Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

Manaslu Circuit Trek’s difficulty depend upon each trekkers fitness level and health. The Manaslu Circuit Trek leads to a straightforward route, where one can enjoy the delightful scenery as the walk progresses. The only difficulty one can encounter is the long steep climb and descending to Bhimthang. It is quite a strenuous walk after crossing the high Larke La Pass at 5,106 m/16,752 feet high.
Due to its distance, it can be covered in a day from the east side base of Larke La Pass at Dharmasala. To reach the western base, after a long descent from Larke- La Pass, where trekkers need to be aware.

ABOUT MANASLU CIRCUIT TREKKING AREAS:

Mt. Manaslu is the world’s 8 th highest peak at 8,163 m / 26, 781 feet high. It was first climbed by a Japanese Expedition with the support of Nepali climbers Namgyal Sherpa on May 09 th , 1956. From then on the upper Manaslu region remained restricted for foreign visitors due to its close boundary with Tibet-China. But from 1991 onwards it was opened for interested foreigners where all trekkers must obtain a special permit. Including MCA (Manaslu Conservation Area) and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) entrance tickets.  This is to preserve and limit the flow of mass trekkers and to protect its fragile environment. Manaslu Circuit, also known as Around Manaslu trekking covers a
distance of approx. 160 k.m. / 100 miles. After approx. 165 k.m /103 miles. drives from Kathmandu to Machha Khola village, taking more than 5-6 hours.  From Machha Khola the starting point to the end of the trek at Dharapani in Manang district.

It takes more than 11 to 12 days, from the itinerary provided by Himalayan Friendly. One can extend more days on request for a special tailor-made or customized itinerary. This makes the treks more exciting and enjoyable with more days for acclimatization and immersing into local colorful cultures.
Manaslu is an ancient Sanskrit word that means the soul or spirit of the god. Similarly, to the holy huge Lake Manasarover located in South-West Tibet, China.

But the native of Manaslu is called Kutang of Tibetan origin language for a flourishing land. The locals can cultivate high-altitude crops like barley, wheat, and buckwheat, the main staple food of the highlanders.

LOCATION OF MANASLU CIRCUIT TREKKING:

Before understanding and experiencing the difficulties, trekkers should know the location also, to make the walk more exciting. The Manaslu region was once a major Trans Himalayan Salt Caravan Trade Route between Nepal and Tibet. Trade still exists between the borders of Tibet and Nepal but in smaller ways than in earlier days. Before Tibet was annexed by mainland China in the late 1950s this is why it remains a restricted area.

Manaslu Himal and the valley, located in the Nepal Far North Mid-West around Mansiri Himal of upper Gorkha district at Gandaki Zone. The Manaslu Himal range is situated between Annapurna and Lamjung Himal to the west and Ganesh Himal in the east. Besides the major peaks of Mt. Manaslu, adjoining peaks are Ngadi Chuli, Himal-Chuli, and Boudha Himal with Shringi Himal. Manaslu Circuit trek extends to Manang district at Dharapani Village the end of Manaslu circuit trekking. Dharapani is the starting point of the famous and popular Annapurna Circuit trek. The motorable road has been constructed for the long drive to Kathmandu via Bhesishar town of Lamjung district.
The driving distance of 398 km / 248 miles from Dharapani Village, Manang to Kathmandu. Taking more than 7 hours driving on rough mountain road and then on the main highway to reach Kathmandu.

MORE OF MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK DIFFICULTIES:

Having stated physical and health conditions, including age factor which makes a difference. Regarding the trek from the low mid-hills to the high valley of Manaslu and crossing over Larke-La Pass. One of the longest passes in Nepal Himalayas, a distance of 24.7 km / 15.3 miles from Dharmasala to Bhimthang. The minimum age should be above 15 years with a maximum of 70 years old to
venture the tough and high terrains. The trail is not overall difficult, starting with moderate walks crossing a few bridges, and coming across a few landslide sections.

All trekkers need to be careful, as the adventure continues towards higher elevations from Lo Gaon, and Sama Gaon. After 4-5 days of walking, with a rest day at Sama Gaon 3, 500 m /11, 480 feet high. This spare day for trekkers to enjoy a short hike to support acclimatization, before the tough climb to Larke-La Pass.

After Sama Gaon explores its scenic viewpoints, the walk takes you to the end of Manaslu Valley. At the base of Larke-La Pass also called Dharmasala or Phedi, the real adventure begins in Dharmasala. The climb starts before dawn and sunrise heading towards the top of Larke-La Pass. On the highest point of the adventure, some trekkers can find difficulty due to steep uphill climbs.

But taking time, with a slow pace, and short rest will overcome the difficulties along with the gorgeous mountain views. Feeling good on reaching the top of Larke-La Pass, but the long downhill. It can be quite a strenuous descent to Bhimthang from the top, but eventually, all feel glad the hardest part is over. On reaching the overnight halt at Bhimthang a nice settlement offers good food and nice cozy rooms to relax.  Manaslu Circuit Trek is best during the spring and autumn seasons from mid- March to May. As well as in September to mid-November before the cold winters of the Himalayas.