The Manaslu Circuit Trek: A Tale of Exploration.. and restraint. It’s easy to want to overpack and prepare all the things, but the goal of this trip is to have a good time and be relatively mobile. On a long climb or descent on the Manaslu circuit in Nepal, that extra few pounds in your backpack will certainly be noticed. By using this guide you will very quickly be able to slash at “excess” gear in your pack, narrow your focus to only the most important pieces of gear, and pack smart so that you aren’t just physically lighter on your feet (which you will be, for sure), but hauling a pack that will actually serve to enhance your trekking experience.
The Golden Rule: The 10-15% Rule.
There is one other rule that you should follow that we have developed over the years (and have never seen in print anywhere).
The general backpack rule is to carry a load on your pack between the range of 10-15% of your body weight. On the Manaslu Circuit Trek, we can organize a porter to carry most of your bag; therefore, your day pack can be very light. This daypack will hold your day necessities: a water bottle, snacks, a camera, a rain jacket, and a fleece. The rest will be conveyed by a porter, and do not overburden him. The safety and ethics, even of what you are demanding of someone else, all carry their own kind of moral weight. Because let’s face it: The lighter you pack, the better for you — and your support team.
Layering: It’s All About Your Comfort
There is a huge difference between the lower portion and the upper portion of the Manaslu Circuit Trekking. And the trick to staying warm and comfortable is a smooth layering system — no bulky, one-wear items. And for good measure, toss on a moisture-wicking base layer that will work to pull sweat away from your skin as well. Throw on a mid-layer for insulation — either a fleece or a light down jacket. You’ll layer the rest — including this waterproof, windproof shell that will keep the rest out. This system enables you to remove and add layers as temperatures and conditions demand, without bogging you down with a pile of bulky sweaters.
Clothing: Prioritizing Versatility and Functionality
And, when it comes to what clothing to wear on your Manaslu Trek, versatility is key. Bring 2-3 pairs of trekking pants that feature zip-off legs and fold into shorts – great for when you’re at lower altitudes and the weather heats up. Throw in several moisture-wicking t-shirts or long-sleeved shirts. Cool nights or high altitude mountain trekking in the summer requires only two pairs of warm leggings and a warm top. For socks, it’s also advised to wear a liner sock, such as a very thin liner or similar (the one you use with your trail shoes), plus a thick wool trekking sock to prevent blisters. For when it’s cold: bring a warm hat, gloves, a nd a neck gaiter. Remember, you can hand-wash clothes in their teahouses, so you don’t need to pack for every day.
Footwear: The Most Important Item
Your most essential piece of gear could very well be your hiking boots. It can’t be denied, you will need a good pair of waterproof hiking boots with plenty of grip, and that are supportive around the ankle (thus, not sneakers). And DO NOT bring a new pair of boots because they can chafe like a motherfucker and leave you in pain the entire time. You might also like a good pair of sandals or light shoes to walk in the teahouses and ease your feet in the evenings.
Necessary Gears and Accessories
But in addition to your clothes, there are also some absolute necessities you should keep in mind. Now a must is a good quality down sleeping bag, as we had some nights below freezing, especially up higher on the Manaslu Circuit trek draft itinerary. You will also want to have a headlamp and extra batteries-maximum useful for wandering around the tea houses at night, and if you are facing early starts.
Toiletries & Personal: The Less of `Em, the Better
When it comes to toiletries, think small and multipurpose. A tiny bottle of biodegradable soap can also pull double duty between washing yourself and washing your clothes. Wet wipes are a godsend while trying to stay clean on the trail. This is because the most important thing to remember is, you’re hiking in a remote area, and the less you have to rely on local stores, the better time you’ll have.
Gadgets and Apps to Improve Your Next Trip
With all the gadgets we own, it’s tempting to pack them all, but how many of them do you really need? It is with a horribly heavy load on my back that I carry my camera, the one possession I need if I’m to stand any chance of capturing the stupendous panoramas when I come across them, and if a smart traveler never leaves the house without his power bank; electricity is, you see, a luxury and there’s that only much of it and, above all, at a price when it comes to those surrounding aejeciones. Keep your passport, permits (including Manaslu Restricted Area Permit), and a copy of your travel insurance in a watertight bag. A physical map, even if you have a digital map, is a good backup.
Snacks: Fueling Your Body
Food provided by the teahouses will already be included in your Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost, but some of your favourite, high-energy snacks from back home will never do your morale any harm! Pack energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate. That is to say that they can be a light in a storm and often keep me trucking when I have hit a lull or two with the ol’ energy levels. They are also comfort food in a strange land.
Conclusion: The Sensation of Freedom of a Light Pack
Going fast and light on the Manaslu Trek isn’t about suffering or proving who has the bigger alpine nut; it’s about being intelligent (and having a good time). You pack light and can concentrate more on the stunning landscape and lovely cultures found around the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal. A light pack, psychologically and physiologically alike, being light — more “agile,” Kim would say — helps you feel better in harmony with the world around, and less of a burden to yourself and your team. Manaslu Base Camp Trek or Larkya La Pass-cross, is a trip of self-sacrifice, and commencing with a light pack is a beckoning for turning the trip into a mark.