Samagaun Village is the most popular and densely populated last village on the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. In the northern side of Gorkha district, the village is the home of Nubri people living in the lap of the world’s 8th tallest mountain Mt. Manaslu (8163 m).
The village is the cornerstone of Manaslu Trekking. In addition, the village is an ideal place to immerse into the ancient traditions and culture of Tibetan Buddhists Nepalese Nubri people. Similarly, the place is also the open museum to know about the diverse landscapes, vegetation, nature – people relationship, and wildlife!
In this blog, you will find in detail about the various aspects of the Samagaun Village.
Table of Contents
Samagaun Village: The Heart of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Route
Up in the mountainous region of the Gorkha district of Nepal, the Samagaun Village has identified itself as the pillar and cornerstone of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Route. At an altitude of 3530 m, the village is the stop over place for the trekkers for various acclimatization activities. In addition, the village is also at the cross roads to various ancient monasteries of the region.
Lots of Buddhists followers make the village as the base to visit these monasteries around the village. Interestingly, there are countless monasteries in the Manaslu region of Nepal where were built by the Guru Padmasambha himself and by the Guru Rimpoche nearly 500 to 700 years ago. Therefore, the village is sacred and crucial for pilgrims too.
The strategic location of the village served for decades as the vibrant place to traders. In ancient times, Nepal – Tibet trade activities used to take place from the village.
Top Things to Do in Samagaun
The most vibrant and densely populated village in the Manaslu Circuit Trek route is the Samagaun Village. Therefore, lots of activities are possible here! In addition, trekkers have to spend two nights in the village. There are numerous activities and things to do in Samagaun. Make sure that you are with an experienced trekking guide and leading trekking agency for the better trekking experiences.
Cultural immersion to high altitude hikes are possible from the village. In addition, the village is an open museum where you can do lots of activities full of both natural and cultural attractions. Some popular top things to do in Samagaun are Manaslu Base Camp Hike, Birendra Lake Hike, and Pungyen Monastery Visit.
Samagaun to Manaslu Base Camp Hike and Distance
The most popular day hike to do in the Manaslu Circuit Trek route from Samagaun is the Manaslu Base Camp Hike. The total distance between Samagaun and Manaslu Base Camp is about 5.1 kilometers. It takes about 6 to 7 hours to complete the round trek. This hike is also popular as the acclimatization hike for the Manaslu Circuit Trek trekkers! In this acclimatization activity, trekkers reach 4800 m Manaslu Base Camp and return back to the village. It is an ideal activity to avoid any kinds of altitude sickness issues during the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Acclimatization Day in Samagaun: Why It’s Essential
The maximum altitude on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is 5106 m from sea level which is the height of the Larke La Pass. The places beyond 2500 m are considered as the risky zones in terms of altitude sickness. Therefore, acclimatization activities are highly needed to avoid such situations. Moreover, the acclimatization day in Samagaun helps trekkers to adjust with the high – altitude in a better way.
The idea of acclimatization is that you reach the higher altitude place and return back to lower altitude place for overnight sleep. This acclimatization activity takes trekkers to 4800 m (altitude of Manaslu Base Camp) and trekkers return back to 3530 m (altitude of Samagaun) for overnight sleep.
Pungyen Monastery from Samagaun
The most sacred activity to do inside the Manaslu region of Nepal is the visit of monasteries. There are many ancient and sacred monasteries in the region. Among these monasteries, the Pungyen Monastery is about 16 kilometers away from the Samagaun Village. There are no official records about the establishment of the monastery. However, the locals say that the monastery was built about 500 to 600 years ago by the Tibetan Buddhists masters. Some also argue that the monastery was built to please the god Pungyen. The god is the protector of the Himalayan realm! The trail to the monastery from Samagaun offers alpine and grassy vegetation with diverse wildlife.
Please note that the location of monastery will definitely tell you why lots of people chose the monastery as the best meditation and prayer place. It is scenic as well as sacred to do the Pungyen Monastery hike from Samagaun.
Hike to Birendra Lake from Samagaun
On the way to the Manaslu Base Camp (4800 m), you can find a gorgeous and blue turquoise glacial lake the Birendra Lake. If you wish to hike to the Birendra Lake from Samagaun, you will have to cover about 2.9 kilometers. It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the lake. The lake is one of the most scenic glacial lakes in the low altitude places.
Where to Stay: Teahouses and Accommodation Options in Samagaun
You don’t have to worry about lodging and meals availability in Samagaun Village. Ever since the Manaslu Circuit Trek became popular among trekkers from across the globe, the local community has opened several tea houses and eateries. In fact, trekkers spend two nights in this village. Therefore, you can find different styles of tea houses and lodges in the village. As for the meals, the village has many eateries and tea houses where you can get food items ranging from local Nepalese dishes to various cuisines.
Is there Medical Health Post in Samagaun?
Yes, there is well equipped medical health post in Samagaun Village. The health post can cater the patients of HACE and HAPE as well. Beyond this village you may not find proper medical aid center. Therefore, it is wise to check your medical conditions before trekking to higher altitude places. Please note that the health post can also provide you supplemental oxygen!
How long does it take to reach Samagaun on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Trekkers will reach Samagaun on the 6th day of the Manaslu circuit trek from Kathmandu. However, reaching Samagaun village depends on your crafted/designed itinerary.
Here is an outline itinerary to reach Samagaun village from Kathmandu.
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola
Day 2: Trek to Jagat
Day 3: Trek to Deng
Day 4: Trek to Namrung
Day 5: Trek to Syala
Day 6: Trek to Samagaun
Culture and Traditions of Samagaun
The people living in the Samagaun Village are Nubris. They are Tibetan origin Buddhists who migrated centuries ago in these parts of Gorkha district of Nepal. They have their own language, culture and traditions. Major festivals that these people celebrate are Lhosar (Tibetan New Year) and Yartung festival. Lhosar is religion oriented festival but the Yartung festival is both cultural and religious. There are countless monasteries where lots of chanting and prayers are held. If you wish to know about traditional Tibetan culture then the village is an ideal place.
Mountain ranges visible from Samagaun village
You can witness majestic mountain views from Samagaun village such as Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), Paike Peak (5,515), Larke Peak (6,249m), Himalchuli Range (7,893m), Ngadi Chuli also known as Peak 29(7,871m) and Shringi Himal (7,187m).
Essential Travel Tips for Samagaun
The best time to visit the village is during the months of spring and autumn season if you are on the Manaslu Circuit Trek trip. If you wish to visit the village only then choose months of Yartung festival and Lhosar festival. The festival of Yartung falls in the month of August whereas the Lhosar festival is in spring season. Please note that the cost of the restricted permit during spring is lower than the cost of the permit during autumn season.
You don’t need to worry about phone network as both Ncell and NTC work in the village smoothly. Get a guide and always travel to the villages of the Manaslu region in a packaged trekking style. It enhances your trekking experiences and ensures safety.
