Rapid Manaslu Circuit Trek - 9 days

Is Altitude Sickness a concern during this trip?

The adventure to the Larkya La Pass, which soars at an altitude of 5416 meters, is a high-altitude Himalayan odyssey, which poses some kind of risk of altitude sickness, as you go, the air gets thinner, and oxygen lowers down. No matter whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, the possibility of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is always there if proper guidelines are not followed from the very beginning.

To mitigate the risk of altitude sickness, ensure to follow the safety guide by hydrating yourself with 2-3 litres of water, checking pulse rate via oximeter, and avoiding smoking or alcoholic beverages and navigate along the experienced trekking guide throughout the journey.

Proper acclimatisation achieved through gradual elevation gain and rest days lets your body adapt to thinning oxygen at higher altitudes, ensuring a safe, enjoyable trek. If any symptoms of altitude sickness, like dizziness, nausea, breathing challenges, insomnia (loss of sleep and appetite), unstable and uncontrollable, inform the guide immediately, and take immediate medical response from a medically trained guide.

Is Travel Insurance mandatory for the trek?

Yes, for the Rapid Manaslu Trekking, it is one hundred per cent compulsory to obtain travel insurance, which helps in saving thousands of dollars, lets you hike with ease, and provides quick medical assistance for the adventure. Please, take note that, even though the trip is not dangerous, still, considering the health and best medical facilities are the best thing that we can possibly look for, before undertaking such a high altitude trek in the Himalayas. Also, the region does not have any big hospitals or major health posts that can assist you in emergency cases, and you have to be evacuated by helicopter, which is the only quick option.

Make sure that the travel insurance policy includes all the essentials, such as minor and major medical expenses, trip delays, cancellations, and most importantly, the heli evacuation upto 5500 meters. 

When is the best time to explore the Manaslu region rapidly?

The best seasons to trek to Manaslu are shortly, marked as Spring, starting from March till the end of May, and Autumn, from mid-September till November, with stable weather and climatic conditions. The chances of precipitation (rain or snowfall) are typically low, which makes the terrain dry and smooth to commence, without hikers having to face the slippery, muddy, or icy route, without demanding technical skills, and doable by first timers as well.

The whole lush green valley gets astonishingly covered with the blooming red rhododendrons, pines, along with the clear mountain views, and a unique perspective of the landscapes, making the trip truly intriguing during Spring. The daylight lasts for longer hours, and the early sunrise, where you do not have to worry about leaving the tea house early before 7 PM, and moderately embark on the journey, exploring every highlighted corner, without panicking yourself out.

The temperature usually ranges from 5 to 12 degrees Celsius during the day, and doesn't fall below -5 degrees Celsius, where you can hike with ease, without draining yourself physically, and get a cosy night's sleep even at a higher altitude.

Whereas, another peak season of Autumn, on the other hand, is the span of the year, which experiences a heavy flow of trekkers, locals, and worldwide hikers, giving you a companion to wander around, along with your trekking guide. As the dining area features, the gathering of visitors, for the evening, you can mingle, play Uno, cards, and share mutual hiking keen interest, experiences, and stories, with each other, adding a meaningful value to the trip.

Besides, the major festivals of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar, fall between September and October, where the region thrives in celebration, with songs, dances, and lighted ldoges, like Christmas, new year vibes, where you can celebrate along with locals.

Besides, as the season comes after the conclusion of the monsoon (heavy cloud burst time), the possibility of the rainshower is almost zero, and the humidity is mild/moderate, ranging between 7 and 15 degrees Celsius, during the day, and upto 0 to -3 degrees Celsius, at night.

The only seasons/months recommended for this 9-day Manaslu Trek are Spring and Autumn; however, the seasons of monsoon and winter are not highly recommended, as during these times there is high rain and snowfall, making the route completely challenging, especially when the itinerary is shortened to nine days. If time does not collide with your holiday duration, then you can consider a 12 to 14-day journey, and set 2-3 days buffer days, as in the off-season, the route to the high pass might get blocked.

Meals and Accommodations during the Rapid Manaslu Circuit Trek

During the 9 Days Manaslu Circuit Trekking, throughout the journey, you will be accommodated at the local tea houses and mountain lodges, which are run by the locals themselves and tend to be more on the simpler side. The tea houses are hygienically maintained and comfortable enough, and have a wide variety of rooms available from single private to twin sharing and group sharing rooms, catering to solo and group trekkers.

The rooms are quite basic, with comfortable bedding configuration, pillows, blankets, and shared or private bathrooms, depending on the key stopping points. The higher you ascend, the more remote, simpler it becomes; however, it has every amenity required, such as wifi, laundry services, hot showers, and a charging area.

Further, for the meals, you'll find a wide variety of meal options, from Western cuisines to asian continental meals to local foods, provided by the tea house. Whether you are a vegan, vegetarian, or non-vegetarian, or want gluten-free foods, it will be provided accordingly. Just let us know if you are allergic to any food items, so that we can inform the guide and the lodges before the trip.

For the drinking options, from hot drinks like coffee, americano, milk tea, masala, black tea, green tea, hot lemon water to the cold beverages such as Coke, Fanta, energy drinks, etc, are available. Our package covers three standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner), with a cup of tea/coffee and accommodations throughout the adventure. 

Internet, Mobile Network, and Charging Availability during the 9-day Manaslu Trek

The wifi, mobile networks, and charging accessibility are available in the Manaslu region, where you won't find any issues regarding the communication facilities at the tea houses. Even though the Manaslu Circuit Trail stands as a high altitude adventure, and navigates via isolated and remote terrains, you will surely be connected with the outside world (back home, and us) for a quick update.

• Internet (Wi-Fi): Every lodge has the wifi facility, which can only be accessed at the dining area, with an extra charge of USD 2 - USD 3 per day, at the higher altitudes. Whereas, at the lower elevation, the wifi might get connected in the room as well, but extra fare is still demanded by the lodges, due to limited availability.
• Mobile Network: The network works well till Deng or Namrung, along the route. Meanwhile, as you go higher, the mobile network doesn't work properly; even if it does, it only connects for an immediate call, and not the internet. The SIM Card can be purchased at Kathmandu, as it isn't available at the trailhead. It doesn't cost much, and it costs only USD 5 (NPR 50), which comes with a data pack that you can use en route.
• Charging Facility: The charging sockets are not available in the room itself, due to a limited electricity source, and are only accessible at the dining area, where you can charge your gadgets and batteries. Meanwhile, the only problem is that during peak seasons, you might have to wait in line for sometimes, maybe an hour, so the best you can do is carry 2 power banks (fully charged) for an immediate recharge.

Packing List

Packing for the Rapid Manaslu Circuit Trek does not have to be complicated, nor do you have to go all the way out and pack in everything that is not even required at the trailhead. Remember, smart packing is the only crucial aspect that makes the trip easy and smooth going, so pack intelligently and consider every seasonal variation. Here are some of the recommendations for the packing essentials for the Manaslu, which becomes your go-to help, along the trailhead:

Essential Clothings

• Dry Fitted T-shirts (moisture-wicking base layers) for top and bottom
• Thermal coat for the base layers (2 sets)
• Insulated down jacket or puffer jacket and warm fleece jacket
• Comfortable Hiking T-shirts and Pants
• Windproof and windproof jackets 
• Screen Touchable gloves (1) and warm gloves for the higher altitude
• Brimmed Hat, Cap, and Woollen Cap
• Socks (5/6 pairs)

Must Have Trekking Gears

• Daily Hiking Bagpack or waist bagpack to carry daily essentials
• Duffle Bag (15 - 22 L) will be carried by the porter
• Adjustable Trekking Poles (1 set)
• Comfortable Trekking Boots with proper grip and not tight (consider 1 size up)
• Sleeping Bag (-15 degree celsius rated)
• Headlamp, Extra Batteries
• Powerbank (20,000 mAh)
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and sunglasses 
• Reusable water bottle and water purification tablet
• Personal Med Kit, with an oximeter and personal medications

Documents

• Required Trekking Permits (MCAP, RAP, ACAP, and TIMS Card)
• Photocopy of Travel insurance document (carry original as well)
• Passport and passport-sized photos