Drinking Water during Manaslu Trek

During the Manaslu Circuit Trek, trekkers can get clean drinking water (boiled or filtered) at teahouses. They usually charge a small fee for it, and the price increases with altitude. In the lower and middle villages, bottled water may be available. However, they may be difficult to find in the higher elevations, as the trekking routes are less commercialized compared to classic journeys like the Everest Base Camp Trek. Many trekkers also refill their bottles from taps, streams, and rivers.

However, they can be contaminated with bacteria and parasites, so it is highly discouraged to consume them untreated. Always carry purifying tablets, portable filters or UV purifiers. Staying hydrated in high-altitude treks like this helps with Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). This is because our body loses more fluid than normal in a cold environment, and dehydration masks the early signs of AMS.

Primary Sources of Drinking Water During The Manaslu Circuit

Teahouses

Generally, teahouses provide drinking water from taps or local springs after boiling or filtering. Boiled water is the safest option, as it kills all the bacteria and parasites. Similarly, their cost varies with the altitude because teahouses use mules or porters to carry fuel, wood, and other supplies.

• Lower villages like Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat, and Deng: NPR 50 to 150 per liter
• Mid-region villages like Namrung, Lho, and Shyala: about NPR 200 per liter
• Lower villages like Samagaun, Samdo, Dharmasala, and Larkya Phedi: NPR 300 to 700 per liter or higher

Bottled Water

Most of the teahouses offer bottled drinking water as well. They use mules or porters to transport it to the higher regions, so the cost is pretty high. Additionally, in the long run, plastic accumulation pollutes the fragile mountain environment. So, we suggest you keep the bottled water consumption as minimal as you can.

• Lower villages like Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat, and Deng: NPR 50 to 150 per bottle
• Mid-region villages like Namrung, Lho, and Shyala: about NPR 150 to 200 per bottle
• Lower villages like Samagaun, Samdo, Dharmasala, and Larkya Phedi: NPR 300 to 500 per bottle or higher

Taps, Rivers, and Streams

The Manaslu Circuit trail has numerous small rivers and streams. Locals consider these water resources to be safe for consumption, but foreign trekkers may not necessarily adjust to it. Since they are not used to it, the switch can be hazardous and may lead to waterborne diseases. Similarly, there are several taps on the way, but they are not completely safe either. Thus, never drink from public taps, streams, and natural springs without proper treatment.

Buying a biodegradable water bottle, refilling it from a tap or springs, and purifying it is the most sustainable and affordable option. Since they are widely available along the trail, you do not have to rely on a teahouse and pay an additional charge. Additionally, it also reduces plastic usage and reduces the waste management problems in the Himalayas.

Water Purification Methods You May Use On The Trek

• Boiling
• Purification Tablets (Chemical Treatments)
• Filtering
• UV Water Purifiers
• Combination (combine any two purification method)

Boiling

It is the most effective way to treat the tap or stream water for drinking. However, trekkers do not always have fuel and a stove with them while trekking. So, they can request teahouses to provide them with boiled water in a gallon at an additional cost.

Purification Tablet

This is the most practical and affordable water treatment while trekking the Manaslu Circuit. Trekkers can buy it from medical or trekking supply shops in Thamel or Asan. Generally, trekking agencies like Nepal Guide Treks are happy to assist you to the store. Similarly, these chlorine- or iodine-based pills/tablets kill the harmful bacteria and germs present in tap water. Additionally, they are easy to carry, as they are very light and do not cause any wastage.

• Small packet of purifying tablets (10 to 20 pills) costs NPR 300 to 800
• Medium packet of purifying tablets (20 to 50 pills, ideal for Manaslu Circuit) costs NPR 800 to 1,500

Step-by-step guide to use purification tablets

• Fill your water bottle from tap, or springs, or streams
• Add the required amount of tablet (generally 1 tablet is used for 1 liter)
• Close the bottle and shake it well
• Wait for about 20 to 30 minutes for chlorine-based tablets and 30 to 60 minutes for iodine-based ones
• Lastly, before drinking, make sure the purification pill is fully dissolved

Even though they are safe for most individuals, people with specific allergies or health issues should avoid them. Pregnant women should not take the iodine-based pills. Similarly, if you have a thyroid or are allergic to iodine, you should avoid them too.

Filtering

Trekkers can carry a portable water filter on the trek. With growing demands, there are several kinds available in the market, like squeeze, pump, and bottle filters. Regardless of the design, they can remove harmful bacteria from tap and stream water, making it safe for consumption. Similarly, they are reusable and reduce plastic usage and waste production.

Squeeze filters are the most common among the trekkers because they are lightweight and easy to use. Likewise, trekkers can buy it from trekking supply stores or shops that specialize in mountaineering gear. Basic squeeze filters cost about NPR 2,500 and the higher-quality ones may range from NPR 5,000 to 6,000.

Similarly, bottle filters are also equally useful; they are simple to use, don’t require any setup, and are inbuilt in the bottles. Pump filters are now less common during the treks, as they are heavier. Moreover, it requires continuous hand pumping, which can be a hassle.

Portable UV water Purifiers

They are lightweight modern devices that have been gaining popularity among trekkers. Moreover, they use the ultraviolet-c light to kill the bacteria and viruses that may be in the drinking water. One of the key advantages of them is their speed; trekkers have to wait for about 1 minute only. Also, they do not change the taste of water or leave any smells like the chemical tablets do. They work on rechargeable batteries, which are charged using USB cables. So, they may not be as convenient at the higher altitude.

Steps to use UV filters

• Fill your bottle with water (make sure to leave some space)
• Switch on the UV purifier and place its wand in the bottle’s mouth
• After that, gently move the device in circular motion to stir or swirl the water
• For a liter, it takes around 60 to 90 seconds to work
• Remove the purifier and shake the bottle gently before drinking

Combination

For maximum safety, most trekkers prefer to combine at least two purification methods. For example, using portable water filters and tablets together. First, use the filter to remove any bacteria, viruses, and impurities. After that, use the purifying pills to further disinfect the water. This reduces the chances of waterborne diseases when drinking from taps or streams to almost zero. However, it is generally more hassle and one method is enough.

Final Say

It is important to consume safe drinking water while trekking the Manaslu Circuit. While most of the teahouses provide boiled or filtered water, they get expensive with the altitude. Moreover, bottled water is convenient but can cause environmental pollution. So, trekkers should consume tap, spring, and stream water after purifying it. Doing so saves money, reduces waste production, and prevents waterborne diseases. Thus, choose the purification method that is most suitable for you, and drink clean water during the trek. This allows you to stay safe, reduce the risks of AMS, and enjoy the trek.