If you are researching the Manaslu Circuit trek, then you probably have seen it being described as 'strenuous', ‘challenging’, or 'one of Nepal's tougher teahouse treks'. Those levels accurately describe the difficulty level of this trek.
Unlike the treks of the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, which have become more accessible over the years, Manaslu still is challenging. It demands respect from the trekkers.
Probably, that is why every established trekking agency in Nepal rates it as strenuous. And that rating matches the trekkers' real-world experiences on the ground.
Below is a breakdown of why the trek earns the label and what the hardest part of the nearly two-week-long journey feels like.
The full trip runs 12 to 15 days with a drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. Most days involve 6 to 7 hours of walking. But two to three days stretch to 8 to 10 hours of walking with significant elevation loss and gain.
The single longest day of the trek is to cross the Larkya La Pass. As such, the day’s hike from Dharmsala to Bhimtang via the pass covers some 24 km and takes around 10 hours for most groups. To achieve that feat, you need to start the journey as early as 4:00 am while it is still dark and freezing.
Therefore, the effort trekkers make for their daily commute turns into cumulative fatigue by the end of the second week. And that is noticeable even for experienced hikers.
The highest point of the Manaslu Circuit trek is the Larkya La Pass (5,106m). That elevation is only slightly lower than Kala Patthar on the Everest route. However, Manaslu reaches it in a more condensed time frame, and the trekkers need to face steeper daily elevation gains in places. You will spend multiple nights above 4,000 meters and four nights above 3,500 meters. Add to that the remoteness of the route.
This results in limited escape routes for trekkers if the symptoms of altitude sickness appear. Henceforth, to prevent the trekkers from getting altitude sickness, proper acclimatization days are built usually in Samagaun and Samdo in good itineraries.
Yet, mild headaches, poor sleep, and reduced appetite can remain constant once you reach above 4,000 meters on this circuit.
The condition of the trails also provides an answer to the question: How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit trek? The path along this trekking trail is rarely flat. You need to repeatedly climb and descend hundreds of vertical meters each day through the dramatic Budhi Gandaki gorge.
Likewise, the path through which you traverse is narrow and rocky as well as occasionally exposed. There is also a real risk of landslide or rockfall in the lower valley.
Meanwhile, higher up, the route crosses moraine and can have snow or ice on the pass. At the same time, river crossings, high suspension bridges, and slippery stretches add to the mental and physical effort.
The Manaslu Circuit trek is a journey to a restricted area of Nepal. As such, Manaslu requires a licensed guide and a minimum of two people for trekking.
There are teahouses the entire route, but the facilities tend to get more basic the higher you go. They include shared toilets, bedrooms without heating and occasional power outages. Likewise, mobile signals can disappear for days. Helicopter evacuations are available but can be delayed by weather.
While it is possible to navigate all difficulties mentioned above, they create a sense of isolation. And this naturally increases the perceived difficulty compared to the heavily supported Everest or Annapurna regions.
Based on the aforementioned difficulty factors, one will encounter along the Manaslu Circuit trek, it can be said that this is a challenging journey. However, it is realistic and highly rewarding for anyone who:
However, it is less suitable for complete beginners, anyone with significant heart or lung conditions, or those who prefer shorter daily distances and more comforts along the way.
Yes, the Manaslu Circuit is a legitimately strenuous trek. It is more demanding than the majority of Nepal’s famous teahouse treks. That difficulty, however, is exactly why so many experienced trekkers now choose it over busier routes.
The physical challenge, combined with the solitude and raw beauty of the region, creates an adventure that feels like genuine Himalayan exploration.
A proper preparation, a sensible itinerary and a reputable operator such as Radiant Treks make the difficulty very achievable for fit and motivated travelers.
Yet, if you do not want to face this level of difficulty, then you can choose to witness the Himalayas of Nepal via a helicopter tour. The Everest helicopter tour offers a spectacular alternative to the demanding Manaslu Circuit trek. In just 4 to 6 hours, you will fly over the same dramatic Himalayas for the iconic Everest view and return to Kathmandu the same day. You need not make a multi-week commitment or do high-altitude trekking.
