Manang

Manang may refer to a district in Gandaki Province, Nepal, or to the Manang Valley and its main settlement within that district. The district’s administrative center is the town of Chame, and it forms part of the greater Annapurna region. The term is also used for the historic village of Manang, which has long been a commercial and cultural hub in the valley.

Geography and environment

Manang District is situated in north-central Nepal along the upper Marshyangdi corridor, within the Annapurna Conservation Area. The area is high elevation terrain, with settlements typically above 3,000 meters and surrounding peaks rising well above 6,000 meters. The climate is alpine and arid, with long winters and short, cool summers. The landscape includes valleys, glacial streams, and alpine pastures that support limited agriculture and livestock.

Demographics and culture

The population of Manang is small and diverse, with communities that historically practiced Tibetan-influenced Buddhism and Bon. Local languages include Nepali and regional dialects, alongside traditional Manangi cultural practices. The area is known for its monasteries, traditional architecture, and a distinct mountain culture shaped by trade routes, isolation, and high-altitude adaptation.

Economy and tourism

Tourism is a major economic driver, especially as part of the Annapurna Circuit trekking route. The region supports guesthouses, guiding services, and provisioning for trekkers. Traditional activities such as barley and potato farming, livestock herding, and seasonal trade continue to supplement the economy. Access remains challenging due to altitude and terrain, with trekking and limited road networks serving as primary means of travel.

Notable features

Key sites include Braga Monastery in Manang village and the surrounding high-altitude landscapes that attract trekkers and researchers. The area is known for its stark beauty, cultural heritage, and role as a gateway to higher passes across the Himalayas.