Annapurna Circuit Trek, Nepal - Day 6 - Above Manang (May 2017)

19 May 2017 - The 6th day of my Annapurna Circuit trek is not-so-appropriately called "rest day". My friends and I had arrived in Manang in the late afternoon the previous day, which sits 3540 metres above sea level. Because of the gain in altitude, it's generally recommended to take a rest day at this town in order to acclimatise to the elevation.
At the same time, there are many day hikes of varying lengths and difficulties that one can do from Manang. I hiked an hour an a half up a steep hill overlooking Manang to the Praken Gompa (3945 m), a tsamkhang (meditation retreat) where a lone 69-year old monk lives. For a donation, he gives trekkers a simple necklace and a blessing to cross the Thorung La Pass safely, and graciously offered me tea while I rested. Even though I did not understand his chanting, I understood and felt the sincerity in his actions.
In the video, I have just left the isolated cliffside gompa, and am taking a break, simply admiring the views of some of the Annapurna Range, the Gangapurna Glacier, aquamarine Gangapurna Lake, and the village of Manang some distance below.
This was definitely one of the highlights during my trek. Remembering times like these fills me with incomparable energy during times in my life when I feel down - travel is truly a gift that continues to give throughout one's lifetime!