the trek to Manaslu Circuit worth it?

Definitely, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a very rewarding trekking route for trekkers looking for a remote, culturally rich, and scenic journey in Nepal. The Manaslu Circuit Trek guarantees unparalleled Mount Manaslu views and those of its neighboring peaks, fewer crowds of trekkers compared to Everest or Annapurna, and an opportunity to explore villages influenced by Tibetan culture along with stunning natural landscapes.