Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty: How Hard is the Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty is often the first few things that trekkers consider when planning for an incredible journey around the world’s eighth-highest peak, Mount Manaslu. This amazing trek in Nepal is described as a challenging and strenuous journey where you’ll be challenged by altitude, weather, terrain, and even the mountains themselves.

Taking you through the unexplored landscapes of the Manaslu region, this trekking in Nepal is nothing short of adventure, cultural encounters, sheer natural beauty, and deeper appreciation. From the moment you step on the trail, you’ll come across the panoramic mountain views.

As you further explore the rugged landscapes of the region, you’ll uncover the beauty of the remote valley. Testing your physical and mental wits, the formidable Larkya La Pass(5160 m) awaits your presence. Even though you’ll meet various difficulties on the way during this adventure, precisely these Manaslu Circuit trek challenges will make your trek more memorable and accomplished.

How Difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

If you are wondering about the difficulty level of the trek, then the Manaslu Circuit Trek is graded as a strenuous trek. The term “strenuous” for trekking can be vague, as what to call strenuous may depend on various factors, including the trekker’s physical fitness, experience, trail, and many more.

Strenuous treks in Nepal usually ascend above 4500 m and require you to walk through out-of-the-way places. The remoteness and difficulty of terrain add a level of difficulty in these treks. You have to make your way through the steep uphill and downhill, pass by isolated mountain villages, tackle the jagged trail, and thin mountain air. On top of that, you’ll need to cross the formidable mountain passes.

Ascending from Macchakhola at 869 m to Larkya La Pass at 5,160 m in a span of a few days is a huge challenge in itself. All while trekking through Himalayan villages like Samdo, Samagaun, and juggling between the remote trail, all adds up and makes good reasons behind demanding the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

When you’re considering the trek, hearing the word ‘strenuous’ might sound daunting and even put you off. But don’t worry, it’s completely doable with good preparation and the right mindset. 

Factors Affecting the Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

Now that you know the answer to, Is Manaslu Circuit Trek difficult, let’s know about the factors that individually or overall make the trek challenging and demanding. 

1. High Altitude

Elevation plays a vital role in high-altitude trekking, like the Manaslu Circuit Trek. You will start your trek at the lower elevation of 869 m at Maccha Khola. Over the span of two weeks, you will reach the highest point of the trek at Larkya La Pass(5160 m). Even though you will gain an elevation of about 4300 m during the trek, your body needs to adequately adapt to such an increasing altitude.

In case your body cannot adapt to the thin air of the high altitude, you can be prone to high altitude sickness. Your body can show the symptoms of acute mountain sickness like headache, lack of appetite, nausea, etc, to symptoms of HAPE and HACE if not treated on time. So, the risk of altitude sickness contributes greatly to the overall difficulty of the trek.

2. Remote and Difficult Landscapes

Manaslu Circuit Trek traverses through off-the-beaten-path, circling the foot of Mount Manaslu. Exploring the remote and less-explored areas comes with its own set of difficulties. Even though the trails are well-marked, they are underdeveloped, unlike the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Everest Base Camp Trek. There will be times when you have to walk on the narrow path, giving way to the mules and horses.

You have to cross dangling steel suspension bridges over the fast-flowing many times during the trek. Sometimes, you even have to cross small streams without bridges. The expansive high altitude landscapes feel isolated with steep ascents and descents. So, this altitude requires trekkers to have a good level of physical fitness and mental resilience. 

3. Unpredictable Weather

Mountains can be unpredictable, and so can the mountain weather. Even when you choose the right season, like autumn and spring, the weather conditions can change suddenly, especially at high altitudes like the Lakya La Pass. Within a few minutes, the clear weather can turn into windy or foggy.

When you go unprepared for weather changes like sudden rainfall or snow, you not only have to change your trekking plan, but if things get worse, you may need help for evacuation or rescue too. Sudden weather changes can increase the Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty with poor trail conditions, reduce visibility, and delay pass crossings, making trekking more physically and mentally demanding

4. Long Distance and Duration

Another factor that adds challenges in this trek is the total distance and duration of the journey. On top of rugged terrain, you have to cover a total distance of about 177 miles in this journey. Each day, you have to walk about 6 to 8 hours to cover 8-12 miles daily.

Long hours of walking while carrying a backpack on your back is an extremely difficult task, especially if you are beginner trekkers. The exhaustion of long hours walking, mental fatigue, and the constant pressure of pacing yourself with a limited amount of rest can intensify the Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty. 

How to Minimize Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty Level?

1. Proper Trek Planning

The right level of preparation for the trek will definitely reduce the Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty. When planning and preparing for the trek, you need to consider various factors like season, logistics, duration, etc. Choosing the feasible season will minimise the season-related challenges and enhance your trekking experience. Likewise, planning your itinerary by considering your pace and Manaslu Circuit Trek distance is also necessary. This will help you enjoy the trek without rushing it. 

2. Proper Acclimatization

One of the best ways to avoid altitude sickness is to properly acclimatize your body. When you are opting for the high altitude treks, you have to let your body adapt with less oxygen levels of high altitude. So, many of the trekking companies, including us, offer you the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary with acclimatization days. You should make sure you ascend at your own pace while taking short breaks.

Another thing that enhances acclimatization is staying hydrated and eating well. You need to intake at least 3-4 liters of water daily and should not skip meals. You can avoid high consumption of tea, coffee, and alcohol during the trek, as it can hinder your acclimatization process. 

3. Hiring Guides and Porters

Manaslu Circuit Trekking is a restricted area trekking route in Nepal. So, you must be accompanied by a guide during your journey alongside the trekking permits, including a restricted area permit. To be real, hiring a guide will help you in various aspects such as navigating the trail, booking the accommodation, and providing you necessary information. These licensed professional guides are trained in basic first aid, so they can even provide first aid in case of emergency.

Hiring porters is not mandatory as hiring guides. However, we recommend that you hire porters during this circuit trek. If you don't hire the porters, then you need to carry the weight of luggage, equipment, gears, etc, all by yourself, which can increase the Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty to a greater extent. This will not only increase the exhaustion and fatigue but also lower the chances of completing the trek, especially if you are inexperienced trekkers or someone who is not used to carrying heavy weights. 

4. Enough Beforehand Physical and Mental Preparation

Another great way to minimize the Manaslu Circuit Trek challenges is to prepare yourself physically and mentally beforehand for the trek. Since you know about the trail difficulty, you have to first analyze your physical fitness and make plans accordingly. You can incorporate strength training and cardio exercises. Strength exercises like planks, push-ups, lunges, squats, etc, will not only increase your leg and core muscles but also enhance overall fitness.

Similarly, cardio like running, brisk walking, swimming, cycling, etc, increases your endurance and prepares you for the strenuous intensity of the trek. Mental preparation is equally as important as physical preparation. So, you need to set realistic expectations about the trek and develop a mindset of flexibility and adaptability.

So, is Manaslu Circuit Trek difficult? Yes, especially due to the extreme Manaslu Circuit Trek altitude and isolation, and remoteness of the region. However, these very challenges give the trek its depth and meaning. When trekkers approach the trek with preparation and patience, the struggle fades, leaving behind a lasting sense of accomplishment and lifetime memories. Furthermore, Mountain Adventure Trekking Pvt Ltd will enhance your journey from the very start to the end. So, contact us today to plan your next adventure with more confidence.