Nepal is famous for trekking. Every year hundreds of thousands travellers come for trekking in Nepal.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is now one of the popular trekking destinations of Nepal. Opened to tourism in 1992, it became a teahouse trek only in 2010. Therefore, accommodations are just the basic food and bed. Still, this has made Manaslu region accessible to wider range of people.
Because more and more people are showing interest in restricted Manaslu Circuit Trekking, we have listed some good, useful tips for future trekkers. They are as follows.
Train for Manaslu Circuit Trek
This trek is not technical. The only skill you require is walking. But it is not an easy job to walk around 4-5hours every day, especially at higher altitude.
You do not need to have previously adjusted to high altitude. Acclimatizing en route is enough to avoid AMS.
What you need to work on is strength, stamina and maybe will. You should start 2-3 months before the actual trek. Walk as long as you can and add to it the next day. Avoid or ‘win over’ wanting to sit and rest every half an hour or so.
Increase the weight of your backpack too until it is the weight you will be taking to the trek. Add ups and downs like stairs or uphill walking. The actual thing will be harder but you can do it.
Be mentally prepared as well.
How Early Should I book
It takes about 10 to 15 days to get Restricted Area Permission. So, start about 20 days earlier. Taking Annapurna and Manaslu Conservation Project (ACAP and MACAP) permit is not that difficult or time consuming.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
AMS or altitude sickness is our bodies’ response to the lower air pressure and lower level of oxygen at higher altitude. It can kill if not taken seriously. Symptoms include headache with nausea, lethargy or breathlessness and others.
Anyone travelling above 2,400m are susceptible to AMS. In this trek, we travel over 5,000m. So, acclimatize properly. Research well about AMS preventions and cure and take care.
Stick to the Wall Side
When you come across a train of donkeys, yaks or other beasts of burden, stick to the wall and patiently wait for them to pass. By standing on the edge side, you risk being pushed off. This does happen. It has happened.
Can I Travel alone somehow?
According to the rules, one more trekker and a licensed guide are compulsory. But there are ways people use like entering and exiting as a group but travelling alone inside (Check in post is in Jagat and Check out post is in Dharapani). Trying to trick can get you turned around when caught. Why risk it?
If you really want as less people as possible, you could hire a porter who can double as a guide or the other way.
Cultural Tips
It is important to know the culture and traditions of your travel destination, whether to interact and make friends with the locals, just not to offend them or to not land in jail for something you didnot know was wrong. Here are a few such tips.
- Saying ‘Namaste’ by joining your hands in prayer style is the common greeting of Nepalese. Tibetans say ‘TashiDelek’ which roughly translates to ‘auspiciously well’. You could just say Namaste too.
- Please refrain from public display of affection such as kissing, hugging, clinging etc. It will make the locals very uncomfortable. You will not be liked either.
- Feet are low. Therefore, it is offensive to step over someone or something sacred. Any book, copy and writing instrument are also to be respected. People will not step over you either. So remove your legs or hands from their way.
- Killing a cow is illegal in Nepal.
Others
- Yak meat might not be yak meat but no need to be too suspicious either.
- You do not need Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) cardfor Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is required for other regions like Annapurna and Everest. But, if you wish to continue to Annapurna after this, the Restricted Area Permit that you are required to take will suffice. You do not need to buy TIMS card.
- Ascending and descending Larkya La Pass will be hard on your knees so bring trekking poles.
- You must bring sunscreen, moisturizer, hand sanitizer and toilet papers. Maybe shades, lip balm, sunhat and warm slippers too.
Conclusion
These were some general tips. You could search for things to do in Manaslu Circuit Trek or other information before heading out.
