Manaslu Trek Packing List: Day-By-Day Tips on What to Wear for the Manaslu Circuit

If there’s one thing you don’t want to get wrong, it’s your Manaslu trek packing list.

Knowing what to pack for the Manaslu Circuit Trek will set you up for success. It doesn’t matter too much if you forget your gloves for a half-day hike in your hometown, but on an 11-day high-altitude trek in Nepal? It spells disaster.

This year, I successfully completed the Manaslu Circuit trek with Himalayan Masters.

So, after almost two weeks of big smiles and sore muscles, I’m sharing my complete Manaslu trek packing list and a day-by-day account of what to wear on the Manaslu Circuit.

I hope that my first-hand tips will set you up for a successful (and once-in-a-lifetime) trek.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. If you decide to click through and make a qualifying purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you – thanks for your support.

Why Is Your Manaslu Trek Packing List So Important?

The Manaslu Circuit stretches from 869 metres to 5,106 metres. Therefore, it goes from very hot to very cold in just 11 days.

So, not only do you need to be prepared for three days of hiking in hot, humid conditions.

You also need to prepare for temperatures ranging from -10°C to 10°C (14°F to 50°F) at the highest point, the Larke Pass (Larkya La Pass)… and, if you’re lucky like me, thick snow.

Snow on the Larke Pass!

VS A hot and humid first few days.

But, can you buy clothes and other gear on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Nope! The Manaslu Circuit is an up-and-coming Nepal trek. It’s not as well-established as the Everest Base Camp trek, where you can buy gear along the route.

You need to bring everything with you.

Basic snacks (chocolate bars, nuts, crisps, etc), toilet paper and a few other essentials are available at teahouses.

However, there’s only one place selling clothes and shoes (on day two, between Jagat and Deng).

Weather and Temperature on the Manaslu Circuit

To understand what to pack for the Manaslu Circuit, you also need to know what to expect from the weather and temperature.

What’s the temperature on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The temperature on the Manaslu Circuit generally ranges from -10°C to 27°C (81°F to 14°F) depending on the season and weather conditions.

Here’s a breakdown of the temperatures you can expect:

• Days 1 – 2 (20°C – 27°C / 68°F – 81°F ): Prepare for hot, humid weather. Most of the day, you will be hiking in direct sunlight, so sun protection is important.
• Days 3 – 6 (5°C to 16°C / ): The temperature gradually drops the higher you get, so layering is key.
• Days 8 – 10 (-10°C to 10°C): Temperatures often reach below freezing.
• Day 11 (10°C to 23°C): Layers become key again, as you go from cold to hot.
• Van to and from Manaslu: The temperature is hot and humid, but air-conditioning can be chilly.

Preparing for all weather conditions: sun, rain and snow

The first thing to be aware of is the sun. At high altitudes, the UV is high, so you need adequate sun protection:

• Sun cream (50+ SPF)
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses with UV protection – snow blindness is another risk at high altitudes.

In the Manaslu Region, the weather can change very quickly. It’s common to encounter heavy rain (more so in September, just after rainy season). For this, you need:

• Boots and trainers with Gore-Tex (this material is lightweight and waterproof).
• Waterproof coat and trousers with a waterproof rating of at least 15,000 – 20,000 mm.

Trust me – you don’t want wet feet! This is also a possibility at the highest point of the trek, the Larke Pass.

When I reached the Larke Pass, there was 5 – 7 inches of fresh snow on the ground. I was very happy to be wearing my Gore-Tex hiking boots.

What to Pack for the Manaslu Circuit: Complete Manaslu Packing List

Before I share what to wear for the Manaslu Circuit and my day-by-day account, I want to provide my full Manaslu trek packing list.

There are a few important things to remember when you pack:

• Layers are key. The weather and temperature can change quickly. You’ll also warm up while trekking and cool down quickly during breaks.
• Merino wool clothing is optimal. It doesn’t get stinky quickly and responds to your body temperature, helping to keep you cool or warm depending on the temperature.
• Don’t forget a neck gaiter, ear coverings, and UV-protected sunglasses.
• Get the right waterproofs! The rating should be at least 15,000-20,000 mm.

1. Hiking bags

If you’re hiring a porter:

• Day pack: 25 – 30 litres
• Waterproof bag cover
• Money belt to carry valuables within the village/teahouses.

If you’re carrying your own gear:

• Backpack: 50 – 65 litres
• Day pack (for side trips): 25 – 30 litres
• Waterproof bag covers
• Money belt

I highly recommend hiring a porter to carry your belongings for the trek. With Himalayan Masters, my porter cost $260 USD for the full trek ($20 per day).

If you’re using a porter, the total weight of your bag should be under 20kg. However, it’s helpful to pack light because porters usually carry two bags. My bag weighed around 15kg.

My bags for the Manaslu Circuit

Most trekking companies, including Himalayan Masters, provide a large waterproof duffle bag which you can fill with your things and pass onto your porter.

If you’re not hiring a porter, it’s even more important to pack light. Your bag should weigh under 15kg, too.

2. Valuables

• Passport and copy
• Travel insurance details (must cover helicopter rescue and trekking over 5,000 metres).
• Trekking permit (usually kept by your guide).
• Cash (rupees): Aim to bring 1,000 – 2,000 NPR per day.
• Cash (USD): Bring tips for your porter and guide (at least 10% of the total price).
• Waterproof ziplock plastic bag to keep valuables dry. Plastic is fine.

3. Tech

• Mobile phone and case
• Local SIM card (NTC has the best signal – I grabbed mine from this NTC shop in Thamel)
• Battery pack (essential for Dharmasala and the Larke Pass)
• International travel adaptor
• Charging cables
• Camera (if needed) and case
• Headphones/earphones
• eReader (books are a little heavy!)

4. Shoes

• Hiking boots with ankle protection (Gore-Tex)
• Trainers/sneakers (lightweight Gore-Tex)
• Sandals or flip flops to wear around teahouse

Make sure to break in your hiking boots before your trek and don’t skip bringing a backup pair of trainers/sneakers (also with Gore-Tex).

I had a problem with my hiking boots and ended up wearing my Gore-Tex trainers for 9 of the 11 days.

I don’t recommend doing the same. Ankle protection is important; a lady in my trekking group had a bad ankle sprain after slipping in boots without ankle support.

5. Clothes

• Down jacket (often provided by the trekking company)
• Lightweight waterproof jacket
• Thermal hat
• Neck gaiter or scarf
• Ear headband (I used my neck gaiter for this, but a specific ear covering would be better).
• Warm fleece
• Lightweight fleece or jumper
• Long-sleeve hiking top
• 2 hiking t-shirts (ideally merino wool)
• 2 sports bras (ideally merino wool)
• 2 thermal base layers (ideally merino wool)
• 2 lightweight hiking shorts
• Lightweight hiking trousers
• Over waterproof trousers
• Lightweight underwear
• 3 – 5 pairs of merino wool socks (increasing in thickness)
• Lightweight gloves
• Heavy-duty waterproof winter gloves

6. Sleeping gear

• Sleeping bag (suitable for -10°C) – this is usually provided by the trekking company.
• Ear plugs
• Eye mask

I slept in a clean set of hiking clothes (shorts and t-shirt at low altitude) or thermals.

Most teahouses provide a pillow and (on request) a blanket. From Shyala (3,500 metres), most trekkers sleep in their sleeping bags for added warmth.

But, look, I’m from Wales and grew up in a home where I was told to jump under the covers and move around until I’m warm.

I only used my sleeping bag at the very highest sleeping altitude (Dharmasala at 4,460 metres) and I was toasty and warm using this technique. From speaking to other trekkers, I was alone in this tactic!

7. Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Face wash
• Moisturiser
• Sun cream
• Mosquito repellent for lower altitudes
• Soap (lighter than shower gel).
• Wet wipes (some days, you can’t shower because it’s too cold).
• Razors
• Nail clippers
• Hair bands/ties

I recommend using travel-sized containers for your toiletries. It really helps to keep your bag light.

8. Medication and First-Aid

Guides will carry a first-aid kit. However, it helps to carry your own basic first-aid, especially for small issues like blisters.

• Hand sanitiser
• Personal prescription medication
• Blister plasters: The thicker, the better. The more, the better.
• Duct tape – honestly, this works better than blister plasters! Trust me.
• Plasters (varying sizes)
• Antiseptic wipes
• Motion sickness pills for the journey to the trailhead
• Imodium
• Anti-allergy pills
• Anti-acids
• Painkillers (paracetamol and ibuprofen)
• Eye drops
• Decongestants (runny/blocked noses are common at high altitude)
• Rehydration sachets (ORS)
• Electrolyte sachets (for hot trekking days)

9. Other essentials

• Water purification tablets (often provided by the trekking company) – don’t risk getting sick.
• x2 water bottles with a total capacity of two litres
• Hiking poles
• Toilet roll (you can buy toilet roll on the trek, but it’s best to bring one with you).
• Snacks (simple but energy-packed snack bars, nuts, sweets, etc)
• Small journal and pen
• Playing cards
• Special food supplies (for dietary restrictions)

Your water bottles need to hold at least two litres. There aren’t always safe places to fill your water bottle, so most trekkers are advised to pack and purify two litres for the morning trek.

At lunch, you can fill and purify another two litres ready for the afternoon. You’re recommended to drink at least 4 – 5 litres of water per day.

What to Wear on the Manaslu Circuit

That brings us to what to wear on the Manaslu Circuit. It bears repeating: layers are key.

They add thermal insulation by trapping layers of air. They’re also easy to remove/add on while trekking.

Day 1 – 3 (Machha Khola to Namrung): Hot, humid conditions

The trek starts out hot and humid, with temperatures of up to 27°C (81°F). For the first two days, as I hiked from 869 metres to 1340 metres, and I was hot and sweaty.

I was very thankful that one of my two hiking t-shirts was made from merino wool, so it didn’t get stinky until day four.

(Yes, I did wear the same shirt for four days, and I recommend you do too. That way, you have a clean hiking shirt for the colder elevations.)

In fact, I wore the exact same outfit for three days straight: the same sports bra, t-shirt and loose hiking shorts.

In the evening (and to bed), I wore my second pair of hiking shorts and my clean sports bra and t-shirt.

Hiking from Deng to Namrung (day three)

At Deng, the sleeping location for day two, I first felt a chill because the village is tucked in a shaded valley.

However, I still recommend you wear shorts for the beginning of day three, because the trek to Namrung is mostly in direct sunlight.

As I made the final descent to Namrung, at 2,630 metres, on day three, I felt the cold creeping in. I wore my lightweight fleece and hiking trousers that evening.

Day 4 – 6 (Namrung to Samagaun): It gradually gets colder

On day four, waking up in Namrung, it was finally time for me to swap my hiking shorts for hiking trousers and put on a fresh hiking t-shirt (yay!).

Proper coffee in Namrung! Save the name: 5xsummitercafe

In the morning, I found myself regretting wearing hiking trousers after climbing a steep hill in the sun. However, after mid-morning, I was thankful when it gradually got colder and colder.

By the time I arrived at Shyala village at the end of day five (in cloudy conditions), I had pulled on my long-sleeve hiking shirt.

Come evening time, it escalated to me wearing cotton tracksuit bottoms, two pairs of merino wool socks, a t-shirt, a fleece and a down jacket.

The next two days were spent between Shyala Village (3,500 metres) and Samagaun (3,530 metres), which are at similar altitudes and require similar clothing.

When hiking, I wore lightweight trousers and an assortment of top layers (usually a t-shirt, long-sleeve hiking top and fleece). As soon as I reached a hill, I’d find myself stripping off those outer layers.

Birendra Lake (side trip from Samagaun)

We also encountered some rain, so I wore my waterproof trousers over the hiking trousers sometimes. This added extra warmth.

Day 7 – 10 (Samdo to Bhimtang via the Larke Pass): Cold weather gear necessary

Day seven is where I felt the hugest shift in temperature. We hiked from Samagaun to Samdo (3,530 to 3,875 metres).

In Samagaon, I was wearing my down jacket in the mornings, nights and evenings. However, I wore only a couple of layers underneath.

However, in Samdo, I was wrapped up (unless hiking) in a thermal base layer, at least two or three layers, three pairs of socks, the down jacket and neck gaiter.

When hiking, I wore more than in Samagaon too: hiking trousers with pull-over waterproof trousers, a thermal base top, a fleece and a waterproof jacket.

Hiking in Samdo – here, I was too hot for my waterproof jacket.

On day 9, when I reached Dharmasala (4,450 metres), it was below freezing. Around 5 – 6 inches. of snow packed onto the ground throughout the afternoon, evening and night.

All afternoon, before the teahouse lit the stove, everyone was shivering and many of us crept into our sleeping bags to try and warm up.

What to Wear for the Larke Pass and Dharmasala

In Dharmasala, I wore practically my entire kit: four pairs of merino wool socks (yes, I’m so serious), two layers of thermals (again, I’m not joking), a t-shirt, a long-sleeved hiking top, two fleeces, the down jacket, both pairs of trousers, a neck gaiter, gloves and a warm hat.

I recommend that you wear your hiking outfit to bed because on day 11, you’ll make a break for the Larke Pass (5,106 metres) in the dark.

It must have been below -5°C when I woke up, but I tried my best to resist packing on all of my gear again. I wore one set of thermals, hiking trousers with over waterproof trousers, two fleeces, the down jacket and my hat, neck gaiter and gloves.

I wore the down jacket for the first 30-45 minutes, but quickly swapped it out for my lighter-weight waterproof jacket once I’d warmed up.

At the top of the pass, the sun was glaring, and I removed more layers. Sunglasses with proper UV protection are essential here, too, or you risk snow blindness.

I recommend wearing a light pair of gloves under heavy-duty waterproof gloves for this day.

Day 11 (Bhimtang to Tilje): Shedding layers quickly

The final day of the Manaslu Circuit sped by. I hiked down from Bhimtang to Tilje (3,590 metres to 2,300 metres).

The temperature quickly increases as you descend, so I was shedding layers like an onion.

In the morning, I started out wearing hiking trousers, a hat, neck gaiter and three top layers.

However, by the time I reached Tilje, I only needed hiking trousers and a t-shirt.

For the ride back to Kathmandu, which is usually the next day, I recommend that you wear shorts if possible because the journey is hot and humid once again.

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I hope you found my guide to what to pack for the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal helpful!

Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below if you have any more questions about what to wear on the Manaslu Circuit, or anything else.

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