The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best rewarding off-the-beaten-path trek in Nepal. Rounding the Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth highest mountain of the world. This trek offers raw Himalayan landscapes, authentic Tibetan influenced village, high mountain passes and less crowd than Everest Base camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek.
However, Manaslu Circuit is also remote, physically demanding, and restricted area. So, proper acclimatization during the trek and proper preparation is needed. Based on our 10+ years of guiding trekker in this region, this guide covers everything you need to do for Manaslu Circuit Trek, from fitness and permit to packing and altitude safety.
- Understand the difficulty of Manaslu Circuit Trek
Before preparation begins, it is really important to know what you are signing up for. The maximum duration for this trek is 16 days. The maximum altitude of this trek is Larke pass (5,106m). The trail condition of this trek is remote, rugged, and landslide prone sections. The facilities can be basic teahouse, limited electricity and limited internet during this trek. The daily walking distance will be 5-8 hours daily.
This trek is Moderate trek, suitable for trekker with good fitness and previous high-altitude trekking experience.
- Best Time to Trek Manaslu Circuit
The best time to trek to Manaslu Circuit Trek Autumn that starts from September to the start of December. During this time trekker can see crystal clear view of mountain, clear weather, and best mountain views.
Another best time to trek is Spring which starts from March to the end of May. During this time trekkers can enjoy the views of blooming rhododendron, experience mild temperature, and some snows at the pass.
- Physical Fitness
For the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you don’t need to be an athlete to complete this trek, but you need good physical fitness. There are various training recommended to do before 5-6 weeks the trekking. Training like: cardio (Hiking, stairs climbing, cycling, jogging), strength (squats, lunges), Practice hiking while carrying 6-10 kg of backpack.
If you can comfortably walk around 6-7 hours a day for several day, you are physically fit for this trek.
- Permits Required for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu region is a restricted area, so restricted permits are compulsory while trekking to this region and must arranged through a licenses trekking company from Nepal. There are three permits required to do this trek.
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP/RAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Note: If you are planning to do this trek solo without guide, it is not allowed in this region as it is restricted area. And minimum 2 people with a licensed trekking guide is compulsory while doing this trek.
- Choosing the right guide and agency
Because of its remoteness, Manaslu Circuit is not a trek to do without expert and support. A professional guide ensures proper acclimatization, safe crossing of Larke La pass, communication with locals, emergency handling. While choosing a right agency, you can get experienced local guide, knows seasonal trail well, can get best itinerary according to your physical condition.
Local expertise makes an huge difference in this trek. Choosing an agency like Access The Asia Treks with over 10+ years of experience makes a huge difference in your trekking journey in Nepal.
- Acclimatization and Altitude sickness Prevention
Altitude sickness is one of the main problem while doing Manaslu Circuit Trek. This causes biggest risk of not completing the trek. Some of the key acclimatization key are;
- Follow a slow itinerary
- Gain altitude gradually
- Drink 3-4 liters of water daily
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Listen to your body
There are various symptoms that can be seen if you have an altitude sickness. Some of the warning symptoms are as follow:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
If you want to complete this trek without having headache of altitude sickness, you can trek with guide who understands altitude management.
- Packing List for Manaslu Circuit Trek
While trekking to this region, packing is one of the important things to do as it is restricted and remote area. Packing correctly keeps you comfortable and safe during the trek. Some of the essential things that you can pack are here;
Essential Clothing
- Down jacket (-10 to -15 degree Celsius)
- Thermal base layer
- Fleece or insulated mid-layer
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Trekking pants and shirts
Footwear
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Trekking shocks
- Lightweight sandals (for teahouses)
Gears
- Sleeping bag (-10 degree Celsius)
- Trekking poles
- Headlamps
- Sunglass and sunscreen
- Water bottle
Medical and Personal
- Personal medication
- Diamox (for high altitude)
- First aid kit
- Power bank
If you use this tips, it can be really helpful during the trek.
- Food and Accommodation on Trail
The accommodation on Manaslu Circuit Trek is basic but the quality of food is really great. During this trek, you can get basic teahouse, shared rooms, and limited heating at high altitude. You can get good quality food in this trek like Dal Bhat (local dish and best energy source), Noodles, soup, and limited menu at higher villages.
Always focus on eating local food items during the trek, so that it will be easy source of energy and better digestion.
- Travel Insurance (Don’t Skip This)
The travel insurance is mandatory while trekking in Nepal. This is really important thing to do before doing any treks in Nepal as trekking in Nepal is normally at higher altitude. Your travel insurance must cover High altitude trekking (up to 5,200m), Helicopter evacuation, medical emergencies.
Without proper insurance evacuation by Helicopter costs expensive.
- Mental Preparation and Trekking Mindset
Manaslu Circuit is not about luxury trekking, it’s about Himalayan Adventure. Be prepared for simple living, limited comfort, weather change, and long walking day.
If you can adjust on this you get untouched villages, massive glaciers, Buddhist culture, and Nepal’s one of the spectacular high pass.
Final Conclusion: Why Preparation Matters
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is wild, beautiful, and deeply rewarding, but only if you prepare well. With proper preparation, this trek can become a once in a lifetime journey.
