Dang Manang: A Lost Cold Valley in Northern Gorkha

16 Dec 2024 Chandra Gurung

Dang Manang often overlooked on the outskirts of Manaslu Tsum valley is a place or a heaven on its own. It has a surprising geography, with glacial masses and lake-like formations, and the landscape is so different like never witnessed.

The semi-arid region of Dang Manang is so beautiful. You can see the Trans-Himalayan zone, like the notable valleys of Manang, Dolpo, and Mustang, and historically more accessible from Tibet.

Table of Contents

What are the things to do in Dang Manang?

Trekking can be arduous here, but you can camp under the stars in this remote location. It will be an unforgettable experience near the Manaslu glacier. There are prospects of all beauty. Keeping your eye off the scenery is quite difficult.

We’re going to trek to the Lost Cold Valley in Dang Manang (not Manang). This place has exceptionally steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and deep gorges with the Manaslu glacier.

We will hike through epic rugged terrain Manaslu to the left. To see a destination that not only holds our breath but makes us scream, “Where had it been all time long?” If only the mountain could echo our voice (the voice of freedom) we want to melt down pain in its ambiance.

“We are only young once.” To the chat and plans that never came out of your WhatsApp. It’s high time to go on a trek with best buddies.

“I’m not sure where I’m going, but I’m on my way,” when we climb like this as Carl Sagan says, we uncover some hidden magic. We are up for the challenges.

Scenic Description of Dang Manang

When you look in all four directions, you can see that you have reached a place no different from a fairy tale. With a mix of all you need, the green hill, the rock crevasses, the snow mountain, and the glacial mass, that is the true beauty of Dang Manang.

This place belongs to North Gorkha don’t go literally after the name. This place is not Manang but equally beautiful. The steep valley of all these is lost cold and hidden from true wanderers. This place is worth visit to place in the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

There is a deep gorge “Gahiro Galchhi” from the Dang Manang and some open lands for yaks. One good thing about yaks is that even if they get misplaced, they return back to their owner (where they feel safe) or at least they wait for them.

What activity can I do in Shyala?

The first thing you do after you wake up in Shyala is look for the mountains. You get to see the amazing Himalayan landscapes from here and this makes you feel special.

Two peak mountain Manaslu, also known as Killer is in the backdrop of Shyala Village. The surrounding mountain peak 29 is virgin, no one has touched it yet. There are two groups in Chhum Nubri Gaunpalika (Rural Municipality); Tsum Shiyar Group (Bot), and the Manaslu area here is called Kutang Bot.

Shyala is the center place of the Kutang group, now classified within Nubri Valley. It is even North of a Tibetan village, housing old civilization, thus got its Nubri meaning Northern village in Kutang dialect. We have four main Gompas around the place.

People speak the Kutang dialect here in Shyala village and the area on this side of the Manaslu Circuit trek. People also have different naming practices based on the faith they have, so it becomes easier to source the locals into their origin.

Did you know? Kutang speaks a unique Tibeto-Burman vernacular called “Kukay”, which sounds like a mix of Tibetan and Gurung dialects in general.

Why is Dang Manang a must-visit destination?

You can pay a worthwhile visit here if you want to explore and research on roots of Manaslu Tsum and Nubri valley. Dang Manang is also a hidden treasure we ought to look for.

“Anyone who has been among mountains knows their indifference and has felt a brief, blazing sense of the world’s disinterest in us. In small measures, these feelings exhilarate. In full form, it annihilates.”

“The mountains are calling, and I must go.” – John Muir. It’s a classic quote to be precise. And you might be confused about where you can get the better views. You can return to Shyala by spending your early morning activities at Dang Manang, where there is no civilization.

Yes, you can settle in the surrounding villages earlier in the day and plan a morning visit to Dang Manang from Shyala. This is a protected landscape to the north of Shyala, located within a few kilometers.

It’s less crowded as few people know about this magical beauty in the lap of the Himalayas. Only yak-rearing people can be seen in such places alone. Don’t go slow as you can get lost here. As the water from the melting snow from the Himalayas mixes into the Budhi Gandaki River, we watch.

Shyala to DangManang

Dang Manang is a place heavily influenced by glaciated masses. There are more glaciers in this place, so named in such a way. From this stream-glaciated valley, on the deep George, where you can have the best view of Mount Manaslu.

Head with horses, and go straight from the left of Shyala
We need to cross a hill to see the glaciated heaven, Dang Manang
From Dang Manang, we can see snow avalanches as well
On the way you pass through narrow crevasses
Hear the water streaming clearly, but barely feel it as cold water numbs you

You can take a horse ride up here, as you the landscape here just wow, wow, and wow. Also, count on these unforgettable moments in Manaslu, where you just wander around the forgotten trail to Dang Manang.

You need around 3 permits to go here. Not that you need it technically but the Nepal Government gives it all in the first place for the Tsum Nubri, Manaslu Circuit trek, and Larkya La pass.

The only question as we step can we hold for a while and then continue? Well technically, you can but the destination is more beautiful. People in the Himalayan region crave Deurali, a sign that no wanderer gets lost on the midway.

Challenges during Dang Manang Trek

If you go solo, without a local guide or trekking guide, there is a high chance that people can go missing. Trekkers from every country face some of the challenges we talk about today.

Why all the beautiful locations are in high altitudes? Have you ever questioned that? The harsh conditions have led to the unique evolution of plant and animal life there. There is clear air, with less pollution, most beautiful sunrise and sunset that passes through the Himalayas.

And everything has a cost, our cost is to have an inconvenient trek there, but by teaming with adventurous souls we can make a high-altitude travel safe, under precautions, and seek emergency services when needed.

Several people reported going missing how to deal with that?
Notice the steep valley sides that rise far above the glacier and supply. That may be a sign of concern.
Towering mountains, deep valleys, and expansive glaciers with equal risk of slipping off.

Sometimes heavy clouds can be against you. So check the weather forecast constantly and see if you can have a less cloudy better view experience at your place. Watch out if you have some discomfort in breathing,

Bad weather like snow can be challenging, but when it’s tough it’s worth it to be with friends. The journey can be equally terrific and beautiful as it lies far from nature’s comfort, a masterpiece with edges. Your determination to reach with a trekking pole in your hand, on the slippery glaciated place.

Conclusion

Is Dang Manang on your list? Do you also want to explore Manaslu Circuit Trek? Then, the Himalaya Guide team is here to help you have a safer experience. If the Manaslu trek excites you, you can book directly with us. We help you discover the hidden gems and the best of the Manaslu experience.

FAQs

1. What should I do if I experience altitude sickness while trekking?

For emergencies, evacuate to a lower altitude belt for medicines and care. If your body shows signs of altitude sickness you should have warm food with lentils and veggie curry. Taking shilajit for power is also considered good.

2. How developed is Shyala and the route to Dang Manang?

Foreign institutions have donated and actively put interest in the development of Chhum Nubri Rural Municipality. Kaduri Institute has developed irrigation and electricity projects here. Locals are also aware and now working to promote tourism here in Shyala. It may take a long time to have a better route as building a 1 km road only takes years in such Himalayan landscapes.

3. When is the best time to go to Dang Manang?

It’s the best time when the wildflowers are blooming in the spring. The weather is generally mild, making it ideal, and you get a good daytime temperature, with a minimum drop of 10°C between March and May. During festivity, as well, in September and November, you can be here at your break, but nights then can go to -5°C, which has its own set of challenges.