How Do I Prepare for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Prepare for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Before you start preparing for the Manaslu Circuit trek, it is really important to find out a lot of information about this place. To know the information, the main thing that you need to do is research this 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 start preparing 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.

Check it out: Best Package for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

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

Understanding the Manaslu Circuit Trek: What to Expect

How to prepare for Manaslu Circuit trek
AspectDetails
Difficulty LevelChallenging (requires good physical fitness and prior trekking experience)
Duration14–18 days
Highest PointLarkya La Pass (5,167 meters / 16,930 feet)
Trail LengthApproximately 177 kilometers (110 miles)
AccommodationBasic teahouses with limited facilities
Weather ConditionsVaries from warm in lower altitudes to freezing in alpine zones
Best SeasonsSeptember–November (autumn) and March–May (spring)
Cultural HighlightsTibetan-influenced villages, monasteries, and local traditions
Permits RequiredManaslu RAP, MCAP, and ACAP
Scenic HighlightsPanoramic mountain views, glaciers, rivers, and lush forests

Book the Manaslu Circuit Trek Only Through a Reputed Trekking Agency

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 Manaslu Circuit 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 plays a vital role in maintaining good health. Sleeping in high-altitude areas and 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.

Must read: Traning Tips For Manaslu Circuit Trek

Obtain Necessary Permits, Gather documents, and Arrange logistics

Manaslu Circuit trek is located inside the Manaslu conservation area, and those who want to enter this conservation must obtain permits, including restricted area permits.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): This permit will be strictly checked at several checkpoints during your trek. You must carry this permit with you all the time for your safety.
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): To enter the conservation you need to show this permit.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): The Manaslu circuit takes you to some parts of the Annapurna region, so this ACAP permit is also required for this trek.
  • Trekking Guide: Hiring a licensed trekking guide is mandatory as per the rules. Also, you need to be in a group of a minimum of 2(excluding your guide).
Continue reading: How to Obtain Manaslu Circuit trekking Permits?

The document you need for this trek:

  • Valid Passport with some pp-size photograph
  • Travel insurance( should cover high altitude risk up to 6,000 m and helicopter rescue for emergency)

Travel Logistics

  • When to Go: The best seasons for the Manaslu Circuit trekking are in the month of spring (March-May) and autumn (September–November). The weather and temperature and beautiful views that you expect on the trek are possible to get in this month. 
  • Tea Houses vs Camping: There are enough tea houses on the Manaslu Circuit trekking routes, so staying in the tea house will be the best option rather than choosing camping.
  • Travel to the Trailhead: Your journey of the Manaslu Circuit trek begins from Machha Khola, which can be reached easily by driving. You can choose either a local, tourist, or private jeep, but the most conventional way will be hiring a jeep.

Pro tip: Book your permits and guide at least a month in advance to avoid delays.

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

Hire Experience Licensed Trekking 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.

Read more:Guide and Porter Hire for Manaslu Circuit Trek

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.

Planning Your Budget For the Trek

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.

Budgeting is an essential step in preparing for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Here’s a breakdown of the costs you can expect and tips to manage your finances effectively.

CategoryDetailsCost Range (USD)
PermitsManaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) (Peak Season: Sep–Nov)$100 for 7 days + $15/day
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) (Off-Season: Dec–Aug)$75 for 7 days + $10/day
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)$30 per person
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)$30 per person
GuideProfessional guide$25–$30 per day
PorterPorter services$20–$25 per day
AccommodationTeahouse rooms$5–$10 per night
MealsMeals at lower altitudes$5–$8 per meal
Meals at higher altitudes$10–$12 per meal
GearTrekking boots$100–$200
Trekking poles$30–$50
High-quality outdoor jacket (insulated and waterproof)$150–$300
Sleeping bag (-10°C to -15°C rating)$100–$250
Daypack (30–40L)$50–$100
TransportationLocal bus (one-way)$10–$15 per person
Jeep rental (one-way, entire jeep)$150–$200
Travel InsuranceComprehensive insurance covering altitudes up to 5,000 meters$100–$150
Drinking WaterFiltered or boiled water$2–$3 per liter
Wi-Fi and ChargingWi-Fi access$2–$5
Device charging$1–$3 per hour
Budget RangeStandard Manaslu Circuit Trek Package Cost$1,000–$1,250 per person
Luxury add on Manaslu Circuit Trek Package( Stay in 5* Hotel in Kathmandu)$1,800+ per person
Deep inside: Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost

Pack the Right Gear And Clothing

how to prepare for Manaslu Circuit trek

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.

Worth reading: Packing List for trekking in Nepal

Immersing in the Local Culture

Manaslu Circuit trek is not only about reaching the high altitude and watching beautiful snow-capped mountains. This wonderful journey allows you to interact with local people, listen to their stories, and understand their culture, traditions and village life. 

  • Practice sustainable tourism: To minimize environmental impact during your trek, avoid using plastic, throw waste only in designated areas, and respect nature.
  • Etiquette in Monasteries: Always ask for permission before entering. Walk clockwise around mani walls, stupas, and prayer wheels.
  • Greetings: Learning a few Nepali phrases like  “Namaste” helps you to show respect and communicate with the local people.

After the Trek

how to prepare for Manaslu Circuit trek
Trekkers enjoying paragliding after completing Manaslu Circuit trek

After you successfully complete the Manaslu circuit trek, take time to enjoy Kathmandu or Pokhara before departing to your home country. Treat yourself to a spa, massage, adventurous activities, sightseeing, safari or anything you like. 

Note: If you have enough days for vacation and you’re intermediate trekker we suggest you combine Manaslu Circuit trek with Tsum Valley.

Check here: Manaslu Circuit Trek With Tsum Valley Trek

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.

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