Manaslu Trek Difficulty is not only because of its high passes but also because of several factors. Rocky terrain, rough trails, high elevation gain, remoteness, limited facilities, unpredictable weather and temperature, and travelers getting altitude are difficult factors for travelers. Despite the trek difficulty, the Manaslu trek is achievable. Plan a trek properly and prepare before a month, both physically and mentally, to have a memorable and comfortable trek.
Manaslu is a remote region, and trekking here is often considered an off-beat trek. Manaslu Trek provides an unmatched experience in Himalayan geology. Manaslu Trek represents the natural amusements of western Nepal. Mountain vistas surrounding the Manaslu range make this trek one of a kind and immensely pleasing. Traverse the high pass of Larkya La at 5,106 meters and witness phenomenal views from the top. Manaslu trek is considered a moderate-level trek. Manaslu Trek’s difficulty is Graded 4 and not appropriate for beginner trekkers.
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How Hard Is Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Not a great option for beginners, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging trek. It demands a high level of physical fitness and mental endurance. You will trek for about 12 to 15 days, covering 177 kilometers (110 miles). The daily trekking hours range from 5 to 8 hours, with some longer days, especially while crossing the high altitude (5,160 meters) at Larkhya La Pass. The involvement of high altitude and steep ascends makes it physically demanding, increasing the chances of getting altitude sickness.
The trail involves many steep ascends and descends, narrow paths, and rugged terrain, making it difficult to navigate. The unpredictable weather, remoteness of the locations, and limited amenities such as food and accommodations further add some challenges for you. If you have previous trekking experience and are trained well, the trek is quite manageable. Overall, compared to some other trekking routes in Nepal, such as Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is slightly more demanding.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek Grade
With the involvement of difficulties, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is graded to be 8 out of 10. The success rate of crossing the high-altitude pass is 85 to 90%. The overall trek contains about 40% steep ascends, 30% rugged terrain, and 30% gradual descends. With all these, the trek is only suitable for experienced trekkers. We generally do not recommend this trek for you if you are a beginner. Also, an experienced trekker without a guide is also not recommended.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
12 Days
Adventure Treks
USD799 per person
Manaslu Trek Difficulty Factors
Manaslu Trek’s highest elevation gain is 5,106 m at Larkya La Pass. Traversing the high pass is challenging. Besides this, Manaslu is a remote region, and all facilities are limited. Manaslu trek is a moderate-level trek, and different factors make Manaslu trek difficult which are as follows:
- High altitude, rocky terrain, and secluded location
- Traveler’s physical condition and endurance capacity
- Limited facilities during the entire trek areas
- Lack of road access and rough trails with several ups and downs
- Cellular connectivity and power connection issues in most parts
- Larkya La Pass is uneven and rocky, which requires a lot of effort to traverse
- Experience altitude sickness symptoms such as shortness of breath, tiredness, fatigue, etc.
Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness in the mountains is common and is mostly caused at high altitudes due to less oxygen, low body pressure, dehydration, or hypothermia. Altitude sickness is preventable if symptoms are recognized timely. If travelers suffer from altitude sickness too, you need the right person to guide you who is knowledgeable about altitude sickness. The symptoms of altitude sickness, prevention, and treatments are mentioned below.
Altitude Sickness Types and Symptoms
| Altitude Sickness Types | Risk Types | Symptoms |
| AMS ( Acute Mountain Sickness) | Normal | -Headache-Fatigue/ Tiredness-Shortness of breathing-Loose of Appetite-Sleeping Disturbance |
| HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) | Medium | -Shortness of breathing (even during rest)-Dry cough-Severe Cough-Very Exhausted-Pulse rate above 110-Blueness of face, lip, and fingernails-Hyperthermia |
| HACE ( High Altitude Cerebral Edema) | High | -Severe Headache-Vomiting-Ataxia (Walking as a Drunker)-Altered mental status/ Mental confusion-Irritation (Does not want to be bothered by other people)-Unconsciousness |
Altitude Sickness Preventions
- Take proper acclimatization, rest
- Ascend slowly, maintain the pace
- Drink enough water (around 3-5 liters in a day)
- Do not carry a heavy backpack
- Climb every day around 300m
- Climb high, sleep low
- Do not travel alone
- Urinate Frequently
- Avoid using Sleeping tablets, drinking Alcohol, Smoking, Junk Foods
Treatment without side effects
- Immediately Descend
- Use an Oxygen cylinder or Gamow bag.
- Use recommended medicines: Diamox 125mg/ 6 hours- AMS.
- Nafedipine 50mg / 6 hours-HAPE
- Dexamethasone 50mg / 6 hours- HACE
How To Prepare For Challenges?
Manaslu Trek is a moderate-level Graded 4 trek that is only recommended for experienced trekkers. Since the route is tough with steep hills, it’s not ideal for beginners. Manaslu solo trekking is restricted as it falls under a restricted region. Proper preparations are essential for this trek.
Preparations before the trek
- Trekkers should be physically fit, do cardio exercises, and build strength and stamina by cycling, jogging, and hiking at high altitudes.
- Eat a balanced diet and healthy foods and avoid junk or unhealthy foods.
- It is best to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking or unhealthy substances to maintain good physical and mental fitness for the trek.
- For mental fitness, practice yoga or meditation.
- Practice waking up early and schedule your daily routine, which proves to be fruitful for the trek.
- Consult a doctor and do necessary health check-ups before the trek.
Preparations during the trek
- Manaslu trek is difficult, and hence, early preparations play a vital role during the trek.
- Good physical and mental fitness is essential during the trek.
- We best recommend strictly following the guidelines and guide’s instructions during the trek.
- Avoid salty or junk foods, drinking alcohol, and smoking as it weakens the health.
- Keep yourself hydrated and urinate frequently.
- Always use water purification tablets or a solution kit to purify water and avoid getting water-borne diseases.
- Maintain the trekking pace and descend immediately if it is difficult to breathe.
- Carry a light backpack and wear comfortable shoes and seasonal clothes.
- Hire a porter to carry luggage or backpacks for a comfortable trekking experience.
- Always follow the guide, stick to the itinerary, and stay in groups.
Permit Preparation Day
Manaslu is a restricted region and requires compulsory 3 permits. For collecting permits, we require your original passport with visa details to process this permit. Reserve one extra day in Kathmandu to collect permits. The required Manaslu trek permits are as follows:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
December to August Cost:
- First week: USD 75 per person
- After 8 days: USD 10 per day
September to November Cost
- First week: USD 100 per person
- After 8 days: USD 15 per day
Note: An original passport is required, and it takes a day to process.
Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit
- Cost: USD 30 per person
Allows one-time access to MCAP
Note: Requires two photographs and is accessible in Kathmandu through the trekking agent.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
- Cost: USD 30 per person
Note: To obtain it, a photograph is required.
Choose the Best Time of the Year
Manaslu region is remote and very demanding. The facilities are limited and only possible to do during the peak seasons considering several factors. Therefore, we recommend trekking during the Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) seasons for the Manaslu trek. These seasons treat travelers with awesome scenic views, blooming flowers in Spring, clear and bright skies, comfortable trekking trails, and stable weather and temperature.
guide, Jay was a really nice guy
Myself and three other guys who usually trek independently got together and used Harka’s company to organise aspects of our trek in Tsum valley. He responded to email enquiries promptly and did everything that was asked of him. He was personable and straightforward and immediately proved his worth before even leaving KTM when one of our group lost his passport and all his cash on the first day! Harka was able to sort out the issues with the Embassy and bank and made what could have been a total hassle a lot easier. Our guide, Jay was a really nice guy – professional, likeable and easy going. If you’re looking for a company to organise your trek, I can wholeheartedly recommend this one.
UK, April 2014
Manaslu circuit trek and Tsum valley
Excellent trekking company and guide Jayandra
We recently completed a 4 week trek in Manaslu and Tsum Valley with Himalaya Trip and Jayandra Gurung as our guide. Jayandra was very responsive to our email queries and got back to us quickly. On the trek, Jayandra was very conscientious about doing a good job and keeping us safe. He was patient and flexible with our suggestions. We specified wanted a guide who was flexible and responsive to our ideas and suggestions and Jayandra was excellent. Decisions were made together. He is easy going and very pleasent to be around. Jayandra went above and beyond by carrying fresh fruit for our dessert each night. What a treat! We were also able to visit Jay’s home in Kathmandu and his village while on the trek to meet his family. We really appreciated this opportunity. The head of the company, Harka, was also very helpful, and kept the communication flowing when Jay was out trekking with other clients. We had an excellent trek. No complaints at all.
Canada, Dec 2016
Lifetime memory thanks to Himalaya Trip / Guide / Porter
I did quite a bit of research for a reputable agency for my 16 day Manaslu Circuit trek. I emailed a number of different agencies, and got price quotes that ranged quite a bit. I decided to go with Himalaya Trip because the price was great, the communication was excellent, and equally important, the fixed prices quoted for things like a private jeep were exactly what the cost should be — this agency was not trying to hike up prices and make money off me like so many other agencies tried to do. I felt like I can trust these guys.
Our guide Jay, and porter Deep, were two really great guys. We shared a lot of laughs with them and they were near the top of the list of why this excursion was so great.
Jay was always looking out for us, making sure we’re ok, and safety was always his top priority. Our agency recommended crampons for the pass, and they came in handy. Most others that we passed on the trail did not have them.
If you’re looking to book a trekking trip or any other tour in Nepal, you will not go wrong with this company. Just email them and you will see … the communication alone will put you at ease.
FYI – many people like to “shop around” in Kathmandu for agencies because they will find a better price. We met some people who did that, and the price we paid with this agency was significantly lower than they ended up paying.
USA, March 2017
Magnificent Manaslu
The trip of a lifetime on one of the best treks in Nepal, professionally organized by Harka and his team at Himalaya Trip and especially my expert guide Shyam.
On arrival in Kathmandu Harka had all my permits ready. What followed was 17 days of pure adventure. Thanks to Harka. Himalaya Trip get a five star rating. Will be back again soon.
Ireland, Oct 2017
We just finished the Manaslu Circuit
We just finished the Manaslu Circuit. We booked with Harka and his team and it was perfect. The organization was very efficient: Harka is very responsive, and he answered all our (many!!) questions in no time.
Our guide Jayandra was the best. He is a wonderful guide, never trying to hurry, always being flexible and calm. We wanted the itinerary not to be too strict, as we like to take our time and walk as far as we get, not as far as the itinerary tell us. He helped us a lot, always showing us to the nicest locations in the villages and some great spots for our breaks. He always knew if there would be another good overnight option a little further down or if it was better to stay and most importand: He obviously always knew where to get the best Dal Bhat 😉 No request was ever too much trouble. We had a great trek!
Thanks a lot for the unforgettable time.
Germany, Nov 2017
Manaslu Circuit Trek was a Wonderful experience
Manaslu trekking with Surpa (Guide-porter) and Min (porter)
We had a fantastic time doing the Manaslu trekking with Surpa and Min. Surpa was really knowledgable and always tried to find the best places to stay for us. His help and support were necessary to bring us up to the top of Larkya La pass while one of us had altitude sickness. Min, our porter, was also fantastic. Always happy and ready to play card games when done with the day. Not only it was a physical experience but also a human one. Thank you Himalaya Trip for that time. Highly recommend!
French, April 2019
Wunderfull and unforgettable views and experiences Manaslu trekking including Larka pass 5106 meters.
We, father and son, did the 14 Days Manaslu Trekking in may 2022. We have very good experiences with Harka and Jay. They are very helpfull to make you a good time. From beginning to end they are pleased to help you to make up youre plans.
Germany, May 2022
Manaslu Circuit Trek with Himalaya Trip
We did the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Himalaya Trip and it was quite awesome. We had quite some luck because monsoon season was bit longer as usual. But it almost did not rain.
Big thanks to Jay our guide and Mesak our porter. They did a great job and were really flexible, so we could have influence in the program. Also open to all the question we had about Nepal and especially the valleys we were in.
Switzerland, September 2023Manaslu trek is not recommended during the off-seasons, i.e., Winter (Dec-Feb) and Monsoon (Jun-Aug), due to the unpredictable weather and temperature. Even experienced trekkers are advised to trek with proper plans and preparations during the off-season. We have listed weather and climate charts at different stopovers for both the Spring and Autumn seasons.
| Stopover | Spring (Mar-May) | Autumn (Sept-Nov) |
| Arughat (600m) | 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F) | 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) |
| MachhaKhola (710m) | 16°C to 26°C (61°F to 79°F) | 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F) |
| Jagat (1340m) | 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F) | 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) |
| Deng (1860m) | 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) | 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F) |
| Namrung (2630m) | 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F) | 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) |
| Samagaon (3530m) | 3°C to 13°C (37°F to 55°F) | 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) |
| Samdo (3860m) | 3°C to 13°C (37°F to 55°F) | 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) |
| Dharamsala (4460m) | -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F) | 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F) |
| Bimthang (3720m) | 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) | 3°C to 13°C (37°F to 55°F) |
| Tilije (2515m) | 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F) | 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) |
Note: Temperatures during the night time are cold, reaching below 0°C in places above Namrung. Your tea house provides a quilt for sleeping but you might need a sleeping bag if it gets cold.
Right Company, Guide, and Porter
Manaslu trek in the remote region is challenging and requires systematic management, and various factors need to be considered. It is recommended for travelers to select or book with the right company for the Manaslu trek. Make sure they are trusted and expertise in their field. Along with the company, choose the professional licensed holder guide and experienced porters for a smooth and comfortable trekking experience.
Packing for the Manaslu trek
Correct packing is the key element for a memorable and comfortable trekking experience. It is always wise to pack appropriate light but warm clothes for trekking. Since Manaslu is a remote region, it is very important to pack the right equipment and gear. Below is the essential list of equipment and gear for the Manaslu trek.
Essential Equipment:
- Trekking boots (break them in to prevent blisters) with spare laces.
- Warm hat, scarf, and gloves.
- Wool-blend socks, liner socks, and thermal underwear (three pairs).
- Fleece jacket and down jacket/vest.
- T-shirts (2-3) and a long-sleeved, collared shirt for sun protection.
- Warm trousers for higher altitudes, plus shorts and regular trousers/skirt.
- Running shoes/sandals for camp.
- Sunhat, polarizing sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 20+).
- Water purification method (iodine, tablets, or filter).
- Pocket knife, insect repellent (for lower elevations), and emergency kit.
- Earplugs, backpack, and duffle bag.
- Sleeping bag with silk liner, water bottle, torch with spare batteries.
- Gaiters, trekking poles, quick-drying camp towels, and daypack.
- Plastic bags (for clothes separation) and personal medical supplies.
Optional Gear:
- Camera, memory card, and charger
- Altimeter, GPS unit, binoculars
- Books/magazines, small duffle bag for Kathmandu
- Backpack cover (waterproof), small pillow/headrest (optional)
- Notebook, pen, pencil, personal entertainment items
- Thermarest inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, passport photos
Conclusion
Manaslu Trek’s difficulty is categorized as moderate, and this trek in the remote region promises to be a full adventure. From its stunning mountain views to Tibetan-style villages and cultural immersion to crossing the high pass, the Manaslu trek offers a unique, adventurous experience to travelers. Despite the Manaslu trek’s difficulty, this trek is doable with proper plans and preparations.
