Manaslu Circuit is the perfect representation of perfection on earth and is among the fascinating mountain treks in Nepal. The vast landscapes, many cultures, and abundant natural species make it a unique trekking experience.

Adventure seekers, trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts can all find something to enjoy during the trek! It attracts travelers with an exquisite experience and breathtaking vistas of idyllic villages, deep gorges, and rolling hills.

However, your circuit trek to Manaslu is not a stroll in the park with its rocky paths, inclining cliffs, and deep crevasses to scale. To get to the top, trekkers must navigate the endless trails that wind through the woods and foothills.

Without the proper trekking gear, hikers in such circumstances are unable to endure the trail. To overcome the difficulties, they must make a thorough Manaslu Circuit trek packing list that will enable them to complete the trek.

Trekking over 5000m, that too in the Himalayas! It means serious business! Having the right gear and equipment with you means you will have a smooth (as smooth as we can imagine in the Himalayas!). Following our 14-day itinerary for the Manaslu circuit, we have listed the necessary clothing and gear below.

Depending on the seasons you will trek in the region, the list might need some adjustments. Note that this is merely a sample list of items to bring on your trip to the Manaslu region. Depending on the season, you might need to pack different items. Your packing list will be less, for instance, in the springtime when you might not need to carry along extra clothing. Likewise, you might want to pack additional clothing for the winter. Additionally, the equipment you bring will be determined by your tastes!

The Temperature in the Manaslu Circuit Region

The temperature in the Manaslu region depends upon the season you will be trekking in. Likewise, the elevation also plays a huge role in the magnitude of the temperature you will be exposed to. Now that it’s cleared, let’s learn about the temperature ranges in different seasons in the Manaslu region. The temperature in the circuit during spring ranges from -6 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius. Similarly, in the summer, the temperature lies between 5 and 25 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the temperature range shifts between -2 to 20 degrees Celsius in the Manaslu region in autumn. In the winter, the temperature might be excruciatingly chilly in the region ranging from -5 to 15 degrees Celsius! The temperature also varies depending upon the altitude. For example, in the lower sections of the circuit, the temperature might not be as cold as in the upper sections!

Basic Essentials

  • Trekking Boots: Bring a reliable pair of trekking boots. A good pair of trekking boots will come in handy. Make sure to break in your boots if they are new.
  • Daypack/Backpack: Carry your day-to-day essentials in your daypack.
  • Duffel Bag: If you have hired a porter, it is easier for you if you have a duffel bag. You can keep all your clothing in the bag.
  • Sleeping Bag: This will be more than three weeks’ worth of trekking, make sure to carry a sleeping bag so you can sleep comfortably.

Trekking Equipment

  • Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are tools used to help trekkers maintain their rhythm and provide stability on long-distance steep slopes.
  • Swiss knife: Swiss knife is multipurpose and can be useful during emergencies!
  • Crampons: A crampon is a gripping (traction) tool fastened to the shoes to enhance movement on snow and ice while trekking. They are used for mounting glaciers as well as traversing ice fields.

Clothing when you are on a Trek

  • Trekking Shirts: Be sure to purchase shirts that are lightweight, robust, breathable, and quick to dry.
  • Windproof Jacket: At a higher height, the wind will be stronger. Wearing a windproof jacket will protect you from the sharp wind.
  • Trekking Trousers: Be sure to carry strong, comfortable and quick-to-dry trousers.
  • Raincoat and Rain Trousers: The weather is unpredictable in the Himalayas, especially during the monsoon season. Be sure to carry raincoat and rain trousers. You never know when it will come in handy.
  • Insulating Jacket/ Down Jacket: Even in the Himalayas' coldest months, an insulated jacket will keep you warm.
  • Hiking Gloves: You can carry gloves to keep your hands warm, depending on the season. Two pairs are usually recommended, with one being the outer and the other being the inner layer.
  • Hiking Socks: Socks made specifically for hiking are cozy and convenient.
  • Woolen Hat: Protect yourself from the wind and cold while keeping yourself warm with woolen hats!
  • Ear Muffs: Ear muffs keep your ears warm and guard against the cold.
  • Scarf: Aids in keeping you safe while it's windy.
  • Undergarments: Make sure you have breathable, sweat-proof underwear with you.
  • Sun Hat/ Shade Hat: Use a sun hat to shield yourself from the sweltering heat.
  • Sunglasses: Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and blinding white snow.
  • Shoe Gaiters: These are strap-on insulating clothe for your feet to be worn outside your trousers.
  • Neck Gaiters: Neck gaiters protect you from the impact of harsh wind on your neck.

Clothing when in your Accommodation

  • Fleece-lined T-shirt: T-shirts that are comfy and warm for your lodging.
  • Fleece-lined Trousers: Trousers that are warm and comfy for your accommodation.
  • Thermals: You can stay warm by wearing garments with an inner lining of thermals. Layering is advised.
  • Socks: You should have some warm socks with you for bed.
  • Fleece-lined Jacket: Aims in keeping you warm at a high altitude.
  • Slippers: A pair can be used to explore the tea houses.
  • Light shoes: Trekking shoes may be heavy and not convenient while staying in tea-houses. Get another pair of light shoes for roaming around tea-houses.
  • Knee caps: In case your joints get sore.

Toiletries

  • Toilet Paper: The majority of tea houses might feature standard facilities without toilet paper. You must have toilet paper on hand.
  • Wet Wipes: When there isn't always access to water, wet wipes come in handy.
  • Soaps and Shampoo: Use of travel-sized shampoo and soap will be sufficient.
  • Hand Sanitizer: In cases where the water is too cold to touch, a sanitizer can be utilized.
  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste: For oral sanitation reasoning.
  • Mouth Wash: Referring to the period when water is too cold to touch.
  • Lip Balm: Your lips will be shielded from chapping with lip balm.
  • Sunscreen: Shield your skin from UV rays and sunburn using SPF 50 (or more) sunblock.
  • Towel: Personal usage only.
  • Deodorant: Water might not always be accessible for showers.

Sleeping Essentials

  • Thin Blanket: If you trek the Manaslu region during the peak seasons of spring and autumn, there might be a shortage of blankets. Get yourself one for your usage.
  • Earplugs and Eye Mask: You'll be able to sleep better at greater altitudes if you have earplugs and eye masks.

Food Items

While trekking, you could become really hungry. Given that you are in a remote location, there may not be any stores nearby. As a result, you should pack snacks to keep your energy levels high and stop your blood pressure from dropping too low. You might want to pack the following items, which are listed below.

  • Trail Mix
  • Granola Bars
  • Chocolate Bars
  • Biscuits
  • Dry Fruits

Medicine and First Aid

  • Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
  • Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
  • 1 skin-blister repair kit
  • Anti-diarrhea pills
  • Anti-headache pills
  • Cough and/or cold medicine
  • Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide
  • Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Note: Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant!
  • Water purification tablets or the water filter
  • 1 set of earplugs
  • Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

Extras/Luxuries

  • Reading book
  • Trail map/guide book
  • Journal and pen
  • iPod
  • Travel games i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
  • modest swim suit
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Voltage converter (from 220 to 110 ampere)
  • Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
  • Lightweight pillow case (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your stuff as a pillow
  • Headlights
  • Dry shampoo
  • Pads and tampons (for people who menstruate)

Some tips you can follow before you trek to the Manaslu Region

  • Before going on a trek, always break in your boots while wearing hiking socks.
  • Let your guide know if you have any existing medical conditions.
  • Double-check all of your trekking gear.
  • Verify the headlamps and cameras' batteries. Be sure to stock up on extras.
  • You must always dress in layers for your trek in the Himalayas. Even in the busy months of September, October, and November, the weather at higher elevations is prone to change.

We hope that we were able to provide you with the necessary information regarding the equipment and packing list for trekking in the Manaslu Circuit Region. Happy Trekking!