The Manaslu Circuit Trek is rated as a moderate to hard trek. It is one of the challenging treks of Nepal. It is only ranked moderate for the peak season. Thus, it requires commitment. Acclimatization time must be maximized, and proper exercise must achieve physical conditioning.
Is Manaslu Circuit Trek difficult?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a moderate to hard trek. The trail is steep and rocky in some places. The Larkya La pass is the most difficult part of the hike. You need to walk through ice and rocky terrain for about 10 hours to cross it. This trek part also covers an incredible elevation range of about 4,203 m/ 3,789 ft. You need to rest and acclimatize for a day before a large elevation change. In peak season, the weather is stable. This makes the trek somewhat easier. Professional guides or porters are mandatory, so you will also receive their help.
How do you plan Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is well-documented, and there are several different itineraries to choose from. Licensed guides and porters are compulsory. So you will have their guidance, making the trek many times easy. They will also deal with the paperwork. To avoid altitude sickness, you should always aim to maximize acclimatization. Always be open and honest with your guide and group about your health. It is highly recommended that you bring toiletries and water purifiers with you. You might also wish to bring a solar charger or a power bank.
What should I bring to Manaslu Circuit Trek?
- Documents and Money
- A valid passport and a few passport-sized photographs
- Nepalese visa
- Travel insurance
- Cash/Credit card (cash is recommended in the trek)
Clothing
- Warm hat, sunhat/bandana, scarf, sunglass, gloves - wool or fleeced and Gore-Tex
- 3-4 Long and short sleeve t-shirts
- Heavy fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof jacket with hood
- Wind and waterproof jacket & pants
- Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes (often worn before departure)
- Running shoes or evening sandals
- Hiking socks (ensure boots fit socks combination)
- Wool jumper/sweater/fleece (1 lightweight during summer and one heavyweight or two
- lightweights during winter)
- Long sleeve shirts
- Top and bottom thermals
- Extra warm clothes during winter (December to March)
- Underwear
Trekking Gear & Supplies
- A duffel bag (provided to each trekker for trekking by Himalaya Land Treks in Kathmandu)
- Waterproof day pack (25-30 liter) to carry your personal belongings during the day
- Minimum 1-liter refillable aluminum or Nalgene polypropylene water bottle
- Down (rated for -18 °C) sleeping bag (provided by Himalaya Land Treks in Kathmandu)
- Trekking poles
- Torch/flashlight - headlamp style is ideal
Health Care
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, and lip balm
- Wet wipes, toilet paper (as necessary)
- The first-aid kit; should contain lip balm, aspirin, bandages, anti-histamine, Imodium, or
- similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea.
- Diamox (in case of altitude sickness)
- Personal medical prescriptions
- Soap, toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, hairbrush, face lotion
- Mask, hand sanitizer
- Rehydration powder
As per your interest
- Book
- Writing pad
- Boards games or playing cards
- Power bank
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
How do I train to Manaslu Circuit Trek?
You will be walking with your gear the whole trail. So, you must train your body by doing strength endurance training, elevation training, and aerobic conditioning. Strength endurance training is doing more repetitions with less weight than strength training. You must train particular muscles for it to help you in this trek. Legs and core muscles must be strengthened as you walk for the whole trek. This will also help you carry your supplies. Endurance must also be built in them, the shoulders and lower back. This helps you to support your body and carry your gear. Because you'll be traveling on rough terrain, you will need to improve your balance.
Jump squats, hip rolls, step-ups, heel downs, and hip clocks are just a few of the exercises that can be done. You can always look up how to do them properly on the internet. Do not rush through the training, as the mountain will always wait for you.
Elevation training will also help you. This means training at higher elevations. This training takes place at an altitude above 2,400 m/ 8,000 ft. Some hills surrounding Kathmandu are above this altitude. So, you can visit them and train. This will also give you a small taste of the trek. They also contain many attractions for you to visit. Aerobic training can help your body adapt to working harder when oxygen is low. Swimming, running, cycling, and fast-paced walking are aerobic activities. Remember that this training does not make you immune to altitude sickness.