Why is the Manaslu Trek Harder than the Everest Trek? Difficulties & Prepration

About Manaslu Trek and Everest Trek Difficulty

Wondering why is Manaslu Trek harder than the Everest Trek? While the Everest Base Camp Trek steals the spotlight as the highest peak in the world, another popular and demanding trekking route in Manaslu presents different kinds of challenges in the Himalayas.

The Manaslu Circuit Trekis an incredible trekking venture in Nepal that features an off-the-beaten-path route bordered by the 8th highest peak in the world, Mount Manaslu (8163m). The trek to Manaslu begins in Machhekhola and ends in Besisahar, covering a distance of approximately 177 KM. While trekking through the Manaslu Conservation Area, you can witness the entire Manaslu Range and other peaks such as Ngadi Chuli and Himalchuli. The Manaslu Trek difficulty is considered a challenging journey, particularly along the remote pathways and high passes, including the Larkya La Pass at 5106 meters.

Meanwhile, the Everest Base Camp Trek is another popular route in Nepal that encircles the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, along with other 8000-meter peaks. Starting from the legendary Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla, the trek passes through Sagarmatha National Park and several Sherpa villages such as Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. Suppose you want to know about the Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty. In that case, it is considered a moderate to challenging trip, especially during the hike to Everest Base Camp and the Kala Patthar hike.

What makes the Manaslu Trek harder than the Everest

Differences in Landscapes and Terrains of Manaslu and Everest

The landscapes and terrain of Manaslu and Everest are distinct. To reach the starting point of the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek, you must fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. From Lukla, the trail passes through several villages, dense forests, suspension bridges, and terraced farmlands.

In contrast, to reach the starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, trekkers must drive for about 7-8 hours from Kathmandu to Machchekhola. From there, the trail goes past suspension bridges, remote villages, waterfalls, rugged terrain, and high passes.

Although the elevation is higher in the Everest Trek, reaching up to 5545 meters at Kala Patthar, the diversity of landscapes and terrain in Manaslu makes the trek challenging.

Permit Cards of Manaslu and Everest

The permit card for the Manaslu Trek and the Everest Trek is different. Moreover, obtaining the permit card for Manaslu is not as easy compared for Everest. The Manaslu Circuit Trek lies in a restricted trekking area of Nepal, requiring a special permit card from the Nepal Government. Additionally, it can take 3-4 hours to obtain a permit (if the online system doesn’t work, it can take a day as well). In contrast, you can easily get the Everest Base Camp Trek permit card along the way at Monjo, within 10-15 minutes.

Furthermore, the Manaslu Trek permit card is more expensive compared to the Everest Trek permit card. It costs around USD 75 to 100 for a Manaslu Restricted permit, depending on the season, with MCAP & ACAP costing USD 25 each. On the other hand, the Everest Trek permit costs USD 25 each for the Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Region Municipality Permit.

Manaslu Base Camp Hike Vs Everest Base Camp Hike

The altitude of the Everest Camp is 5364 meters, whereas the Manaslu Base Camp lies at 4800 meters. In terms of altitude, the Everest Base Camp Hike can be a bit challenging than the Manaslu Base Camp Hike.

Larkya La Pass Trek vs Kala Patthar Hike

Perhaps two of the challenging parts of the respective treks, Larkya La Pass and Kala Pathhar. The Hike to Kalapathar from Gorakshep is just 1.5 KM. Though the altitude is 5545 meters, if you are acclimatized properly, you can easily do this hike. In contrast, the Larkya La Pass Trek at 5106 meters is around 14-16 KM from Larkya Phedi through the rugged and rocky terrain. This part makes the Manaslu Trek harder than the Everest Trek.

Logistic Facilities and Teahouses in Manaslu and Everest

Due to the remote area trek in Nepal, the logistic facilities in the Manaslu region are very limited in comparison to those in Everest. In Everest, the local people can easily take the amenities needed for the teahouse through the charter or the flight. However, in Manaslu, chartering is very difficult to operate, while it takes several days to take the teahouse amenities by mule or donkey. That’s why the teahouses in Everest are better established than in Manaslu.

Preparation for the Manaslu Trek to Overcome Difficulty

To overcome all the difficulties of the Manaslu Trek, trekkers must engage in proper planning and preparation. Some preparation tips for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are highlighted below:

• Participate in physical training to face the altitude gain across rugged terrains, steep trails, and high passes.
• Organize the Manaslu Trek with a reputable local trekking company, such as Overland Trek Nepal.
• Obtain your permit at least 1-2 days before the trek's departure. With your original passport, visa, and a copy of your photo, Overland Trek Nepal can arrange the necessary permits.
• Choose the best time to trek in Manaslu, which is during the Spring and Autumn seasons.
• Pack the right gear and equipment to boost your confidence every day on the trail.
• Prepare for emergencies by carrying a personal first aid kit, minimizing the risk of altitude sickness, and purchasing travel insurance that covers helicopter rescue and medical expenses.

Preparation for the Everest Trek to Tackle the Difficulty

The preparation for the Everest is somewhat similar to the Trek to the Manaslu Circuit.

• Excellent Physical conditioning involving outdoor activities like jogging, day hikes, cardio training, etc.
• Hike to a Higher altitude above 3000 meters, if possible, once or twice a week.
• Pack your trekking gear wisely.
• Just like for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, get your travel insurance that covers altitude sickness, rescue coverage, and medical bills.
• Arrange your lifetime adventure trip with the best trekking company in Nepal, like Overland Trek Nepal, and enjoy a hassle-free trip.

FAQs

What makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek difficult?

The remoteness of the Manaslu Region, along with the Restricted Area, makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficult.

As a Beginner, Can I Do the Everest Base Camp Trek in 14 Days?

Yes, even if you are a beginner, with proper preparation, acclimatization, and guidance, every beginner can do the Everest Base Camp Trek in 14 Days.

Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Everest Base Camp Trek, which trek is better?

If you are seeking solitude and remote wilderness, then the Manaslu Circuit is the best. Whereas, those who want to experience a lifetime adventure in the foothills of Mount Everest, then EBC is an ideal option.

Do I get altitude sickness during the Manaslu Trek?

There is a high chance of getting altitude sickness during the Manaslu Circuit Trek, especially while crossing the Larkya La Pass.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, in terms of trail condition, the Manaslu Trek is harder than the Everest. The diverse landscapes, route, starting point, remoteness, and mountain passes of Manaslu make it a physically demanding trek in Nepal. That being said, you shouldn’t underestimate the elevation of the Everest Trek and the risk it poses. Both treks need good preparation, an experienced trekking guide, and a trustworthy trekking operator like Overland Trek Nepal. If you are still confused why is Manaslu Trek Harder than the Everest Trek, then feel free to contact us via WhatsApp +9779851138871. Our travel specialist will make you further clear about both treks.