Manang is a beautiful valley hidden around mountain, hills, and ridges. It is a small town located in the Manang district of Nepal. Manang trek will take to this beautiful valley passing through the quaint settlements, rich natural beauty and the glorious view of mountains all around you.

About Manang

Located at an altitude of 3,519 meters/11,545 feet, Manang is one of the hidden valleys of Nepal. Manang lies in the broad valley of Marshyangdi river in the north of Annapurna mountain range. In the north-west lies, Thorong La pass which is at an altitude of 5,416 meters, which leads to the Muktinath and the valley of Gandaki river. Manang is also a place for acclimatization for the trekkers around the Annapurna range before moving to higher altitude region. With the on-going visit of trekkers, most of the people are involved in the service business. Agriculture and herding yaks are also occupations adopted by the locals. As Mustang is located on the northern slopes, it gets most of the sunlight and less snow cover in the winter.

Looking at the past years and now, Manang has become more accessible as motorable roads, as well as trails where goods are transported on jeep or mule trains or porters, are available. There is a trail which links Manang to the Annapurna Conservation Area, and it has brought many benefits to the villagers and the area.

Manang is an ancient valley of Nepal with its history among the salt and yak traders of Nepal and Tibet. It is still a yak and salt trading point and is one of the important trading points in the northern border. Manang was declared as the trading point of Nepal for East Asia during the time of King Mahindra. The valley was opened to the trekkers during ’70s, and now it is one of the popular and preferred trekking destinations among trekkers traveling Nepal. The remarkable and stunning view of mountains like Gangapurna, Tilicho, Kangaru, Pisang, Chulu rang and Thorong peak has been one of the attractions of the trek.

Manang trek will take you through the beautiful lower valley full of culture and tradition, desert-like a barren upper plateau and natural scenic view throughout the way. In the northern part of Manang, you will find the old and preserved culture and tradition, while in the southern part, you will find hotels, shops, cybercafé and several other shops for trekkers.

More about the trek

While trekking to Manang, you don’t need any expert skill or experience in trekking. The trek generally takes place in lower altitude region below 3,500 meters. However, you must be in a total fitness and good health to accomplish the trek.

Another thing while trekking is altitude sickness. One gets more vulnerable to altitude sickness in the high elevation area. So, you must acclimatize for higher regions so your body can adjust to the new found environment. Also, adequate rest, plenty of water and good health help a lot.

General outline of Manang Valley Trek

Manang Valley trek starts from Besisahar. You will take a jeep ride from Kathmandu to Besisahar. Besisahar is a small town rich in culture and beauty. You can get the view of glorious mountains of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal and Machhapuchre from there. Waterfall and ancient temples are also something one must see in Besisahar. You can choose to stay a night in Besisahar and explore everything or else you can move on the same day.

After Besisahar, you will travel to Bhulbhule. There are many vans and jeep you can hire to reach Bhulbhule or the option; you can trek. While trekking there, you will pass through the forested area, some rough trails and distant mountain view. From Bhulbhule comes Jagat. Jagat is a small and charming village located in the midst of the hills.

Moving further from Jagat, Dharapani is your next stop. Dharapani is a quaint village where people follow the simple lifestyle of agriculture and livestock. The village is marked by the stone entrance, and it is one of the typical Tibetan-influenced villages. You will also see the wonderful traditional houses built from stone. Continuing your trek from Dharapani, you will now hike to Chame. Hiking towards Chame, you will meet a confluence with Dudh Khola and Manaslu Circuit trail at a place called Thoche. A traditional village of Thanchowk to Koto also comes on the way. Then arriving at Chame, you can take a breath and rest for a night. You will find headquarter of Manang district nearby Chame, where there are hotels, lodges, bank, health post, and trek-gear shops. Fine view of Annapurna II can be seen from Chame as well.

Now, Pisang is your next stop from Chame. Pisang is a traditional village with an old Buddhist temple. The village is amazingly located in Marshyangdi river valley, directly south of Pisang peak, north of Annapurna II and west of Paungda Danda. And, after Pisang finally comes Manang. Stay for a day and explore this beautiful hidden valley of rich culture and tradition.

After reaching Manang and exploring its beauty, you can return the way you came or else trek to Ice Lake. Ice Lake is located at an altitude of 4,600 meters, and you can make your way there and return the very same day at Manang. Ice Lake trails wind up the lower north slopes of Chulu East and end at the beautiful lake called Kicho Tal. The lakes in there are embedded in two huge cirques bordered by several ridges.

After visiting Ice Lake and returning to Manang the very same day, you can start with a return to Pisang after a night stay in Manang. Descending further you will arrive at Chame and from there trek to Dharapani. Now, you will finally reach Besisahar from where you can take a jeep ride to reach Kathmandu.