You must mentally and physically prepare yourself for every obstacle that awaits you on the trail before you set out on a journey in the Manaslu region. Given its growing popularity over other well-known trekking routes, like as the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek, we don’t want you to take this trek lightly. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the Himalayas’ most challenging and thrilling hikes.
Anyone may complete Manaslu Circuit Trekking with the right planning, physical fitness, and assistance. There are several considerations, such as making sure your body is capable of handling all the ascents and descents during the journey and creating a well-planned schedule with enough of days for acclimatization.
In order to inform you of all the training and preparation required for the Manaslu Trek, whether you are an expert hiker or a beginner, we have created this blog, Manaslu Circuit Trek. Let us first offer you a brief overview of the Manaslu Circuit Trek route’s difficulty.
Manaslu Circuit Trek route
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an excellent option if you wish to see the remote regions of the Himalayas. Geographically, the majority of the land is rocky, rough, and steep. It makes sense that Manaslu Circuit Trekking is regarded as an unconventional trek in Nepal.
The route of the Manaslu Circuit Trek passes through the northern Himalayas. The Manaslu Circuit Trek path climbs to a staggering 5,220 meters at Larkya La (pass), from a starting elevation of 710 meters at Soti Khola. If you follow a conventional 16–17 day Manaslu Circuit Trek plan, you will traverse the approximately 177 km total distance over 10–12 days.
It takes eight hours by car to get to Soti Khola, the beginning site of the trip, from Kathmandu. The Manaslu Circuit Trek’s first section climbs through the narrow Budhi Gandaki gorge. Exhilarating suspension bridges over raging rivers will be crossed by you.
Heading towards the summit of Larkya La, you will pass through grasslands, deep forests, and isolated communities. This portion of the Manaslu Circuit Trekking is the hardest. Although there isn’t much technical climbing, the route is somewhat hard due to its high height and icy, off-beat nature.
How difficult is Manaslu Trek?
You can infer the Manaslu Circuit Trek’s degree of difficulty and exertion from the summary of the route provided above.
Trekkers must walk 15 to 20 kilometers every day, or 6 to 8 hours, to complete their daily hike. Depending on your schedule, this may get quick or lengthy. The terrain is rocky and uneven, making walking challenging and tiring.
The amount of trees decreases as you approach higher elevations, and you are exposed to more snow, sun, and chilly winds. In addition, the Manaslu region’s seclusion from the rest of Nepal has undoubtedly preserved its natural beauty but also made it more difficult for hikers to make ends meet with menial amenities.
Additionally, your body will start to feel heavy at 2,500 meters, and your chance of getting altitude sickness will also increase. For this reason, we always advise hikers to take their time and give their bodies enough rest during the ascent. You can still feel the symptoms of altitude sickness regardless of your age, level of experience, or fitness.
Extended routes, such as the manaslu base camp trek, are necessary to ensure the safety and enjoyment of such expeditions.
Regardless of your level of experience, if you are not adequately equipped for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the entire trip could turn into a nightmare for you.
Perhaps you’re wondering what acclimatization actually is.
Lower oxygen levels and falling air pressure—a characteristic high altitude factor—are what acclimatization entails. To acclimate, you trek to a higher level and stay the night at a lower elevation.
The phrase “altitude line” refers to the point at which a hiker won’t feel any signs of altitude sickness. The idea behind this is that you should hike up to this line and then move on to the next altitude line after giving your body time to adjust.
Altitude Sickness Symptoms
Below are some mild symptoms of altitude sickness that most trekkers see. No need to worry, it gets resolved in 1-2 days of resting. Our Manaslu Circuit Trek package is planned to let you rest and trek simultaneously.
- Dizziness
- Lack of sleep
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Tips to cure symptoms of altitude sickness
- If you see any of the above symptoms, do not ascend further
- Rest at the same altitude until the symptoms subside
- Hike to a higher point and descend to sleep at a lower point
- Drink plenty of water and fluid- dehydration can cause the onset of AMS
- Make sure your Manaslu trek itinerary has sufficient rest days
- Avoid smoking or drinking any kind of alcohol
Training for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Start getting ready for the Manaslu Circuit Trekking eight to twelve weeks before the trip leaves. Preparing your body and equipment for the Manaslu Trek include this. You must concentrate on elevation training, cardiovascular conditioning, and strength endurance to prepare your body for the hike. Walking with a daypack for extended periods of time is a requirement.
Performing a full body workout twice a week along with other exercises like swimming, cycling, trekking, and so on will help you build muscle and stamina. If at all feasible, pick comparable terrain for hiking. Walking duration is more important than walking distance. Walking hill intervals on a treadmill and stair stepper twice a week is an additional hiking substitute. It is advisable to consult your physician prior to making travel arrangements. You need to be mindful of everything that could cause your body to respond while on the hike. Together with us, both young and old trekkers have successfully completed the Manaslu Circuit Trek, loving every minute of it, with the perfect preparation, pace, and altitude gain.
In short:
Hiking is the best method to get ready for the expedition, if it’s possible. Walking with a day pack on both uphill and downhill paths will become second nature to your body. You can gradually increase your endurance by starting small. Spend six to eight hours walking with little time off.
Workout in the gym to strengthen your core and prepare your legs for the hike. The following will help you reach your goals: 45 minutes on the hill setting on the treadmill, 10 minutes on the stair-stepping machine at a speed of 30 to 45 steps per minute, and 5 minutes on a leisurely, level walk. To strengthen your legs, you can also include three sets of thirty lunges and squats.
Carry a daypack and hiking boots for extended treks in difficult terrain. It’s similar to simulating the real journey environment.
We promise that wearing new, uncomfortable trekking boots for extended periods of time on a rugged path will not be enjoyable. Prepare your supplies and hiking boots in advance, break them in, and become accustomed to them.
Exercises like swimming, jogging, walking, and cycling will improve your cardio endurance and breath control.
Every day during the trek, practice stretching to deploy it at the end of the route. Stretching for five to ten minutes at the end of the day will really help you prepare for the next one.
Refrain from exerting excessive force immediately prior to starting the trek to Nepal. Consider
Best time to do Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit is accessible for trekking year-round, except during the monsoon and late winter. Nonetheless, the best times of year to trek in the Khumbu region are from March to May (spring) and from October to November (autumn).
Trekking has distinct benefits during these two seasons. A good hike requires reliable weather and a mild climate, both of which you will have. In a similar vein, the varied flora along the route enhances the enjoyment of the ride and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains.
Prepare yourself for the bitter cold if you plan to walk during the winter, which we do not recommend. As cold as -17°C (1.4°F) or below is experienced. Heavy snowfall can obstruct the road, and flights may experience many disruptions.
How to find an ideal trekking company for Manaslu Circuit Trek?
During the manaslu trekking It truly depends on the person, their requirements, and their morals. The most important piece of advise we can offer is to assess the experience, morals, and social responsibility of the trekking firms. Check to see if they do tours and treks in a sustainable manner. whether or whether guides and porters are paid adequately. Similarly, the standard of care and attention they give their visitors
Safety Check Before & During Manaslu Circuit Trekking
During the hike, having a torch and solar charger would come in very handy.
When you pass yaks and mules, always keep on the mountainside.
When hiking beyond 3,000 meters, don’t climb any faster; instead, keep your current speed and take breaks.
Always bring a warmer garment, no matter the season.
Keep abreast with the weather.
Avoid feeling obligated to keep up with others’ speeds as you stroll at a leisurely pace.
Check all of the gear and apparel again. Be ready for bad weather.
Verify that medical expenses and air evacuation are covered by your travel insurance.
Do bring along pills for purifying water or anything like.
To ensure personal hygiene, always have sanitizer and disinfection gel with you.
Having a satellite phone among the group is a smart idea.