Bhimtang Village

Bhimtang is a beautiful village in the Manaslu region of Nepal and the resting point for the trekkers crossing the Larke La Pass. The village lies at an altitude of 3720 meters, which is perfect for the trekkers who cross the Larke Pass at an altitude of 5160 m. As for trekking, there is a saying that always treks high and sleeps low; it helps the body acclimate and prevents altitude sickness as well. It’s a beautiful village located above the river and known for its beautiful mountain views. The tea houses here are colorful. The landscape is mixed with the alpine meadows and the forests. The teahouses are made of bamboo and wood, and they are cozy, which gives the perfect vibe of immersing yourself in nature.

Surroundings of Bhimtang Village

Bhimtang is a beautiful village located at an altitude of 3,720 meters above sea level, which is the perfect altitude for trekkers crossing the Larke Pass at an altitude of 5,160 meters. Resting at such a low altitude, trekkers can rest, which will help them to recover from the trek and also prevent them from getting Acute Mountain Sickness. The landscape of the Bhimtang village is scenic, as you will see the high alpine on the ridges as well as the subtropical forests on the lower land. Also, you will see the Marshyangdi River flowing along the village because the Bufhi Gandki River is seen only till Larke Phedi. The Bhimtang is also the gateway to Ponker Lake, which is a high-altitude lake like Tilicho Lake, and it is mainly famous among the Nepali trekkers, due to which you will see many Nepali trekkers. But we will not hike to Ponker Lake because we have already crossed the Larke Pass and witnessed so many glaciers and lakes on the way; it's not worth it for the trekkers doing the Manaslu Circuit trek.

How can you get to Bhimtang Village from Kathmandu?

You can get to Kathmandu village from Bhimtang by taking the bus or the privately rented vehicle from Kathmandu to Bhimtang village, which is located in the Manaslu region. The distance between Kathmandu and Bhimtang is 132 km by the Prithvi Highway, which will take 6 to 8 hours depending upon the road conditions. You will be passing through beautiful places like Arughat, Mugling, Manakama, Dumre, Besi Sahar, and then Dharapani and Tiliche. You can drive after that; you will need to trek from Tiliche village to the Bhimtang. But if you are crossing the Larkya La pass, you will need to drive to Jagat and trek via beautiful places like Namrung, Nyak, Samagaun, Samdo, Dharamshala, and then Bhimtang.

Do I need a permit to reach Bhimtang village?

Yes, you will need a permit to reach the Bhimtang village, as it's in the Manaslu Conservation Area and is one of the restricted areas as well. It is reached from the traditional Annapurna Conservation Area, which is the gateway to beautiful destinations like the Annapurna circuit trek, the Tilicho Lake trek, the North Annapurna base camp trek, and many more. Due to this, you will need 3 permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP), the Restricted Area Permit (RAP), and the Manaslu Conservation Area permit (MCAP). These permits can be obtained from the Tourism Board office or the registered trekking office, like Adventure Vision Treks. You can read our detailed blog on the topic: Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost and Permit.

What are the accommodation options in the Bhimtang village?

The accommodation options in the Bhimtang Village are warm and cozy. You will see beautiful stone houses, bamboo houses, and cottages as well, which are made in the barren land of the Bhimtang village, and from your accommodations, you can feel the cold breeze of the mountains and the hills, and you can witness the beautiful Himalayas from the tea house. The tea houses are comfortable and colorful, which gives the perfect vibe of wild camping. Also, you will be sitting on the wooden trunk of the trees and the wooden table kept outside your room to enjoy the views of the mountains and have a family-cooked lunch, and at night you can watch the beautiful stars. You will have the facilities of basic rooms with shared bathrooms, usually featuring twin beds and thick blankets. Also, you will see the dining halls with wood stoves, which become the heart of social life in the evenings. You will have options to enjoy hot meals and drinks, including dal bhat (traditional Nepali meal), noodles, soups, and Tibetan bread.

What are the cultures and traditions of the Bhimtang Village?

The cultures and traditions of the Bhimtang village are mixed with the Tibetan cultures. The culture is a beautiful blend of Buddhist rituals, mountain spirituality, and traditional highland life. Prayer wheels, stone chortens (stupas), and colorful prayer flags dot the village landscape. Villagers observe Tibetan-influenced festivals and uphold age-old customs like butter lamp lighting, chanting, and storytelling. The locals are warm and welcoming, often inviting trekkers to sit by the fire, share a cup of tea, or learn about their mountain way of life. You may even hear folktales of snow leopards and mountain spirits passed down through generations.