The Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is one of the most scenic and challenging treks you can do. Spanning nearly 200 km through remote Himalayan valleys with stunning mountain views, it’s a true adventure. But to fully enjoy this trek, extensive preparation is key.
In this blog post, I’ll break down the essential steps to get your body and gear ready for the Manaslu Trek Nepal experience.
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Gearing Up for High Altitude Trekking
When venturing into the Himalayas, it’s crucial to have the proper equipment to handle unpredictable weather and spending long periods outdoors. Here are my top gear recommendations:
Waterproof Jacket and Pants: Conditions can change quickly at high elevations, so a breathable and fully waterproof outer layer is a must-have. Look for Gore-Tex or a similar fabric.
Fleece Jacket: Pack a mid-weight thermal top layer for warmth during breaks or evenings. Fleece dries quickly if it gets wet from sweat or rain.
Warm Hat and Gloves: Temperatures routinely drop below freezing once you get above tree line. Bring multiple warm hats and glove options.
Daypack: A roomy daypack is essential to carry extras like a rain jacket, water, snacks, and camera gear while trekking.
Hiking Boots: Look for sturdy, waterproof boots with strong ankle support. Break them in thoroughly before your Manaslu Trek Nepal.
Sleeping Bag: A bag rated to at least 15°F is recommended since nights get bitterly cold, even in summer. Down insulation packs smallest.
Trekking Poles: Poles help distribute your weight while hiking over rough or steep terrain. They prevent knee strain and save your joints.
Physical Training for High Altitude
A conditioning program several months before your Manaslu Trek Nepal trip will have huge payoffs. Aim for consistent cardio and strength exercises:
Hiking: Work up to backpacking 10-15 miles while carrying 25-35 pounds in your pack to mimic trekking conditions.
Stairmaster/Stairs: 2-3 sessions per week will build leg and core endurance for steep climbs.
Yoga: Flexibility and core exercises will prevent muscle soreness and injury on uneven trails.
Bodyweight Training: Add pushups, pullups, squats and lunges to your routine 2-3 times per week.
Hill Sprints: Once per week, do interval sprints up a steep hill to boost your aerobic threshold.
Getting Your Permits in Order
The Manaslu Circuit crosses restricted border areas, so securing permits is essential months ahead of time. Here are the steps:
Nepal Trekking Permit: Apply through an authorized agency. Costs vary depending on your nationality and trek duration, generally exceeding $50 USD.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit: Obtain this permit from the Conservation Area Project Office. Costs typically range from $30-40 USD for non-SAARC countries (check for SAARC nationals).
Tibetan Border Permits: This section likely contains an error. The Manaslu Circuit Trek usually doesn’t enter Tibet. It might be confused with another trek, or it’s mentioning a less common route requiring additional permits. Verify if the specific trek you plan crosses into Tibet. If so, contact the Chinese Embassy/Lhasa Tourism Bureau for permit details. Apply at least 6 months before departure due to lengthy processing times.
Consider booking with a local trekking company to handle paperwork hassles and porter arrangements for your Manaslu Trek Nepal. Navigating permits independently can easily turn into a paperwork nightmare.
What to Pack in Your Backpack
After gearing up and conditioning your body, it’s time to methodically pack for the big trek. Try to travel light while ensuring you have everything needed for comfort and safety:
Warm layers (shirts, pants, socks, hat, gloves)
Rain jacket and pants
Fleece jacket and pants
Headlamp + extra batteries
Sunscreen and lip balm
First aid kit and any essential medications
Toiletries and toilet paper/baby wipes
Water bottles/means to purify water
Snacks high in protein/energy (nuts, dried fruit, protein bars)
Camera gear
Cash, passport, travel documents
Electronics like phone fully charged
Lightweight camp shoes
Emergency blanket, whistle, map
Always re-check your packing list and gear the night before departure to avoid last-minute scrambling. With thorough preparation, you’ll be ready to dive fully into the beauty and challenges of the epic Manaslu Trek Nepal adventure! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hello, I’m Kelsey Thompson. My goal is to show that traveling can be affordable and fun! I love to explore new places and experience different cultures. I also like iced coffee, iced tea, and ice cream (in that order).
