Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty
Manaslu region is not connected with the rest of Nepal, and given the difficulty of the terrain, not many trekkers travel in the region. Therefore, the services along the trail are not good enough, which makes trekking in the Manaslu region more difficult than it actually is. Compared to other trekking routes in the Himalayas, the Manaslu trail is on the difficult side and is only recommended to experienced trekkers.
The trail is physically draining and demands strong physical fitness. You have to be able to work 6/7 hours a day. Most of the route winds through dense forests and has steep, rugged sections. You'll be gaining elevation on a daily basis. So, thin air pressure also makes the walk exhausting as the trek progresses. Likewise, the limited services test your endurance. All these setbacks keep the crowd away from the region, making it one of the best trails in the Himalayas.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Preparation
The Manaslu Circuit trek crosses the Larkya La, which is a high precipitous pass. There's no rock/technical climbing involved in this trek, however you need a firm build and stamina to walk on steep uphill paths. Similarly, the trail goes through slippery landslide areas. The approximate distance covered during the Manaslu circuit trekking is 180 km (110 miles). To be able to walk this long and enjoy the trek to the fullest, you have to be healthy & of course, have sound fitness.
Trekking for more than 10 days in the mountains is not easy regardless of the trail difficulty. You have to be well-prepared and ready to face any unseen adverse situation. Our trained guide will make sure you are crossing all the difficult sections safely. To prepare for the Manaslu circuit trek, you can do cardiovascular training. Exercising every day will help you stay fit and build stamina over the course. Cycling, swimming, running, etc are the best activities.
Best time to go on a Manaslu Circuit Trek
The best time to do the Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal is from March to April and October to November. The bright days offer unobstructed views, and the mild climate makes the trek pleasant. You do not have to overpack. The weather remains stable in spring and autumn with teeming vegetation & wildlife. There is less chance of the trail getting closed, or you coming across precipitation.
Accommodation for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu circuit trek is a teahouse trek. It is much simpler than lodge accommodation and mostly has a shared washroom. The bedrooms are shared between two trekkers and are not heated, so you have to carry a sleeping bag with you. You'll get a clean bed blanket & pillow to spend the night. The water is usually freezing cold. Taking a hot shower will cost you a few extra bucks (not covered in the Manaslu circuit trek cost).
Meals & Drinking Water During Manaslu circuit Trek
Unlike the famous EBC and ABC trekking routes, you'll not get pizza or burgers on the trail in the Manaslu region. However, humble and warm Nepali/Tibetan meals will keep you filled. Dal bhat, thukpa, Tibetan bread, soup, porridge, and dhido will be mostly seen on the menu, with some other options like fried veggies, momo, sweet potatoes, etc. In Kathmandu, you will get all kinds of cuisines.
Drinking water is given in all the teahouses. These are not mineral water but boiled or processed water, which is okay to drink. We'll be using water purification tablets at some places for extra protection. Do not drink water directly from tap water or stream. It may give you indigestion.
Travel Insurance For Manaslu circuit Trek
Travel insurance is important to join the Manaslu circuit trek 2023/2024. We do not give trip confirmation notice until the participant provides us with well-covered travel insurance. Because of all the underlying risks and lacking accessibility of the Manaslu region to another part of the country, we use air evacuation in any emergency.
Telephone and Wifi in the Manaslu Circuit Trek
The telephone service and WiFi service along the Manaslu circuit trail are poor. The region does not have adequate infrastructure for a stable network even though you use cellular data. It's better not to obsess over using the internet while trekking as it may ruin your experience. The team leader will have a satellite phone with him to stay in touch with us all the time.