There are many factors that determine Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty like Altitude Sickness, Distance and Duration, Weather, and Remote Terrains.
If you are wondering about the difficulty of the Manaslu circuit trek before heading to experience the Manaslu region, then you are in the right place. Among other popular treks in Nepal, like the Annapurna and Everest Base Camp Trek, the Manaslu trek is also popular but slightly underrated. Often considered moderately difficult, this trek is still very challenging, especially if you don’t have trekking experience.
The highlight of the trek is Larkya La Pass, which is situated at a high altitude of over 5100m. There are two ways to trek the Manaslu circuit trail. The first is to travel from Kathmandu to Barpak and then enter the Budhi Gandaki valley to reach the Larkya Pass. Another alternate route is from Kathmandu to Soti Khola and then to Macha Khola to the trail heading towards the circuit trail.
You must trek via the Manaslu Conservation Area during your Manaslu circuit trail. In this conservation area, different endangered flora and fauna are protected. So, to know how any trek becomes easy or difficult, you must learn about the factors that determine its difficulty.
Factors Determining Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty
Several factors determine the difficulty of the Manaslu trek. So, let’s take a look at them.
Difficult and Remote Terrains
The terrain and trail to complete your Manaslu circuit Trek are not easy. While heading towards the destination, you’ll have to pass through various curvy and rocky terrains. Furthermore, you’ll have to climb about 1000-2000 stony stairs, which will test your fitness level and endurance. As you reach a higher altitude during your trek, you will reach very remote terrains and villages where you will not get many helpful facilities or services.
The ascent and descent along steep trails and rugged terrains increase the chance of falling, slipping, and injuring yourself. So this trek definitely demands fit physical condition and strong mental endurance. Hence, it is always better to prepare for your Manaslu trek, train, and exercise daily before heading out.
Long Duration and Distance
Like many other trekking destinations in Nepal, you’ll have to trek for a long duration during your Manaslu circuit trek. You’ll have to trek about 180 km in the distance, which is not easy for veteran trekkers, let alone beginners. It takes about 13 days to complete the trek, but if you add more itineraries like Tsum Valley, the days can be extended to 20 days.
Hence, to complete 180 km in 13 days, you must trek seven to eight hours daily. This is not a simple feat, so as mentioned earlier, you must exercise and train your body daily to increase physical endurance. If you are not ready for a long-distance trek on the Manaslu circuit, then you will have tons of difficulty.
Altitude Sickness
Manaslu is among the most challenging treks in Nepal. In addition to the long distance, duration, and remote, rugged terrain, several other factors like altitude are involved. The oxygen level starts decreasing at high altitudes, making breathing difficult.
When you are above an altitude of 3000, the chances of the sickness increase. Hence, when trekking Manaslu, you will be at 5100m in case of your highest altitude. The challenge of the Manaslu trek increases even more if you suffer from acute mountain sickness.
The symptoms of this sickness are headache, fever, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue. If you suffer from HACE and HAPE, you may experience more serious symptoms of altitude sickness. These are rare cases of altitude sickness and mostly affect those with previous medical conditions.
Weather and Temperature
The dynamic weather conditions are another major factor that increases difficulty during your trek. One moment, you are trekking on bright sunny days, and the next moment, it can change to dark clouds, fast winds, and sometimes heavy rain or snowfall.
Sometimes, unexpected weather changes suddenly affect the trek’s difficulty. Sometimes, foreseen rains can make the trail wet and slippery, making it difficult to trek upwards. Sudden heavy snow can block roads and paths, isolating you from your next destination.
Hence, knowing the best time for the Manaslu circuit trek before booking is wise. Different treks may be difficult in different seasons. The weather in the Manaslu region often changes drastically during the monsoon and winter seasons but remains stable during the Spring and Autumn seasons.
Heavy Packing and Baggage
Since the Manaslu trek has different and dynamic weather and environment, you must pack for every occasion. This often leads to heavy packing, creating difficulty during long trekking distances. Unless you are experienced trekking in rough terrains and trails, it is wise to consider hiring porters during your trek.
Ways to make Manaslu Circuit Trek Easier
As we have learned, some factors increase difficulty during trekking. Preparing yourself for the trek is essential, and knowing ways to make your Manaslu circuit trek easier is wise.
Pack Light but Essential Items
You must pack important items during your Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is also important to pack lightly during your excursion.
- Sleeping Bag
- Fleece and Down Jacket
- Sunscreen and Lip Balm
- Hiking Boots
- Day pack, Duffle bags
- Sunglasses
- T-shirt and Shirt
- Warm Gloves
- Small Hand Towel
- Torchlight
- Hat and beanie
- 2 Litres Water bottle
- Waterproof Trousers and Jackets
- Additional pairs of socks
Experienced Porters and Guides
The Manaslu region has a difficult trek. The harsh climate, weather, rough terrain, and chance of altitude sickness make trekking complicated. However, the difficulty can be decreased by getting help from porters and guides. Hiring a guide is mandatory in Nepal and for a good reason.
The guides are familiar with the logistics, so you don’t have to worry about your food, drinks, accommodation, routes, etc. Furthermore, they are also trained and experienced in first aid, altitude sickness, and in case of any kind of rescue if needed.
On the other hand, hiring porters is not mandatory in Nepal. However, they will be very helpful during your trek, especially for carrying heavy bags and luggage. Porters can carry up to 20 kg of heavy bags and are not difficult to scale in difficult terrain.
Curate Optimal Itinerary
When selecting a package for your Manaslu circuit trek, flexibility in scheduling is key. You aim for an enjoyable journey customized to your interests, from the attractions you wish to visit to the cultural experiences you desire. Personalizing your itinerary ensures your trek aligns perfectly with your preferences and expectations.
Know the Appropriate Time for the Trek
It is important to know the appropriate time if you want to enjoy your trek to the fullest and make it easier. The seasons play a huge part in making your trek enjoyable or difficult. If you want to enjoy nature, warm summer days, views, and atmosphere during your trek, we recommend booking it during either Spring or Autumn. If you are a beginner and don’t have trekking experience, then this season is also appropriate.
Some veteran and experienced trekkers prefer the monsoon and winter seasons to avoid overcrowded trails, lodges, and hotels. Therefore, it’s essential for you to decide the best time for trekking Manaslu. Selecting the right time can alleviate challenges related to weather, temperature, and rugged terrain during your journey.
Prepare for the Trek beforehand
Preparing in advance helps mitigate common challenges during your trek. Given the considerable length of the Manaslu circuit, it’s beneficial to train by trekking long distances beforehand, perhaps with a backpack to acclimate your body to the duration and load.
Strengthening your stamina and endurance prior to the trek will notably reduce its difficulty. Additionally, trekking to Nagarkot can help acclimatize you to higher altitudes before embarking on your Manaslu adventure.
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness During Manaslu Circuit
Altitude sickness is very common when trekking at a high altitude. The risk is high since the Manaslu trek is at an elevation of over 5000m. So you must learn some ways to prevent yourself from the illness.
Ascend and descend gradually
One of the main reasons for altitude sickness is by rushing to the altitude quickly. Since climbing elevations gradually during your trek is essential, you must climb slowly and drop between the routes to acclimate to the climate. If possible, you must always rest at a lower altitude during the night and climb a high altitude during the daytime.
During your trek, always take note of your body and pulse. If you feel unwell and think you have symptoms of altitude sickness, it is wise to lower your altitude immediately.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
It is very important to keep yourself hydrated during your trek constantly. You won’t feel thirsty since you are trekking at a high altitude with less oxygen pressure. However, you might get dehydrated quickly due to the intense trek, sweat, and constant urination. Dehydration is another major reason for altitude sickness. You can drink plenty of hot water and drinks like tea with lemon, honey, and ginger. However, we recommend you avoid drinking alcohol or coffee. Furthermore, you must also eat food containing carbohydrates, proteins, and proper nutrients.
Keep Yourself Warm
Another way of preventing altitude sickness is by keeping yourself warm all the time. Even at a higher altitude during your trek, the trails start getting warmer as the sun rises. During the night, be prepared for the cold climate by wearing appropriate woolen clothes and make your room warm with the heater or warm fluffy blankets, bedsheets, and pillows. Even sleeping in your tent, you can still be warm by packing in comfy sleeping bags. As the altitude increases, the chance of cold entering your body increases, which creates more of a chance of altitude sickness.
Exercise and Training to be done before trekking
It is unsurprising that if you want to complete a Manaslu trek, you must be physically and mentally prepared. The trek’s difficulty, like Acute Mountain sickness, distance trek, and larger duration, can only be minimized by daily exercise and training. Here are some of the training and exercises you can do before trekking.
Aerobic Exercises
Aerobic or Cardiovascular exercises are very important for improving your respiratory organs. Doing this exercise regularly will improve your breathing and the functions of your lungs. Learning to breathe properly is very essential for the trek. These breathing exercises can be a blessing since the oxygen level is lower at a high altitude.
You can train in aerobic exercises: swimming, jogging, hiking, cycling, and yoga. Early morning exercises in the fresh, natural air will improve your circulatory system and breathing and respiration.
Physical Training
The Manaslu circuit trek takes a toll on your body and puts it under much physical and mental stress. Since you have to trek for several hours every day for several days, you will certainly feel tired naturally. But if you have already trained rigorously for daily hiking in the steep ascents, then it certainly decreases the difficulty of the trek.
Although trekkers with no prior experience and training can complete the Manaslu trek, the person with physical training finds it more enjoyable to trek. You can visit your area’s nearby hills and high terrains and practice trekking with a backpack. Physical training aims to strengthen your core and increase your physical stamina.
Mental Exercise
To complete your amazing trek to the Manaslu region, you must be physically and mentally strong. Positive attitude and motivation provide great support during this difficult trek. You can improve your mental condition through Yoga, Meditation, and therapy. If you are anxious about the trek, you can talk with your relatives, friends, or experts.
Conclusion
If you are still wondering how difficult the Manaslu trek is, the simple answer is it’s subjective. The region is fairly moderate for some experienced trekkers, but there will be some challenges for beginners. Overall, The Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty level is moderate to challenging.
If you plan to trek to Manaslu, it is important to know how to decrease the difficulty of the Manaslu circuit Trek. You can complete the trek easily by following some basic procedures, training, and making your mindset.
