How far is Chauri Lader from Manang? Everything about villages in Manang
22 Aug 2024 Chandra Gurung
“A soul that runs out for peace can feel alive” on the horizon of Manang. Today we discuss how an adventurer can explore the villages in Manang, from Chauri Lader, once a Yak pasture.
Life is not meant to live in a place; you have to pack your bags and move like backpackers. If you do this as early as you can in life, you get to know a unique thing about life: freedom. Fun is when you get to travel with your loved ones to a destination that awakens a sense of inner peace, spiritual solace, and travel within you.
Similar is the Manang trek experience, a moderate activity level, where you can also reach by bus, but what is in traveling on your feet cannot be compared. You get to stop wherever you want, for how long you want, and not rush the tight schedule.
Chauri Lader: After you hike to Manang Town
You can have young summer memories in Manang Town, which is cold and not the ideal summer, but you can surely skip the usual summer heat. After that, pass through Chauri Lader, which is approximately 12 kilometers (7.45 miles) behind Manang’s main town.
Yak Kharka and Chauri Lader are significant stops along the Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit trek in Nepal. You walk around 1 km in exploring the local settlement areas of Gurung and Manangi people. We can watch out for various bird species, chasing the height of the serene surrounding Himalayas on our hike to Manang Town.
- If coming from Pisang, the trek to Manang is about 6-7 hours.
- The trek from Manang to Yak Kharka is about 10.8 kilometers (6.7 miles), taking around 3–4 hours.
Depending on where you start your trek, you can have options, usually, you first be at Manang town, then proceed to Yak Kharka, through Ghunsang, and finally reach Chauri Lader.
Trekking and enjoying the scenery of Manang before the final stretch in Thorung La Pass is a good idea. Starting with Manang first allows better acclimatization before adjusting to higher altitudes on the way.
Chauri Lader: Essential stop for trekkers in Manang
Chauri Lader serves as an acclimatization stop for trekkers, often the last stop before reaching Thorong Phedi or Thorong High Camp. The main attractions along the trek to Chauri Lader include local herding practices, yak pastures, and more. The river crossing of Jarsang Khola on the North-East over the wooden bridge, in the serene environment, is a good time to have.
Deurali Tea Shop is best known for its warm hospitality. On the way, you can stop here to grab a snack and also enjoy Tibetan Buddhist cuisine. The stone inscribed mani wall from Chauri Lader adds some sort of cultural depth and acts as your protector on the crossing of Thorung La Pass.
Starting at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) in Chauri Lader, you can return to 3,540 meters (11,614 feet) in Manang with a quick descent. The views of Gangapurna are quite evident from here.
Before you reach Yak Kharka/ Chauri Lader
The wild road to Yak Kharka, Yak Kharka, is a small village in the Manang district, sitting at a very high (and cold! ) 4018m elevation. The rock falls or the path has fallen a bit, and people get to cross this rocky moraine, on the deserted setting with no sign of greenery. When you approach Yak Kharka, the scene now gets sparse vegetation to feed in yaks with green pastures.
The views are sketchy, slippery, and gravel-like, where you see a unique structure made of rock that stops you for a second, you find the river below, and you climb uphill. And the dangerous stretch of the hike to Yak Kharka is a lot of rock falls. To the extreme, you get to cross the suspension bridges.
In the abandoned village of Kangsar, people have shifted from there to there. Many wooden house remnants are seen on the way, and when you are near Yak Kharka, the scenery becomes positive.
Top Activities to do in Manang
“If you’ve never experienced the tranquility of Manang’s villages, you’re missing out on a dream come true.”
Manang Town, at an altitude of 3,540 meters, serves as a key relaxation and exploration place, especially after crossing the Larkya La Pass.
- Visit Praken Gompa (3945 m) on your next Manang visit, which is truly an adventure of a kind.
- In addition, another Manang is Ngawal, which is a village at the base of the Kangla Pass.
- Khangsar, the village, is a beautiful location for its traditional architecture.
- Ghyaru village in Manang is best known for its Annapurna range views.
- Chame, the district headquarters, is a larger settlement area in Manang.
- In Manang, other famous villages to trek are Timang and Dhikur Pokhari.
- The Thorung La Pass, at 5,416 meters, is a significant point that connects Manang with Mustang.
Monastery trek in Manang
If you are doing the Manaslu two-pass trek to Thorung La, it’s a serene place to rest for a day, with one of the oldest monasteries, Braga Gompa, within its 3 km vicinity.
Braga Monastery is a 600-year-old monastery with the religious practices of monks; you get to see the rituals of life, death, and festivity here. Similarly, Manang is also known for another attraction, called Praken Gompa, at an elevation of 3945 m from sea level. It not only has cultural significance but also scenic views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, and Tarke Kang.
Hike to Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) in Manang
The round trip from Manang to Ice Lake is about 16 kilometers (10 miles). The ice lake hike also heads to Bragam Monastery. You pass through a rocky path and enjoy a serene environment on the way to finally reach the Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) in Manang. There are plenty of signs and mountain views that won’t disappoint you on the way.
Catch a breath, as this one is going to be a long hike but worth it. There are upper and lower lakes, at about 100 m difference, that turn into ice lakes, and there is a nearby stupa that adds cherry on top. You also get to visit Gangapurna Lake on your trek.
Lodges and local eateries in Manang
Lodges and local eateries are quite affordable in Manang. The special food items that you can try here are yak meat burgers, thukpa, Tsampa, momos, Dal Bhat, Chang, Smoky Ghiu Chia (butter tea), as usual, and some regional cuisines.
Locals do prepare yak momos, there are bakeries, street foods, and also good vegetarian options in Manang. With a blend of herbs, spices, and tea, Manang warms up the hearts of trekkers.
Surrounding villages of Manang’s Main Town
Pisang
Upper Pisang and Lower Pisang are other prominent villages in the Annapurna conservation area within the Manang district. They are quite popular among the Musahar (rat meat-eating) community living in this region. It is home to the popular Gyaru Gompa and a getaway to Pisang Peak.
Yak Kharka
Yak Kharka is a common stop for trekkers heading towards Thorong La Pass at an elevation of 4100 m. It is known for its yak pastures and primary resting point, from which you can continue the trek to the Chauri ladder, following an awe-stunning mountain scenery.
Chauri Lader, often referred to as Chauri Ladar, is a notable stop along the Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit Treks in Nepal. It lies between Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi and is believed to be an area of Yak Kharka. The route includes a mix of yak pastures, juniper trees, and scenic vistas. People here received special privileges from the monarchy to engage in trade across Southeast Asia.
Weather in Manang
- Spring offers mild temperatures, with daytime highs around 15-20°C (59-68°F) and cooler nights.
- The weather is generally stable, making it ideal for trekking.
- The slight touch of greenery, and blooming flowers on the trail.
- Try some yak meat specialty here. Visit the nearby shops, artifacts, and shops in the market, and choose a fantastic location for worthy rituals.
Local Rituals and Festivals in Manang
Manang is home to ethnic groups that notably celebrate their unique cultural identity, festivals, and vibrant horse racing festivals. They also have a local cave worship festival called the Nei Festival. The local community in Manang also celebrates Ong the Puja festival, where the land, sprouts, water, and forest are celebrated.
1. Gyawa, the Last ritual
Manang Gurung people living here have the local rituals known as Gywala to bid farewell to the lost ones. Gurungs believe the Pae ceremony (the salvation of the soul) sends the departed soul to heaven. They conduct it in rites throughout the day, each day signifying a different practice to bid a soul goodbye.
In the research report, titled Anthropological Perusal of Death Rites of Gurungs, it is mentioned how Gurungs are followers of Bonism. They have the sound influence of Tibetan Mahayani Lamaism culture.
Death rituals are conducted under ‘Syaisyai’, which is a social institution. As explained in Pye-Tan Lhu-Tan, in the religious text of Gurung, they pursue the local rituals from birth and marriage to death. Most of the population in Manang is Tamu (Gurung), so it thereby applies.
After dealing with death, a purification ceremony called “gyawa,” is performed within 49 days of the cremation of loved ones. This involves lighting 1,000 lights and making 1,000 balls of wheat flour. On the final day, rice is distributed to families in the village, ensuring the departed soul does not go hungry.
2. Yartung Festival
Yartung festival is not only the specialty of the Lowa community of Mustang, but Manangi also celebrates it with rites during the monsoon season. This Grand Yartung (horseracing) festival held annually in Manang features horse races and is a vibrant display of local culture, which can be the main attraction for visitors.
3. Metha Festival
Metha is an archery contest, a festival of skill held in April or May in Manang. This Metha Parwa includes traditional dances and competitions, fostering community spirit. This is celebrated in different ways in nearby communities of Manaslu like Nisyan, Chame, Naar, Phu, and Nasong.
4. Tiji Festival
A significant Buddhist festival that involves rituals to drive away evil spirits and ensure a good harvest. It is a major seasonal festival celebrated by the people of Lo Tso Dhun (the seven provinces of Upper Mustang) and the Manaslu region. The festivity started in the then-Kingdom of Lho-Manathang, and Lo-pa region.
It is a three-day celebration with humble beginnings from the loud horn sounds, Dhungchen, and the sound of the double-reeled horns, drums, and cymbals. Local monks and performers sent prayers and sat under the large Thangka (painting) hung on the southern wall of the square. After this, the masked dance “Tsa Chaam” commences, which depicts the story of Dorje Jono and his victory over evil.
Manang people also perform the “Nga Cham” dance, continuing the tale. The second-day performance is mainly about female performance in Manangi traditional attire, with the generation of celestial palaces and deities.
On the third and final day, ceremonial music and the “Rha Chaam” dance take place. These closing rituals are followed by shooting guns, the enactment of Dorjee Sonam, and the preparation of religious offerings made from Tsampa (barley) on the defeat of the demon “Ma Tam Ru Ta.”
The popular settlement areas of Charang, Lo Gekar, Zhalte, Chele, Kagbeni, and Manang village communities best celebrate this festival. This May festival is celebrated in the springtime and also in mid-September.
5. Lhosar
The Tibetan New Year is celebrated with various cultural activities, including traditional dances and feasting. The artistic practices also include archery and horseback riding held during festivity.
There is an annual celebration of Tamu Lhosar on a full moon day in December or January, followed by Sonam Lhosar, which takes place a month later, with traditional dances like Selo. Gyalpo Lhosar is another prominent festivity of the Sherpa community, celebrated with great joy with traditional dishes such as Guthunk (dumplings) and Chhyang (Tibetan beer).
Conclusion
Manang people have a lot of traditional practices, including the regular recitation of religious texts, conducting puja and blowing conch shells (Shankha), chanting hymns, and Buddhist murals. The festival reinforces peace and communal spirit over inauspicious and unpleasant elements.
The pious abode of the Buddhist monastery has celebratory activities, and the easy trek from Manang to Chauri Lader is a major activity. Contact the Manaslu Guide team for more such interesting adventures.