Trekking is one of the most common adventure activities. It’s always fun and interesting to walk into the wild. People of almost every age group, from kids to senior citizens, enjoy trekking in famous destinations around the world. In Nepal, the Annapurna Curcuit Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and many others are globally popular. Nevertheless, trekking in the Manaslu region has gained popularity among adventure enthusiasts in recent times. As a result, we’ve prepared a Manaslu Circuit Trekking Equipment List for your next adventure in this blog.
Before going far away from home in search of thrill, excitement, and the great rewards of new experiences, it is significant to be fully prepared physically, mentally, and with the right trekking essentials. You need to do lots of research before embarking on a journey like trekking on the Manaslu Circuit. Hence, we will assist you discover more about the region and the must-have equipment for the Manaslu Trek.
Brief Summary of the Manaslu Circuit Trekking And The Region
The region is named Manaslu after the world’s eighth-highest mountain, Mount Manaslu, which sits at an altitude of 8,163 m above sea level. It is part of a protected area known as the Manaslu Conervation Area, covering a total area of 1,663 square kilometers and home to flora such as rhododendron (Nepal’s national flower), oak, bamboo, and pine, as well as fauna like the Himalayan Tahr, snow leopard, and musk deer. Furthermore, it is inhabited by the ethnic groups such as Gurung, Tamang, and Tibetan Buddhist.
A tourist taking a picture with Mt. Manaslu in the background
The Manaslu Region is located in the Gorkha district of Gandaki province. It is recognized as a restricted area by the Government of Nepal in order to preserve and protect its culture heritage and wildlife. The less-explored trekking trail, the Manaslu Circuit Trek, also falls within its boundaries. There are several other restricted areas in the country that offers beautiful trails, nevertheless, this region delivers the best trekking routes in the Himalaya compared to the rest.
Birendra Lake (3,691 m/12,110 ft)
The altitude of the trekking route spans from 710 m/2,329.4 ft (Soti Khola) to 5,106 m/16,752 ft (Larkya La Pass). The best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Trekkers having photo session in front of iconic Larkya La Pass signboard
Manaslu Circuit Trekking Equipment List: What You Need
Going on a long walk to a stunning and unknown destination always excites us, especially in a high-altitude location like the Manaslu region. The region offers visitors a beautiful views of mountains such as Ganesh Himal (7,422 m/24,350 ft), Himalchuli (7,893 m/25,896 ft), and Larkya Peak (6,249 m/20,502 ft), alongside Tibetan Buddhist culture, and diverse flora and fauna.
Essential Equipment: Trekking Shoes, Down Jacket, Trekking Poles, Trekking Water Bottle, First Aid Kit, and Backpack
No matter what is next ahead on the trail, you should be well-prepared from your side, as the region is a remote part of the country. While trekking in this destination, you will find the surroundings beautiful from a distance; however, they can be equally dangerous if you don’t have the right trekking essentials with you.
Essential Equipment: Trekking Pant, Trekking Tshirt, UV Protection Glasses, Headlamp, Buff Mask, and Cap
While making plan to go on a trek to the Manaslu Circuit, you need to have proper clothing that are enough to complete the trek. Since the destination is already in the Himalaya region, it is obvious that there will be a little cold, even in summer, especially in the morning and evening. Consequently, you should also have warm clothes with you. Below is a list of clothing items you should have before commencing the trek:
Thermal Set for inner wear, especially for overnight stays at hotels.
Down jacket with a capacity of withstand temperatures as low as -15 degree Celsius to keep you warm.
Raincoat, in case of rain or snowfall while hiking.
One set of quality trekking shirt and pants.
One set of shirt and pants for overnight stays.
One pair of inner fleece gloves and one pair of outer waterproof or down gloves.
Warm hat for overnight stays at hotels, and a cap and buff mask for hiking to protect face skin from UV rays.
Quick dry sports towel.
Personal Items
First-aid kit with items like painkillers, medical wound tapes, bandages, Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS), water purification tablets, altitude sickness medicines (Acetazolamide and Dexamethasone, with a presciption of doctor), etc.
Nepalese currency notes for hotels use and permits, as there are no facilities of ATM available at high-altitude locations in the Manaslu Region.
Sunscreen with at least SPF 50+ to protect face skin from UV rays.
A quality body lotion to avoid dryness.
A quality lip balm to prevent dry lips.
Snacks such as, chocolate, cookies, biscuit, protein bar, etc. to boost energy while hiking.
Sleeping Gear
Sleeping bag is optional in this trek, as there are plenty of teahouses already available on the trail. However, for hygiene purpose or extra warmth, carry at least sleeping bag liner.
Footwear
Enough socks for hiking and warm socks for overnight stays.
One pair of slipper for use at hotels.
Quality trekking boots, better if they are both waterproof and snowproof.
A pair of boot gaiter for use in case of rain or snowfall while hiking.
Trekking Gear
A quality backpack of at least 55L.
Adjustable trekking poles for support, especially while ascending or to prevent knee pain.
UV-protection sunglasses to protect eyes from the sun and avoid snow blindness.
A hard plastic water bottle to store both normal and hot water.
A headlamp with extra batteries for early morning hikes and nighttime use at teahouses.
Assorted Items
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), as the trek concludes in the Annapurna region.
Dry bags to keep clothes, money, and electronic devices safe in case of rain.
A quality power bank to charge mobile and other gadgets, as electricity is not reliable in the region as in the cities.
