Destination Manang

Manang awe inspiring natural beauty and rich cultural heritage make this a truly an unforgettable part of the world. Manang  district is one of the remotest district of Nepal,  and covering an area of 1914 km2, is about a third of ACA area of responsibility. The 5000 residents are physical defined by three regions.

1. Nyesang – which extends Pisang to Khangsar

2. Gyalsomdo – Which extends Tal to Chame

3. Naar Phoo Valley – North part of Manang, which is just opened for foreigners.

1. Nesyang – The upper valley of Manang district, known locally as Nyesang, extends 20 km from Pisang (3200m)to Khangsar (3730m) and lies at an average elevation of 3500m. The inhabitants known as Nyesangpa or more popularly Manangi are said to have migrated from Tengur in Tibet and have settled the area for some hundreds of years. The population of Nyesang also includes Ghale, Gurung and immigrant Tibetan people, although the culture and traditions of the area are strongly motivated by Lamaist Buddhist practices, evidenced by the streaming prayerflags and mani wlls as well as the many Gompa of the area (the oldest of which predate the 14th century). Traditionally the people of the region have been great traders, a fact certified by royal warrant in 1984 during the region of Gorkha Kings. Since that time Manang people have been involved in trading herbs, animal product and other local commodities on the national and international stage. With the decline in urban opportunity and local development of the tourism industry, many Manangi families have moved their enterprises back to Nyesang with particular in hotels, restaurants and shops catering to the tourist trade. Although tourism has become increasingly important to the prosperity of the region, agriculture remains the basic of the local economy and way of life. Barley, Wheat, Buckwheat and Potato are the main crops, which are harvested once a year (march-November). The Nyesang valley also forms important pasture land for grazing yaks, cows, goats, sheep and horse.

2. Gyalsomdo : Gyalsomdo is the southernmost region of Manang district, extending from tal to Chame,  situated in Marshyandi gorge.  The people of the region are mostly Gurung, followers of pre- Buddhist Bonpo religious tradition. However, Ghale, Lama, Gurung, Ghotiya, kami and immigrant Tibetan people have made home in Gyalsomdo. In the past, Gyalsomdo was an important center for the salt trade crossing Larke pass.  Today, the local economy is dependent on agriculture, livestock, wage labor and tourism.

3. Nar –Phoo:  The Nar –Phoo region is the northernmost area of Manang district bordering China (Tibet) and comprising the  very important in this physical isolated region, and like the Nyesang the people of Nar –Phoo are strong adherents to Lamaist Buddhist.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                              

Culturally recommended behavior in Nepal

Namaste (Photo Source: Raiguide)

You are a guest in Nepal and it is appreciated if you behave like Nepali.

• Say Namaste when you meet people.
• Dress decently (no short or revealing clothes)
• Do not show affection in public.
• Do not point your feet (unclean) to people and point with full hand, not with one finger.
• Do not step over person.
• Do not touch or step over offering (red powder, flowers, rice).
• Do not use your left hand (dirtu).
• Receive and give with two hands.
• Ask permission before taking people’s photographs.
• Do not give local kids for pens or sweets.
• Discourage begging, pay fair prices.
• Take your shoes before entering a monastery or house.
• Go clockwise around Stupa, Mani etc.
• Do not eat, smoke or be loud at religious sites.
• Women should avoid touching monks/lamas.

Drone flight test at Kalapathar, Everest

A drone flight test was successfully  conducted at Kala Patthar (5600 metre) near Mt Everest in first week of June, 2017.

The drone is called ‘Lotus’ and its weight is under 0.5 kg. “It is a fully modular 3D printer design to allow low cost and easy maintenance for drone parts showing a high rate of failure in high altitude conditions. The drone is equipped with a thermal camera and visual First Person View camera for navigation and observation.

It took five minutes to set up the drone, ground station and transmitter. The first flight was attempted on Lotus with the flip attached to it, the drone could not achieve flight at 100% throttle.

The drones can be used in extreme environmental as well as man-made conditions. The sensor-equipped, unmanned aircraft was previously used to locate avalanche victims and assist in wildlife conservation projects in Nepal.

Langtang Valley & Gosainkund Trekking after the Earthquake

Langtang Valley Trek is a pleasant trip in Nepal. The Langtang valley declared as Langtang National Park in 1976 and covering approximately 1710sq. km stretching up to the Tibetan border. Trekkers will be surrounded by awesome forest, high peaks and Himalaya range of mountains.

On this trek Langtang Valley & Gosainkund you can view from Annapurna I (8,091m / 26,545ft) Annapurna South (7,219m-23,693ft), 08th highest Mt. Manaslu at 8,163 m, Ganesh Himal Ganesh Himal (7,405 m) Langtang Lirung (7,234 m)  Ghengu Liru(Langtang II 6571m / 21,560ft), and to the south, the Chimsedang Lekh forms a ridge of peaks which includes Naya-Kanga (5,846m) and Gangchempo, Tilman's beautiful Fluted Peak. Beyond it extends to the Jugal Himal, terminating in Dorje Lakpa (6,980m/22,929ft).

Langtang Valley & Gosainkund one of the most popular and trekking region due to its easy accessibility from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, the trek is moderate with ups and downs trail.

This trek leads through many traditional Tamang villages famous for culture and Buddhist religion and as well for mountain and trekking guides they are also well known for making unique wooden handcrafts and Thanka painting.

This remarkable trek starts from Syabrubesi and into enchanting forest of rhododendron, oaks and pines tree lines where the rare red panda, snow leopard roams with other wild life in this beautiful Himalayan environment.

Drive to Syabrubesi 1,460 m - 07 hrs journey.

Starting this wonderful journey driving towards North West of Kathmandu passing interesting villages and towns with fabulous scenery of hills, farm terraces and snow capped peaks after the warm area reaching to cooler region at Langtang National Park entrance in Dhunche 1950 meters, the one and the only major town of Rasuwa district and Langtang area, inhabited mostly of Tamang ethnic tribes throughout the area of this trekking.

Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Trekking, Syabrubesi

Buddhism

– Rai Fanindra (Tour and Trekking Guide in Nepal)

Siddhartha Gautam was born in 623 BC. He became Buddha or enlightened in the age of 35 after the six years of meditation. He became the liberated person for the people through his wisdom. Many people are following the path of Buddha is known as Buddhist and those Buddhist thought, wisdom, morality, iconography and practices are known as Buddhism. So Buddhism covers the vast subject matters of Buddhist followers. Buddhism is the perspective upon the nature and consequences of mind and soul; birth, death and reincarnation; liberation and salvation through the philosophy of Gautam Buddha. Tripitak (three baskets) is the main book of collection of preaching delivered to Vikshu by Buddha. The Tripitak is divided into three sections having different realm: Rules of Discipline (Vinaya), Buddha’s discourses (Sutras), Analytical and explanatory texts or commentaries (Avidhamma).

  

Boudha Stupa after earthquake renovation.

Akshybya Buddha

Amitabha Buddha

Amogha Siddi Buddha

Vairochan Buddha

In 6th century BC, Shakyamuni King Shuddodan and Queen Mayadevi were ruling the Kapilvastu state. Mayadevi became pregnant and acknowledged not to give birth in palace. So she had to leave the palace for delivering baby. When she was going to Devadaha (her parental house), she arrived Lumbini (Rumini). She saw a beautiful garden and holy pound, she took rest there. She had delivery there which was the birth of Siddharta Gautam. Mayadevi returned to Kapilvastu and she died after seven days. Gautam was raised by his mother’s younger sister, Maha Prajapati, after his mother’s death. Siddhartha Gautam married with Yasodhara and they had one child, a son, Rahul. Siddhartha Gautam was not happy even he was in palace. He saw the “Four Passing Sights”: an old man, a sick man, a dead man, and saint. Then After, Gautam knew that nothing can stop people from being born, becoming old, getting sick, and dying. So, he left the family and palace at the age of 29 for the quest of knowledge. He went to Bodhgaya and he deeply absorbed in meditation seating beneath the Budhi Tree (Ficus religiosa). He was enlightened after six year of meditation at the age of 35. He enlightened only after having the food given by a women which is called mid- way Path. The name Siddhartha Gautam transformed into Gautam Buddha after enlightenment. And Gautam Buddha delivered his first teaching to five Vikshus in Deer Park, Saranath. Many Vikshus and Vikshuni followed him for salvation during his life time.

Yak Cheese and Transportation in Himalaya

Yak is four footed domestic animal, lives in mountain. Yaks are using for multi purpose; transportation, milk, meat, cloth, plough the field, fertilizing the land etc. There are different terms for these animals like Jopkyo, Yak and Nak.  Yak is male, Nak is female and Jopkyo is crosed animal between Cow and Yak. Another difference; Jopkyo lives above 1800 meters and can go Everest base camp or mountain pasture land. But pure Yak or Nak hardly lives below 2800 meters because they have long hair on the body so they feel very hot.  If you trek in Everest Region, you can see Yak in Namche Bazaar or above Namche. Yak cheese is popular in Nepal but actually that is made from Nak because Yak can not produce milk. In general, we say Yak that might be Yak, Nak or Jopkyo. Nak and Jopkyo have identity crisis because of male hegemony, Yak. 

Yaks are the means of Transportation.

 Photos

Jopkyo (Zopkyo)

Beautiful lake and Mountain in Annapurna circuit trekking

Beautiful lake and Mountain in Annapurna circuit trekking