Is Manaslu Trek Harder than Everest?

They are both a lifetime of Himalayan adventure, but trekkers wonder: is the Manaslu trek tougher than Everest? 

Here we will examine the variables of trekking difficulty—terrain and altitude, etc.—to infrastructure and isolation in order to enable you to select the trip appropriate for your degree of adventure.

A Tale of Two Treks

The Everest Base Camp Trek

The most well-known trekking path worldwide is the one to Everest Base Camp (EBC). Starting with an amazing flight to Lukla, it then follows the middle of the Khumbu valley across Sherpa people's rhododendron forests and towns and monasteries. 

Trekkers ascend by steps to high altitude, acclimatizing in the energetic center of Namche Bazaar and quiet refuge of Dingboche, and at last arrive at the fabled base camp at 5,364 meters. Bone-chilling views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other Himalayan giants pepper the path along. 

Though challenging, EBC is well-known for its sophisticated teahouse system and strong infrastructure that keeps the trail comfortable.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek

On the other side, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is less off the beaten road. Encircling Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world, the journey reaches isolated and untamed land in the Manaslu Conservation Area. 

Fewer hikers mean fewer folks on trails and teahouses that, while basic, are rich with local culture. The journey exposes hikers to different scenery—from fertile, subtropical valleys to desolate high-altitude wastelands—and offers a deeper appreciation of Nepal's rich cultural history of Gurung and Tibetan culture. 

What Constitutes a "Hard" Trek?

It depends on which trekking route is harder based on several factors:

Acclimatization and Altitude

Altitude is a challenge on both excursions. At Kala Patthar, the EBC trail is around 5,555 meters; at Larkya La Pass, the Manaslu Circuit is at 5,160 meters. Although Everest Base Camp is somewhat higher, the Manaslu walk is frequently viewed as more arduous since it contains longer day walks and more remote high-altitude stretches when acclimatization is more difficult. 

Both routes feature rest days—at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche on the Everest climb, and at communities like Sama Gaun and Samdo on the Manaslu trek—to decrease the risk of altitude sickness. In one account, although both climbs need rigorous acclimatization, the danger of altitude sickness is generally higher on Everest because it is higher. 

Terrain and Trail Conditions

Terrain is the second most important factor. Everest Base Camp trek is relatively more developed, with relatively broader trails and more regular teahouse stops. Manaslu Circuit, however, consists of rugged, narrow trails, steep ascents and descents of mountains, and landslide sections. 

The Manaslu region's remoteness also translates to less developed trails, and any unstable weather shift can make trail conditions unpredictable. New trekkers find these technical sections require more stamina and mental resilience.

Infrastructure and Support

One of the largest contrasts between the two treks is the support along the route. Everest Base Camp has seen decades of trekking tourism that have left a trail of teahouses with decent accommodation, hot meals, and even niceties such as Wi-Fi and hot showers along the way. Not only is this more pleasant, but it is also safer in the event of an emergency regarding evacuation. 

As a contrast, the Manaslu Circuit trek is less developed. The infrastructure here is far more rudimentary, which adds to the extra challenge but also offers a more raw and unfiltered experience in the unspoiled wild.

Permits and Regulations

Permit requirements also factor into the challenge of the trek. The Manaslu Circuit is a restricted region, and trekkers thus must acquire many permits (such as the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, and Restricted Area Permit) and trek with a guide, too. All this extra red tape and demand for specialized expertise may also factor into the mental challenge of planning and doing the trek. 

By contrast, although the Everest Base Camp trek also requires permits—such as the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and TIMS card—the process is relatively easy and has been streamlined by decades of mass tourist traffic.

Isolation and cultural immersion

Cultural exposure on the two trips is varied. The Everest trip offers a combination of modern conveniences and traditional culture, with busy communities like Namche Bazaar as social hubs where trekkers around the world mingle. 

The Manaslu trip, with its somewhat more remote and isolated trekking route, gives exposure to witness more of the traditional indigenous traditions of societies like the Gurungs and the Tamangs. At the cost of fewer facilities and greater exposure to the ugliness of nature, human isolation occurs, and the individuals climb more severely physically and mentally. 

Which Trek is “Harder”?

Is the Manaslu trek more challenging than the Everest Base Camp trek, then? Yes:

• Physical Effort: Manaslu Circuit trek tends to demand more sustained physical effort due to the longer distance, steeper routes, and fewer rest days. Trekkers must be physically fit for a challenging trek on less-developed trails.
• Altitude Effect: Situated at a higher elevation, Everest Base Camp is the less ascent and more acclimatization break route, thus making it a relatively easier route for most of the trekkers.
• Support and Comfort: Everest Base Camp is more established, and that can make some difficulties easier in the way of improved food, lodging, and availability of emergency services.
• Remote Experience: Manaslu's remote and unspoiled landscape, while creating a more "real" experience, also places even more complexity levels that require more physical and mental preparation.

Finally, although both treks are difficult in their own right, most experienced trekkers and local guides would concur that the Manaslu Circuit trek is generally more difficult because of its remoteness and harsh conditions.