Challenges of Manaslu Region Trek

Are you planning to Manaslu Trek? Here is some information about the challenges of Manaslu Region Trek. Manaslu region trek is one of the best remote trekking in Nepal that leads you around the 8th highest peak of the world. Manaslu region lies in the western part of Nepal, which is not much far from the capital city, Kathmandu. This region gets its name and publicity due to Mount Manaslu (8,156m), which is one of the 8 eight-thousanders located in Nepal.

Manaslu Circuit trek holds the third position after Everest Region trekking and Annapurna Region trekking in Nepal. Trekking to Manaslu region rewards you with its natural beauty and cultural diversity that are unique and remarkable. The Nepal trekking trail to Manaslu region trekking leads you to diverse landscapes from sub-tropical to alpine zone. The numerous species of wildlife and vegetation found in the Manaslu region.

There are 19 different types of forests comprising 2,000 types of flowering plants including 33 species of mammals, 110 species of birds, 210 species of butterflies.  If you happen to make a plan to visit Manaslu region in spring, the entire forest looks like a bride on her wedding day due to the blooming flowers.

The ethnic villages of the mixed communities in the lower Manaslu region and unique Tibetan Buddhist culture of the upper Manaslu region are the attractions of this trek. The ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, mani walls, chortens highly decorated with the prayer flags make your journey to the Himalayas more memorable.

Major Ethnic Group as Opportunity and Challenges of Manaslu Region Trek

There are two major ethnic groups living in the two major valleys: Nubri valley and Tusm valley, of this region. The people of Nubri valley are mostly Gurung who are employed in services in Nepal and the foreign countries. Tsum valley is populated by Gurung and Bhotias (Bhutias) who follow Tibetan culture and tradition

As the people of Nubri valley have connection with the outer world, their culture and tradition are highly influenced by it. However, if you want to observe the authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition, Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is the best option. You can find the unspoiled natural beauty and untouched culture by modernity in this hidden valley.

Nowadays, trekking to Manaslu Circuit is easier because the new comfortable trails are opened to replace the difficult ones. Therefore, even the beginners can accomplish this trekking as it doesn’t require previous experience and technical knowledge. What you need is just physical fitness and mental determination to do this journey successfully.

In the past, you had to do camping trekking to Himalayan region as there were no teahouses established. But nowadays, teahouses providing basic services though, are set up in all the stops on the trail. With the development of teahouses, you don’t have to worry about hiring a crew required for the camping trekking.

Despite the natural and cultural rewards, Manaslu region trekking difficulty is challenging for the trekkers. There are many factors to make this journey quite challenging in terms of distance, altitude, weather, trekking duration and solo trekking. Of course, it is not easy to do any journey around the high altitude place in the Himalayas. That’s why, trekking in Himalayas is not everyone’s cup of tea. Let’s take a quick look into the challenges of Manaslu region trekking in this article:

Manaslu Trekking Distance as a Challenge

The total distance of the entire Manaslu Circuit trekking trail is about 177 kilometers that takes almost 17 days to cover it. It is okay if you have previous experience of walking along the rugged steep uphill or downhill trail. But for a beginner, it is not that easy to cover around 15/20 kilometers per day. The trekking trail goes sometimes too steep and other times too sloppy. The narrow trail that goes past the wooden bridge is another challenge for the trekkers. Similarly, you have to be able to go past the highest place Larkya La Pass (5,123m) on the way.

Manaslu Trekking Altitude as a Challenge

Altitude is another Challenges of Manaslu Region Trek trail. The landscapes of Manaslu region ranges from 700 meters to 5,123 meters from subtropical to alpine zone. It is obvious that ‘the higher elevation you reach, the higher the possibility for altitude sickness’. As soon as you reach the place above 2,500 meters, the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) begins. Altitude sickness is a very common phenomenon to the trekkers while doing the journey in the high Himalayas.

Similarly, the most of the stopovers during this trek lie in the places above 2,500 meters from the sea level. Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake are the most striking attractions of this trek. However, both of them stand at the height of around 4,800 meters that there is high possibility for altitude sickness. As soon as the symptoms of AMS begin to seem, don’t forget to consult with the trekking guide. To avoid the unexpected results, don’t forget to pack some medicines will help your backpack.

Weather is Challenges of Manaslu Region Trek

As Manaslu Circuit trekking region extends between 700 meters and 5,123 meters, weather can be a great challenge. In different seasons of the year, the weather condition of the region may differ. Heavy rainfall, freezing cold nights and mornings, blazing sun and chilling wind are the common phenomena in the high altitude. Generally, the days are warm while the nights and mornings are cold in this region. Therefore, you had better manage warm clothes according to the season in the backpack.

If you are making Manaslu region trekking in winter season, the temperature goes into minus. The upper Manaslu region is almost blocked due to the heavy snowfall that obstructs the trekking trails. The highest point, Larkya La Pass (5,123m) and the surrounding region are almost impossible to go across. Due to the freezing coldness, the teahouses of the higher land are shut down as the hosts migrate to lower section. Although the temperature at night and morning is negative, the daytime is stable serving the clear view of the mountains and landscapes.

Trekking Manaslu Circuit in summer is also challenging because it is rainy season in Nepal. Due to the heavy rainfall, the rugged trail gets muddy and slippery due to the gushing rainwater from highland to lowland. Moreover, the leeches in the trail through the jungles are another challenge you must be ready to face. The trail leading to Larkya La Pass during the rainy season is too challenging to cross. So Larkya La Pass is another Challenges of Manaslu Region Trek

The best time to make Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is spring season for the beautiful clear view of the surrounding. The days and mornings during spring season have clear skies and cloudless so that you can see panoramic view of the snowy peaks and the wonderful terrain. Since Manaslu Conservation Area contains more than 2,000 flowering plants, the entire region turns into a beautiful garden in this time. Varieties of rhododendron beautify the conservation area like a bride on the wedding day.

Manaslu region hiking in autumn is the most appropriate time of the year. Autumn in Nepal have pleasant temperature and the weather is stable. Due to the spotless skies, the sunrays hit the snowy peaks giving the best glowing views. In autumn, you can also taste the organic fruits and observe the typical festivals celebrated by the people living in this region. The days are warm and nights are comparatively cold so that you will sleep well for the complete rest.

Solutions of the Challenges:

We know that every challenge has solution in itself. So, Challenges of Manaslu Region Trek cannot be exception to this fact. This off the beaten path trekking can be beaten by following certain precautions and taking necessary steps. In fact, trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas require physical fitness and mental determination.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Training:

Along with physical fitness and mental preparedness, you had better take or get some training. Walking for about 6/8 hours to cross 15/20 kilometers a day is not that easy. Besides, the trail is sometimes steep and sometimes sloppy passing through some rugged sections. Similarly, the trekking trail in Manaslu region is not wide enough to walk comfortably in all the sections.

Choosing the itinerary having enough acclimatization days is wise to do this remote trek successfully. However, developing a good deal of habit of walking is a plus point next to bodily and psychological readiness. Jogging can be helpful to build a habit of walking through the trail that goes through the mixed terrain.

Endurance Training:

After you are mentally and physically ready, it is important that you be ready to tolerate the hardships. You need a great deal of endurance power to walk uphill and downhill landscapes of Manaslu region trekking. You should try to make different body parts like leg, feet, knees and ankles strong. Besides training from a reliable institute, you can do staircase climbing practice, join gym and go jogging to increase endurance strength.

Cardiovascular Fitness: Challenges of Manaslu Region Trek

As soon as you reach the elevation higher than 2,500, it is hard to breathe normally. The presence of oxygen in the air is low in higher altitude that the heart and lungs cannot supply it enough for normal breathing. If the heart and lungs are not correctly functioning, you may have AMS or altitude sickness. To keep your cardiovascular fitness in a good condition, you can practice cycling, swimming, running, jogging and medium distance walking,

Mental Fitness,

They say that ‘well planned is half done’! It means you need to be mentally strong and ready to complete Manaslu Circuit trek without any mishaps. Actually although there are some challenges of this trek, it is not impossible to do. And people of different walks of life and psycho-physical level have completed this challenging trekking successfully. If you think you can do trekking in Nepal, you can absolutely accomplish it!

Conclusion: Challenges of Manaslu Region Trek

In a nutshell, Manaslu region trekking is a lifelong memories of rich cultural beauty and natural diversity. It is challenging journey through the Nepalese Himalayas due to diverse terrain. It is not always easy to walk for about 8 hours a day to cover the distance of around 20 kilometers. Although there are a few Challenges of Manaslu Region Trek, you can overcome them by following the solutions given in this article.

Moreover, you can avoid the challenges by drinking enough water, eating hygienic food and taking enough rest. Likewise, you must be updated about the weather condition and take required precautions about AMS. Hiring a professional Nepal trekking guide and a porter from a good trekking agency is another thing to consider. If necessary, you can consult with Nepal Trekking Routes for other information.