FAQs

How physical fit do I have to be?
The Manaslu trails is considered to be a relatively moderate trekking route in Nepal, but, it does not need any previous trekking or mountaineering experience. You are making an effort to reach the base camp, not climbing to the summit itself, there is no requirement for you to have any technical experience, only that you be in good physical condition as well as able to walk for four to six hours per day over mountainous terrain with a light bag pack. If you are not an experienced trekker, we recommend that you get on a walking training program well in advance before this trip. You will be given enough time to rest throughout the trail and the pace will be slow so that you acclimatize safely to the increasing elevation. 

What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara will usually include an attached bathroom, reception and dining services. The level of accommodation is normally Nepalese 3 star and is comfortable relax and clean. If you do require an upgrade of accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, there are many 4 – 5 star options at an extra cost. Please do contact us if you require an upgrade at any time.
On the mountain, you will be staying in “Teahouses.” Your accommodation is partial, especially the higher you get, so your room may vary from a private single/double room to a bed in a dormitory. The bed mattresses are typically firm, not sprung mattresses that you may be used to at home. The accommodations average and there will usually be shared shower and toilet facilities. There is a communal dining hall in all teahouses offering reasonable meal choices. Teahouses are clean and basic but most of them are welcoming, friendly and warm resting place after a day trekking.

Is drinking water available? How many liters of water shall I carry for the day?
Tea houses and other shops on the way would sell bottled water. We recommend to all our customers to bring a water bottle and purification tablets with them, they can be bought in Kathmandu if forgotten. There will be sufficient water available along the way to fill your bottles and most purification tablets take just 30 minutes before you can drink your water. We asked our customer to drink a minimum of 3 to 4 liters of water per day during the trek.

Where should I keep my luggage?
Any equipment that you will not require during your trek can be kept securely in the hotel in Kathmandu or in the store room of our office.

Do I require to take walking Poles?
Yes, trekking poles make you easy to walk over the rough or steep terrain. Trekking poles make your body and leg to move more safely. Importantly, it will help relieve the stress on your legs. So, we suggest you bring them.

Can I buy any equipment in Kathmandu before the trip?
There are many trekking shops in Kathmandu selling range of equipment inexpensively compared to the prices you would normally pay at home, although, the quality of these products may not be original. If you do not want to take the risk, we recommend you buy main items such as trekking shoes, before you arrive in Nepal. It is also recommended you buy your shoes well in advance of your trek so you can “test them in” in order to avoid blisters during your trip.

Is there facilities to recharge phones iPod, cameras etc… while on the mountain?
Yes, you can, in the most teahouses. But some teahouse has limited plugs, also please remember that plugs might be different than at home. It is suggested to bring an adapters with you.

Is it recommended to get Nepalese visa in advance or at the airport?
Most people can obtain a visa at the Kathmandu Airport. There are some countries where a visa will need to be obtained prior to travelling (you can find a list of these countries at www.nepalimmigration.gov.np)
in order to avoid the sometimes lengthy queues at the airport, you can obtain a visa from the Nepali embassy in your home country before you travel.
If you like to obtain a visa on arrival, you will require to fill in a landing card, (most airlines provide these before landing in Kathmandu, if not, they will be available in the airport) pay a fee (cost differs depending on your length of stay) also provide a passport photo so bring one in your hand luggage to present to the immigration officers. Visa fees are as follows:
25 USD for 15 days.
40 USD for 40 days.
100 USD for 100 days.
(Information from the Nepal Immigration Department)

We recommend you to bring US dollars to pay for your visa, major currencies are commonly accepted also. Although there is a currency exchange in the airport (if they will not accept your currency), you may not get the best exchange rate; therefore it is always a safe bet to bring US dollars.

Are there showers facilities during the trek?
Showers are available most of the teahouses. They will usually be shared bathrooms in most teahouses, especially the higher up you go. You may need to pay for a hot shower per person. The higher you are, the colder it gets and you find that you may not like to do shower as often so you can wait just a few days until your descent.

How much money do you think I need per day? What currency should I take?
We suggest you bring US dollars with you to Nepal and exchange them here as this is easily done and is a widely accepted currency. Although you may get a lesser rate on traveller’s cheque, we recommend you carry a mixture of both depending on your needs. It depends on your spending habits the amount of money you will need on a daily basis. A general guide would be $10-15 per day for extra drinks and bar bill during your trek and $15-20 per day to cover lunch/dinner whilst in Kathmandu. You are required to have local currency in Nepal is rupees during the trek.

What should I carry with me on trek?
You would need to carry a daypack, which is big enough to carry personal items, water, camera, snacks, sun screen, hat, a fleece jacket and gloves for higher altitudes. The porters will carry the bigger packs with your sleeping bags, extra clothes etc…. They will carry packs up to 20kg. (10kg per person)

What if I get ill while on trek?

It depends on the nature of the illness. If you suddenly feel dizzy or weak, you have to sit or lie down for rest or if it gets worse them you will descend to a lower altitude with the help and support of the guide and porters. If you are seriously sick, we will arrange an emergency helicopter evacuation service. Our guide will take speedy action according to the situation. We strongly recommend you to arrange travel insurance that covers you for an evacuation service and trekking at high altitudes. Altitude sickness can affect all of us whilst trekking including young and healthy people and is a common concern in higher altitudes. If you have a symptom of altitude sickness inform your guide immediately. Your guides carry basic first aid equipment such as simple painkillers, altitude sickness tablets, bandages, balm for muscle ache and medication to treat diarrhea and vomiting.

The above questions are common but should you have any queries do not hesitate to contact us at any time.