Birendra Lake Trek in Manaslu: A Serene Alpine Lake trek from Shyala
7 Sep 2024 Chandra Gurung
Shyala is a secluded, tiny mountainous village that is situated in the Manaslu Conservation Area in Gorkha. Also, named Shyala Kharka by the locals, this small settlement lies at an altitude of approximately 3,575 meters or 11,732 feet above sea level. Despite being a not-so-popular name, Shyala is a stopover point on the grueling and exciting Manaslu Circuit Trek and Manaslu Base Camp where the famous Birendra Lake is situated.
A small hike from Shyala to another popular yet small village, Sama Gaon, with stunning views of the majestic mountains and landscapes, you will reach Birendra Lake which is a glacial lake at the base of Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest in the world. Trekkers are drawn by the beauty of this pristine lake and many often choose to travel to witness its glory as an additional side trip from Shyala village.
If you are planning a trek to Manalsu, do not miss Birendra Lake because it is not every day that you get to visit a serene and breathtaking place like this.
Shyala village geography and lifestyle
You will be amazed to see such a small village existing between towering peaks and unreal landscapes. Since Shyala exists at such a great height, you will get a panoramic view of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Manaslu, which is one of the highest peaks in the world.
Talking about the geographical structure of Shyala, you can see lots of rugged terrain, and alpine pasture land, which are an important part of the ecosystem at such a high altitude, and rhododendron forests scattered through some land, creating a perfect jagged mountainous beauty.
The lifestyle of Shyala village is as ordinary as any other secluded mountainous village. Along the way, you will be greeted by a lot of yaks and mountainous goats which indicates that the main occupation of people of this area is animal rearing.
Houses are stone made with thatched roofs and settlements are sparse. It is not a surprise that this place has proper facilities for transportation, education or health care for the villagers, depicting a perfect Nepalese mountain life.
Trekking in Shyala
Shyala is an important stopping point during the Manaslu Circuit Trek. After travelling through many villages and landmarks along the trekking routes, like Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, and Lho, trekkers reach this village which is usually reached on the sixth or seventh day of the trek, depending on their itinerary.
Shyala village is a perfect stop for resting, acclimatizing to high altitude and having some time off in the pleasant mountainous lap.
Accommodation and facilities in Shyala village
Some homestays provide simple food like rice, vegetables, lentils, bread, and tea and offer small but cosy private rooms with limited amenities. The owners are mostly very friendly and will tell you various stories about the mountains and offer a guide for your further trek.
Some guesthouses have communal dining areas where trekkers can enjoy tasty and healthy meals made of local ingredients. Despite these services, trekkers are strongly recommended to travel with their arrangements of cooking and sleeping items because things in the mountains are very unpredictable and the facilities there are rudimentary compared to what you get in cities and towns.
Shyala Village’s cultural and religious experience
Other than its eye-catching sceneries, Shyala allows you to immerse in the local culture and tradition. Trekkers will encounter the inhabitants of mixed ethnic groups like Gurung, Sherpa and Tamangs and learn about their way of life and customs.
You can also see little kids playing in the alley.
This region is also famous for many ancient monasteries and gompas (a local name for Buddhist religious centres) that carry huge religious and cultural importance. Travellers can even visit these monasteries, offer prayers and meditate in the peaceful atmosphere of these religious places.
Trek from Shyala village to Birendra Lake
Now that you know a lot about Shyala village, it is time we tell you about the trekking journey from this village to the divine Birendra Lake which is one of the biggest highlights of this trek.
These are some places that you have to go through to reach the lake:
1. Shyala to Pung Gyen monastery
The most famous and important monastery in Shyala is the Pung Gyen Monastery which sits on a hill overlooking the entire village. It is a major sacred place that provides spiritual retreats for the whole community. After a short prayer, you will continue your trek to this iconic monastery that is built just beneath the shoulders of Mt. Manaslu.
Locals have named this monastery, Mt. Pungyen. There is a story behind how the monastery got this name. According to popular beliefs, a Tibetan nomadic tribe called Nubri people settled here almost 4 centuries ago. They believed that on the highest part of the icy mountain, lives a deity named lord Pungyen, who is protecting the region. And they built the monastery to please and worship the deity.
The architectural design of the Pungyen monastery is inspired by the Tibetan Buddhist style. With colourful religious flags bearing prayers, religious relics and murals, this monastery brings peace to one’s mind along with giving a spectacular view of Mt. Manaslu in the background.
2. Pung Gyen Monastery to Sama Gaon
After walking through the monastery for at least 3 to 4 hours, you will reach yet another tiny village called Sama Gaon. En route to this village, travellers will learn a lot about Nepalese-Tibetan culture. There are some lodges and tea houses in this village where you can rest and have some refreshments.
This area is mostly settled by Nubri people who practice Buddhism and animistic beliefs. Tourists get a unique spiritual ambience in this townlet. Sitting at a height of 3530 meters above sea level, this village mostly has traditional stone houses and prayer flags adding charm to the place. You will witness yaks grazing peacefully in the meadows.
Sama Gaon is another important stopover for trekkers so that they can acclimatize themselves for the further journey which is going to be tougher as air becomes thinner and oxygen level decreases as you move higher.
Along with a tougher journey, the weather at Samagaun is always cold despite any season. In winter, the temperature can drop up to -10 degrees Celsius while in summer it gets around 2-15 degrees Celsius.
3. Sama Gaon to Birendra Lake
Birendra Lake is not very far from Sama Gaon, you will only have to hike for 15 minutes. The trekking trails are average and an easy hike. The trekking route goes up to the Monastery of Sama Gaon and then moves through the barren fields to the lake. However, no tea houses or lodges appear as you move toward the lake.
As you arrive you will see the famous Birendra Lake which is a huge body of freshwater on a glacier. You will instantly be energized by the spectacle of blue waters on the surroundings in the lap of massive snow-capped mountains. You can take pictures for social media and then relax by the shores with the only sound being the chirping of the water.
You will most probably see rock cairns around the bank of the lake built by trekkers.
When the temperatures drop, the lake freezes, creating a picture-perfect ice lake making the place even more admirable. While some trekkers do walk on the frozen surfaces, we do not recommend it all.
No matter how much time you spend there, we request you to take some minutes of silence as you immerse in the serene atmosphere, surrounded by nature’s tranquillity.
Facts about Birendra Lake
The lake was named after the late King Birendra of Nepal. Archaeologists say that the lake was formed thousands of years ago through natural geological processes in the region.
Culturally, the lake has a huge impact on surrounding communities. Both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit these lakeside temples and perform religious ceremonies.
When is the best time to visit Birendra Lake?
We recommend that you travel to Birendra Lake in spring and autumn as these times provide you best weather conditions, from March to May and September to November.
Not only for visiting the lake but also for overall trekking, these seasons are perfect as they give stable weather, clear skies, and warm temperatures, making your trip easier and more memorable.
From December to February, it is peak snowtime in the region, freezing the lake. From June to August, it is the rainy season in Nepal. The rainy season may cause landslides on various trek routes.
Communities around Birendra Lake
Local Gurung, Chhetri and Tamang communities have a deep connection with Birendra Lake. These communities often hold traditional dance performances, boating competitions, and community gatherings around the lake.
Local artisans also draw inspiration from the lake and produce handicrafts and textiles.
What do I need to reach the Manaslu region?
To enter this region, every tourist requires a special Manaslu Permit. Along with that, you will also need to acquire MCAP and ACAP permits.
Before making an entry at Birendra Lake, you need to register with the local authorities at the checkpoint of Sama Gaon. There you need to present them with your identity like name, nationality, and passport number.
As per the entry fees, it costs Rs, 100 for Nepali people and Rs. 300 for foreigners.
Every special trekking equipment must be with you like trekking clothes, shoes, bags, sticks, glasses, etc. Carry enough NPR currency during the trek since there will be no banks and ATMs as you move along the trekking routes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the trek to Birendra Lake from Shyala offers an extraordinary experience, blending the tranquility of a glacial lake with the vibrant culture and rugged beauty of the Manaslu region. Also, you can get update and recommendations about the Manaslu Circuit Trek by contacting the Manaslu Guide team.