Among Nepal’s most popular tourist destinations, Manang, which has been dubbed Himal Pariko Jilla (the District Beyond the Mountains), has always held top priority for both domestic and international travelers. Famous for Tilicho Lake and the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manang has been attracting visitors from across the world for decades.
Yet, from a tourism perspective, there are still many beautiful corners of Manang that remain largely unnoticed. Tourists may have set foot in nearly every visible trail and valley, but there are still hidden gems that few people have even heard of.
These places, I believe, deserve to be explored not just for their scenic charm but also for the soothing tranquility they offer to travelers. That’s why two of my friends and I decided to embark on a motorbike journey through these fascinating places.
We left Kathmandu at around 1 pm. The Dashain festival rush had already begun, and as we reached Naubise, we found ourselves stuck in a three-hour traffic jam. Thousands were leaving the Valley for their hometowns to celebrate Nepal’s biggest and longest festival. Despite the slow-moving traffic, my excitement only grew. I was eager to see a different side of Manang, one I hadn’t seen before.
By 4 pm, we reached Muglin, where we stopped for some snacks before speeding up toward Besisahar, the gateway to Manang. Around 8 pm, we reached Dumre, where we had dinner and turned right toward Besisahar. Dumre, located in Tanahun district, serves as a crucial junction linking Manang with Kathmandu and other parts of the country.
At 10 pm, we finally reached Besisahar, completely worn out from a day of riding. After dinner, we went straight to bed.
The next morning, we set off early for Manang, planning to have breakfast along the way. After crossing the Marsyangdi Hydropower Tunnel, we reached the dam side. Riding alongside the serene Marsyangdi River, with sweeping vistas of emerald hills and timeless villages, was an unforgettable experience.
At around 1 pm, we stopped at Chyamche for brunch. Most travelers pause here not only for food but to admire the majestic Boong Waterfall. Soon after, we came across another stunning cascade: the Octopus Waterfall, a favorite among travelers. We spent nearly half an hour there, soaking in its beauty.
The higher we climbed, the more breathtaking the landscape became. Yet, some stretches of the road were in a deplorable state, a reminder of the government’s negligence in developing infrastructure and promoting Manang’s tourism potential.
After several hours of challenging but rewarding riding, we reached Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, situated at 2,670 meters. Surrounded by dense pine forests, Chame is a key stop on the Annapurna Circuit and provides essential services to trekkers. We rested there for a while, enjoying the untamed beauty of the village.
Next, we headed toward Bhratang (2,900 meters)—the apple paradise—where we sampled a few varieties of apple wine, arguably the best in Nepal.
By the time we entered Pisang (3,250 meters), we were mesmerized by the surrounding beauty. The magnificent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak, framed by pine forests, made us forget all our fatigue.
At around 6 pm, we finally reached Manang, our destination. The following morning, we spent time exploring the village and observing local life before setting out to visit the lakes, which was the main goal of our journey.
Green Lake
Nestled at an elevation of 3,600–3,650 meters, Green Lake is one of Manang’s hidden treasures. Known for its crystal-clear green waters and serene surroundings, it offers peace, panoramic mountain views, and refreshing alpine air. The lake’s radiant surface mirrors Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Pisang Peak, a living canvas of nature’s perfection.
The trail to the lake winds through lush forests and alpine meadows. Once revered as a sacred site, the lake has been gradually drying up. Locals say it began losing water after visitors started disrespecting its sanctity and littering the area. Authorities have since installed a notice board urging visitors not to litter or relieve themselves near the lake.
Gangapurna Lake
Gangapurna Lake, formed by glaciers from Gangapurna (7,454m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Khangsar Kang, and Glacier Dome, sits at 3,540 meters. Its turquoise waters, framed by towering peaks, make it one of Manang’s most photogenic sites.
The lake also serves as a popular acclimatization hike for trekkers based in Manang village. In recent years, its popularity has surged among Indian tourists following the shooting of the Bollywood film Uunchai.
Blue Lake (Chindi Lake)
Locally known as Chindi Lake, the Blue Lake is a relatively new discovery in Manang. A pristine spring-fed lake, it enchants visitors with its vibrant turquoise hue and tranquil atmosphere. The trail leading to it meanders through verdant forests, and on a clear day, visitors can see the reflection of Annapurna III shimmering on its surface.
Cradled on the lap of the Annapurna range, Chindi Lake radiates an untouched beauty that makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking peace and solitude.
Ice Lake (Kicho Tal)
Perched at 4,620 meters, Ice Lake, locally known as Kyopar Lake, is one of Manang’s crown jewels. The hike from Bhraka takes five to six hours, depending on one’s pace. The route winds through alpine pastures and rugged terrain, offering sweeping views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the Chulu range.
At around 4,000 meters, the crisp mountain air and boundless views reveal how truly rich Nepal is in natural beauty. Before reaching Ice Lake, trekkers encounter Khicho Lake, another small but beautiful body of water. Beyond its natural allure, Ice Lake also holds religious significance for locals.
Manang needs little introduction. It is not just a trekking hub leading to Thorong La Pass and Tilicho Lake, but a place where nature, culture, and adventure converge in perfect harmony.
Photos: Achitra Thieng
