Packing List For Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit trek is a less-beaten and a secluded trip compared to other popular treks in Nepal. You get to enjoy a delightful experience with an amazing mingle of scenery, adventure, wildlife, culture, and lifestyle. Considered to be one of the best wilderness treks in Nepal, it allows trekkers to traverse around the Manaslu Conservation Area. Our packing list for Manaslu Circuit Trek will make it easier for you to explore this off-the-beaten trek.

Furthermore, Manaslu Trek ultimately leads to some of the breathtaking views of the 8^th highest mountain in the world. The Manaslu trail takes you up to approximately 5,210m (17,100ft) with changes in temperature, pressure and oxygen levels. Unquestionably, you will need the right gears for this trek, especially during unfavorable seasons.

It is very important that you have the right daypack, the right clothes, and other gears and equipment to avoid unnecessary complications on Manaslu Trek.

While trekking in this region, the Manaslu trek packing list comes very handy, giving trekkers a clear idea as to what things to take during the trip. In fact, one of the key elements to enjoy this wilderness trek is to understand the most essential packing list. It is always wise to avoid excess packing for a hassle-free trip. So, how will you decide the optimum Manaslu trek packing list then?

To steer clear and stay away from what to pack for Manaslu Circuit Trek, we have prepared the ultimate packing list that is intended as a guideline. Most women trekkers have complained in the past that, had they know what to bring along, they would’ve avoided the extra stuff on the trip. Although this list is not decisive, your final list depends on your preference and sense of judgment as well.

Tips on Packing for Manaslu Circuit Trek

• Plan ahead what to take on your trek.
• Avoid over-packing; don’t fill up your luggage with unnecessary items.
• Leave any unwanted or excess items in your hotel room back in Kathmandu.
• Make sure to get clarified about your packing list with our adventure specialists to avoid under-packing as well.
• It is very essential that you understand the weather conditions before you actually pack.
• Manaslu trek is a circuit trek, which means that you won’t be returning through the same trail. So don’t leave your things behind at the lodges expecting to collect them on your way back.
• Remember that you can buy or rent trekking gears and equipment in Kathmandu.

Packing List for Manaslu – The Ultimate Essentials

It is imperative to know that Manaslu trek is rather a challenging trek before you head out for the essential packing list. This requires a moderate level of fitness as well as prior preparation. You can easily beat the Manaslu trek difficulty if you pack light and smart. With a bit of effort in preparation, anyone can successfully complete this trek. We have listed the ultimate essential packing list of all the items below.

This packing list is also applicable to other treks in the Himalayan trails including Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek.

From the list below, Himalayan Glacier will provide lodges, meals (3 times a day), sleeping bag, duffel bag, and a down jacket (for all seasons). Apart from guaranteeing the memories of a lifetime, Himalayan Glacier will provide the items indicated by an asterisk (*) in the checklist which is included in the trip cost. Our porters are limited to carrying 33 lbs. (15 kg) of your personal belongings.

Be selective in what you carry!  

1. Travel Documents

• Valid Passport
  Along with 2-3 photocopies of the same and also a photo on your phone in case of loss or theft.
• Airline tickets & Trip blueprint
  If you are not carrying a smartphone (with confirmation and trip itinerary).
• Nepal Visa
  Provided on-arrival in Kathmandu airport (except for some countries that need to apply for visa at their country’s Embassy or consulate.
• 4 Passport size photos
  Which will be required for various reasons, including permits, local SIM card etc.
• Travel Insurance
  That covers all your medical costs, flight cancellation or trip cancellation costs, rescue and air ambulance on the trip (if any). Keep a paper copy as well as a digital copy.
• Proof of immunization against COVID-19
  For detailed information, please contact your physician or visit the CDC website.
• Yellow Fever Certificate
  For travelers above 9 months, coming from or who were in airport transit for more than 12 hours from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
• Cash & Credit Cards
  You will require cash during the trip (at least $200-300) along with your credit/debit card.

Make sure that your passport has a validity of at least 6 months remaining while leaving your country. It is mandatory, else you may be unable to exit from your country of origin.

2. Travel Clothing

 Headwear

•  Brimmed Hat or Sun Cap
• Sunglasses
• Buff/Neck Warmer/Neck Gaiter
• Knit Hat (preferably a fleece or woolen hat)
• Balaclava
• Bandana or Headscarf

Bodywear – Torso

• Lightweight Thermal Tops
• Long/Short Polypropylene Sleeve Shirt for trekking at lower altitudes
• Fleece Pullover or Jacket
• Waterproof Jacket
• Sports Bra (for women)
• Down Jacket (Puffer Jacket) *
• Insulated Jacket (synthetic or down)
• Soft Jacket (fleece or soft shell)

Handwear

• Lightweight Gloves (wool or fleece)
• Heavyweight Gloves or Mittens

Bodywear – beneath the torso

• Hiking Pants
• Fleece Pants
• Light thermal trouser
• Underwear
• Hiking shorts (optional) for summer-time trekking

Footwear

• Trekking Boots
• Hiking Socks
• Trekking Sandals
• Cotton Socks (optional)
• Gaiters (optional)
• Running shoes or trainers (optional)

3. Trekking Equipment, Gears & Accessories

• Trekking backpack
• Sleeping Bag*
• Trekking poles
• Head torch with extra batteries
• Duffel Bag, 90L*
• Raincoat
• Thermosets to provide extra insulation for the sleeping bags
• Garbage Bag
• Water Bottle
• Face Mask
• Book/Diary/Games
• Crampons (optional)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Navigation equipment (optional)
• Sleeping bag liner (optional)
• Daypack cover (optional)

4. First Aid & Medicines

Himalayan Glacier Guides carry an all-round comprehensive first aid kit on the trek. Despite it all, we recommend that you carry a personal first aid kid as well for any minor maladies. The following list engrosses the much essential first aid items and medicines that you may require during your Manaslu Circuit trek:

• Antibiotics
• Painkillers
• Cough Lozenges
• Plasters, Bandages & Zinc Oxide Tape
• Foot Powder
• Skin blister repair kit
• Antidiarrheals
• Altitude sickness drugs*
• Water purification tablets or water filters
• Oral Rehydration Sachets
• Eye drops
• Ear plugs
• Prescriptions
• Sunscreen cream
• Lip Balm
• Insect repellent
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes
• High-calorie snacks (optional)
• Electrolytes, powder or tablets (optional)

Please do not bring sleeping pills as they are respiratory depressants.                     
Please consult with your Guide before taking these altitude sickness drugs, or if you experience any kind of uneasiness while you are trekking in Nepal.

5. Toiletries & Personal Hygiene

There are limited or no permanent showers or bathing facilities at the teahouses, especially at higher altitudes. However, upon payment of a small fee, you will be provided a bucket of hot water.

To keep your toiletry items organized and safe from damage or uncleanliness, we recommend that you have handy toiletry bags with you. You can carry the following list of toiletries or personal hygiene items that you will need daily during your hike:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Personal First Aid Kit
• Small bar or soap bottle
• Dry Shampoo
• Quick-drying towel
• Multi-purpose soap
• Deodorants
• Nail Brush & Clippers
• Hair Brush
• Face Flannel
• Hand and face moisturizing cream
• Toilet Paper

6. Miscellaneous Items

• Contact lenses
• Power glasses
• Flasks
• Umbrella
• Pad locks
• Multi-tools
• Power bank
• Universal adapter
• Camera (optional)
• Swiss knife (optional)
• Activated charcoal (optional)
• Stuff sacks/Dry bags or Ziploc-type plastic bags (optional) 

Extras (for men)

• Small mirror
• Razor and shaving cream
• After shave gel or lotion
• Pee bottle

Extras (for women)

• Urinating device (Shewee)
• Pee cloth
• Feminine wipes
• Menstrual cups
• Tweezers
• Sanitary Napkins
• After shave gel or lotion

Recommended Brands of Gears, Equipment & Accessories

Items	Recommended Brands
Long/Short Polypropylene Sleeve Shirt	Icebreaker, Under Armor, Columbia, Berghaus
Fleece Pullover or Jacket	Berghaus, Helly Hansen, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Arc’Teryx
Soft jacket (fleece or soft shell)	The North Face, Berghaus, Icebreaker, Arc’Teryx
Down Jacket (Puffer jacket)	The North Face, Arc’Teryx, Rab Positron, Mountain Hardwear
Waterproof Jacket	The North Face, Arc’Teryx, Berghaus, Mountain Hardwear
Sports Bra (Women)	Brooks FastForward, Icebreaker, Smartwool Racerback, Brooks Dare, Handful
Heavyweight Gloves or Mittens	Bellemere, Garnet Hill, Vermont, Hobbs London, L.L Bean, The North Face, WhitePaws
Lightweight Gloves	Under Armour, Terramar, Smartwool, Fox River, TRENDOUX, Dakine Storm Liner
Hiking Pants	Gore-Tex, Patagonia, The North Face, Arc’Teryx, Columbia, Jessie Kidden, Mountain Hardwear, Marmot
Hiking Shorts	Columbia, Tru-Spec, Mountain Hardwear, The North Face, Arac’teryx, ExOfficio Nomad
Fleece Pants	The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Arc’Teryx, Patagonia, Stan Ray, Cotopaxi Abrazo, Burton Mine77 Sherpa
Light Thermal Trousers	GORE H5, Rab Positron, Craghoppers, Acai Women’s, Montane Women’s, Arc’Teryx, Vaude
Undergarments	Icebreaker, Under Armour, Cw-X, Moving Comfort, Shock Absorber
Trekking Boots	Berghaus, Mammut, La Sportivva, Salomon, Merrell, Zamberlan
Hiking Socks	Bridgedale, Smartwool, REI Co-op, Darn Tough, Farm to Feet, Wrightsock, Balega, Icebreaker, Stance
Trekking Sandals	Scarpa, Salomon, Hi-Tec, Dream Pairs, Teva Hurricane, Xero Shoes, Chaco Z, KEEN Newport
Gaiters	Salomon, Outdoor Research, Unigear, WINOMO, Pike Trail, Moxie Gear, ALTRA Trail
Running shoes or trainers	Salomon, Merrell, La Sportiva, VJ Ultra, Brooks Cataman, Hoka Speedgoat
Sleeping Bag	Mountain Hardwear, The North Face, REI Magma, Marmot, ZPacks, Teton Sports, Sleepingo, Ohuhu, MallowMe Revalcamp, Coleman Brazos
Sleeping Bag Liners	Brave Era, Mountain Warehouse, Lifeventure, Sea to Summit, Cocoon Silk Mummy, Scottish Silkworm
Trekking Poles	Black Diamond, Gossamer, Montem Ultra Strong, Leki Vario Carbon, REI Co-op, Pace Maker, Kaito
Daypack	Osprey, Vorlich, Gregory, REI Flash, Deuter Speed, Patagonia, Hyperlite, Six Moon Designs
Thermosets	Thermarest, Exped, TNH Outdoors, Coleman, Stansports, Lightspeed
Backpack covers	Joy Walker, Frelaxy, Osprey, LAMA, FANCYWING, Deuter, Mountain Top, Jepeak, FOME, OUTJOY, Unigear
Water Bottle	Nalgene, Hydro Flask, Platypus Platy, Katadyn BeFree, Camelbak, Klean Kanteen, HydraPak Recon

This exclusive Manaslu Circuit Trek equipment list will help you pack for your trips to the Himalayas. With the help of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to look for when renting or buying the necessary gear in Kathmandu. If you have any question about the trip of any other confusions to clarify, contact us or drop in a message in our Facebook Page.

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Manaslu Trek FAQs For Better Experience

What is the major highlight of the Manaslu trek?

The crossing of the Larkya La Pass, which is the highest point on this trek is a major highlight of the Manaslu Trek. From the Pass, you will be able to witness excellent views of the Himalayan peaks like Mt. Manaslu, Annapurna Range, Mt. Kangaru, Choe Himal, and other snow-clad peaks. The other highlight of this trek is the unique culture and tradition of both the Nepalese and Tibetan ethnic groups in the trekking region. 

How hard is the Manaslu Trek?

High altitude trekking obviously requires a certain level of physical fitness as well as necessary preparation. And, Manaslu trek requires the same in order to have a successful trip. It is one of the off-the-beaten-path treks in Nepal, hence quite demanding in nature. It can be difficult for beginners, but with proper preparation and good physical fitness level plus a strong willpower, it is possible for anyone to achieve this feat.

The major factors that determine the difficulty level of Manaslu trek are total distance, remote landscapes & harsh terrains, high altitude & altitude sickness, weather conditions, training sessions, and packing. Other factors that contribute to the difficulty are food & accommodation conditions, budget, and guide along with trekking permits.

What is the duration of the Manaslu trek?

The duration of the Manaslu trek varies widely with various trekking agencies as well as with the interest of an individual trekker. For seasoned trekkers who are short on time, can complete the trek within a period of 10 – 12 days. But, the least number of days to fully enjoy the trip ranges from 17 to 20 days.

And for those who have extra days and wish to extend their journey may continue with side trips like the Tsum Valley Trek or Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. For this, it will take from about 20 to 30 days overall.

Do we need a guide for Manaslu trek?

Most parts on the Manaslu circuit trail are restricted areas of Nepal that have been protected under the Manaslu Conservation Area. To protect the trekkers from possible dangers on the trekking trails, the government of Nepal has completely banned traveling solo in the Manaslu region.

Being a restricted area, trekkers need to purchase various permits namely Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. And, this is only possible when you hire an experienced guide through a reputed trekking agency. Having said that, Manaslu trek without a guide is next to impossible.

Manaslu Trek without a guide – can you trek solo?

The short and direct answer to this question would be No! It is however possible for you to trek alone without anyone else, except your guide and/or porter. Various sections in the Manaslu region have been declared as restricted areas, for which you will need to acquire permits. You cannot get permits without hiring an experienced and registered trekking guide from an esteemed agency.

If you still have the question on Manaslu trek without guide – can you trek solo, you need to know that guides and porters are essential parts of your trekking experience. The government of Nepal will not issue permits at all, for solo trekkers.

Will there be a risk of Acute Mountain Sickness on the Manaslu trek?

Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS is very common in altitudes above 3000 meters. On this trek, you will be reaching up to an altitude of 5160 meters. It indicates that you are susceptible to being hit by mountain sickness. Even if you don’t get the AMS, you may experience certain symptoms like breathing problems, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, and so on.

There is always a risk of mountain sickness at high elevations. If you feel any of the above symptoms hitting you, it is best that you inform your guide promptly. Having known how to handle the situation for years, they will give you the best possible solution. While you must drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated, eat healthy food and walk at a slower pace on the trekking route.

What should we carry while trekking?

While doing the Manaslu trek, you will have to carry a perfect size trekking bag or a daypack with all your personal belongings including snacks, sunscreen, camera, gloves, hat, documents, money, water bottle and other items that you will need during the day time. We also expect you to carry a guidebook along with a map, sunglasses, and trekking poles.

Likewise, your porter will carry your bigger sized duffle bag that will contain things that you don’t require during the daytime on the trek. These items include your spare clothes, sleeping bag, extra footwear, and other miscellaneous items which you will need at the teahouse.