Is The Manaslu Circuit Trek Safe For Trekkers
The Manaslu Trek is safe if your planning and preparation are good. People mostly complete this trail without serious problems every year, and it’s because they follow safety tips and trek with caution.
The trek is challenging due to its remote route and the highest point, Larkya La (5,106 m/16,752 ft), which should be crossed to finish the trip. On the other hand, the limited facilities and unpredictable weather conditions in the upper sections make it even tougher. Nonetheless, it can still be made easy and safe with good preparation.
To minimize risks during the journey, hire an experienced guide, obtain all necessary permits, and bring reliable trekking gear. Licensed guides are not only for leading you to the correct path, but also for handling altitude-related problems, trail conditions, and emergencies.
Additionally, proper acclimatization, gradual ascent, staying hydrated, and having travel insurance all play crucial roles in ensuring safety. This journey becomes safe and rewarding when these steps are followed seriously.
Altitude Sickness And High Pass Safety
As you hike up to 5,000 m (16,404.2 ft) above sea level on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, suffering from altitude sickness is expected if your carelessness reaches its peak. It usually starts happening at 2,500 m (8,202.1 ft).
So, you need to exercise caution from the beginning of the adventure. There’s a high chance of getting ill by developing one of the symptoms of altitude sickness, such as:
- Headache (most common)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble sleeping
- Lack of appetite
- Dizziness
- Fatigue or tiredness
A day crossing Larkya La Pass is the hardest part of the journey. Hiking on this day is challenging due to the rough trail, long walking distance, and elevation gain. For your convenience, here are the safety tips that you can follow during the high pass day:
- Walk gradually.
- Acclimatise properly by taking at least 5-minute breaks frequently while hiking and spending an extra day at the same place upon reaching 3,000 m (9,842.52 ft).
- Inform your guide immediately if you don’t feel okay.
Weather, Season, And Natural Risk Safety
The weather in the Himalayan Region is always uncertain. It can change suddenly in no time. At the high pass, the chance of snowfall, especially at night in winter, is high, causing the temperature to drop and the trail get slippery.
During the monsoon, heavy rainfall occurs mostly at lower altitudes. The route becomes muddy and slippery, making the dayhike risky and uncomfortable.
The grassy areas are filled with leeches in the rainy season, and their bite causes wounds in your legs. Also, the risk of natural disasters, such as landslides and floods, is high, making the trekking conditions scarier.
Below are some safety tips to avoid nature-related risks during the Manaslu Trek:
- Plan your trip in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), as these are considered the best times for trekking.
- When planning, check the weather forecast for the dates you’re traveling, and even daily during the trek, to avoid weather-related problems.
- Carry enough layers of warm clothes because nights are always cold, especially at higher elevations.
Trail Conditions, Remote Area, And Emergency Safety
On the Manaslu Trek, the route conditions differ with the elevation. In the lower altitudes, the trails are quite good but narrow and rough, particularly on river cliffs and landslide zones. While in the higher altitudes, the paths are mostly rocky, and also sometimes icy and snowy, especially at Larkya La during late autumn and winter.
The Manaslu Region is thoroughly remote. You’ll pass through several villages during the trek, where accommodations are available with basic facilities.
However, services such as shops, medical, and communication are limited. Hence, you’ll need to be well-prepared. You must have enough necessary supplies, permits, and a licensed guide with a better understanding of the trail and local conditions.
Due to tough terrain and unpredictable weather, the rescue can be delayed in case of emergencies. It’s possible to arrange a helicopter rescue, but it may take time to arrive at the location. So, you should be very cautious during this trek and follow these safety tips to avoid any unusual circumstances:
- Don’t rush when hiking.
- Obey your guide’s instructions.
- Bring travel insurance that covers heli rescue and medical expense.
- Trek through a reliable local tour operator.
Importance Of Guide, Permits, And Legal Safety
The trail is in the restricted area. You must have permits to enjoy the Manaslu Circuit Trek legally and safely. These permits are the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card.
In addition, you must have a group of at least two people and hire a licensed guide. Solo trekking is prohibited in this region due to restricted area rules.
Whether the rule is strict or not, having a guide along with you is for your safety. An experienced guide can help you:
- Navigate the trail.
- Handle emergency cases like altitude sickness.
- Avoid any weather-related issues.
Food, Accommodation, And Personal Health Safety
As discussed above, hotels and tea houses are available along the trail for accommodation run by locals. They provide basic facilities, such as hygienic food, a twin bedroom, and a shared bathroom.
They are highly concerned about hygiene. You can neat and clean room. For food, they also have a menu with a variety of options, from local to Western cuisine.
Even in such remote locations, they’ve managed to provide modern amenities: electricity, a hot shower, and internet. Nevertheless, don’t expect these facilities to be as nice as those in cities. You can only appreciate the effort they’re making to make our journey as convenient as possible.
To stay safe on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which is moderate to challenging in difficulty, you can do the following things:
- Eat hot food.
- Always drink boiled and warm water.
- Carry necessary medicines, such as acetazolamide for altitude sickness, water purification tablets, ibuprofen, and oral rehydration solution (ORS).
- Bring warm gear, such as a down jacket, gloves, a thermal set, warm socks, a woolen hat, and a high-neck sweater for a night stay.
Final Safety Checklist & Is Manaslu Circuit Trek Worth It
Hire a licensed guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, as solo trekking isn’t allowed in the Manaslu Region. To experience this journey legally, bring all the required permits: RAP, MCAP, ACAP, and a TIMS card, which you’ll need to provide at checkpoints along the route.
Buy travel insurance from a local company in your country before visiting Nepal for this journey. Ensure that your insurance covers helicopter rescue and medical expenses. It’s necessary, as the trail is rough and challenging.
Packing enough trekking items, including warm clothing, waterproof boots, and safety essentials. Having proper gear means handling changing weather and route conditions during the trek. Furthermore, designed a proper itinerary with acclimatization days, which helps you reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Following these safety measures makes your trip safer and memorable. Overall, the trek is indeed worthy to go for those who prefer hard adventure with beautiful views.
