Manang, Nestled beyond the Himalayas, Manang offers a spectacular display of nature’s grandeur with its awe-inspiring mountains, cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, and meandering rivers. This picturesque setting, surrounded by majestic peaks, has become a beloved destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Reaching Manang requires traversing colossal mountains, cliffs, valleys, and gorges, either on foot or by vehicle. The region remains accessible despite the closure of the Humde Airport. Situated on the renowned Annapurna Circuit, Manang has gained popularity among trekkers, especially with the development of motorable roads over the past decade.
Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass are dream destinations for many visitors. Tilicho Lake, located at an elevation of 4,919 meters in Manang Neshyang Rural Municipality-9, and Thorong La Pass, at 5,414 meters, attract adventurous and fit trekkers. From Thorong La, trekkers can continue to the sacred Muktinath temple in the Mustang region, a significant site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Anil Lama, a guide from Bratang in Manang Neshyang-1, recently led a Nepali family from America on a trek to Thorong La. Starting from Chame at 2,831 meters, their journey included stops at Pisang, Manang village, and the Tilicho base camp before reaching Tilicho Lake. Afterward, they planned to continue to Thorong La via Srikharka, completing the trek in about six to seven days.
For those unable to cross Thorong La, the route from Srikharka to Khangsar and back to Manang village offers an alternative. Phurba Chiring Lama, a local tourism entrepreneur, notes that the trek’s duration depends on the rest periods taken by trekkers. Tilicho Lake, often called a ‘piece of heaven,’ is surrounded by mountains and holds religious significance due to its association with Lord Shiva’s meditation.
Manang also offers other beautiful lakes like Gangapurna, Green Lake, and Kajinsara. From Tilicho and Thorong La, trekkers can view numerous Himalayan ranges, including Annapurna-2, Annapurna-4, Lamjung, Manaslu, and Gangapurna. Additional trekking passes, such as Larke Pass and Kang La Pass, provide access to picturesque destinations like the village of Naar in Manang.
Despite road developments, the Annapurna Circuit’s prestige is diminishing due to disrupted trekking paths. Chame Rural Municipality Chairman Lokendra Bahadur Ghale emphasizes the need for stakeholders to address this issue responsibly. The Area Conservation Office in Manang reported a significant tourist influx during the peak seasons of autumn and spring, with over 22,000 foreign tourists visiting in 2023.
Tourism plays a crucial role in Manang’s economy. During peak seasons, hundreds of domestic and international tourists visit Manang daily. Upgrading the road to Manang could attract even more visitors annually. Despite the monsoon season’s challenges, over 300 hotels continue to operate, catering to tourists’ needs and supporting local tourism businesses.
Manang remains an excellent destination for those who love adventurous and thrilling treks. Its scenic beauty, cultural heritage, Buddhist traditions, and Himalayan lifestyle make it a unique and attractive destination. Efforts to identify and promote tourist destinations are ongoing, with hopes of enhancing Manang’s appeal to visitors worldwide.
