How Difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

What Makes Manaslu Circuit Trek Challenging?

While the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a tough nut to crack in the end, the difficulty level all boils down to an individual’s fitness level, stamina, experience, and overall preparation for the trek. However, you should keep in mind that the most precious fruit comes from hard labor. All the difficulties you face on this trek will be rewarded with a lifelong memory. 

Here, I will assist you in delving deeper into the primary factors of the trek, the physical challenges you will face, and recommendations to prepare and make this trek worthwhile. 

Altitude

During this 17-day trek to Manaslu, you will gain altitude from 930 meters at Machha Khola to 5,106 meters at Larkya La Pass. Just within a few days of the trek, you will be trekking above 2,500 meters and most of the journey will take place above 3,000 meters. 

At such elevations, the air starts getting thinner with depleting oxygen levels and drier due to which altitude sickness and dehydration become a real concern. Likewise, as the trail climbs more height, the temperature also shifts which severely affects the body. 

Commonly the symptoms of altitude sickness start with headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath which if not treated in time will result to much more severe cases such as high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).  

Moving on, altitude sickness especially occurs when you ascend high altitudes too fast. Meanwhile, the trails of the Manaslu Circuit Trek also have different effects on each trekker. Generally, the beginner trekkers are more susceptible to altitude sickness even from an earlier stage of trekking while the experienced ones may not even get affected by the elevation gain. 

Therefore, proper acclimatization and hydration are the key to the success of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Make slower progress, stay hydrated, and learn to study the signals your body sends to you! The vital strategy is to let your body adapt to its new surroundings and not overdo everything. It is a simple knowledge that “Slow and steady wins the race.”

Below are the various points during the trek with their altitude levels. 

Terrain

Both the calming and nerve-wracking information about the Manaslu Circuit Trek is that; it takes place in a remote area of west-central Nepal. While the least explored and remoteness of this trek promises alluring beauty and tranquility, it also means the inaccessibility of the basic amenities at times. 

As the trail revolves around the foothills of Mount Manaslu within the Manaslu Conservation Area, it comprises dramatic landscapes. This particular trek first starts with a bus ride to Machha Khola. From here onwards, the initial phase goes through the pine-forested area along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. 

Only from Jagat, the steady altitude climb begins. Passing through the stone staircases and rocky paths, you will step onto the first mountain village of this trek, Namrung. After Namrung, you will also visit another mountain village, Shyala. These traditional villages have still kept their ancient custom and culture well alive. 

With the altitude gain, you will also feel the shift in the traditional culture of the region. The high altitude is a Tibetan-influenced region that follows Buddhism. Hence, the trails are adorned with intricate murals and fluttering prayer flags. All along the journey, you will also see several monasteries, shortens, and stupas, offering a serene glimpse into the spiritual aspect of the locals. 

During this period, you will climb through the scenic yet steep hills. It is a rewarding challenge as you will follow the path of the cliff edge. This particular route provides you with stunning views and will leave you wanting for more. 

One of the captivating aspects of Bihi Village (Serang Gompa) and Lihi villages (Hinang Gompa) is that you can find accommodation in Monastery. It is a completely new experience that will pull you closer to the deep-rooted spiritual beliefs of the inhabitants.

From Shyala, you will move to Samagaun through a famous viewpoint Pungen Gompa which will mark the first acclimatization day. Reaching this point of the trek, you will be able to forget the strenuous journey with the 360-degree view of the Himalayas alongside the glacier of Birendra Lake. 

As a side quest on this day, you will have a short and dramatic hike to Birendra Taal and Manaslu Base Camp. Here, you will be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the Himalayas, its glacier, and the deep Tsum Numbri Valley. 

On a similar note, the second acclimatization day is at Samdo, which is the highest village in the Budhi Gandaki valley. This rocky path with the exposure to altitude will make walking much harder. Moving forward, the second acclimatization day will take you on a hike to the Tibetan border at the pass of Rui La (4,998 meters). 

Soon the air will start getting thinner and the trail will gain steepness. Additionally, with each passing step, these varied landscapes will bring new surprises altogether, enhancing your curiosity about what the next step will bring.

Advancing, you make it to the Larkya La Pass and soon proceed with the steep descent towards the meadowland of Bimthang. During this period, you will walk past the yak pastures surrounded by Manaslu to your left and the Annapurna ranges to your right. 

Here, the trail takes you through Dudh Khola (meaning Milk River) down to the vibrant rhododendron forests reaching the Goa village filled with terraced farmlands. Altogether, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a blend of six climatic zones taking you through the most rugged landscapes, ridges, river banks, winding paths, and narrow villages. 

This ever-changing track of the trek makes it tough, requiring continuous caution and care. While no special climbing or mountaineering equipment is required, you will need quality trekking poles to prevent yourself from the cramps generated by multi-day walking. 

Distance And Duration

The Manaslu Circuit Trek will be intimidating for every trekker who has never done a long-distance journey before. This trek will get strenuous and most trekkers fail to maintain their pace from start to finish as it covers a total distance of 180 km. 

Provided its long track, this trek lasts for an average of 17 days and might expand to 20 days depending on your pace. Each day, you will have to walk an average of 14 to 16 km which will take anywhere in between 5 to 7 hours a day. 

Not to mention, most sections of these walks are covered with rocky and uneven tracks, adding to your difficulty. Furthermore, these remote tracks on the hillsides are filled with false ridges and winding routes which test the endurance and patience of the trekker. 

To make the matter worse, you will also be carrying your heavy backpack which may amount to anywhere between 10 to 14 kg of weight. Therefore, you must be physically fit to take on this demanding challenge. While exercises and working on your stamina must be thoroughly planned, you should also be prepared with gear such as quality trekking poles and hiking shoes to help you keep your footing. 

Weather Conditions

Residing at a high altitude, the weather on the routes of the Manaslu Circuit Trek will be unpredictable. It may fluctuate from a sunny day to a rainfall or snowstorm within just hours. Hence, this poses a great difficulty during your trek. However, oftentimes, the weather factors also largely depend on the season of the year you are traveling in.

Generally, Winter (December to February) brings long icy-cold nights with undeniably freezing temperatures. The temperature falls as low as -15°C during the nighttime with an average temperature of 4°C during the daytime, especially at higher altitudes. 

Due to this bizarre temperature, you will find heavy blankets of snow and a risk of snowstorms and avalanches at higher elevations. Following the bad weather conditions, some tea houses near Bimthang and Dharmsala will be closed, due to thicker snow, even the trails are impossible to navigate hence, shutting down the entire route. 

Altogether, we do not recommend this trek in Winter however if you want to fit another adventure during this window frame, you can opt for treks such as Langtang Valley Trek, Pikey Peak Trek, and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. 

Moving on, the Summer / Monsoon (June to August) brings heavy rainfall with thunder throughout the region. Though the days may be hot and warm, the continuous downpour makes the trail slippery and muddy with the probable risk of facing landslides. 

During this season, the days are usually gloomy providing obstructed views and the continuous moisture makes it hard to travel. If you are planning to travel during this season, it is better to add a buffer period to your schedule in case of sudden flight delays or cancellations due to thick clouds or downpours. Additionally, much more caution should be taken to ensure you are not put in a dangerous situation in these months. 

All in all, the most favorable months to take on the Manaslu Circuit Trek would be Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May). These months will particularly have clear blue skies, unobstructed views, seasonal flowers, and moderate temperatures. 

However, having said that the early and end months of these seasons can also get unpredictable with occasional snowfall or rain. Hence, you should always check the weather forecast before and during the trek to prepare well for the journey ahead. 

Here’s a quick look at the average weather and temperature chart of the region during different months. 

Accommodation And Meal

During your 17-day trek to Manaslu, your home away from home will be the tea houses across the trail. As these tea houses are located at high altitudes, you can not expect the services and amenities to be high-end. All your comfort, rest, and nutrition will heavily rely on the local infrastructure of the region. 

Generally, the tea houses of the area are run by the local families and they offer you a simple room with basic furnishing. Typically, the accommodation plan will have a twin bed in a room and sometimes, the rooms are in dormitory style. There are limited rooms with attached bathrooms while most of them have a common washroom outside of the tea house. 

While the common dining areas do have heating systems, the rooms do not have any hence, you should wear warm layers of clothing at all times.

Not to mention, these tea houses have a “first come, first serve” policy hence, booking is highly encouraged. Especially during the peak seasons, the accommodations are easily filled up which may hinder your trek. 

Hence, to ensure hassle-free bookings and supervision of a smooth trek, you can always dial Nepal Trekking Experts. 

On the same topic, the meals you will eat during the trek are traditional Nepalese cuisine. There will be extensive food items on the menu to choose from however,  it will be difficult to find a Western taste. Having said that, all dishes provided are locally sourced and fill you with great energy. 

During the trek, you can expect the classic Nepali dish, Dal Bhat Tarkari (Rice, Lentils, and Curry). Some of the other dishes you will find are Momo, Noodle Soups, Thukpa, Thenduk, Pasta, and several potato items. 

Well, you should also bring snacks of your own. Packing light snacks such as dry fruits and energy bars will help you boost your energy.  

Physical Fitness For Manaslu Circuit Trek

By now, it should be clear that the Manaslu Circuit Trek is not like a stroll in a park. With continuous long hours of walking at a high altitude consisting of steep ascents and descents, it is no joke to your physical ability. Your physical fitness and stamina directly impact your overall trekking experience.

Cardiovascular Training

Good cardiovascular endurance is a must to meet the physical demands provided by the trails at the higher altitude of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This exercise will help you build flexible breath and stamina. To get started, engage yourself in exercises such as swimming, jogging, and cycling 3 to 4 times a week. 

Strength Training

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is filled with rugged and uneven terrain with multiple uphill and downhill. Hence, to tackle this steepness and maintain balance and stability in your body, leg, and core strength training should be done. 

For leg training, you can hop on to exercises such as squats, lunges, leg curls, calf raises, leg presses, and more. As for the core training, incorporate planks, crunches, sit-ups, and yoga poses into your workout routine. 

Endurance Training

To prepare for the long hours of the trek, nothing helps you better than going for an actual hike. You can start this lower with a few short hikes around your area and later, elongate those hikes to a longer period. 

While you are on it, go to various locations with varied terrains to imitate your real trek. One of the major strategies during this preparation is to carry your backpack. Gradually start with a light backpack and make it heavier over time to test your endurance and stamina level. 

However, if it is not possible to train outdoors, you can simply work out on a treadmill. Alternatively, you can also try stair climbing to build your lung capacity. On a side note, with all these exercises you will try, the training will be much more fruitful if you add deep breathing exercises to control your breath. 

Mental Fitness For Manaslu Circuit Trek

Oftentimes when we prepare for the trek, we overlook the mental preparation and only train ourselves physically which may later bite us back. Here, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is located in the isolated and remote area of the Himalayas which acts as both a blessing and a curse. 

If you were not mentally prepared for this particular trek, the vast area in between the majestic Himalayas can make you feel isolated even when you are traveling with your group. It especially hits you if you are tagged along with unfamiliar faces. Hence, we generally recommend you to group up with your close ones on this journey. As this trek is suitable for all trekkers, it can be a get-together for friends or even a family vacation.

Not only this but at times, all those physical demands of your body can also contribute to your mental fatigue. With constant uphill and downhill, changing weather, and even minute struggles can lead you to the point of wearing down. It may fill you with frustration and moments of doubt. 

During these overwhelming moments, the trek might feel endless and insufferable. Hence, you should sit back, relax, and give your mind and body a rest. Generally, connecting with your loved ones, a good night’s sleep, or a calming yoga can help a lot. 

Try to reconnect back to nature and the positive attitude will surge! Embrace the journey and soak in the fresh breeze of the Himalayas as if you will never return back. Also, a side note; your favorite candy or snack will be a huge motivator as well. 

Tips for Minimizing Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty 

No matter the demands of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, a thoughtful plan and preparation will remove any difficulty during the trek. Even with extreme challenges, you can still make your trek enjoyable and at ease with the following tips. 

Acclimatize Gradually

The major concern during the Manaslu Circuit Trek is its high elevation and the risks it poses at this height. However, if you ascend gradually with proper rest days on your schedule, you should be able to prevent altitude sickness. 

Acclimatizing gives your body a chance to adapt to the changing altitude level in the surroundings thus, reducing the symptoms of altitude sickness. One of the most popular ways to acclimatize is to “Climb high and sleep low.” It is a simple idea to ascend to a certain height during the day but then return to the lower altitude level to rest for the night. 

Furthermore, hydration is a major key to this journey. You should drink at least 3 to 5 liters a day to maintain your bodily function. Here, you can keep your fluid level intact with plain water, juice, hot drinks, or even soup. Similarly, you should maintain a balanced nutrition to keep your stamina and energy level. We recommend you to intake foods rich in carbohydrate, protein, and fats. 

Lastly, listen to your body! Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take quick action. Always inform your guide or leader about your health, stop ascending, and take a breath. If you feel that your health is deteriorating, ask your leader to help you descend and bail. There will always be another chance for you!

Hire Professionally Certified Guides And Porters

The porters and the guides are the heart and mind of the trek. No emphasis can be given on how valuable they are during your Manaslu Circuit Trek hence, there should be no compromise while investing in them.  

No one is more knowledgeable than a local and professionally certified guide, in terms of the trek. They are well-versed with the trekking route and can easily navigate the tracks on the back of their hand. Furthermore, with years of training and certification, they are also proficient in basic first aid skills. Another key factor in hiring them is for cultural immersion. Such guides will bring you closer to the local lifestyle and people. 

On a similar note, having a trained porter will help you carry your luggage and reduce your physical burden. This will give you a chance to walk more freely and enjoy the trek.  

As you hire the guides and porters, you should travel responsibly. It is crucial that you treat them with respect and fairness after all, they will be the backbone of your trek. 

Altogether, if you are searching for a seasoned guide and a porter to help during your journey, feel free to contact Nepal Trekking Experts!

Select The Best Time For The Trek

Choosing the season or month for the trek widely determines how your journey will be. Hence, we recommend you go for the Manaslu Circuit Trek either during the Autumn (September to November) or Spring (March to May).

The Autumn season will provide you fresh breeze and moderate temperature - all contributing to the crystal-clear blue skies. It is the perfect season for photographers and nature enthusiasts as well. The sunrise and sunset views during these months are breathtaking as the golden light hits the snowy white peaks. 

Moving on, the Spring season also flexes moderate temperatures and cool air. The forests and the surroundings are filled with lush greenery and vibrant blooms of rhododendrons. Additionally, the animals are also more active after long winter sleep. 

All in all, trekking during these seasons will make your trip smooth without the hindrance of severe weather conditions. 

Buy Insurance Plan

Trekking to a high altitude is much more than just a journey, as several tiny details go into making the trip successful. However, at times, mishap happens whether big or small, which is why you should always buy an insurance plan before embarking on the journey. 

With the insurance plan on hand, it will cover the expenses of your losses either theft or even medical emergencies. Now, if you are buying a plan, always check its policy. Look if the insurance covers the altitude level you are traveling to or not and understand if the policy will pay for loss up front in the case of emergency. 

Choose The Right Gear

During the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it is essential that you do not over or under-pack. Try to travel as lightly as possible but also include all the essential items. The two major thing to keep in mind while choosing a gear is to find something well-fitted but comfortable and to layer your clothing. 

Below is the essential checklist for Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

Clothing

• Down Jacket
• Windproof trousers
• Trekking pants
• Breathable underwears
• Quick-drying shirt
• Gloves 
• Thermal layers
• Footwear
• Moisture-wicking socks
• Camp shoes and slipper
• Water-proof trekking boots with good ankle support
• Added Items
• Rain covers
• Sleeping bag (-15/20°C)
• Sun glasses
• Sun protection cream
• Lip balm
• Wet wipes
• Female hygiene products
• Sun hat
• Towels
• Handwash
• Sanitizer
• Nail clippers
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Satellite phone (optional)

Conclusion

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is both a captivating and formidable challenge for trekkers. It promises unparalleled experience and is not made for the faint of hearts as each step into its remote wilderness brings up a challenge either with its altitude level, changing weather, or physical demand. 

However, if you are physically and mentally prepared for the rugged beauty of this trek, it is one of the most rewarding experiences that will last you lifelong. Hence, if you are looking to scale this adventure, always choose a reputable and experienced trekking company like Nepal Trekking Experts to assist you. 

Prepare well, trek smart, and savor each moment of your journey to the Himalayas!