Best Side Trips On Manaslu Circuit Trek

Serang Gompa

Serang Gompa is a remote and revered monastery perched at an altitude of 3,100 meters in the serene Kyimoloung Valley, also known as the Valley of Peace and Happiness. Built over 500 years ago by the revered Buddhist master Chokyi Gyaltsen, this sacred site was founded to promote the teachings and cultural heritage of Tibetan Buddhism. 

The trek to Serang Gompa typically begins from either Bihi village. As you ascend toward the monastery, the trail is surrounded by rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, gushing rivers, and snow-draped peaks. 

Architecturally, Serang Gompa stands out with its traditional three-story rectangular structure, which reflects the classic Tibetan Buddhist design. At the heart of the monastery,  you will find a magnificent golden Buddha statue, surrounded by various other Tibetan deities and goddesses. As you step onto this site, you will find the air filled with the scent of incense and the soft chants of monks immersed in prayer.

If you visit during the late Winter to early Spring, you might witness vibrant celebrations like Losar (Tibetan New Year), Chotrul Duchen (Festival of Butter Lamps), Guru Rinpoche Day, or Saga Dawa. During these festivals, the gompa transforms into a lively center of color, devotion, and tradition.

From Serang Gompa, you will also get to witness breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Manaslu itself.

Highlights

• Explore the monastic center for Buddhist learning and meditation.

• Get off-the-beaten-path experience passing through lush forests, rivers, waterfalls, and panoramic Himalayan views.

• Witness spectacular views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Ngadi Chuli.

• Get an opportunity to observe daily rituals, hear the resonating chants of monks, and even participate in short meditation sessions if permitted by the resident lamas.

• Chance to see ancient thangkas (Tibetan scroll paintings), scriptures written on traditional manuscripts, and ritual instruments.

• Get personal blessing from the head lama of the gompa.

Kal Tal

Kal Tal is one of the most mystical and lesser-known side trips on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Also known as Kalchhuman Tal, it is a high-altitude freshwater lake perched at 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) on Lungmang Hill. The name Kal Tal, translates to “Death Lake” in Nepali and is regarded as a sacred site.

If you are lucky enough, you will get to witness a special ritual to honor the goddess believed to reside in this lake. It is done during Aunsi, the dark moon day of Jestha (the second month in the Nepali calendar).

Here, the side trip to Kal Tal begins from Prok village (2,380 meters) and takes you through a moderate trail, passing through dense forests. Along the way, you will get uninterrupted views of the Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, and the distant ridgelines of Manaslu. As you gain altitude, the landscape transforms into a peaceful alpine sanctuary.

This particular lake covers an area of 22.3 hectares and is encircled by a pristine forest of rhododendrons, Himalayan birch, and cypress trees. If you are trekking Manaslu region in Spring, the trail bursts into color as rhododendrons bloom across the hillsides. 

Locals here observe strict spiritual guidelines in the area as swimming, littering, making loud noises, or even tossing stones into the water is strictly forbidden. Likewise, no sacrifices or killings are allowed near the lake. Lastly, locals also believe that there is a hidden salt mine beneath the lake's surface.

Highlights

• Get an opportunity to witness a special puja that is held during Aunsi (dark moon day) of Jestha.

• Enjoy breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, Shringi Himal, and Manaslu ranges during sunset and sunrise.

• Witness magical rhododendrons blooming in Spring. 

• Opportunity to see wildlife such as Himalayan monal (Nepal’s national bird), Snow pigeons, Blood pheasants, Musk deer, Himalayan tahr and occasionally, red pandas and langurs.

• Witness a revered location believed to be the abode of the goddess of power.

Hinang Gompa And Hinang Glacier

Hinang Gompa and the nearby Hinang Glacier is located in the seren highlights above Lihi village. The journey begins with a steady ascent from Lihi. You will pass through Ghap and Bihi before reaching Namrung, a picturesque village surrounded by ancient forests. Then, you will climb through trails blanketed with mossy pines and rhododendrons. Along the way, you will get breathtaking views of the majestic peaks of Himalchuli, Simnang Himal, Nadi Chuli, Langjam Glacier, and even Mt. Manaslu.

Before reaching the monastery, you will first encounter the breathtaking Hinang Glacier. It is a serene mass of pale white and icy blue, sitting quietly under the shadow of towering snow-capped giants. Here, it is surrounded with golden pines and alpine grasses.

Just above the glacier lies Hinang Gompa, perched at an altitude of 3,160 meters. As you approach the gompa, you will get the subtle fragrance of incense through the air, blending with the soft chanting of young monks engaged in prayer and study. 

This traditional monastery, also a Lama school, houses about 30 young monks, who learn Buddhist teachings, math, grammar, and local history. Moving on, the monastery’s architecture is rooted in ancient Tibetan Buddhist design, with carved wooden window frames, fluttering prayer flags, and intricately painted murals. 

Within the main shrine of this monastery, you will see a statue of Gautam Buddha, flanked by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) on the right and Guru Karmapa on the left. Additionally, every corner of the gompa is filled with symbolic wall carvings, carefully arranged offerings, and colorful thangkas that preserve centuries of Tibetan tradition.

Highlights

• Witness awe-inspiring vistas of major Himalayan peaks including Himalchuli, Simnang Himal, Nadi Chuli (Peak 29), and Mt. Manaslu.

• Explore a tranquil Tibetan Buddhist monastery at 3,160 meters, home to around 30 young monks. 

• Hike through old-growth forests of pine, fir, and rhododendron.

• Get a chance to encounter Himalayan monal, Blood pheasants, snow pigeons, Himalayan musk deer, langurs, and other mountain wildlife.

Himal Chuli Base Camp

Nestled at an altitude of over 4,000 meters, Himal Chuli Base Camp is one of the most underrated yet rewarding side trips from the Sama Gaon area. As you break away from the main trail, you will gradually ascend through quiet pastures, glacial streams, and wind-whipped ridgelines, bringing you face to face with the mighty Himal Chuli (7,893 meters). 

As you gain elevation along the way, you will witness the landscape changing dramatically. Soon, the rhododendron's forests transform to rocky moraines and dramatic glacial formations. Once at the base camp, you will be greeted with jaw-dropping views of the entire Himal Chuli massif.

To the west, you will also catch glimpses of Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29) and distant ridgelines of the Ganesh Himal range. Since only a few trekkers make the effort to reach Himal Chuli Base Camp, this place is remarkably ideal if you seek solitude.

Highlights

• Exceptional close-up views of Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli,  Manaslu, and even parts of the distant Ganesh Himal range.

• Trek through glacial valleys, yak pastures, moraines, and ridgelines with vibrant high-altitude vegetation like dwarf rhododendrons and alpine grasses.

• Get possible encounters with blue sheep, Himalayan marmots, and birds like snow partridges, himalayan griffons, and alpine choughs.

• Observe hanging glaciers, icefalls, and glacial streams on the way to base camp.

Ribung Gompa

Perched gracefully above the charming village of Lho, Ribung Gompa is a hilltop monastery that rewards you with panoramic views over the entire Lho village and the majestic Manaslu range. The short hike from Lho to Ribung Gompa is mostly an uphill climb. Along the way, you will see traditional stone houses adorned with colorful murals and carved wooden windows.

This particular monastery is a three-storey structure, built in traditional Tibetan style. It  is decorated with vivid murals, mantras etched onto the walls, and intricate mandalas. At the heart of the monastery, you will find a serene statue of Lord Buddha, surrounded by images of other deities. 

As you explore this site, you will get the soothing scent of incense, and the gentle hum of chants in the background. If you are here in the morning, you will see monks lighting butter lamps and reciting sacred hymns to usher in positive energy. 

Altogether, the gompa is also a central cultural hub for the local community. Throughout the year, villagers gather here to celebrate major festivals such as Lhosar (Tibetan New Year), Dumje, Buddha Purnima, and Saga Dawa. During these celebrations, the monastery is filled with traditional songs and masked dances, accompanied by an orchestra of spiritual instruments like tingsha (small cymbals), vajras, drums, gongs, and even conch shells.

Highlights

• Enjoy stunning views of Lho village and surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Manaslu and Himalchuli.

• Explore the monastery and get a chance to light a butter lamp or meditate with the monks.

• Get a chance to observe festivals like Lhosar, Saga Dawa, Dumje, and Buddha Purnima.

• Witness monks and locals playing tingsha cymbals, vajra bells, drums, conch shells, and gongs during special occasions.

Pungen Gompa

Situated at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters, Pungen Gompa (also known as Pungyen Gompa) is one of the most spiritually and scenically rewarding side trips. It sits on a tranquil ridge near Samagaun. 

To reach here, you will take a gentle hike from Samagaun, which typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. The trail leads you through alpine meadows, dense rhododendron and pine forests, and alongside the icy blue glacial streams fed by the Manaslu Glacier.

As you ascend, you will see the stunning views of Mount Manaslu accompanied by panoramic views of Naike Peak, Himalchuli, and the surrounding snow-covered summits. The landscape here is wild and raw. 

When you finally reach Pungyen Gompa, you will first see a modest, red-roofed monastery adorned with fluttering prayer flags. Here, the gompa itself is a sacred retreat for local monks and spiritual seekers. 

Inside the main prayer hall of this gompa, you will see brightly painted statues of Buddhist deities, and elaborate mandalas that adorn the walls. Also, if you time your trek right, you may get  to experience festivals like Lhosar. During special occasions, the monastery comes alive with masked dances, ritual music, and community blessings.

Highlights

• Close-up views of Mount Manaslu, Himalchuli, Naike Peak, and surrounding Himalayan giants.

• Experience the chanting of monks, burning incense, and traditional rituals inside the monastery.

• Explore the main prayer hall, which houses statues of Buddha, Padmasambhava, and other sacred deities.

• Hike through lush alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, and glacial streams with wildflowers blooming in Spring.

• If you are visiting during Lhosar or other Tibetan festivals, witness masked dances, traditional instruments, and communal feasts at the monastery.

• Chance to spot blue sheep, Himalayan marmots, snow pigeons, and eagles along the trail.

Birendra Lake

Situated beneath the towering shadow of Mt. Manaslu, Birendra Lake is named after the late King Birendra of Nepal. It is a pristine freshwater lake lying just above the village of Samagaun.

This particular lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dense coniferous forests, and glacial streams. The short yet scenic hike to the lake covers approximately 1.88 miles (3 km), with an elevation gain of about 394 feet (120 meters). It is a moderately challenging climb that acts as an ideal acclimatization hike or a relaxing side trip.

As you make your way up, the trail leads through a gentle forest path. Here, the air is crisp, and you will hear the sound of wind brushing through pine trees. Upon reaching the lake’s edge, you can simply sit in quiet reflection. You can also explore vantage points along nearby ridges for sweeping panoramic views of the lake, Mount Manaslu, and its glacier.

Altogether, Birendra Lake also carries spiritual significance, attracting both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.

Highlights

• Explore stunning high-altitude freshwater lake formed by meltwater from the Manaslu Glacier.

• Enjoy mesmerizing vistas of Mount Manaslu, Naike Peak, Manaslu North, and glacial valleys. 

• Get a chance to witness Himalayan monals, snow pigeons, marmots, and blue sheep.

• An opportunity to acclimatize to higher elevations before attempting more demanding ascents like Manaslu Base Camp or Larkya La Pass.

Manaslu Base Camp

Sitting at an altitude of approximately 4,800 meters, the day hike to Manaslu Base Camp starts from Samagaon. This journey takes you through alpine yak pastures, dense clusters of Himalayan pines, and glacial moraines. As you ascend, the landscape transforms into a surreal high-altitude wilderness.

During the hike, its final stretch consists of zigzags uphill over loose and rocky outcrops. However, the reward at the top is extraordinary with close-up views of Mt. Manaslu. You will also see the dramatic Manaslu Glacier, hanging icefalls, and the surrounding peaks of Naike Peak, Samdo Peak, and the Pungen Himal range.

Highlights

• Witness Nepal’s eighth-highest mountain, Manaslu from its foot.

• Observe the dramatic Manaslu Glacier and hanging ice cliffs tumbling down from the mountain’s slopes.

• Trek through alpine meadows, rhododendron thickets, juniper bushes, and rocky moraines all in one journey.

• Get a chance to see blue sheep, Himalayan marmots, lammergeiers, and even snow partridges.

• Get bird’s-eye views of the Sama Valley, its glacier-fed rivers, and terraced farmlands far below.

Tibet Border (Rui La Pass)

One of the most intriguing and high-altitude side trips along the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the Rui La Pass. It is a remote and scenic crossing that brings you face-to-face with the Tibetan border at approximately 5,000 meters above sea level. You will start this journey from the windswept village of Samdo (3,875 meters).

Along the way, you will pass through ancient salt trade routes, rocky alpine terrain, and expansive high pastures used by yak herders. This side trip takes about 6 to 8 hours round trip, depending on pace and acclimatization.

Initially, the route climbs gradually as you head north from Samdo, tracing the Budhi Gandaki River’s headwaters. Slowly, you will leave the lush valleys below, revealing arid, treeless landscapes. Here, the final ascent takes you over glacial scree and moraines until you reach the narrow saddle of Rui La Pass.

Once you are at the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of Kang Guru, Simnang Himal, and vast stretches of the Tibetan Plateau. While here, the air is thin and crisp, and the landscape feels otherworldly. Though you cannot legally cross into Tibet, you will get to enjoy the views just standing on the edge.

Highlights

• Stand on one of the few trekking-accessible Himalayan border passes between Nepal and Tibet.

• Witness sweeping, desolate plains of Tibet to the north and dramatic Himalayan peaks like Kang Guru and Simnang Himal to the south.

• Follow the same rugged trails once used by traders, yak caravans, monks, and pilgrims.

• Spot Himalayan wildlife like blue sheep, Himalayan marmots, yak herds, and possibly lammergeiers and griffon vultures.

Samdo Ri Hike

The Samdo Ri Hike is one of the most underappreciated side trips along the Manaslu Circuit route. Sitting at an altitude of approximately 5,100 meters, Samdo Ri rises high above the remote village of Samdo and offers a dramatic panoramic window into both Nepal and the Tibetan Plateau. 

The hike begins directly from Samdo and climbs steadily along a ridge behind the village. The ascent is demanding due to the thin air and constant uphill path. As you gain elevation, you will leave behind the stone houses and rise above the tree line into a world of rock, ice, and endless sky.

Once you reach the summit ridge, you will be greeted with breathtaking 360-degree views of Manaslu, Simnang Himal, Ngadi Chuli, and the glacial valleys in Tibet. Here, Samdo Ri is particularly famous for its sunrise and sunset views. 

If you start your hike early or stay until dusk, you will witness the peaks bathed in hues of gold, crimson, and purple. Though the hike to Samdo Ri is only about 3 to 4 hours round trip, it’s physically challenging due to the high altitude.

Highlights

• Enjoy jaw-dropping vistas of Mt. Manaslu, Simnang Himal, Ngadi Chuli, and Hiunchuli.

• Get a rare glimpse into Tibet’s barren landscape, valleys, and peaks just beyond Nepal's borders.

• Experience mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views.

• Spot blue sheep, Himalayan griffons, lammergeiers, and snow pigeons along the ridge.

Ponkar Lake

Tucked away in the remote alpine basin above Bimthang, Ponkar Lake sits quietly at an altitude of around 4,200 meters. It offers you a serene and majestic post-pass reward after the challenging Larke La Pass. Often overlooked, this sapphire-blue glacial lake is a hidden gem of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

The hike to Ponkar Lake begins from the meadow-like valley of Bimthang. The trail to the lake branches off gently toward the northeast. You will walk along the edge of ancient glacial moraines and wind through sparse rhododendron shrubs and scree slopes. 

While the path isn’t overly steep, the altitude and loose rocks require mindful steps. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the lake from Bimthang. As you approach Ponkar Lake, the scenery opens up dramatically. 

You will first see the crystal-clear turquoise water mirroring the jagged white peaks surrounding it. From here, you will get to see Punkar Himal, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and parts of Manaslu North. If you are trekking in Spring and early Summer, the wild alpine flowers around the lake are in full bloom.

Moving on, this lake holds religious and spiritual significance among the locals, particularly the Buddhist communities. During seasonal festivals, locals often make offerings here.

Highlights

• Enjoy mesmerizing reflections of nearby snow-capped peaks like Punka Himal, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, and Manaslu North mirrored in the tranquil turquoise waters.

• Witness spectacular alpine landscape, with ice-covered moraines, rocky cliffs, and seasonal wildflowers.

• Opportunity to spot wildlife like Himalayan marmots, blue sheep, and high-altitude birds such as snow pigeons and Himalayan griffons.

• Perfect place for rest and relaxation after a demanding hike to Larkya La Pass.

Conclusion

Adding side trips to your Manaslu Circuit Trek truly transforms the experience from a great trek into an extraordinary journey. These detours, whether spiritual visits, scenic hikes, or heart-pounding adventures offer a deeper connection with the region’s landscapes, culture, and history. Each side trip reveals a unique perspective of the Himalayas and also provides excellent acclimatization opportunities.

Whether your interests lean toward spirituality, cultural immersion, panoramic mountain views, or raw alpine adventure, you can take several side trips along the way. And if you are unsure which detours best suit your style, Nepal Trekking Experts can help curate your trek to include the most rewarding side trips, tailored to your preferences and pace.

FAQs

Do I need special permits for the side trips?

No extra permits are required if you are already doing the Manaslu Circuit, as all side trips lie within the same restricted area.

How difficult are these side trips?

Most side trips range from moderate to challenging, depending on altitude and distance, but they are manageable with good fitness and acclimatization.

Can I do all the side trips in one trek?

It depends on your schedule. You can also choose 2 to 3 based on interest, fitness, and time availability.

Are guides familiar with these detours?

Yes, experienced guides from companies like Nepal Trekking Experts are well-versed in leading these enriching side adventures safely.

Which side trip is best for acclimatization?

Popular acclimatization hikes include Manaslu Base Camp, Samdo Ri, and Himal Chuli Base Camp.