Manang मनाङ

Manang district occupies the high, arid rain-shadow country north of the main Annapurna range — a landscape of rock, wind and short summer grass that feels closer to Tibet than to Nepal's green mid-hills. The district headquarters at Chame sits at roughly 2,710 metres on the Marsyangdi, and the trail climbs through the Paungda Danda cliff face and the broad glacial valley toward Manang village at 3,540 metres, the main acclimatisation stop on the Annapurna Circuit. From here trekkers branch west to the glacial Tilicho Lake at 4,920 metres — among the world's highest lakes — before continuing over the Thorong La pass at 5,416 metres into Mustang.

The Nyeshang people of Manang have a long history as trans-Himalayan traders, and special government trade privileges sent Nyeshangba merchants across Asia; the large gompas and well-built stone lodges of Manang village reflect that prosperity. Braga Gompa, just below Manang, is one of the oldest monasteries in the region. The upper section of the district requires the Annapurna Conservation Area permit; the Thorong La crossing is best attempted from October to November or March to May, and the pass is dangerous in winter.