Hike Manang - Yak Kharka

You come to the crossroads of two valleys close behind Manang. The main path leads to Tilicho lake, above which the glacial Tilicho Peak rises enclosing the horizon. Most tourists, however, turn right into a side valley of Thorong Kholi, through which continues the trek around Annapurnas. From this „upper“ path it is possible to see the „bottom“ path leading to the bridge over Thorong Khola and continue to Khansaru, respectively to Tilicho.

Not far behind Manang is located Gunsang village (3690 m asl) renowned for a wonderful view of Gangapurna (see the introductory photo of the photoreport). It is the only outpost of civilization between Manang and Yak Kharka, so the ideal place for a snack or tea. Pay attention to the maps and guidebooks – there is often erroneously marked altitude of 3900 or even 3 960.

The path gradually rises along Thorong Khola through the parched landscape only with juniper bushes and mountain grass.

The look back at the wonderfully icy peak of Annapurna III. is breathtaking.

Trinity of yaks close to the village of Yak Kharka confirm the correctness of its name :-) Kharka is a very common Nepali typony­mical name that can be translated as „meadow“. There are a lot of Yak Kharkas in Nepal, but there is only one in Manang, so you will not get lost here.

The huge hanging bridge over a small valley just before Yak Kharka (4035 m asl).

There are beautiful views of the couloir of weathered and pointy mountains from Yak Kharka. The highest from all the tops is Syagang (6026 m asl), under which leads the „secret“ trip from the other side of the Thorong High Camp.