Travel Insurance for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Why travel insurance is essential: Traveling in remote Himalayan regions like Manaslu comes with inherent risks – high altitude effects, potential injuries, illness, or unforeseen events (landslides or flight cancellations elsewhere affecting schedules). Travel insurance acts as your safety net. For the Manaslu Circuit Trek, we require all participants to have travel insurance that covers trekking up to 5,500+ meters in elevation, emergency medical treatment, and helicopter evacuation. Medical facilities along the trek are extremely basic or nonexistent – in a serious emergency, the fastest way to get help is via helicopter to Kathmandu. Helicopter rescues can cost tens of thousands of dollars (USD 4,000–$6,000 for a single flight), which you would have to pay upfront without insurance. A good insurance policy ensures you can be evacuated and treated without facing crippling costs.
Eco Tourism on the Manaslu Circuit
At Mountain Eco Trails, we are passionate about eco-tourism and strive to minimize our environmental footprint. The Manaslu region is a pristine area, and it’s our collective responsibility to keep it that way for future generations of trekkers and the local communities who call it home. We follow Leave No Trace principles on the trail. This means we pack out all our non-biodegradable trash (candy wrappers, plastic, etc.) instead of leaving or burning it. Eco-tourism isn’t just about the natural environment; it’s also about respecting the cultural environment. The Manaslu region’s people have their customs and traditions. We brief our groups on cultural dos and don’ts – such as asking permission before photographing people, dressing modestly (especially around monasteries – shoulders and knees covered), and observing local etiquette (like using the right hand or both hands to give/receive, saying “Namaste” or even “Tashi Delek” in Tibetan villages).
What Permits Are Needed for the Manaslu Trek?
Trekking in the Manaslu region requires several permits, due to its status as a restricted area and its location overlapping conservation zones. Don’t worry – Mountain Eco Trails will handle all permit arrangements for you, but it’s good to know what they are and why they’re needed:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): This is the most important permit, essentially your Manaslu trekking permit. Since the Manaslu Circuit passes through a restricted zone (from Jagat to Dharapani, close to the Tibetan border), the Nepali government requires a special permit for security and conservation reasons. The RAP can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency and requires at least 2 trekkers in the group (plus a guide) – no solo trekking allowed. The cost of the Manaslu RAP varies by season: September to November (peak season): USD 100 per person for the first 7 days, then $15 per day for each additional day. (Our standard 14-day itinerary from Jagat to Dharapani is about 10 days in the restricted zone, so that would be $100 + $15*3 = $145.) December to August (off-season): USD 75 per person for the first 7 days, then $10 per day thereafter. (So roughly $95 for a 10-day schedule in off-season.) These fees are set by the government and are subject to change, but as of 2025/2026, the above is applicable. The permit is checked at police checkpoints (e.g., Jagat, Samagaon, Samdo, Dharapani). It is issued in Kathmandu or Pokhara through your agency, using your original passport and Nepali visa details.
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): Mount Manaslu and the surrounding areas are part of the Manaslu Conservation Area, managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). You need a conservation area entry permit to trek here. The cost is NPR 3,000 per person (approximately USD 25–$30) for foreign nationals. For SAARC country citizens, it’s cheaper (around NPR 200).
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Toward the end of the trek, when you descend from Larkya La, you enter the Annapurna Conservation Area (from Dharapani onward is technically in Annapurna Circuit territory). Hence, you also need an ACAP permit, also NPR 3,000 (~$25–$30) for foreigners.
Trekking Trail Condition of Manaslu Circuit
Trekkers often ask: “What are the trails like on the Manaslu Circuit? Will it be very rough?” The short answer: the trails are rugged but well-established, offering a true adventure without being unmanageably difficult. Here’s an overview of the trekking trail conditions you’ll encounter on the Manaslu Circuit:
Lower Trail Sections (Machha Khola to Deng): The beginning of the trek (until about 2,000 m) goes through hilly terrain with a mixture of underdeveloped roads and footpaths. In recent years, motorable tracks have been extended up to Sotikhola/Machha Khola and even beyond to Jagat in the dry season. Don’t worry – we try to start walking where the scenic trail truly begins (that’s why we drive to Machha Khola to skip the less interesting road walking). From Machha Khola onward, you’ll be mostly on foot trails. Expect lots of ups and downs as the trail follows the Budi Gandaki River gorge. In some places, the trail is a narrow ledge hacked out of cliffs – perfectly safe, but you need to be attentive (don’t lean outward!).
Suspension Bridges: You will cross many suspension bridges in the first half of the trek. These bridges span the Budi Gandaki and tributaries. They are made of metal cables and steel or wooden planks, often with mesh or fencing on the sides. They do sway a bit as you walk (and sometimes you’ll share them with locals or even mules at the same time).
Middle Sections (Ghap to Samagaon): As you gain altitude, the trail runs through alpine forests and villages. The condition remains generally good – these paths have been used by local people for ages, often with stone paving in villages. Around Namrung and Lho, you’ll walk on pleasant woodland paths, occasionally muddy if snow recently melted. Pastures near Shyala and Samagaon are relatively flat and easy to walk. There are some landslide-prone areas, particularly between Deng and Namrung, where the trail might have loose gravel – our guide will typically hurry those stretches or time them carefully. After the monsoon, the local community or Army sometimes re-route trails slightly if a section was washed out; our guides stay updated on these changes each season. Generally, by the time the autumn trekking season starts, any monsoon damage is repaired.
High Sections (Samdo, Dharmasala, Larkya La): Above Samdo, vegetation is sparse and you’re on moraines and yak paths. The trail to Dharmasala is a bit rocky but not difficult, just thinner air making it harder. On the approach to Larkya La Pass from Dharmasala, the trail can become indistinct especially if there’s snow. But there are some cairns (rock piles) and usually a clear route worn by trekkers’ feet. We typically depart early and often are among other groups, so collective effort and our guide’s knowledge ensure we stay on track. Near the pass, the trail is basically up a scree slope, zigzagging and stepping on rocks. It’s important to step where your guide steps to avoid any loose rocks. On the other side of the pass, the trail down starts steep; if snow-covered, we will have micro-spikes or ask porters to assist clients in spots. There might be some icy patches. As you descend, the trail becomes a defined path again by the time you hit Bimthang. In Bimthang and beyond, you join well-trodden tracks used by yaks and locals trading between Manang and Manaslu, so from there to Dharapani it’s relatively easy hiking on soft forest soil and riverbed flats.
Packing List for Manaslu Circuit Trekking
Having the right gear is vital for a comfortable and successful trek. Below is a comprehensive packing list for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, with explanations to help you decide what to bring. Keep in mind that the weather can range from hot and humid in the lowlands to freezing cold at high altitude. Layering is key. Also, weight matters – porters will carry up to 15 kg per person, and your daypack should be around 5-7 kg. Try to keep your total gear within 15 kg if possible.
Clothing:
- Trekking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support. Make sure they’re broken in to prevent blisters. You’ll be tackling rocky trails and possibly snow, so solid footing is crucial.
- Trekking Shirts: 4–5 moisture-wicking shirts (synthetic or merino).
- Trekking Pants: 2–3 pairs of quick-dry pants.
- Base Layers: 1–2 sets of thermal long underwear (top and bottom).
- Fleece or Softshell Jacket: A medium-weight insulating layer for warmth in the evenings or while trekking in cooler conditions.
- Down Jacket: A heavy (warm) down jacket for high-altitude camps and the Larkya La morning.
- Waterproof Shell (Jacket & Pants): A breathable rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar) and rain pants. These protect not only from rain but also from wind and can be worn as a windbreaker on the pass.
- Underwear and Sports Bras: Enough for the trek (consider moisture-wicking types). You can also wash and dry some along the way, but at higher altitudes, nothing dries quickly.
- Socks: 4–5 pairs of trekking socks (merino wool or synthetic). Also, 1-2 pairs of thick warm socks for sleeping or for the high pass day.
- Gloves: Two layers ideally – a lightweight fleece or wool inner glove and a waterproof/windproof outer glove or mitten.
- Headwear: Bring a warm beanie or wool hat that covers your ears for cold mornings and nights. Also, bring a sun hat or cap with a brim for strong sun at altitude.
- Sunglasses: UV-protection sunglasses are a must.
- Headlamp: With extra batteries. You’ll need this for the pre-dawn start on pass day and if you need to move around the tea house at night.
Accessories and Equipment:
- Trekking Poles: Highly recommended.
- Backpack/Daypack: 30-40 liters capacity, comfortable with a good waist strap. This is what you’ll carry daily with essentials: water, snacks, camera, extra layer, rain gear, first aid kit, etc. Look for one with a rain cover (or bring a rain cover separately) to keep contents dry.
- Duffel Bag: If you book with us, we provide a durable duffel for the porters to carry your main gear. If you prefer to bring your backpack for portering, ensure it’s strong. But a soft duffel (80- 100L) is usually best for the porter to manage. We line it with a plastic bag inside for waterproofing.
- Sleeping Bag: Nights can be very cold (below freezing above 3,500 m). Tea houses provide blankets, but they may not be sufficient or the most hygienic. A good sleeping bag rated to around -15°C (5°F) is recommended.
- Water Bottles/Bladder: Carry capacity for at least 2–3 liters. You can use two 1L Nalgene-type bottles or a hydration bladder in your pack.
- Water Purification: While we will help boil or filter water, it’s good to have backup: water purification tablets or drops (iodine, chlorine dioxide) or a UV purifier (SteriPen).
- First Aid Kit & Medications: Our guide carries a group first aid kit, but you should have a personal supply of basics: any prescription meds you need (bring enough for extra days just in case), ibuprofen or paracetamol (for pain or mild altitude headache), Diamox, etc.
- Personal Hygiene: Travel-size toiletries – biodegradable soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, quick-dry towel (small trekking towel), wet wipes (life-saver for “showers” on cold nights when you can’t bathe), hand sanitizer, face moisturizer (air is dry up high), feminine hygiene products, etc.
Miscellaneous:
- Sunblock and Lip Balm: already mentioned – minimum SPF 50 for both.
- Sunglasses: (reiterating, as it’s vital) with side protection if possible.
- Hat: (mentioned above) – sun hat and warm hat.
- Camera/Phone: Many want to document the journey. Remember to bring spare batteries or a power bank since electricity to charge might cost a few dollars at tea houses or might not be available on some days. A power bank (solar or charged in advance) is handy.
- Chargers and Plug Adapter: Nepal uses Type C and D plugs (European two-round-pin or Indian three-round-pin). Bring an adapter for your chargers. Electricity can be limited, so you might charge only in common areas for a fee.
- Money: Bring enough Nepali cash for purchases on the trail (small villages won’t take cards). How much depends on your spending habits – for things like hot showers, battery charging, treats (Snickers bars, Coke), tips, and maybe souvenirs. Typically, 15,000–20,000 NPR (~$120-170) per person in cash is a good buffer for the trek itself. You can always bring extra and leave some securely at the hotel in Kathmandu if not needed. Bring small bills if possible (100s and 500s) since breaking 1000s is sometimes hard in remote areas.
- Documents: Passport + photocopies, visa printouts, travel insurance info (copy and emergency number). Keep originals in a waterproof pouch. Also, keep digital scans of everything accessible (but protected).
- Snacks: While we provide meals, you might want energy bars, trail mix, chocolate, or electrolyte powder (e.g., Nuun, Gatorade packets) to add to water. Bring your favorites from home as a selection in Nepal might be limited or costly. Electrolytes are especially good to replenish salts after long, sweating days and to encourage drinking more water.
- Headlamp: (again highlighting) – you’ll use it frequently, so a reliable LED headlamp with fresh batteries.
- Trekking Map/Guidebook: We provide a map, but some trekkers like their own for reference or a Kindle loaded with books for evening reading.
- Entertainment: A lightweight deck of cards, a book, or downloaded movies on your phone for downtime can be nice. There will be downtime in the afternoons or if the weather pins you inside.
Best Time to Do the Manaslu Circuit Trek
The best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit is during Nepal’s two main trekking seasons: spring and autumn. These seasons offer the most stable weather and the clearest views. However, each time of year has its pros and cons. Let’s break it down:
Autumn (September to November): This is generally considered the prime trekking season in Nepal, and Manaslu is no exception. September, October, and November offer clear skies, fresh air, and incredible mountain vistas. The monsoon rains (June-August) have washed the dust away, and by late September the clouds recede, revealing crystal-clear views of the Himalayas.
Spring (March to May): The second-best season. March starts cold at high altitudes (Larkya Pass still has substantial snow from winter, but it’s passable with care). As the month progresses, temperatures rise and conditions improve. April is a fantastic month: stable weather windows, moderate temperatures, and the rhododendron forests bloom in full color at lower elevations – hillsides are pink, red, and white with flowers, making the trek extra beautiful. Mountain views in spring can be slightly hazy, especially in late April/May due to dust or humidity, but generally mornings are clear.
Manaslu Trek Acclimatization Tips
Proper acclimatization is crucial for high-altitude treks like the Manaslu Circuit. “Acclimatization” means allowing your body time to adjust to the decreasing oxygen levels as you go higher. If done right, you greatly reduce the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) and increase your enjoyment. Here are some expert acclimatization tips for the Manaslu trek:
- Follow the major rule of climb high, sleep low. This means whenever possible, you should hike to a higher elevation during the day, but come back down a bit to sleep.
- Gradual Ascent: A good guideline is not to increase your sleeping altitude by more than 500 meters (1,600 ft) per day once above 3,000 m. Our itinerary is designed with this in mind.
- Hydration and Diet: Drink plenty of fluids – aim for 3-4 liters of water or tea per day. Proper hydration helps your body acclimate and reduces AMS symptoms.
- Listen to Your Body: Everyone acclimatizes differently. Communicate with your guide about how you feel. Early mild symptoms of AMS include headache, loss of appetite, slight nausea, and disturbed sleep. These can usually be managed by resting, hydrating, and maybe taking a painkiller for a headache.
- Medication (Diamox): Some trekkers use Acetazolamide (Diamox) as a preventive aid. Diamox helps you acclimate faster by acidifying your blood, which drives breathing. A common regimen is 125 mg twice a day starting from around 3,000 m until a couple of days after crossing the pass.
- Pacing: walk - slowly, slowly. Especially above 3,000 m, adopt a slower walking pace than you normally would. This helps maintain a steady heart rate and allows you to breathe deeply.
- Clothing and Sleep: Staying warm is important for acclimatization, because if you get cold at night, your body expends energy shivering instead of adapting. So wear adequate layers to be comfortably warm (but not sweaty) at night.
- Avoiding Over-Exertion: At altitude, it’s tempting on rest days or upon reaching camp to run around taking photos. But be mindful not to exert yourself too much in thin air until you’re more acclimated.
- Know the signs and protocol: Our guides are trained in altitude sickness response. If someone exhibits serious AMS or signs of HACE/HAPE (life-threatening forms like fluid in the lungs or brain), the only cure is immediate descent.
By following these acclimatization tips, you tilt the odds in your favor for a smooth trek over Larkya La. Many trekkers complete the Manaslu Circuit without any significant altitude sickness because they prepared and listened to advice. Respect the mountain and your body – acclimatization is about patience and awareness. We built our program around these principles, so if you stick with it, you’ll stand on the high pass feeling great and savoring the success!
Manaslu Circuit Tea House Trek
The Manaslu Circuit is a tea house trek, meaning you will be staying in local lodges (tea houses) each night rather than camping. This is great news for trekkers who want a bit of comfort and cultural immersion, as well as for reducing the cost and logistical complexity of the trek. Here’s what to expect from the Manaslu Circuit tea house trek experience:
Tea House Accommodation:
Tea houses are essentially small guesthouses run by local families. Along the Manaslu Circuit, tea houses are available at all overnight stops in our itinerary: Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, Samagaon, Samdo, Dharmasala (though Dharmasala is more like a basic shelter), Bimthang, Tilije, etc. Rooms in tea houses are typically simple twin-share rooms with two single beds (some places might have triple or dorm rooms if it’s busy). The beds have a foam mattress, a pillow, and a blanket. We still recommend using your sleeping bag for warmth and hygiene, especially in higher altitudes. Walls are thin (usually wood or plywood partitions) – not much insulation – so you might hear people next door or in the corridor. It’s all part of the cozy atmosphere. Toilets are often shared – in lower regions, some tea houses have attached bathrooms for a few rooms, but don’t count on it. Common toilets (outhouse style or simple ceramic squat toilets) are the norm the higher you go. Hot showers are available in some places, usually for an extra fee (e.g., solar shower or gas-heated water in a bucket). At high altitude, many tea houses might not have running water if pipes freeze, but they will provide a bucket of warm water if you pay for a shower.
Electricity & Charging:
Most tea houses have solar or generator power. In the dining area, they’ll have lights in the evening (generally from sunset until about 9:00 or 10:00 pm). In your room, there might be a single dim light bulb. Charging your devices (phone, camera batteries) is usually offered at a small cost (like NPR 200-500 per hour/device, which increases with altitude due to scarcity of power). It’s a good idea to carry a power bank and spare batteries. Wi-Fi is becoming more common too – some villages (Namrung, Samagaon, Samdo) have a satellite Wi-Fi service (often branded “Everest Link” or similar) you can pay for. But the connection can be spotty and slow. Don’t expect to upload large files, but you might send a quick text or email when available. Embrace being mostly offline; it’s a nice digital detox.
Meals During the Trek in the Manaslu Region
Staying well-nourished is vital when trekking, and the meals during the Manaslu Circuit Trek are designed to keep you fueled for long hours on the trail. One of the joys of a tea house trek is sampling local cuisine and also having a variety of familiar dishes available. Here’s what you can expect in terms of food and dining on the trek:
Meals Provided: In our Manaslu Circuit package, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included each day on the trek. Typically, you will have breakfast and dinner at the tea house where you stay overnight, and lunch at a tea house or village along the way at midday. Please note that hot drinks, including a cup of tea and coffee, are provided only during breakfast; other than that, extra drinks will be at your own expense.
Breakfast: Breakfast is usually served around 7:00 - 7:30 am (timing can be adjusted if we leave earlier for certain days like Larkya La day). You’ll have a menu with options such as:
- Porridge (often oatmeal, sometimes locally made tsampa porridge from roasted barley) with additions like apples or cinnamon.
- Bread or Chapati with spreads – toast (if available, some places have local brown bread) or Tibetan bread (a puffy fried bread) or chapati (flatbread). These come with butter, jam, honey, or peanut butter if available.
- Pancakes – many trekkers love the banana pancake or apple pancake, a Nepali tea house staple! It’s more like a fried bread with fruit in it than a fluffy Western pancake, but delicious and hearty.
- Eggs – prepared to your liking: boiled, fried, omelet, or scrambled. An “omelet” might be plain or with a few veggies; a “scrambled egg” in some places can be similar to an omelet. If you want multiple eggs or additions like cheese (if available), you can request.
- Muesli/Corn Flakes – served with hot milk (or sometimes hot water, so specify milk if you want it). Powdered milk is used up high.
- Tea/Coffee – You’ll be offered hot drinks. Common are black tea, milk tea (chiya), ginger tea (nice for cold mornings), instant coffee, or hot chocolate (extra cost often, but included in our package as tea/coffee are typically included with meals). We encourage you to drink a cup of hot liquid in the morning to hydrate – it’s warming and beneficial.
We often recommend a combination like: porridge + an egg + tea, or pancake + porridge, etc., to get both complex carbs and some protein. Our guides make sure everyone eats enough because you’ll need the energy.
Lunch and Dinner: Lunch is usually done around 12:00-1:00 pm. We will stop at a trailside tea house or village. The guide usually calls ahead or plans it so the tea house is ready to cook for our group. Common lunch and Dinner items:
- Dal Bhat (Dalbat): This is Nepal’s national dish and a trekker’s best friend. Rice with lentil soup, served with vegetable curry (tarkari) and sometimes spinach or pickle (achar). It’s usually all-you-can-eat, meaning you can get free refills! Nepalis say “Dal Bhat power, 24-hour!” because it’s such a sustaining meal. We often have dal bhat for lunch when possible, as it provides plenty of carbs and is easily digestible.
- Fried Rice or Noodles: Available in veg or with egg. “Veg fried rice” with some local greens and carrots, or “Egg fried noodles” (think of chowmein style) can be a nice change.
- Momos: These are Tibetan-style dumplings, filled with vegetables or potato, sometimes meat (buffalo or chicken) if fresh is available. Momos are steamed and very tasty with some sauce. They take a bit longer to prepare, so usually momos are better for dinner or if the lunch break is long. But some trekkers enjoy them for lunch too.
- Soup: In higher altitudes, a big bowl of soup for lunch can be great. Popular soups: garlic soup (said to help with acclimatization), noodle soup, Sherpa stew (a thick soup with veggies, sometimes meat, and bits of dough), or thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup). Often we might have soup as a starter and then a main dish.
- Chapati Set or Tibetan Bread with Curry: Some places offer sets of chapati bread with dal or curry, which is a lighter alternative to rice.
- Misc: Some menus have spaghetti, macaroni, or even French fries. Honestly, quality varies – these are adapted to local ingredients, e.g., spaghetti might be made with a basic tomato sauce or a curry twist. We find that sticking to local style usually yields tastier results. But if you crave pasta or fries (and many trekkers do at some point), they are usually available.
- Curry with Rice or Roti: Instead of dal, you might have a potato curry (aloo curry) or mixed veg curry served with rice or rotis.
- Thenthuk or Thukpa: Tibetan noodle soups are often eaten as a main dish, hearty with vegetables and sometimes meat.
- Spring rolls (veg rolls): in some places. They are more like fried momos or dumplings in a roll shape.
- Pizza: In Namrung, Samagaon, etc., you might see pizza on the menu. It’s usually a very simple crust with tomato and onion, maybe yak cheese if available. Temper expectations – it’s more like a Nepali “pizza” than Italian, but it can hit the spot if you are craving cheese and bread.
- Mashed potatoes with toppings or stew. Potatoes grow in these areas, so many lodges make good potato dishes. “Sherpa stew” often has potatoes, veggies, sometimes bits of dough or noodles, and maybe meat.
- Snacks: If you’re still peckish, you can usually get popcorn (yes, many tea houses serve popcorn in the evenings), or papad (crispy lentil wafers) as a side. We sometimes order a big bowl of popcorn for the group to share before dinner, especially nice when chatting around the stove.
Trek with an Experienced Mountain Eco Trails Guide
One of the biggest advantages of booking with Mountain Eco Trails is the quality and expertise of our trekking guides. Trekking to remote areas like Manaslu is not just about walking; it’s about understanding the land, ensuring safety, and enriching your experience with local knowledge. Here’s what it means to trek with an experienced Mountain Eco Trails guide:
Our guides have extensive experience on the Manaslu Circuit and other Nepal treks. Likewise, the guides are trained in wilderness first aid, CPR, and altitude sickness response. They carry a first aid kit for emergencies. As mentioned in the acclimatization section, they monitor guests for signs of altitude sickness daily. If someone doesn’t feel well, they know how to evaluate symptoms and take appropriate action – whether it’s administering medicine (like Diamox or Imodium from the kit), arranging a rest day, or initiating an evacuation in extreme cases. In summary, trekking with Mountain Eco Trails’ guides means trekking with the best: skilled, knowledgeable, caring professionals who are there to ensure your safety and happiness. They’ll make you feel at home in the Himalayas.
Booking Procedure
Ready to turn this dream trek into a reality? We’ve made our booking procedure simple and customer-friendly. You can either book directly from our website through the package page or email us, or for the customized trip, you can directly WhatsApp us at +9779849790153.
We’ll also send our terms & conditions for you to review (covers things like cancellation policy, what’s included, etc. – we keep it straightforward). To confirm the booking, we ask for a deposit payment. Typically, 20% of the total trip cost is required as a booking deposit (exact amount will be specified). This deposit allows us to start arranging permits, reserve guides, and secure any in-country flights or hotels as needed. The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival in Nepal (some clients prefer to pay in full upfront, which is fine too).
Now that you know the easy steps, the only thing left is to Book Your Manaslu Circuit Trek. Dates for the best seasons often fill up, so secure your adventure now. With our hassle-free booking and comprehensive support, you’ll find planning this trek is almost as enjoyable as doing it. Get in touch today and let’s start organizing your unforgettable journey to Manaslu!
