Manaslu Circuit Trek Tips: Your Ultimate Guide to Conquering the Adventure

Do you dream of walking in the nature surrounded by mesmerizing Himalayas? The trek to Manaslu region is definitely the best choice you’ll ever make. To make it more enjoyable and hassle-free, following Manaslu Circuit Trek tips is the crucial part of conquering the adventure. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek takes place in the Manaslu region of Nepal requiring 14 to 18 days to accomplish. Less popular in comparison to classic treks like Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the unspoiled beauty along the off-the-beaten path. 

While on the trek, you come across snow-capped peaks, lush forests, terraced fields, and much more. The major highlight of the Manaslu Trek is walking across Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters. Furthermore, trekkers encounter diverse terrains and remote villages while enjoying the hospitality of the Gurung people. 

This blog aims to highlight the tips and tricks for the Manaslu Circuit Trek to ensure a safe and reliable adventure. By the end, you’ll likely understand the effort to be made and start preparing for the trek. 

1. Book Your Trekking Adventure with an Authorized Travel Company

You may wonder if trekking to new places or countries can be a bit confusing and a hassle due to certain barriers such as language differences. This is why, booking an authorized travel company is a must if you are new to the place. The same goes with the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Authorized travel companies are officially registered under the Nepalese government making the adventure more authentic and reliable. All of your excursion is taken care of, enabling to have a hassle-free journey to the Manaslu region. 

Moreover, the reputable company provides licensed guides throughout the journey. Trekking with experienced guides assures your safety while taking the safer trails up ahead. They make sure to assist you, especially in emergencies. In addition, they provide useful insights into the region and their local cultures that make the journey much more enjoyable. 

Likewise, travel companies arrange all of your permits, accommodation, meals, transportation, and more. This consequently helps in making the journey more convenient and relaxing. 

On the other hand, trekking with a company can be slightly expensive. However, the advantages of hiring the company surpass the cost included. Therefore, booking a trip with an authorized company is highly recommended for a safer, reliable, and convenient journey. 

Look no further. We at Glorious Eco Trek Nepal offer exclusive trekking packages and design well-planned itineraries to meet the trekker’s needs.

2. Hire an Experienced Local Guide and Porter for Assistance

Hiring an experienced local guide and porter is of great assistance. These certified guides are familiar with the trekking trails and landscapes of the Manaslu region. Even during unforeseen circumstances, they can modify the planned itinerary and recommend safer routes. 

Benefits of Hiring a Local Guide

• Guides possess in-depth knowledge of the trails, terrain, and local culture.
• With their expertise in reading terrain and weather patterns, guides can ensure your safety and lead you to minimize risks.
• Guides handle the logistics of the trek, including arranging accommodations, meals, and transportation.
• Guides can bridge language and cultural barriers, facilitating communication with local communities.
• Trained guides are equipped with first-aid skills and emergency response protocols, ensuring your well-being.
• Experienced guides can tailor the trek to your specific interests, fitness levels, and preferences.
• Reputable guides promote sustainable tourism practices, minimizing the environmental impact.
• Guides can arrange for porters to assist with carrying gear and equipment.

Similarly, hiring a porter can make your adventure more delightful. They help in carrying your luggage and belongings throughout your trek. As a result, you’ll be able to enjoy the Manaslu Trek more comfortably reducing exhaustion and fatigue. 

3. Engage in Physical Training and Mental Preparation for the Trekking Adventure

Manaslu Circuit Trek is graded as moderate to strenuous in terms of difficulty requiring 5-7 hours of walking daily for about two weeks. Accordingly, you need to train physically by engaging in cardio workouts such as walking, jogging, swimming, etc. for about 4-5 days in a week. 

The best way to train is by creating situations similar to the trekking trails and terrains. Going on a long hike for 5-7 hours and taking fewer breaks can help you to build endurance. With this, you will not just increase endurance capability, it will enable you to acclimate to the physical demands of the trek. 

Along with physical training, mental preparation is what keeps you moving forward during challenging situations. Mental determination is equally vital as your physical fitness for a successful trek. Therefore, make sure to adapt to being in remote regions while being away from your usual comforts and luxuries. 

During the trekking days in the Manaslu region, tea houses are the only options to accommodate your needs. Relaxing in the basic amenities along with available food choices shouldn’t be your concern. Knowing such stuff before undertaking the Manaslu trek can help you prepare mentally and face the challenges along the journey. 

4. Stay Hydrated by Consuming Adequate Amounts of Safe Drinking Water

Drinking enough water is super important when trekking the Manaslu Circuit. You’ll be hiking for 5-7 hours every day at high altitudes. This causes you to lose a lot of body fluids through sweat and respiration. If you don’t replace those fluids by drinking enough, you can get dehydrated quickly.

Dehydration makes you feel tired, get headaches, and make it harder to acclimatize to the high elevations. Severe dehydration is dangerous and can ruin your trek. The good news is that dehydration is easy to prevent – just keep sipping water regularly throughout the day.

On the trail, you should be drinking at least 4-5 liters of water per day. Start hydrating first thing each morning before you start hiking by drinking 1-2 cups of water or tea. Then keep refilling your water bottles at every stop and campsite. Get in the habit of taking small sips frequently rather than guzzling a lot at once.

But you can’t just drink any water source you find up there. Many streams carry contaminants that can make you sick. Stick to purified water from trekking lodges or use purification tablets on stream water when lodges aren’t available. Bring some electrolyte powder too – it replaces salts lost through sweat and makes the water taste better.

Bottom line – hydration is key on Manaslu Circuit. Listen to your body, and drink enough safe fluids to prevent headaches, fatigue, and altitude issues. It’s an easy way to have a better, healthier trek.

5. Maintain a Balanced and Nutritious Diet

Trekking burns a ton of calories every day, so eating enough nutritious food is super important on the Manaslu Circuit. You’ll need lots of energy-dense meals and snacks to refuel your body after all that hiking.

The staple meal you’ll find at the lodges is the traditional Nepali dal bhat – a hearty plate of lentil soup, vegetable curry, pickles, and rice. It’s tasty, and filling, and gives you protein, carbs, and nutrients to power you through. Most lodges also have things like pasta, pizza, or momo dumplings if you want a change.

However, you may lose your appetite at high altitudes. That’s when it’s smart to bring your own stash of energy bars, nuts, chocolate, and other snacks you actually feel like eating. Having those familiar treats can perk up your appetite so you don’t miss out on calories.

It’s best to stick to vegetarian options as much as possible. Fresh meat is hard to come by up there, so veg choices are safer. Don’t forget to hydrate too by drinking plenty of boiled or purified water mixed with electrolyte powder.

The key is getting a balance of proteins, healthy fats, complex carbs, and nutrients into your body every day, even if you have to force yourself sometimes. Proper fueling is crucial to make it through such a grueling trek feeling strong.

6. Maintain a Comfortable Pace, Allowing Sufficient Time for Acclimatization

One of the most important tips for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is to take it slow and easy. Don’t try to rush – that’s a surefire way to get altitude sickness or just feel miserable. The key is giving your body enough time to get used to the higher elevations.

At altitude, the air has less oxygen, which makes everything more difficult – breathing, sleeping, just putting one foot in front of the other. If you ascend too quickly, your body can’t adjust properly. That’s why scheduled acclimatization days are crucial. These are resto days when you don’t gain much elevation, allowing your body to catch up.

On trekking days, maintain a nice relaxed pace. There’s no need to blow past everyone and burn yourself out before lunch. Set a slow, steady rhythm that feels comfortable. Stop frequently to hydrate, snack, and simply admire your surroundings. You’re not racing anyone!

Be flexible too and listen to your body. If you’re feeling rough, it’s better to take an extra acclimatization day rather than push through. Having a little extra wiggle room in your itinerary prevents you from having to ascend too high too fast.

The more you can acclimatize slowly, the better you’ll feel at altitude and the more you’ll enjoy the incredible Manaslu experience. Going too quickly robs you of that and puts you at risk. Patience and a “pole pole” (slowly slowly) attitude is the wisest approach.

7. Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Altitude Sickness 

Altitude sickness is a condition that can occur when ascending to higher elevations, due to the lower air pressure and decreased oxygen levels. The sickness occurs especially above 2,500 to 3,000 m from the sea level. That is why, it is essential to take necessary precautions before getting the symptoms. 

Signs and Symptoms

• Headache: One of the most common symptoms, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
• Dizziness and lightheadedness: A feeling of unsteadiness, which can worsen with exertion.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, even during rest, due to the lower oxygen levels.
• Loss of appetite: A reduced desire to eat, which can lead to dehydration and energy depletion.
• Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep, often caused by a headache and shortness of breath.

These are the most basic symptoms of altitude sickness. However, it can lead to severe cases sometimes. It can life life-threatening such as High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). 

Prevention and Treatment

• Proper acclimatization, gradual ascent, and maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition can help prevent altitude sickness.
• If symptoms occur, descending to a lower elevation is often the best course of action.
• In severe cases, immediate medical attention and evacuation may be necessary.

8. Prioritize Rest and Ensure Adequate Sleep

Don’t underestimate how crucial proper rest is on the Manaslu Circuit. After putting in 5-7 hours of strenuous uphill trekking daily, your body desperately needs quality sleep to recover. Skimping on shuteye will quickly leave you fatigued, sluggish, and prone to altitude issues.

Make sure to bundle up warmly at night with thermals and an insulated sleeping bag rated for freezing temps. The lodges get very cold, so being able to sleep comfortably is key. Take naps when possible too. Giving your muscles and mind ample downtime lets you recharge fully for the next big push. Well-rested trekkers simply have more energy and enjoy the experience more. Prioritize sleeping as much as the hiking itself.

9. Carry Essential Equipment and Bring Only the Essential Ones

Packing the right gear is crucial for an enjoyable Manaslu trek, but you also don’t want to be weighed down. The essentials are a good pair of broken-in hiking boots, warm layers like a down jacket and base layers, rain gear, and personal items like a sleeping bag if you have one.

Make sure any footwear is already broken in to prevent blisters. For clothes, think moisture-wicking base layers plus an insulated jacket, hat, and gloves to handle the cold mountain temps. A waterproof outer shell is a must too for the unpredictable weather.

If you don’t have a warm sleeping bag or jacket, those can be rented cheaply in Kathmandu to cut down on weight. Take advantage of rental gear when possible.

But overall, pack as lightly as you can while still having the essential safety and comfort items. Loads of unnecessary stuff will just exhaust you on the uphill slogs. Stick to the basics you truly need. With some careful planning, you can travel light yet be prepared.

Related suggestions: Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List

10. Carry Sufficient Cash, as ATM Availability May Be Limited

Don’t expect to find ATMs once you leave Kathmandu for the Manaslu trek. Cash machines will be extremely limited or non-existent in the remote mountain villages. That’s why it’s crucial to take out enough Nepali rupee cash before departing to cover all your expenses.

Estimate costs for permits, lodging, meals, guides/porters, and extras then withdraw that amount plus a solid emergency buffer. If you’re uncomfortable carrying a large sum, you can also exchange a smaller amount of hard currency for rupees in Kathmandu.

Just be sure to have all your cash needs covered in advance. Running short of money with no ATMs around could really disrupt your trek plans. A bit of preparation prevents those headaches.

11. Extend Your Trip by Adding Extra Days at the Beginning or End

When planning your Manaslu trek, it’s wise to build in a couple of extra days as a buffer. The mountain weather can be unpredictable, and altitude issues or emergencies may pop up that disrupt your schedule. Having those contingency days prevents complications like missing your return flight.

The bonus days can also allow you to acclimatize better before the trek, or recover afterwards if needed. You could even use the extra time to slowly explore the Kathmandu Valley or other nearby areas rather than rushing off.

A little schedule flexibility gives you valuable wiggle room in case of delays or unexpected events. It’s better to have those days and not need them than to need them and not have them!

Final Say

Manaslu Circuit Trek is an incredible adventure, but proper planning is key. By following these essential tips – staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, pacing yourself, prioritizing rest, packing wisely, and building flexibility into your schedule – you’ll be prepared to soak in all the breathtaking mountain scenery.

About Glorious Eco Trek Nepal

Known for their top-notch service and attention to detail, Glorious Eco Trek Nepal leads trekkers on breathtaking journeys through the towering peaks and rolling hills of the Himalayas.