How do you prepare for the Manaslu Circuit trek (2024)?

In this blog, I will tell you how to prepare for the Manaslu circuit trek. Before you embark on your Manaslu Circuit trek, you have to be prepared both mentally and physically for all the challenges you may face ahead of the trail.

With good preparation, physical fitness, and mental preparation, anyone can do Manalu Circuit Trekking. We have come up with this blog to tell you about the training and preparation you need before your Manalsu Trek.

Best Season to trek

The most favorable time to trek for the Manaslu Circuit trek is spring (pre-monsoon) spanning from March to May and autumn (post-monsoon) seasons spanning from September to November. These seasons offer the most favorable climate and weather conditions, making your trekking experience more enjoyable and safe. During these seasons, the clear skies provide majestic vistas of the Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world.

In spring, the temperature and weather conditions are stable with clear skies and minimum rain. The temperature can drop significantly during the night. The rhododendron forests are in full bloom, making the trail more vibrant and colorful.

In autumn, the temperature is moderate with stable weather conditions. Nighttime temperature can be chiller and cold. The autumn season ensures lush green landscapes, clear skies, and majestic vistas of the sky-towering mountains. The Autumn season also lures trekkers who want to enjoy the festive moods & environment of Nepali festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, and Indrajatra.

If you can, consider whether you can trek in the monsoon & winter seasons. Yes, you can trek but it is much more challenging. Due to unpredictable weather conditions and heavy rain in the monsoon season, it is demanding to trek. In the winter season, icy trails &  heavy snow make it difficult to trek. But, in these seasons, the trails are less crowded and prices are lower giving you a more serene environment.

Trekking preparation

If you are thinking about the Manaslu circuit trek, it is important to be prepared beforehand. Here is some description of the physical and mental preparation you should consider.

Mental preparation

The Manaslu circuit trek is physically challenging and mental preparation is crucial. The Manaslu circuit trek lasts for around 16 days depending upon your tailored itinerary. You may think it is easy, but it is a challenging period.

Daily hikes, lack of oxygen, high altitude, lack of proper rest & sleep, and unpredictable weather conditions can cause you stress and fatigue. Due to higher altitude, you may find impacts on your moods and cognitive function of your body.

You will be faced with several challenging conditions testing your mental resilience. So, mental preparation is as important as physical strength to successfully conquer the Manaslu circuit trek.

You have to be well prepared mentally. So, you will be better equipped to handle the challenges you may face during your Manaslu trek. A positive mindset can go a long way in making your journey enjoyable and unforgettable.

Physical preparation

If you are physically fit, you should be able to complete the trek. However, the fitter you are, the more you can enjoy your journey. So, here are some ways to improve your physical fitness.

• Cardiovascular Fitness: You can do cardiovascular exercises. Cardio exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming can improve the blood flow to the body, ultimately delivering more oxygen to your body cells. Since you will be trekking at a higher altitude, there will be less oxygen in the air, and your body needs to be efficient. Hence, engaging in cardiovascular exercises a few weeks before the trek is essential to make your journey easy.
• Strength Training: Manaslu Circuit trekking lasts for around 16 days, and you will need reasonable strength to complete the trek. Hence, we also advise you to participate in strength training exercises. Focus on strengthening your leg muscles, core, and upper body to cope with the challenging terrain. Exercises like squats, lunges, planks, push-ups, etc can help you improve your inner strength.
• Hiking Practice: If you have time, you can also engage in hiking or taking with a loaded backpack for around a month. It will provide you with a taste of what long-distance hiking will be like. It will also help you to hike with the loaded bag.

Acclimatization

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a high-altitude trek that takes you up to 5,160m at Larkya La Pass. Hence, it is crucial to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness. Here are some ways to acclimatize. 

• Gradual Ascent: Experts say you should not climb to 2,750m (9,000ft) from a low elevation in one day. Hence, it is vital to gain altitude gradually. This provides your body time to adjust to higher altitudes.
• Walking at your own pace: This is one of the basic and most important ways to avoid altitude sickness. If the team you are traveling with walks faster, tell them. Do not rush.
• Acclimatization Days: You must provide enough time for your body to adapt at high altitudes. Hence, in addition to gradually ascending, you must spend some days acclimatizing. However, do not remain inactive during acclimatization. We advise you to explore nearby areas or even take short hikes.
• Hydration: The respiration rate will be higher in high altitudes, and by trekking, you will lose water from your body fast. To replenish this water loss, you should take plenty of fluids during high-altitude treks. Experts also recommend you take garlic soup for additional health benefits. 
• Trek high and sleep low: Health experts advise you to trek high and sleep low. This is also the common trekking principle. It means hiking in higher altitudes during the day and descending in lower altitudes to sleep during the night. It allows your body to recover and adapt effectively.
• Altitude Medication: Despite taking the above precautions, if you do not feel well and feel symptoms of altitude sickness, you should consider taking medications such as Diamox as a precautionary measure. However, you must seek approval from healthcare professionals before taking such medicine.

Trekking Permits and Regulations

Several permits are required for the Manaslu Circuit trek due to its remote nature. It would help if you were well prepared beforehand with all the documentation needed during your trek by coordinating with a renowned travel agency such as Happy Mountain Nepal.

The permits that are necessary during your Manaslu Circuit trek are:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): The Manaslu trek connects with the Annapurna Conservation Area, you must require an Annapurna Conservation Area permit from Dharapani to Beshisahar. By obtaining this permit, you can freely enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. You can acquire this permit either in Kathmandu or other local offices. This permit costs around USD 30 per person.
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): This permit is required to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area. It is a crucial document that helps to support the conservation efforts of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. This permit costs around USD 30 per person.
• A Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Manaslu is a restricted area to grant access to explore the area. You will need the restricted area permit. The Manaslu region is off-limits to unauthorized people. So, it is required for every trekker who intends to explore Manaslu. This permit costs around USD 40 per person.

Note: The permit requirements, costs, and regulations may change, you should check with your trekking agency or Nepal Tourism Board for the most up-to-date information.

Packing essentials

Here are the few things that you need to carry for your Manaslu Circuit trek:

Clothing

Trekking equipment

Personal Items

Accommodation and facilities

Manaslu Circuit is a remote trek, there are teahouses & lodges all over the trail of Manaslu Circuit trek. Hence, there is no need to carry tents or prepare for camp stays unless you want to.

Tea Houses

Tea houses are the most common accommodation option where you can find along the Manaslu Circuit. They offer a simple and affordable option for trekkers. Typically they offer basic rooms with shared or private bathrooms provided with blankets and pillows. Most tea houses serve basic meals, such as rice, curry, and soup, prepared with local ingredients. Amenities are limited, and hot water may not be available in all tea houses. Tea houses are typically located in villages along the trail, providing a glimpse into the local culture and way of life.

Lodges

Lodges are another accommodation option, often found in larger villages or at higher altitudes. They offer more comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and hot water. Lodges may also have dining rooms, lounges, bars, and other amenities, such as laundry services and Wi-Fi access. It generally comes with higher prices compared to tea houses, but the additional amenities and comfort may be worth all the prices. Lodges are often located in scenic locations with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Note: The availability and quality of accommodation can vary depending on the peak season and off-season. It’s advisable to book accommodation in advance, particularly if you have specific preferences or are traveling during peak seasons.

Conclusion

If you like remote areas and want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities, Manaslu Trek is for you, and we hope this Manaslu Circuit Trek for Beginners guide will come in handy.

Nepal government regulation does not allow you a solo trek in the Manaslu region. Hence, you need to partner with a local trek and tour company.

Happy Mountain Nepal is a renowned trek and tour company with over a decade of experience taking trekkers to their destinations throughout Nepal, including Manaslu Circuit.

For a hassle-free Manaslu Circuit trek in a fun-filled environment, you can book this trek with us.