Manaslu Samagaun Nepal

Samagaun is one of the renowned villages within the Manaslu conservation area. It lies in the Gorkha district, Gandaki province, Nepal. The elevation of Samagaoun is 3530 m and spreads up to 3800 m above sea level. It is an amazing valley surrounded by Mount Manaslu and its nearby peaks and mountains. The village is an acclimatization site of the Manaslu circuit trek. The rest day in Samagaun is for exploring Manaslu base camp and Birendra Lake. This article aims to give detailed information about the Manslu Samagaun village. It will help trekkers and climbers to know about the place and its beauty.

Manaslu Samagaun highlights

• Amazing view of 8th highest peak in the world
• Stunning beauty of Himalchuli, Naike Peak, and Samdo peak
• Short hike to Birendra lake and Manaslu base camp
• Ethnic Tibetan or Nubri people
• Tibetan buddhist culture
• Traditional age-based customs
• Ancient monastery and gompas
• Stone houses and prayers flags
• Pungyen monastery

Side trips from Samagaun

Samagaun is the great valley that offers three side trips for acclimatization. Walking a few hours towards higher elevation will be supportive for gaining altitude, and we can enjoy the great view of the Manaslu landscape via hiking from Samagaun. The popular side trip/hiking from the Samagaun area:

Birendra lake hiking

Birendra Lake is a freshwater lake formed from the Manaslu glacier. It is on the lap of Manaslu, situated at 4500 m. The lake is around 10 km from Samagaoun. We should walk around three hours to reach Birendra Tal, the village. The amazing lake surrounded by mountains at high elevation is amazing to explore. Hiking to this lake is a common day activity during the Manaslu circuit trek. 

Manaslu base camp hiking

Manaslu base camp hiking from Samagaun is another attraction of this place. MBC (Manaslu Base Camp) is around 8 km from Samagaun. We can start hiking after having breakfast. The dry landscape of Manaslu, wonderful mountain and peaceful environment is brilliant. The elevation of Manaslu base camp is 4800 m. Trekkers will gain around 1100 m elevation from Samagaoun to MBC. It is very supportive for acclimatization. After enjoying an hour in base camp of Manaslu we can trek down to Samagoun,

Hike Pungyen monastery 

Pungyen monastery is one of the historical monasteries in Manaslu region. It is a Buddhist monastery located at 4058 m in upper Samagoun. The distance between Pungyen monastery and Samagaun is 6-7 kilometers. We can explore the mesmerizing beauty of Mt. Manaslu and Himchuli from the route to the monastery. It is spiritual monastery where Numbri or Tibetan Buddhist worship with deep faith and believes.

How to reach Samagaun?

Samagaoun is one of the remote valleys of Manaslu. We should walk or ride on horseback to reach Samagaun.

Trek to Samagaun itinerary in brief

• Day 1; arrival in Nepal
• Day 2: Drive to Soti khola
• Day 3: Drive to Machhakhola
• Day 4: Trek to Jagat
• Day 5: Trek to Deng 
• Day 6: Trek to Namrung
• Day 7: Trek to Samagaun

Accommodation and food in Samagaun

Samagaun is one of the best places for accommodation in the Manaslu circuit. We can get normal to facilitated teahouses for overnight stays. The twin-sharing room with comfortable beds is available in the room. Limited attached rooms are not available in particular tea houses only.

The tea houses will provide local as well as popular food in Nepal. We can also get Western food in the village. 

Food in Samagaun

• Breakfast: Tea, coffee, bread, porridge, champa, egg
• Lunch and dinner: Nepali thali, mo: mo, noodles, spaghetti, fried rice

Network and internet in Samagaun

There is both network and internet in Samagaun. We can use a Wi-Fi card for using Wi-Fi. Similarly, we can get N-cell and NTC networks in Samagaun.

Weather

The weather in Samagaun keeps on changing. Being on the lap of Himalaya, it remains cold throughout the year. The sunny days are warmer.

Best time to visit Samagaun

The best time to visit Samagaun is spring and autumn. We can have pleasant weather in the months of March, April, May, September, October and November. The moderate temperature and pleasant weather is supportive for exploring the mountains around Samagaun.

Culture and life in Samagaun

Samagaun is inhabited by ethnic Tibetan/Nubri people. The well-architected stone houses, traditional dresses, Tibetan buddhist culture, mani walls, monasteries, and Himalayan life are the identities of the people living in Samagaun village. 

The farmland encompasses seasonal potato, barley, and buckwheat as major crops. Along with agriculture, villagers are also engaged in tourism by establishing tea houses and hotels. Rearing yaks, selling milk products, and trading goods are common economic activities in this village. 

What are the facilities in Samagaun?

• Tea houses for overnight stays
• Wooden heater to warm up
• Delicious food 
• Small market to buy snacks and basic trekking gear
• Health post
• Side trips for a well-spent day spend

Conclusion: Samagaun Manaslu Nepal

Samagaun is a beautiful valley of the Manaslu circuit. It is a rest zone where trekkers can spend two or three nights with side trips to Manaslu base camp, Birendra Lake, and Pungyen monastery. The facilitated tea houses and the beauty of Mount Manaslu and its nearby ranges are the best parts of the village. If you are planning for the Manslu circuit trek then you will love this place. It is a miracle of nature.