Manaslu Circuit Trek - Day 10: Bimthang to Gowa

I Continue From Here: Manaslu Circuit Trek - Day 9: Dharamsala to Bimthang via Larke Pass

Day 10: Bimthang (3,590m/11,778ft) to Gowa (2560m/8399ft) - 16km/6H

16-May-2026

When I woke up and stepped outside, I was greeted by a beautiful view from my cabin. The clouds were slowly uncovering Phungi Himal (6,538 m / 21,450 ft). I went out and set up a time-lapse. To its left, I could see the tips of Manaslu and Manaslu North. I ordered some tea at the guest house and enjoyed it while taking in the magnificent scenery before me.

After breakfast, we began our trek at around 9 a.m. This stretch is perhaps the most scenic section on the Annapurna Conservation Area side of the Manaslu Circuit Trail. It was also the last day we would see Manaslu before it slowly disappeared behind the pine forests and eventually vanished beyond the surrounding hills as we descended deeper into the valley.

KP and I spent some time doing photography and videography. I taught him a panning technique, and he was very excited to try it out. He took my phone and began filming enthusiastically. The views were amazing, and I enjoyed my slow walks as always. Occasionally, I would meet Ward, who would stop frequently to photograph the birds that shyly flitted from one branch to another.

Leaving behind the snow-capped peaks and arid landscape, we descended into greener, more fertile terrain of forests and plateaus where the Sheep grazed peacefully. It was refreshing to see so much greenery after days spent in the high-altitude wilderness. As KP had told us, the Annapurna Conservation Area side of the trail was more beautiful. He had also said that we would be changed people after crossing the pass. And yes, there was a change in me. I have already recorded some of it in earlier posts, but I shall save the rest for the final one.

We stopped for lunch at a guest house along the way. Sitting outdoors, we enjoyed a good meal in the pleasant weather. Sangam and Manisha joined us and told us about meeting the Indians who had recounted the previous night's incident to them. I also learned that the boy and girl were siblings. In hindsight, it was obvious. At dinner, they would occasionally engage in loud, highly opinionated arguments with each other—the sort that only brothers and sisters can have.

We spent more than an hour at the lunch stop. It was a lovely place to sit outside, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the cool breeze.

The trail from there to Gowa was mostly flat. Gowa is a small village with only a handful of guest houses. Throughout the trek, many Nepalis assumed I was one of them and would begin conversations with me in Nepali. When I replied in Hindi, they would realise that I was Indian. We look remarkably similar, after all.

I messaged Sangam and Manisha and invited them to join us for a game that evening. At the guest house, we tried sea buckthorn juice, which was delicious. It was mildly sweet with a pleasant tangy flavour. Flavie wanted some popcorn, so we ordered that as well and shared it around the table.

There was also a local Nepali group staying at the guest house that evening. Several men had gathered in one room, enjoying drinks and food together. They did not disturb the trekkers, however. Remaining mostly inside their room and rarely stepping out, they seemed conscious of the inconvenience that their smoking, drinking, and conversations might cause others. I could not help noticing the contrast with what I have often seen in India. At times, local tourists in India can be noisy and insensitive to the backpacker or trekker crowd. I no longer wish to attribute this solely to population size; a lack of civic sense remains a problem among many Indians.

That evening was also the last time I met the three Israeli boys and their friendly guide, who were staying at the same guest house as us. I regret not taking the guide's contact details. I could have contacted him directly for another trek in the region. Perhaps I shall meet him again someday. Such chance reunions with guides have happened to me before on Himalayan treks in India, and maybe the mountains will arrange another one in the future.

To Be Continued...