How difficult is Manaslu Trek?
Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most difficult trekking routes in the Himalayas. This trek is only for experienced trekkers, who are up for off-beat walking and can survive in bare minimum facilities.
Manaslu Circuit Trek distance
The Manaslu Circuit Trek distance on average is 177 kilometers. You will be walking 12 to 17 km a day. Some days can go above 20 km too.
Manaslu Circuit Trek route
The Manaslu Circuit Trek route is rugged and steep. The terrain is different from any other trekking trail in Nepal and leans more towards an off-beaten path. The daily walk ranges from 7 to 8 hours. You will be trekking through dense forests and rocky paths.
Apart from the trail, the entire region is less developed in terms of tourist infrastructure, which makes everything scarce along the route. The facilities are limited. So, you also have to be mentally prepared before going on the Manaslu Circuit Trekking.
Altitude Sickness
Manaslu Circuit Trek 16 Days is a high-altitude journey that goes above 5,000 meters. It means the trekkers can suffer from altitude sickness if their bodies do not acclimatize while trekking.
Below are some precautions you can take to avoid altitude sickness:
- Include enough rest days in the itinerary and do not ascend more than 500 meters in a day.
- Always try to sleep at a low altitude after touching a high elevation.
- Be careful of early symptoms like headache, nausea, loss of appetite, breathing problems, etc.
- Keep drinking water to maintain hydration and avoid alcoholic drinks/smoking.
- Carry prescribed medicine to deal with headaches and body aches.
Training for the Manaslu Circuit Trekking
Manaslu Circuit Trek is demanding and requires strong physical and mental fitness. To prepare yourself for Manaslu Circuit Trekking, you at least have to keep 4 to 6 weeks on hand. The preparation should include increasing stamina and core strength.
Go on long hikes and get used to walking for 6 to 7 hours with a few short breaks. You can exercise and include cardio & aerobic training in the routine. Similarly, running, swimming, and cycling will also help you prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek 16 Days.
Manaslu Circuit Trek permit
Manaslu is a restricted area in Nepal. Therefore, you have to take a Restricted Area Permit from the government of Nepal to do Manaslu Circuit Trek. Similarly, you have to obtain Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit) and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit).
Restricted Area Permit from September to November: USD 100 per person for the first seven days and an additional USD 15 per person from the eight-day onwards
Restricted Area Permit from December to August: USD 75 per person for the first seven days and an additional USD 10 per person from the eight-day onwards
MCAP Permit cost: USD 30, per person
ACAP Permit cost: USD 30, per person
Along with an expensive permit also come strict rules that trekkers must follow.
- Manaslu Circuit Trek solo is not permitted.
- There should be at least two trekkers in the group, not including the guide and porter.
- An independent trekker can not help you get the restricted area permit. You have to trek with a registered Nepali trekking company.
Manaslu Circuit Trek best time
The best time to do Manaslu Circuit Trek is from March to April and October to November. You may trek in the May and early days of winter too. All other months are off-season for Manaslu Circuit Trekking, and the route gets blocked because of heavy rainfall./snowfall.
Spring and autumn is the season of trekking in the Himalayas. As the weather remains stable with a mild climate, the chances of any kind of delays are very low. You will get to witness phenomenal mountain views and great landscapes.
Accommodation & Food
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a teahouse trek. The accommodation in the Manaslu region is very basic. The rooms are quite small with a bed, blanket, and pillow. The blanket provided by the teahouse will not be enough to keep yourself warm, so carry a good sleeping bag.
The washroom can be private or common. The service is not that great, and you may have to pay a few extra bucks for a hot shower, WiFi, charging booths, etc.
The meals are cooked and served by the teahouse owners. You will mostly get Nepali and Tibetan dishes. There will be a few western dishes like mashed potatoes, sandwiches, pasta, steak, etc. Especially at the higher elevation, the food option gets limited.
