How Do I Prepare for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Before you begin any trek, it is really important to find out a lot of information about that place. To know the information, the main thing that you need to do is research the place, what the weather is like, what permits you need, and when it’s best to go. After knowing about the place and its difficulties, only prepare yourself.

After you are all set by making proper preparations, then only begin on a beautiful trek. Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of those that will be your once-in-a-lifetime mountain adventure. This trek is packed with incredible experiences that you can only truly feel by being there.

To make sure your Manaslu Circuit Trek goes smoothly, here’s a simple checklist to help you prepare:

Practice Safety

Making yourself safe should be your number one concern while trekking. You should know the potential hazards that can occur and how to avoid them. Walking in a high-altitude area is not a simple task. Carrying a backpack and walking in rocky and difficult terrain is completely different than you think. During the trek, you will walk in a dense forest inside the Manaslu Conservation Area. Stay vigilant and always take in your surroundings during your trekking adventure.

Always follow the guidelines and safety measures that are given by your professional Guide. 

You should always stick to the planned schedule and acclimatize properly. Further, insurance is important and mandatory before trekking in a high-altitude area. It will help you in the emergency evacuation plan and there are many benefits of having insurance. And another major thing that you can do is research about the place. You should know the details about that place, like the type and availability of food, transportation, flight, road conditions, accommodation, and weather.

Recommended Read: How to Prevent Altitude Sickness on Manaslu Circuit Trek

Book an Authorized Adventure Company Trip

To make the successful trek easier, safer, and less hassle-free, you need to choose the best adventure Company. There are lots of trekking agencies you can find online or while visiting Nepal. Remember, all the trekking agencies are not registered with the Nepal Government. Therefore, the first that you should look at is the authorized trekking agency. Only the authorized company helps you to arrange the facilities such as transportation, flight, permit, hotel reservation, etc, in an easy way. Here are a few things you should remember before booking to find the authorized company.

• Conduct Thorough Research
• Review Customer Feedback
• Compare Packages and Itineraries
• Verify Authorization
• Thoroughly Examine Agreements

Prepare Physically and Mentally for the Trek

Every day, walking for 6-7 hours carrying a backpack uphill and downhill on a narrow road is challenging. Even though this trek is possible for the beginners, having the previous trekking experience will be helpful. This trek demands a high level of physical stamina and mental health. As long as you can walk for 6-7 hours daily in high altitude, you can begin this wonderful trek. Here are some of the tips to increase physical fitness and mental health.

Cardiovascular training: Cardiovascular training is extremely helpful to keep your lungs and heart in shape. Also, it helps it is the primary tool for weight management and helps to burn calories.

Strength Training: Trekking at high altitudes in difficult terrain is not an easy job. Trekkers can start strength training by joining the gym or doing various exercises like Squats, Deadlifts, Glute Bridges, push-ups, Dumbbell Choppers, and many more.

Endurance Training: Endurance training, also called aerobic exercise, keeps your heart, lungs, and circulation in good shape while boosting your overall fitness.Various activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, biking, and jumping rope can be done at home.

Balance diet and proper sleep: Eating good and healthy food is like providing your body and mind the right fuel to stay strong and active. Also, proper sleep also plays a vital role in maintaining good health. Sleeping in high-altitude areas and in completely strange places is different than you think. Therefore, practice sleeping in a sleeping bag while doing a short trek near your home country area before you start this trek.

Mental Preparation: Not a single high-altitude trek is possible if you’re not mentally prepared. To maintain your mental strength, you can join the yoga class. Every day, give yourself some time to meditate and relax your body. Also, try to develop a positive mindset. The most important is to focus on your goal to make the trek successful.

Be Aware of Altitude Sickness

The highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you to Larkya La, which is situated above 5000 meters. Walking at such a high altitude means a high chance of altitude sickness. It can happen to anyone, so the best way to deal with altitude sickness is by practicing preventive measures. 

Trekkers should not take altitude sickness easily. You should know that if you don’t take action immediately, it might be fatal, and sometimes it can take life. So, every trekker, before trekking in high altitude areas of not only Manaslu Circuit but other treks like Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp, etc, should be aware of altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness is categorized into three different parts: Acute mountain sickness (AMS), High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and High altitude cerebral edema (HACE). AMS is a common form of altitude sickness that can be cured easily, and if not cured, then there is a chance of HAPE AND HACE. So, let’s know about the AMS.

The symptoms of AMS include:

• Headache 
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Fatigue, even when resting.
• Malaise (a noticeable “unwell” feeling).
• Trouble sleeping.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.

Its preventive measures

• Don’t ascend too far and too fast, but walk at your own pace
• Follow the itinerary provided by the trekking agency strictly
• Rest enough in acclimate day
• Sleep at a lower altitude whenever possible
• Always carry preventive medications such as acetazolamide or nifedipine
• Don’t smoke and consume alcohol during the trek

Bring Sufficient Cash

You should always carry the extra cash before embarking on the Manaslu circuit trek. While trekking to the remote area of the Manaslu region of Nepal, it may be difficult to find the atm machine on the trail path. Even though there are limited ATMs at lower altitudes, they might not work sometimes. We suggest you withdraw cash from an atm inside Kathmandu, which is safer and easier due to being easily available. Also, exchanging the foreign currency in Nepali Rupees is better if you have cash. According to our past experience, we recommend you carry $200-400.

Take an Experienced Local Guide and Porter

Completing the Manaslu Circuit solo is extremely difficult; hiring an experienced local guide and porter will be the best idea. Local guides are experienced in the trail path due to their everyday job. They will know every detail so well that it will help make your journey wonderful. They know a lot about the history of that area and help you to grasp the culture and religion there. Professional Guides ensure that you are safe all the time. If any emergency conditions occur during the trek, they will arrange everything required to make you safe and secure.

Similarly, the porter will carry the burden of your heavy language. You can enjoy the unlimited beauty of the mountain and surroundings without struggling too much. If you travel through the trekking agencies, they will manage the Guide and Porter for you. Before starting the trek, make sure the Guide is professional or not by checking their ID issued by the government of Nepal.

Proper Gear and Clothing 

When it comes to packing it is the most difficult part, especially for beginners. They will not have an idea of what to pack and how to pack the things in a professional way. The real meaning of packing is to properly pack everything without carrying the extra. 

Also, preparing a complete packing list for the trek is extremely important. If you don’t carry those items, then it can cause trouble during the trek. Also, buy branded clothing items such as hiking boots, down jackets, sleeping bags, etc., so they will last longer and protect you from any weather conditions. Also, if you want to save money, you can rent from the shops except for personal items inside Kathmandu. If you cannot find the rental office, you can consult with the trekking agencies, and they will help you.

Conclusion

Hope the above article helps you understand how to prepare before you start your trek. Make sure you start to prepare 3-4 months before you visit Nepal for Manaslu Circuit Trek. Right plan and preparation are the key things to make the trek successful.

Embarking on the Manaslu Circuit journey promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure filled with breathtaking views of nature. This trek is truly rewarding, showcasing majestic mountains, lush forests, serene lakes, impressive glaciers, diverse landscapes, and vibrant flora and fauna. Experiencing all of this is something you shouldn’t miss in a lifetime. Don’t wait any longer – secure your booking now and commence your extraordinary journey.