How to prepare for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Many trekkers are curious to know how you can prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, as the trek is one of the most remote treks in Nepal, and it needs to be explored more. More than thousands of trekkers trek to the Manaslu region every year.

Manaslu Circuit Trek recently has been a trek that everyone has got their eyes on. So, in this article, we will help you prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal.

Preparing for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu circuit shines as one of the best treks in Nepal. To prepare for the trek, you must look at many things during the trek, from altitude-to-altitude sickness to weather, physical strength, and all. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a demanding trek that requires thorough preparation. Here’s a detailed guide to help you get ready.

Know the Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty is moderately challenging. It covers around 177 kilometres in 13–16 days. The trek’s highest point is the Larkya La Pass, at 5,106 meters, with breathtaking mountain views.

Further, the trail goes through dense forests, suspension bridges, picturesque villages, and diverse landscapes. It is a teahouse trek, meaning basic accommodation is available, but the region’s remoteness requires careful planning and preparation.

Choose the Right Time

Picking the right season is very important for a trek. The best times to visit Manaslu are spring, March to May, autumn, and September to November. During these months, the weather is stable, the skies are clear, and the landscapes are in their most beautiful phase.

In spring, rhododendrons will bloom, while mountain views will be crystal clear in autumn. Avoid the monsoon season, from June to August, for heavy rains and the risk of landslides; likewise, winter from December to February because snow may block the Larkya La Pass.

How do you choose the best travel agency for Manaslu Circuit Trek? 

Various ways will help you find the best travel agency for your Manaslu Circuit Trek. The first step is to shortlist the trekking companies that provide Manaslu Trekking in Nepal. 

After shortlisting, please compare the costs, including and excluding services, and most importantly, the company’s reviews and ratings. You must ensure that your chosen company is well-reputed in the market and provides top-notch service for trekking in Nepal. 

Thousands of companies provide Manaslu Trekking services in Nepal, so make sure you choose the best one. The next step in choosing the company is to explore the details of the Trek.

Learn whether the guide and porter are provided or not. Is their cost added to the package, or should you add it on? Explore if the company provides the food, accommodation, and transportation during the trek. 

Also, check the company’s reviews on sites like TripAdvisor, Google reviews, Trustpilot and even on the site. Do a small briefing session about the trek details. Then, you can find one of the best companies for Manaslu Trek in Nepal. 

Get the Necessary Permits

Trekking in the Manaslu region requires several permits. It would help if you had the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and even the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit because some parts of the trail come under the Annapurna region.

These Manaslu permits must be arranged through a trekking agency, and you cannot trek solo—you need a licensed guide and at least one other person in your group. It’s important to have all permits in place before starting the trek.

Building Physical Fitness

Begin training at least two months in advance of the trek. This way, your body will be able to acclimate to the physical demands of the trek. Manaslu Circuit Trek distance is 177 km long, so you must be walking at least 10-15 km each day.

To trek this much, you must be fit and physically strong. Also, the trek has many ascents and descents, so please prepare yourself for those activities.

Find Manaslu Guides

Always trek with an experienced Manaslu guide or porter; they have local knowledge and help manage the risks of altitude sickness. Because the Manaslu Circuit Trek is in a remote region of Nepal, the trails and routes are less well-marked than those of Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp treks.

Also, a guide is compulsory due to the remote and restricted nature of the trek. So please talk freely to your guide about every minor inconvenience or problem.

Note: You can’t do a Manaslu hike without trekking agency support. To trek to Manaslu, you need restricted area permits, which you can only get by local companies like Himalayan Masters. 

Plan Your Packing

Packing the right Manaslu gear is essential for a comfortable and successful trek—clothing: lightweight trekking shirts, warm layers, a down jacket, and waterproof outerwear. Comfortable hiking boots with a good grip are highly essential.

Pack necessary equipment like trekking poles, a cold-weather sleeping bag, and a dependable backpack. Remember personal items such as a water purification system, a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and snacks that provide energy. Remember to pack light, but ensure you have all you need.

Prepare for Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness on such treks to high, elevated regions of the Manaslu Circuit may be a big problem. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, and dizziness; these could all begin above 3,000 meters. To reduce the risk, ascend gradually and take acclimatization days as directed. Drink enough water, avoid alcohol, and eat light meals.

If your doctor has prescribed the altitude sickness medication Diamox, carry some. If the symptoms are severe, inform your guide; neglecting symptoms will result in serious complications.

Book Accommodation and Guide

Basic rooms and meals are available in lodges and teahouses along the trail but are often fully booked during peak seasons. Booking through a trekking agency can ensure your accommodation and food are prearranged.

A licensed guide is compulsory for this trek, and it is greatly recommended that you find your way around trails and manage permits. You could also hire a porter, adding to the experience by lightening your load as you trek.

Budget Your Trek

The cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek depends on which services you take and in what season. With Himalayan Masters, the cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek is $995 per person. The Manaslu permits cost alone can cost 100-200 dollars, depending on the time of year. A guide and a porter charge around 25-30 dollars daily.

The cost of accommodation and food is approximately 35-45 dollars per day. Transportation from Kathmandu to the trailhead may cost approximately USD 15 if you travel by local bus and USD 250 to USD 300 if you travel by comfortable private jeep.

Dietary Plan

The meals are simple yet filling during the trek. Rice with lentils, noodles, soups, and Tibetan bread are also available in teahouses. Dal Bhat is a trekker’s favourite because of the long hikes that require high energy.

Bring high-energy snacks like nuts, energy bars, and chocolates to keep going. Drink boiled or purified water to prevent stomach issues since safe drinking water is unavailable along the trail.

Stay Connected and Safe

Essential internet or phone services are available in some of the villages in the Manaslu region. Bring a local SIM card with data, but only depend on it for part of the trek. Satellite phones are only used in case of emergencies.

Always let someone know your trekking itinerary and check weather updates often. A guide is important to guarantee safety in remote areas, especially with bad or difficult weather or health problems.

Know the Culture

The Manaslu Circuit Trek passes through the villages that are Tibetan and Gurung-inhabited. Respect their traditions, visit monasteries with respect, and learn their unique way of living.

A simple Namaste greeting them or taking an interest in their culture goes a long way in building connections. While visiting the monasteries and stupas, avoid wearing short and open clothes as people do not feel comfortable seeing you wear such in religious areas.

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a must for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Ensure your insurance covers high-altitude trekking, emergency helicopter evacuation, accidents, and trip delays.

Medical emergencies in remote areas can be expensive, and insurance provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events. Always carry a copy of your insurance policy and contact information for your provider.

The Himalayan Masters will recommend travel insurance to get after booking a trek. We recommend the different travel companies based on nationality. 

Prepare for Unexpected Challenges 

The trekking route may suddenly be in front of you with some unexpected challenges, so preparation is very important. Helicopter evacuation is a common safety option in cases of emergencies like altitude sickness or severe injuries.  

You must have travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Take basic emergency supplies like a first-aid kit, extra batteries, and essential medicines with you.

Knowing the weather and any potential trail closures will help you avoid hazardous situations. 

Plan your Trek Itinerary 

The Manaslu Circuit itinerary for this trek can be tailor-made depending on one’s choice. We at Himalayan Masters have a standard 13-day trek for Manaslu Circuit.  

But you can extend or shorten the trip according to your time and physical fitness. An ideal schedule would thus include rest time to build your acclimatization.  

For example, you can include rest in Samagaon or take jeep transport in some parts to reduce days. Please feel free to consult us if you want to tailor-make an itinerary that will best suit your requirements. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Route Planning 

In the Manaslu Circuit Trek, route planning involves choosing which spots will be overnight stops. Popular stops include Soti Khola, Deng, Samagaon, and Dharamsala before crossing the Larkya La Pass. 

Each stop gives different levels of accommodation and cultural experiences. Some trekkers would like to make shorter days to enjoy better scenery, but some are pushing for longer hours of trekking.  

With Himalayan Masters, you have a say in personalizing your route, which helps you find a good balance between adventure and comfort. 

Photography and Videography Tips 

Click some beautiful snaps and capture a video with good photography and videography skills on the Manaslu Circuit. Learn to click pictures in good lighting; early morning and late afternoon shots are the best.  

Drones are allowed in Nepal, but one needs to have a permit. Always check on the regulations prior to bringing a drone along.  

Bring extra batteries and memory cards to avoid missing any outstanding views and cultural snapshots. A small, lightweight tripod is useful for clicking steady shots in strong, high-altitude winds. 

Post Trek Recovery 

After the end of your trek, your body needs rest and relaxation. Pamper yourself with a massage or a spa session to soothe those aching muscles. Take warm herbal baths, which are very popular in Kathmandu.  

Drink plenty of water and eat healthy food with a high intake of protein and vitamins to regain energy. Some light stretching exercises or yoga will also help your muscles recover faster.  

Take a couple of days of rest to let your body heal well before getting into the action again. 

How can one choose optional trip extensions for Manaslu? 

Add some optional trip extensions to make an adventure more exciting and fuller on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Several side trips and experiences can be included in this beautiful country according to your time and interest.  

One popular extension is the Tsum Valley, which is rich in sacred Himalayas, Tibetan culture, and ancient monasteries. Normally, this addition may take an extra 5 to 7 days for the overall trek, but it surely presents unique cultural insights with stunning landscapes. 

Another option is a visit to the Manaslu Base Camp from Samagaon. This side trip takes a day and provides incredible views of the Manaslu Glacier and surrounding peaks.  

If you’re interested in a shorter extension, a day hike to Birendra Lake, a glacial lake near Samagaon, is an excellent choice for beautiful photos and a serene experience. 

At Himalayan Masters, we will help you customize your trek itinerary to suit your preference. You can extend or shorten your journey based on your fitness level, available time, and personal interests.  

Whether you want to explore hidden valleys, relax in additional rest days, or try adventurous routes, our team will guide you in creating a memorable trekking experience. 

So these are the essential tips and tricks on how to prepare for Manalsu Circuit Trek. If you follow these tips you will have a successful Manaslu Trek.