Difficulty Level of Manaslu Circuit Trek
If you are planning to explore the off-the-beaten area of western Nepal, then you must be wondering about the difficulty level of this trek. Manaslu circuit trek is categorized as a moderately difficult or strenuous trek.
During the 2015 earthquake, the trails of the Manaslu area were destroyed. But dont worry, the trials are now developed with wider and clearer paths. Moreover, new trails are also developed to offer more chances to explore different areas. The trek will bestow the delight of the lush forest, suspension bridges, flowing streams, cultured settlement areas, and waterfalls during the journey while achieving the highest altitude of 5106 m, Larke la Pass.
Trek Duration
You will be required to cover a total distance of about 180 km(11 miles) during these 16 days. However, the distance may vary as per the itinerary and highlights you have chosen.
In these optimal days, you will have to hike for about 6 to 8 hours daily to cover about 9 km per day.
Some Factors that make this trek strenuous
Remoteness
As you are already aware, this 16-day trek will lead you to the more remote and undisturbed area of the Manaslu region, so the services and infrastructures are not well developed. The teahouse accommodations and meal facilities are basic, but you may not get network reception or Wifi services everywhere you go.
So, if you cannot adapt to sudden change, then it might create discomfort for you. Therefore, it is better to keep expectations low when you are trekking in remote areas.
Route
Manaslu circuit trek offers you the peace and calmness of the secluded Himalayan region, but to conquer this feat, you will have to overcome the rugged terrains, glacier moraines, loose soil, and steep ascents and descents.
So, if you come to this trek with inadequate equipment preparations and an underprepared body, then this trek can be more taxing for you.
Weather
Despite the fact that Manaslu circuit trekking is open for all seasons, the off-season can be more challenging due to weather factors. Especially during monsoons, high downpours increase the probability of landslides and floods in the area. This can result in even halting or postponing the trek. In case the trek goes as per the schedule, the trails will be muddy and slippery, causing accidents or mishaps.
Similarly, in the winter season, the trails and valleys will be covered with snow and temperature can be changed unpredictably, falling to minus. Moreover, the teahouses at higher altitudes can be closed as the owners will shift from higher altitudes to lower altitudes to avoid the freezing cold.
Altitude Sickness
The Manaslu Circuit Trekking for 16 days will elevate you to a higher altitude, so altitude sickness is definitely a concerning and alarming factor.
Starting the trek with an elevation of 850 meters at Maccha Khola, the trek escalates to an altitude upto 5106 m in Larke La Pass with different carrying points like Lho (3,180 meters), Samagaun (3,520 meters), Bhimtang (3,720 meters) and Dharamsala (4,450 meters).
So, there is a high possibility for trekkers like you to suffer from symptoms of altitude sickness like headache, shortness of breath, lack of appetite, fatigue, and dizziness.
Travel Insurance
Your package for 16 days of Manalsu circuit trekking does not include travel insurance. So, you need to make sure to get insured by the policy that covers all the medical costs, air ambulance, hospital bills, and evacuation expenses.
Most travel insurance does not include cancellation expenses in case of bad and unforeseeable circumstances. Hence, you can take cancellation insurance that will mitigate the prepaid cost of accommodations, flights, etc, in case you have to cancel the trek due to personal or other reasons.
Guides and porters
The main priority for us is to make your trek comfortable and safe. So, to make our objective come true, you will be accompanied by our guides and porters in your Manaslu Circuit Trekking for 16 days. The experienced and professional guide will lead the trek and make sure that you are fine during the whole trek. Moreover, they can offer expansive knowledge about the region as they have sufficient and appropriate information about the history, culture, and geography of the nooks and corners of those areas.
Furthermore, our guides must be well-trained in simple first aid and medical conditions like AMS, evacuation process in case of emergency, etc. So, in case you are feeling the symptoms of AMS or discomfort, you need to inform our guides immediately.
According to the recent changes made by the government, no solo trekkers are allowed to trek in the restricted area without a guide. Additionally, the guides should be government-licensed, not freelancers.
At the same time, you will meet with our friendly and cheerful guide once you end the bus ride and start the actual trek. One porter will carry a maximum of 15 to 20 kg of weight of 2 trekkers like you. They are well compensated and looked after by our company, including the facilities of meals and accommodations during the trek.
Best time for 16 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek
If you ask us when is the best time to trek to the Manaslu circuit, then we will recommend the months of spring and autumn season. March to May is the perfect time if you want to enjoy the fragrance of the blooming wildflowers and rhododendrons. Moreover, the skies are often clear, and the weather temperature is pleasant, making the trek more easy and comfortable.
Likewise, from September to November, you can enjoy the foliage turning into bright orange. The chances of precipitation and mist are generally very low, so you can fully enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains. Additionally, the fall season is the festive season in Nepal, which offers you an opportunity to experience how the centuries-old Hindu culture has perfectly blended with Buddhism and other Tibetan cultures.
Furthermore, the days are longer in both seasons, which adds extra time for you to explore the area. However, the objective of trekking for every individual can be different. In case you are a botanical or environment enthusiast, then trekking to the Manaslu circuit in monsoon season will help to widen your horizon on flora and other different species of plants. In case you love winter and want to explore the region during winter, it is possible, as trekking in Manaslu is open all year around.
What to Pack for Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Do you know that packing can impact your whole trekking journey? The right packing will help to keep you comfortable and protected during the whole trek, while the wrong packing will just keep you in trouble and a sense of discomfort.
So, here is the reference for you in case you do not miss the essentials and are overloaded with unwanted stuff.
Clothing
- Moisture-soaking base, layered top and bottom
- Insulating layers of fleece or a down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell of a jacket and pants
- Convertible trekking pants and shorts
- Long-sleeved shirts and T-shirts
- Sun hat, woolen beanie
- A couple of pairs of socks and underwear
- Pair of gloves
- Buff or neck gaiter
- Extra pair of socks and underwear
Shoes
- Sturdy and waterproof-fitting boots with good ankle support
- Comfortable sandals or shoes for evenings
Equipment
- Trekking poles
- Duffle bag, packing sack
- Backpack
- Binoculars, camera
- Sleeping bag (four seasonal sleeping bags recommended)
- Headlamps and extra batteries for it
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Reusable water bottles
- Water-purifying iodine tablets or filters
- Power bank, solar charger
- Universal charging cord
- Reusable water bottles
- Thermos flask
- Crampons
- Ice axe
Toiletries and personal hygiene
- Toothpaste, toothbrush, facewash, Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen, body lotion, and lip balm
- Soap, shampoo and conditioner
- Quick dry towels, toilet paper, Wet wipes, and face towel
- Deodorants
- Foot powder
- Personal medication (if any)
- Water purification solution or tablets
- Small first aid kit with all basic medications
Are the services at Manaslu Circuit Trek good?
Though the trek is famous for its off-the-beaten journey, providing solidarity among the Himalayas, the trek has a moderate level of services and facilities.
Accommodations
Along the trail, there are a number of lodges and teahouses providing lodging facilities. However, you may not be able to find luxurious hotels with upgraded services throughout the trek.
You will be provided with a twin-sharing room where you can find bunk beds in some of them. The bathroom can be of Western style in some lower altitude areas while you hike to higher altitude, it can change to traditional squat style.
Foods
The teahouse and lodge owners will offer you an expansive menu comprising the foods to suit your palate. You can taste regional food, Nepalese food, Indian and Tibetan cuisines, and even foreign specialties.
Breakfast
- Cereals
- Cornflakes
- Pancakes
- Pudding
- Soups or congee
- Toast
- Tea, coffee
- Roti Tarkari
- Selroti and many more
Lunch and dinner
- Traditional daal bhaat tarkari
- Dhindo
- Roti Tarkari
- Thakali khana set
- Momo, Dumplings
- Spaghetti
- Rildok and many more
You can have access to different cold, hot, and even hard drinks in these teahouses. However, this package does not include a 3-time meal facility and drinks (bottled and bar drinks), so you will have to pay for food and drinks from your own pocket. The food and drinks will cost about $20-30 per day.
Other services
It is very obvious that you will have to charge your devices or use wifi to inform your loved ones back home. These teahouses do have the facilities of wifi, charging, and hot shower. But you will have to pay them extra cost about $2 to $5 dollar to access these services.
Precautions and Safety Measures
After knowing about the difficulty level, you may be worried thinking whether you can do this moderately challenging trek. Don't worry; you can do this trek without a doubt. However, you have to be prepared beforehand and take necessary precautions and safety measures to make this trek more easygoing and comfortable.
In case you are a novice trekker, then you can try some physical exercises to increase your strength so that you do not get easily exhausted while climbing those rugged and steep paths. Since this trekking leads to a higher altitude, it is better to go for some high-altitude hiking.
Furthermore, our package includes the acclimatization day at Samagaon. So during that time, you need to make sure that you acclimatize properly to adjust the body temperature with falling oxygen levels. Anyone can fall prey to altitude sickness above 2500 m sea level, so in case you notice the symptoms of altitude sickness, you have to immediately inform our guide, who will help you in your vulnerable time.
Moreover, the altitude sickness can be resolved in 1 to 3 days. Hence, take your time to rest and walk at your pace with enough breath. Additionally, make sure you stay hydrated and eat your meals properly without skipping to energize yourself.
Can trekkers complete this trek without permits?
When trekking in Nepal, you cannot simply enter the area and begin your hike. Permits are necessary, which will be scanned by specialized authorities in that region, and then only access into that region is permitted. Likewise, the Manaslu circuit trek also demands some permit licenses.
The region from Jagat to Dharapani is declared a restricted area by the government of Nepal to control the tourist inflow. So, the first permit that will required to complete Manalsu circuit trekking is a special restricted area permit. (Manaslu RAP)
This permit applies from Jagat, and its last checkpoint is Sama Gaon. Moreover. the applicability of Manaslu RAP depends on the days you spend between Jagat and Dharapani. For the month of September to November, the cost of a restricted area permit will be USD 100 per person for the first seven days. From the eighth day onwards, you will be charged an additional cost of USD 15 per person per day.
Similarly, from the month of December to August, the cost of this permit will be USD 75 per person for 7 days. But you will be charged an additional cost of USD 10 per person per day from the eighth day onwards.
Since the Manaslu circuit trekking falls under the Manaslu conservation area, you must acquire a Manaslu conservation area permit. This permit will come into use from Philim, where the conservation area starts. Regarding the cost of this permit, it will be USD 30 per person with no time constraint. Additionally, this cost is not variable and will be constant throughout the year.
The last permit that will be required to complete this trek is the Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit. Unlike the restricted area permit, the ACAP permit will be the same throughout the year with no time restriction, costing USD 30 per person. This permit will be applicable in the conservation area from Dharapani until you exit Besi Sahar.
