The Manaslu Circuit trek is one of Nepal’s most famous and exhilarating circuit treks. It is a challenging trek, offering jaw-dropping mountain panoramas and a lifetime experience. The Manaslu Circuit trek difficulty is strenuous. The trail is not technical but offbeat. Trekkers have to be very careful and maintain good balance on the steep, rugged sections. The trail continuously ascends or descends, and 6 hours of daily walking demands good physical and mental fitness.
Terrain
The Manaslu Circuit trek begins with dense forests, gradually moving into rougher terrain. Some areas detour around landslide debris, which can be slippery and require extra caution. Along the trail, you’ll cross streams on stones, wooden bridges, and suspension bridges. As you ascend, you’ll traverse glacier moraines, and the most challenging part, the Larkya La Pass, involves about nine hours of walking.
Trekking Infrastructure
Trekking infrastructure along the Manaslu Circuit route is limited. Accommodations are basic tea houses with twin rooms and shared washrooms. Facilities like charging and hot showers are available in most villages but come at an additional cost. Snacks and nuts are also scarce and, when available, are priced significantly higher, so it’s wise to pack plenty of your own.
Daily Walking Hours and Trek Distance
The Manaslu Circuit trek covers around 180 kilometers, although the distance may vary if you choose a shorter itinerary or add the Tsum Valley. Each day involves walking about 10-12 kilometers, which typically takes 6 to 7 hours.
Carrying Weight
For an easier trek, hiring a porter is recommended. You’ll carry up to 5 kg in a day pack with essentials like documents, snacks, water, and sunscreen, while your porter can carry up to 9 kg of additional luggage.
The Manaslu Circuit trek offers a dynamic mix of weather and altitude challenges. The weather varies considerably based on elevation, with temperatures at lower elevations (below 2,500 meters) reaching up to 28°C in spring and autumn, the best seasons for trekking. As you ascend, temperatures can drop significantly, with ranges from -10°C to 12°C at higher altitudes. Trekkers should also be prepared for increased exposure to sun and wind as the altitude rises.
The trek’s elevation gain exceeds 5,000 meters, although you’ll spend nights below 4,500 meters and only short periods at the highest altitudes. Once you cross 2,500 meters, the risk of altitude sickness increases, especially for those unaccustomed to high elevations. Acclimatization days are essential to help your body adjust, and altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of age or experience. If you’ve experienced altitude sickness before, you may be more susceptible on this trek.
To mitigate the effects of altitude, trekkers are advised to consult their doctor for altitude sickness medication and to carry general remedies for symptoms like headache, nausea, or body aches. Dressing in layers is also recommended, allowing flexibility as temperatures shift throughout the day.
Altitude sickness is a common risk on high-elevation treks like the Manaslu Circuit, with symptoms that can affect any trekker, regardless of fitness or experience. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, headaches, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, dizziness, loss of appetite, and a general sense of fatigue. Recognizing these signs early and following prevention guidelines can help you manage and avoid altitude sickness.
Preventive Measures:
The Manaslu Circuit is open year-round, though some seasons pose more challenges. The best trekking periods are from March to May and September to November.
Spring (March to May):
Spring is an excellent time for the trek, with vibrant rhododendrons and blooming wildflowers creating beautiful scenery at lower altitudes. The weather is generally mild and stable, offering clear views of the mountains.
Summer/Monsoon (June to August):
The summer coincides with the monsoon in Nepal, bringing high humidity, rain, and slippery trails, with leeches in lower regions. However, this season offers rich vegetation and biodiversity along the trail. Prices for food and lodging are typically lower.
Autumn (September to November):
Autumn is the prime trekking season with clear, stable weather, mild temperatures, and long daylight hours. This period aligns with Nepal’s festival season, adding a festive atmosphere and an opportunity to explore open temples and cultural landmarks.
Winter (December to February):
Though winter is an off-season, it offers breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks and fewer crowds. Accommodation and food costs are also lower. However, the cold temperatures and unpredictable weather make this season more challenging for trekking.
Tea houses serve as the main accommodation along the Manaslu Circuit, offering a cozy, basic stay for trekkers. Each tea house has a central dining area, which is not only a place to eat but also to meet fellow trekkers. This area is typically the warmest spot in the tea house, often featuring a traditional heating system.
Rooms are modest with two or three beds, and washrooms are shared. In some villages, single rooms may be available. The beds include a mattress, blanket, and pillow, but due to the difficulty of transporting supplies, expect only essential services.
Note:
As for washrooms, most are shared and come in both Western and squat-style options. To ensure comfort, carry enough hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and paper soap.
Trekkers dine in tea houses along the trail. While the food variety isn’t as extensive as in the Everest or Annapurna regions, there are still plenty of satisfying options available.
Dal Bhat and Thukpa are staples, served daily. Both are nutritious, affordable, and tasty, and are available throughout the route. Other options include fried rice, soups, momos, chow mein, Thenduk, Dhido, stew, curries, pasta, burgers, and more.
Breakfast choices generally feature pancakes, omelets, eggs (boiled or fried), mashed potatoes, toast, chapati, muesli, and oats. Some villages also offer a selection of bakery items.
For beverages, tea houses serve various teas such as milk, black, masala, green, ginger-honey, and lemon teas, along with black and milk coffee. Try the traditional butter tea for a unique local experience.
Drinking water is accessible, though bottled water is costly and generates waste. Tea houses sell boiled water at a premium. For an economical and eco-friendly alternative, carry a reusable water bottle, purification tablets, or a portable water purifier. It’s helpful to bring a large, 2-liter bottle for regular water and a small tumbler for hot drinks.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers an unforgettable journey through Nepal’s pristine landscapes, diverse cultures, and breathtaking mountain views. With its remote trails, challenging altitudes, and modest tea house accommodations, this trek provides a raw and immersive experience ideal for adventure seekers. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to enjoy the trek’s clear skies and vibrant scenery, while winter presents more of a challenge with colder weather and fewer crowds. The Manaslu trek requires a good level of fitness and respect for altitude but rewards trekkers with unique cultural encounters, rich biodiversity, and stunning views of the Himalayan giants.