Awesome and Stunning Trek in Nepal, Manaslu Circuit Trek is an amazing and inspiring trek in Nepal. Known for its difficult paths, high-altitude passes, and spectacular views of mountains like Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and many more, the Tsum Valley trek is more of a dare, dare to try at your strength and endurance. But say you want to get all the secrets on how to do the Manaslu Circuit Trail like the professionals? Well, you need to plan for starters – and the best time of year to do it if you ever want to come away with more than a few souvenirs from this once-in-a-lifetime trip we’re about to experience. Here’s what you need to know to crush the Manaslu trek like a pro.
Understand the Challenges
It’s all about being prepared, because what you need to complete any hike is an understanding of what you are getting yourself into when you are on the trail. Manaslu Circuit Trekking is not a beginner’s trip; it’s challenging hiking in Nepal. You have to be both prepared for long days of walking and remain in remote locations, and in high-elevation areas. The key obstacles include:
Altitude: Larkya La Pass is the altitude summit of the Larkya La circuit (5106 m / 16,752 feet), and where the nasty altitude sickness also resides. Proper acclimatization is crucial.
Hard land: Steep climbs, drops, and paths by the river made of rocks, small stones, and trails.
Weather: The mountains change fast, and you might face cold breezes and rain.
Build Cardio Endurance
But first, you want to build some solid cardio fitness as a foundation, so let’s start with the following 3 timeless exercise training modalities. You certainly need to have included uphill walking in your training regimen, as this is the nearest equivalent of the steep climbs on the trek. Start your trek when you can engage in 5-6 days of aerobics done in a week.
Pack Light, but Smart
Packing is just one part of getting ready for the Manaslu Base Camp Trek. It’s easy to want to pack it all, but remember in the mountains, less is better. Here’s a smart way to pack:
Needed Stuff:
Good Hiking Shoes: Your shoes must be well-used before you start the hike. Check that your boots are strong, keep out water, and comfortable for long walks.
Wear clothes in layers. Mountain weather changes a lot. Go for clothes that keep you dry underneath, a warm layer in the middle to keep in heat, and a rainproof top layer to keep off rain and snow.
Sleeping Bag – Because nothing speaks “night in the mountains” like freezing to death. Stay warm at night in your sleeping bag (rated at −10C) (NOTE: the 2nd pad is not included, extra pads can be purchased)
Poles: These will take the pressure off your knees when you are going up or down.
First Aid Kit to include (plasters/Panadol/Diamox/ anti-flam/atorvastatin and cream for blisters).
Lightweight Packing
Pack as light as possible. As a rough guide, your ground weight should be around 10 – 12 kg lighter. Stick to the essentials and stop stockpiling what you don’t use.
Acclimatize Properly
The most difficult thing about the Manaslu Circuit Trek: Altitude Sickness. Acclimatisation is very important in the treks, and you will need a couple of acclimatisation/rest days, especially for high passes like the Larkya La. Here’s how to acclimate like a pro:
Take Rest Days
As you climb, you will also need to plan rest days in between, partly to help your body acclimate to the thinner atmosphere. A better approach is to throw in a ‘resting’ day every 3-4 days as you ascend to Samagaon, where you can make a final stash before Manaslu Base Camp.
Climb High, Sleep Low
Do your best to go up high and rest down low to cut down the risk of getting sick from high places. If you’re not used to it, this could mean going up during the day and coming down to sleep at a low spot at night.
Drink Water and Eat Well
Make sure to drink a lot of water and maybe eat more foods with lots of carbs to aid your body in getting used to the high air. Cut down on drinks with alcohol and caffeine, as they will just drain you.
Monitor Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Let your body talk to you: A headache, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite are symptoms to take seriously. If you have any of these symptoms, get low right away. And your safety should be top priority.
Hire a Local Guide and Porter
It is good to have a guide/porter, help you and can also be a short way to improve your EXPERIENCE in trekking. A platform guide, of course, is someone who not only knows the trail like the back of her hand, but can also tell you something interesting about the land — and the people, the history, the geography — of the region. They’re also trained to help recognize the signs of altitude sickness and other health problems, which can be crucial to your health and safety.
A porter will certainly lighten the load of some of your items, allowing you more energy and willpower to spend on your hike. And with a porter, you can take in the views without the sandy weight of a pack on your back.
Understand the Permits and Regulations
Trekking permits are required for the Mt Manaslu Circuit Trek. There are a few trekking permits needed. (Do be sure to print and fill out the appropriate forms, and bring one with you to each exercise:)
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Cost: USD 70 (Approx) Manaslu Circuit Trek The entire Manaslu trekking way can be said as entirely protected, and you need to get a permit for trek to the Manaslu conservation area, including other related permits.
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Special permit Cost: 100-150$ USD and will be issued by the trekking agency.
ACAP permit: “Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit: used for around $30 or so.
Or you can pay a guide or trek company to do this work, and you will emerge with all of the papers to move in with.
Trail culture and etiquette
It’s not just a matter of how hardcore a trekker you are: the Manaslu Circuit Trek demands that you honour the ecosystem and the ethnic groupings who inhabit the tread of the trek. The thing is, the villages you go through … some people live there who are Tibetan and Buddhist, and it’s important to be aware of that.
Photography: Never photograph a local or any of his property without permission!
Honor The Place’s Religiosity – If the sight of monasteries and prayer flags makes you want to close your mind forever, the religion to the locals is tradition. All stupas and prayer wheels should be walked around clockwise and never touch anything sacred
Support Local Business – Try to sleep in teahouses, eat local food, tantalize your taste buds with local souvenirs, and buy things from local artisans – quietly, that’s the best way to keep the economy local!
Mental Toughness – Hang in There and Positive
Finally, you need an iron will for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It’s a long walk, a hard walk, and there’s going to be times where you get out and you’re going to get tired, you’re going to get weak, you’re going to feel like you want to just quit and just give in. This is what it means to have a strong mentality:
In sum: That’s How You Trek Like a Pro.
Doing the Manaslu Circuit walk is about more than just making your body strong. It needs the right mind, way of doing things, food, and big care for the place you go through. With good plans, looking forward to it, and a tight plan, you will be ready to go on this great path with sure and smooth steps. Mind and body prepared, the Manaslu Circuit will change you. For others, it’s the opportunity to cross Larkya La, the Manasluijnas, or the fact that, as long as your photo card doesn’t get over-written the the images you took while on the go will last you until the day you die. Happy trekking!