MANANG - Acclimatize!

Manang is famous amongst the trekkers specifically because of the well-stocked shops, good gear shops, health posts etc. This is precisely the reason why many trekkers choose Manang for a rest day. It is a favorite town for many trekkers because it is very well catered towards them. It has a museum, a public library, a small movie theatre that plays select movies and an ACAP post. It also has cafes with internet connections (good luck finding internet connection after Manang). Some hotels here even have western-style toilets which we know will be a great relief for many. Also, Manang can be your information center for the upcoming days. After Manang, the altitude will rise quickly and with that trekkers will have to deal with stark weather changes. It will be advisable to get constant weather updates as communication will not be a problem at Manang. And never underestimate a local's knowledge as they know their place better than anyone else.

But Manang is important not just logistically. It is one of the oldest settlements of the Nyeshyang region and has the distinction of having one of the most attractive gompas in all of Annapurna Circuit, the Bodzo Gompa. In fact, it was around Bodzo Gompa (situated on a hilltop) where the original settlement of the Manang used to be. And this is quite logical as history has proved that settlements form around religious sites. With time, the settlement shifted and now sits on a large sedimentary bed. The lodges start immediately after entering Manang and the local Manange settlement lies further towards the west. What not many people know is that there is a small extension of Manang known as Tenki Manang to the northwest, just 20 minutes away from the larger settlement. Houses at Tenki are more primitive and have a very rustic feel about them. Perhaps you could take a stroll around the narrow alleys of Tenki Manang if your rest day is at Manang.

The people of Manang are mostly Gurungs and Ghales who are well-known traders. The objects traded range from precious stones, ornaments to livestock. Before, musk products used to be traded as well by the Mananges but nowadays since musk products are illegal it is not traded legally. They trade food as well since the high altitude only allows them to cultivate buckwheat, barley, wheat, and potatoes. History tells that Mananges traded as far as Singapore across the seas but nowadays with the passage of time their trade connections has expanded far and beyond. Mananges have earned quite a reputation for being avid and skilled traders. Even in Kathmandu, many businesses belong to Manange traders.

Characteristic to all of Nyeshyang region, traces of Tibetan culture is still present in Manang. History tells that the Ghale kings migrated from Tibet and came into Nyeshyang from Nar valley and neatly outplayed the Gurungs.

Manang, besides being an attractive town itself provides many other attractions. Gangapurna lake is a nice and short side trip, then there is Chhongkor viewpoint and Praken gompa, all of which are worth a visit. The Ice lake sidetrip and Milarepa cave sidetrip are also famous sidetrips from Manang but they will be closer if you do these sidetrips from Bhraka. Take a look at the side trips section to find more about all the awesome side trips you could do from Manang.