12/04/2023
Buddhist Travellers indentified Nubri Valley
The person who identified this as the area of Nepal Kyimolung is the Tertön Rigdzin Ökyi Dodrupchen, who was one of the greatest masters of the Northern Terma tradition. He first came to this area of Kyimolung, and up behind here there is an area with caves where he went and hid some treasures. Also there is the area of Nyam, where the tertön Gawang Dorje was born. He also came here, toured the area, identified the sacred sites, and wrote a description of the sites. He discovered a few treasures here as well, such as the Mirror of Treasure and the Unexcelled Lotus Heart Ta**ra. These are three tertons who have come here.
Milarepa also came here and walked through these sites, blessing them. In the mountains there is the Yogi Cave in the cliffs where he stayed, as is clearly told in the histories and his life story. In the area of Tsum, which is also part of Kyimolung, there is a site called the Kuthang Puru Cave, and behind there the Vajra Echo Cave. Milarepa went through the entire area before crossing the Bari Pass.
Many other lamas also came here, and there were also people from Nubri itself who achieved great realization, such as the Ngadak lineage from Upper Nubri. There were also Nga Rinpoche, Surmang Wangchuk, and others from Lower Nubri.
Up until now, this area of Nubri has been preserved and not ruined. However, taking care of it will make sure that it continues to thrive. Development will be good in both the worldly sense as well as in terms of the Dharma. Many lamas have kept this area in mind, and so in Upper Nubri there are several monasteries, such as in Henang and Namla.
Restricted Area since 1998
The Nubri Valley region ,which was closed to tourists until 1991, was declared a conservation area in 1998 by the Nepali government. Since then, the National Trust has managed the conservation area for Nature conservation (NTNC). The region is bordered by the Annapurna Conservation Area in the west, Tibet in the east and the north, and by the district of Gorkha in the south. MCAP covers an area of 1,663 sq.km. Within the valley there are seven village development committees- Sama, Lho, Prok, Bihi, Chumchet, Chhekampar and Sirdibas with in the conservation area.
Nubri Valley is endowed with spectacular natural features, rich in religious and cultural heritage along with unique bio-diversities. The occurrence of lofty mountains and low-lying areas within a relatively small area has made Manaslu area a region with diverse ecological conditions. There are 19 types of forests within the Nubri Valley. 33 species of mammals inhabit the area. The diversity of habitat in the Nubri Valley and Tsum Valleys has created a congenial environment for some of the rarest species in the world to flourish.
The Manaslu valley trek is more remote and spectacular than many, with rough steep tracks and limited accommodation. It is culturally fascinating with strong continuing links to Tibet in the Upper Budhi Ghandaki (called Nubri 'the western mountains') and the Tsum Valley. Larke Pass, at 5100m, provides a worthy challenge. The views of Mt.Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world, are marvelous and up close.
A special Restricted Area permit is required for the Manaslu Valley (Larke pass). This permit requires that you have a registered guide and a party of two or more. In addition you will need a TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System). In all 8 passport photos are needed for the relevant permits. In addition you will need both a MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Park, Rs 2000) and an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Park, 2000Rs) for the section from Dharapani to Besisahar. It is possible to say farewell to your guides at Dharapani and add the round Annapurna loop over Tharangla Pass (the world’s highest mountain pass) to your trip. In doing this you will finish your trek in the Kali Gandaki. The whole trip can be completed in 35 days.
Nubri Valley is the home to a good number of snow and spotted leopards, lynx, grey wolf, Himalayan Musk Deer and Blue sheep. The area’s population of Himalayan Tahr is unequalled in the country. Other important species include the Himalayan Black bear, Assamese Monkey, Himalayan Goral, Himalayan Marmot, Golden Jackal, Yellow-throated Marten, Musk Palm Civet, Leopard Cat, Barking Deer, Wooly Hare and Red Flying Squirrel. Numerous packs of Dhole (a wild dog) have been spotted in the area. There are 110 species of birds in the area, of which 14 are protected species. Pheasant species such as the Monal and the Impeyan pheasant inhabit the Kaal Tal and Manaslu base camp area in good numbers. Ruddy shelduck, Golden Eagle, Eurasian and Himalayan Griffons, Booted Eagle, Himalayan and Tibetan Snow C***s, Collared Pigmy Owlet and Nepal Sunbird are some of the bird species found in Nubri Valley. The Nubri Valley is also home to three species of reptiles and eleven species of butterflies. An estimated 2000 species of plants grow in the region, many of which have medicinal properties.
OUTLINE ITINERARY -
DAY 01:Arrival at Kathmandu international airport and meet with representative of Pink Mountain Treks and Expedition.Then Transfer to hotel.
DAY 02:After breakfast proceed for city singseeing tour to heritage sites of Kathmandu.Make a permit and basic preparation of the trek.Visit Pink Mountain's office for details information and introduction with your trekking guide to Tsum and Nubri valley Trek.
DAY 03:Drive to Aarughat.
DAY 04:Trek to Sotikhola.
DAY 05:Trek to Machhakhola.
DAY 06:Trek to Jagat.
DAY 07:Trek to Dyang.
DAY 08:Trek to Prook or Serang Area.
DAY 09:Trek to Kaltal and come back to Prook Village or visit Serang Area.
DAY 10:Trek to Numrung.
DAY 11:Trek to Lho.
DAY 12:Trek to Samagaun.
DAY 13:Trek to Samdo.
DAY 14:Trek to Dharmasala.
DAY 15:Trek to Bhimtang.
DAY 16:Dharapani.
DAY 17:Trek to Syange.
DAY 18:Trek to Besisahar.
DAY 19:Drive back to Kathmandu.
