Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

Manaslu Circuit Trek is an off beaten trek with potential Trekking difficulties. It is a difficult trek compared to the popular trekking expeditions like Annapurna Circuit Trek and Everest Base camp trek. Nonetheless, Manaslu Circuit Trek is an exotic adventure full of excitement and wonder of the natural beauty of the Manaslu region. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a great adventure to explore the isolated regions of Manaslu. The hike through the trail offers you an experience of peace and tranquility. Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you through lush green forest, waterfalls, remote village settlements, and breathtaking mountain ranges. You will witness the striking views of high mountain ranges like Mt. Manaslu (8156m), Mt. Huinchuli (7893m), Mt. Ganesh (7118m) on your trekking expedition.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is an adventurous remote trekking expedition but you cannot commence solo trekking in the Manaslu region. So, you will need a guide or a porter to accompany you on your Manaslu Circuit trek expedition. Trekking with a guide makes the journey comfortable with their expert guidance. Guides and porters can assist you to choose the best tea houses and this has helped a lot in making the trek easier.

You will experience a unique trekking experience as the high altitude, cold weather, and slippery trails makes the Manaslu Circuit trek exciting. So, it has become a popular destination for adventure lovers. Manaslu Circuit Trek is a worthy experience, it can be difficult for beginners. Yet, with proper information on factors that affect the trek’s difficulty, you can plan accordingly for this adventure.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance

Manaslu lies in the central-west part of Gorkha. The trekking terrain is varied from the lowest point Soti Khola (710m) to the highest point at Larkya La Pass (5213m). The total distance of the Manaslu Circuit trek is about 177 kilometers in total. 

You will be walking for 10-12 days on 17 days Manaslu Circuit trek expedition. On other days, you will acclimatize and rest at tea houses and lodges. Manaslu Base Camp trek takes you through remote landscapes and terrains. 

The first couple of days on the Manaslu Circuit trek expedition is difficult. As the Manaslu Circuit trek leads towards you harrowing steep trails to Budhi Gandaki Gorge. The most difficult and challenging and difficult part is the crossing of Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5213m.

You will have to hike a lot of uphills and downhills trail on the Manaslu Circuit trek. The Manaslu Circuit trek will definitely test your capabilities and strength. So, you have to prepare yourself physically and mentally determined. 

You will have to hike many kilometers on the rocky trails and the awkward terrains can be hectic for your body. Thus, it is important to take proper fitness training prior to the trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Duration    

Manaslu Circuit trek duration depends on the package you choose. The Manaslu Circuit trek expedition can last from two weeks to even a month. But you can always add or deduct the number of days according to your preference and schedule. 

You will be walking for 5/7 hours on a daily basis through forests, rivers, bridges on the trek. You will also have acclimatization days on the Manaslu Circuit trek. The acclimatization process helps your body to adapt to the surrounding altitude. If you are not a decent hiker, walking for hours can be tough on your body. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 177 kilometers journey through the Himalayan terrains. So, it is important for you to train for 4 hours on a daily basis before the expedition begins. You also need to build your stamina and prepare yourself for the higher altitude. Stable fitness level will help you remain consistent on the entire trekking expedition.

We recommend you prepare yourself at least a month prior to the Manaslu Circuit trek. This will ensure that you enjoy a comfortable and successful trek. You can join a special training session designed to prepare yourself for the altitude and to build up stamina.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Sickness

Manaslu Circuit trek offers a great variation of landscaped and variation. The Manaslu Circuit trek reaches the altitude of 700m Soti Khola to 5213m Larkya Pass. So, the increasing altitude is a major difficulty because it increases the risk of altitude sickness. People of every age and gender are at risk of altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness or Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is common in any high altitude trekking. The early signs of Altitude sickness include fatigue, loss of appetite, and headache. You must not ignore the symptoms and take them lightly. Thus, being well informed about the altitude sickness will only benefit your trekking experience.

You might start to feel the tension of altitude sickness at the altitude above 2,500 meters. The early symptoms of the Altitude sickness will only increase as you hike upwards to a higher altitude. So, you must acclimatize to the altitude and hike slowly. Hydrating yourself properly and taking regular rest are the keys to stay away from altitude sickness.
 
Ignoring the early signs will only worsen your health and can lead you to a more severe condition like HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) and HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema). This condition can lead to death if immediate actions are not taken. Thus, being well informed, hiking at a steady pace, hydrating your body is the only option to protect yourself from Altitude Sickness. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Weather and Temperature

Weather plays an important role in determining the Manaslu Circuit trek difficulty. The weather and climate in the Manaslu region are almost unpredictable. Manaslu region witnesses four different seasons. They are Summer, Spring, Winter, and Autumn. The rainfall, snowfall, sunshine, and wind condition varies according to each season.

Winter in Manaslu:

Winter starts from December to February and the temperature goes to -15 degrees in the night. The Larkya La pass is closed during the winter because of the heavy snowfall. Trekking is still possible with the correct choices of equipment, packing, and planning. We recommend you pack warm clothing and sleeping bags for the trek ahead. 

Summer in Manaslu:

Summer begins in June and ends in August. The summer season in the Manaslu region is usually dominated by heavy rainfall. So, the trail is muddy and slippery and trekking during this time is certainly tricky and challenging. You will need a good pair of boots with a firm grip to make your trip convenient. 

Autumn in Manaslu:

Autumn falls under from September to the month of November and is the peak season for the Manaslu Circuit trek. The weather and climate conditions are warm, crisp, and suitable for trekking. The temperature is stable and pleasant and the clear surrounding offers striking and clear mountains views.

Spring in Manaslu:

Spring is the best time of the year for trekking in Manaslu region. The weather is clear and you can witness crisp and clear views of snow-capped mountains. Spring falls under March and May as the blooming Rhododendron welcomes the first sign of summer. The chances of rainfall are low and the temperature is warm with around 16 degrees in the daytime.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Packing List 

You should always be aware of the factors that can hinder your trekking experience. You should always pay close attention to your packing because it plays a vital role in enhancing your trekking experience. 

A perfectly planned packing of trekking gears and equipment will make your trek convenient, smooth, and less difficult. Your planning must be according to the season that you choose to trek.

Always make sure, you carry a sturdy trekking pole, warm sleeping bags, and trekking boot with an efficient grip. It is always wise to check the weather and climatic condition of the region before you plan your packing. We recommend you to pack not more than 20 kgs of luggage.

Some Tips to Avoid Difficulties for Manaslu Trek

• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
• Check the weather and climate conditions before you pack your bags.
• Always carry a water purifier along with a water bottle.
• Pre-booking the accommodation is always wise without having to compromise on the facility.
• Do not push yourself and rest whenever you feel the need to. 
• Select a season according to your preference and past experience.
• Carry insect repellants if you plan to trek during summer.
• Inform your Trek leader or guide in case of Acute Mountain Sickness.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Budget

It is really important for you to consider and plan your budget before you start your journey to Manaslu Circuit trek. An adequate amount of budget will ensure your comfort and relief during your Manaslu Circuit trek. Since there are no ATM facilities on the route, you should make sure to carry cash in Nepali currency. 

Nepal is a cheap and affordable destination to travel. So, most of the trekkers prefer to travel in the different regions of Nepal. If your budget is stable, you will enjoy dreamlike trekking to the Himalayas. But trekking to the Himalayas is not cheap as you might have thought.

The cost of the food and accommodation increases as you make an ascent to the higher elevation of the trek. The budget affects the choices that you make on your treks like transportation, food, and accommodation. So, it is vital to have a stable budget to support you financially. 

You will also spend on Area permits like Manaslu Restricted Permit USD 70.00 for the first seven days and USD 10.00 each additional day afterward. Other permits you will need during this trek include Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) USD 20 per person and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) USD 20 per person. 

Training for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

You should start training for the Manaslu Base Camp trek prior to the start of your expedition. Training is the best means to keep yourself prepared and fit for the challenges you might face in the trek. You should spend months training to maintain your fitness level for the Manaslu Circuit trek.

You will walk for 6-7 hours per day for several days and weeks to come. So, you have to increase your endurance and strength level by organizing and planning a strict training regime. You can engage in short hikes or you can go jogging for a few hours with a backpack, it helps to develop and build your endurance and strength. 

Cardiovascular fitness is also a key for successful Trekking and Mountaineering. The air pressure decreases as the altitude increases and you will have less oxygen to breathe. Cardiovascular fitness helps you to cope with the oxygen level in the Manaslu circuit trek expedition. Exercises like jogging, swimming, running and cycling helps to benefit your cardiovascular fitness. 

You should maintain your diet while trekking in Manaslu Circuit expedition. You should drink plenty of water and food rich with fibers, proteins, and carbohydrates. The intake of proper food and nutrition will help you replenish your energy level. 

Manaslu Trek Review

You will find the notion of peace and tranquility on your Manaslu Circuit expedition. Manaslu Circuit trek lies in the foothills of the Himalayan giants and is a suitable trek for all kinds of trekkers. It’s a known fact, Manaslu Circuit Trek is a moderate trek but there is no doubt it’s a challenging one. 

You can experience the exotic adventure through the high mountains and landscapes. With determination on your heart and physical fitness, you can enjoy the Manaslu Circuit trek to a full extent. Manaslu Circuit Trek is a great choice for adventurous once in a lifetime adventure. 

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