Is Manaslu Circuit Trek Safe?

Is Manaslu Circuit trek safe?

2 Mar 2023 Chandra Gurung

Is Manaslu circuit trek safe? If it is the question that is hunting you for a few days after you plan to go on the Manaslu Circuit trek, then you are in the right place. This blog will provide you with all the information you are looking for regarding the safety of the trek. Moreover, after reading this blog till the end, you will be able to detect the factors affecting the safety of the trek. After that, you can consider some plans to tackle those threats.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Overview

In Nepal, more than two million tourists flow every year. Tourists come here to see natural scenery, varied flora, and fauna and blend themselves into Nepal’s different cultures, religions, and traditions. Similarly, some of the favourite activities to do in Nepal include trekking, mountaineering, and rafting in a beautiful landscape. 

Among the various popular trekking routes, Manaslu Circuit Trek is one. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a trendy hiking path in Nepal that surrounds the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Manaslu Mountain. As an alternative to the more popular Annapurna Circuit trek, this trek offers a similar level of adventure and stunning natural beauty without crowds.

Mesmerizing view of Mount Manaslu

The Manaslu Circuit trek takes around 14 to 18 days to complete, depending on the walking speed and the route. The Manaslu circuit trek walk is through luscious forests, high mountain ranges, small towns and villages, suspension bridges over rapid rivers, and other natural features. So, there is no doubt that people will have a fantastic time in Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

Is Manaslu Circuit Trek Safe?

Likewise, when people plan to trek in a Manaslu Circuit, they first want to know, “Is Manaslu circuit trek safe?” And the answer to this rising question is that Manaslu Circuit Trek is safe. In every high-altitude trekking trial, be it Everest Circuit Trekking, Annapurna Circuit Trek, or Manaslu Circuit Trek, the degree of difficulty level and safeness level is measured in terms of the distance of the trek, climate condition of the trek, physical fitness, and training of the trekkers, trekking season, etc. 

When a person does Manaslu Circuit Trek in perfect weather, is physically fit, can handle all the ascends and descends throughout the trail, and is prepared with proper equipment and gears. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is safe for that person. Contrarily, if someone is physically unfit and does not have the necessary gear and equipment, they risk being in danger when undertaking the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Factors Affecting the Safeness of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Before trekking in the Manaslu Circuit, knowing how safe that area is to trek is crucial. It is also crucial to know the elements that affect the safety of that particular trail. Some of the factors that affect the safeness level while trekking in Manaslu Circuit are described below:

Physical Fitness of the Trekkers

The physical fitness of the trekkers directly affects the safeness of the trail. Before undertaking any multi-day trek, being in good shape is essential. When your physical fitness level is reasonable, you can walk quickly and easily on the trail and will have to face no problems. You’ll experience less physical and mental strain when you’re fit. You should be able to walk for 7 to 9 hours every day.

Picture to show the answer of the question "Is Manaslu circuit trek safe?"

Similarly, you should be in good health condition. It would be best if you aren’t suffering from any health problems. The walk will occur at high altitudes, where altitude sickness is a severe risk. Drink plenty of water, take breaks for acclimatization, and don’t smoke or drink alcohol.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions in different months can substantially impact the safety of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The trail becomes slippery from heavy precipitation and snowfall. It increases the risk of avalanches or landslides. Similarly, fog or mist impairs visibility, and freezing temperatures raise the possibility of hypothermia and frostbite. Likewise strong winds make it challenging to follow the trail around high mountains.

Due to these weather conditions, the trekking route is more hazardous and difficult to navigate. It is essential to review the weather prediction and stay off the trails when it is snowing or raining. Knowing about the risks and taking the appropriate safety measures is vital to ensure a risk-free and pleasurable trek.

Trail Conditions

The trail crosses rocky and steep terrain, and landslides and rockfalls are possible during the rainy season. Such a trial condition can potentially result in harm or even death. Similarly, the walk travels through high-altitude regions. In the winter, the trail is covered with snow. Snow makes the trail slippery and increases the chance of falls and injury. Similarly, there are suspension bridges on the Manaslu Circle hike over cliffs and rivers. Before attempting to cross a bridge, inspecting it for damage or instability is crucial.

Hiring an Experienced Trekking Guide

The Manaslu Circle Trek is safer if you hire a qualified, experienced trekking guide. You might question how the safety of a trekking trail is affected by an expert guide. And having that thought is normal. The Manaslu Circle trek can be made significantly safer by hiring a knowledgeable trekking guide. A knowledgeable guide has a thorough knowledge of the trail. He/she can assist you in negotiating rugged terrain. He/she will also guide you to avoid dangers like slippery rocks, steep slopes, and risky routes.

Furthermore, a knowledgeable guide can assist you in appropriately acclimatizing, identifying altitude sickness signs, and offering treatment as required. An expert guide will be able to manage any medical emergency, provide first aid, and make arrangements for medical assistance if necessary. Hence, employing a knowledgeable trekking guide on the Manaslu Circuit walk can assist in guaranteeing a safe and fun trekking experience.

Proper Equipment

The safety of the Manaslu Circuit walk depends on having the right gear. The Manaslu Circuit trip is a complex and remote walk. It requires the appropriate gear and tools to ensure trekkers’ safety. The journey will take place at a high altitude; therefore, appropriate gear will be needed. Appropriate gear includes warm clothing, waterproof coats, fleece gloves, thick socks, and reliable hiking boots. Trekkers can use these to shield themselves from the weather and avoid hypothermia or frostbite. 

Bridge in the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Other tools include a first aid kit, trekking poles, headlight, GPS device, etc. For safety purposes, you should also ensure the equipment is well-maintained and of good quality. Hikers should have all the necessary gear to make it safe and enjoyable before starting their trek.

Trekking Experience

Although the Manaslu Circuit is a difficult journey that calls for physical endurance, mental toughness, and experience in mountain climbing, the trekking experience can unquestionably determine how safe the trek will be. Trekkers and hikers gain confidence due to experience, which is the key to finishing the journey successfully. Experience is essential for trekking because it will help you to face any dangers that arise in the journey. 

Similarly, the Manaslu Circuit walk crosses rugged, steep terrain, and the trail is only sometimes well-marked. You could better locate your way and stay on track if you have navigational and map-reading knowledge. Thus, prior experience is crucial for a safe and successful operation and being physically and mentally prepared.

Conclusion

Generally, Manaslu Circuit Trek is regarded as a safe trek. The weather, the trekker’s physical fitness, the guide’s knowledge and abilities, and the calibre of the gear utilized are just a few of the variables that affect how safe the trek will be. Overall, if proper precautions are taken and necessary preparations are made, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. You need to make some preparation beforehand. This will ensure that you are more confident and enjoy your trek until the highest elevation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. People often have questions about safety during Manaslu Circuit Trek, and this blog answers most of them.

Feel free to contact us if you are interested in experiencing the Manaslu Circuit Trek. If you have any questions about trekking in Nepal, we, Himalaya Guide Nepal P. Ltd., would gladly assist you. Also, we offer various trekking packages.

FAQ

  1. Is Manaslu Circuit Trek safe?

Manaslu Circuit Trek is safe if proper precautions are taken and necessary preparations are made.

  1. Which season is best for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit is best to trek during the autumn and spring season. The favourable months are March, April, May, October, and November. During these months, the sky is blue and clear, with less chance of rainfall and snowfall. Such weather condition increases trekker safety and trekking satisfaction.

  1. How long does it take to complete Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit trek takes around 14 to 18 days to complete, depending on the walking speed and the route.

  1. What are the factors that affect safety during Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Various factors affect the safety of trekkers during the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Some of those factors include the physical fitness of the trekkers, weather conditions, trail conditions, proper equipment, previous trekking experience, and hiring an experienced and government-licensed holder trekking guide. 

  1. Do we need special permission from Nepal’s government for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Manaslu is a restricted area. We need three special permits from Nepal’s government for Manaslu Circuit Trek: Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu, Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit), and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit). Trekkers need to pay a certain amount to get these permits.