Pay Online
Cart (0)
Wishlist (0)
Samagaun Village, nestled on the lap of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain on the planet, is a pristine village that feels like a piece of heaven on earth. With mountainscapes surrounding it, the sights and vibes of Samagaun are ethereal, leaving visitors’ mouths agape. The beauty of Samagaun is further elevated by its people. The innocent, kind, and welcoming inhabitants of Samagaun have a unique and fascinating culture, tradition, and lifestyle that makes travelers desire to spend some more days in this mountain village.
Besides natural beauty and cultural opulence, Samagaun is a crucial stop for climbers and trekkers. Situated aptly, Samagaun helps trekkers and climbers to acclimatize to high altitudes. The village provides an opportunity for trekkers and climbers to indulge in preparatory activities and hikes. These preparatory hikes and acclimatization activities prepare trekkers’ and climbers’ bodies and minds to tackle the strenuous section coming ahead on their adventure.
Samagaun (also spelled Samagaon) is a quintessential rural village in the Manaslu Region. The village is situated deep inside the Himalayas in Gorkha District. Its beautiful peculiarities make it a major highlight of every trekking or climbing expedition in the Manaslu region.
The bucolic beauty of the Samagaon Village stems from its remote location. Samagaon is unblemished by the influences of the tech-dependent modern world. Life is simple here and beautiful too. Children play with stones and sticks rather than being hooked on phones and tablets, they run behind yaks and mountain sheep chuckling and enjoying the endeavor. People are not estranged unlike in big cities, everyone knows everyone and they are kind to each other. The houses are not as elaborate as the ones found in sub-urban areas but you will see people from those stone thatched roof houses welcoming you for tea. Such is the cordiality and hospitality of its people.
Samagaun is usually reached on the 6th day of the trek or climbing expedition, which usually starts from Machchha Khola. It is located deep inside the Himalayas and transporting goods in and out of the village sure is a hassle, but sometimes it is what all you need, a respite from the hustle. Unplugging yourself from the gird, far from the concrete jungle and busy streets, your time in remote Samagaun is going to show you all about the frugal yet content life of its inhabitants along with a chance to relish the natural beauty and spectacular sights.
The culture, tradition, and lifestyle of people living in Samagaun also add to its rustic charm. The culture, tradition, and lifestyle are distinct to this region and can not be found anywhere in Nepal. Samagaun invites visitors to unravel the rich cultural heritage of ethnic groups inhabiting it.
Here is more on Samagaun for everyone who is traveling to Samagaun, planning to travel, or just curious about this beautiful remote village.
1. History and Ethnic Groups of Samagaun Village
The arcane history of Samagaun and other villages deep in the Manaslu region is intertwined with the native people residing there. The entire valley including Samagaun was an abode for Tibetan refugees fleeing Tibet’s political unrest and civil wars somewhere around 400 years ago. The region is also renowned for its monasteries some of which date back to the late 1600s. Additionally, being situated along the ancient trade way to Tibet, Samagaun holds a special significance as a sanctuary and resting stop for traders and explorers.
Predominantly two Ethnic Groups inhabit Samagaun. Nubri People, a Tibetan-origin ethnic group are the prominent inhabitants of Samagaun, Lho, Prok, and Shyala. Nubri People are also found in Tsum Valley, which is accessible if one is doing a trek of the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley. They speak the Nubri language and a dialect specific to one living in this particular village, which is a combination of the Tibetan-Burmese language. They have cultures and traditions that are quite disparate from those found in the Himalayas. Polyandrous marriage is permitted in Nubri Community and many cases of polyandry can be observed in Samagaun also. Nubri People hold Buddhist and animistic beliefs. They believe that plants and animals have spirits, which they revere. Animal Husbandry and medicinal herb collection are the major sources of income for the people of the Nubri Tribe. Likewise, people from the Gurung community can also be found in Samagaun. They also hold Buddhist beliefs and have a lifestyle similar to the Nubri People with some disparities in some cultures and practices.
Manaslu Circuit Trek unlike other treks is not highly commercialized. Due to this, the influence of the modern world is faint in Samagaun and other nearby villages. As a result, the ancient traditions and customs are preserved in Samagaun. The traditional practices of Nubri and Gurung people are still carried out day in and day out. Also, the Manaslu Region is a restricted area, and trekking was only allowed from 1991 AD, so the Manaslu Trek is comparatively newer and less accessible, and because of these factors and less exposure to the external influences the ancient traditions and customs are still preserved in Samagaun and neighboring villages.
2. Acclimatization Spot
Samagaun is a crucial stop for anyone on a trekking or climbing expedition in the Manaslu Region. This major stop-over point allows trekkers and climbers to acclimatize to the thin air of the Himalayas. Altitude sickness can be a big issue if proper precautions are not taken. Samagaun is a perfect place for trekkers and climbers to indulge in acclimatizing activities and hikes.
Samagaun a village in Manaslu, is situated at an elevation of 3530 meters or 11,581 feet. This is a transitional altitude level where the landscape begins to strip its greenery and trees begin to disappear. Halting the continuous climb at such an altitude and spending a day or two hiking and indulging in physical activity is considered essential to avoid altitude sickness for novice trekkers and climbers. The standard Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary consists of one acclimatization day during which trekkers indulge in a short day hike.
There are numerous side trips and excursions for trekkers to engage while in Samagaun. The most preferred and popular ones are day hikes to Pungyen Monastery, Birendra Lake, and Manaslu Base Camp.
3. Lodges and Food
Samagaun, being one of the biggest villages in the Manaslu Region, has a good number of lodges and guest houses that cater to trekkers and climbers. These Guest Houses and lodges are often modest providing essential basic lodging facilities. The rooms will be on a shared basis, with 2 or more people sharing a single room. The lodges mostly provide a common bathroom for all the occupants. The blankets and bedding might not be enough to keep an individual warm, so having a sleeping bag will surely come in handy. The lodging facilities might not be as good as those found in lower regions but it is better than those found in higher elevations. At these lodges and Guest houses, one can buy instant noodles, alcoholic beverages, and snacks, get a hot bath, and charge phones and batteries.
Some Lodges and Guest Houses also provide extensive menus which include Nepalese, Tibetan, and Western Dishes. One can order Nepal’s staple dish of Daal Bhaat, Dhindo, Vegetable Curry, Buckwheat bread, etc, Tibetan Dishes like Thentuk, Thukpa, T. Mo:mo, Mo:Mo, Spring rolls, etc, and Western dishes like Pasta, Spaghetti, Pizza, etc. One can opt for either vegetarian or non-vegetarian options on above mentioned dishes. We advise explorers to use their discretion while choosing either vegetarian or non-vegetarian options based on how fresh the ingredients are. Besides these guesthouses, there are cafes, very few, where you can drink freshly brewed coffee grown in the region, desserts, and bakeries.
4. The Views
The views from Samagaun are ethereal. Surrounded by gigantic peaks like Manaslu, Himlachuli, Manaslu North, etc. the view of snowcapped mountainscape is unavoidable. The sight of morning sunrays hitting the “M” shaped peak of Mt. Manaslu is so magical that you will wish to have the power to stop time and enjoy the moment forever.
Besides the mountain view, the view of village life unfolding is in itself profound. Kids running and playing around, people busy with chores, herders returning back home with livestock, chimneys exhaling smoke, and mothers calling their children home for a meal, observing the beauty of village life is a cheery experience.
5. Short Hikes from Samagaun
– Overview of popular short treks and hikes accessible from Samagaun, including:
The pristine village of Smagaun besides its cultural heritage and natural beauty has more to offer. Samagaun village is, for many trekkers and climbers, an acclimatizing spot, which means it is required that on indulge in light physical activities or a day hike to adapt their bodies to the rarefied atmosphere. Adventurers prefer doing short hikes while acclimatizing for upcoming ascent and Samagaun offers plenty of options for Day hikes to choose from. Three of the popular short hikes that can be done from Samagaun are:
5.1 – Hike to Birendra Lake
Elevation Gain: 110 m or 360 ft
Distance covered: 1.88 miles or 3.02 km
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
The hike to Birendra Lake is the easiest day hike from Samagaun. Birendra Lake is a pristine water body sitting directly below Mt. Manaslu. A glacier originating from the Manaslu massif feet the Birendra Lake. The lake is named after the late King Birendra, who on his travel to the Manaslu region swam on this glacial lake. During winter the lake is covered with a thick layer of ice-sheath. We advocate against stepping in frozen lake but trekkers discretion is advised.
Hiking to Birendra Lake is an easy trek. With an elevation gain of only 360 ft and a distance covered of 1.88 miles, Birendra Lake is a perfect acclimatizing short hike from Samagaun suitable for every trekker and climber.
5.2 – Pungyen Gompa (a Buddhist monastery with stunning mountain views).
Elevation Gain: 530 m / 1738 ft
Distance Covered: 14.7 km or 9.16 miles
Duration: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Pungyen Gompa is a sacred Buddhist monastery with an important religious significance. The Buddhist monastery is over 4 centuries old. The hike to Pungyen Gompa is rather long and exhausting with serpentine trails all the way to the destination. Upon reaching the Gompa one will get an amazing view of Mt. Manaslu and adjoining peak. Yaks and Mountain Goats grazing on the hill pastures is a common sight throughout the hike to Pungyen Gompa.
It is believed that the unsuccessful expedition of the Japanese climbers displeased the spirit gods of Manaslu, who later caused a big avalanche that destroyed the Pungyen Gompa and killed 18 people living in the village. The subsequent climbing team was confronted with hostility on the summit expedition and it was only after climbers agreed to donate significant sums to rebuild the monastery and reconstruction, they were allowed to continue with their summit expedition.
The hike to Pungyen Gompa requires good physical stamina and determination from an individual, but the climactic view of Mt. Manaslu and the surrounding landscape is worth every ounce of effort.
5.3 – Manaslu Base Camp (a trek for adventurous trekkers).
Final Elevation & Elevation Gain: 4800 m or 15,748 feet & 4166 ft
Distance Covered: 7.48 km or 4.65 mi
Duration: 6-7 hours
Difficulty: Difficult/Hard
Undoubtedly the hardest hike from Samagaun Manaslu, the hike to Manaslu Base Camp takes trekkers to the campsite of climbers who are attempting to summit Mt. Manaslu. Mt. Manaslu, the killer mountain, is considered one of the most dangerous mountains to summit. The steep slope of Mt. Manaslu causes lots of avalanches that make summiting the killer mountain a precarious ordeal. After reaching Manaslu Base Camp one can enjoy the beautiful view of towering Manaslu, the surrounding landscape, and the mesmerizing valley of the Manaslu region beneath. Also, at Manaslu Base Camp one can come across climbers both attempting to scale or coming back after scaling the summit of Mt. Manaslu and interact with climbers about their epic adventure.
The hike to Manaslu Base Camp is characterized by steep rocky sections. One will be moving north to the Samagaun, past the Birendra Lake, and up the steep hill section along the glacier that feeds the Birendra Lake. The hike to MBC is suitable for those who are physically fit and mentally prepared. Hikers will reach an elevation of 4800 meters in just a few hours, which demands excellent endurance and persistence.
Conclusion
All in all, Samagaun is not just a remote village on a trekking trail, it is more than that. The natural beauty and cultural heritage of Samagaun is unheard of. The simple village life of Samagaun unblemished by the stints of the exhausting modern world is relaxing just to observe and be part of. The short hikes and activities that can be done in Samagaun not only assist explorers adapt to the thinning atmosphere but also enlighten them about the history and beliefs of the natives and encourage them to appreciate the beauty of nature.
Obviously, if a person is tunnel-visioned on summiting the mountain or completing the trek then the rustic beauty of Samagaun is very easy to miss. But if someone is not concerned with only reaching the destination but enjoying everything that one comes during the journey then the beauty of Samagaun is so conspicuous even a blind person can see it and one acclimatizing day at Samagaun will seem insufficent.
