Nyak Village: A less travelled path to Rupina La Pass in Manaslu
28 Aug 2024 Chandra Gurung
Nyak village is a small village situated in the mountainous region en route to Manaslu trek. Located at a height of 2272 m above sea level, this village has roughly 40 houses clustered together, with blue and red roofs, with narrow winding paths joining them.
The tiny village of Nyak gives a feeling of isolation and rocky beauty with little patches of green and a steep slope with a zigzag trail. While agriculture is not the main source of livelihood in this area, there are still some terraced fields where people grow barley, maize and buckwheat.
The tall mountains surrounding Nyak are very rocky and steep which shows a challenging environment for its people. However, once you step in, you will fall in love with the peaceful and isolated community and the breathtaking natural scenery that you get from Nyak village.
Nyak Village lifestyle and occupation
The village life in Nyak is far from what we can imagine. The houses are traditionally built with stones. Out of touch with modern life, Nyak village does not even have access to electricity, let alone other worldly facilities. Cattle rearing seems to be the best form of livelihood for its natives.
Women, especially, are involved in hand looming using yak and sheep wool, where they create different fabrics. This is a traditional method of fabric making that has been in practice for centuries.
There is no facility for education, transportation, or hotels in this area, which is why it is much of a forbidden place for trekkers. Travelers have to be strictly prepared and may have to carry their own tents and cooking arrangements or seek shelter at porter homes or animal sheds at night.
The majority of people in Nyak follow Buddhism and celebrate festivals like Lhosar, Bodhi Day, and Buddhist New Year, to name a few. At short distances, you can see small stony temples perched on a hill.
Where did Nyak village get its name from?
The word Nyak might have been derived from Tibet’s Yarlung or Pugyel dynasty. It is believed that King Nyatri Tsenpo’s minister belonged to the Nyak clan. Nyak Jnanakumara, popularly known as Yeshe Zhonnu, was born in the mid-century into this clan in Po (‘phos).
Which mountains can we see from Nyak village?
Nyak is a remote mountain village existing between two towering peaks. Unlike most of the polluted cities, here you can have the luck of breathing crisp and clean air and enjoy stunning scenery as well.
Himal Chuli is the nearest peak you can witness from Nyak village. Situated at 7,893 m above sea level and South of Manaslu, this mountain is the 18th highest mountain in the world. Moreover, Himalchuli consists of three major peaks: East (7893 m), West (7540 m), and North (7371 m).
Another mountain that you can view from this small village is the majestic Manaslu, which is the 8th highest peak in the world at 8, 163 meters above sea level. While this is one of the most famous mountains in the world, what many don’t know is that its name is derived from the Sanskrit word manasa which means intellect or soul, therefore making its meaning ‘’mountain of the spirit.’’
Nyak also gives a beautiful view of the Shringi Himal range, which lies in the south of the Tibet Border, with Chamar being the highest at 7,165 meters above sea level.
Trekking Route to Nyak Village
Most travelers, especially tourists, start their travel from Kathmandu. This is the starting point of your destination. But the journey towards Nyak village, along with the natural beauty of different places, cultures, people, and new experiences, is what makes it worth it.
If you are willing to travel to Nyak village during your Manaslu trek, then here is the list of the places that you have to go through. Just remember this is a hard trek and you have to be fully prepared with your basic amenities.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Gorkha (Gyampesal)
This 7-8-hour ride starts from the capital city to the city of Gorkha, which has historical significance for Nepalese people. What many international tourists don’t know is that this is the place where the idea of unification of today’s Nepal was born.
Located on a hill at 1300 meters, this small town is often covered in fog or clouds, creating a peaceful and serene scene with a mysterious touch. There are muddy roads through the hills and some moderate settlements scattered throughout.
After a long ride, you can spend your night at Gyampesal, where there is a proper facility of small hotels and lodges.
Day 2: Gyampesal- Deurali to Thotnery
Following a night at Gyampesal, you start your next day with amazing views of lush green hills and natural landscapes. You have to go through a trail of ups and downs and through terraced hill farmlands. It is at this point that the breathtaking mountain views start to open up as you further make your way to Thotnery via Deurali.
Located at an altitude of 1,648 meters, this small locality is a semi-developed town that meets the basic requirements of the locals as well as tourists. It will be a 5-6 hour ride from Gyampesal to Thotnery so you can enjoy the evening view and rest so that your energy is saved for the following day.
Day 3: Thotnery—via Darche Danda to Nambai Kharka
We recommend a small visit to the local village and then you can officially start your trek to Darche Danda, which lies at an altitude of 32230 meters. With an altitude that high, this hill gives you the best viewpoint in the entire Manaslu region. You will feel it’s a dream when you behold the sight of the captivating sunrise over the lush green hills and the Himalayas.
Not just that. You can get a clear view of Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Bharasikhar, Gangapurna, Sringi Himal, Lamtang, Himalchuli, Buddha Himal, and the whole Ganesh Himal range from the top. From there, you will continue your trek to a small yet very beautiful village called Nambai Kharka. The journey will take you about 7 hours on average. As evening approaches, you spend the night at a lodge in Nambai Kharka.
Day 4: Nambai Kharka via Bosu Kang to Barpak
The fourth day of your trek will be towards the Barpak village. You will start by heading toward the Bosu Kang. You won’t even think you’re tired as you enjoy the views surrounding trails and take short breaks in between for pictures. You might have to walk up to 6 hours through changing trials until you reach the Gurung village of Barpak. There, the majority of people are from the Gurung and Ghale communities.
Barpak is the village infamous for being the epicenter of the deadly earthquake in Nepal in 2015. It is also one of the biggest villages of Nepal. At a height of 1900 meters, this village is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful landscapes atop hills and traditional houses finely crafted from materials like wood and stones. Not to forget, that this village carries one of the most significant commercial importance of this region. You can enjoy your evening at a lodge and enjoy the local cuisine.
In the rear of the unfortunate earthquake, Barpak has been resilient and has recovered very well. Most of the natives are serving or have a history of serving in the famous Gorkha regiment.
If you want, you can spend a whole day doing some short hikes and experience the local lifestyle of the village.
Day 6: Barpak via Jonggong to Gai Kharkha
A fun time at Barpak and it is time to resume your uphill walk toward Gai Kharka via Jongong, which is situated at 2900 meters. As you approach Kharka, you will notice fewer houses, but trust me, the views get better. You will reach the beautiful Tumisak village and follow the trail from there, just beside the Daraudi Khola. Witnessing the beauty and the dancing sound of this beautiful river, you will reach Gai Kharka by evening. After a 6-7 hours walk, it is time for you to set up a tent since there is no provision for hotels.
Day 7: Gai Kharka to Sanrung Khark/Rubina la Phedi
Camping at Gai Kharka for a night is fruitful as it revitalizes you and gives you energy to resume your trekking and this day’s walk will be your shortest one. That being said, it will also give you the best views of the Himalayas. Just after walking for a few hours, you will stop for lunch at Sanrung Kharka, where you can enjoy a fresh breeze and unbelievable scenery along with your food.
In the second part of the day, you will walk up to the Phedi and can hike further up, which allows you to acclimatize a bit. After a fruitful day, you will have to set up a tent at Gai Kharka as dusk approaches.
Day 8. Sanrung Kharka to Rupina La Pass to Boudha Himal
After a not-so-long walk, you will start early today as you will climb to Rupina La Pass. This has to be the most exciting part of the trek so far, as Rupina La Pass is often termed as the hidden trekking of Nepal or Mountain Pass. For trekking lovers, this place is perfect.
Despite getting official recognition as a trekking route in 1991, this route is still less preferred by trekkers due to many reasons, like lack of hotels and other basic facilities. Therefore, we find only some enthusiastic international tourists crossing this route. So, if you make through it, Congratulations!
As exciting as it sounds, this journey is going to be tough. You will walk beside an ice-covered trail to the pass, which can be quite challenging and slippery. There will be a short pause midway and you will continue your journey again to the top. You won’t believe your eyes as you will witness the unwavering beauty of Gorkha Himal, Himchuli, Bouddha Himal, and Peak 29 alongside the significant mountains of the region.
Following some time at Rupina La, you will start descending to the Boudha Himal Base Camp. The journey can be challenging as the trail is steep and dangerous.
Day 9: Boudha Himal Base Camp to Jarang to Jhong Kharka
Start your morning with an amazing sunrise through the massive snow-capped Himalayas at the base camp. You will feel lucky to see the mountain bathed in a golden light, which is a treat to your eyes. In today’s journey, you will have multiple stop points in different viewpoints where you can enjoy mother nature’s raw beauty. The path runs beside the icy sheets of Jharang and follows the banks of Chhuling and Rebing Khola to Jhong Kharka. You set up a tent at Jhong Khark and rest.
Day 10: Jhong Kharka to Gomna to Nyak Village
You will pass some of the most amazing Rhododendron forests today and if the season is right, you will see the whole forests covered entirely with these flowers; in trees and the grounds as well. You will feel as if you’re walking a carpet full of flowers.
Most of this day’s trek will be easy and more relaxed as you descend. After a short rest, you will reach Chhilung Khola and as you wander and get lost in the scenery, you will pass through Serang village and finally reach the amazing Nyak village in the afternoon.
Conclusion
Nyak Village is a beautiful village located at the heart of the Himalayas, which is rather unnoticed by many. Be the one to record a beautiful memory at Nyak, promote the local culture and life rituals of locals, and spread the name. For more insightful blogs and recommendations of trekking destinations with experienced guide service, reach out to the Himalaya Guide team.