Essential Tips for Manaslu Circuit Trek for First-Time Trekkers

Comprehensive Tips and Tricks for Manaslu Trek

If you are a beginner or want to visit the Manaslu Trek, then it is important to know the Essential Tips for the Manaslu Circuit Trek for first-time trekkers. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an off-the-beaten-path adventure that offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse culture, and a thrilling high-altitude experience. While it remains a less crowded alternative to the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek, it is still challenging, especially for first-time trekkers. Proper preparation can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Trekking to Manaslu is itself a fascinating trip that unfolds remote landscapes, culture, high passes, deep gorges, and mighty snowcapped peaks.

Here are essential trekking tips to help you navigate the Manaslu Circuit successfully.

Find the Best Trekking Agency for the Manaslu Trek

First, please note that to enter the restricted region of Nepal, you need to associate with a local trekking agency and hire a guide for the Manaslu Trek. Also, remember that there are hundreds of trekking companies in Nepal, and some of them are not even registered with the Nepalese government. Therefore, it is important to know a legitimate trekking company that you can trust for your entire outdoor venture to Manaslu.

Overland Trek Nepal Pvt. Ltd. is a well-established and government-authorized trekking company organizing the Manaslu Trek in Nepal for the last decade. Moreover, our Manaslu Trekking Guides are from the same region, who were born in this region and know about this trekking route from grass Level.

Obtain the Manaslu Trek Permits

While doing the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will hike through the conservation area, which is close to the Tibetan Border. Hence, to minimize the illegal activities inside the conservation area and near the Border, the Nepal Government has imposed special permit cards to enter the region.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek lies within a restricted trekking area in Nepal, meaning you need special trekking permits. These include:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) – It is a special permit card that costs USD 100 per person for the first seven days from September to November. Likewise, during the Winter, Spring, and Monsoon season, it costs USD 75 per person for the first week. However, if you tend to stay beyond the first 7 days, you will have to pay an extra USD 15 and USD 10 per day, respectively.
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) – Grants access to protected regions. It costs USD 25 per person for foreigners, while SAARC citizens must pay 1000 per person.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – Needed after crossing Larkya La Pass into the Annapurna region. It costs USD 25 per person, the same as the MCAP.
• Local Permit Card: It is a Tsumnubri Local Permit that costs USD 7 per person.
• Trekking with a registered guide and at least two trekkers is mandatory.

These permits can be obtained through a government-registered trekking agency in Nepal. Having the correct paperwork ensures a hassle-free trek and prevents legal issues.

Find the Best Time to Trek in Manaslu

Spring (March to May) is a popular choice, offering stable weather and clear skies. This season showcases blooming rhododendrons along the trails, adding vibrant colors to the journey. However, early spring may still have snow around high passes like Larkya La, so aiming for mid to late spring is advisable.

Autumn (September to November) is another excellent period for trekking. Post-monsoon, the weather is clear, providing unobstructed views of the Himalayas. October, in particular, offers comfortable temperatures and breathtaking mountain vistas. During this time, trails are busier, so pre-booking accommodations and transportation is recommended.

While winter (December to February) offers solitude, it brings challenges like extreme cold and heavy snowfall, especially around high passes. The monsoon season (June to August) is less favorable due to heavy rainfall, slippery trails, and leeches. Therefore, for the best experience, plan your trek during spring or autumn.

Physical Fitness and Training

While venturing into high-altitude treks like Larkya La Pass, always expect some challenges and difficulties. Therefore, being mentally and physically fit is crucial for first-time trekkers. Even if you are normally fit and in good health, you can do this trek. However, the fitter you are, the more enjoyable the journey will be.

The Manaslu trek difficulty level is moderate to challenging. To prepare for this high-altitude trek:

• Cardio exercises – Engage in hiking, running, and cycling to build endurance.
• Strength training – Focus on leg workouts (squats, lunges) and core exercises.
• Acclimatization hikes – If possible, practice trekking at high elevations to adjust to lower oxygen levels.

Building stamina and strength helps you handle long trekking days and high-altitude challenges like altitude sickness in Nepal.

Pack Smart and Light for the Journey

Packing wisely for the Manaslu trek, a packing list ensures a comfortable journey. Essential items include:

• Clothing: Layered clothing, waterproof jacket, insulated gloves, and thermal wear.
• Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots with ankle support.
• Gear: A high-quality sleeping bag (rated for -10°C to -15°C), trekking poles, a durable backpack, and a headlamp.
• Accessories: Sunglasses, SPF 50 sunscreen, lip balm, and a sun hat for UV protection.

Keeping your backpack light ensures easier trekking and less strain on your body.

Acclimatization Is Important to Prevent Altitude Sickness

It is the most important part of the whole trek. Rest days with some body movement to adapt to high altitude sickness plays a significant role in your successful trip. Usually, there are two acclimatization days in the Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary, in Samagaun and Samdo. In these days, you will spend an extra night here, but do some side trips like the Short Manaslu Base Camp Hike or the Tibetan Border Hike to keep yourself pro-active. Also, besides that, keep yourself hydrated, eat vegetarian meals, get enough sleep, and walk at a steady pace to prevent the sickness.

Trekking with a Guide and Porter

As per the Nepalese government regulations, solo trekking in the Manaslu region is prohibited. Hiring a licensed trekking guide in Nepal enhances safety, navigation, and cultural interaction. For first-time trekkers, taking a guide with them is very important. It is because of the steep trail, high pass, rocky terrain, and high altitude. The guide knows how to handle critical situations. Moreover, they help in navigating the path. Moreover, another important crew member to hire for this trek is Porter. A porter can carry your load, allowing you to focus on the journey. Especially for beginners, trekking in a difficult trail without loads of bags can be comfortable and easy.

Understand the Manaslu Circuit Trekking Costs

Manaslu Circuit Trek costs heavily rely on the duration of the trek, group size, service you choose, and several other factors. Having said that, the average cost for this trek ranges from USD 1399 per person to USD 1899 per person. Generally, the package includes the guide, permit cards, transportation, and other logistics services. If you're trekking for the first time, we suggest carrying extra money besides the package you choose for the journey.

Respect Local Culture and Environment

While trekking into this region for the first time, you must know certain legal rules and regulations. As it is a restricted region, visitors must be aware of the guidelines. Always follow the principle of “leave footprints only” during the entire journey. Likewise, when you meet local people or in teahouses, always greet them with a Smile and “Namaste”. Also, when you visit monasteries and stupas, pay homage to the sites and get blessings from the monks.

Always Prepare for Uncertainties in High Altitude

Uncertain situations, especially while doing outdoor activities like Trekking, can occur anytime. Therefore, travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage is mandatory. Purchase top travel insurance before heading to Nepal for this exciting adventure. Moreover, carry a basic first-aid kit with altitude sickness medication, painkillers, and bandages. Lastly, you must know emergency contacts or inform your guide if you are in trouble. Trekking agencies provide local emergency numbers for helicopter rescue in Nepal.

Other General tips to know before trekking to Manaslu:

• Expect basic accommodation and limited meal items along the route.
• Carry Nepalese currency for the trip as there are no ATMs or Money exchange along the way.
• Have an extra day for your trip to be flexible along the way in case of some weather changes.
• Self-care is important, carry skin care, toiletries, and other personal belongings.

FAQs about the Tips for Manaslu Trek for Beginners

As a first-time trekker, how can I prepare for the trek to the Manaslu Region?

If you are trekking to Manaslu Circuit for the first time, you must prepare physically by doing training, get a good travel insurance, and find the best travel agency for the Manaslu Trek that can arrange all the logistics for the journey.

How long does it take to cross the Larkya La Pass in Manaslu?

Generally, for the whole trek, it takes around 12-15 days to cross Larkya La Pass and complete the whole trip.

How to get into the Manaslu Region?

To reach the Manaslu Region, at first, you have to take public or private transportation from Kathmandu to Sotikhola and enter the region.

What should I pack for the Manaslu Trek as a beginner?

If you are a beginner, we suggest packing wisely and smartly. Do not overpack; only carry the essential gear like layers, fleece jackets, trekking pants, thermal, gloves, hiking boots, and so on. Feel free to visit Required Trekking Gear for Nepal Trek for more details.

How to find a trekking guide in Nepal for the Manaslu Trek?

As a first-time trekker, you may find it tricky to find the best trekking guide in Nepal with experience. Overland Trek Nepal Pvt. Ltd. will help you get government-authorized guides who have been to this region numerous times.

Find the Key difference: Manaslu Base Camp Trek Vs Everest Base Camp Trek

Final Thoughts and Takeaway

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an incredible journey that combines adventure, culture, and stunning Himalayan views. By preparing well and following these trekking tips, first-time trekkers can enjoy a safe and unforgettable trekking experience in Nepal.

Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Let us help you plan your perfect venture to the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2025. contact Overland Trek Nepal via Email or What’s App at +9779851138871.