Manang – Stupa – Manang

Opposite the lodge (S/E), take the path heading due north towards the stupa overlooking Manang. You’ll reach the large platform after a steep climb to a considerable altitude. Then, be patient until you meet the venerable Lama Lashi, an important figure who blesses those about to cross the Thorung.

(1) Return via the same route to reach the lodge where you started (S/E).

Today we’re visiting Lama Lashi, a key figure as he is the one who blesses the trekkers, ensuring they can cross the highest point of the trek without difficulty three days later. However, this blessing isn’t free – it costs 100 rupees. This has now become the lama’s nickname, as he is more commonly known as the ‘100 Rupee Lama’. This colourful ceremony is rounded off, however, with an excellent cup of tea served by one of his descendants. When we visited, the lama had just celebrated his 93rd birthday; he has since passed away, but the torch has been passed on, so fellow trekkers, you can still enjoy this famous ceremony.

This so-called acclimatisation stage (3,500 m for Manang and 3,850 m for the Stupa) also gives you the chance to enjoy the Manang festivities. A continuation of the celebrations that began the day before, the spectacle featuring the little Tibetan horses allowed us to appreciate the magnificent manoeuvres performed by the riders.