Manaslu Expedition

Item

Description / Notes

Expedition down suit (8,000m rated)

Most critical item. Must be rated for −40°C or below. One-piece preferred for C3 and above.

Down jacket (700+ fill)

Heavy insulated jacket for Base Camp evenings and rest days at high camps.

Mid-layer fleece jacket

Polartec 200 or similar. Used at C1–C2 and under the down suit in transition zones.

Soft-shell jacket

Windproof and breathable. For active climbing at lower-to-mid altitude.

Hard-shell waterproof jacket

Gore-Tex or equivalent; fully seam-sealed. Protection against snow, wind, and storms.

Moisture-wicking base layer (x3)

Merino wool or synthetic. Worn closest to skin. Bring at least 3 for rotation.

Lightweight insulated vest

Optional but useful for Base Camp layering without bulk.

Expedition-weight gloves

Lobster claw or 5-finger; rated for −30°C+. Pair these with a liner glove.

Fleece liner gloves (x2)

Worn under expedition gloves or alone in warmer conditions. Keep spare pairs.

Thin liner gloves (x2)

For dexterous work (adjusting gear, using cameras). Silk or thin wool.

Item

Description / Notes

Expedition down bibs / salopettes

Insulated bib-style pants for C3, C4, and summit day. Match rating with down suit top.

Soft-shell climbing pants

Wind-resistant, stretchy climbing pants for C1–C2 movement. Non-cotton.

Hard-shell waterproof pants

Gore-Tex full-zip over-pants for storm protection. Must be compatible with crampons.

Fleece trousers / mid-layer pants

Polartec fleece for layering in camp and cold evenings.

Moisture-wicking base layer bottoms (x3)

Merino or synthetic thermal underwear. 3 pairs for full rotation.

Trekking trousers (x2)

For the approach trek. Convertible zip-off trousers are practical.

Gaiters

Full-length waterproof gaiters to keep snow and debris out of boots.

Item

Description / Notes

8,000m double boots

E.g. La Sportiva G2 SM, Scarpa 8000HD. Most important technical item. Must be properly fitted.

Trekking boots (waterproof)

For the approach trek. Already broken in before travel.

Camp shoes / down booties

Lightweight insulated booties or sandals for inside the tent and moving around Base Camp.

Technical crampons (12-point)

Compatible with your 8,000m boots. Anti-balling plates required. Check fit before departure.

Ice axe (70–75 cm)

Classic straight axe for self-arrest and balance on lower slopes.

Technical ice axe / ice tool

For steep mixed sections above C2. Required — not optional.

Ascenders / Jumar (x2)

Right and left-hand ascenders for fixed-rope ascent. Practice before the expedition.

Descender (ATC / Reverso)

For rappelling on descent sections; also functions as belay device.

Locking carabiners (x6 min.)

Pear-shaped HMS and standard D-rings. All must be UIAA-rated.

Non-locking carabiners (x4)

For clipping into fixed lines on approach sections.

Harness (sit + chest)

Full body harness or sit harness + chest harness combination. Adjustable over down suit.

Expedition rope (30 m)

Personal rope for anchoring tent at high camps and emergency use.

Trekking poles (collapsible)

Useful on the approach and lower slopes. Foldable / telescopic recommended.

Gaiters (full-length)

Waterproof, boot-compatible. Essential for snowfield travel and deep snow.

Wool/merino socks (x6 pairs)

Multiple layers for warmth. Never wear cotton socks at altitude.

Neoprene vapour barrier socks

Optional but highly recommended inside 8,000m boots above C3 to prevent freezing.

Item

Description / Notes

Expedition-grade helmet

Essential for icefall travel and rockfall protection on the upper mountain. UIAA-certified.

Balaclava (x2)

One lightweight fleece for C1–C2; one heavy expedition-weight for C3+ and summit day.

Warm beanie / hat

Wool or fleece; backup to balaclava for Base Camp and lower camps.

Sun hat / baseball cap

UV-protection cap for trek-in, Base Camp, and sunny rest days.

Mountaineering goggles

Essential. Category 4 UV protection with side shields for summit ridge and snowfields.

Glacier sunglasses

Polarised, wrap-around. Backup to goggles — never leave Base Camp without eye protection.

Neck gaiter / balaclava

Protects face and neck from wind, cold, and UV at altitude.

Headlamp (x2) + spare batteries

Petzl or Black Diamond expedition headlamp. Extra batteries essential — cold drains them fast.

Sunscreen SPF 50+

High-altitude UV is intense. Apply generously every 2–3 hours. Lip balm with SPF also required.

Item

Description / Notes

Sleeping bag (−30°C rated)

Essential. Down-filled, mummy-style. A liner adds versatility. Used C1 upward.

Sleeping bag liner

Adds 5–10°C warmth; keeps bag clean. Silk or fleece.

Sleeping pad (insulated)

Foam or inflatable insulated mat for all high camps. R-value 4+ recommended.

Pulse oximeter (personal)

Monitor your own O₂ saturation and heart rate daily. Critical above 5,000 m.

Altitude sickness medication

Diamox (Acetazolamide) — consult your doctor. Also: Dexamethasone for emergency use.

Personal first aid kit

Blister treatment, bandages, antiseptic, pain relief (ibuprofen, paracetamol), antidiarrheal, antihistamine.

Rehydration salts (ORS)

Essential at altitude to combat dehydration. Bring 20+ sachets.

Water bottles (x2, insulated)

Nalgene wide-mouth 1L. Use insulated covers above C2 to prevent freezing.

Water purification tablets/filter

Backup to boiling; Steripen UV or iodine tablets for trek approach.

Thermos flask (1L)

Fill with hot water at camp; critical on summit night to stay hydrated.

Sunscreen SPF 50+ (x3 tubes)

One per rotation. Reapply constantly at altitude.

Lip balm with SPF (x4)

High-altitude UV causes severe chapping and cracking.

Wet wipes / dry shampoo

Personal hygiene above Base Camp where water is limited.

Hand sanitiser (x3)

Critical for hygiene in shared camp environments.

Diarrhea kit / Loperamide

Travellers’ diarrhea is common in Nepal; carry Ciprofloxacin and Loperamide.

Personal medications

Any prescription medication (plus extra supply in case of delays). Carry in hand luggage.

Tooth/dental kit

Toothbrush, paste, floss — keep your dental health in check during long expeditions.

Item

Description / Notes

Valid passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. Bring 6+ passport-size photos.

Nepal visa

Obtain on arrival at TIA Kathmandu or in advance via Nepal Embassy. 15/30/90-day options.

Travel & rescue insurance policy

Mandatory. Must cover helicopter evacuation above 8,000 m. Carry printed copy + digital.

Expedition permit copy

Provided by Nepal Treks and Tour. Carry at all checkpoints.

NMA permit copy

Keep with you from Base Camp onward. Government checkpost will verify.

Emergency contact card

Laminated card with: next-of-kin, insurance hotline, embassy contact, company contact.

Insurance emergency number

Printed and saved offline on your phone — cell signal is unreliable beyond Samagaon.

Airline e-tickets (printed)

Print all booking confirmations in case of connectivity issues.

Currency (USD & NPR)

USD for major expenses; Nepali Rupees (NPR) for teahouses, porter tips, and small purchases.

Credit/debit card

Use in Kathmandu. No ATMs beyond Arughat on the Manaslu route.

Passport photocopies (x6)

Store separately from original. Leave one copy with next-of-kin at home.

Item

Description / Notes

Expedition duffel bag (120L+)

Heavy-duty duffel for porters/yaks to carry to Base Camp. Lockable preferred.

Summit pack / alpine pack (35–40L)

Lightweight for carrying personal gear on summit push. Under 1.2 kg.

Daypack (20–25L)

Used during trek approach and acclimatization rotations.

Dry bags / stuff sacks

Waterproof inner bags to protect electronics and clothes inside duffels.

Waterproof ziplock bags (x10)

Documents, electronics, and snacks. Indispensable.

Personal snacks / energy food

High-calorie snacks: nuts, gels, bars, chocolate. Appetite drops above 7,000 m.

Electrolyte tablets/powder

Nuun tabs or similar. Add to water bottles at all camps.

Camera / GoPro + spare batteries

Cold kills batteries fast. Use lithium cells and carry inside jacket when not in use.

Solar charger / power bank

USB power bank (20,000 mAh+) for charging at Base Camp. Solar panel for extended use.

Satellite communicator

Garmin inReach or SPOT — for personal tracking and messaging home.

Lightweight journal / pen

Document your expedition day by day — ink pens work better than ballpoints in cold.

Ear plugs + eye mask

Quality sleep is critical for recovery at altitude.

Padlocks (x2)

For duffel bags during transit and to secure gear at Base Camp.

Repair kit

Needle, thread, duct tape, tent repair tape, spare buckles — for field repairs.

Biodegradable soap & shampoo

Required in Manaslu Conservation Area. Non-biodegradable products are prohibited.