Question 1

What is the highest point of the 15-day Manaslu Trek?

Accepted Answer

The physical climax is crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5,106m (16,752 ft). It is a long, demanding day that requires an early 4:00 AM start to avoid the high-altitude winds that typically pick up on the pass after midday.

Question 2

How does the 15-day pace help with the high pass?

Accepted Answer

The 15-day itinerary is the "Gold Standard" for safety. It includes a mandatory acclimatization day in Sama Gaon (3,530m), allowing your body to adjust to the thinning air before you push toward the 5,000m mark.

Question 3

Is the descent from the pass difficult?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the descent from Larkya La to Bimthang is notoriously steep and can be icy. We recommend high-quality trekking poles and micro-spikes to protect your knees and ensure stability on the loose moraine and snow.

Question 4

Why is Manaslu called a "Restricted Area"?

Accepted Answer

Due to its proximity to the Tibetan border and its fragile environment, the Nepal government limits tourism. You cannot trek solo; a minimum of two trekkers and a government-licensed guide are legally required to obtain the permit.

Question 5

What permits do I need for the 15-day trek?

Accepted Answer

You need four distinct permits: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and the recently introduced Chumnubri Local Government fee.

Question 6

Can I apply for the Manaslu permits myself?

Accepted Answer

No. The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) must be processed by a registered Nepali trekking agency through the Department of Immigration. You will need to provide your original passport in Kathmandu for at least one business day.

Question 7

What is the "Nubri" and "Tsum" cultural distinction?

Accepted Answer

The 15-day trek takes you through the Nubri region, where the culture is heavily Tibetan. You will see ancient monasteries like Pungyen Gompa and Ribung Gompa, where the local language and dress remain remarkably traditional.

Question 8

How does the scenery change over 15 days?

Accepted Answer

The trek is famous for its "Vertical Diversity." You start in subtropical jungles with monkeys and waterfalls at 900m and end in a high-alpine glacial desert surrounded by 8,000m peaks—all in a single loop.

Question 9

What is special about the village of Sama Gaon?

Accepted Answer

Sama Gaon is the largest village in the region and sits at the foot of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m). On your 15-day trek, you have time to visit Birendra Lake or the Manaslu Base Camp, which are located just a few hours from the village.

Question 10

How long is the drive to the starting point?

Accepted Answer

The journey from Kathmandu to Machha Khola takes about 8 to 9 hours. While the first half is on paved roads, the final section is a rugged "off-road" experience in a 4WD Jeep that is an adventure in itself.

Question 11

Is there Wi-Fi and electricity on the 15-day route?

Accepted Answer

Electricity is available for charging (usually $2–$5) via micro-hydro or solar. Wi-Fi is available in larger villages like Namrung and Samdo, but it is often slow and unreliable; we recommend a local NTC SIM card for better coverage.

Question 12

What kind of food is served in the Manaslu teahouses?

Accepted Answer

The menu is a mix of Tibetan and Nepali cuisine. We recommend the "Sherpa Stew" (Syakpa) and fresh Tibetan bread. As you get higher, meat becomes scarce, so vegetarian options like Dal Bhat are the safest and most nutritious.

Question 13

What is the "Manaslu Base Camp" side trip like?

Accepted Answer

During your acclimatization day in Sama Gaon (Day 8), you can hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m). It is a steep, 6-to-7-hour round trip that brings you to the edge of the glacier where expedition teams prepare to summit the world’s 8th highest peak. Even if you don't go all the way, the view of Birendra Lake at the start of the trail is spectacular.

Question 14

Can I see the "Pungyen Gompa" from the trail?

Accepted Answer

Pungyen Gompa is a hidden monastery tucked away on a high plateau near Sama Gaon. A side trip here offers one of the most intimate views of Manaslu’s massive east face. In 2026, the trail has been improved with better signage, making it a peaceful alternative for those who want a cultural experience instead of the physical grind of Base Camp.

Question 15

What animals might I spot in the Conservation Area?

Accepted Answer

The Manaslu region is a sanctuary for rare Himalayan species. You have a high chance of seeing Blue Sheep (Bharal) and Himalayan Tahr on the rocky slopes above Samdo. While the elusive Snow Leopard lives here, you are more likely to see their tracks. In the lower forests, look for Langur monkeys and the colorful Danphe pheasant.

Question 16

What are the 2026 "Waste Management" rules?

Accepted Answer

To protect the fragile alpine ecosystem, local committees now strictly monitor waste in Samdo and Bimthang. Trekkers are encouraged to use "Safe Drinking Water" stations instead of buying plastic bottles. In 2026, many lodges have also introduced 100% solar-powered lighting to reduce the reliance on kerosene and wood.

Question 17

Why is "Samdo" the most critical night for health?

Accepted Answer

Samdo (3,860m) is the last permanent village before the pass. Because the air is significantly thinner here, we recommend a "light" dinner—soups and grains—rather than heavy fats. This ensures your body spends its energy on acclimatization and oxygenating your blood rather than heavy digestion before the move to Dharamsala.

Question 18

Is it safe to eat the local Yak Cheese?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but we recommend buying it in the lower villages like Namrung or Lho where it is freshest. The cheese is a fantastic, high-calorie snack that provides the slow-burning energy needed for the 8-hour crossing of Larkya La. In 2026, many teahouses also serve "Sea Buckthorn" juice, which is packed with Vitamin C and great for immunity.

Question 19

Do I really need micro-spikes for a non-technical trek?

Accepted Answer

While the trek is "non-technical," the 2026 Spring and late Autumn seasons often see "black ice" on the descent from Larkya La toward Bimthang. Lightweight, slip-on micro-spikes take up very little room in your pack but provide essential safety on the steep, frozen moraine sections where standard boots might slip.

Question 20

How do I manage my "Power Bank" for 15 days?

Accepted Answer

Electricity becomes expensive ($4–$7 per charge) and solar-dependent above Namrung. We suggest a 20,000mAh power bank. A 2026 pro-tip: Keep your devices and power bank inside your sleeping bag at night. The extreme cold at Dharamsala (4,460m) can drain a lithium battery from 100% to zero in a single night if left exposed.

Question 21

Which SIM card works best on the Manaslu Circuit?

Accepted Answer

In 2026, NTC (Nepal Telecom) has the widest coverage in the Budhi Gandaki valley, often providing 4G signals as far as Lho. However, once you reach Samdo and the Larkya La pass, most cellular signals disappear. For the final days in the Annapurna region (Dharapani), both Ncell and NTC work well again.

Question 22

What is the "Jeep vs. Bus" situation for the return?

Accepted Answer

The 15-day trek ends in Dharapani, where you join the Annapurna Circuit road. While public buses are available, they are often crowded and slow (10+ hours). We include a private 4WD Jeep for the return to Kathmandu, which is safer, more comfortable, and significantly faster on the bumpy mountain roads.