From Athara Saya Khola to Fukang Glacier: The Ultimate Guide to the Samdo Rui La Pass Trek
15 Sep 2024 Chandra Gurung
If you are intrigued to ask, Rui La Pass is like a peek into the most remote and beautiful facet of the Manaslu region. You cannot pass through the crossing as it is into China, but the mountains above—Mayol Khola Valley—in the immediate vicinity shine incredibly.
Once trekkers know about the less-conquered Rui La Pass, they will be like, “Oh my goodness, Rui La Pass is incredible!”
We always take this regular itinerary and trekking route, but for an explorer who wants some ecstasy and wants to see fossils, with less altitude gain, Rui La Pass Trek is just the one for you.
The impressions of Fukang glacier when you trek from Samdo before the Rui la Pass are beyond description. The deserted impressions of Manaslu can be all, with the Pungyen Gompa visit you can make on the way.
Fukang Glacier in Rui La Pass trek
Fukang Glacier is in a remote and mountainous area, in the eastern part of the mountains of China, just beneath the Nepalese one. Once a local trading point, Rui La Pass has now been a stopover for those who come to chase the High-rise Himalayas and become beyond struck by the beauty, over 5000 meters.
Fukang Glacier is the epitome of beauty, also known by its alternative name Lajyang Bhanjyang. With about 4 to 5 hours of spare time, you can add the Rui La Pass trek and visit Fukang glacier on your usual Manaslu Circuit Trek trip.
How does Athara Saya Khola originate in Manaslu?
Like any other glacier melt due to rising temperature, water flows down from the mountain into the forms of streams and rivers. Glacial tributaries form larger into the river; one such is the melting of Fukang and Pungyen Glaciers into Athara Saya Khola.
Glaciers erode the underlying rock, carry sediment and the meltwater contribution can vary seasonably. In the summer months, the Athara Saya Khola significantly rises in level and in winter it is like that small stream.
Importance of Shaligram
You can encounter reminiscence of fossils, Shaligram (fossilized ammonite) which is worshipped in Nepal. They say fossils are considered holy as Lord Vishnu vanished himself in Shaligram with the curse of Tulsi.
Shaligrams are unique and have this chakra spiral as their intrinsic beauty. One can be a little nervous before the Samdo Rui La Pass, like how the journey will unfold, but this U-shaped crossing will definitely have your heart back.
Athara Saya Khola Trek in Manaslu
The Athara Saya Khola got its name after the Nepali word, Athara means 18 and Saya means 100, this 1800 Khola lies on your way before you reach Dharmasala. It’s small in origin but contains beauty in all forms.
After crossing the Athara Saya Khola you will continue your walk along the Larke Khola. You will get an awe-inspiring view of Larkya Glacier. The trail passes also take you to the views of the Pung Gen Glacier, Serang Khola, Numla Khola, Larke River, and Salka Khola.
Trek to Dharmasala, crossing Atthara Saya Khola
Today we will descend and explore a bit to Dharmasala after crossing Athara Saya Khola a few hours from Samdo. The trail opens wider as you cross the Budhi Gandaki River and continue along the Larke Khola.
Hope you are prepared for the steep climb of Larke Danda Ridge. Since Samdo Rui La is uncrossable, we just bid it goodbye. We make progress by following the Manasalu Circuit Trek route path and map, without any interruption.
Impact of climate change on glaciers and their tributaries
Climate change gas substantially causes an increase in river discharge, but this has resulted in the decline of glacier mass over the period. It’s a long-term decline for Fukang Glacier as temperatures in Manaslu are rising annually.
Each year, summer flow in rivers like Fukang Khola, Athara Saya Khola, and others can be at risk of gradual decrease. It’s not only in Nepal but glacier melting overall influences global sea level.
The changes in hydrological cycles can be seen with the impact of climate and during dry months. Meltwater may fail to supply the required proportion shortly if one does not take correct action against the global warming phenomenon.
The starting point of Samdo Glacier Valley
Samdo is a pristine, quaint village sharing its small territory with villages like Namrung and Samagaon. This Himalayan village in Manaslu lies around 3,875 meters (12,713 feet) above sea level.
The majority of the Bhotia group who live here predominately were refugees of Tibet. Samdo for you my friend, is where you can continue your foot forward toward the Rui La Pass- the destination of today. It is pleasant to see the fascinating attraction and change in scenery mid-way, while this short Manaslu Circuit trek, is an absolute. One that we can not afford to miss out not.
Samdo Glacier Valley is cold, and there are signs of a little life above it, the temperature drops to -°C in the daytime as well. When we first started with Soti Khola, being at such a place was a dream. Now we move one step closer when you take a head start from Samdo to Rui La Pass, then crossing Larke La Pass simultaneously.
Things to Know Before Samdo Rui La Pass
Samdo and Rui La Pass trek in Manaslu has a unique trekking experience for you. But there are definitely a few things you should be aware of for a smooth exploration of the place, without needing to use more electrolytes.
1. Location and Significance
Rui La Pass is a high-altitude pass in the Manaslu Conservation area, that shares a close boundary with the Annapurna region. The best part is you can trek 2 hours from Samdo, with steep ascents, and witness Larkya Glacier and Fukang Glacier on the way. That’s something you could have missed anticipating on your ascent from Lho village.
2. Trail Conditions
The Samdo trek path route to Rui la Pass, which stands at 4,998 meters, takes about 4 to 5 hours for a round trip. Here the elevation gain is around 1100, so proper acclimatization is a key here.
This gradual ascent takes you to deserted snowy, alpine grassland, and slippery scree, the transition is so different. Trekkers need to be constantly aware of the treacherous trail, changing weather conditions, and high-altitude navigation.
3. Packing Essentials
Samdo Ri Peak is one of the acclimatization hikes people do actually before elevating to 5000 m altitude. Carry sufficient water, food, snacks, the right trekking gear, and trekking poles or crampons you might need when crossing the high mountain passes and glaciers in the Manaslu region. If camping with a friend or a trekking group is a thing you are looking for, do carry sleeping bags or a tent for you.
It’s about being mindful of how to minimize the packing loads and make the trip more fun. Those long days are not complete if you have a shared porter with your friend, or hire one because you want to pack your bag suitable for winter clothing. It’s pretty cold at the top and bag can get heavy for you.
Conclusion
The Himalaya Guide team arranges tailored guided tours in the Manaslu region. Here you can learn basic Nepali greetings and dining phrases, and with the help of a guide, communicate with the locals, learn about their accustomed culture, and have an unforgettable adventure in your favorite corner of the Himalayas.
