Manaslu Trek is one of the most intriguing treks in Nepal. Nestled in the lap of Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world, it comes as the leading destination for trekking in Nepal. The trek usually takes around two weeks to complete which is filled with lots of adventures. Similarly, the mystic peaks of Mount Manaslu, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Gyala, Chhamjo Himal, and others will take your breath away. Similarly, encountering diverse flora and fauna inside the Manaslu Conservation Area is very worth-traveling. Moreover, the vibrant culture of the region, the practice of Buddhism, and the glimpses of peaceful and harmonious Tibetan Gompas will soothe the journey for sure.
Being one of the adventurous treks in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit Trek requires several preparations. One of them is packing, and it might be very tricky. The packing list for the Manaslu Trek might not be the same as other destinations. But we have compiled some lists for you to help pack for this journey. Let’s explore them in detail:
Documents
Valid Passport
Trekkers need to carry a valid passport to embark on the Manaslu Trek. To identify yourself that you are a legit person traveling to Nepal, a valid passport helps in many ways. On top of that, it is essential to return back to your home country.
Trekkers must carry 2 to 3 copies of the valid passport and images of it on their cell phones or any other gadgets. It will help them showcase the document in case it gets lost or stolen on the journey.
Nepal Visa
Trekkers must purchase a Nepal Visa upon arriving in Kathmandu. Nepal Visa can be bought from Tribhuvan International Airport or from the embassy of your respective country.
There are several types of Nepal Visa you can buy. It includes a Business Visa, Travel Visa, Educational Visa, and others. For embarking on the Manaslu Trek, trekkers are recommended to purchase a Tourist Visa. It also comes with several timeframe validity, including 15 Days, 30 Days, and 90 Days. Prices are different for each of these visas.
Passport-sized Photos
Passport-sized photos are essential for several reasons. First, they are required during your check-in and check-out from the hotels you stay. Similarly, they are very crucial for obtaining Manaslu Trek permits and other facilities like local SIM cards, and other formalities.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is a must-have entity of the Manaslu Trek in Nepal. This insurance will cover all your medical costs, flight cancellation, or trip cancellation costs. Similarly, some travel insurance will cover rescue and air ambulance on the trip.
It is recommended to keep copies of the travel insurance documents on your cell phone.
Proof of immunization against COVID-19
COVID-19 hit harder than anything on our planet earth, and not many countries have successfully retained from its loss. For safety reasons, the Nepal Government still keeps COVID-19 and its possible risk as a high priority. So, anyone traveling to Nepal must be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.
Trekkers are recommended to carry the proof/document of immunization against COVID-19.
Clothing System for Manaslu Region
Hiking Pants
Hiking pants are the must-pack thing for the Manaslu Trek. The standard itinerary of the Manaslu Trek includes around 5 to 6 hours of daily walking, so your trekking pants must be flexible and comfortable at the same time.
Similarly, the weather and climate conditions are much cooler than in Kathmandu or other lower-altitude locations. So, these hiking pants must be warm, durable, and breathable to ensure comfort.
Hiking Boots
Trekkers must have a pair of sturdy hiking boots and an extra pair on their backpacks. The hiking boots are very crucial since the trail of the Manaslu Trek is rocky and rugged. These boots will provide stability, comfort, and safety from leg injuries during the trek.
They also offer warmth to your feet, keeping you far from the possibility of frostbite during winter. The Larkya La Pass is fully covered with snow, so trekkers might get frostbite if they are not well prepared with their clothes.
Base Layers
Trekkers must acknowledge the unpredictable weather conditions while embarking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Usually, base layers include thermal clothes, and these clothes will provide you with warmth, which is essential during the trek.
The Manaslu Trek takes you 5,000 meters above sea level, so base layers are important for this journey. We recommend trekkers wear wool or synthetic clothes for this journey.
Windproof and Waterproof Jackets
One thing is sure: trekkers will encounter sharp winds at Larkya La Pass during the Manaslu Trek. So, why not prepare with windproof jackets and fleece? It is not to be underestimated the velocity of winds at these locations since it can be very scary.
Similarly, if you are traveling during the off-season times like Monsoon and Winter, packing waterproof jackets and fleeces is very crucial. These clothes will ensure you are safe from rainfall, raindrops, and dews on the route.
Hiking Socks/Gloves/Hats
The Manaslu Circuit Trek will bring low and extreme temperatures to your table. And the only thing remains: how do you deal with it? To remain safe from the potential low temperatures, it is essential to pack Hiking socks, gloves, and hats.
The temperature might go down to 5 to 10 Degrees Celsius, and the night times can even be scarier. So, to keep yourself warm, you need all these items during the journey.
Daypack/Backpack/Duffel Bags
The Manaslu Circuit Trek takes at least two weeks to complete, and during these timeframes, you need to carry all your essential items, including clothes, hiking gear, snacks, and others. So, you will need backpacks of at least 20 to 30 liters of storage capacity.
We recommend you have a polyester and strong nylon backpacks. There is a reason behind carrying a duffel bag: to ensure the safety of items like clothes, gear, gadgets, and many others.
Rain Cover for Your Backpack
As we already said, the weather conditions of the Manaslu Region are unpredictable. Especially if you are traveling during monsoon season, you must consider heavy to light rainfall. Protecting your trekking items from rain might be a very challenging task, so it is an ideal idea to carry a rain cover for your backpacks and duffle bags.
Trekking Poles
Most Manaslu Trek part is uphill, rugged, rocky, and remote. If you are a beginner to intermediate hiker, it might be challenging to tackle this obstacle. Trekking poles come in great use for them during this trek. Trekking poles are required not only for beginner or intermediate trekkers but also for experienced ones.
The main function of a trekking pole is to balance your body in the uphill landscape. Walking for 5 to 6 hours daily might be physically draining, and your body needs support, which trekking poles can offer.
Sleeping Bag And Sleeping Pad
Trekkers do not find accommodation services like hotels or tea houses at high-altitude locations. So camping is only an option, but it is not a safe accommodation. The weather conditions can be vital in making your stay go in vain. To ensure your safety, a sleeping pad is essential – it does not let the dampness of the ground while you sleep. Remember, your sleeping pad must be moisture-wicking comfortable, and should be rated for extreme weather conditions.
Sleeping Pad/BagA sleeping pad does not let you sleep well in the higher altitudes. You will also need sleeping bags to retain warmth. These sleeping bags must be premium, which can withstand temperatures of -5 to -10 Degrees Celsius. On top of that, they should be windproof and waterproof.
Maps/Guidebooks
The Manaslu Circuit Trail is very remote, and trekkers exposed to this region might get lost in reaching their destination. So, it is crucial to carry maps and guidebooks to stay on the right track.
There are several missing cases around this region due to the same issue. So we recommend you follow the instructions of your guides and carry maps with you.
Safety Kits
The remote treks are always dangerous, and the Manaslu Trek, including one of the highest passes in Nepal, does not come second on the list. During the trek, trekkers might encounter bad weather, altitude sickness, injury, and unforeseen circumstances.
So, it is very essential to carry safety kits with you. But this is not enough – you must be trained with the basic first aid kit skills. This will ensure your safety during the Manaslu Trek.
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