Manaslu Circuit Trekking Altitude

Know About Manaslu Circuit Trekking Altitude Gain And Brief Summary Of The Region

The Manaslu region is one of the restricted areas in Nepal. There are many other restricted areas in the country, each offering amazing trekking routes to adventurers from around the world. Nonetheless, trekking on the Manaslu Circuit is currently gaining popularity as the best restricted area trek. It is located in the Gorkha district of Gandaki Province.

Tourists also have a chance to visit Samdo, the last village in the north of the country, sits at an altitude of 3,875 m above sea level near the Tibet-China border. The entire region presents Tibetan Buddhist culture, which is one of the significant highlights of the trek and the major highlight of the trek is witnessing the mind-blowing view of Mount Manaslu (world’s eighth-highest mountain), stands at an elevation of 8,163 m. In terms of Manaslu Circuit elevation rise, the trek reaches across from 710 m to 5,106 m, displaying an essential gain in altitude.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Altitude Guide: Key Elevation and Tips for Trekkers

The Manaslu Circuit Trekking is mostly famous for its jaw-dropping Mountain View and rich Tibetan Buddhist culture. The more height trekkers gain gradually during trekking, the more breathtaking landscapes, culture, and memorable experiences they receive as a reward for their patience and endurance.

Prior to embarking on this trail, it is necessary to know about the Manaslu Circuit Trek altitude profile in order to plan and prepare for one of Nepal's most amazing treks. This knowledge helps trekkers minimize obstacles along the way as many as possible. While it may not be possible to avoid all difficulties entirely, they can only be reduced to some extent.

Below are some of the key elevations and tips for trekkers before embarking on the trek to the Manaslu Circuit:

Beginning Point

Soti Khola is a typical starting point for the trek, making it a low-altitude location. The village sits at an altitude of 710 m (2,329 ft). Plenty of lush forests and terraced fields can be seen around. The temperature is warm here, and the trekking trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River.

Gradual To Mid-Altitude Point

Most trekkers often go directly to the village of Machhi Khola (870 m/2,854 ft) from Kathmandu, rather than stopping for an overnight stay in Soti Khola, which is just 1.5 to 2 hours away by car. However, many trekkers, especially beginners, choose to stay in Soti Khola for the night before starting their trek. From Soti Khola, they begin the journey to Machhi Khola, which takes around 5 hours of slow walking, and stay overnight there.

On the second day, the next stop for an overnight stay is Jagat (1,340 m/4,396 ft), with time duration of approximately 6 to 7 hours. The trek from Soti Khola to Jagat is not difficult and is free from altitude sickness, as symptoms usually begin to occur above 1,800 m.

Mid-Altitude Point

The mid-altitude points of the trek are Deng (1,860 m/6,102 ft) and Namrung (2,630 m/8,629 ft). After reaching Deng, trekkers will have their first view of Mount Manaslu. The walking duration from Jagat to Deng and from Deng to Namrung is the same, roughly 6 to 7 hours. Adventurers need to pay attention to their physical condition after Deng, as it is already above 1,800 m, meaning there is a high chance of experiencing altitude sickness, as mentioned above.

High Altitude And Acclimatization Point

The high altitude point begins once trekkers reach Lho (3,180 m/10,433 ft), meaning they should be more concerned about their physical condition from this village onward. It is situated on the way from Namrung to Sama Gaun, a typical place for an overnight stay of the day. The hiking duration between Namrung and Sama Gaun is around 6 to 7 hours of slow walking.

Reaching the Manaslu Circuit Trek highest point is one of the difficult tasks that a person can do in his or her life. As a result, it is essential to spend an extra day at a high-altitude place before heading to the highest point of the trek. Samagaun is considered a good place to stay an extra day for acclimatization, located at an elevation of 3,520 m (11,549 ft).

During the acclimatization day, trekkers can choose hike to Birendra Lake or Manaslu Base Camp. These two locations are optional for the rest day. Some choose to visit the lake, while others opt for the base camp. From Sama Gaun, it normally takes about 3 hours to complete the hike to the lake and 5 hours to complete the hike to the base camp. The elevation of the lake and base camp are 3,691 m and 4,800 m, respectively.

Approaching The Last Settlement

As mentioned earlier, Samdo is the last village in northern Nepal, located at an altitude of 3,875 m. It usually takes around 4 hours of walking to reach there from Sama Gaun. The village is dominated by a rocky landscape with very little sign of trees or green grass.

Last Point Before The Pass

Dharmashala is the last point before reaching the main destination of the trek and is situated at an altitude of 4,450 m (14,600 ft). To reach this village, trekkers need to walk about 4 hours from Samdo.

Larkya La Pass High Point And Descend

Facing the Larkya La Pass altitude is the key moment of the Manaslu Trek, as it offers tourists a beautiful views and a memorable high-altitude experience. It is the highest point of the trek and is located at the height of 5,106 m (16,752 ft) on the border between the Gorkha and Manang districts. So, basically, the trekkers officially enter the Manang after crossing the pass.

To reach the pass, trekkers are required to wake up early, between 3 and 4 o’clock, and leave the hotel by 5 o’clock sharp, as wind is frequently heavy after 8 o’clock on most mountain passes in the country and also need to cover a long distance on this day. It takes approximately 4 hours of hiking from Dharmashala to the pass and another 4 hours of descending to Bhimthang.

Conclusion Of The Trek 

Once trekkers descend and reach Dharapani (1,860 m/6,102 ft) from Bhimthang after walking for around 6 to 7 hours, the trek officially concludes, as the roadway for vehicles begins here. Most trekkers take a public vehicle to Besi Sahar (760 m/2,490 ft) in Lamjung. Nevertheless, some choose to continue hiking a little further from Dharapani to Chyamche (1,370 m/4,495 ft) or Jagat (1,300 m/4,265 ft) in Lamjung, spend a night, conclude the trek there, and then take a vehicle to Besi Sahar the next day.

Also, check the Best Restricted Area Treks in Nepal 

Manaslu Trek Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is a condition that develops in the body at high-altitude region, frequently caused by ascending too quickly or pushing the body more than its limit. It usually happens at elevations above 1,800 m. There are three kinds of altitude sickness: Acute Moutain Sickness (AMS), High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).

Among these, AMS is the common and mild, whereas the other two are very dangerous and life-threatening. They commonly occur in the body when AMS is not taken seriously. So, basically, a person may develop HAPE or HACE if AMS is neglected. To avoid altitude sickness on the Manaslu Circuit trek, trekkers are advised to take following things. They are listed below:

Acclimatization Break

Taking break to acclimatize the body at high-altitudes is most essential thing during the trek. Altitude sickness frequently occurs above 1,800 m that means trekkers should walk slowly by taking breaks of at least 5 to 7 minutes along the way. Once reaching 3,000 m, it is important to spent an extra day in the same location before ascending any further.

Proper Manaslu Circuit Trek acclimatization is significant to avoid altitude sickness and assure a safe and unforgettable trekking experience in Nepal. Hence, Samagaun is an ideal place in the route to stay an another day to acclimatize, as it is already at the height of 3,520 m.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water slowly and regularly in large amounts is a good habit that all should practice every day. Yet, many people don't take this seriously by not drinking enough water throughout the day. Such carelessness can increase the risk of developing altitude sickness during trekking.

Consequently, trekkers should drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water daily to stay hydrated and away from becoming one of the victims. The more water we drink, the clearer our urine becomes, and the better our chances of preventing sickness while ascending.

Ascend Gradually

Walking slowly in a high-altitude region like Manaslu is a wise approach to trekking. Trekkers should not rush to reach the next stop for an overnight stay. If a long distance needs to be covered, it is better to wake up early and begin the journey to reach the destination before darkness fall.

Nonetheless, it is not advisable to leave late and then try to speed up the pace to make up for time that was wasted. The Manaslu Trek altitude climb is important, as trekkers slowly go up to over 5,000 m, making proper acclimatization essential for a safe journey.