Manang (3,500m) is a small village with some good hotels towards the south. The district is also named Manang and being in the rain shadow, it is arid. Thus it is just the place to visit during the monsoon when other treks are not pleasant due to incessant rain. The landscape is unlike most parts of Nepal, which are covered in lush green. Here it is cliffs of yellow rock and eroded pillars with little vegetation. If you think Manang is as backward as the surroundings suggest think again. You will have the luxury of a hot shower and videos while the menu at the restaurants include hamburgers and steak. You can stock up on film, shampoo, Mars bars and buy sunglasses and sun cream for protection. The Manangay people have been traveling to distant lands like Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand for many generations trading in precious stones. They also at one time enjoyed special privileges in import of foreign goods. Hence they have prospered and many moved to Kathmandu.

Nepal Mountaineering Association conducts climbing classes around Manang for aspiring mountaineers. The Himalayan Rescue Association has an aid post here in order to help trekkers with health problems. During the trekking season there is a doctor posted here and besides medical assistance, free lectures are given on altitude sickness. The peaks Annapurna and Gangapurna are less than 8 km away. It snows in Manang from November to February.

Manang lies on the popular Annapurna circuit route but is a tourist destination in its own right. The trek begins from Besisahar, which can be reached by bus either from Kathmandu or Pokhara. It is a six-day trek to Manang. You can also catch the short flight to Ongre, which is just below Manang village if you want to trek further up.