Gokyo
Junbesi
Marpha
Manang
The Himalayas that belt across Northern Nepal holds some of the most magical destinations in the world. Concealed by tall peaks and clouded under the heavy snow, the experience of discovery is as close to finding Shangri-La. Places invisible, trail treacherous, and weather unpredictable but yet the fruit heavenly.
Here is a list of four must-visit destinations in the marvellous Himalayan region of Nepal.
Gokyo Village
Situated near the eastern shore of Dudh Pokhari, overlooking Mt Everest in Northern Solukhumbu District lies the beautiful village of Gokyo at 4750 meters high. Chances are, you might have come across this name while you were planning a trek to Everest Base Camp.
With the majestic tall mountains that surround it, this village though small holds many experiences. Regarded as a sacred religious sight by followers of Hinduism and Buddhism, the lake of Gokyo sees flocks of not just adventurers but also devotees. The beautiful rhododendron forests, suspension bridges draped with Buddhist flags, tens and hundreds of yak trains will follow you as you walk the adventurous trails of rocky mountains, cold slopes, and glaciers to this stunning village. It holds its little significance through the lifestyle of the Sherpa people living here. The emerald-coloured Gokyo lakes around the Gokyo valley reflect the beauty of the ethnic villages. It is the beating heart of the people and the very essence of the valley.
A flight from Kathmandu to Lukla followed by 10 to 13 days trek shall lead you to Gokyo. Since this small village is thinly populated, there is only one lodge inside it, while a bunch of hotels and teahouses can be found around the Khumbu region, a couple of kilometres from the village.
Junbesi
This magical Sherpa village, nestled in the lower Solukhumbu region, at an altitude of 2700m, is less known but a must-visit destination. The small houses surround the 400-year-old Buddhist Stupa overlooking the massive mountain range, is at a junction of the Everest trail and Thuptenchholing monastery.
White painted brick houses, Thankas depicting magic and mysteries line every street you’ll encounter as you step in this piece of paradise. The delicate warm sun rays hit the coloured roof of each house during the summer. From the alluring landscape to the cultural hospitality of the Sherpa people, massive celebrations of festivals like Dumje and Nyungne are regional highlights.
There are several resorts and family-run lodges that resonate home to weary travellers coming in. It is about 4 to 5-hour trek from Salleri, the district headquarters, and about 4 1/2 hours from Phaplu airport. Like Gokyo, you can stop by this beautiful village on your trek to Everest base camp and add a lively highlight to your trip.
Marpha Village
The beautiful village of Marpha is situated in Mustang district and has also become the apple capital of the country. White-painted stone houses reflecting the traditional heritage and architecture are spread all over this small ancient village wrapped by the mountain range of Annapurna. As the name suggests, mar means hardworking whereas pha means people, this little enchanted white village is the home of a thinly populated, yet diligent Thakali people and their hard-earned lives.
Along with the stunning essence of the mountains it captures and camouflages along the lines, it also holds significant religious value especially in Buddhism, and the main highlight of this heavenly village is Nyingma Monastery that is inhabited by several Buddhist Monks. Yet, the true spirit of the village reflects in the calming sound of children playing in the stoned streets while the adults spend their day caught up with the ample horticulture farming going on for more than 50 years under the sound of the fluttering Buddhist flags scattered over the houses.
Since the prime economic driver of this village is tourism, there are a good number of hotels with adequate modern facilities, pleasant resorts with beautiful sceneries, and guesthouses with welcoming hosts along with various amenities. You can either take a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and go for a short half-an-hour hike or stop by this alluring village during your Annapurna Circuit trek.
Manang
Manang, also known as one of the most beautiful hidden valleys of South Asia, is another stunning place enclosed between the snowy Himalayas. Located in Gandaki about 250 km from the capital, that holds life at 3540m high, this peaceful village is the last stop in the Annapurna circuit route.
As you’re on the verge to enter this enticing town, their lies the Gangapurna viewpoint, 10 minutes away from it, that frames the breathtaking view of the mountains, glacier, lake, and river, almost like something straight out of a painting. The valley is home to a thousand-year-old Buddhist monastery overlooking the indigenous community who settled their years prior. Annual festivals and communal celebrations brighten up the village and chimes of it can be heard around the valley. This valley is also the gateway to Lake Tilicho, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world.
You can travel to Manang by, first, a flight or bus ride from the capital to Pokhara, and then you can either rent a Jeep or trek your way through the adventurous Annapurna trial. Since it is a major travel destination for travellers accommodation ranges from hotels, lodges to tea houses. Modern amenities housed in traditional architecture creates a lively aura with the addition of pleasant smiles and scenic views.
