Nubri Region on the Manaslu Circuit Trek: A Himalayan Adventure
14 Nov 2024 Chandra Gurung
While trekking through the Manaslu region, halfway in the northern part of the Himalayas, you’ll find yourself in the beautiful Nubri region. At over 4000 meters, Nubri captivates your heart with its stunning beauty, cultural heritage, and unique lifestyle.
Villages like Samagaun, Bihi, Lho, and Prok are great places for travelers to acclimatize and study the ancient lifestyles and cultures of the locals, which have existed for hundreds of years. The route to Manaslu can be very daunting, especially for beginners. But numerous places like Nubri can give you a rewarding travel experience and awaken the spirit from within.
Trekkers often suggest visiting the Nubri region and absorbing the experience. That is sure to enhance your ability to understand what joy traveling can bring into an individual’s life.
History and spiritual tales of Nubri valley
Terton Rigdzin Okyi Dodrupchen, a great master of the Northern Terma first identified this region. Legends say that he first came to this area to hide some treasures in a cave. Also, the holy Gawang Dorje toured this area and even wrote descriptions of the sacred sites he identified.
Locals believe that Dorje discovered some valuable treasures like the Mirror of Treasure and the Unexcelled Lotus Hear Tantra here. Milarepa also traveled through this region and blessed it. Many scriptures have evidence of him staying in the Yogi Cave and meditating. Many popular Lamas also traveled here and gained deep spiritual realization.
The Ngadak lineage from Upper Nubri and the Nga Riponche, Surmang Wangchuk, and others from Lower Nubri are also considered spiritually important.
How to reach Nubri in the Manaslu region?
To reach Nubri, you have to start the trek from Soti Khola or Dharapani, depending on which route you feel comfortable. Then, follow the Manaslu Circuit route. If you start the travel from Kathmandu, it will take you around 5-6 days if you start trekking from the nearest road.
Located near the border of Tibet, Nubri is divided into upper Nubri region and lower Nubri region which have a huge snow mountain called Pungyen. In Buddhist scriptures, it is said that the Pungen mountain is as sacred as Mount Kailash.
Let us give you a little insight into the region’s neighboring areas. There is Annapurna Conservation in the west and Tibet in the east and north. The district of Gorkha lies in the south. Nubri comes under the Manaslu Area Conservation Project which spans over an area of 1,666 sq. km.
Villages in the Nubri region
Here are some of the most beautiful villages that you might see in the Nubri region:
1. Ghap
In the center of the Nubri region lies the tiny village of Ghap. There is no provision for traveling to this village via transportation because roads have not yet been properly developed. You have to either trek or take a heli ride.
This Gurung village in the valley also has the Nubri Basic School where students from Upper Nubri and Lower Nubri go to study. Also, with fewer people and houses, this village is a perfect place for you to relax and freshen your mind.
2. Lihi
Situated at a higher altitude than many other villages in the Nubri region, Lihi village offers an exemplary view of the surrounding mountains at an altitude of 2840 m. That makes the village a perfect spot for photographers and nature lovers.
You will find a good number of teahouses in the village. The owners ensure that visitors get a comfortable stay.
3. Samagaon
Samagaon is the biggest village in the Nubri Valley. Along with other peaks, trekkers can also get a glimpse of the Manaslu mountain. This village houses the largest number of Nubri people, which is a Tibetan ethnic group. Trekkers also know this village as the Manaslu Gateway.
At 3,530 meters or 11,581 feet high, this site is very nice for acclimatization purposes before climbing higher. What many people don’t know is that Samagaon is also a place from where you can trek to Rachen Gompa and Gumba Lungdang.
4. Prok
Along with the unbelievable views of the mountains, Prok is also beautiful because of the small traditional stone houses and prayer flags above them. Visitors have often praised the hospitality and kindness of the locals.
5. Bihi
Probably the less talked about village of the Nubri region, the small Bihi village offers a stunning glimpse of nature’s raw beauty and the traditional lifestyle of people, which has been in existence there for god knows how many years.
The simple stone houses and the warm hospitality of the people are what make Bihi a special place.
Religion and Lifestyle of Nubri region
The majority of people in the Nubri region are Bhote Lama, who have their own religion and culture. The population of the valley is roughly 10,000 from nearly 860 households. Almost every village has famous monasteries and stupas, which show the religious sides of the people living there. And some have been in existence for centuries.
Almost every person in this valley follows Buddhism. Piren Phu Monastery and Namrung Gompa are some of the renowned monasteries of this region. Other local monasteries equally serve a religious purpose in the lives of people living there.
All these religious places also teach Buddhist lessons to their pupils along with basic English, Nepali, science, and math. There are also some local schools and health posts in every VDC.
The people of Nubri are involved in agriculture and animal husbandry. Due to the increasing number of tourists in the Manaslu Valley, many are also running hotels and tea houses, which can be a source of good income.
According to the 2019 research, there exist 127 hotels that have 1328 rooms and can accommodate a maximum of 2827 beds. But that number has increased by a great deal over the years thanks to the growth in both foreign and local tourists.
Due to the cold climate throughout the year, only certain types of crops like maize, potatoes, apples, and oak nuts are grown there. However, the yield of the crop is not enough for the village to sustain for more than three months.
The villager’s only option is to rely on the nearest trade hubs, which are Tibet in the north and Arughat in the south. That is how they get the food supplies and other necessities for the rest of the year.
Nubri, the restricted area
Until 1991, the Nubri Valley was closed to all tourists. The Nepal Government was dedicated to protecting the region from any foreign intervention. This area was declared a conservation area by the government in 1998 because the nature and wildlife of this region are among the rarest in the world.
For almost 25 years, the National Trust has been managing the conservation area, and it remains in good condition. Now, tourists are lucky enough to visit this valley and witness the undisputed beauty of what this place has to offer. But they require some permits from the government.
Natural and wildlife of the Nubri region
Now, let’s talk about one of the reasons why this area falls under the government’s protection. No doubt the mountains, valleys, forests, and water bodies here are worth dying for. But there’s more to it.
The combination of all these natural beauties makes Nubri a perfect home for unique biodiversity. Due to the great diversity of ecological conditions, there are 19 types of forests within the valley itself, where 33 species of mammals are found.
This amazing area houses a good number of snow leopards, lynx, grey wolves, and the rare blue sheep. Locals have opened up about seeing some packs of Dhole (wild dogs). Some others are Himalayan black bears, leopard cats, barking deer, and the list goes on.
There are also 110 amazing bird species, 14 of which are protected. Pheasant species like the Impeyan and Monal are found in great numbers in the Kaal Tal. Rare golden eagles, Nepal subirds, and Himalayan Griffons also thrive here.
Conclusion
The Nubri region is an integral part of the Manaslu valley. With its raw natural beauty, impeccable high mountains, and diverse wildlife, this area truly embodies what a traveler seeks. There is so much to learn and discover about this place.
A perfect acclimatizing place before you trek further for the Manaslu Circuit, Nubri will captivate your heart and mind and enhance your travel experience like no other place. To find out more about this amazing region, please contact Manaslu Guide, where some more interesting knowledge and fascinating facts await you.
FAQs
1. What are the main attractions of the Nubri region?
Ans: The main attraction of the heavenly Nubri region is Mt. Manaslu, which is visible from this region. Other mountains like Serangi, Chuli Himal, Tashi Palsang (in Lower Nubri), and Pungyen (in Upper Nubri) also add beauty to this region. Kaltal and Birendra tal (lake) are a few lakes that attract tourists and make Nubri even more special.
2. Suggest the best time to visit the Nubri region.
Ans: One big reason why people visit this region is to get the views of Mt. Manaslu. To get the best of Nubri, make plans to travel before the monsoon (March to May) and after the monsoon (September to November). So, visit during these times and enjoy the most amazing views of the eighth-highest peak.