You’ll eat all meals at teahouses, which are small, family-run lodges. Meals are basic but fresh, made with local ingredients, and packed with carbs to keep you going.

Dal Bhat is the go-to meal for rice, lentil soup, and veggie curry, usually with refills included. You’ll probably have this almost daily.

Other go-to meals are:

• Fried noodles or fried rice with vegetables or eggs
• Momos (dumplings)—steamed or fried
• Tibetan pancake or breakfast bread
• Oatmeal porridge, boiled eggs, or omelet

Milk tea, black tea, ginger tea, and lemon with honey is available for beverages. You can buy boiled water or filter stream water through purification tablets. Instant coffee is available but do not hope for too much. 

At higher elevations, there are fewer and more expensive food options. Meat is eschewed by most hikers beyond Sama Gaun, as it’s not refrigerated and may not be fresh. Bringing some snacks from Kathmandu—like energy bars or dried fruit—is a wise thing to do.

1. Trek with a Licensed Guide (Required by Law)

Always prefer a licensed guide  for Manaslu Circuit Trek .Solo trekking is not allowed in the Manaslu restricted region because of some hard trails, altitude and other dangers.

Why is a guide necessary?

• They know the trails, alternate routes, and where to rest or acclimatize.
• They speak Nepali and sometimes local dialects.
• They manage permits, lodges, meals, and emergencies.
• In case of accidents or altitude sickness, your guide can arrange helicopter evacuation quickly.

Trekking under guide is not allowed in this area and extremely risky due to isolation and absence of trail markers.

2. Acclimatize Properly (Avoid AMS – Acute Mountain Sickness)

The next trek is from around 900 meters to 5,160 meters (Larkya La Pass). Rapid ascension of altitude predisposes to AMS.

Acclimatization tips:

• Slow ascent: Don’t hurry. Body acclimatizes slowly.
• Follow acclimatization days: Stay overnight at Samagaun (3,530m) or Samdo (3,875m) for one or two nights.
• Climb high, sleep low: Daytime hiking to higher elevations with nighttime descent to lower elevations.
• Stay hydrated: Drink 3–4 liters of water per day.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Eat enough calories.

Symptoms of altitude sickness:

• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Shortness of breath at rest

What to do

Don’t ascend further if symptoms worsen. Rest, hydrate, and return if needed.

3.Take High-Altitude Travel Insurance

While trekking in the areas of high altitude always prefer travel insurance.Regular insurance does not cover helicopter rescue or high-altitude trekking.

Your insurance should include:

• Trekking above 5,000m
• Helicopter rescue services
• Medical attention and hospitalization
• Trip cancellation or delay

Bring a hard copy of your policy and numbers along. Your guide may require them in an emergency situation.

4. Observe Weather Closely

Himalayan weather is volatile,so always observe the weather condition before doing any trek steps,some periods are riskier than others.

Optimal trekking seasons:

• Spring (March–May): Stable weather, blooming rhododendrons.
• Autumn (Sept–Nov): Clear skies, great mountain views.

Avoid:

• Monsoon (June–August): Landslides, slippery trails, leeches, poor visibility.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Heavy snow, trail obstructions, risk of hypothermia or frostbite.
• Always receive daily weather predictions from locals or teahouse owners. Consult your guide prior to crossing passes.

5. Stay Well-Hydrated and Well-Fed

Dehydration makes altitude sickness worse. So do not eat enough.

Tips:

• Drink 3+ litres of water a day
• Sterilize river/tap water with tablets or filters
• Consume dal bhat, soups, noodles, and power snacks
• Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and too much coffee

Teahouses serve hot food, but it is best to carry some energy bars, nuts, or dry fruits with you.

6. Respect the Trail and Locals

The trails are steep, narrow, and slippery. Adhere to safety guidelines at all times and respect local traditions.

Respect locals:

• Don’t enter houses/monasteries without permission
• Dress conservatively
• Greet with “Namaste” and smile
• Obey your guide’s instructions at all times
• Local knowledge can be a lifesaver in remote regions.

There are special permits if you wish to trek in the Manaslu region. It is a closed area, and you cannot visit there freely like in some of the other trails in Nepal. The authorities have put regulations in place to protect nature and culture. That is why you need to secure three different permits before you can trek.

You must trek accompanied by at least one licensed guide and in a group of two or more people (excluding the guide). Trekking alone is not allowed here.

You need 3 permits:

1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

    Needed for Jagat to Sama Gaun route

Cost:

• USD 100 per person for the first 7 days (from Sept to Nov)
• USD 15 per day beyond 7 days
• Lower Dec to Aug rates: USD 75 for 7 days, thereafter USD 10/day

2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

    Required for entire Manaslu region

    Cost: NPR 3,000 per person (roughly USD 23)

3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Required after crossing Larkya La Pass and entering the Annapurna region

Cost: NPR 3,000 per person (roughly USD 23)

Quick Points to  be Noted

• You must trek with a registered agency and licensed guide.
• Solo trekkers are not allowed.
• Permission is issued only in Kathmandu or Pokhara, by trekking companies.
• Passport and visa photocopy should be provided for permission.
• No TIMS card is required for Manaslu Circuit.

Walking the Manaslu Circuit involves hiking along dense forests, rock tracks, mountain passes at altitudes, and chilly nights. You don’t have to be a climber, but you should pack efficiently. Proper gear can make your experience safer, cozier, and much more comfortable.

Here’s an entire list of what to bring:

• Clothing and sleep equipment
• Small, essential items

Clothing: Dress in Layers

The weather fluctuates significantly on this hike — hot and sunny at lower elevations, freezing at high altitudes. That’s why layering is essential.

• Base Layers (Next to your skin):

         1-2 Moisture-wicking T-shirts (no cotton)

         1 Thermal top and bottom (for chilly nights)

• Middle Layers (For warmth):

           1 fleece jacket or light down jacket

           1 insulating layer (such as a wool sweater or synthetic puffy)

• Outer Layers (For rain and wind):

          Waterproof and windproof jacket (important)

           Waterproof pants or rain trousers

• Trekking Pants:

         1–2 quick-dry hiking pants

         1 pair warm insulated pants (for cold days or nights)

•  Underwear and Socks:

          3–5 pairs of trekking socks (wool or synthetic)

           2–3 pairs of quick-dry underwear

• Gloves and Hat:

        Warm insulated gloves or mittens

         Lightweight inner gloves (optional)

         Warm woolen or fleece hat (covers ears)

         Sun hat or cap (for lower altitudes)

 Footwear

Trekking boots: 

• Waterproof, sturdy, and broken in. Don’t arrive with new boots
• Camp shoes or sandals: For rest days and evenings
•  Gaiters (optional): Handy in mud or snow

Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping bag (rated -10°C to -15°C)
• Sleeping bag liner (optional): Extra warmth and hygiene
•  Teahouses supply blankets, but they’re inadequate on their own

Bags and Packing

• Backpack (35–50L): Daily use if you hire a porter
• Duffel bag (60–80L): Porter will carry this
• Rain cover: For backpack or duffel (weather is uncertain)
• Dry sacks or plastic bags: For drying clothes and electronics

Trekking Essentials

• Trekking poles: For balance, downhill trek, and knee saving
• Headlamp (with spare batteries): Helpful for early starts or power failures
• Water bottles or hydration bladder (2–3L capacity)
• Water purification tablets, drops, or filter: Helpful for safe drinking water
• Sunglasses: UV protection for high-altitude snow glare
• Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 30+): Sunlight is intense at high altitude
• Small towel to dry quickly
• Toiletries & First Aid
• Toilet paper and wet wipes (tea houses don’t have them)
• Hand sanitizer
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Nail clipper and soap/shampoo

First-aid kit with:

• Band-aids, tape, antiseptic cream
• Painkillers (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen)
• Diamox (for acute mountain sickness – consult your doctor)
• Blister care (Compeed or moleskin)
• ORS (oral rehydration salts)

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

• Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh)
• Solar charger (optional but convenient)
• Camera or smartphone (for photos)
• Notebook and pen (for journaling or notes)
• Cash in Nepalese Rupees (no ATMs beyond Arughat or Soti Khola)
• Passport and permits (keep copies too)
• Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, nuts, trail mix