Samagaun Village in Manalsu Circuit Trek and Side Trips

Samagaun lies deep within the Gorkha District of Nepal, deep within the Manaslu Conservation Area, and at around 3,530 meters above sea level. The village is an active and colorful acclimatization stop for trekkers on the well-known Manaslu Circuit, and also a place to witness the breathtaking views and peaceful mountain valleys.

The villagers foster a rich Tibetan Buddhist culture, and the local population maintains their mani walls, stone houses, stupas, and fluttering prayer flags through the stillness of the mountain breeze, giving the village a lovely aura.

The people that comprise the community: Nubri Buddhists, decorate the landscapes with monasteries like Pungyen Gompa, and Ribung Gompa, which trekkers/basis can experience and enjoy throughout Samagaun.

Samagaun offers trekkers simple yet welcoming guesthouses, restaurants, and shops with all the foods that comfort trekkers with dal bhat shops, momos, thukpa, and other necessities for a comfortable stay.

It serves also as a base when trekking to Birendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp, and Pungyen Monastery, which travelers enjoy as journeys of nature and history.

Even more importantly, it gives trekkers stunning Himalayan views, and rich experiences of culture, and also serves the important purpose of acclimatizing for the trek ahead.

Where is Samagaun Located on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Samagaun (or Samagaon) is a gorgeous mountain village in Gorkha District of Gandaki Zone, northern-central Nepal. It sits at an elevation of about 3,530 m (11,578 ft) above sea level and graces the beautiful Himalayas. It serves as a significant stop for trekkers along the popular trekking route, Manaslu Circuit Trek, particularly as an option to acclimatize to the altitude.

 Samagaun is positioned at 28.583914 latitude N 84.647077 longitude E. After trekkers have oriented themselves by ascending through the Budhi Gandaki valley, Samagaun welcomes an important overnight stopover before trekkers continue to higher elevation side trips like Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base Camp for those trekkers who are making this trip. 

Samagaun provides an opportunity for recuperation and acclimatization before continuing to ascend higher. Most itineraries will have trekkers starting at either Soti Khola or Arughat and going through Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho Gaon, and finally Samagaun, which will usually fall around Day 8 of their trek.

After Samagaun, trekkers will continue towards Samdo and Damashala, and Larkya La Pass (5106 m) and descend through Bimthang and beyond.

Samagaun Altitude and Distance

Samagaun is located at about 3530 m, which makes it an important acclimatization stop along the Manaslu Circuit trek. The distance from Lho (3180 m) to Samagaun (350 m ascent) is approximately 7 km. This entire trek should take about 3-5 hours total, depending on how fast one can walk and how many rest stops one has on the journey.

Once you have done the acclimatization climb at Samagaun, you will ascend the relatively short trek from Samagaun to Samdo (maximum altitude is approximately 3865-3875 m).

The distance from Samagaun to Samdo is slightly greater (~8 km), and the elevation gain is relatively closely related (335-360 m), which means this trek should take 3-5 hours, on average.

What Makes Samagaun Nepal a Must-Visit Stop on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

• High-Altitude Village: Samagaun, at an elevation of 3,520 meters (11,549 ft), is a perfect place when acclimatization is required for trekkers who will travel higher, such as the Manaslu Base Camp.
• Stunning Himalayan Views: The village has stunning panoramic mountain horizons surrounded by the snow-covered peaks of the mountains, including Mount Manaslu.
• Rich Tibetan Culture: Samagaun is an example of a truly traditional Tibetan lifestyle – evidenced by the stone houses, colourful prayer flags, prayer wheels, mani walls, and ancient gompas, including the very well-known monastery of Pungyen Gompa.
• Gateway to your next trek: Samagaun is the point of departure for local treks to Manaslu base camp and Birendra Lake, which display natural beauty and lots of glaciers and moraines.
• Cultural Immerse: Many visitors come to embrace this unique and different Nubri culture, and come the visitors - the locals - will also be part of this unique experience in this peaceful Himalayan village.
• Essential amenities: Samagaun offers all the possible and essential facilities you would need as a visitor - teahouses to stay in, a health post, and a heli landing area - all of which add to the overall experience of stopping here for a day or so on Manaslu Circuit.
• Rest & Rejuvenate: The rest day is planned to help trekkers acclimatise to the altitude and to be prepared for future difficult terrain trekking routes.
• Beauty and Biodiversity: The trek to and from Samagaun is scenic through forests and yak pastures, and the overall views are wide ranging across the land's biocultural environment.

Things to do in Samagaun 

Samagaun is a beautiful village within the Manaslu Conservation Area that combines both nature and culture in a fantastic way. Samagaun is surrounded by mountains of breathtaking size, given that the village is located near the world's eighth tallest mountain, Mount Manaslu—a village with some of the most stunning views on the planet!

There are a number of walks that start at Samagaun. One of the primary walks is a day walk to Manaslu Base Camp (about 5.1 kilometers from the village) to see the Manaslu massif up close. Another walk is to Birendra Lake, which is a stunning turquoise-coloured glacial lake and is about 4,500 meters above sea level. Lastly, a visit to Pungyen Monastery, which is an ancient Tibetan Buddhist monastery, offers trekkers a glimpse of the spiritual history of the region.

There will also be some local culture in Samagaun as guests meet and interact with the native Nubri people, who will share their lifestyle and culture with you. As culture-seeking adventure and scenery adventurers, the hospitality and the calmness of the Nubri village should provide a great experience.

Distance from Samagaun to Mount Manalsu (the world's 8th-highest mountain) 

Samagaun is only 1.9km from the summit of Mount Manaslu, making it the closest human settlement to the top of the mountain. The majority of trekkers will then carry on to Manaslu Base Camp, only 4,166ft ( and only 1.27km of gain), but that is a good, proper 6-7 hr full day of exhausting walking uphill in irregular terrain. 

In spring and autumn, Samagaun is a hub of activity; these are the peak climbing seasons, so the village is alive with climbers either preparing for, or returning from, their summit attempts of the 8,163 m mountain.

Trekking from Samagaun to Manaslu Base Camp

• Duration of Trek: 6–7 hours (round trip)
• Trail Distance: ~10–12 km
• Elevation Gain: ~1,270 m (4,166 ft)
• Starting Point: Samagaun (3,530 m)
• Best Time to Start: Early morning (7–8 AM)

The trek from Samagaun to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) is one of the famous and most beautiful day trips in the area. The journey starts at Samagaun (3,530 m), and begins with a climb through fields, forest, and rocky trails, all with stunning views of glaciers.

During the trek you will get views of Birendra Lake, Mt. Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, and several other, more famous locations. As you are climbing a decent amount of elevation, we  highly recommend acclimation in Samagaun before you undertake this trek.

It should take about 6-7 hours to reach Manaslu Base Camp, so it will require a fair amount of stamina and determination to complete, but it will be totally worth it for the views of base camp, climbers preparing for their climbs, and the satisfaction of doing such a major trek successfully.

Samagaun to Pungyen Gompa Trek

• Duration of Trek: 4–5 hours (round trip)
• Trail Distance: ~8 km
• Elevation Gain: ~600 m (1,968 ft)
• Starting Point: Samagaun (3,530 m)
• Best Time to Start: Morning (around 7:30–8:00 AM)

The hike to Pungyen Gompa (4050 meters) is a beautiful day trip out of Samagaun. This hike leads through lovely, quiet valleys, pastures, and yak grazing across meadows while also being in the shadows of the dramatic Shearp Peak and lesser-known mountains.

Pungyen is a Buddhist Gompa on a ridge that overlooks the base of Manaslu with the glaciers above.

The trek to the Pungyen Gompa climbs moderately, especially when compared to the base camp trek, making it a nice acclimatization hike for trekkers. Monks chanting prayers, pray along the way, adds to the cultural and religious aspect of the hike.

The experience showcases very unique flora, beautiful scenery, cultural aspects, and religious aspects that allow trekkers to fully witness the mountain lifestyle found in the Manaslu region. The round trip will take from 4 to 5 hours.

Short Hike from Samagaun to Birendra Lake (Tal)

• Duration of Trek: 1–2 hours (round trip)
• Trail Distance: ~3–4 km
• Elevation Gain: ~200 m (656 ft)
• Starting Point: Samagaun (3,530 m)
• Best Time to Start: Anytime in the morning or afternoon

After a short and easy hike, you will arrive at Birendra Lake (3,650 m) - the stunning glacial turquoise lake, one of many glacial lakes associated with the Manaslu glacier. 

This side trip is as easy and almost effortless as you will find in the region. It is also a good acclimatizing option or just a half-day hike.  The easy walking path weaves through green fields and moraine to the tranquil lake at the base of the snow-capped peaks above you. 

Birendra Lake has cultural and spiritual significance for the region's people, who routinely offer rituals at the lake.  The hike is not even close to being difficult compared to the effort required in most longer treks, and it could be done by any type of trekker. 

At the tranquil water's edge of Birendra Lake, you can contemplate the moment, while making spectacular photographs, which is a genuine experience of the beauty of the Himalayas.

Trekking From Samagaun to Larkya La Pass

• Duration of Trek: 8–9 hours (from Dharamsala to Bimtang via the pass)
• Trail Distance: ~14–16 km
• Elevation Gain: ~800 m (2,625 ft) ascent; ~1,500 m (4,921 ft) descent
• Starting Point: Dharamsala/High Camp (4,480 m)
• Best Time to Start: Very early morning (3–4 AM)

Crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) is the biggest, and for many trekkers, the most exciting day of the Manaslu Circuit.

Most trekkers will leave from Dharamsala early in the morning to beat the winds, and they will likely still end up on the pass before dark.

It is a long and steep ascent, with winding and rocky trails and snowy slopes. Because it is physically demanding, you must build endurance, so be sure to acclimatize.

When you finally reach Larkya La Pass, magnificent views in every direction are waiting for you:  Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, Annapurna II, Cheo Himal, and, of course, Mt. Manaslu.

The descent towards Bimtang is every bit as hard on your legs as the ascent was, but the glacier valleys and pristine alpine views are absolutely stunning.

It is a long, demanding, continuous trek up and down for about 8-9 hours. However, after only a moment up at Larkya La, you will have forgotten the effort, and you will easily remember the Himalayas.

Samagaun to Samdo Distance and Trekking Route

The distance from Samagaun to Samdo is about 8.2 kilometers (5 miles). This is viewed as an average day's walk - about 3-4 hours. It is an average uphill walk, gaining about 340 meters. Travelers will arrive at Samdo at an elevation of 3,860 meters above sea level.

Day 10: Samagaon to Samdo (3875m)

Distance: Approximately 16.4 km (10.1 miles)

Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Altitude Gain: From 3525m (Samagaon) to 3875m (Samdo)

The trek from Samagaon to Samdo will stay close to the Budhi Gandaki River and will be a day filled with comfortable trekking in the Manaslu Conservation Area.

The trek provides mostly easy-going trekking as trekkers will pass Mani walls, prayer wheels, and chortens, which show the Tibetan culture that influences this area. The trail will also winds through birch and juniper forests as trekkers near Samdo.

So, obviously, the best part of the whole trek is experiencing the section of the trail from Samagaon to Samdo, where trekkers will realize the incredible scenery of mountains, especially the Manaslu range.

Once trekkers arrive at Samdo, they will experience the shift from little vegetation to alpine landscape terrain and taste the Tibetan plateau, which differs greatly from what trekkers observed earlier in the trek. This area helps trekkers acclimatize their bodies for the hard part of the trek, which is the next journey part.

Samagaun Weather: Best Time to Visit

Spring (March, April & May)

Spring is one of the most fantastic periods to experience the beauty of Samagaun. During this period, the maximum temperatures during the day range from 5°C to 15°C, while nights can be quite cold and go below 0°C.

Normally, the weather is good and the sky is clear, making the whole trek very happy. Rhododendrons and other plants bloom, spreading their bright colors all over the valley.The gentle temperature and enduring weather offer great trek and stunning vistas.

Autumn (September, October & November)

Autumn is also an ideal time to visit Samagaun. The days in this period are usually warm, while the nights are cold.

Temperatures during the day are normally between 12°C and 18°C for low-lying areas, while it is very cold at night at a high altitude, including Samagaun, where it can go to about -10°C. Most of the time, the skies are clear and the humidity is low, which provides great views of the mountains.

The trail is free of mud and stable, hence one can walk without any difficulty and enjoy it during this time.

Other Seasons

• Monsoon (June to August): Rain dominates the monsoon season, and the trails become slippery. Samagaun is slightly protected because of the rain shadow effect, but still, there are a lot of clouds and rainy days, on which trekking becomes difficult.
• Winter (December to February): Cold strikes the area severely, with temperatures usually dropping below -10°C at night. Snowfall hardens the trek, and some of the trail sections may even close.

Why is Samagaun a Key Acclimatization Stop Before Crossing Larke Pass?

Samagaun serves as the most important place to stay overnight before the crossing of Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters) on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

The two-day halt here acclimatizes trekkers to the high-altitude atmosphere, reducing their risk of altitude sickness.

While there, the new routes can be, for instance, going to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 meters) or Birendra Lake (3,650 meters), both of which help the body adapt better as they sleep at a lower altitude.

Following the "climb high, sleep low" principle, oxygen adaptation improves without the risk of exhaustion.

Moreover, the peaceful and clean air of Samagaun, with the stunning views of the massive peaks and the rich surrounding nature, relaxes the mind and prepares it for the upcoming journey.

Trekkers find teahouses and small shops to get what they need to continue the journey and also experience the local culture.

The location in the center of the village and its supporting facilities make it an ideal base for a rest before the hard climb to Larkya La Pass.

Samagaun Teahouses Accommodation Options for Trekkers

If you're heading to the Samagaun area, you'll have dozens of teahouses and homestays to choose from for basic overnight accommodations. Most of the overnight accommodations use teahouses, with basic facilities and comfortable beds.

The teahouses in Samagaun are really a melting pot of trekkers from all over the globe! It's a place to rest together, swap stories, and get to know each other. It offers a unique and lively cultural and trekker's perspective, and a logical stop for acclimatization.

The Number of Teahouses and Homestays

There are probably 10-12 teahouses and homestays in Samagaun. The teahouses provide very basic services for trekkers to rest well after an exhausting day of trekking.

Bathroom Facilities

At Samagaun, most of the teahouses equip bathrooms attached. This essentially means you enjoy a bathroom to yourself, and it ensures comfort and privacy while staying.

Wifi Access

If you are a trekker who is on your way to Manalsu Circuit hike and is staying at Samagaun, you will be happy to know that the majority of the teahouses in Samagaun have wifi. This will allow you to connect with friends and family, and it would be beneficial to check the weather for your next day's trek. 

Charging Points

You will not find charging points in the teahouse rooms. You will be able to charge your devices in a common area or the reception area. It is advisable to bring your charger and keep your devices nearby.

Foods in Samagaun: What to Expect During Your Stay?

If you visit Samagaun, you will be able to enjoy not only an amazing Tibetan-style culture but also the Manaslu Circuit Trek's well-known, incredible hospitality.

The food in Samagaun mostly comprises traditional and local dishes that cook on firewood, which adds a new taste and some health benefits.

Sama Gaun foods to expect:

• Dal Bhat: The most common Nepali meal of lentil soup served with rice, vegetables, and sometimes meat; normally, you can have more for free if you need extra energy.
• Tibetan Momos: One of the best-loved Tibetan-style dumplings.
• Noodles and Pasta: Although they are simple, they comfort trekkers.
• Pancakes and Eggs: The most usual breakfast choices.
• Hot Drinks: Such as tea, coffee, and ginger lemon honey cool you down and revive your energy.
• Local Flavors: Though influenced by Tibetan and Buddhist culture, these foods use the freshest and simplest ingredients.

Teahouses and lodges in Samagaun prepare food while offering basic and cozy services, including hot water and electricity.

Meals energize trekkers and support adaptation to the altitude. In your stay, you will find simple, rustic, and wholesome flavors that reflect both local tradition and trekking culture.

What is the Population of Samagaun?

According to the 1991 Nepal census data, approximately 665 persons in Samagaun, Nepal, located at a high altitude, practice Buddhism in the Manaslu region.

Samagaun is predominantly ethnically Nubri with a Tibetan ethnic ancestry. They follow a traditional form of living and have taken strong influence from Tibetan culture and Buddhism.

Among the villagers, the Nubri ethnic group dominates the population and maintains their customs, many of which inherit from prior generations, along with a traditional mountain lifestyle.

The village sits in Gorkha District, which has a total population of approximately 251,000 as recorded in the 2021 census, and the district includes ethnic groups such as Gurung, Magar, Tamang, Kumal, and other Tibetan ethnic groups such as Ghale and Chumanubri.

The related hill Janjati ethnic group of Gurung holds the status as the largest ethnic group of the district to date.

Samagaun Helipad and Transportation Facilities

The Samagaun helipad sits near the village, and helicopter access makes travel to this remote area easily accessible for this elevation.

The helipad lies only a short trek from the village centre.

Usually, tourists either take domestic flights from Kathmandu or helicopters fly them directly from Kathmandu to Samagaun. The views of the Budhi Gandaki River Valley are spectacular, too.

Helicopter travel offers convenience, but regardless of conditions, and with the permits that you need from the Gorkha district to travel into the Manaslu area, regular flying faces many challenges. Generally, local village protestors limited helicopter flights in the surrounding Manaslu area over the past few years, restricting tourists.

Samagaun Tourism

Samagaun, a peaceful village in Nepal's Gorkha District, welcomes travelers doing the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Samagaun has an altitudinal elevation of 3530m and serves mainly as an acclimatization stop prior to traction climbs for the next few days. It has numerous lodges and teahouses offering warm hospitality and hearty food.

People in Samagaun practice Tibetan Buddhism and participate in the tourism sector primarily by running accommodation businesses, guiding trekking tours, and showing their trekker guests a holistic view of the culture that pervades Samagaun over generations.

How to Reach Samagaun Village on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Typically, trekkers get to Samagaun on the 8th day of the typical 15-day trek from Kathmandu on the Manaslu Circuit trek. Though the trek from Kathmandu to Samagaun is about 8 days, just how long it would take you to reach Samagaun depends on your trek itinerary. Trekkers on the 9-day Manaslu Circuit trek reach Samagaun on day 5.

Reaching Samagaun on the 15-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek:

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Day 2: Manaslu Restricted Area preparation and trekking briefing

Day 3: Drive to Soti Khola, then Machha Khola (869m)

Day 4: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,410m)

Day 5: Jagat to Deng (1,860m)

Day 6: Deng to Namrung (2,630m)

Day 7: Namrung to Lho Gham (3,180m)

Day 8: Lho Gham to Samagaun (3,520m)

Day 9: Rest day in Samagaun, trek to Manaslu Base Camp, Pungyen Gompa, or Birendra Tal

Reaching Samagaun on the 9-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek:

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola

Day 2: Machha Khola to Jagat

Day 3: Jagat to Deng

Day 4: Deng to Namrung

Day 5: Namrung to Samagaun

Samagaun Surrounding Mountain Views

Below is a list of the main mountains visible from the village of Samagaun: 

• Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) - the eigth highest mountain in the world. 
• Himalchuli (7,893 m) - the second highest peak in the Mansiri Himal, situated to the southeast of Mount Manaslu. 
• Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29) (7,871 m) - a big enough peak with decent value and some really nice views. 
• Shringi Himal (7,187 m) - a big peak; it has a unique shape and a lot of prominence. 
• Larke Peak (6,249 m) - another peak worth noting from the village. 
• Paike Peak (5,515 m) - small peak, but still conspicuously prominent.

Traditional Lifestyle and Culture of Samagaun Locals

Samagaun is the Nubri people's community majority. They are one of the six major ethnolinguistic groups of Tibetan origin in Nepal. They follow Tibetan Buddhism literally, which is very obvious from their daily practices, clothes they wear, and the kind of people they are in their village.

People admire Samagaun’s beautiful traditional stone houses and Buddhist shrines called chortens and prayer flags waving all over. The locals are found doing the activities they are good at, i.e., yak herding, farming, and handicrafts, which are the three things/yay/s they have been doing since the beginning of time.

Such events get everyone involved, and people from the surrounding regions also come to take part in this colorful and spiritual life of the Nubri people.

How Difficult is the Trekking Route to Samagaun?

The trek to Samagaun is a scaled and difficult one, depending on the person's experience and physical condition. The trek will begin with very easy walks that go through the forest, and trekkers will pass through some villages during the first couple of days.

Due to the fact that some parts of the trail are quite rocky, some trekkers can also have problems related to the altitude. It is harder to walk from Samagaun to Manaslu base camp, so you should be in good shape and do your acclimatization properly if you want to attempt it.

Ancient Monasteries in Samagaun

What makes Samagaun even more spectacular is the presence of five monasteries, such as Samagaun, Pungyen, Shingila, GumbaRishikesh, and Ngarka, which are sacred places that attract people for meditation and spiritual practice.

The monastery in Samagaun seems to be the very center of spiritual and meditation activities, due to the snow-white walls providing a calm atmosphere and the vivid prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

Pungyen Gompa is up the hill from Samagaun and is over 1000 years old, as it informs us by the presence of old and very old religious texts and the relics displayed in it, besides the evident architectural style. These religious places are not only the center of faith in this region, but they also hold the area's spiritual and cultural richness.

Festivals and Local Traditions Celebrated in Samagaun

The festivals in Samagaun closely follow Tibetan Buddhist religious practices. Lhosar, the Tibetan New Year, celebrates rites and ceremonies, family gatherings, and traditional meals. Yartung marks the end of the monsoon with horse races and traditional dance performances.

Devotees commemorate the birth and enlightenment of Lord Buddha during Buddha Purnima through prayers and meditation. Festivals like these bring the community together and help preserve ancient customs.

Wildlife and Natural Beauty Around Samagaun

The region around Samagaun features diverse habitats. The Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA), where Samagaun sits, hosts many wildlife species, including the snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, and red panda.

Bird observers will also be happy to see many of the birds on their trek, including the Himalayan griffon vulture and the golden eagle. You will enjoy spectacular scenery during your trek, including alpine meadows, dense forests, pristine rivers, and untrammeled wilderness.

Are there any Medical Facilities Available in Samagaun?

A health post is currently in operation in Samagaun at a very high altitude (3,520 m). The health post is staffed by qualified and trained health professionals and nurses, and it serves both the local community and trekkers in Manaslu region.

The health staff at the health post diagnose and treat a variety of general illnesses, injuries, and altitude-related illnesses (such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), and High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)). The health post can provide supplemental oxygen, basic medicines, and a little place in which to recover and rest.

Samagaun fulfills this role as an important trekking place, so it can provide medical help, but also acclimatization, from which trekkers can get the medical help they may need, so that they can continue onto higher altitude areas and other parts of Manaslu.

Healthcare personnel: Doctors and nurses

The Samagaun Health Post has medical personnel on staff, with fully trained nurses that offer basic care as well as some services to the population and trekkers.  They can provide medical treatment, but are not diagnostic for complicated diseases.

They care for basic sicknesses, treat injuries, and provide initial evaluation of injury or illness so patients can be directed to where appropriate care can be obtained when needed.

Examples include altitude illnesses like Acute Mountain Sickness ( AMS), High-Altitude Cerebral Edema ( HACE), and High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema ( HAPE). The medical professionals deliver basic health services in the wilderness of remote mountain areas.

Medical Supplies and Equipment: (card, lamp, oxygen cylinder)

The health post has medical supplies and equipment to respond to health problems and emergencies. It has medications for altitude sickness; Band-aids, some first aid supplies, but limited; oxygen therapy to meet oxygen therapy needs.

These medical supplies, even limited, offer timely healthcare for those patients in this remote, high-altitude environment.

Emergency Evacuation and Support

Occasionally, in life-threatening medical emergencies, such as severe altitude sickness, the Samagaun Health Post will coordinate helicopter evacuations.

Occasionally, trekkers and local children will use helicopter transport to reach a lower altitude when there are no available medical treatment options at the higher altitude.

Helicopter evacuation is a vital logistical option because of limited medical services in the area. To receive treatment, patients must arrive at lower altitudes where similar medical services are available and accessible, and treatment can happen immediately.