How difficult is Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Manaslu Circuit Trek Level of Difficulty

“A Challenging and strenuous trekking trip in Nepal, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and an adventure for Lifetime”

Are you looking forward to battle the wildest form of nature along with your adventure trekking trip in Nepal? If you want to do so, board on Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek offers an opportunity to taste the adventure trekking in Nepal as it provides an opportunity of ascending up to 5106m which is Larkya Pass, the highest point of this trek, one of the highest mountain passes of the world. 

Do you know what makes Manaslu Circuit Trek challenging? 

The hardest mountain topography, steep ups and downs, deep gorges, tough mountain terrain, high elevations, far from city area, less facilitated and the trail located between the boarder of Nepal and Tibet make Manaslu Circuit Trek a challenging. 

 Difficulty  Level of Manaslu Circuit Trek

The trekking trip ascending above 5000m is considered to be challenging and hard to conquer. Same thing is with Manaslu Circuit Trek that takes the adventure passionate above 5000m in Manaslu Trek. 

Beginning from Machhakhola located at an elevation of 870m above the sea level or beginning at Jagat(1290m), the trek takes you to various other higher mountain points and villages like Namrung ( 2, 660 m/8,727 ft), Lo-Gaon (3,180 m/10,433 ft), Sama-Gaon (3,500 m /11, 483 feet),Samdo (3,875 m/12,713 ft), Bhimtang 3, 590 m via, Larke-La Pass 5,106 m Gowa (2,535 m/8,317 ft) and, ultimately, the trek ends at Dharapani and the trekkers will drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar. 

Definitely, beginning with an elevation of 870m (Machhakhola) or an elevation of (1290m), Jagat, climbing to the highest altitude of the trek 5106m, Larkya La Pass, with a huge variation of tough ups and downs, longer working hours and distance with basic meals and accommodation will truly be challenging. 

However, a wide level of preparation and right pack list can make your Manaslu Circuit Trek beautifully possible and a memorable adventure.

There are some basic things to discuss why Manaslu Circuit Trek is difficult. These are the major reasons that make Manaslu Circuit Trek challenging. 

Why Manaslu Circuit Trek is Challenging? 

1. Wide Elevation Variations

Do you know the fact that Manaslu Circuit Trek begins at an elevation of 870m, Machhakhola and the trail takes the trekkers to 5106m, Larkya La Pass, above the sea level? 

One has to gain 4236m elevation during Manaslu Circuit Trek to triumph over Larkya Pass, the highest point of Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

Actually, gaining 4236m elevation in one trekking trip is a big challenge for the trekkers and they require proper acclimatization. They must have a good level of stamina and confidence as well.

As the trekkers reach Samagaon (3,500 m /11, 483), they spend one day extra day for acclimatization before they head for Larkya La Pass. 

Sometimes, one's body may not rightly be prepared to bear the new elevation that the trekkers need to gain in Manaslu Circuit Trek. As a result, some trekkers might be the victim of minor or major acute mountain sickness or other kind of difficulties during Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

Therefore, Manaslu Circuit Trek is taken as a challenging trekking trip in Nepal due to a vast elevation ranges that the trekkers have to face during the trip. Prepare accordingly. 

2. Tough Mountain Terrains

The mountain terrains and the topography of Manaslu Circuit Trek is relatively tougher to hit and conquer than in other trekking trails. The other trekking trails like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and Langtang Trek etc. are moderate and have mild ups and downs. But, Manaslu Circuit Trek is such a trekking trail in restricted area of Nepal that borders Nepal and Tibet, holds more challenging and tough Himalayas terrains. 

It is really hard to hit the rough and tough mountain terrains and the trails during your Manaslu Circuit Trek. Therefore, one requires very tough legs and tough trekking boots to hit the tougher mountain terrain of Manaslu Circuit Trek. Therefore, Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered to be very challenging and difficult trek to win over. 

Get well prepared with solid confidence to break down Tiring Ups and Downs.

3. Long and Tiring Walking Hours and Distance 

It is very Stressful to resist long and tiring walking hours and distance during a trek. One requires having a body and mind very determined and strong to consistently encounter the steep ups and deep drops with the painful knees and ankles. 

Same thing happens in Manaslu Circuit Trek as the trekkers have to go with longer working hours which make them almost dead and totally exhausted. 

In average, those who go for Manaslu Circuit Trek must walk at least 7 hours a day covering 14 kilometers distance. This hard work makes one really tired and the trek turns to be more challenging if you loose confidence. 

Especially, while ascending from  Dharmasala (4, 450 m /14, 596 feet) to  Larke-La Pass (5,106 m), one has to get up super early in the morning to witness stunning sunrise and mountain views from the top top.

You have to get up, at least, latest by 3 am in the morning to meet the sunrise from the top of Larkya Pass which is the most important charm of Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

It takes at least 3 hours to get the top of Larkya La from Dharmasala. 

The long and tiring work, stress of altitude sickness threat, not right and enough and water and having no sound sleep last night make this climb up to Larkya La absolutely challenging that makes entire Manaslu Circuit Trek a very strenuous, in fact. 

Do you think you can bear all this deprivations while ascending above 5000m in the wild mountains of Manaslu region? If you are ready, then, can embark on Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

You, not only, climb the top of the Larkya La Pass, but, you also have to walk to Bhimtang (3, 590 m) spending other 3-4 hours from there for overnight stay. 

Undoubtedly, higher level of stamina is required for doing this challenging job. Isn’t it?

However, there is always bright side into the darkness that you can enjoy the most spectacular sunrise and mountain views including Mt. Manaslu from the top of Larkya La Pass early in the morning.  

4. Narrow and Unstable Trekking Trail

Some of the trekking trails in Manaslu Circuit Trek are narrow and unstable. For example, while walking along the Budi Gandaki Gorges, the trails are narrower and while walking down from Larkya La Pass to Bhimtang, the trail is very unstable and solid.

You have got shaky legs and body to hit these unstable trekking trails in Manaslu Circuit Trek and you may collapse. 

You need to have a confident pacing and firm step on these two sections of Manaslu Circuit Trek to make your trip less challenging. 

Most importantly, the trail from Larkya Pass to Bhimtang is really unstable; you may fall and break your ankle while dropping your body down. Be careful, have firm step and proceed forward with your trekking poles and reliable hiking boots. 

5. Local/Ordinary Transportation 

The trekkers who go for Manaslu Circuit Trek have to rely on local or very basic means of transportation; there are no luxury tourists’ buses, cars and domestic flight for Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

People either have to go with local bus or sharing jeep for Manaslu Circuit since the trekkers cannot get the facility of tourist buses and domestic flights like in Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek. 

Travelling in local buses or jeep for 8-9 hours riding along the rough and bumpy country road is really tiring and challenging. One has to do exactly the same in Manaslu Circuit Trek while boarding to Machhakhola from Kathmandu and returning from Dharapani and Besisahar. 

Even, some parts of Prithvi Highway while leaving and approaching Kathmandu are really terrible and dusty with huge traffic. 

Local bus or local jeep ride for minimum 8 hour make the trekkers really tired and weaker while getting to Machhakhola from Kathmandu and while approaching Kathmandu from Besisahar. 

Ready to bear 8 hours local bus ride along the bumpy and narrow country road? Then, go for Manaslu Circuit Trek and get rewarded with marvels of adventures…….

6. Remote and Less Facilitated Trekking Trails

Actually, Manaslu Circuit Trekking Trails is less developed and located in very far from the major cities of Nepal. 

The Manaslu Circuit Trekking Trail is located in remote area of Nepal at the border of Tibet where modern facilities are rare. 

There are no luxury accommodation on Manaslu Circuit Trekking Trail. Manaslu Circuit Trek Accommodation will be very basic and sharing basis.

 Likewise, one cannot enjoy a wide variety of meals during the trek. Only certain and repeated items of foods like noodles, breads, Nepali Daal Bhat, Dumplings, curries and eggs items are available at the local lodges located on Manaslu Circuit Trekking Trail.

It’s very hard to find the accommodation in Dharmasala during peak trekking season( Autumn-Sep-Nov). Carry a very dependable and warm sleeping bag for your Manaslu Circuit Trek for a comfortable overnight stay during the trek. 

If you spoil or damage any trekking equipment and you immediately require it, then, you may not get right and reliable one on the trail; carry your own which are very essential to you. There are no such shops to buy spare trekking equipment shops except in Machhakhola, the beginning point of the trek and Samagaon.

Actually, in Samagaon and Machhakhola, you can get some basic clothing and packing like socks, thermal, caps, gloves, trekking poles, water bottles but not proper and branded hiking boots and sun glasses.

Therefore, it’s very challenging to pack all the required light snacks and trekking equipment as the Manaslu Trekking Region is remote and not facilitated. 

7. Altitude Sickness Threat 

Since Manaslu Circuit Trek takes the trekkers above 5000m, there is always a threat in the psyche of the trekkers that is the threat of high altitude sickness. 

The pressure and stress of altitude sickness with long and tiring working hours especially while ascending from Samagaon to Dharmasala and to Larkya La (5106m) keeps the trekkers haunted until one get the top of Larkya La. 

In case one get the acute mountain sickness in higher altitude like in Samagaon and Dharmasala or at Larkya La, it’s very hard to cure and rescue by helicopter. 

So, the altitude sickness threat will always be one of the major challenges in Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

8. Requires a Comprehensive Preparation 

As Manaslu Circuit Trek is widely popular as a very challenging trekking trip in Nepal, it, definitely, demands a very wider level of preparations. 

The preparations includes  researching about the trekking trail and the entire region, knowing about the facilities on the trail, having information about local lodges, accommodation and meals, learning about transportation and preparing accordingly. 

Besides, packing right and comprehensive trekking equipment and boosting up your stamina and confidence through various activities are must before boarding onto the Manaslu Circuit Trekking Trail. 

How to Prepare for Manaslu Circuit Trek? 

Get Necessary Permits: Get the necessary permits: Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and newly introduced Manaslu Local Area Entry Permit. You need a licensed guide for this trek.

Physical Fitness: Endurance training with cardio, strength work, and hike Do your strength training with your legs we've all come to love, pack the backpack, and even if you don't go very far, climb up and down, up and down.

Packing: You’ll need clothes – it can be hot and cold – and a decent sleeping bag (you need -15°C), down jacket, trekking boots, and a sun hat and a daypack, and trekking poles.

Health Precautions: Carry a first aid kit with medications for altitude sickness, pain relief, stomach issues, and blisters. Get travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking (up to 5,200m).

Acclimatization: Plan for acclimatization days to prevent altitude sickness. Follow the "climb high, sleep low" rule during the trek. Walk slow and steady that helps you win the race. 

Season Selection: Choose the best trekking seasons—spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November)—for clear skies and stable weather conditions. You can enjoy the surrounding and the mountain views fully if you travel in either Spring or in Autumn.

Cash and Logistics: Carry enough cash in Nepali rupees for accommodations, meals, and other expenses, as ATMs are unavailable along the trail. Pack light but sufficient for a two-week trek.

Diet and Hydration: Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol during the trek. Consume energy-rich foods and avoid uncooked meals to prevent stomach issues.

Accompany with Professional Trekking Team: The professional trekking team including your guide will help you make this Manaslu Circuit Trek a grand and memorable. Make right decision with the right trekking crew. 

Wider Range of Trekking Equipment 

Trekkers require packing very comprehensive and wider range of trekking equipment for Manaslu Circuit Trek than in other trekking trips like Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. 

One must pack very wide range of trekking equipment since the trek is very challenging ascending above 5000m and there are no such trekking equipment shops along the Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

Packing List for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a high-altitude trek in Nepal that requires a proper packing plan for comfort, safety, and adapting to varying conditions. Here's a detailed list of things to bring:

1. Clothing

Base Layers

Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms (2-3 sets).

Quick-dry trekking t-shirts (3-4).

Insulation Layers

Fleece jacket or pullover.

Down jacket - lightweight but warm for evenings and higher altitudes.

Outer Layers

Waterproof and windproof jacket - Gore-Tex or similar.

Waterproof trousers.

Trekking Pants

Lightweight trekking pants - 2-3 pairs.

Warm insulated trekking pants (1 for higher altitudes).

Underwear

Moisture-wicking underwear (5–7 pairs).

Sport bra (for women).

Headwear

Warm beanie or wool hat.

Sun hat or cap.

Buff or scarf (for dust and sun protection).

Gloves

Lightweight trekking gloves.

Insulated, waterproof gloves (for colder days).

2. Footwear

Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots (well broken in).

Comfortable trekking socks (5–6 pairs, including thermal socks for cold nights).

Camp shoes or sandals (for evenings and river crossings).

3. Sleeping

Warm sleeping bag (at least rating -15°C to -20°C).

Sleeping bag liner-for added warmth (optional).

4. Backpacking Equipment

Large trekking backpack-50-70L, to pack your gear in.

Daypack-20-30L, for daily essentials.

Waterproof backpack cover.

5. Trekking Equipment

Trekking poles-collapse and adjust.

Headlamp-extra batteries.

Sunglasses-UV protection, category 3 or 4.

Water bottles-2 x 1L and/or hydration bladder.

Water purification tablets or filtration system.

Trekking map and/or GPS device.

6. Personal Effects

Travel documents-passport, permits, and travel insurance.

Money-Nepali rupees, cash for teahouses and tips.

Notebook or journal (optional).

7. Toiletries

Biodegradable soap/ shampoo

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Quick-drying travel towel

Sunscreen, SPF 50+

Lip balm SPF

Wet wipes and hand sanitizer

Feminine hygiene products-if applicable

8. First Aid Kit

Painkillers: paracetamol/ibuprofen

Altitude sickness, eg Diamox

Anti-diarrheal

Band-aids, blister plasters, antiseptic cream

Personal prescription

9. Snacks and Energy

Energy bars, Trail mix and chocolates

Electrolyte powder/ tablets

Instant coffee/ tea optional for mornings

10. Miscellaneous

Multi-tool or pocket knife

Zip lock bags to collect waste and separate items

Small sewing kits

Lightweight books, cards, or other entertainments.

Addition of Seasons

Winter Treks (Dec–Feb): Add heavier layers, extra thermal socks, and hand warmers.

Monsoon Treks (Jun–Aug): More rain gear and quick-drying clothes.

 For More information about Trekking equipment for Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can visit our blog post: Trekking  Equipment Pack List