Manaslu circuit trek difficulty

26th August 2022

Manaslu is the world's eighth highest mountain in the world. The name Manaslu comes from the Sanskrit word “Manasa” which means “intellect” or “soul”. Manaslu circuit trek is a challenging and well-liked trek which starts from Kathmandu. The most demanding trek after the Everest base camp trek is the Manaslu Circuit Trek which attracts the tourist due to its difficult adventure and glimpse of more than 10 mountains during the trek. About 12,000 tourists come for this trek every year for an adventurous trek.

It is breathtaking to experience crossing the noisy river through the suspension bridge, a peaceful feeling when there is no bridge but you have to go through the river by balancing yourself, tickly touching of water that touches and goes, the slippery smooth stone that makes you the way. Additionally you also through the rhododendron forest (the national flower of Nepal), different flora and fauna, different species, majestic landscape, Tibetan villages, high-range mountains, and much more unseen beauty which fills your heart with pleasure.

Manaslu circuit trek is also known as a “killer mountain” which is named by the local Nepali people. It is referred to as a challenging trek due to its slippery steps to the mountains which takes the life of many trekkers. It is less crowded than other treks including the Everest base camp trek and the Annapurna base camp trek. However, it is a challenging and difficult trek but after crossing all the difficulties, the view and experience that you will get are going to be the best adventurous memory of a lifetime.

Manaslu Circuit Trek's difficulty and challenges

1. Distance

2 . Altitude sickness

3 .Weather/season

4. Acclimatization

5. Food and accommodation

6. Guide

Distance of Manaslu circuit trek

Manaslu circuit trek is a quite challenging and long way trek. Its itinerary was planned acccording to the trekker's time and demand. Generally, the total distance of the Manaslu trek is 109 miles which can be completed in 14-18 days. Roughly you have to walk at least 7.5 miles per day to reach your destination for a day. Each day you will be walking for about 6 to 7 hours that covering about 10 to 20 km.

Moreover, if you are a beginner then it may take some more time to complete the goal of a day. But you can take your time you dont have to give pressure on your body to complete the target distance of a day. You can choose a long-day itinerary so you can explore the Manaslu trek by taking some rest.

Altitude sickness in Manaslu circuit trek

Altitude sickness is the major problem during hiking in higher altitude areas. It is the illness caused by going to a higher altitude due to the lack of oxygen including vomiting, headache, dizziness, swelling hands/feet, fever, Insomnia, and so on. When you reach more than 2,500m above sea level you started facing the altitude sickness problem. Mount Manaslu is located at an altitude of 8,163m. As you go high there is a lack of oxygen compared to lower altitude areas. If you feel or see any symptoms then eat the medication or go to the normal region area. Ignoring this symptom can be very dangerous you can also lose your life.

Common symptoms of Altitude sickness

Vomiting
Fever
Dizziness
Swelling foot/hands
Insomnia
Breathing difficulties
Tiredness
Nausea
Weakness
Feeling sleepy
Tight chest, e.t.c.

During every trek, you have to face altitude sickness, so make sure you are taking some common medicine to deal with altitude sickness. Medicine for altitude sickness includes acetazolamide, paracetamol, promethazine, acetaminophen, naproxen, and e.t.c.

Weather/season

Weather is unpredictable in higher altitude regions. Sometimes it is sunny and sometimes it starts raining in an instant, it is cloudy, nothing is known when and how the weather changes. Before starting your trek to any region check the weather forecast for a successful trek. A well-trained experienced guide will help you to get over this situation. They are experts in dealing with and preventing this situation.

According to my experience, the different season offers a different view, with the season nature also changes its beauty. Here it is very important to understand the difficulties and view a different season during the trek to Manaslu Circuit Trek. Let’s read in detail about the weather of the Manaslu region in a different season.

Spring season (March-May)

The season of Spring is highly preferred by the trekkers for Manaslu Circuit Trek. It offers a clear sky view, bright sun and moderate temperature due to which you can explore the beauty of the Manaslu region clearly. Trekking during this season is less risky compared to the other season.

During this season snowfalls slow and starts to progressively melt in the spring. The environment will be really pleasant, although the path may be a little icy at a high altitude. Beautiful nature is coloured by trees with newly emerging leaves, flowering flowers, and primarily several species of rhododendrons.

Summer season (June-August)

Months from June to August is the rainiest month of the year at higher altitude in Nepal. You dont have to wait for the monsoon to rain. The steep roads for the Manaslu Circuit trek are very slippery and dangerous to trek during this time. Additionally, the leeches during this season are found in large numbers. Many people have mistaken fear of leeches because their bites are painless. Its bite can cause painless bleeding, itching, redness, and burning. It may also cause serious problems in our health like Anemia, Haemoptysis, Dyspnoea and hematemesis.

But if you are with a proper guide and using the proper gear then you can overcome the difficulties and complete your trek successfully. If you want a less crowded experience then you can choose this season for your trek. The temperature of the Manaslu region fluctuated from 22 to 25-degree celsius.

Winter season (December- February)

The temperature during this season fluctuates between 4-12 degree Celsius. It is quite difficult to trek during the winter season due to its very cold temperature and the snowy way which make your way slippery. Apart from this, you will get a perfect adorable view of snow-covered mountains and the trees which are swinging with heavy snow over them. Walking over the thin coat of snow is difficult but also an intensely pleasurable experience.

Acclimatization

Proper acclimatization is very important for a safe and successful trek. If you are moving to a higher altitude too fast then you will suffer from the problem of altitude sickness. So acclimatization is very important to adjust your body to the higher altitude environment. Acclimatization is the term used to describe adaptive physiological changes: earlier onset of sweating, greater sweat production, ad reduced electrolyte loss in sweat. Moreover, there are three stages in acclimatization the preparation stage, the ascent stage and the descent stage.

How do you acclimate to hiking at a high altitude quickly?

Prepare yourself physically and mentally before starting your hiking
Travel slowly dont rush to cover long distance
Drink enough water to stay hydrated
If you are addicted to smoke or alcohol then avoid it during the hiking
Travel with an experienced guide
Always keep yourself warm in the cold wind of high altitude region
Bring a proper and important hiking equipment

Food and accommodation

Travellers hardly climb Manaslu because of its accessibility and challenging paths. Its most of the tracks are unpaved and include difficult climbs over hills, cliffs, and pebbles. So you did not find varieties of food in the hotel/ lodges because of the hostile environment. Moreover, you easily find vegetarian and non-vegetarian food as per your demand. However, the food is healthy and hygienic. The teahouses offer single rooms with attached bathrooms in lower altitude areas but the facilities become limited as you go higher in high altitude areas.

Proper guide for Manaslu circuit trek

Hiring a trained guide to help you get to your destination securely and comfortably is another crucial component of stunning terrains. Your basic first aid needs will be met by these qualified guides, who will also assist you in an emergency evacuation.

You will benefit from it if you experience any altitude sickness. They will be familiar with the region's route like the back of their hand because they are natives of the area. There is no risk of you getting lost because they can expertly lead you. Getting to experience the region's culture is another appealing feature of hiring a guide.

Packing list for Manaslu circuit Trek

Before starting your trek, it is very important to pack essential hiking equipment for a comfortable and successful trek. Having too little or too much luggage can sometimes ruin a trip. The Manaslu Circuit trek, which is 78 miles long and departs from Kathmandu, offers views of expansive landscapes, glittering mountains, and breathtaking glaciers. However, it also presents some difficult obstacles that put hikers' patience to the test. In order to overcome the Manaslu trek difficulty, you'll need a ton of gear.

So here I am going to share my experience about the hiking equipment that every trekker should carry during their trek. However, the weather is totally unpredictable, so we should always be ready to deal with it. The listed hiking equipment will definitely help you to complete your trek easily.

Clothing

Summer hat/ Winter hat

Hiking skirt/ hiking trousers

Beanie

Neckband

Light breathable trousers

Full sleeve T-shirt or shirt

Woollen sweater

Socks 2/3 pairs

Down jacket

Waterproof jackets and pants

Hiking boots or sports shoes.

Hiking gear

Hiking backpack

Bottle

Water purification pills

Trekking map

Trekking pole

Compass

Sleeping bag

Camping equipment

Scissors

lighters/matchsticks

Rope

Personal equipment

Soap

Shampoo

Tissue paper

Toilet paper

Towel

Hanky

Nail cutter

Lip Guard

Sunscreen

Moisturiser

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Deodorant/perfume

Optional equipment

Watch

Camera

Phone

Notebook

Selfie stick

Documents

Passport size photo

Photocopy of passport and passport

Visa

Permit

Citizenship

Medicine and first aid kit

Diamox 250mg (altitude sickness)

Paracetamol (painkiller)

Imodium (diarrhoea)

Clotrimazole cream (skin infections)

Crocin (fever)

Zintac (acidity)

Disprin (Headache)

Bandages

Handiplasts

Adhesive Tapes

Crocin

Dettol

Conclusion

One of the best and most unexplored trekking areas in Nepal is the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The Manaslu region is abundant in natural beauty, stunning snow-capped mountains, traditional villages, and fantastic treks.

Manaslu trekking entails discovering undiscovered wonders of the planet. Trekkers journey across breathtaking landscapes, dizzying mountain passes, and undiscovered regions that truly capture the essence of remoteness.

Glowing greenery, yak pastures, river gorges, thrilling suspension bridges, remoteness, a variety of flora and animals, as well as the blessing of Mount Manaslu, the eighth-tallest summit in the world, all welcome trekkers.