1. How do I get to Manang?
You need to take a bus/minivan from Gongabu of Kathmandu till Besisahar (6 hrs) and from there on it is about 10 hours drive to Chame, headquarter of Manang. You can even charter a flight.
2. What are the entry points?
• Besisahar (Lamjung)
• Thorong Pass (from Muktinath of Mustang region)
• Larke Pass (from Mananslu region)
3. Do I need to get permits?
Yes you need Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permits to enter Manang. And you will need special permit if you want to explore Nar Phu areas of the region.
4. What are the permit fees?
For ACAP Permit;
SAARC Nationals: Rs.200/- per person
Others: Rs.2000/- per person
For Nar-Phu permit;
From September to November: USD 90 per person for 1 week
From December to August: USD 75 per person for 1 week
5. What are the basic gears needed in Manang?
• Back Pack Small Day pack Shades
• Sun Block Lotion (30SPF) Sun Hat Lip Guard
• Fleece/Down Jacket Sleeping Bag Comfortable hiking shoe
• Water Bottle 2 pairs hiking trousers Hiking Socks
• Couple of T-shirts Bandana Wind Breaker
• 1 over shirt Slipper Small Flashlight
• Rain Coat Dry Snacks Toilet/Tissue papers
• Others as per your requirements.
6. Do they accept foreign currency/credit card in Manang?
At the moment, there is no credit card facility in Manang but they do accept foreign currencies at places.
7. Where can I get access to more funds if I run out of money?
Upon reaching Jomsom after crossing through Thorong La pass from Manang, you can find banks and ATM to take money out.
8. What health precautions need to be taken?
Use only bottled water or get filled from Safe Drinking Water stations.
9. When is the best time to visit Manang?
The best months for walking are between September and November and between February and May when the weather is fair during the day and the temperatures do not drop rapidly during the night. As Manang is rain shadowed area and there is not much rain, you can visit the area in Monsoon season too. Festivals like Metha (Archery) and Yarthung (Horse Racing) fall around the time.
10. What is Acute Mountain Sickness and how do you prevent it?
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is caused by thin air at high altitudes starting from 3, 000 meters upwards and may even lead to death. The main precaution that needs to be taken while trekking is not to go up too high too fast. So the body should be given enough time to acclimatize.
If you suffer from initial symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, inability to sleep, swelling of the face, hands and feet and loss of appetite, descend to a lower elevation immediately, and seek medical help.
11. Are there clinics to treat AMS on trekking routes and what if I need to see a doctor, where can I do so?
There is Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA), a non-profit organization that works to prevent casualties from AMS, operates a permanent aid post in Manang which is managed by volunteer doctors from HRA
12. What is the area code of Manang?
066 is the area code for entire Manang district.
13. How are communication facilities in Manang?
Nepal Telecom’s service works in Upper Manang whereas Ncell coverage works till Chame only. Manang has internet facility (modern communication) and some hotels have wi-fi too.
14. What is the standard of Hotels in the area?
Rather than standard, they are clean, warm and comfortable for the trekkers.
15. What kinds of foods are available?
Apart from Nepalese cuisine rice, dal (lentils) and curry, there are restaurants serving Continental, Indian, Chinese, Mexican and Italian food. Fast foods like burgers, pizzas are found everywhere. And Manang have some very good bakeries.
16. What souvenirs can I take home?
You can take local rug made out of yak wool.