Solo female traveler to Manaslu Circuit? Worried? Forget it. We will clear your concerns and make you win over your fear through this article.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a breathtaking experience that attracts adventurers from around the world, and it has so much to offer: the stunning landscapes, snow-capped mountains, wildlife, and an opportunity to immerse oneself in the cultural heritage of local communities. But for women who want to embark on this adventure, they need to take proactive precautions for safety and make good preparations to ensure that this journey will become one of their beautiful memories and a journey for a lifetime to cherish.
Solo traveling to the Manaslu Circuit Trek does not equate to trekking alone along the trails because there will be a guide beside you who is mandatory. With the following information, you can take out time for this exciting Manaslu Circuit Trek as a solo female traveller by conquering your fear and connecting with the serene natural beauty of the Manaslu region and forging connections with fellow travellers from around the world.
You can be rest assured that the Manaslu Circuit Trek is safe for solo female travelers. With its growing popularity, you can encounter many fellow travelers from around the world, giving you the opportunity to share camaraderie with them. Additionally, along the trails, you will pass through many small villages, and you will feel secure because of the local people’s warm hospitality. Furthermore, with the growing awareness for the safety of females in Manaslu Circuit, you will feel safe and you will be made to feel safe with a friendly environment of the local people. However, you need to take safety precautions to ensure you are trekking safely and enjoyably along with witnessing the majestic beauty of the Manaslu Circuit.
It is mandatory to have a guide with you for Manaslu Circuit Trek even if you are solo trekking to Manaslu Circuit Trek. The Nepal government has enforced this rule to ensure that you have a safe and enriching trekking experience with a knowledgeable and experienced guide beside you by providing you with proper navigation along the challenging terrain and giving you insights into the local communities in such remote locations. Additionally, you will be getting licensed guides who are trained in first aid and emergency responses. So, their presence will prevent unwanted attention from you as a solo female traveller, they will enlighten you with the regulations of the location, and they will assure you of a peaceful and comfortable trekking experience.
As a solo female traveller to the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you need to select a reputable trekking agency for your safe and enjoyable trekking experience. For this, you can search the reputable and high-rated travel agencies online by checking out the testimonials and reviews of the previous trekkers, mainly females. TripAdvisor and travel blogs are online platforms that will provide you honest feedback. While selecting a good agency, make sure that they are experienced and provide a flexible itinerary that can be adjusted according to your preferences. Moreover, do not feel any hesitation to inquire about solo travellers’ accommodation and logistical arrangements, including transportation and permits. Finally, be clear about all the costs to avoid any surprise charges later, and try to build communication with the guide and your chosen agency before the trek to get more assurance and confidence about your safety.
We advise you as a solo female traveller to hire a female guide for your safe and comfortable trekking experience. A female guide with good experience, extensive knowledge about the remote locations and trained with first aid skills will provide you companionship and security along the trails. You need to inquire about the guide’s familiarity with the challenges of the route and their approaches to safety and preparedness. Furthermore, hire a female porter who has good experience in the field and enjoys female trekking adventures. This will empower women and set examples for progressive women's adventure tourism in Nepal.
Conduct a pre-trek meeting with the guide or trekking agency for discussions about your itinerary, safety measures, and specific concerns regarding solo female travellers in the Manaslu Circuit. You as a solo female traveller need to address your expectations regarding the Manaslu Circuit Trek’s difficulty, daily walking durations, and acclimatization strategies to prevent altitude sickness. This pre-trek meeting will give you detailed information about the packing requirements, including clothes suitable for different weather conditions, footwear for rugged terrains, and gear requirements. Additionally, you can discuss the cultural norms and practices that are relevant to women to keep respect and understanding of the local culture while trekking. More importantly, clear your queries about safety, including potential risks and emergency procedures, with your selected guide or trekking agency.
As a solo female traveller, you need to stay alert to your surroundings and maintain situational awareness while trekking along the trail. You may be more vulnerable to trekking at dusk or after dark, so avoid it. Additionally, we advise you to let someone know about your trekking plans, even if they are short trips during your acclimatization and exploration times. Even if you are with your guide, take some safety precautions like carrying a whistle or personal alarm and carry a small tool for self-defense. Furthermore, keep your valuable things in a store securely or out of sight at the tea houses and while trekking to prevent or to minimize the risk of theft. Finally, interact and build some connection with your fellow trekkers and the local people to broaden your network of contacts to get offered the safety you might need along the trails.
You will find a number of trekkers while trekking the Manaslu circuit along the trails, giving you an opportunity to share stories, tips, and camaraderie. On the other side, do not hesitate to converse with the people who are eager to connect with you for being a solo traveller. Also, show your mutual respect and conduct a friendly environment at the tea houses and learn the basic greetings in Nepali, such as “Namaste,” meaning “Hello,” and “Dhanyawad,” meaning “Thank You,” to establish good rapport with the locals.
In terms of safety, you need to be cautious about your surroundings. So, keep your belongings secure and be alert to your surroundings while you are accepting or you are invited to get engaged in local activities. Furthermore, you can trek by joining some group treks, which will ease your anxieties about being a solo female traveller.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is generally safe for solo female travellers but it is possible that you may encounter some instances of unwanted attention. You need to be aware of the location and its cultural context while trekking. While trekking to Manaslu Circuit, you may meet local people, especially local men who would bother you and who may cross your personal boundaries. So, we advise you to seek help from the local people nearby or fellow trekkers if someone is making you uncomfortable or harassing you. Additionally, it will be beneficial if you learn some Nepali phrases to diminish unwanted attention, like saying “Tadha Jau,” meaning “Go away” in English. You can report them to the local authorities if the harassment escalates or they keep bothering you.
As a solo female traveller, you need to have a reliable mobile phone with local SIM cards such as “Ncell” or “NTC” and get the emergency contacts and local contacts in your phone. Additionally, you need to download online messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, and Telegram to inform your family and friends about your check-in times and itinerary. Furthermore, you can use Garmin inReach or SPOT devices, which are satellite communication devices, to send your GPS location and emergency messages when there is no service available on your mobile phone.
Dial 101 for Police assistance
Dial 102 for ambulance services
Dial 103 for fire emergencies
You might struggle with managing your hygiene while menstruating during your trek to the Manaslu Circuit because of the limited facilities due to its remoteness. For this, you need to be prepared by carrying your own essentials to maintain your personal hygiene during menstruation, such as menstrual cups or cloth pads, which are reusable and environmentally friendly; you can even wash them with boiled water. You can also take period underwear for your extra protection. Importantly, you need to pack enough essentials that will last throughout the duration of your trek because the sanitary products along the trails are not easily available. If in case you run out of sanitary supplies, adjust and compromise with the available sanitary products of the remote locations.
Note: Store your soiled items in a resealable bag to dispose later in the wastebin, or dig a small hole 70 meters away from water resources and trails for burying if necessary for sanitation.
While packing for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you need to make sure that your clothes are not only suitable for the varying weather conditions and challenging trails but also that the cultural context of local people is taken into consideration. As the Manaslu circuit is remote and rich in traditions, make sure that your clothes are simple and respectful of the local customs, as they value modesty. So, take clothes that cover your soldiers and knees. You can pack a lightweight scarf or shawl not only for warmth but also to cover your head while engaging in the local activities.
You, as a solo female traveller need to honor the sacred places such as monasteries during your Manaslu Circuit Trek. Behave respectfully by removing your shoes before entering the monasteries and by wearing modest clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Additionally, there may be strict rules about taking photos inside monasteries, so ask for their permission to take pictures and be familiar with their rules and regulations while making a visit to such religious sites. While carrying out devotional practices, follow the right practices, such as walking clockwise while chanting prayers and spinning prayer wheels, just like the pilgrims.
Note: Be open-minded while approaching the cultural practices, have a willingness to listen and learn, and appreciate their unique ways of life for a more enriching experience.
Note: Always keep your phone fully charged, be alert to your surroundings, and trust your instincts.
You, as a solo female traveller will find the Manaslu region relatively quiet compared to the other tracks like Annapurna and Everest, which gives you a more personal and intimate experience with the magical and stunning natural environment and the unique culture and traditional lifestyle of local communities. We can assure you that you will be safe and have an enjoyable experience during your Manaslu Circuit Trek because the local people are warm, friendly, and hospitable, and the established trails and well-trained guides and porters will offer you the best assistance and companionship.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is emotionally rewarding for you as you get the contemplation and connection with yourself because of its remoteness. More importantly, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and independence while trekking, as many other previous solo female travellers eventually contribute to women's empowerment. Therefore, Manaslu Circuit Trek stands out as an exemplary choice for you as a solo female traveller providing you a lifetime opportunity to connect with yourself along with the stunning views of the Himalayas and the rich cultural heritage of local communities along the trails while giving you the commitment to safety.
The beauty of the stunning landscapes, along with the eighth-highest peak in the world, Mount Manaslu, makes it an increasingly popular choice for adventurers, and the rich culture of the Gurung and Tibetans invites cultural enthusiasts. But solo female travellers have their concerns, which is not unusual. Despite your worries, with the right tips for safety and preparation given throughout this guide, from understanding and respecting local culture to taking safety precautions, including packing essentials for hygiene and security, you can take your chance as a solo female traveller and embark on the journey of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or WhatsApp us at +9779801127073.
Manaslu/package/complete-manaslu-circuit-trek-2025-route-difficulty-costs/
