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Punam Phuyal
Manang is a beautiful Himalayan district of Gandaki province. It is in the trans-Himalayan region within the Annapurna conservation area. It is an acclimatization site for Annapurna circuit trek. This dry village of Nepal lies behind the mountain and experiences limited rainfall throughout the year. This article aims to give detailed information about Manang so that trekkers planning for the Annapurna circuit route could know more about it.
Manang is spread in an area of 2246 square kilometers from 2000 to 6000 m in Marshyangdi valley. The dry climatic condition throughout the year is unique whereas the cold winters and mild hot summers are common to other places of Nepal. It is in the north of Annapurna range.
The flowing Marshyangdi river in the east, shining Annapurna range in the north and Thorong La pass in the west are the geographical entities of Manang valley. Gangapurna lake, Gangapurna glacier, Chogkor viewpoint, Tilicho lake, ice lake, Yak pastures and alpine medows are the major attractions of Manang district.
Weather in Manang keeps on changing and most often the clear skies are seen during spring and autumn. The summer remains dry due to rain shadow area but may have cloudy weather with little showers in bad weather conditions.
Winter in Manang is cold with temperature fluctuation from -2 to -8 ℃ in day and – 10 to – 15 ℃ in night. The days remains hot before sunset and temperatures fall below 0 ℃ after sunset.
The people living in Manang are Manangis. They are also called Gurungs of Manang. We can see Manangis in several villages of Manang such as Manang, Braga, Ngawal, Humde, Pisang and Khangsar. They are influenced by Tibetan Buddhist culture.
The population of Manang is 5658 according to census 2021 AD. The limited developmental resources, high terrains, and distance from facilized towns are the major reasons behind less population in Manang. The main festival in Manang is Mani Rimdu and Lhosar. Mani Rimdu is celebrated in October or November based on full moon in the nine months of lunar calendar. Lhosar is celebrated as new year in Gurung culture.
Manang is an amazing part of Nepal Himalaya where we can entertain and enjoy the cultural and natural beauty far from the crowded cities. The common activity we can do in Manang are:
Green lake Manang is located 3270 m above sea level near the lower Pisang. The pristine beauty of lake with reflection of mountains and nearby forest makes green appearance. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach the lake from Upper Pisang. We can visit Green lake while trekking to Manang as it enroutes Pisang to Manang trek route.
Tilicho lake is situated at 4919 m asl. It is 21 km far from Manang. It is one of the highest lakes in Nepal. We should trek to Tilicho base camp and hike to the lake for the amazing view of Annapurna region and Tilicho range.
Ice lake is located 4600 meters above sea level in Manang village. It is 5-6 km from Manang to Ice Lake. It takes around 3-4 hours to reach the lake for amazing view of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangviewsna and Tilicho peak.
Manang is rich in cultural diversity. Braga monastery in Manang is one of the oldest monasteries which is 500 years old. Similarly, gompas in Ngawal, Pisang and Manang are also popular to visit from Manang. We can explore the beauty of gopma and entertain the ancient art and architecture.
The yak pasture around Khangsar and Manang is great to explore. The raring yak in the pasture is amazing. We can also taste yak cheese, butter tea and dried meat in tea houses. The local manangis lifestyle and interaction with them is best to know the high-altitude lifestyle.
We can have a short trek to Gangapurna lake from Manang village. It is 1 km far from Manang. The amazing Gangapurna lake, and Gangapurna glacier are the best places to take photographs. Trekker can visit glaciers and lake during the acclimatization day.
We can enjoy the cultural festivals in Manang. Lhosar and Mani Rimdu festival are most popular festivals in Manang. Mani rimdu festival is unique culture where we can see cultural dance of monks wearing masks.
Thorong La pass is the highest altitude of Annapurna circuit trek. It connects Manang with Mustang. Hiking to Thorong La pass is difficult and challenging to all trekkers. We can also trek to Khangsar village from Manang.
Manang is a remote valley of western Nepal. There are limited transportation facilities. We can drive to Manang via bumpy road. The trekking route to Manang starts from Chame. We can either trek to Manang and continue to Annapurna circuit or return Besi Sahar after reaching Manang.
Driving is the ideal means of transportation to reach Manang from Kathmandu. The road distance between Kathmandu and Manang is 205 km/ 127.38 miles. It is very long distance and takes three days to reach Manang on jeep. It is not safe to drive at night so we prefer day drive to enjoy the view and explore its beauty. Trekking from Chame is best alternative for adventure trekking to Manang.
Manang is an amazing village reflecting Himalayan life influenced by Tibetan buddhist culture. It is gateway to Annapurna circuit trek. It is best place for acclimatization during the trek to Tilicho lake, Annapurna circuit and Thorong La pass. Different side trips like Thorong La pass, Nar Phu valley trek, Muktinath trek are possible from Manang.
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