Is Manaslu Circuit Hard?

Manaslu Circuit Trek is an untrodden trail that passes through the heart of one of the tallest peaks, Manaslu. The trail stands for itself as it has wrapped around unexplored natural wonders and cultural gems that are unforgettable. 

As you start your journey from the subtropical landscape, you pass through the tropical landscape and then reach the upper desert-like landscape. Every step offers something new, and then the physical challenges are rewarded with the constant cheering of majestic white peaks like Naike, Himchuli, Manaslu, Annapurna II, Ganesh, Dhaulagiri, and many more. 

Moreover, the friendly Tibetan people and their amazing cultural artifacts, as well as the encounter with endangered species in the Manaslu conservation and Annapurna conservation areas, add extra charm to the trail. 

While its highlights may ignite your excitement, some trekkers have concerns before embarking on the trek, one of which is its difficulty. 
It is a moderately difficult trek, but with good physical fitness, you can conquer the challenges. It will be even better if you stay with us until the end to learn every aspect of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

Overview of Manaslu Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek starts from the lower small town of Sotikhola in the district of Gorkha in the Manaslu region. It starts with a scenic drive from the capital city of Kathmandu as the landscape transitions to the countryside. The next day starts your official day of the trek from the Sotikhola you walk through the muddy road and pass a different waterfall. 

In the initial days, you cross different suspension bridges and take a steep ascent from the bank of Budhigandaki. You reach the beautiful valley of Lho from Namrung, and then you experience the heavenly smile of the majestic Ganesh, Manaslu, and Naike peaks. 

Besides, the trail is adorned with flying chorten flags, the scripted mani wall, the spinning prayer wheel, and the monastery at different stops, which provide insights into the ancient Tibetan people living there. 

Although the trail of Manalsu Circuit Trek offers different things to explore, it is moderately challenging as you have to cross the challenging Larkya La above 5100 meters. 

Larkya La is yet another part of the trek that rewards you with the best panoramic views of Larkya La, Manaslu, Cheo Himal, and Gyaji Kyang. It's worth every effort. 

How difficult is the Manaslu trek? 

The Manaslu Circuit Trek trail is moderately challenging. That is because of the trail condition, altitude coverage, and other factors. Let's examine the factors that contribute to the difficulty of the Manaslu Circuit trek. 

Altitude

The trail of Manaslu Circuit will take you over 5000m, so it is obvious the high elevation is one of the major concerns. As you walk in high elevation, you have a chance of getting altitude sickness. 

The symptoms of altitude sickness are nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. To deal with this, you have to maintain a slow pace and hydrate yourself. Besides, you should focus on proper acclamation and take medicine like Diamox. In severe cases, it is better to seek medical help. 

Trail Conditions

You cross a diverse landscape of lush forest, rocky terrain, and steep ascent. So, the trail conditions can be a major factor in increasing the difficulty of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Likewise, the remote and rugged conditions of the trek demand endurance and stamina from the trekkers. 

In addition to the trail, the challenging and rewarding Larya La Pass is due to uneven surfaces and icy glaciers. To tackle this, you need the proper gear and fitness to deal with the trail comfortably.

Length and Duration

The Manaslu Circuit Trek circles Mt Manaslu, covering an approximate distance of 177 kilometers. Likewise, the walk takes 6-7 hours and requires sustained effort over an extended period. You should prepare for long walks and various accommodation facilities along the route.

How to prepare for Manaslu?

Good news for trekkers interested in the Manalsu Circuit Trek: The trail is absolutely beginner-friendly. After conducting 100 successful Manaslu Circuit Treks, our professional guide suggests that a good physical level of fitness is required for both beginner and advanced trekkers. At the same time, they need adequate cardiovascular fitness and mental resilience for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Training and Preparation Tips

• It is better to start with a long walk and a staircase to start with cardio. Further, to support the training, include some cardio and strength training in your fitness routine. Exercise your heart and lung capacity with activities like running, cycling, swimming, and brisk walking.
• You should also mentally prepare yourself for the challenges ahead. To tackle the altitude-related impacts, start by maintaining a positive mindset and mindfulness.
• Meanwhile, you should prepare your partner for the trek with good-quality trekking gear like sturdy boots, weather-related clothing, trekking bags, sleeping bags, and more. It might be easier for you to rent trekking gear in Thamel to save money and reduce the load of carrying your own gear.  
• Hydration is essential. To maintain your energy levels, you should drink at least 4 litres of water daily and consume balanced meals.
• Plan your rest days into your itinerary to allow your body to acclimatize gradually to changing altitudes.
• Since Manalsu is a restricted zone, hiring a trekking operator is a must. You should research an expert trek operator specializing in Manalsu, like Nepal Vision Trek. They will help you with all your permit, accomodation, and logistical requirements during the trek.

To wrap up, We can, without any doubt, conclude that the Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the hidden gems of the Manaslu region. You get to experience the appealing views of the peaks and the cultural richness of the local Tibetan people. However, it is also moderately difficult, and rugged terrain, high altitude, unpredictable weather, and remote settings contribute to its difficulty. 

But, with proper preparation, physical fitness, and mental resilience, you can overcome these challenges. You have to plan it carefully, pack appropriate gear, and travel with experienced guides for safety and support. 

Keeping the difficulty aside, the Manaslu Trek is hands down an unforgettable experience for a remarkable journey through the Himalayas. If you are ready to experience the joy, feel free to reach out to Nepal Vision Trek. 

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