How difficult is the 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is strenuous and physically demanding because trekkers will spend multiple days at altitude above 4,000 m. The trails are not suitable for unprepared beginners with no prior trekking experience. The Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty is more challenging than the Everest Base Camp Trek. But crossing Larkya La Pass is physically demanding, the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Trekkers will spend multiple days at high altitude fighting the symptoms of acute mountain sickness.
Daily walking Hours
Normally, trekkers spend between 5 and 7 hours walking every day on the rocky trails of the Manaslu region. The Manaslu Base Camp ascent and descent take between 6 and 7 hours. Crossing Larkya La Pass (5,106m), the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It takes around 8 to 9 hours, depending on weather conditions and walking pace. It is the longest and physically demanding day of the entire trek.
High-altitude challenges
Trekkers will spend weeks ataltitude above 3,000 m and multiple days at 5,000 m above sea level. Trekkers even have to cross Larkya La Pass (5,106m), the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Climbing rocky trails and constantly increasing in altitude can even mentally break professional trekkers. Trekkers must acclimatize properly and drink plenty of water to avoid acute mountain sickness.
The acute mountain sickness symptoms are:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Breathlessness
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Hallucation
- Pink/bloody coughing
Physical Fitness Requirements
The trails are physically demanding, but that does not mean you need to be athletic. Trekkers must have a healthy body that can climb and descend for 5 to 6 hours daily, carrying a heavy daypack. The Manaslu Circuit Trek's highest point is above 5,000 m, and it involves spending weeks at altitude 3,000 m above sea level. Trekkers must spend 1 to 2 months training their bodies for high-altitude climbing exercises.
Permits Required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu region trails were officially opened in 1991 for foreign trekkers. But the Nepal government made rules and regulations for crowd control and to preserve Tibetan Buddhist culture. Trekkers need 4 important permits to explore the hidden gem of the Nepal Himalayan region.
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) is the most important permit that allows foreigners to explore the Tibetan-influenced, peaceful land. Trekkers must apply for this permit through a licensed trekking agency. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, a minimum of two foreign trekkers is required to submit an MRAP application.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) is another permit trekkers will need for the Manaslu region. But trekkers can apply for this permit through the Nepal Tourism Board Office located in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The fund is later used to maintain trail repair and infrastructure development of the Manaslu region.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is required for crossing trails connected to the Annapurna region. After crossing Larkya La Pass, trekkers will descend from Dharapani, which falls within the Annapurna region. Trekkers can apply for this permit at the Nepal Tourism Board Office located in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Local Municipality Permit
The local municipality permit is a small fee collected for modern infrastructure development and trail maintenance in the Manaslu region. The permit can only be obtained at Chumnubri Rural Municipality in the Jagat checkpoint.
Key Takeaway: A TIMS card is not required, and trekkers must carry physical copies of their permits because checkpoints do not accept digital submission.
Best Time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are known as the best seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The forest is filled with different shades of rhododendron and other wildflowers. The stable weather, comfortable temperature, and clear skies offer a majestic view of snow-capped mountains.
Spring Season (March-May)
Spring starts in March and lasts until May, bringing warm weather, clear skies, and a forest filled with rhododendron below Namrung. It is one of the most popular trekking seasons in Nepal, offering favorable conditions for high-altitude adventure.
Autumn Season (September-November)
After a heavy monsoon rain, autumn brings clear skies, dry trails, and warm temperatures. It starts in September and lasts until November, covering the forest with rhododendron, offering breathtaking mountain views under clear skies. The peak trekking season for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is here, and you will notice trails being a little more crowded than usual.
Winter Season (December-February)
Winter starts in December and lasts until February, covering the trails with a thick layer of snow. The temperature drops as the altitude increases, and snow makes the trails more physically demanding.
Monsoon Season (June-August)
The monsoon starts in June and lasts until August, making trails slippery and the forest filled with blood-sucking leeches. The unstable weather and continued heavy rain make safe climbing and descending impossible. The dark clouds could block the mountain views and make navigation difficult for trekkers.
Key Takeaway: In peak season, trails are crowded, making permits more expensive to control the crowd.
Final thoughts on the 14-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit trek is a restricted area for trekkers with a peaceful adventure and mesmerizing mountain views. The trails take you 5,000 m above sea level, crossing Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The Tibetan Buddhist-influenced villages and forest filled with rhododendron add spice to your journey. So contact our Nature Lovers Treks and Tours team and book your 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek. We will handle all of your logistical needs and provide the most budget-friendly packages without compromising your comfort and safety.
