MANANG - A Mystery beyond Himalays

Introduction: Manang is a beautiful district lying in the northern part of Gandaki zone. Also known as Himal Pariko Jilla or the district beyond the Himalayas, the district lies in the rain shadow region. The Annapurna range creates a rain shadow that stops the monsoon clouds from crossing over, thereby affording the tourists, especially trekkers, to engage in tourism activities throughout the year. The district is the homeland of the famed traders, the Manages and is rich in culture and tradition. Manang is one of the major stops in the fame Annapurna Circuit, the most popular trekking route in the country and a well-known destination among the world’s trekkers. Manang is also home to the picturesque Lake Tilicho, a lake that is situated at the highest elevation in the world. Apart From Lake Tilicho, Manang is home to some 17 small and big lakes.

Manang is surrounded by the 8,000m plus Annapurna range and the great peaks of Pisang and Chulu. While the valley is wild yet wonderful, its weather is dry and desert like. This harsh climate ensured that the Manangi people never lose their nomadic roots. Horse riding and archery, from time immemorial, are popular pastimes of the Manangis. Even today, horse riding and archery continue to remain popular among the Manangi people. Manang also provides stunning views of mountain peaks like Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Ngawal among others. The majority of inhabitants of this district are Gurung and they speak in their own mother tongue Gurung language. There are few people who migrated to Manang from Tibet much later and they are called Manangi Dhukpa. Those people who have migrated from Mustang are called Bhote. They speak in Tibetan or Bhote language. People here have a strong belief in Buddhism. Buddhist Lamas function as priests who cater to the everyday religious needs of the people. The district is largely divided into two parts-the upper or Neyshang and lower valley. The government has also opened a number of new peaks in Manang and news destinations like Nar and Phu, the northernmost outposts of the district bordering Tibet.

Places of Interest: Manang district is the wonder of Mother Nature. There are many places that are of interests to visitors. The places of interest have been further enhanced with the recent opening of Nar and Phu settlements of the Braga Community. The Milarepa Caves, Pocho Gompo, Kecho Lake, Kargyu Gompa, Chogkor, Gangapurna Glacier, Kangsar, Tilicho Lake, Nyeshang Valley are some of the places that have been attracting both domestic and international visitors. The Annapurna Circuit trek is the other attraction of the district. Majority of trekkers coming to Nepal trek in various trekking routes in the Annapurna Region. Manang is either beginning of ending point of the famed Annapurna Circuit trek.

Infrastructures: Despite having immense potentials in terms of tourism, people of Manang are yet to take full advantage from them. Most of the tourism related activities are centered in the Upper Valley or Nyeshang. There are some 17 hotels and lodges thereby providing lodging and fooding to some five hundred visitors a day. Likewise, there are ample camping places for independent trekkers. Of late, home stay facilities have also been developed in some houses in Manang. Likewise, there are adequate lodges and inns in the stopovers in Annapurna circuit. Telephones and health facility are available in district headquarters Chame and in some places. Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) runs a clinic in Manang to cure trekkers suffering from altitude sickness.

Access: Through road, Manang can be reached after an approximate five-day walk from the nearest motorable city, Besishahar of Lamjung district. Other way is trek from Jomsom after crossing the famed Thorong Pass. By air, there are two options: one can fly directly from Kathmandu to Humde airport or fly from Pokhara. Yeti Airlines operate flight from Kathmandu while Royal Nepal Airlines operate flight from Pokhara.