Many people dream of trekking in the Himalayas but are unsure where to begin. Some of the trails are extremely popular and others require some very advanced climbing skills. While the Manaslu Circuit Trek for Beginners sounds like a great adventure, it may be a question as to whether it is the right choice for you if you are looking for a less crowded trek with beautiful scenery and a sense of adventure.
The Manaslu area is one of the most beautiful trekking areas of Nepal. Follows quiet villages, woodlands, rivers, suspension bridges and high mountain passes, all the way back to the lower valleys. This hike isn’t for the faint hearted that prefer less difficult hikes like Ghorepani Poon Hill or Poon Hill, but it is not impossible for many first-time trekkers if they’re well prepared, have realistic expectations and are physically fit.
This guide is aimed at those who are new to the adventure and explains all they need to know before embarking on this. At the end, you will be aware of whether or not this trek is suitable for your experience, fitness, travel objectives and tolerance to high altitudes.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a trek that encircles the world’s highest 8th mountain, Mount Manaslu (8163 m /26781 ft). The area is not as crowded as some other trekking areas in Nepal and the limited number of visitors, controlled by a restricted area permit system, means that it remains peaceful.
The path winds through the heritage villages of the mountain, still abiding by customs that have not changed over the years. As you ascend, the terrain shifts from green hills and farmland to pine trees, alpine meadows, rocky valleys and snowy peaks.
Most of the hikers love this hike because it’s a different day every day. For most of the way, you’re passing the scenery, different cultures and incredible views of the mountains without the need to walk through the crowds and masses.
This is likely one of the most frequently asked questions on the Manaslu Circuit Trek for Beginners. Yes, but only in certain circumstances.
The trek is not a strenuous one and doesn’t require familiarity with the trekking experience. But you should have a minimal fitness level and be prepared to get ready for the journey. This walk is demanding, with long days of walking, a high mountain ascent, a rocky trail and a need for patience and determination.
This hike is done annually by many who are beginning walkers and do it successfully because they walk at their own pace, take time to acclimatize, listen to their leader’s suggestions, drink plenty of water and don’t hurry.
For people who are active and healthy and can train before the trip, it could be a memorable first trip to the Himalayas.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is of a moderate to challenging level of difficulty.
The typical trek lasts for six to eight hours a day. Depending upon trail conditions and itinerary, some days may be shorter, others longer. The greatest difficulty is not actually climbing but walking in the process, climbing on changing surfaces and climbing in the ascents.
The most strenuous day is likely to be crossing Larke Pass (5106 m /16752 ft.). The normal time for trekkers to cross the pass is before dawn so that they can make it back safely before the afternoon weather turns. The ascent is gentle and gradual and then a steep descent down the next valley.
The day is hard for beginners; however, if you have properly acclimatized yourself on the days leading up to it, it is much more likely that you will make it to the pass safely.
Beginner Nepal trekking is not too difficult for those who have experienced trekking in the past. Before even going on a trek, many people train by hiking the hills around them, taking a long walk, doing stair training or any other regular fitness program for several months before leaving.
Consistency, patience and a positive attitude are the most important qualities. Those who remain calm, walk slowly and keep their energy low tend to do better in the first few days than those who try to do too much.
It’s much more beneficial to listen to your guide and pay attention to your body than to do several easy hikes.
Manaslu Circuit Trek for Beginners isn’t an athletic trek because it demands endurance, but not athleticism.
Walking with the backpack for several hours a day for two or more days in a row, ideally without getting tired, is the ideal condition. Building up leg strength, getting fitter and improving stamina will make the journey far more pleasant.
Preparing by walking uphill, using stairs, cycling, swimming, jogging and regular hiking are all great exercises to get ready. There is an observable difference in training three or four times a week for two or three months before departure.
You don’t have to be an athlete, but if you arrive at the station physically fit, you will be able to enjoy the scenery rather than be physically strained going up every incline.
One of the biggest challenges of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the high-altitude trek.
The track slowly rises above 3000m (9843ft), where there is less oxygen in the air. Acclimatisation days are usually part of most trips to help the body acclimatise to the higher elevations.
Some of the side effects of altitude sickness are headaches, loss of appetite, fatigue, dizziness, nausea and sleep problems. These symptoms should never be overlooked.
Walking slowly, drinking ample water, eating properly, avoiding alcohol and following your guide’s directions are the best prevention. When symptoms are severe, it’s always safe to go back to a lower elevation.
Most healthy trekkers experience no serious problems with altitude and make the trek without difficulty with proper acclimatization.
Many people take up Beginner trekking in Nepal, in part due to the diversity of terrain and the Manaslu region offers them that.
The path starts in the green hilly areas of the lower river valleys, waterfalls, rice terraces and small villages. Turning further up, the forest thickens before being replaced by alpine scenery and rocky mountain valleys.
There are many suspension bridges to cross and you will be walking along the edge of fast-moving rivers, stone staircases and yak grazing areas all the way to higher elevations close to Larke Pass.
There are some narrow or uneven sections along some of the trails, but no climbing equipment is used.
The accommodation in the Manaslu Circuit Trek is primarily teahouses. Typically, rooms feature a twin bed, blankets, pillows and community bathrooms. There are several villages with showers and charging stations and also extra fees may apply in higher villages.
Food is nutritious and is intended to give sustenance for walking long hours. The most popular is Dal bhat, a combination of rice, lentil soup, vegetables and pickles, which is served in many teahouses for an unlimited number of refills to balance nutrition.
Some simple international dishes will also be available along with noodles, fried rice, soups, potatoes, eggs, pancakes, porridge, tea and coffee. The higher you go, the fewer food choices you get.
According to Nepal’s trekking rules, it is compulsory to have a licensed guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek for Beginners. The Manaslu region is a restricted area and independent trekking is not allowed. All trekkers need to gain permits from a registered trekking agency and have a licensed guide.
This is a positive requirement for beginners! Guides assist in navigation, altitude monitoring, accommodation, local culture, weather and emergencies. These also provide details about how the villages got their name and their traditions and culture along the way and will enhance the journey.
Numerous trekking companies also provide porter services, where you need to bring only your day-to-night necessities.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is best done in the spring and autumn when the weather is favorable.
Spring (March-May) has temperatures that are nice and warm, the rhododendron forests blossom and the weather is relatively stable. The views of mountain areas are generally good during this time.
The autumn (late September to November) is the most popular trekking season as the sky is generally clear after the monsoon. The visibility is very good and still walkable temperatures.
Heavy snow occurs around Larke Pass in the winter and it is difficult or impossible to cross during certain times. The summer monsoon gives slippery trails, mountain views are lowered at lower elevations and leeches.
Before entering the Manaslu Circuit Trek for Beginners, you need various permits.
The trail eventually steps into the Annapurna region after crossing Larke Pass and trekkers have to acquire a Restricted Area Permit, a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
During the season, permits are priced by the day and the number of days spent in the restricted area. All the applications for permits are typically arranged by your trekking agency before the trek.
Good packing is key to making Beginner trekking in Nepal more comfortable. Layered clothing is better than carrying heavy jackets, as the temperature can change during the day. Waterproof, warm gloves, hat, sunglasses, trekking boots, thermal layers and sleeping bag are all essential.
Personal medications, a basic first aid kit, a reusable water bottle, water purification tablets or filter, lip balm, trekking poles and a comfortable daypack are also recommended.
Don’t overstuff any gear since it will become obvious quickly when climbing for extended periods of time.
There are some challenges that each beginner encounters on the trek. The first week might feel tiring and long, particularly if you haven’t done all the hikes for several hours before. Even if you are physically fit, you tend to slow down when you’re at high altitude.
As you get to the higher villages, cold mornings are more apparent. The limited internet connectivity and basic living facilities might need some acclimatisation for those who are accustomed to luxurious accommodations and faster internet.
Luckily, most novices do adapt after a few days and soon enjoy the slower pace of life on the mountain.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek for Beginners is actually a much easier trek when you take the approach of steady progress rather than fast.
Even if you feel like walking briskly, do it slowly at the outset. Regularly drink water all day and eat adequate meals to keep energy up. Get plenty of rest when possible and don’t compare yourself with those who run quicker.
Follow the advice of a guide; don’t be afraid to admit if you’re feeling unwell; and take acclimatisation seriously. Keep in mind that it is more important to arrive at the finish line safely than fast.
It can be more important to maintain a positive attitude in challenging parts of the journey than physical power.
Many individuals say “yes”. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a great combination of adventure, culture, mountains and self-satisfaction. It is a more challenging trek than the shorter ones, but the rewards are tranquil scenery, friendly villages and a more authentic Himalayan experience, with less of the tourist overload that would be found in many popular trekking areas.
With careful planning, training before the trip, an appropriate route, sufficient acclimatisation days and good guides, this trek can be a great initiation into longer trips to the Himalayas.
When you’re making the important decision of choosing your first Himalayan trek, the Manaslu Circuit Trek for Beginners is certainly worthy of consideration. It’s not a walk for the faint of heart but it’s not for the extreme adventurer only either. Many beginners make the trip successfully every year, with good physical preparation, realistic expectations and respect for high altitude.
It is an experience that will make you patient, tough and sensitise you to the beauty of the valleys, the traditional communities and the unmatched Himalayan landscape. The Manaslu Circuit Trek for Beginners is designed to be a challenging trek with a small group to get to know the other side of Nepal, the quieter side, if you are ready for it.
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