Lho Village: Explore Spiritual stop in Manaslu Circuit Trek

Situated inside the Manaslu Conservation Area, Lho Village offers unique opportunity to trekkers to immerse themselves spiritually, culturally and naturally. Being a spiritually rich settlement in the remote Himalayan region, this mountain village provides peaceful environment to the visitors. Moreover, you can get insight about the Tibetan-influenced culture and lifestyle which adds meaningful dimension to your trekking journey.

In this Trekking guide, you will get complete information about Lho Village trek route, permit required, accommodation and amenties. Additioanally, you will get insight about culture and favourable time to visit this sacred village during Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Overview of Lho Village

As you continue walking gentle uphill trail passing through scattered settlements from Sho there comes a village of Lho where:

• The surrounding feels spiritual and peaceful
• Panoramic close-up view of Mount Manaslu
• Surrounded by the lush green forest of pine, glacial valley and snowcapped mountain
• Houses are made up of stones using Tibetan-style architecture
• Indigeneous people live a spiritual lifestyle
• Trekkers will explore maniwalls, chortens, monastery and prayer wheels while following the trail

Essential facts about Lho

Located in the Nubri Valley of Gorkha District, Tibetan-Buddhist village of Lho lies at an elevation of approximately 3180 meters. The most popular route segments are from Namrung to Lho and from Lho to Shyala. Despite being a moderate-difficulty trek, it is beginner friendly for a physically fit trekker.

People living in this Northern High Himalayan village are influenced by the Tibetan culture and traditon. Generally, Spring and Autumn are regarded as the favourable season for Lho Trek.

Geography and Landscape

Nestled in the upper section of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, Lho village transitioned from green forest to rocky mountain landscapes. Standing in the land of Lho, trekkers are surrounded by green lush hills and giant snowcapped peak towering above them. Below the settlement of Lho, Budhi Gandaki River flows through deep valley and rocky hills. Moreover, the terrain around it includes agricultural terraced fields and yak pasture. Sheltered in the rugged Himalayan mountain area, the weather of Lho is cold throughout the year.

Follow the trail from Namrung to reach Lho

To reach spiritual village of Lho from Namrung you must:

• Follow the well-defined trail inside dense pine and rhododendron forest
• Walk on the trail through ridge passing terraced field, mani walls and chortens
• Pass the small settlement of Banjam
• Arrive at the village of Lihi (2900 m) which is regarded as culturally rich settlement walking on the dirt trail and stone steps
• Pass the small stream and follow the steeper trail to reach the village of Sho
• Walk on the open and exposed trail passing through terraced field, scattered house and pasture ground
• Then arrive to ridge-top village of Lho walking on the wide trail
• The journey typically requires 4 to 5 hours, depending on trail condition, pace of walking and fitness level of trekkers.

Why trekkers stay overnight in the Lho Village?

Trekkers usually stay overnight here to give their body time to acclimatize inorder to adjust the environment of Sama Gaun. Beside the critical acclimatization stop, they also stay here:

• To explore the breathtaking landscape of Lho
• To get insight about Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition followed by the people of Nubri Valley
• To interact with indigeneous people of Lho
• To visit the beautiful hilltop monastery renowned as Ribung Gompa
• To enjoy the warm hospitality offered by the local people
• To see the stunning views of snowcapped mountain from the lap of Lho

Essential Travel Tips for Lho Village Trek

Before visiting Lho Village, trekkers must be prepared and follow the important trekking etiquette to make their journey enjoyable such as:

• You must follow the pre-trek preparation which are suggested by your guide before your trek starts
• Do not skip acclimatization days and activities
• Always stay hydrated while walking on the trail
• Climb steep uphill trail slowly to avoid the shortness of breath
• Carry all the essential gears, layer warm clothing and equipments
• Withdraw enough cash from Kathmandu because ATMs are not available in the trekking route of Manaslu Circuit
• Always use trekking pole while trekking to reduce the pressure on your knee
• Always respect the culture, tradition and mountain life of local people

Frequently Asked Question about Lho Village

Which Himalayas are visible from the village of Lho?

On the clear day, trekkers can enjoy the breathkating view of Mount Manaslu (8163 m) which is regarded as the world’s eighth-highest mountain. Additionally, they can see the following snow-capped peaks:

• Himalchuli
• Ganesh Himal
• Ngadi Chuli
• Naike Peak
• Massif North face of Manaslu

Why trekkers prefer to visit Lho Village during Spring and Autumn season?

Spring and Autumn seasons are ideal to visit Lho village because:

• It is easy to walk on the dry trail
• Weather is predictable
• Clear skies offer the panoramic views of the snowcapped moutains

Can I trek to Lho during December?

Absolutely, you can trek to Lho during December if you have good physical fitness because:

• Clear skies and good weather offer the excellent views of snowcapped peaks and lush green hills
• There is significantly less crowd in the trail of Lho in comparison to spring and autumn seasons

But the trekkers must be prepared for:

• Unpredictable snowfall
• Very cold temperature at night time which mostly reach below freezing

What are the essential permits should I need to carry for Lho Village Trek?

Major permits are required for Lho Trek:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

But if you are planning to conquer Larkya La Pass (5160 m), then you must carry Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

Do I need to hire guide for Lho trek?

Yes, it is mandatory to hire government licensed guide for Lho Village trek according to law of Nepal. You are not given permission to trek independently under this restricted area of Nepal.

Are there facilities available of charging and Wi-Fi?

Absolutely, most of the teahouses and lodges of Lho provides facilities of charging your electronic devices and Wi-Fi connection. But you need to pay extra for these sevices.

What food are offered in the tea houses of Lho?

Teahouses of Lho offers the mix of Nepali, Tibetan and Western energy-rich cuisines, including:

For lunch and dinner

Rice

Lentils

Vegetables

Pickles

Thukpa with hot soup

For breakfast

Tibetan bread with butter

Hot Porridge

Pancakes made of apple, banana or honey

Boiled. Fried or omelet egg

Toast with jam or butter

For snacks

Momos with hot soup and achar

Noodles

Why trekkers must visit Ribung Monastery?

Trekkers must visit Ribung Monastery inorder to:

Observe and be the part of the Buddhist prayer chant by the monks and nuns

Experience the mind-healing meditation in the peaceful ambience

See the stunning views of sunrise over snow-cappeed peaks from the surrounding of Ribung Monastery

Get deep insight about the Tibetan-Buddhist culture and tradition followed by local people

Became the part of Lhosar festival celebration if you are visiting during festival time.

Grab the cultural experiences such as spinning the prayer wheels in the clockwise direction