What is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty Level ? Everything You Need to Know

What is the Nepal Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty Level?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty is fairly rated as moderate to challenging, 7-8 on a 10-point scale. Yet the trek brings a significant degree of difficulty even for experienced hikers because:

• Altitude: the trek will take you to a maximum altitude of 5,160 meters (16,929 feet), Larkya La Pass
• Duration: the invernal trek will take 14-18 days for the full circuit, on average
• Hiking time: you can expect to walk for 5-7 hours a day on the trek
• Trail: the trail may include sections of rough terrain, steepness, and potential river crossings.

Unlike some of the more accessible treks in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit Trek requires you to be adequately prepared with a good level of fitness and some level of mental fortitude. In terms of overall difficulty, the journey is slightly easier than the Everest Base Camp trek, but more challenging than the popular Annapurna Circuit.

Who Can Do the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal?

The Manaslu Circuit in Nepalis suitable for trekkers with:

• Previous multi-day trekking experience
• Good physical fitness and endurance
• Mental determination to push through challenging days
• Ability to handle basic to moderate altitude conditions
• Preparation for remote trekking with limited facilities

Is Manaslu Circuit Trek Suitable for Beginners?

If you are looking at the Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty for beginners, let's be real! It is certainly not impossible for a beginner, but it is much more difficult than other beginner treks, like Poon Hill or Everest View. If you are a first timer, you should:

• Get in shape at least 3 months before your departure.
• Consider going on a fully supported trek with guides who have trekked the Manaslu Circuit before. 
• Get experience trekking shorter routes before going for Manaslu. 
• Take extra days for acclimatization.
• Be mentally prepared for really challenging sections!

A first-time trekker, who is already pretty fit, has experience doing outdoor activities, and is willing to prepare for the trek, should be able to complete the circuit; however, they must approach it with caution and respect for the challenges involved.

Key Factors Affecting Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

How Difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek because of the altitude and terrain?

There is a strong relationship between altitude and difficulty of the Manaslu Trek. Depending on when you are trekking the trail, you will gradually walk yourself to the high altitudes listed, with a few high altitude jumps as summarised below:

• Days 1-3: The trek starts at Soti Khola (710m) with a gradual walk uphill to Namrung (2630m)
• Days 4-7: Continuing to climb to Samagaon (3,530m) at Day 7 and then Samdo (3860m)
• Days 8-9: Starting the steep climb to Dharamsala (4,460m) and then crossing Larkya La pass (5160m).
• Days 10-14: Descending to Dharapani (1860m).

Crossing Larkya La (5160m) is the most challenging part of the trek. Due mainly to:

• Inevitably starting early that morning (usually around 4 AM)
• The fact that you will be trekking for 8-10 hours on the pass day
• The steepness and rocky terrain as well as the potential for snow and/or ice
• That the air is thinner at 5160m, and you will have about 53% of the oxygen as at sea level
• A number of temperature changes and the potential to be exposed to the elements

Also, altitude sickness becomes a concern when you are above 3000m, and it starts out as minor symptoms that include light headaches, not being hungry, disturbed sleep, or it may be more significant at higher altitudes which may warrant a large amount of not very enjoyable downhill trekking to make a descent if they cannot continue. The Manaslu Circuit Trek altitude challenges will require the incorporation of adequate acclimatization days in your itinerary.

Trail Conditions: Rocky Trails, River Crossings and Steep Climbs

The varied nature of Manaslu trekking has to do with changing terrain with the following aspects:

• Narrow pathways cling to the slopes of cliffs with severe drop-offs.
• Scree rocks that are loose, particularly near Larkya La Pass
• Wooden and suspension bridges that cross rushing rivers
• Steep stone staircases traveling through villages
• Muddy segments during monsoon season or spring
• Snow and ice at high altitude (October - November and March - April)

Trail conditions will vary significantly depending on the season:

• Spring; muddy lower sections, maybe snow at altitude.
• Autumn; usually dry, though early snowfall may occur at Larkya La Pass.
• Winter; difficult with heavy snow at high passes.
• Monsoon; leeches, slippery trails, and possible landslides.

Every section of the journey presents different challenges of the trekking Manaslu Circuit and require proper gear and careful trekking.

Physical Fitness Required for the Trekking to Manaslu Circuit

Completing the Manaslu Circuit needs a high degree of fitness for Manaslu Trek inclusion. In preparation I recommend you consider the following regimen:

• Cardio fitness: 3-4 days a week of hiking, running, cycling, or swimming
• Strength training is necessary to build up your back, core, and legs.
• Stairs: you will need to train your legs to go up and down stairs as there will be a lot of uphill and downhill sections
• Endurance: regular 6-8 hour hikes with a loaded pack on weekends
• Balance: during the trek you will encounter uneven terrain and will need to use balance exercises

At minimum, you need be comfortable:

• Comfortable walking 6-7 hours including up and downhill hiking, two consecutive weeks
• Comfortable carrying a day pack of 5-7kg
• Comfortable hiking up and down 600 -1000 meter elevation in one day
• Comfortable at high altitude and an area of decreased oxygen

Training Tips for Larkya La Pass

Crossing Larkya La requires specialized training, including:

• Interval training: A technique that alternates brief bursts of vigorous exercise with rest intervals.
• High incline treadmill walking: For 30-45 minutes at maximum incline.
• Weighted step-ups: This workout strengthens the glutes and quadriceps.
• Altitude training: If possible, try to find a gym with an altitude room and do several sessions in it.
• Mental preparation: There are many visualization techniques for making it through tough moments.

You should plan to start your training at least 3 months before your trek to give your body a chance to adapt to the rigors of high-altitude trekking. Although the Manaslu Circuit hiking difficulty should not be underestimated, it is achievable for most committed trekkers if they are properly prepared.

Preparation Tips for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Aside from physical training, proper preparation can alter your experience of the Manaslu Trek difficulty:

Equipment preparation

• good hiking boots (broken in before the trek)
• Four-season sleeping bag
• Base layers (more breathable) - mid layers (warmer) - waterproof outer layers
• tent/bathing/hiking water shoes/sandals
• Trekking poles
• UV protection (glasses, cream, hat)

Mental preparation

• do your homework on the route.
• meet others who have trekked
• understand you may have limited connectivity
• the cultural customs you may encounter

Administrative preparation

• Permits to trek in Manaslu Conservation Area
• Restricted Area Permit
• TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
• travel insurance that includes coverage for evacuation and high-altitude treks.

Acclimatization Strategies to Avoid Altitude Sickness on trek

Managing altitude is vital to the safe enjoyment of the Manaslu Circuit Trek altitude and Difficulty. Here are some practical suggestions with altitude management in mind:

• Follow the principle "climb high, sleep low," whenever you can.
• You should look to plan 2-3 specific acclimatization days, typically at Samagaon and Samdo, to give your body time to adjust to the altitude.
• Once you have climbed more than 3,000 meters, keep your daily ascent to 300–500 meters.
• To stay hydrated, drink four to five liters of water each day.
• Do not consume alcohol or smoke when trekking.
• Consider if you would like to take prophylactic medication, such as Diamox (consult a doctor first).
• Recognize the early warning indicators of altitude sickness and be ready to descend right away if symptoms get worse.

Altitude sickness can affect even the fittest of trekkers, and so it is worth taking all precautions in relation to altitude to ensure a safe trek, regardless of physical fitness.

Food and Accommodations: What to Expect During Manaslu Trek?

Being aware of the facilities available on the route will give you an idea of what the actual difficulty level of the Manaslu Circuit Trek will be:

Accommodation

• Basic teahouses with shared facilities in most villages
• Basic rooms with twin beds
• No heat, although the common area might be heated.
• Shared bathrooms with basic facilities
• Accommodations get steadily more basic as we gain altitude
• Possibility of room sharing during peak hours

Food

• Local Nepalese dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, and vegetables)
• Basic Western food ie. pasta, pizza, and soups
• Fresh products are located even further up the mountain
• The higher you go, the fewer options appear on the menu
• The price of food is high due to limited options, especially compared to easier treks
• Limited accommodation for dietary restrictions.

The basic nature of the accommodation adds difficulty to the trek overall, especially if you are used to more comfortable facilities. Bring a sleeping bag liner for hygienic reasons but also for extra warmth, especially when it's going to be very cold at higher altitudes at night.

Do You Need a Guide and Porter for Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal?

A key part of gauging how difficult is Manaslu Circuit Trek is to determine if you need professional help:

Why having a guide is necessary:

• To fulfill a legal requirement for the Restricted Area Permit
• To provide navigation help when the trail is not clear
• To provide important emergency help
• To afford some cultural interpretation with local knowledge
• To deal with accommodations in remote villages

Porters are not required, but I recommend that you have one to:

• Minimize the difficulty of the trek
• Maximize your enjoyment of the trip
• Focus more on the journey and less on your pack.
• Support local employment in the region

In summary, and while you may not have a guide, having one does defray some additional logistical planning, enhances safety and enjoyment, and reduces the difficulty of the overall Manaslu trek.

Transportation and Accessibility to Manaslu Circuit Trek

The overall journey to and from the trailhead brings another set of challenges to the Manaslu Circuit Trek:

• Travel time: 8–9 hours by jeep from Kathmandu to Machha Khola or Soti Khola
• Road conditions: expect rough, winding mountain roads
• Value of time: potential delays are inevitable
• Getting back: bus from Dharapani to Besisahar, and then bus to Kathmandu

The remote aspect of the trek comes with the downsides of:

• Limited evacuation options and road access in case of emergencies
• Less trekkers and services than more popular pilgrimage routes
• More feelings of isolation and remoteness
• Less tourist driven authentic cultural experiences

These accessibility challenges are part of what makes the Manaslu Circuit more difficult and what gives it a unique attractiveness as compared to trekkers with easier access to trails.

Comparing Difficulty: Manaslu vs. Annapurna Circuit

To put the trekking difficulty of the Manaslu Circuit in perspective:

While both circuits present significant challenges, Manaslu offers a more authentic, remote experience with slightly more basic facilities and fewer fellow trekkers.

Important Information Before Hiking to Manaslu Circuit

In addition to understanding how difficult the Manaslu Trek may be in general, let's look at some other practical information:

• Communication: Limited and inconsistent phone service, and unreliable Wi-Fi access
• Electricity: Very limited charging facilities where available, solar chargers recommended
• Cash considerations: No ATMs on the trail, bring enough Nepali rupees for your trip
• Water purification: It is important for preventing waterborne illness
• Sense of culture: Respect is necessary in traditional Buddhist villages
• Awareness of wildlife: Remote areas have a potential for wildlife encounters

Seasonal Considerations of Trekking Difficulty

The time of year that you go on your trek has a major impact on how difficult the Manaslu Trek may be:

Autumn (October-November)

• Best weather conditions with best visibility
• Time of year when weather tends to be quite stable (meaning the chances of having easy warm dry days in a row is the highest)
• Daytime moderate temperatures
• very cold nights at high elevation
• great availability in teahouses and on the trails
• Overall Difficulty: Moderate

Spring (March - May)

• Incredible views of rhododendron in bloom
• Increasing warmth
• Cloudy afternoons
• Unsteady or 'less stable' weather than Autumn.
• Decent visibility
• Overall Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Winter (December-February)

• Frigid temperatures
• Possible heavy snow at Larkya La Pass
• May not be able to get over the Pass
• Very few trekkers are present
• Few teahouses are open
• Overall Difficulty: Very Challenging

Monsoon (June-September)

• Heavy rain and humidity
• Leeches on Lower trails 
• Danger of landslides
• Visibility is almost non-existent
• Difficult river crossings
• Overall Difficulty: Very Challenging

For the majority of trekkers , Autumn generally provides the best combination of weather conditions and accessibility, ultimately offering the most reasonable degree of difficulty along the trek.

FAQs

What Physical Fitness Level Is Required to Complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek Successfully?

The physical fitness for Manaslu Trek should include:

• Capacity to hike 6-7 hours per day for 12+ consecutive days
• Comfortable around 600-1000m elevation gain/loss in a day
• Ability to carry a daypack between 5 - 7 kg for the journey
• Experience of undertaking multi-day hikes, or just other endurance type activities
• Cardiovascular fitness to adjust to less oxygen

And, just as importantly, is mental resilience (having great physical readiness is one thing, but aside from your current condition, having the mental ability to keep a good attitude through the tough sections will certainly affect your experience).

Is Manaslu Circuit Trek Harder Than Everest Base Camp?

Simply Yes, There is no question that EBC reaches a higher altitude, however, many trekkers find Manaslu to be much more challenging once they factor in remoteness, facilities, and trail conditions.

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The length has to do with how people rate the Manaslu Circuit Trek's difficulty: Attempting to finish the circuit too quickly will increase the difficulty level, and increase the element of sickness due to the altitude. Most trekking companies recommend 14+ days to ensure safety and enjoyment of the trek.

Can I combine the Annapurna Circuit Trek with the Manaslu Circuit?

Yes! The treks meet up in Dharapani. Once you have finished the Manaslu circuit, keep trekking west from Dharapani, and you will join the Annapurna circuit. This will add an additional 7-10 days onto your trek and you will need permits for both regions (ACAP and MCAP). You will experience many different landscapes of trekking from Himalayan valleys to the Thorong La Pass at 5,416m to cultural highlights in villages like Manang and Muktinath. Great trek for those wanting to explore a longer trek!

Conclusion and Suggestions

The Manaslu Circuit Trek, while challenging, is a highly rewarding adventure that offers breathtaking scenery, rich cultural encounters, and a deep sense of accomplishment. With proper preparation, including physical fitness training, acclimatization planning, and careful packing, this trek is achievable for most committed adventurers. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a well-prepared beginner, the Manaslu Circuit promises an unforgettable journey.

Prioritize acclimatization to adapt to high altitudes safely, Train specifically for the trek's physical and mental demands., Pack light but include essentials like sturdy footwear, layers, and trekking poles, Select a season that aligns with your comfort and experience level, Respect and be receptive to the region's natural and cultural diversity to have the sucessful trek. Please contact Himalayan Recreation for the further information about trek.

Some Trek Around Manaslu

• Manaslu Circui trek 14 Days
• Tsum Valley Trek - 16 Days