Manang Valley Trek

The Manang valley lies on the eastern higher reaches of the popular Annapurna circuit trek. Due to its remoteness and its close proximity to the Tibet border, the Manangi people have a history of trading mostly yak and salt. Their prosperity as traders is still true of today, having been given special dispensation by King Mahendra to trade throughout south East Asia. A lot of Manangi moved to Kathmandu to avail of this opportunity - those that are left are still reliant on their pastoral traditions, but having opened up to trekkers in the 70s, tourism is now playing a significant part in their lives. The valley is towered over to the west by the stunning Annapurna himal and bordered by numerous others such as Pisang peak, the Chulu range, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Kangaru Peak, Throung peak and more.

The district is comprised of 13 villages divided between lower and upper Manang. It runs along the Marsyangdi River which irrigates the land, enabling them to grow their main crops of buck wheat, millet and potato. During the winter months the higher plateaus resemble barren mountain desert, but during the summer the valley is alive with mountain blooms, creating quite a rare spectacle of flora and fauna. The crop blooms turn the upper valley into a vibrant palate of colour.

The trek will bring you up through the steep forested gorges of the lower valley until it opens up into the higher mountain plateau. Here you will be treated to breathtaking panoramic Himalayan views. The valley is culturally rich with beautiful monasteries and shrines scattered throughout the mountains - the renowned Miliripa cave lies only a day’s walk from Manang village. Hidden in the upper reaches of the valley is Tilicho Lake, one of the highest remote lakes in the world, at an altitude of 4,920 meters. The glaciers of Mt. Tilicho fall into its waters, and it is revered by locals as a holy lake. It is undoubtedly one of the true highlights of the Annapurna region.
The Annapurna trek is situated completely within the Annapurna conservation area project ACAP.

 

Three suggested treks in the Manang valley:

1.  MANANG VALLEY TREK

Grade: moderate
Accommodation: lodge
Max altitude: 4,000 meters
Mountain views:  Lamjung, The Annapurna Range, Pisang Peak, The Chulus, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna Himal, Throung Peak.

DAY 1. Collect from airport – pre trek briefing
DAY 2. Kathmandu sightseeing tour
DAY 3. Bus to Besisahar and on to Ngadi
DAY 4. Trek to Jagat
DAY 5. Trek to Dharapani
DAY 6. Trek to Chame
DAY 7. Trek to Pisang
DAY 8. Rest day in Pisang, acclimatization walk up the valley to Annapurna IV
DAY 9. Trek to Ngawal
DAY 10. Trek to Khangsar
DAY 11. Trek to Manang via Gunsang
DAY 12. Rest day Manang – explore Gangapurna glacial lake
DAY 13. Trek to Dhukure Pokhari
DAY 14. Trek to Danakyu
DAY 15. Trek to Tal
DAY 16. Trek to Bahundanda
DAY 17. By jeep to Besisahar and on to Kathmandu
DAY 18. Explore Kathmandu
DAY 19. Transport to airport

 

2. EXPLORE THE MANANG VALLEY (INCLUDES TILICHO LAKE)

Grade: moderate to strenuous
Max altitude: 4,920 meters
Accommodation: lodge
Mountain sights: The Annapurna Range, Lamjung Himal, Pisang Peak, The Chulus, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna Himal, Khangsar Kang, Throung Peak

DAY 1. Transfer to hotel in Kathmandu – pre trek briefing
DAY 2. Kathmandu sightseeing
DAY 3. Bus to Besisahar and on to Ngadi
DAY 4. Trek to Jagat
DAY 5. Trek to Dharapani
DAY 6. Trek to Chame
DAY 7. Trek to Pisang
DAY 8. Rest day in Pisang with a choice of acclimatization walks exploring the side valleys to Annapurna II or IV
DAY 9. Trek to Ghyaru via Pisang peak view point
DAY 10. Trek to Braga – explore ancient gompa
DAY 11. Side trek to Milarepa cave. Trek to Manang
DAY 12. Rest day Manang – explore Gangapurna glacial lake
DAY 13. Trek to Tilicho Base Camp
DAY 14. Trek to Tilicho Lake – explore lake – Trek to Khansgar
DAY 15. Trek to Humde
DAY 16. Trek to Dhukure Pokhari
DAY 17. Trek to Danakyu
DAY 18. Trek to Tal
DAY 19. Trek to Bahundanda
DAY 20. Jeep to Besisahar on to Kathmandu
DAY 21. Explore Kathmandu
DAY 22. Airport transfer

 

3.  BASIC TILICHO LAKE TREK

Grade: moderate to strenuous
Accommodation: lodge
Max altitude: 4,920 meters
Mountain views: Annapurna Range, Lamjung Himal, Pisang Peak, The Chulus, Tilicho Peak, Khangsar Kang, Gangapurna Himal, Throung Peak

DAY 1. Transport to hotel. Pre trek briefing
DAY 2. Kathmandu sightseeing tour
DAY 3. Bus to Besisahar on to Ngadi
DAY 4. Trek to Jagat
DAY 5. Trek to Dharapani
DAY 6. Trek to Chame
DAY 7. Trek to Pisang
DAY 8. Trek to Manang via Ghyaru
DAY 9. Rest day in Manang – explore Gangapurna Lake and ancient gompa
DAY 10. Trek to Tilicho Lake base camp
DAY 11. Trek to Tilicho Lake – explore lake – Trek to Khangsar
DAY 12. Trek to Humde
DAY 13. Trek to Dhukure Pokhari
DAY 14. Trek to Danakyu
DAY 15. Trek to Tal
DAY 16. Trek to Bahundanda
DAY 17. Jeep to Besisahar on to Kathmandu
DAY 18. Explore Kathmandu
DAY 19. Transfer to Airport

 

Flight options are available out of the airstrip at Humde but keep in mind that it is not entirely reliable due to weather and demand. 

Pokhara tours are an option after all Manang treks.

Pony trekking is available between Pisang and Manang or from Khangsar for the Tilicho Lake tour.