Packing List For Manaslu Circuit Trek

Must-Have Essential Documents

The list begins with perhaps the most important part of your travel. The thing is that you can buy other stuff when you’re in Nepal but these ones, you must do it from your end no matter what.
Passport & Visa

This one’s pretty sure for everybody. Without a proper visa, you won’t be able to start your trek at all!

A recent 2025 report claims that more than 274,000 tourists visited Nepal last year. So, if you’re thinking of doing the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal, you could end up in a queue to process your visa.

Since the world is getting smarter day by day, let’s be smart ourselves. The Government of Nepal has an online visa application that you can apply for! This will make your visa process much easier than the physical way.

The good news is that most nationals are permitted tourist visas on arrival. That’s how much we love our guests. So, give a quick peek at this list to know if your country meets the criteria.

Even if your country isn’t on the list, the visa application shouldn’t be that difficult at all!

Now, you might have one question in your head “How many days of visa to get”. While a 15-day visa seems to be available, Mount Glory recommends picking at least 30 days, as there can be permit-limited problems later on. Say no to risks!

Insurance and Emergency

Since the Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you to a very high altitude of up to 5,106 m (Larkya La Pass), there’s a huge risk of altitude sickness in the region. While we always follow the safe approach when trekking, health problems can lead to uncertain accidents, which can sometimes be fatal.

No, we do not want to frighten you this way. With a strong mindset and proper physical exercises, you’ll be able to overcome the difficulties on your way. But like we mentioned earlier, we’re not taking risks, and hence, insurance is a must.

Keep in mind that the insurance shouldn’t just be basic, but it should rather cover all your:

• Search and rescue (preferred via helicopter)
• Medical Evacuation
• Accidents
• High-altitude trek rescue

Note that while Mount Glory Treks shall cover the basic insurance, we shall not be covering your personal travel insurance.

Hear us out here. Since going to the high-altitude Manaslu region can pose a lot of risk, we request that you provide us with an emergency number as well. Also, make sure the emergency contact is well aware that you’re going for the Manaslu Circuit trek too.

Permit

Manaslu Circuit Trek falls in the ‘restricted’ region of Manaslu Conservation Area and even covers some parts of the Annapurna Conservation Area. 

Bearing this in mind, you’ll need to make sure from your travel agency that the required permits are available to you. These include:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card
• Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit
• Gorkha Tsum Valley Permit (if you include Tsum Valley)

For a detailed guide, we suggest reading our article on Manaslu Circuit trek permits which features how to get them and the cost to get them.

Photos and Identifications

For your permits and everything, you need to submit at least two passport-size photographs. And throughout your trip to Nepal, the officials might ask you to submit multiple ones. So, please don’t forget to carry extra photos with you.

Another important thing is that while a passport does most of the tasks, carrying an identity card of your organization or institution can also sometimes be helpful. 

Copies and Backups

It’s absolutely essential that you carry all of the aforementioned documents at all times, especially the passport and permit. These items are often asked by the checkpost officials when you’re on your trip to the Manaslu circuit.

Of course, if you travel often, you know that there’s quite a risk of losing these important documents. So, a good idea is to keep multiple physical copies as well as digital (click photos), so that it acts as your backup.

Cash

We know US Dollars have a great value, but that won’t help once you reach the rural section of the Manaslu trek. You need to exchange them for Nepali rupees, and we hope you do that as soon as you land in Kathmandu.

Also, you won’t be able to use your debit or credit cards. Online payments are almost impossible as the network issue is still prevalent in some regions.

So, carrying cash is an absolute must for every trekker. Make sure to distribute them in different sections of your bags, purses, and purses so that you don’t lose them.

Travel Clothing

Now that you’ve carried the most essential documents that permit you to travel in the Manaslu region, it’s time to learn about the right clothing for this trip.

Going on treks isn’t like summer is hot and winter is cold, and we truly believe you’re aware of that. Even if not, let us remind you that you’ll be in the lower part of the Himalayas and the temperature can go down below zero degrees, even if it’s summer in Nepal.

That said, do not make a mistake and pack only summer clothing if you’re planning the Manaslu Circuit trek from spring to autumn. Winter clothes are absolutely essential. What’s even more important is to learn about the right garments to wear.

Head Gear

Let’s start from the top of your body. Your head region needs to be warm at all times, and for that, here’s the packing list:

• A wide-brimmed hat or sun cap
• Woolen cap or beanie
• Buff / neck gaiter / bandana / balaclava 
• Sunglasses (high-altitude UV protection)
• Headlamps (essential during early mornings and late evenings)
• Prescription glasses, if required (better to avoid contact lenses)

Body Gear

• Since you’ll need to fight the cold, we’ll be sub-categorizing your body gear into three categories:

Base Layer

The base layer varies depending on the season of trekking. For spring, summer, and autumn, consider going for these:

• Moisture-wicking t-shirts (at least one or two per day)
• Long-sleeved trekking shirts (polypropylene recommended)
• Light trousers or shorts

The pair of trekking shirt and trousers comes in handy for winters too. However, you should be going for an extra insulating layer.

These insulating layers can be removed when you’re hiking, as your sweat can make them moist. These are basically the ones you are required to wear when you’re in the tea houses during the morning and evening periods:

• Lightweight thermal tops 
• Lightweight thermal trousers (should come in pairs)

Mid Layer

Usually, in the lower parts of the Manaslu trekking region, the base and mid layers are enough as they are comparatively hotter areas. But once you cross the 3000 m on Day 4, you’ll start catching the cold breeze and there’s a risk of getting cold.

Shop for the following clothes that shall keep you warm:

• Fleece jacket
• Wind-stopper jackets 
• Pullovers
• Woolen sweaters
• Fleece pants

Outer Layer

These are the ones you’ll be wearing throughout the morning and evenings, while having the option to remove them when walking in the sun. 

Probably, the outer layers are the most important part of the travel clothing you’ll need when you’re doing the Manaslu circuit trek.

We suggest not carrying more than two outer layer pairs as they can make your backpack heavy. But make sure these are both wind and water-resistant:

• Synthetic or down/puffer jackets
• Durable rain jackets/raincoats
• Waterproof hiking pants
• Hoodies
• Jacket with caps

Handwear

One thing that most trekkers miss out on is the handwear. While you won’t need them when you’re hiking in the hotter regions, they are a must once you reach the top.

In fact, if you’re doing the Manaslu circuit trek during the winter, you might freeze your hands without these:

• Inner fleece gloves (the base layer for your hand, touchscreen-compatible)
• Outer gloves (make sure they protect you from rain, snow, and wind)

Footwear

It’s time for your feet. These include high-quality socks, shoes, and the right slippers, too. Note that you need to get the ones that are meant for hiking/trekking:

• Highly durable hiking/trekking boots with good grip
• Thick and warm woolen socks (one for each day of hiking and a few pairs when you’re in the lodges)
• Gaiters
• An extra pair of trainers/sneakers (for your bus trips)
• Trekking sandals or slippers (avoid flip-flops)
• Rain shoe covers
• Knee pads (especially for those whose legs hurt during downhill)

Innerwear

Lastly, you shouldn’t miss out on bringing multiple innerwear clothes for your Manaslu Circuit Trek. They can slightly vary based on your gender:

• Moisture-wicking, quick-dry undergarments (nylon recommended)
• Sports bras or bralettes
• Thermal underwear (when not hiking)
• Or, Disposable underwear (be sure to throw them in the dustbins)

Trekking Equipment

As much as it is important to buy the right clothes for the Manaslu circuit trek, it’s just as essential to get the appropriate gear. We’re referring to your backpack, trekking poles, and other essential items that beginners are probably unaware of.

Backpacks

Starting with your bag, you can’t just carry a normal backpack to your Manaslu or any other trek in Nepal. You can find dedicated trekking we bags at the market.

The right trekking bags aren’t just durable but even provide strapping mechanisms to properly distribute weight. This way, even the heaviest load becomes light to carry.

However, one backpack won’t suffice for this long-duration Manaslu circuit trek. So, you’ll have to upgrade your shopping list:

• 50-60 L trekking bag (for 8 days) or 70-90 L (for 13+ days)
• Duffle bag (for your heavy stuff)
• Daypacks (to carry around when you’re in the city or in lodges during the trek)
• Zip-lock bags (waterproof recommended)
• Stuff sacks / dry bags / extra polythene bags (to place your used inner wear)
• Garbage bags (optional)
• Backpack covers for each of the ones mentioned above

Hiking Essentials

Now, let’s get into those items that you’ll be carrying most of the time during your walks. These are a must, and we suggest not missing out on anyone from the list as they ease your hiking:

• Trekking poles (collapsible)
• Purifying water tablets (don’t drink straight from rivers/streams)
• Hydration drinks (like Isotonic Powder)
• Headlamps and torches (with extra batteries)
• Reusable water bottles (at least two, one for warm and another for cold water)
• Face masks (can be used when you’re on the bus, too)
• Swiss Army knife
• Crampons or micro spikes (optional: depends on whether there’s snow or not)

Navigation & Communication

While a trekking guide and even a potter will be with you at all times, you should still carry some navigation and communication items in case anything goes wrong. Let us help you with what you should be carrying:

• Guidebook (helps you learn about the Manaslu Conservation Area)
• Map (provided to you in the first checkpost)
• Local SIM cards with enough data package (two if possible: NTC and NCELL, since Wi-Fi is limited, and in case one has a network issue, another will help)
• E-sim (if your phone supports it, but the processing can take time)
• Binoculars (get a sight of the wildlife)
• A compass or a GPS device

Sleeping Equipment (optional)

Sleeping bags are less of a concern in the Manaslu circuit trek as there will be enough accommodation throughout the trail. You’ll be settling in the tea houses and lodges, depending on the availability.

While the Manaslu circuit trek isn’t as popular as the Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp treks, it still can be crowded with tourists during the peak season. So, your travel agency (like Mount Glory Treks) will help you know whether a sleeping bag is essential during that time.

Based on that, you can shop or rent these items accordingly:

• 4-season sleeping bags (rated to withstand -10 to -20°C)
• Thermosets (to provide extra insulation)
• Sleeping bag liner
• An extra-thin blanket

Personal Care and First Aid

Most of the items mentioned above were a must-carry. Now, the items that we’re going to discuss depend on your preference and personal choices.

Toiletries & Personal Hygiene

Keep in mind that we’re heading to the Manaslu-Gorkha region, a very rural place in Nepal. As much as you’re going to enjoy the village life here, some of you might face difficulties adjusting to a very different lifestyle for the next one to two weeks.

Considering that, we highly suggest carrying these essential toiletries based on your needs:

• Sunscreen cream (SPF 30 or higher, depending on your skin type)
• Lip Balm or vaseline (SPF preferred)
• Moisturizer (depends on your skin type)
• Other makeup items for the ladies
• Wet wipes/tissues
• Face wipes
• Toilet paper roll/tissue paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Biodegradable soap or handwash (small one)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Shampoo (dry recommended)
• Hair gels or serums
• Quick-drying towels (multiple)
• Deodorants (since you might miss taking a shower)
• Nail clippers
• Hairbrush or comb
• Face flannels
• Small mirror
• Body oil
• Razor, shaving cream, and after-shave gels (for men)
• Menstrual cups and sanitary napkins (for women)

First Aid Kit With Medicines

As we have mentioned multiple times in this article, we should never take risks when going for treks, especially when the Manaslu circuit trek includes a high-altitude region. So, a small first aid kit can help you in case of emergencies, and carry this with you at all times.

Make sure that this first aid kit is packed with all of the below-mentioned items. We might have missed out on a few, but you’ll get a general idea after going through the list:

• Antibiotics
• Painkillers
• Pain relief gels or sprays
• Cough Lozenges or syrups (since most trekkers catch a cold)
• Zinc Oxide Tape
• Thermometer 
• Oximeter (when you’re at high altitude)
• Plasters or bandages
• Adhesive bandages (waterproof recommended)
• Foot powder (absorbs moisture and prevents odor)
• Skin blister repair kit
• Antidiarrheals
• Diamox tablets for altitude sickness (A MUST)
• Oral rehydration solutions
• Eye drops
• Ear plugs
• Eye masks
• Insect repellent
• Electrolytes or tablets
• Your personal medical prescription from the doctor (is mandatory if you have some long-term diseases)
• Other medicines that you take

Food and Snacks

The Manaslu circuit trek will accompany you with tea houses. While they might store some of your favorite items, you won’t get everything there. So, you might consider carrying a few snacks from Kathmandu itself.

Also, keep in mind that you won’t find hotels, restaurants, or even tea houses along many parts of the trail until you reach the main destination for accommodation. So, carrying snacks on your dry sacks can be beneficial to beat out the hunger.

We won’t be mentioning your favorite treats here, but the high-calorie ones that actually boost energy during your hikes:

• Chocolates/sweets
• Protein/energy bars
• Granola Bars
• Dried fruits and nuts
• Instant coffee or tea (carry a cup for personal use, too)
• Biscuits 
• Dry or cup noodles
• Garlic and cloves (help fight altitude sickness)

Electronics and Accessories

We all can admit that we are somewhat addicted to our smartphones these days. However, the harsh truth is that there’s an electricity problem in the rural areas of the Manaslu circuit trek.

Most of the villages are still relying on solar energy and not on the hydropower that is generated in Nepal itself. Basically, this solar energy isn’t enough to light up and charge everyone’s devices.

We just can’t predict what can go wrong, and not powering your phones and not being able to come in contact with your families back home can be a worrying factor. So, to avoid such issues, don’t forget to add this to your packing list:

• Your smartphone (of course!)
• Universal adapter
• Cameras (if you have, but note that filming and drones require extra permits and costs)
• Earphones / Earbuds / Headphones
• Speakers/buffers
• Power bank (20,000 mAh or above)
• Portable or solar charger (optional)
• Extra batteries for the ones required
• Chargers for every electronic mentioned above (extra power cables if you have)

Optional Comfort Items

We’re almost done! The list might already look overwhelming, but there are probably items that we might have missed. Here are the extra ones to add to your packing list for the Manaslu Circuit Trek for your comfort and security:

• Travel pillow (beneficial in your bus journey)
• Duct tapes
• Sewing set
• Small padlocks (to secure your bags)
• Spare shoelaces
• Lightweight umbrella
• Books or e-readers
• Playing cards and other games (in case you get bored)
• Journal with a pen
• Microfiber towels
• Sunglasses
• Purse
• Hair dryer (small)
• Hand grips

Packing Tips For Manaslu Circuit Trek

That was your packing list for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Now, based on our guiding experiences and the problems we’ve noticed among our guests, we’ll help you with some tips and tricks for your packing:

• While we have prepared a comprehensive list for your Manaslu trek, not all of them are needed. Carry the items you absolutely require.
• In case you do require most of the item, we have repeatedly been saying this — hire a local porter and mule. This way, you’ll help reduce your burden and even help them financially.
• Only purchase items that are of high quality and from reliable brands. Some of our recommendations are The North Face, Icebreaker, Under Armor, Columbia, Berghaus, Helly Hansen, Mountain Hardwear, Arc’Teryx, Rab Positron, etc. 
• Use packing cubes or dry bags when organizing the items in your trekking bag.
• Test before you start your hike, ensuring that you don’t feel discomfort or pain (mainly in the shoulders).
• Utilize your jacket’s pockets for essential items and keep the most needed items on top.
• Prepare yourself physically and mentally after you have finished packing.
• Leave excess items in Kathmandu’s hotel and take them back when you return home.
• For the Manaslu circuit trek, we won’t return the same trail. So, don’t leave stuff in the tea houses.
• And most importantly, you don’t have to buy all the mentioned items: renting is also possible!

Where to Buy These Trekking Gears?

Carrying your personal items and electronics from home isn’t a big deal. But you don’t have to carry all the stuff on the airplane, as every item is easily available in Kathmandu.

You’ll be staying in Thamel for the first few nights and it’s a hub for all the tourists. So, you can find anything that you can find in your hometown along with other essentials that you’ll require throughout the trip.

In fact, a lot of these shops allow you to rent the items at a very reasonable cost. And honestly, you don’t have to take headaches regarding this if you connect with Mount Glory Treks.

We are going to help you rent some of the items that we already own or help you negotiate further with the shopkeepers. It’s on our side: we promise!

The cost of the trekking gear for your Manaslu Circuit trek will vary based on the quality and brand you opt for. So, make sure you plan your finances accordingly.

Among all, your clothing and other trekking accessories can cost a little high, which is still the best price compared to all over the world here in Nepal. So, you’ll find it reasonable for sure!

What Equipment Shall Mount Glory Provide?

Choosing Mount Glory Treks as your travel agency has quite a few perks. We aren’t just bluffing here—we seriously care for our guests and ensure that you have the best time not only in the Manaslu region but also in Kathmandu.

We aren’t just going to help you with arranging the travel guides and porters but also guide you towards choosing the best equipment for your needs. While for some you need to shop or rent for yourself, we do provide a few items for absolutely free.

• T-shirt and cap featuring Mount Glory Treks logo
• Trek map
• Duffel bag
• First aid kit (will be carried by the guide)
• Measure your oxygen level throughout the treks using an oximeter
• Sleeping bags (but you have to return these once the trek ends)
• Help you rent trekking poles, down jackets, boots, and anything else as per your needs

We hope we were able to make your packing list for the Manaslu Circuit trek a lot easier. Now, don’t forget to bookmark this article so that you can come back later and check the list before you come to Nepal. 

Lastly, don’t forget to contact Mount Glory Treks if you’re seeking an easy and comfortable Manaslu trekking experience!

FAQs About Manaslu Packing List

Are there ATMs on the Manaslu circuit trek route?
No, you won’t find any ATM on the Manaslu circuit trek route. So, it’s essential for you to carry cash.

Is travel insurance necessary for the Manaslu Circuit trek?
Yes, it is mandatory to have travel insurance for the Manaslu circuit trek that covers search and rescue, emergency evacuation, and high-altitude risk rescue.

Are tea houses available along the Manaslu circuit trek route?
Yes, there are tea houses along the Manaslu circuit trek route. So, sleeping bags are optional to carry. 

Should I carry a bed sheet and pillow?
You’ll get the bed sheet and pillow in the tea houses you’ll be staying in. But in case there’s a huge crowd in the peak season, you may buy or rent them with the help of Mount Glory Treks.

What types of plugs and adapters should I carry during my Manaslu Circuit trek?
You can carry a universal adapter or a plug adapter with voltage converter. Note that Nepal’s electrical system uses C, D, and M and the standard voltage is in the range of 220–240 volts.

Are there any emergency rescue options during my Manaslu Circuit trek?
Yes, you’ll be provided emergency helicopter rescue service in case anything goes wrong in the high-altitude region of Manaslu.