Manaslu Trek Difficulty
Manaslu Trek Difficulty: Nepal has always been a popular trekking destination among travelers. This country is home to some of the most adventurous and marvelous classic treks. The routes are well known for being remote and exotic.
Are you planning on visiting the Manaslu region for your holidays? Planning on doing Manaslu Circuit Trek this time? But wondering how difficult is it going to be?
Well, then our article on Manaslu Trek Difficulty will be helpful for you. This trek is a moderate level trek suitable for any level trekkers.
If you are looking for adventures in the Himalayas then this is one of the best choices. The routes of Manaslu Trek are challenging and let you visit many remote villages on your way. Manaslu Trek difficulty mostly depends on one’s physical conditions.
For the most part of the trek, you will be walking in exotic and off-beaten paths. Trekking in high mountains is never an easy task. You will be facing many difficulties along the way.
But these difficulties are not that harsh. As many trekkers have already walked these trails before you. Similarly, the thrill and excitement you experience in this trek will forever be engraved in your memories.
Moreover, the trails are sloppy, rocky, and steep making it difficult. Other difficulties faced in this trek are altitude sickness, distance, weather, and many more. So, to make you aware of the difficulties we have explained them in detail.
Therefore, to know more about the Manaslu Trek Difficulty you can continue to read below.
About Manaslu Trek
Manaslu Trek lies in the west-central part of Nepal in the Gorkha District. This trek is one of the best classic tea house treks. You will be circling around the magnificent Manaslu Mountain on this trek.
Manaslu is also known as Kutang, which is the eighth highest mountain in the world and the highest peak in the Gorkha District. It resides at an elevation of 8163 m above sea level.
The routes for the Manaslu trek were only opened for trekking in 1991. These trails were once salt-trading routes that followed along the Budhi Gandaki River. Even though this trek is rapidly gaining popularity the routes are still remote and off-beaten. Also, the trails are less crowded compared to other similar treks.
You get to view epic scenarios during your time here. The beautiful landscape and mountain peaks will mesmerize you throughout the trip. While your encounters with the locals will let you experience their culture and tradition.
Some of the marvelous peaks that you see throughout the treks are Mt Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Peak 29, Himal Chuli, and many more.
As Manaslu Trek is a part of MCAP, so you will be requiring entry permits to complete this trek. Larkya La Pass is the highest point of the trek residing at an altitude of 5106 m above sea level.
This is one of the best long-distance treks and an alternative to the Annapurna Circuit trek. This trek lasts about 18 days in the Manaslu region including arrival and departure. Manaslu trek will keep you on your feet till the end of it.
Highlights of Manaslu Trek
- Less crowded routes
- Walking in the wild and remote trails
- Viewing beautiful scenarios of mountains and landscapes
- Reaching Larkya La Pass
- Experiencing Tibet influenced cultures and traditions
- Walking through tropical green hills
- Trekking through off-beaten paths
Manaslu Trek Route
Kathmandu- Sotikhola via Arughat- Maccha Khola- Jagat- Deng- Namrung- Samagaon- Samdo- Dharamsala- Bimthang via Larkya La Pass- Tilije – Tal – Syange – Kathmandu
You begin your journey by driving to Sotikhola from Kathmandu while passing the beautiful town of Arughat. Then after reaching your destination, your trekking journey begins the next day as you head towards Maccha Khola.
Following day you head to Jagat viewing beautiful scenarios. From there, you trek till Deng then to Namrung. After that, you head towards Samagaon where your first acclimatization will be held.
Later on, you trek to Samdo for your next rest day. Spending some fine time there you trek to Dharamsala. From there, you head towards Bimthang via Larkya La Pass.
Then, the next day you trek to Tilije then to Tal. From Tal, you descend to Syange then drive back to Kathmandu.
Outline Itinerary of Manaslu Trek
Day 1: Arrival to Kathmandu (1400 m)
Day 2: Sightseeing around the Kathmandu Valley
Day 3: Drive To Soti Khola (730 m) via Arughat (670 m) from Kathmandu – 8 to 10 hours
Day 4: Trek from Sotikhola to Maccha Khola (900 m) – 6 to 7 hours
Day 5: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1370 m) – 7 to 8 hours
Day 6: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1804 m) – 8 hours
Day 7: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2630 m) – 6 to 7 hours
Day 8: Trek from Namrunng to Samagaon (3530 m) – 7 hours
Day 9: Acclimatize at Samagaon
Day 10: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3875 m) – 4 to 5 hours
Day 11: Rest day in Samdo
Day 12: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (4460 m) – 5 to 6 hours
Day 13: Trek from Dharamsala to Bumthang (3590 m) via Larkya La Pass (5160 m) – 8 to 9 hours
Day 14: Trek from Bumthang to Tilije ( 2300 m) – 5 to 6 hours
Day 15: Trek from Tilije to Tal (1700 m) – 6 to 7 hours
Day 16: Trek from Tal to Syange (1080 m) – 7 hours
Day 17: Drive back to Kathmandu – 9 hours
Day 18: Departure
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Manaslu Trek Difficulty
While trekking in high mountains, it is known that trekkers will be facing many difficulties. These difficulties can be known or unknown to them in advance. This is a strenuous trek filled with narrower trails.
We have mentioned a few of the Manaslu Trek Difficulty that may occur during your trek. To know more about the difficulty read further below:
Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty on route
Manaslu trek has one of the best off-beaten trails. The paths are full of an exciting and adventurous journey. You will be making many ups and downs in these trails along with twists and turns.
Some parts of the trials can be harsh for experienced level trekkers as well. You will be walking in sloppy, steep, and rocky trails. As many parts of Manaslu are still remote the routes are rough and dusty.
The first few days of the trails, Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty will be tough as the routes are steep and narrow. The trails will be breezy as you will cross many suspension over the Budhi Gandaki River.
Reaching Larkya La Pass will be one of the exhausting parts of this trek. The steep climb will be quite exhausting even though you have been walking for many days.
Distance and Duration
This trek is one of the long-distance treks. You will be covering a total distance of 177 km while circuiting the Manaslu region. And staying in this region for more than 2 weeks.
Each day you will be walking for about 6 to 7 hours covering about 10 to 20 km. Walking continuously for hours can be tiring and require huge stamina. But it can be different according to individuals. If you have beforehand experience then your Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty will be less.
If you feel like extending your trek then you can add alternative trips as well. Usually, the trek is about 18 days but you can shorten the length as well.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness can be a reason for increased Manaslu circuit trek difficulty. If you are climbing at an altitude above 3000 m, suffering from AMS is common. Not every individual suffers from it, so you shouldn’t be scared. But you should be careful.
As you will be traveling up to an altitude of 5160 m, there are chances of suffering from altitude sickness. Acute Mountain Sickness occurs when people travel in high altitudes where the air is thin. Due to the lack of oxygen, people suffer from this.
Some symptoms of this sickness are nausea, vomiting, headache, lack of sleep, breathing difficulty, dizziness, loss of appetite, and many more. If the condition worsens you might even find it hard to walk.
So, if you see any of these symptoms immediately inform your guide. They will give you further instructions on what to do. You should not hide your problems as it can be risky if it worsens.
Accommodation
Even though the routes have recently been opened for trekking. You will find many tea houses in every destination. Thus, it is known as one of the best tea house treks.
But accommodation can be one of the factors of Manaslu circuit trek difficulty while traveling in peak seasons. Spring and Autumn are the peak seasons of the year. During this time, the routes and lodges are packed with trekkers.
So, you might have to share rooms with your companion. You might not get the room of your choice. Also, there is no attached bathroom in higher places. You have to share public bathrooms.
Waiting in a long queue outside the toilets for your turn can be tiring and frustrating for many. You have to be able to adjust in any situation for this trek.
Food and Drinks
Not getting the choice of your food and drinks can be a huge disappointment for many travelers. The higher regions are still underdeveloped so many of the western food and drinks are not available there.
You can find various cuisines in the capital and lower regions. But once you begin your trek, you normally find traditional food in every place. They usually offer Dal, Bhat, Curry, Lentils, Achar, and many other side dishes.
Also, you will find only a few no. of shops along the way that are at very large distances. Following that, it might take hours to find another shop from your last destination. So, packing important items beforehand is necessary.
Lack of Training
This is a moderate level climb suitable for both beginners and professionals. But it can be harsh for anyone with a lack of training and preparation. You will be making many steep up and downhill walks which require stamina.
You will be walking for hours each day to reach your destination. The routes will be harsher for novice trekkers. As they have no previous trekking experiences. Also, they might fall behind on catching up with their fellow companions.
Bring delay on treks can be costly as you might not reach your desired destination on time. Thereupon, it can cause interruption to your schedule.
Budget Management
Managing the budget can never go according to your plan when traveling in high regions. Here, because the food and accommodations are expensive in these places. Hence, if you are a budget traveler it will be quite difficult for you.
Noone can be too sure when traveling in high altitudes, so carrying extra cash is necessary. In fact, you won’t find any ATMs or banks in high places. Also, there are no money exchangers along the routes.
Also, the cost of food and services is higher than in the cities. As they depend on porters and animals for transportation. You will understand the reason for the costly price during your visit.
Weather and Temperature
Weather and Temperature plays a major role in your Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty. These things are something that can never be predicted beforehand. But we can be cautious and well prepared for them.
Weather and Temperature can be mainly a hindrance during Monsoon and Winter season. Due to the following reasons:
Monsoon Season
Monsoon is the season for heavy rain showers. Due to continuous rainfall, the routes tend to be muddy and slippery. Also, the beautiful view of mountain peaks hides behind the dark rain clouds.
Roadways are usually blocked due to landslides and floods. So, traveling during this season can be very challenging. Overall, the temperature ranges from 5 to 15 degrees during this season.
Winter Season
Winter is the season for snowfall in high altitudes. This season is the coldest time of the year. Likewise, the higher you climb in altitude the colder it becomes. Meanwhile, the routes are filled with snow so you need to be very careful.
Due to heavy snow, routes are usually blocked, bringing disappointment to the trekkers. The temperature tends to range from 2 to -7 degrees during this season. Due to these reasons, the Manaslu circuit trek difficulty is extreme during the winter season.
Tips to Overcome Manaslu Trek Difficulty
Stay Hydrated
While going on treks always carry a personal bottle with you. It is necessary to bring along a bottle to store water for the treks. You will find fewer shops as you keep ascending in the trails.
Furthermore, keeping your body hydrated should be the first priority. Likewise, it is normal to dehydrate as you will be sweating a lot on these routes. So, keep drinking water and walk slowly to save energy.
Physical Exercise
Manaslu trek is a moderate level trek but still, it requires physical training. However, there is no need for technical training. Physical training is not harsh. In fact, you can do them on your own or at home as well.
Similarly, physical training helps to increase your stamina which will be quite helpful for your trek. Some of the physical training is running, cycling, short hikes, swimming, and many more.
You do not need to hire a trainer or visit a gym to do this training. In due course, you can do these physical training along with your daily activities
Pack light
Packing light is very necessary when going on treks. Carrying extra luggage will only slow you down. Usually, people hire porters for this job. But if you are carrying your own backpack then it should be light.
Do not bring along less important things that will only eat up your space. The lighter your backpack the less energy it consumes. In addition, always make a packing list and bring along essential needs only.
Acclimatize
Acclimatization is very necessary to prevent altitude sickness. This is a rest day for trekkers. In short, it is done to let your body adjust to the current environment. Later on, rapidly walking in high elevation can affect your body.
So rest days are held depending on how high you will be climbing. During this day, you can explore the surrounding area, or go on a short hike around the hills. In brief, you have the whole day off so you can give your body some rest as well.
Advance Booking
If you are traveling during peak season finding proper accommodation can be a hard task. So, it is better to book rooms in advance. Overall, you can get the room of your choice and have all the room for yourself.
If you are traveling through agencies, then you do not have to worry. Subsequently, they will have already booked the rooms for you.
Similar articles you may like:
- Annapurna Circuit Trek vs Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Manaslu Circuit Trek in September, October & November
- Manaslu Trek Difficulty
Alternative Route
If you are looking forward to spending more time in this region and exploring it. Then you can choose the Manaslu trek followed by Tsum Valley.
Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley
Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley is the combination of two remote treks. You will be encircling Mount Manaslu while visiting a part of Tsum valley. Moreover, this valley is also known as the Hidden Valley of Happiness for its peace and solitude.
Tsum Valley is fully isolated from the uses of modern technology. Likewise, the routes for this valley were officially opened in 2007. Similarly, the people living here have their own culture, tradition, and dialect.
You get to experience their warm and unique hospitality. And explore the untouched lands of Tsum. This valley is surrounded by various giant peaks that look awesome on its backdrop.
On this trek, you will be reaching very close to the Tibetan Border and foothills of magnificent peaks. The view of the pristine valley from Larkya La Pass will forever be engraved in your memory.
In particular, the difficulties faced in this trek is similar to Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty. Also, you should be well prepared before beginning your trek.
Furthermore, this trek is full of wonderful adventure that sends a chill down your spine. Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley is about 23 days long that will keep you on your feet throughout the way.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu
Day 2: Explore the Kathmandu Valley
Day 3: Drive to Barpak (1915 m) – 8 to 9 hours
Day 4: Trek to Larpak (2200 m) – 4 to 5 hours
Day 5: Trek to Khorlabensi ( 970 m) – 7 to 8 hours
Day 6: Trek to Philim ( 1570 m) – 5 to 6 hours
Day 7: Trek to Chumling ( 2386 m) – 6 hours
Day 8: Trek to Chhokang ( 3031 m) – 6 to 7 hours
Day 9: Trek to Nile (3361 m) – 3 to 4 hours
Day 10: Trek to Mu Gompa (3700 m) – 2 to 3 hours
Day 11: Trek to Rachen Gompa (3240 m) – 3 to 4 hours
Day 12: Trek to Gumba Lungdang (3200 m) – 5 to 6 hours
Day 13: Hike to Ganesh Himal Base Camp ( 4200 m) and back to Gumba Lungdang – 8 hours
Day 14: Trek to Lokpa (2240 m) – 7 to 8 hours
Day 15: Trek to Ghap (2160 m) – 4 to 5 hours
Day 16: Trek to Lho (3180 m) – 5 to 6 hours
Day 17: Trek to Samagaon b Hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4400 m) and back to Samagaon – 6 to 7 hours
Day 19: Trek to Samdo (3875 m) – 2 to 3 hours
Day 20: Trek to Dharamsala (4460 m) – 3 to 4 hours
Day 21: Trek to Bumthang (3590 m) via Larkya La Pass (5560 m) – 9 hours
Day 22: Trek to Dharapani (1963 m) – 7 to 8 hours
Day 23: Local Jeep to Besisahar and drive back to Kathmandu