Solo Female Trekking in Manaslu: Finding Comfort with the Right Support
3 Sep 2024 Chandra Gurung
If you’re a female thinking of traveling solo to the Manaslu Circuit, there might be hundreds of questions and concerns related to safety.
You might ask yourself questions like: How do people treat women in this country? Are women safe in Nepal? Is a solo female traveler at risk? And more.
To remove these doubts, let us tell you that Nepal is very safe for women. Also, men are very respectful towards women, making this place an ideal place for solo women to travel to.
That said, you must go through some legal safety checks for your own good before embarking on a solo journey to the mountains.
Learn about the Manaslu Circuit Solo Female Trek
Trekkers are giving Manaslu Circuit Trek the recognition it deserves and thanks to their travel experiences, they are encouraging more trek fanatics to travel to this place. You will be amazed when traveling to this serene and isolated gem at a maximum height of 5,110 meters as it sits peacefully in the arms of the Manaslu Himalayan range.
You explore the trail of the Manaslu Valley, accompanied by the Budhi Gandaki River. You will find yourself engulfed by the charm of gushing waterfalls and rugged terrain that gives a magnificent view of the Manaslu, Ganesh, Shringi, and Annapurna ranges. All these visions will offer you companionship throughout the ups and downs of your journey and the utmost respect for solo female trekkers.
Not to forget the ancient dialect, culture, art, and tradition of the untouched Buddhism that will let you learn more about their enriching lifestyle. If you learn these essential Nepali phrases, your solo trek journey as a female will be rewarding.
Can a female trek the Manaslu Circuit solo?
As per the Nepal government’s regulations, traveling to and exploring the Manaslu region needs a minimum of two trekkers to obtain the Manaslu restricted area entry permit. But if you wish to pay for a “ghost trekking permit,” you can embark on your solo Manaslu trek with your guide.
Even a female trekker can travel solo with the right preparations and plans beforehand. With the right information, knowledge, and guidance, your trekking journey will be easier and more fun. Here is why you need help from Himalaya Guide Nepal.
Because the mountains are very unpredictable and dangerous because of their climates, landscapes, trails, and several other factors, we advise you to take a local guide with you to ensure more safety.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Manaslu Circuit for solo female trekkers?
Advantages
1. Getting enough opportunities for personal interactions with the local community and gaining deeper cultural experiences. Homestay at villagers’ houses for more connectivity.
2. Strengthen independence and confidence through self-navigation and mastering challenges.
3. Direct the trek as per your convenience, fitness level, and skills.
4. Achieve an opportunity for a solitude and reflective trek that can be rejuvenating and therapeutic.
5. Even if you start solo, there are decent chances you make friends on the trail.
Disadvantages
1. Increased costs due to lack of cost-sharing for guides, porters, or lodging.
2. Higher levels of stress and feelings of loneliness without any human companionship.
Best time for the Manaslu Circuit—solo female trekkers
Before taking off on a solo trek to Manaslu as a solo female traveler, you must know what the best time is to visit the area for the best trekking experience. Manalsu’s pathway can be dangerous during the summer and winter. In spring, the temperatures on average are around 28 to -15 degrees Celsius and 25 to -15 degrees Celsius in autumn.
We recommend traveling in May and November, as these seasons offer stunning landscapes, perfect weather, and great visibility that will enhance your trekking experience.
The reason why we suggest spring is that it allows lots of availability of transportation and accommodation options along the trial. Spring makes the forests bear vibrant red, pink, and red blooms of rhododendrons, making your travel more mesmerizing.
As Nepalese, we can tell you that Autumn is the best time of the year for traveling. Since Dashain and Tihar are celebrated in this season, the warm weather, clear blue skies, and the autumn breeze will only make your travel more convenient and better.
Do solo female Manaslu trekkers require entry permits?
Let this thing sink in. Before starting your Manaslu trek, there is a lot for you to know and take into action. If you are confused about getting started, we will explain the process.
Since the Manaslu Trek is a tough one, you will be required to acquire a couple of permits from some government agencies. You are free to go solo trekking after receiving these permits. As independent trekking is strictly prohibited, you must hire a licensed guide who has years of experience in exploring such a region.
The registered trekking companies will take care of all the necessary trekking permits with your documents like valid passport copies, visa copies, guide insurance, trekking necessities, agency documents, etc., on your behalf. They will also ensure all the legal permits are ready before you begin your solo trek journey.
How can female solo trekkers travel to Manaslu Circuit?
The Manaslu Trek starts with a bus ride from the capital city to the official trek starting point, Macha Khola which will take nearly 8 hours. You can either take a bus or a jeep, whatever is convenient for you and your budget.
As a solo traveler, you can hire a Manaslu guide, who will plan your itinerary for you and take care of your days to spend with comfort and confidence in Manaslu.
We provide you the travel options for Macha Khola by bus or a private jeep. If you ask us, we highly recommend taking a private jeep as the road condition is long and bumpy. The public bus is normally overcrowded and stops at several villages, making seats congested.
Throughout the trekking route, you will get easy access to small teahouses that have Wi-Fi facilities and relaxing hot showers as well. During the spring and autumn seasons, many of these hotels are packed, so it is nice to book one for yourself in advance.
Are female guides available for solo female travelers?
While male guides are respectful and safe towards a solo female traveler, you can still have access to a female guide if you’re uncomfortable. Many agencies can provide you with a reliable and experienced female guide that will make your trek more convenient. These female guides are fully insured and highly experienced and know all trekking areas of Nepal.
Most of these female guides are so chill and relaxed that you will easily let your guard down. You will get a guide and friend in one person throughout your journey.
Essential trekking gear for solo female trekkers
Having the necessary trekking gear gives the required support and comfort throughout the Manaslu Trek. From fighting unpredictable weather to navigating isolated terrain, it is a must to be prepared with the right types of equipment to ensure a safe and fun trekking experience.
1. Rain Gear
A raincoat or a combination jacket/trousers must be the first item on your list since the weather in the mountains is volatile. One minute you are enjoying the sun in the sky, the other minute you might experience a drizzle or even a downpour, which is why a raincoat is a must.
Since the winds at such a height can be extreme after the sun sets, it is sensible to always carry a down jacket and a down vest which can also save you from coldness.
Talking about other necessary clothing items, you must have a windproof or rainproof trouser, at least two pairs of hiking pants, a pair of shorts, a couple of T-shirts, a fleece jacket, and two pairs of thermal coats.
2. Essentials for cold and wind protection
We can not undervalue the importance of small items like socks and gloves at such times. Carry at least two pairs of gloves; one pair must be fleece and the other pair must be water and windproof. Do not forget to have a handful of undergarments.
You should get yourself a pair of good trekking shoes. The shoes you wear declare your comfort, safety, and enjoyment during your adventure. So, get yourself shoes that are made of durable materials and can handle the rigors of the long trekking. Make sure they are also ankle-supportive and do not cause any blisters.
Also, keep a pair of flip-flops with you as you can give your feet some rest during leisure time around camp.
3. Sun protection
For solo female travelers, they must carry female hygiene products like sanitary pads and wet wipes. During the daytime, the sun exposure can be harsh sometimes, so carry sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and lip balm since the weather changes can make your lips chapped easily. Do not forget a neck gaiter, scissors, water bottles, soap, shampoo, handwash and a small towel.
4. Other Essential Trekking gear
You might as well take some anti-cold pills or pills for altitude sickness. Who doesn’t love a good sleep after a hectic day? We recommend you take your sleeping bag and liner so that you sleep peacefully at night after walking for hours during the day.
You cannot forget to carry a backpack that has space for all your necessities. As many trekkers get lost due to the complex geography of this region, it is better if you carry a compass or a GPS with you.
Many trekkers’ shoes are torn out during the gruesome trek, which can be appalling since shoes are a top necessity during your trek. Therefore, always have shoe repair glue in your bag. That will be more helpful than you could imagine.
Conclusion
Manaslu Trek offers a blend of natural, religious, and cultural experiences for a solo trekker. Since this region is a restricted area, you need a licensed travel guide if you are planning solo travel. This ensures the safety of the solo female adventurers and a happy trekking journey.
The trails of Manaslu will provide an overwhelming fusion of fulfillment and change within oneself. Overall, a solo female trekker will build confidence and resilience and foster a deep connection with nature and herself during and after this memorable trek. Contact Manaslu Guide to book your next trek in Nepal.