Safety Tips on Manaslu Circuit Trek: Essential Guide

Are you planning to do the Manaslu Circuit trek and worried about your safety on this incredible trek? Then, you are at the right place. We have written this blog to inform all the avid trekkers about the safety on the Manaslu Circuit trek.

You will learn all the risks and how to mitigate them. Likewise, we will share things that you should do to prepare yourself before the trek starts to increase your safety. We have also shared what to do in case of an emergency.

The Manaslu Circuit trek is one of Nepal’s best treks in terms of adventure, views, nature, and cultural encounters. At the same time, it is also a challenging trek with risks such as altitude sickness, falling ill, or getting hurt while trekking.

For example, little things like your trekking boots and how well you can adapt to high altitude and limited services also affect your safety on the Manaslu Circuit trek. Therefore, you have to be thoroughly prepared to increase your safety and the success of the trek.

“By understanding the challenges of the Manaslu Circuit trek, you will understand the real risks of this trek. Knowing the risks beforehand will not remove them, but it will make you smart to navigate them and stay safe!”

Understanding the risks of the Manaslu Circuit trek

No trek in the Himalayas is 100% safe, and the same goes for our very much loved Manaslu Circuit trek. Note that all risks are avoidable and navigable if you are aware of them and have an expert local team to support you.

Below, we have some of the risks of the Manaslu Circuit trek and how to avoid them during trekking:

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is definitely one of the biggest concerns on the Manaslu Circuit trek. Rapid high altitude gain leads to altitude sickness, and during the Manaslu Circuit trek, you will ascend from 870 meters to 5,106 meters.

Although this gain in elevation will not be overnight, and you will spend 8 to 9 days at different altitudes, there is still a chance you may suffer from altitude sickness if you are not acclimatized. So, adjusting to a changing environment should be your priority.

We have talked in more detail about altitude sickness during the Manaslu Circuit trek in this blog.

How to mitigate:

• Acclimatization days
• Slow ascents
• Stay hydrated
• Listen to your body and monitor your health

Terrain challenges

On the Manaslu Circuit trek, you will follow offbeat terrain. It means the terrain will be steep, rocky, and rugged. The trails are quite narrow and uneven in many sections.

In the first few days, you will literally walk 16km+ each day (only the Machha Khola to Jagat distance is a bit short- 14km). Not only that, but the trail ascends and descends following rocky hillsides. On the way from Namrung to Shyala, you will navigate a landslide and rockfall area.

Then the trail goes through narrow, steep, rocky terrain to Samdo and crosses alpine meadows and glacier moraines between Larkya La Pass and Bimthang. The trail is not technically challenging, but it requires good guidance and smart trekkers.

How to mitigate:

• First and foremost, follow the instructions of your guide. He will teach you how to cross certain sections of the trail safely.
• Wear sturdy trekking boots with good ankle support and use trekking poles.

Extreme weather

The weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable throughout the year. The pre and post monsoon seasons (spring and autumn) have a bit better weather conditions, which makes trekking popular in these seasons.

Still, the weather can change anytime, so you have to be prepared for all kinds of weather. You can encounter rain, snowfall, cold climate, high wind, and scorching sun all in one trip.

The weather is much more extreme at higher altitudes (above 3,000 meters). You will feel hot one second and cold another. Therefore, wearing clothes in layers is recommended so that you can add or remove the outer layer as needed.

How to mitigate:

• Pack clothes and gear for all possible weather.
• Stay updated with real-time weather changes (we will help you with that during the trek).
• Follow our Manaslu Circuit trek packing checklist to pack for the trek. It has everything listed out that you may need on this trek.

Remote location and limited services

Manaslu is not developed like the Everest and Annapurna regions when it comes to tourist infrastructure. The facilities for trekkers are very limited. Cozy, comfortable tea houses are available till Namrung, but you will not find luxury lodges.

Likewise, above Namrung, the services get more limited and pricey. There are no proper health facilities along the trail, and the network is also missing in many parts of the region.

Though remote locations and limited service are not a risk, they are definitely a challenge that trekkers have to face during the Manaslu Circuit trek.

How to mitigate:

• Prepare your mind for simple tea houses and limited services.
• Get ready to go off-grid. Take the trip as a digital detox.
• Carry all essential first aid supplies, toiletries, snacks, powerbank, spare batteries, GPS, etc.

Natural hazards

Natural hazards are something that no one can predict. We hope for the best, but in case you come across a landslide or earthquake during trekking, we will immediately evacuate you.

Be attentive in rockfall and landslide-prone areas. In case of distress, follow your guide’s advice. While crossing narrow paths and steep slopes, make sure your steps are stable.

How to mitigate:

• Trek with an expert guide who is trained in risk assessment. Our guides are well-trained and certified for handling natural hazards during trekking.
• Be aware of rockfall and landslide areas.
• Buy travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuation. It will save you a lot of money and help you get the rescue quickly. 

Essential Preparation for a Safe Trek

Preparation matters a lot when it comes to remote, offbeat treks like the Manaslu Circuit. It ensures your safety, satisfaction, and success. Although we do our best to arrange everything perfectly for the Manaslu Circuit trek from our side, trekkers also need to be fully prepared.

Below, we have shared all the essential preparations that trekkers must do for the Manaslu Circuit trek:

Physical and mental fitness

To improve your physical fitness for the Manaslu Circuit trek, you have to focus on building good stamina and strength. You can start with regular long walks and combine weight training with cardio exercises like swimming, cycling, or running.

Weight training is a great way to strengthen your core, shoulders, back, and legs. Cardio will improve your stamina and build your endurance. Likewise, with regular long walks, you can build a walking habit for the trek.  

If there are hiking routes available around you, definitely do a few hikes. You can practice uphill and downhill walking as well as experience some altitude gain.

The Manaslu Circuit trek also includes many mental discomforts, such as changing environments, cold, and limited services. You have to train your mind and be ready to face these challenges.

Acclimatization

Acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness during the Manaslu Circuit trek. The altitude sickness risk increases when you go above 2,500 meters, and on this trek, you will hike above 5,000 meters.

Our Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary includes built-in acclimatization days. You will spend acclimatization time in Sama Gaon and Samdo villages. Likewise, we also spend a night between Namrung and Sama Gaon.

It provides you ample time to rest and get used to the high altitude. In addition to that, follow the tips below to lower the risk of altitude sickness during the Manaslu Circuit trek:

• Above 2,500 meters, ascend slowly and maintain a steady pace. Do not strain your body unnecessarily because you may get breathless and find it hard to calm down.
• Stay hydrated. A hydrated body has a higher chance of getting acclimatized. In regard to that, avoid alcoholic drinks and smoking. Drink lots of water and combine soups and ginger-honey teas in your meals.
• Listen to your body. If you feel sick or see symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, nausea, insomnia, loss of appetite, dizziness, etc), receive first aid from your guide.

The right trekking gear

The right trekking gear will make the journey smooth. For the Manaslu Circuit trek, you will need sturdy trekking boots. You cannot do this trek in your runners or sneakers. You need well-fitted trekking boots with good traction and ankle support.

Do not bring a new pair of trekking boots. You may get blisters, and they will make walking even more challenging. Likewise, you have to wear clothes in layers during the Manaslu Circuit trek.

So, after undergarments, you will wear a base layer, a thermal layer, and an outer layer. The outer layer’s main job is to safeguard you from wind and water. The base layer and thermal layer will maintain body insulation.

As the trail ascends and descends, you will experience different temperatures, so adjusting your clothes accordingly is required. You will get the hang of it in 1-2 days of trekking.

We have made a dedicated blog on the packing list for the Manaslu Circuit trek that you can check for more information.

Picking a reliable trekking guide and porter

A guide and porter will trek with you. So, they will be your permanent companions on the mountains. You need a guide who is knowledgeable about the Manaslu Circuit route, the locals, hidden side hikes, and flora and fauna.

Likewise, a friendly, kind porter will make the Manaslu Circuit trek less physically burdensome and allow you to fully enjoy the journey. Manaslu Circuit is a restricted trek, so trekking with a local Nepali company like us is a must.

And we will provide the best guide and porter for the Manaslu Circuit trek. You do not have to worry about where or how you will find a reliable guide and porter for yourself. We will take care of that.

Travel insurance

Foreigners need travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation for the Manaslu Circuit trek. Our Manaslu Circuit trek package does not include travel insurance, so you have to purchase it on your own.

Make sure your travel insurance is eligible for evacuation from the Himalayas in Nepal. Also, cover medical expenses and other coverages in your travel insurance.

*We do not allow trekkers to join the Manaslu Circuit trek without travel insurance covering helicopter rescue. So, kindly get it and bring the document with you. 

What to do in case of an emergency during the Manaslu Circuit trek?

On the Manaslu Circuit trek, you will travel in a remote and rugged Himalayan terrain. There is no access to road or advanced medical service along the trail. There are a couple of health posts in some big villages.

However, if you are away from those villages, it can take you multiple days to walk to a village with a health post to receive the bare minimum treatment. So, a helicopter rescue is a must if you get hurt or sick while trekking.

We make sure you are trekking safely, but we cannot predict unseen events that may require immediate rescue or some other support. Likewise, there can be severe weather changes or natural disasters.

These things are unpredictable but can be handled calmly. Below, we have shared things that you can do in specific situations. Nevertheless, asking for help from your guide should be your first response in most emergency cases.

Altitude sickness:

Recognize the symptoms and inform your guide. He may administer you common altitude sickness medicine. The symptoms will most likely go away in 6 to 12 hours.

Depending on the progress, you may have to descend to a lower altitude. If the symptoms do not go away and you get even sicker, the final resort will be to air evacuate you to a hospital in Kathmandu.

Injuries during trekking:

The Manaslu Circuit route is steep and rocky. You may sprain, slip, and fall while trekking. If the injury is minor, your guide will provide you with first aid. If the injury is serious and you cannot walk, we will evacuate you to our partnered hospital in Kathmandu for further treatment.

Getting lost or separated from the group:

Our guides do regular headcounts and briefings about the trail during the trek. However, as every trekker has their own pace, some can be ahead or behind the group.

In case you happen to separate from your group or get lost while trekking, look for a nearby village and ask for help. If you couldn’t find a village or anyone to help you, look for trails used by

Humans.

Human trails are easily identifiable, so stay on them. We immediately initiate a local search if our trekker gets lost during hiking. So, wait for our team to find you.

Natural hazards:

The Manaslu Circuit trail has landslide and rockfall areas. Likewise, we never know when a natural disaster like an earthquake will hit the region. Our guides are aware of landside and rockfall areas, so they will help you navigate those sections carefully.

However, we cannot predict a natural disaster. In these situations, our guide will immediately coordinate with us. We will talk to your travel insurance provider and arrange a quick rescue operation to safely retrieve you from the region.

Food poisoning, indigestion:

If you happen to suffer from indigestion, stomach problems, or food poisoning during the Manaslu Circuit trek, get first aid from your guide. Most of the time, medicine and a few hours of rest are enough.

If you do not recover, we will evacuate you. Be aware of what you eat and avoid meat at upper elevations because the refrigeration system is not reliable. Until the meat is fresh, we do not recommend consuming it while trekking.

Tips

• Be careful while hiking. Use trekking poles. It will help you maintain balance on rugged terrain.
• Carry a well-stocked first aid kit.
• Pack ample snacks for the journey.
• Carry a small knife, mirror, moisturizer, sanitary pads, SPF, etc, in your day pack.
• If possible, carry a satellite phone.
• Carry all essential contacts in a paper or small diary.

Emergency services & rescue options

The Manaslu Circuit has limited access to emergency services like hospitals and a network. We train our guides to provide first aid and help trekkers navigate small challenges.

In case of a medical emergency or any unseen event, we provide immediate helicopter evacuation. For that, trekkers must carry travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation expenses.

We have a great heli rescue ecosystem in Nepal for trekkers. However, it costs quite a lot of money.

So, without travel insurance, providing a rescue can get a little challenging because we have to ensure the rescue provider about the payment.

At Mountain Routes, we have a well-established and tested emergency protocol that ensures 100% safety of our trekkers.

We have partnered with top rescue providers and hospitals in Kathmandu and Pokhara for emergency services.

Likewise, our guides are well-trained in wilderness first aid, high altitude illness management, and crisis communication and evacuation coordination.

Our guides carry a satellite phone for emergency communication with us (the office team). Depending on the situation, we provide further support.

Health posts on the Manaslu Circuit

Though the medical facilities are very limited on the Manaslu Circuit trek route, there are basic health posts runned by the local government and NGOs in some villages. These places provide basic care for minor injuries and altitude-related discomforts.

• Philim
• Namrung
• Samagaon
• Samdo

Conclusion

If you are well prepared and trek with a reliable local company like us, any trek in Nepal is safe. Prepare well and approach the trail with the right trekking guide and itinerary, and you will be fine.

The key takeaways of this blog are:

• Improve your physical fitness.
• Get ready mentally (learn about the trail, facilities, etc).
• Pack for all types of weather and climate.
• Wear good trekking boots and use trekking poles.
• Trek with a reliable local trekking company like us.
• Get well-covered travel insurance (emergency helicopter evacuation coverage is a must).
• Make sure your Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary has ample acclimatization days, and the itinerary is designed to support your fitness.
• Understand the risks, the emergency protocols, and trust your team.

Why choose Mountain Routes for the Manaslu Circuit trek?

• Your safety will be our top priority during the Manaslu Circuit trek.
• We provide experienced, certified local guides with all necessary training.
• We have a proactive risk management system. From trail assessment to weather monitoring, we are at the top of the game.
• We customize our treks as per the needs of our trekkers. Every trip is personalized for the best experience and maximum safety.

Are you feeling confident after reading this blog? Do you have any more questions? Feel free to get in touch with us anytime. We will answer all your questions about the Manaslu Circuit trek.

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What are you waiting for? Bookings are open for Manaslu Circuit trek 2025 and 2026 departures. We have the best Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary and pricing. Moreover, we also offer early bird discounts and group discounts.