Is Manaslu Circuit Trek Safe?
If you are wondering whether the Manaslu Trek is safe or not, then ease yourself, as the Manaslu Circuit Trek is safe to undertake, but only for those who are well prepared right from the start and follow every preventive measure till the end. In total, this trek demands 220 kilometers, almost a round trip, with a daily coverage of 9 to 16 kilometers, depending on the route and day-to-day itinerary as well, hence, proper preparation before is expected for a safe expedition without any fuss. Besides, the trailhead itself creates a big question among many hikers, as it is widely varied from dense forested areas, to the rugged, steep, and rocky sections, and finally to the slippery glacier pathway in the alpine valley, demanding 5-7 hours hike, which is surely not an easy task to conquer. As such, a good or, you can say, at least a basic level of physical fitness is required, which means that safety on the Manaslu Trek is largely dependent on one's fitness level.
Apart from that, as expected, altitude sickness is one of the major challenging aspects of this trek. As it ascends to a height over 3000 meters per day, through rough terrains where the thinning air could even lead to a physically daunting situation. Meanwhile, the natural hazards that you might face en route are avalanches, falling big rocks from the landscape, and most concerning part is! The trail of the Manaslu region navigates through several landslide-prone areas; however, with the navigation of the professional guide, through the safest route, it reduces the risk or you will lessly encountering such natural disaster situations, except unpredictable weather timing, but it won't be an issue as well, if you venture out on the peak time of the year.
Keep aside all these possibilities, and despite these risks, the trip to Manaslu is generally considered safe, if followed with safety preventive protocols, assistance with an experienced professional guide, and following the pace with other fellow hikers, or just a guide (your supporting crews) - that means guides and porters. Nonetheless, understanding the possible risks and challenges during the trek to the Manaslu region, and adhering to suggested safety tips, makes your journey 10x safer and an enjoyable journey.
Essential Safety Tips for Manaslu Trek: What Trekkers Must Know?
Here are some of the tips to minimize risks and overcome challenges, securing the trek safely, by following these essential safety tips, preventive measures, and protocols:
Physical Consideration: Build Up the Stamina
As this trek demands at least 6 to 7 hours of hiking daily, with such rugged terrains, a basic level of physical fitness is expected during this trip, so you get to cover the daily hiking distance smoothly without having a leg trembling situation, which usually happen if your body is not prepared up, and muscles are stretched. Before you opt for this trek, make sure that you are physically strong and have willpower, to cover the diverse route, so that such navigation becomes your strength rather than a weakness. Here are some Manaslu Trek safety tips for physical preparation to follow comprehensively.
- Train your body in advance: Before you venture out on this trek. Make sure that your body gets fully prepped up for a long expedition, so that the long expedition won't feel shocking to you or create frustrating situations. If you are a beginner, then make sure to engage in exercise for 4 weeks to 1.5 months. Someone who has already been to such a high elevation expedition can stretch their body by engaging in prior to 2-3 weeks of training for the body.
- Start with basic physical preparation: If you are thinking about starting this expedition, then start with simple and basic things like cardio exercises such as walking on a treadmill, running on an incline treadmill, swimming, cycling in a gym, or you can just complete 5000 steps per day, with a short hike.
- Level up the stamina level: If you are just done with a basic level of fitness, then, you can opt for 1 level up for building up the physical stamina, like, muscle work out, completing 10,000 steps, squats and so on, or running at outdoor, or in treadmill with (10 incline level - speed 10 to 12 for 10 to 30 minutes).
- Carry a Backpack with loads: After you are done with the basic physical training, engage in the workouts with a backpack with 8 to 10 kgs, or just do the ups and downs up a staircase, carrying the bagpack with loads.
- Finally, know your Pace Level: After all that physical preparation, you will have trained through, by far, you will know your pace level and be completely aware of how your body acts at such rapid, intense physical burnout. This will help you know your pace level and craft the itinerary as per your choice.
Utilize a Gradual Acclimatization Process
Proper acclimatization is crucial when it comes to meandering and ascending at such high elevations, where the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is 24 hours circulating. The gradual ascent must be made while you are in the mountain areas, and it starts right from the journey before you even undertake it, step by step. To make you understand clearly, here are some safety tips to follow, step by step, before even starting the expedition to the Manaslu region.
- Before the Trip: After your body is fully aware of the fact that how many meters high, or the distance covered, your body can conquer, while booking, discuss with the trekking agency, which itinerary will suit you the most. For instance, the route and the next stopping point, on a day-to-day basis, if you are a beginner or moderate-level hiker, then just opt for the 16-day itinerary, which includes 2 days of acclimatization, before crossing Larke La. Meanwhile, pro hikers can go for the short Manaslu Trek, as well, if they are basically out of time and willing to push limits. Otherwise, you can just set your itinerary by checking out what route and duration will suit you the most.
- En Route (Along the Trail): While you are along the route, on the journey, make sure to ascend, in a gradual pace, and do not go over the board; just follow the itinerary that has been guided to you or crafted for you and make your way accordingly. It is suggested to follow your own pace, rather than being influenced by others, and think of conquering 1 more ascent, stay hydrated, and know how your body is acting up on the trail.
Tips: Take a gradual ascent of 300 to 500 meters, depending on the route, and do not exceed 500 meters per day, as it allows the body to adapt to the rapid elevation change. If you ascend slowly.
Hike with Registered Professional Licensed Guides
Hiring a registered trekking guide is one of the major important aspects for a safe trek to the Manaslu Circuit, as the route is filled with several confusing trailheads, with not even signboards or even the trace of human life in between, hiring a guide is one hundred percent compulsory, that is why, trekking to manaslu region without guide is banned and forbidden by the Government of Nepal. It has been mandatory that hiring a guide is mandatory, not only that, but at the same time, you must have a hiking-trekking partner to trail along the route, which means 2 hikers per group and 1 guide is 100% mandatory, to proceed with this trek.
Here are the advantages of hiring a licensed guide, who plays a high role in your safety on the Manaslu Trek, and why it remains compulsory despite the expedition being moderate and not very dangerous.
- Safe Navigation: Licensed Guides are fully experienced and aware of what the route is like, which trailhead is safe to navigate, and they will guide you through the expedition accordingly through the safest route, by simply avoiding the dangerous trailhead, without any signboard or trace of the tea house.
- Following the Legal Rules: As there is a rule set by the Government of Nepal, that hiking solo is not allowed and one must hire a licensed registered trekking guide, for safety and a legally binding process, so in case of emergency, you will be evacuated and also tracked down by the local conservation area.
- Translation Help: In the Manaslu region, some locals might interact with Tibetan languages at some stopping points, which you might be completely unaware of. Guides will help you to assist you and help in interacting with locals, if guidance is required.
- Emergency Support: In case of emergency, the guides will be your quick helping hand for emergency medical assistance or the evacuation process, or help you fully in mitigating risks after such emergency issues.
Adhere to trail safety guidelines
Also, while being on the route, along the trailhead, to make the trip a hassle-free adventure in terms of trail navigation, weather challenges, body adaptation, and following the pace level, there are several important considerations for the Manaslu Trek safety guide:
- Follow the Marked Trails: While navigating along the route, after starting the trip, follow the navigation of the guide, as he will lead from the safest route, avoiding the land prone or avalanches, please follow his guidance and avoid shortcuts.
- Pace with your Level: Follow your pace level, listen to your body, and take an ascent accordingly, without overspeeding your level to the max level, as overdoing could lead to altitude sickness.
- Monitor weather and climate conditions: Do the weather forecasting on a daily level, before starting the journey, especially when you are opting for the Larke Pass cross, on the very next day, if the weather does not seem safe to navigate, then adjust the itinerary.
- Stay Hydrated and Stay Energized: Throughout the expedition, make sure that you hydrate your body with 3 to 5 litres per day, and consume only nutritious meals, which keep you persistent throughout the trip, making your tummy happy.
Be Prepared for an Emergency
Before even venturing out or after planning the expedition, you must follow some preventive emergency measures to follow, so that in case any unfortunate situations happen, it will be your quick rescue without being frustrated by what might happen en route.
- Basic First Aid Kit: As the medical assistance remains limited, carry a basic first aid kit, which you can find in pharmacies, for the Himalayan expedition, which includes bandages, an oximeter, water purification tablets, thermometers, and precautionary medicines prescribed by doctors.
- Travel Insurance: Acquire a good travel insurance beforehand that includes theft, baggage loss, trip delays, cancellations, and most importantly, helicopter evacuation over 3000 meters.
Stay Updated and Informed
- Be daily updated regarding what is going on the route, and informed if there is any natural disaster that has arisen. If you are hiking along with a guide, then he will take care of it.
- Stay updated regarding what expedition you are undertaking for the next day, and also know the distance coverage and hiking duration, so you become physically and mentally prepared without panicking en route.
- Before you opt for this trek, do some research regarding the meals, accommodations, route, and amenities to expect along the trailhead, so it won't stand out being shocking to you later on.
- Attend our brief pre-meeting session, where we will guide you about the trip, the detailed itinerary, and the preventive safety guidelines and emergency protocols en route.
Respect Local Cultures, Customs, and Environment
- Be mindful of how you are dressing, it is highly suggested to dress up modestly, especially while visiting the monasteries and other spiritual sites, as it might hurt local feelings, and create conflict and chaos between hikers and locals.
- If you ever encounter the wildlife of nature, endangered animals, then give them space, do not harm their privacy, and maintain a gap.
- Respect the environment, as much as you love nature, follow the "NO TRACE" rules by adopting eco-friendly practices like carrying bags for waste disposal and bringing a bottle to refill water time to time, rather than bottled water. This might small initiative, but contribute to safety navigation for future hikers.
Acclimatization & Altitude Sickness on the Manaslu Circuit: Essential Awareness and Safety Tips
Trekking to the mountain areas means, there is always some kind of possible risk that is always circulating 24 hours, no matter which expedition you choose to venture out, how experienced a hiker you are, or how professional guide is, if you do not follow some safety measures, then, you might feel a wild hassle of tackling with altitude sickness. Usually, AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) hits you when the air gets thinner and oxygen gets lower below the usual ones, which makes your body struggle to take in oxygen, which leads to severe AMS. That is why being familiar with the importance of acclimatization, tips for acclimatization, recognizing the AMS, responding to such a situation, and undertaking the quick emergency response is crucial to conquer the Manaslu Trek safely.
Why is acclimatization important?
A proper acclimatization always leads to making any Himalayan adventure a complete success. At such high altitudes, where the oxygen level is low, with thinning air, you must undertake a gradual ascent without going over the board. On the Manaslu Circuit, the altitude reaches the maximum at 5016 meters, whereas, at the same time, you must undertake a hike, over 3000 meters per day, which is surely not an easy task. If you opt for a too rapid pace of hike, like going for 12-15 hours of hiking duration with an ascent of more than 900 to 1000 meters, undoubtedly, you might catch the risk of AMS. Hence, Acclimatization days with side trips nearby, gaining 300 to 400 meters on the very day, will prepare the hikers for the next day's hike, thus. To complete this trek safely, a meaningful acclimatization day is a safety precaution for the Manaslu Circuit.
Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
While meandering around at such height, you might feel a hinge difficulty and some symptoms of altitude sickness are expected in the unusual thin air mountain area. The symptoms are distinguished into two parts; one is mild symptoms, which a basic and likely to occur, but it is not dangerous. Everyone will experience such of the mere symptoms of AMS, whereas other tends to be the severe and dangerous symptoms. If such challenges are faced, then you must follow the quick emergency protocols and inform the guide immediately, before things get worse. So, if you are wondering how to recognize the kind of symptoms of AMS and act promptly, then below is the table mentioning the distinguishing the mild and severe ones.
Mild Symptoms |
Severe Symptoms |
Mild headache (which is expected after 3000 m) |
Severe headache (a frustrating one) |
Nausea ( a feeling like vomiting), |
Losing control - high-level dizziness |
Dizziness (mild) |
Skin color changing drastically |
Insomnia (loss of sleep and appetite) - expected |
Blood vomiting |
Mild cough |
Difficulty in breathing (out of oxygen) |
Preventive Guidelines
- Ascend Slowly: Make sure to climb slowly and steadily, do not go over the top by rushing the hike, know your pace, recognize your capacity level and endurance power, and ascend accordingly. It is highly suggested to take a gradual ascent of 300 to 500 meters, and don't cross the elevation more than that, as it could lead to severe AMS.
- Stay Hydrated: Along the trailhead, make sure to hydrate your body with 4 to 5 liters of water per day. If it sounds too much, then substitute it with soupy items, fruit items, or any kind of nutritious food that keeps you hydrated and moisturizes the body.
- Take Proper Rest or Acclimatization Days: If you are opting for a classic or regular route to Manaslu Circuit, then take at least 2 acclimatization days, either in Samdo, Sama gaon, or Lho village (2 acclimatization days are highly suggested). Meanwhile, if you are choosing the combined trip of Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek, then 3 acclimatization days are compulsory for safe navigation and ascent.
- Track your Pulse Rate: Make sure to track your oxygen level in every stop, through an oximeter, and if it goes below the normal heart rate, then follow the emergency protocols, guided by the trekking guide, en route.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Beverages: After crossing the elevation of 3000 meters, try avoiding smoking cigarettes or any kind of Vape, or other such nicotine items, also if you are a coffee freak, try consuming less than 3 cups. Avoid drinking alcohol, as well, as it could lead to shortness of breath and even create dizziness at the same time.
Responding to Altitude Sickness
If you feel or suffer from such a kind of AMS, then here are the emergency protocols to follow promptly.
- If you feel such mild symptoms, then rest at the same altitude that you are staying at and do not continue the trek for a day, take 1 more day break wherever you are staying, and continue the hike on the very next day.
- Until you feel like you are getting better, do not proceed with the hike further, and rest for some days, until you get fully recovered.
- If the condition gets severe, and you do not feel recovering, descend immediately to lower elevations
- If you still feel like you are not recovering, then evacuate immediately via helicopter ride (through your travel insurance)
Potential Risks and Challenges: How to Mitigate Them?
In such high mountain areas, with isolated territory, there are always some kind of potential risk and dangerous factors circulating in the Manaslu region, where there are several challenges en route that you will come across. Meanwhile, such challenges can be mitigated and solved if proper measures are undertaken along the trailhead, thus. Here are the 5 major possible challenges during the Manaslu Trek to expect in 2025 and 2026:
Diverse Terrains
The trailhead to Manaslu Circuit includes several types of terrains, from woodlands, rugged stone, steep sections, and alpine slippery sections for a straight 5 to 6 hours, which can be physically draining for some, as it is not easy to navigate through such a route. Even though you are an experienced hiker, such a marvelous transition can feel frustrating, and you might feel like giving up and not continuing the trip if you are not well-prepared. Sections like a slippery ascent, like an uphill climb to Larkya La Pass - 5106 meters, and also after you descend from here to Dharamsala, which includes a continuous downhill walk, that might strain the muscles and cause knee pain insanely.
How to mitigate them?
- Always hike along with a guide, and navigate with their assistance as they are familiar with the safest route possible. Do not avoid their guidance and just trust their navigation.
- If you are hiking solo, with the help of Map, or GPS, then it is highly suggested not to trust them fully, as the route changes rapidly season to season.
- Do not hike alone, always stay with your group throughout the journey, along with fellow hikers of your team and friends that you can rely on, which avoids the chances of getting zoned and lost.
- You'll find WiFi at every stopping point. Please contact your family or friends back home to let them know your destination and update them regularly. The same applies to your travel agency. Let the travel agency get updated on where you are staying, where you are heading the next day, and so on.
Isolated and Remote Trailhead
As expected, one of the major challenges that you will ever come across is obvious in any Himalayan adventure, which tends to be the isolated route, where even basic amenities become a luxury that can be a bit shocking to some who are just new to the mountains. Even though there is no such thing called risk, yes! If you are not well aware of what remote treks seem like, then it might be mentally frustrating to some. Basic amenities like attached washroom, quick snacks to buy, laundry, and hot showers are available, but with extra money, where extra charges are charged by the tea houses. There are several points where there are no signs of a tea house, leading to total panic to some; hence, to complete the adventure smoothly, preparing mentally for such trails beforehand stands out to be one of the Manaslu Trek's best safety precautions.
How to mitigate them?
- Do proper research regarding the trailhead by watching YouTube videos and reading interesting facts beforehand, so you are fully aware of the remoteness and won't be shocked by it.
- Hike the trailhead, being fully aware of the navigation difficulty and wear gear accordingly, like if there is a huge snowy pathway, especially in winter, then wear crampons to pass by. Whereas, for the regular route for proper hiking boots.
- Be familiar with the route, and pack intelligently like quick snacks, gears, clothing, power banks, chargers, batteries, and so on.
Trail Conditions and Natural Hazards
As the trailhead passes through various terrains and landscapes, from forested sections to narrow rocky gorges, there are several unstable pathways; if not navigated with a guide, it might be difficult for you to pass through. Besides, there are several routes that carry significant natural risks like landslides, rock falls, quick earthquakes, avalanches, and so on, especially when you are hiking in a monsoon region, so it is crucial to track the weather and choose the right season to safely trek the Manaslu Circuit.
How to Mitigate Them?
- Navigate along with the trekking guide and do not lose your track, always be with the guide and walk through his insight, also, do not meander around all along, as you might not be aware of the natural hazards sections.
Weather and Environment Hazards
The climatic and weather conditions change drastically along the trailhead, like high snowfall and thin rainfall, which might be there, at high elevation, you never know, even at the peak seasons, with the strong, windy nights at the same time. Due to the unexpected situations, the trailhead gets insanely slippery, and comes with many challenges like land erosion, landslides, small avalanches, and rockfall, especially after crossing 3200 meters, which is one of the risky factors and dangers of the Manaslu region.
How to Mitigate Them?
- Pack the gears appropriately, fitting 1-2 sets of both winter and monsoon season at the same time, considering cold temperature and rainy season at the same time.
- Check the weather forecast daily, and watch out if there is any kind of unfortunate climatic condition, on the very next day or upcoming days, and ascend accordingly.
Wildlife Encounters
As the Manaslu Conservation Area includes, variety of topography, especially at the higher altitudes, the tea houses are minimal with the diverse wildlife, like snow leopard, musk deer, elusive red panda, Himalayan tahr, and many more. You might come across many wildlife en route (endangered or wild ones), as it lies in the remote areas, the home of nature. If certain prevention and cautious actions are not highly looked after, then you might have a wild encounter, and also lead to hassle, of encountering such rare species.
How to Mitigate Them?
- Stay distant from the wild animals, and do not tease or touch them, and respect their privacy, without showing too inappropriate behaviour by disturbing their home.
- Do not light fires (smoking) en route, especially at higher elevations, as it could create a massive fire in the forest ( not happened to date, but a suggestion).
Weather and Temperature Conditions: Best Safety Practices
To safely trek Manaslu, first of all, you must know the ideal timing to safely ascend, the challenges of the rapid weather fluctuations, and some safety guidelines for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, in terms of weather conditions and drastic changes.
Seasonal Variations: Ideal Time to Visit the Manaslu Region
The best timing, or an idyllic situation, for anyone can venture out on the Manaslu Trek is during the Spring and Autumn seasons, as this time, the weather remains stable, ranging from 4 to 12 degrees Celsius to max, offering an ideal time to venture out in the daytime. Meanwhile, at night, the temperature falls to 5 degrees Celsius at its lowest or sometimes even to 8 degrees Celsius; however, it is still warm and chilly because at such high elevation, the humidity remains below - 0 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, if you are considering opting for this trek during monsoon, then, you might not like to hearing this, but it's a total nightmare, where the temperature generally goes below - 12 degree celsius at high elevation and remains from 15 to 26 degree celsius in daytime, with high level of precipitation. Also, at the same time who are looking forward to choosing this expedition in winter should be a bit aware of the weather challenges it brings, as the climate brings ha igh level of snowfall, especially after crossing Samdo village, where the temperature falls to - 12 degree celsius, making the route strenous to navigate. Hence, choosing an ideal season plays a huge role in trekking Manaslu safely without any hassle. Besides, to know more seasonal guidance and preparation overview, you can check our blog entitled: Best Time to do Manaslu Trek.
Challenges of Weather: Tips to Overcome Them
Due to the drastic changes in the weather conditions, it represents several weather challenges leading to a high level of precipitation, diverse temperature fluctuations and so on, which could even disrupt the trip, Hence, to solve such issues, here are some tips, suggested to you to bypass it and continue the trip.
Challenges |
Solutions |
Landslide and rockfall Areas - due to high precipitation |
Stay with the navigation guide, trust his instinct, and walk along step by step with him |
Sudden Cold Temperature |
Pack in the appropriate gear (warm ones) and if budget fits, do not miss out sleeping bags (will be provided by us as a complimentary gear throughout the trip) |
Rain and Heavy Snowfall |
If there is a high level of precipitation, then it is suggested to stop by wherever you are staying within the tea house, and continue the hike when things get normal, which happens in the off-season time |
Altitude Sickness (if it's in winter) |
Follow the preventive guidelines mentioned above |
Strong High Winds |
Wear Wind Proof Jackets and settle in the tea house for a day, till things get normal, if it's intense |
Blockage to the Larke Pass |
Set an alternative day - must be required in the winter season |
Transportation Access |
Hire a private jeep option after the trip from Dharapani - Kathmandu |
How to be prepared?
- Carry appropriate gear based on all four variations, no matter which season you are opting for; always be prepared for unexpected situations, and stay relevant
- Check the weather forecast daily available on your phone as well, and monitor what seasons to expect tomorrow, and carry the essentials accordingly
- Listen to your trekking guide, ease with his navigation, trust his instinct, and if he suggests and alerts you, then pls follow the preventive guidance
Required Permits for Manaslu Trek: Importance, Permit Safety, and How to Attain Them Legally?
To safely trek Manaslu, the first and foremost thing that is required is to obtain the permits in a legally binding way. It's necessary to know about the permits, regulations, and restrictions, which will ensure your safety and track your well-being at the same time. These permits indirectly help in conserving nature in its pristine form and also boost the economy of the locals, and also highly contribute to the promotion and safety of the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Required Permits
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)- This permit gives you a first-hand ticket to enter the Manaslu region, where the permit cost indirectly goes for the preservation of the culture, tradition, and the eco and bio system of nature.
- Special Manaslu Restricted Area Permit - This restricted area permit allows you to enter the restricted area zone of Manaslu Conservation Area in a legal way, and also, it keeps your progress on the trailhead, through entering the date and time along with the duration of the hike.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)- As this trek also visits the Annapurna region, you will need to obtain the ACAP too, which highly contributes to protecting the wildlife and local economy overall.
Requirements to obtain Permits
- The first and foremost thing to attain the permits is that you must acquire the permit through a local registered trekking agency.
- Secondly, a professional registered trekking guide must be hired to trail along the restricted area, to safely ascend and descend properly without getting lost.
- Thirdly, you must have a travel partner to trek with, as solo trekking is banned in the Manaslu region; two trekkers are 100% compulsory.
How are these permits important for a Manaslu safe trek?
- Legally followed rules: No fuss, and tension as you have attained the permits legally; however, if someone doesn't acquire the permits and enters the restricted zone, then, extra penalty is charged.
- Safety and Security: After attaining the permits, your permits will be registered at the Jagat, where your name and date will be entered, which highly keeps you track by the local authority throughout the expedition. Like, if any unfortunate situation occurs, then you will be promptly provided medical assistance or evacuation.
- Environment and Culture Protection: Protects the pristine environment and unchanged Tibetan culture
- Avoid Dangers to the area: Permits highly contribute to the limitation of the huge traffic flow, which usually happens at popular trails like Everest Base Camp Trek and ABC Trek, protecting its environment and local lifestyle at the same time.
- Avoid Penalties and Fees: If you are hiking without acquiring the permits, then you avoid the thousands of dollars in charges and penalties
At Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition, we will arrange all the required permits after your booking is confirmed with us, with an experienced local professional guide carrying 10+ years of expertise about the route and serving more than a hundred hikers.
Essentials and Gears to Safely Trek Manaslu: What to Pack for future dangers and weather challenges?
Carrying the right gear plays a crucial role in your safety on the Manaslu Trek, as it becomes your first-hand help to safely navigate through unfortunate weather and climate conditions, even though it depends on personal preferences. Here are some of the gear checklists that are highly suggested to include in your packing list for the trek:
Head Wear
- Brimmed Hat or Sun Cap - to protect, neck, ears, and also the face at the same time
- Warm Knit Hat - required for high elevation
- Head Scarf or Bandana - to cover the hair in rugged terrains
- Head lamps - highly suggested for early morning hike to Larkya La Pass
- Sunglasses - protect from UV Lights and also intense heat
Body Wear
- Dry Fit T-shirts - if long sleeves, then it's better to choose for
- Sports Bra for women - 3 to 5 pairs
- Breathable Fleece T-shirts
- Comfortable and Breathable Pants and Hiking Shorts
- Windproof jackets and raincoats
- Down Jacket or Puff Jacket
- Underwear (for everyday)
- Thermal wear - for higher elevation
Foot Wear
- Hiking Boots - having a nice grip
- Comfortable Shoes - as an alternative
- Flip-flops or slippers to wear in the tea house
- Crampons - required to cross a high pass in winter
First Aid Kits
- Oximeter - to check the pulse rate
- Water Purification Tablet - to purify the water
- Diamox - to minimize the risk of AMS
- Preacuative medicines
Other Miscellaneous Items
- Travel Documents - Paper Documents, Travel Insurance, Passports, and Permits
- Toileteries - Toilet paper rolls, soaps, shampoos, towels, etc
- Other self-care items: Moisturizers, Sunscreen SPF 40+, Lip Balm, and so on.
By following this proper gear checklist, you will be fully prepared for the challenges and weather conditions you will come across on the trek. to know more about the packing gear, you can take a look at our Manaslu Trek Packing List for more tips and
Safety Guidelines for Manaslu Circuit Trek: For Safe Ascend to Larke La Pass - 5106 meters
- Acclimatize properly before ascending to a higher elevation. Before you reach the height of Larkya La Pass, at least set aside 2 acclimatization days, so your body gets used to the thin oxygen level and slowly ascends, adapting to the rising altitude.
- Please, take note of acquiring the permits legally, to avoid the overcharging and also, for your safety throughout the journey, so, your journey is tracked by the local authority.
- Hike along with a registered experienced trekking guide, who has ample experience of more than 5+ years, and also hire guides through a trekking agency, to avoid overcharging and ensure a professional guide.
- Train your body physically, and engage in strength training, so you can hike for 6 to 7 hours per day, through diverse terrains and steep sections.
- Pack appropriate gear beforehand, considering all four seasonal variations, as the weather changes rapidly and quickly in the blink of an eye.
- Take a track of the weather and climatic conditions, if you are at the trailhead, then you can simply check the next day's hiking conditions through a phone weather forecast.
- Do not miss out carry, basic first aid kit, that includes all the necessary items, precautionary medicines and bandages, and other simple basic medicines.
- Stick to the marked trails, throughout the journey, do not miss out hiking along with the guide without missing his side, hike along with the guide and fellow hikers (your group).
- Acquire a good travel insurance, and include policies like trip cancellation, delay, and even helicopter evacuation over 3000 meters.
- As solo trekking is not allowed, make sure that you hike through a registered trekking agency that takes care of your logistics and safe navigation throughout the trip.
Final Verdict: Is this trek safe for all kinds of hikers?
With the beauty of Manaslu region, comes with many challenges, along the trailhead, from weather challenges to high elevation dangerous factors, however, if you make an effort to be prepared well, be alert and follow all the Manaslu Trek safety tips guidance, then this trek is surely safe for any kind of hikers, no matter what your age is, what experiences you carry, and no matter what seasons you opt for. However, to avoid the dangers like AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), unfortunate weather and climate conditions, and climate change, knowing the challenges and following the guidelines will help you avoid them.
Following the advice that has been offered in the safety tips for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, with good, meaningful acclimatization, experienced teams, and comprehensive travel insurance, leads to a safe adventure. Meanwhile, your safety highly depends on following the rules, acquiring permits, logistic management, and top-notch professional teams. You can venture out on your journey with us in confidence and smoothly. For more queries, assistance, feel free to contact us at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition, by either directly calling or WhatsApping us at +977 9851016814 or just emailing us at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com.