Difficulty Level of Manaslu Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a tough route in terms of difficulty level. Hiking on Larkya Pass, located at 16760 ft above sea level, requires being physically and mentally prepared to surmount the challenges. In contrast to the top-rated trails of Annapurna and Everest, the routes in Manaslu are tough and uncompromising with no visible tracks or paths to follow.
Prior trekking experience or hiking habits can be crucial in this expedition. A necessary physical preparation beforehand is a great success in the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which has been named one of the most challenging treks in Nepal.
Altitude Sickness | Measures to Mitigate
Altitude sickness can occur at 3500m and above and presents symptoms such as nausea, breathlessness, headaches, and exhaustion. Other symptoms may include severe headaches, trouble falling asleep, a sensation of lightheadedness, tightness of the chest, loss of balance and walking difficulties, and so on. These symptoms might become more severe at higher altitudes. The Trek Guides of Himalayan Adventure are well-trained to deal with these emergencies and can provide urgent care.
Some tips for mitigating altitude sickness while trekking in the Manaslu Circuit include:
Descend In Case of Emergency: If symptoms of altitude sickness occur, it is essential to head down to a lower altitude immediately so that there is enough oxygen in the blood to deal with the symptoms and they improve quickly.
Ascend Slowly: Do not try to overdo things during the Manaslu Trek, especially during your time at high altitudes. To begin with, go slow and take it easy the first day or two, with short, light hikes, to give the body a chance to adapt.
Hydrate Yourself: It is imperative to drink much water but also to abstain from alcoholic drinks, or else they can cause dehydration and consequently worsen the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Use a supplement and medication: Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a drug that may either avert or minimize the conditions of altitude sickness. It is recommended to seek a doctor’s consultation before taking this medicine. There are situations when breathing problems, a feeling of chest tightness, or even severe confusion may occur, and if so, using a portable oxygen canister may help.
Sleep and Rest Well: However, enough rest is all-important, especially if mild symptoms of altitude sickness are felt. Rest can relieve symptoms, and resting for a day or two before going further up the mountain is good.
Do not ignore symptoms: The symptoms of altitude sickness may become serious within a short period, and the condition may even worsen further, leading to High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).
Best Time to Go For 16 Days Manaslu Trek
Spring Season (March-May):
The period from mid-March to mid-May will see an incredible transformation of Manaslu into a fairy tale land. The dense forests bloom with colorful flowers, creating a cinematic background. Similarly, moderate weather and climate will accompany you the best in cherishing this journey. Also, the clear skies will allow you to view the majestic peaks like the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges. There is minimal chance of rainfall and snowfall, making the Spring season one of the peak seasons for Manaslu Trek.
Autumn Season (September-November):
Between mid-October and mid-December, the weather is moderate, the skies are blue, and the scenery is filled with colorful foliage. The weather patterns are almost like spring, so autumn is the second-best season for the Manaslu Trek. Moreover, Hindu festivals like Dashain and Tihar are some of the major attractions for the trek at this time. Trekkers can immerse themselves in Hindu culture and traditions by participating in these festivals and having intimate experiences.
Off-Season Trek To Manaslu
Summer Season (June-August):
The summer season is the off-season trekking period in Nepal, as heavy rainfall is one of the primary challenges. Due to this, the trail becomes slippery, making it challenging to navigate the remote routes. The heavy rainfall also brings natural calamities like landslides and floods, which can be dangerous.
Similarly, the summer season features a cloudy environment unsuitable for sightseeing activities. So, we recommend you avoid trekking this season if you are into sightseeing and other recreational activities.
Winter Season (December-February):
The winter season is also the off-season in Nepal. It brings an extremely cold climate and harsh weather conditions. There is a huge chance of snowfall in the high-altitude locations, most probably blocking your route to the destination, which makes your navigation much more challenging than in the Spring and Autumn Seasons.
The extreme climate also directly contributes to several health hazards, such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). Although winter is off-season, the Birendra and Ponkar Lakes might be the attractions as they attract trekkers with their frozen state.
Guides and Porters for Manaslu Trek 16 Days
Why are Guides Important?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires a guide mainly for three important reasons. First, the dangerous, remote, and uphill standard trail of Manaslu Circuit Trekking poses the risk of being on your own. The lack of guidance while trekking through this intricate trail may lead to a significant risk of getting lost in the remote wilderness, especially for first-time travelers to this region.
Therefore, guides should be employed to ensure the trip is safe and enjoyable.
Guides are responsible not only for ensuring safety but also for navigating the trails. Their local expertise and experience allow them to lead trekkers through the complex trails and different paths within the Manaslu region.
Furthermore, they are essential in maintaining the safety of trekkers, especially in dealing with the complications of high altitudes, rugged terrains, and unexpected situations such as altitude sickness and injuries.
Additionally, professional guides facilitate cultural immersion in the Manaslu region, bridging trekkers with local cultures and traditions. By interpreting local languages and organizing cultural encounters, guides add to the trekking experience by revealing the region's life, culture, and history.
Why are porters necessary?
Porters are integral members of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, putting in the same effort guides do. The trekkers frequently feel fatigued due to the climbing trial's frequent physical demands, with a typical day's trek lasting 5 to 7 hours. Hiring porters for this trek has dual benefits and is suitable because they enrich it in various ways.
One of the main functions that porters perform in the Manaslu Circuit Trek is loading backpacks and gear. They can carry loads weighing up to 25kg, including different items of a hiker's gear, thus allowing the hikers to avoid such heavy burdens.
Moreover, alongside their heavy carrying, the porters also act as guides who help in orientation in unfamiliar lands. Using all their experience with local paths and snowy terrain, they give the most help in passing high mountain rises and crossing steep slopes and rocky trails. As a result, trekkers have fewer chances to be lost or carelessly do something dangerous.
Besides, the employees are skilled in first aid and safety, thus securing the safety of the trekkers experiencing the adventure. In an emergency or injury, porters are well-trained and can give the first aid you need, just like the guides.
Required Permits for Manaslu Trek
For the Manaslu area, three permits should be provided to every visitor. The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) is available at the Department of Immigration Office in Jagat. Its cost varies seasonally: the price for the whole September is $70 per person and then you have to add $10 per person per week from the second one.
From December to August, the fee is $50 for the first week for a person, with $7 per person per week for the following weeks. Furthermore, you'll have to take MCAP and ACAP, which you can get at the Nepal Tourism Board. The MCAP cost also fluctuates seasonally: The first week of September, $100 per person, and an extra $15 per person per day, and the first week of December, $75 per person, and an additional $10 per person per day. The ACAP has a fixed price tag of around NPR 3000 (approximately $22).
If you also look forward to touching Tsum Valley, you will need special permission from the Department of Immigration, a national governmental organization. Applicants are advised to visit the official government website of Nepal for comprehensive requirements and application procedures.
When applying for any of these permits, ensure you have the following documents: a filled-in application form, copies of trekkers' passports and valid visas, a guarantee letter, a list of trekkers, guides, and staff, insurance documents for guides and staff, and a tax clearance certificate from the trekking company.
You save these divine regions by all means of registration and obedience to the rules and laws while at the same time making the trip peaceful and forgettable, in the heart of the Himalayas.
Food During Manaslu Trek
On your way through the Manaslu Circuit, you will notice that it's not an issue of having countless choices. Still, you will have access to a wide variety of tasty, hygienic, and nutritious food. It is very important that you focus on a balanced diet and constantly hydrate yourself with an adequate amount of water to remain healthy.
Nevertheless, do not risk mixing non-vegetarian dishes with dairy, coffee, or alcohol, as you cannot digest them easily. There are a variety of breakfast items, including oatmeal, cornflakes, toast with jam, butter, cheese, or honey, Tibetan bread, eggs, pancakes, muesli bread, and many more, accompanied by fruits, vegetables, and hot beverage options, to give up yourself in the morning.
Lunch and dinner will be satisfying and the food will cater to the nutritional needs of trekking. Get your taste buds going with the Dhal, Bhat, Tarkari, vegetable curry, potatoes, Tibetan bread, assorted soups, sandwiches, spaghetti noodles, thukpa, and pasta, along with some tasty papad and prawn snacks to finish it all up with some divine desserts.
The range of food items served along this route will help you get the necessary energy boosts to deal with the challenges and beauty of Manaslu Circuit, which will lead to a memorable and nourishing trekking experience.
What About Accommodation?
Kathmandu offers a diverse mix of lodging and hotel options for those who value idiosyncrasy and affordability. Although the tea houses in the Manaslu region are your preferred places to stay, each room is full of two beds and it might be hard to fit all the bags in there.
Shared bathrooms are typical in these places and are often found outside the rooms. Please, relieve yourselves that we are trying to get you to stay in the warmest tea house during your Manaslu Circuit Trek. The communal areas, with the dining and relaxing space and the warm touch of a roaring fire that usually comes in the evening, make the ambiance of such establishments cozy and especially enjoyable.
While you are going higher, pack sleeping bags that will make your stay in the higher elevation or the mountains more comfortable and warmer.
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Health insurance is a significant factor during the Manaslu Circuit Trek and should be seriously considered to make your trip more enjoyable. The risk of emergency medical care and evacuation expenses in case of disease or injury can be unnerving.
Thus, travel insurance should be a must for every traveler. Although it is vital to be cautious when selecting coverage, some companies may not cover certain activities. Ensure that your insurance provider knows about your itinerary and that they have no problem covering all the activities you intend to do. Medical evacuation by helicopter and the payment of medical expenses must be addressed in the insurance for hiking in the Himalayan or mountain climbing. If the payments are non-refundable, ensure your insurance policy covers the cancellation of the trip.
Gears and Equipment for The Manaslu Trek
If you're going on a hike during the spring season, be prepared for the weather, which can be unpredictable. It can be sunny, snowy, or even windy. So pack waterproof jackets, insulated layers, and sturdy hiking boots to protect you from the elements and also for comfort, especially at higher altitudes.
Prepare yourself with safety equipment like first aid kits, trekking poles, headlamps, and emergency communication devices so that you can handle any risk, such as altitude sickness, fall, or injury. This will ensure preparedness for emergency situations.
Carry moisture-wicking socks, trekking pants, and a properly fitting backpack with you to allow for comfort and ease the strain during the arduous Manaslu Circuit route. For a multiday hike at high elevations, take a water purification system, energy snacks, and a stove to avoid altitude sickness and keep energy levels high. We will, therefore, make sure that clean water and nutritious meals are accessible for the entire duration of the trek.
Maps, GPS devices, and compasses have been really helpful navigation tools in the past, and they are particularly important when looking for a route in remote areas with little or no signage. For camping, carry the necessary equipment with you, including tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads for a good night's rest. Sleeping bags and personal hygiene kits will offer a cozy and comfortable stay in even the teahouses.
List of Required Gears and Equipment
- Trekking Boots with good ankle support.
- Backpack enough to carry your essentials.
- Clothing Layers including Moisture-wicking base layers, fleece or down jacket
- Headwear like a warm beanie or hat, sunglasses with UV protection
- Handwear like lightweight gloves and insulated gloves.
- Trekking poles for stability and reducing strain on knees and legs.
- The sleeping bag and sleeping pad are rated for cold temperatures.
- Tent to camp along the route.
- Hydration Systems include water bottles, hydration bladders, and water purification tablets or a filtration system.
- First Aid Kit including basic medical supplies and any personal medications.
- Map and Compass/GPS to stay on track.
- Personal Toiletries including biodegradable soap and hand sanitizer.
- Trash Bags to pack in, pack out your waste.
- Passport, visa, and copies of other documents.
How To Book the Manaslu Trek?
Himalayan Partner Treks, a distinguished trek and tour operator, has delivered exceptional services in Nepal for years. Holding accreditation from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN), we demonstrate our dedication to bringing Nepal's tourism to excellence. Our agency is prepared to take bookings for the Manaslu Circuit Trek; you can directly contact us if you are looking forward to booking.
To book this package, you need to follow several processes. You are expected to send copies of scanned relevant documents, such as your passport, passport photos, travel insurance information, and flight details for both arrival and departure.
Regarding payment methods, you will value the convenience that we provide. Customers can conveniently make payments on our site using bank transfers, Western Union, or online payment systems. Upon arrival in Nepal, you can access various payment options like cash, bank transfers, or credit card payments. For a faster transaction, we will email you the full details about payment options, including the most preferred method and the total amount to be paid, guaranteeing a smooth transaction.
