Safety Tips for the Manaslu Circuit Trek | Staying Healthy and Prepared on the Trail

Here are some to ensure your safety for the Manaslu Circuit Trek:

Training and preparation

It takes physical stamina, endurance, and good health to hike to the Manaslu Circuit trek. There is a significant rise and descent on the hiking trail to Manaslu trekking. So, you must be prepared physically and mentally to succeed on your journey.

 Start a fitness regimen at least two to three months prior to your excursion. Exercises like stretching, strength training, and cardio are highly recommended. Go for a daily walk or run and if possible try to carry some weight to prepare for trekking. Bring the gear you'll need for trekking during your trip.

Packing

What you bring in the trek is going to depend on how long you will be traveling, the weather, and how comfortable you are with living simply during that time. For the Manaslu circuit trek, you should be able to carry everything you need into a single backpack which should not be too heavy.

Trekkers frequently make the error of bringing unnecessary items. As a result, refrain from bringing more stuff than you need. Because you rarely utilize them most of the time. So, Make a list before packing, and only then do your luggage and most importantly leave anything on the list that is unneeded out of your luggage.

Proper acclimatization

You reach elevations of more than 5,000 meters on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. That is why rushing can make you fatigued or ill because your body won't have time to become used to the reduced oxygen levels that come with higher elevations. So, in order to properly prepare your body, walk at your most comfortable speed and proper acclimatization is necessary. You should stay at higher elevations for an additional day to give your body time to acclimate to the altitude in order to be prevented altitude sickness.

Stay hydrated

It's crucial to stay hydrated when you're at high altitude. In comparison to sea level, the human body rapidly loses water at higher altitudes. Your body strives to get more oxygen as you walk to high elevations like the Manaslu Circuit trek. That is why it's so important to stay hydrated.

To avoid dehydration and altitude sickness, consume at least 3.5–4 liters of water daily. Additionally, if you are taking Diamox to treat altitude sickness, you should consume around 5 liters of water daily. Keep in mind that staying hydrated is the key to staying healthy on the hike. If you develop this practice, you'll be able to avoid altitude sickness and feel healthy the entire time you're traveling.

Bring Enough Cash

Make sure you bring enough money on the hike so you don't run out of it in the middle of it. Money withdrawal before the hike is a lot more practical, accessible, and secure option due to the unavailability of ATMs in the Manaslu circuit trek. Therefore, it is wise to withdraw enough cash before hiking.

Eat Vegetables and Soups

Soups made with vegetables and broth are low in calories and fat while providing a wealth of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Trekkers should be aware that high elevations are less accommodating to the stomach than they are to the lung. Foods take longer to be swallowed at high altitudes. So it makes sense to choose foods that are simple to digest. Vegetarian meals are healthier throughout the walk because they are cooked freshly and with wholesome ingredients. All soups, including garlic soups, keep you warm and help you avoid altitude sickness because they are healthful. If possible you can also bring some energy drinks, chocolates, and dry fruits to get energy while trekking.

Hire experienced guide and porter

A guide can make your walk much more convenient because the Manaslu circuit trek can occasionally be challenging. A guide will help with the itinerary, routes, food, and lodging. Your tour will be enhanced by the guides' insightful commentary on the local trails, mountains, culture, and way of life. Additionally, Professionally trained and experienced guides can converse with you readily in English and can offer First Aid, basic AMS care, and mountain rescue services if necessary.

Choose the appropriate time for the trek

The fall and spring seasons are the most pleasurable in terms of weather and scenery for the Manaslu circuit trek. Trekking is possible in September, while there is a chance of overcast weather if the monsoon ends later than expected. Although it could be cooler and there might still be winter snow at higher elevations, March can also be a fantastic time to travel.

Due to the off-season, summer/monsoon and winter are more sedate. So, trekking during these seasons involves some difficulty due to the harsh weather conditions. Even seasoned tourists can get caught off guard by the intricate weather patterns that are common in the Himalayas. As July and August might bring significant monsoon rains to the Manaslu Region avoiding these seasons can be a great idea.

“It takes less time to do a thing right, than it does to explain why you did it wrong”. So, GO SAFE, BE SAFE, LEAVE SAFE, AND HOME SAFE.