Journey to Manang: A Thrilling Adventure
Introduction
In December 2024, an adventurous spirit led us to embark on a journey to Manang. This trip, which had been on the back burner for two years due to unforeseen accidents, was finally becoming a reality. Initially planned for December 2022, we ended up exploring the beautiful landscapes of Kashmir instead. However, the unexpected detour equipped my brother with the skills and confidence to take on any road, making us all the more ready to conquer Manang.
Discovering Manang
Manang is often dubbed the "Crown Jewel" of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It is renowned for its stunning views of towering peaks like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Annapurna, and the famous Mt. Machhapuchhre, also called the "Fishtail Mountain." Local residents refer to both Manang and Mustang as "Himal Pari Ko Jilla," which translates to "the district beyond the Himalayas." This title perfectly captures the magical essence of these locations.
A Contrast of Landscapes
While both Manang and Mustang hold their own appeal, they present contrasting experiences.
- Mustang: Known for its broad vistas that deliver an authentic cold desert atmosphere.
- Manang: Characterized by its narrow pathways flanked by towering mountains, enveloped by lush greenery, creating an enchanting environment.
As we approached Manang, the desert-like vibe gradually made its presence felt, marking a transition from the lush greenery we had witnessed earlier.
Previous Experiences
My journey to Mustang in March 2017, accompanied by my reliable companion "Lazy Turtle," almost didn’t happen due to the lack of information available about the area. Despite my worries about driving my rear-wheel-drive Bolero, we navigated the challenges successfully. Interestingly, even after nearly eight years, social media continues to see people posting about "the first Indian road trip to Muktinath," as organizations hand out certificates for such claims.
However, the essence of traveling isn’t about labels or records; it’s about the connection you make with each place you visit and the experiences that fuel your passion for discovery.
Preparations for the Journey
Preparing for a winter expedition to Manang required thorough planning, especially concerning our vehicle and health. While I dedicated my time to packing essentials, my brother diligently researched the roads ahead, memorizing village names to keep us informed along the way.
Essential Equipment Checklist
Here is a list of the gear and equipment we brought to ensure a smooth and safe journey:
Vehicle Essentials
- 40L diesel jerry can with spout
- Jump-start cables
- OBD drive
- Towing rope with hooks
- Tyre inflator and chains compatible with 255/65-R18 for our Mahindra THAR
- Mannol 9983 diesel additive
- Additional battery for safety
- Ample bungee cords for securing items
- Plastic cover to protect the vehicle in low temperatures
Camping Gear
- Two sleeping bags rated for -20°C
- Gas stove with butane canisters
- Two 5L drinking water containers
- Two large thermos flasks
- Hiking poles
- A supply of instant noodles and packaged food
Other Utilities
- Head torch
- Packing tape
- DC to AC 220V adapter
- Tent light (even though we didn’t take a tent)
- Oxygen cylinder with a regulator (for safety, but unused)
- Basic medicines
Legal Formalities
Vehicle Permits
For those needing a permit for over seven days, a brief discussion can facilitate approval. This can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the border crossing. My experience was smooth; obtaining permits for our vehicle took just 10 minutes.
Tourist Permit Guidelines
To obtain a tourist permit, you’ll need:
- Your passport or Indian voter ID
- One passport-size photo
- NPR 1,000 (about INR 625) per person
The process typically takes about 5-10 minutes, and rather than additional photocopies, original permits are simply stamped at each checkpost.
Currency Exchange Considerations
While this isn’t part of formal permits, it is handy to know that cash can be exchanged at the border at an advantageous rate. Typically, Indian BSF allows travelers to carry INR 20,000-30,000, though this may vary with the officer on duty. We carried a comfortable amount, blending both NPR and INR for ease.
Itinerary Snapshot
Here’s a quick look at our journey:
- Kolkata to Forbesganj (Bihar)
- Forbesganj to Bharatpur (Nepal)
- Bharatpur to Pokhara (Nepal)
- Pokhara to dharapani (Nepal)
- Dharapani to Manang (Nepal)
- Exploring Manang and nearby attractions
Conclusion
This journey was not just about reaching our destination but also about the experiences and challenges we faced along the way. A trip to Manang is not only an adventure but an opportunity to connect with the majestic beauty of the Himalayas. Keep following our travel highlight series to relive more beautiful moments, stunning views, and unique experiences that come with exploring these incredible landscapes.