The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an adventure going around the world's 8th-tallest mountain with its remote and stunning views. While doing this beautiful trek, the most common question is what to bring and what to wear for the Manaslu Trek in Nepal. Here, we will discuss the things you should prepare for your comfortable journey to the Manaslu Circuit.
This Manaslu Trek packing list is based on years of trekking experience. It is tailored for safety, comfort, and practicality. The Manaslu circuit route takes you through different landscapes, with the majority of the route being jungle. From subtropical valleys to the high mountain pass of Larkya La at 5,160 meters, what you pack can make a major difference in how your trek goes.
You may be wondering what you should pack and what not to pack. Don’t worry, we at Nepal Gateway Trekking are here to guide you through the Manaslu Trek packing list.
Manaslu Trek Packing List Overview
The Manaslu Circuit goes through a wide range of altitudes, with the highest being 5,160 meters in Larkya La. At these high places, temperatures can change dramatically within a single day. So, it's important to wear clothes that you can easily add in or remove to adapt to conditions.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek normally takes around 16 days to complete. So, your Manaslu Trek packing list should cover everything you would need for those days prior to going on this trek. The trek is in the remote area where you can't buy or rent any necessary trekking gear. So you have to prepare all trekking gear from your home or at least in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.
Note: You can also follow the same packing list for the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek. But since this trek is for 23 days, make sure you pack for that duration.
Winter vs. Summer Trekking Gear for Manaslu Trek
For your kind information, you need to pack the trekking gear for the Manaslu trek, depending on which season you are doing this trek. During spring and autumn, you can go with lighter clothing and fewer utilities. But during winter, you need more warm clothes, rain covers, and many more items to battle the harsh conditions of the cold. So choosing the best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek is important.
Summer (Mar–May) and autumn (Sept–Oct)
The Manaslu Trek packing list in summer and autumn is much lighter compared to the winter one. You can go with lightweight clothing, breathable shirts, and trousers. Spring and autumn are the peak seasons for people to do the circuit, so expect to meet people along the way.
- Lightweight insulation layers
- Waterproof rain jackets and pants
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sun hat and sunscreen with a minimum 30 SPF
Winter (Nov–Feb)
People who trek in the winter season are normally experienced ones who know their stuff. Still, if you want to trek in this season away from the crowded path and don't mind the coldness. Then, here is what you should prepare for your trek.
- All-season sleeping bag (rated -15°C or below)
- Thicker thermal base layers
- Wool hat and thermal gloves
- Extra pairs of warm socks
- Down jacket or heavy insulated jacket
- Gaiters to keep snow out of boots
Nepal Gateway Trekking provides the Manaslu Trek all year round. They are a licensed and well-experienced trekking agency in Nepal.
Essential Packing List for the Manaslu Trek
Regardless of the season, every person who wants to trek the Manaslu Circuit needs to make sure they have prepared everything from the advised Manaslu Trek packing list. Think of this list as being your hands and feet that help you with your everyday tasks.
So make sure you have all these essential packing lists ready before the trek.
Backpacks and Bags
Your choice of backpack depends on the amount of things you intend to bring. This directly affects your comfort on the trek, so don’t skimp on it.
- Day backpack with 20-30L capacity for your personal items and documents
- A duffel bag for most of your gear and clothes for the porter to carry
- Rain cover or waterproof liner
Clothing for the Trek
Clothes packing depends on the season, as we discussed above. In winter it's better to pack heavy on the clothing that is quick-drying and adaptable. As for summer, you can go lightweight depending on the temperature around that time.
- Base layers with thermal tops and bottoms for warmth
- Fleece or down jacket as an insulation layer
- Windproof and waterproof jacket and pants for outer layers
- Trekking clothes that are quick-dry type
- Accessories like a warm hat, gloves, a scarf, and sunglasses
Footwear
When you are trekking for 16 days on almost a regular basis, you need foot comfort. If you sustain blisters along the way, your journey becomes very painful. So, make sure you get some comfortable shoes for different uses.
- Trekking boots that are already broken-in, waterproof, and with ankle support
- Camp shoes or sandals for relaxing in tea houses
- Trekking socks that are warm, breathable, and cushioned
Sleeping Gear
Time and time again, we have mentioned the importance of sleeping gear. Especially during winter, don’t go without a sleeping bag. The night temperature can be cold, especially above 3,500 meters.
- Sleeping bag (rated -15°C or below)
- Sleeping bag liner for extra warmth
- Small pillow or inflatable pillow for comfort
- Earplugs if noise disturbs your sleeping
For the trek lovers, Nepal Gateway Trekking has created an equipment checklist. So, check everything before you head towards your trekking destination.
Additional Gear for Comfort and Safety
After getting everything ready from clothing to footwear and even a sleeping bag, you might think you have everything for the trek. But the Manaslu Trek packing list does not end with just those items. There are many essentials and personal items you need along the way.
Granted, they are not as important as the stuff we discussed above in the Manaslu Trek packing list. But these accessories still help us in making our trek comfortable and easy and improve safety.
Trekking Essentials and Accessories
These items are what make your journey comfortable. Even if they add in a bit of weight, we suggest you pack these. As in the long run you will come to appreciate that you came with these essentials and accessories as part of the Manaslu Trek packing list.
- Trekking poles for stability and support
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
- Water purification tablet or a portable filter
- Dry bags or zip-locks for gear
Personal Hygiene Essentials
Personal hygiene is important for any long journey, as you want to stay healthy and fit. For instance, you ignored your personal health care and got sick in the middle of the trek. Now you won’t get to experience the whole beauty of the trek and might even need to return through emergency evacuation services.
- Pack yourself some hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and biodegradable soap
- Always carry toilet paper on your own
- Wet wipes and a towel
- Lip balm and moisturizer to prevent dryness
First Aid and Medicines
Medicine and first aid are necessary items when going on mountains. We always prioritize safety on our treks, but sometimes injuries are inevitable. So for situations like these, make sure you pack a box of first aid kits and medicines that would be necessary in high mountains.
- Personal prescription medicines
- Painkillers and altitude medication for AMS
- Blister kit with band-aids and medical tape
- Oral rehydration salts and basic medical supplies
Travel Documents and Permits
The Manaslu region lies in the restricted area. So you will need multiple permits with an additional restricted area permit as well. Do remember that you can’t trek solo, as you will have to go through the restricted zone.
You can seek help from a registered trekking agency like Nepal Gateway Trekking to obtain all the necessary permits. We will help you get all the permits on your behalf, provided you submit the necessary documents.
Documents Needed
- A valid passport
- Four passport-sized photos
- A Nepali visa
- Your travel insurance
- Flight tickets (with arrival and departure dates)
You need mainly three permits. The most important is the Restricted Area Permit (RAP). This permit is mandatory for the section between Jagat and Dharapani, and its price depends on the time of the year.
- Sep - Nov: USD 100 per person for the first seven days, then USD 15 for each additional day
- Dec - Aug: USD 75 per person for the first seven days, then USD 10 for each additional day
The other permit would be the MCAP permit (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit), costing NPR 3,000 (USD 25) per person. A necessary permit is required as we pass through Philim into the conservation area.
The ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) is also necessary, costing NPR 3,000 (USD 25) per person. This is because the Manaslu Trek passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area after Larkya La Pass.
If you want to visit Tsum Valley, you will need an additional restricted area permit similar to RAP.
Note: TIMS cards are not necessary for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Let us take care of all the permits; you can just focus on the trek. Reach out to Nepal Gateway Trekking for your Manaslu journey today.
FAQs
Can I rent trekking gear in Kathmandu?
Many people who don't want to buy the gear rent it in Thamel, Kathmandu. It has many shops offering rental gear, from sleeping bags to down jackets. However, quality differs from place to place, so check the condition before renting.
How much should my backpack weigh?
If you’re carrying your own backpack, aim for no more than 10–12 kg. But if you are with a porter, your daypack should be around 5 kg.
Can I charge my devices along the trek?
Yes, but charging often costs extra in tea houses and is not always reliable. So it's better to bring your own power bank for convenience.
Is rain gear necessary for the autumn season?
While it's normally dry in the autumn season, mountain weather can change quickly. It would be advisable to carry lightweight waterproof gear.
Should I carry snacks or energy bars?
Carrying snacks and energy bars on a long trek like this is always welcome. You can save them for moments when you feel weak and hungry, but the tea houses are hours away.
