Manang for all Seasons
Story: Sunil C. Sharma
Photo : Sunil C.Sharma and Shanta Nepali
Manang is a district in north-west Nepal that was not easily accessible even 5 years ago. Today, scores of 4 wheel jeeps ply between the 96-kilometer mountainous road between Besisahar and Manang village ferrying hundreds of locals and foreign trekkers heading to destinations such as Tilicho Lake (5200 meters) and Thorong La Pass (5416 meters). The road has further traversed to Khangsar village, the gateway to Tilicho Lake. Administratively, Chame is the district headquarters of Manang. There are 13 Village Development Committees (VDC) in the Manang district. They are Khangsar, Manang, Chame, Pisang, Bhraka, Ngawal, Ghyaru, Tal, Nar, Phu, Dharapani, Tanki-Manang, and Bagarchap.
It has been a week since I returned from Manang, post conclusion of the 4th installment of annual high altitude mountain biking race, Yak Ru. My mind has not left Manang though. It is lingering in the ever increasing quest for exploring remotest parts of Manang such as Nar and Phu, two remaining VDCs where I have not set my foot in to, yet.
I first came to Manang in 2011 and have visited this high mountain enclave for the 7th time in various seasons but my mind fills with the same level of excitement every time I think of returning to Manang as if I am heading somewhere new.
Manang fascinates me with its rich and ancient cultural heritage, ancient monasteries, alpine vegetation and believe it or not, the harsh climatic conditions. I seek a sense of adventure and thrill every time I visit Manang. I have made Manang my ultimate high altitude sports pilgrimage.
It is here, I together with my co-founder Chhimi Gurung started a high altitude mountain biking race called Yak Ru (means Yak’s Horn in the Tibetan Language). Talking about the Tibetan Language, the locals in Manang speak a dialect which is very similar to Tibetan. It is called the Manangi.
These high altitude dwellings surrounded by some 7000 and 8000 meters tall mountains is also the Mecca for big mountain enduro and epic cross country rides. The district’s lowest trails start at 600 meters and scale up to a staggering height of 5416 meters above sea level making it the most gifted hiking and cycling trails on earth.
The main trail is dotted with several ancient villages of Bhraka, Pisang and Manang as well as newer settlements such as Bhratang where a modern Farm House with an Apple orchard is making quite a ripple among the trekkers to this region. This is a must-stop place to refresh, bite on some fresh apples and hey, even a stay if you could afford it.
Now, I am going to dive little further into the mountain biking opportunities in this district. If you ever plan to mountain bike in this region, I have to tell you, are in for a big treat. However, I would like to make it clear to you that cycling in this district requires you to be both fit and brave. Fitness is required because you will be cycling the same trails and tracks which are used by the local populations, trekkers & hikers and lately, the 4WD Mahindra Jeeps (Indian built sturdy beasts).
Bravery is required because you will be labeled as ‘Nuts’ the moment you tell your friends that you are thinking of cycling Annapurnas. But remain steadfast to your intention, the population of ‘Nuts’ is growing rapidly as many have cycled and now even raced our race, Yak Ru. Yak Ru comes in three flavors, XC, enduro, and tour. Take your pick at www.yakru.com
