Best Side Trips On Manaslu Circuit Trek

Serang Gompa Side Trip

Serang Gompa is one of the most spiritually enriching and lesser-known side trips on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Located at an altitude of 3,100 meters in the tranquil Kyimoloung Valley, this remote Tibetan Buddhist monastery was established over 500 years ago by the respected master Chokyi Gyaltsen. Even today, Serang Gompa continues to uphold the deep-rooted cultural and religious practices of Tibetan Buddhism in the Nubri region.

The trek to Serang Gompa typically begins from Bihi village, taking you along an off-the-beaten-path route surrounded by cascading waterfalls, lush hills, alpine rivers, and snow-covered peaks. Architecturally, this monastery has a traditional three-story structure that showcases classic Tibetan design, housing a grand golden Buddha statue surrounded by intricate carvings and sacred deities.

As you step into this site, the air here is rich with the aroma of incense and the rhythmic chanting of resident monks. If you time your visit between late Winter and early Spring, you will be able to witness vibrant festivals such as Losar (Tibetan New Year), Chotrul Duchen, Guru Rinpoche Day, and Saga Dawa. From Serang, you will also enjoy sweeping views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Ngadi Chuli.

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 (Death Lake)

Kal Tal, also known as Kalchhuman Tal, is one of the most mystical and lesser-known side trips on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This high-altitude glacial lake in the Manaslu region rests quietly at 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) on Lungmang Hill, surrounded by untouched alpine wilderness. In Nepali, Kal Tal translates to “Death Lake” and holds deep spiritual significance among locals.

The Kal Tal side hike begins from Prok village (2,380 meters), following a moderate trail through dense rhododendron and Himalayan birch forests. If you are trekking Manaslu region in Spring, this route transforms into a vibrant display of blooming flowers with the backdrop of Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, and distant glimpses of Mount Manaslu. The lake itself spans 22.3 hectares and lies within a pristine natural bowl.

If you happen to visit Manaslu region during Aunsi, the dark moon day of Jestha, you may witness a rare ritual ceremony performed to honor the goddess of the lake. Locals here observe strict spiritual customs in the area as swimming, noise, and offerings are forbidden. Additionally, Kal Tal is also steeped in myth, with villagers believing that a hidden salt mine lies beneath its 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 Day Hike

The Hinang Gompa and Hinang Glacier side trip is one of the most rewarding off-the-beaten-path detours on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Located above the picturesque village of Lihi, this scenic trail combines natural beauty, high-altitude adventure, and cultural immersion in the Nubri region. The journey begins with a steady ascent through charming settlements like Ghap and Bihi, reaching the alpine village of Namrung.

From Namrung, the trail winds through moss-draped pine forests and blooming rhododendron groves, offering sweeping views of Himal Chuli, Simnang Himal, Nadi Chuli, Langjam Glacier, and even Mount Manaslu itself. The first destination on this spiritual side hike is the stunning Hinang Glacier.

Just above the glacier, at an elevation of 3,160 meters, sits the serene Hinang Gompa, a traditional Tibetan Buddhist monastery and active Lama school. The air here is filled with the soft scent of incense and the gentle chanting of young monks studying sacred texts, math, grammar, and local history. Architecturally, this gompa reflects timeless Tibetan design with carved wooden windows, vibrant thangkas, and fluttering prayer flags.

Inside the main shrine, you will witness a serene statue of Gautam Buddha surrounded by symbolic carvings and carefully arranged offerings. This side trip near Namrung is ideal, especially if you are seeking peace, panoramic views, and deeper cultural connection during the Manaslu Circuit trekking itinerary.

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

At over 4,000 meters in elevation, the Himal Chuli Base Camp side trip is one of the most underrated yet rewarding detours on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Starting from the serene village of Sama Gaon, this off-the-beaten-path hike takes you through silent yak pastures, glacial rivers, and rugged ridgelines toward the base of the towering Himal Chuli (7,893 meters), Nepal’s 18th highest mountain and one of the striking peaks of the Nubri region.

As you ascend from the main Manaslu trekking route, the landscape transforms rapidly. The lush rhododendron forests give way to rocky moraines and icy glacial structures. Upon reaching the Himal Chuli Base Camp, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the entire Himal Chuli massif along with impressive sights of Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29) and the distant Ganesh Himal range to the west.

With its remote setting and peaceful surroundings, this high-altitude side trip near Samagaun is perfect for solitude and dramatic mountain scenery.

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 Cultural Side Hike

Ribung Gompa is a peaceful and culturally rich side trip on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, perched on a hilltop just above the beautiful village of Lho. This short yet rewarding uphill hike from Lho to Ribung Gompa offers sweeping panoramic views over the valley, showcasing the entire Manaslu range. Along the trail, you will pass traditional stone houses adorned with Tibetan murals, carved wooden windows, and fluttering prayer flags.

The monastery itself is a three-storey structure, built in classic Tibetan Buddhist architectural style, decorated with vivid mandalas, wall mantras, and symbolic carvings. Inside, you will find a serene statue of Lord Buddha surrounded by sacred images of various deities. If you arrive in the early morning, you will be able to witness monks lighting butter lamps and reciting sacred chants.

Ribung Gompa comes alive during major festivals like Lhosar (Tibetan New Year), Dumje, Buddha Purnima, and Saga Dawa. During these festivals, villagers gather to celebrate with masked dances, spiritual music, and rituals performed with tingsha cymbals, vajras, drums, and conch shells. This easy cultural side hike on the Manaslu trail is ideal if you wish to immerse yourself in local tradition, spiritual heritage, and mountain vistas, all within a short detour from the main trekking route.

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

Perched at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters, Pungen Gompa (also spelled Pungyen Gompa) is one of the most scenic and spiritually enriching side trips on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Nestled on a quiet ridge near Samagaun, this cultural detour offers breathtaking views, serene landscapes, and a deep connection to the Tibetan Buddhist traditions of the Nubri region.

The hike to Pungen Gompa from Samagaun is a 3 to 4 hour gradual ascent through alpine meadows, lush rhododendron and pine forests. It takes you across glacial streams fed by the Manaslu Glacier. As you climb, you will be rewarded with dramatic vistas of Mount Manaslu, Naike Peak, Himalchuli, and a sweeping panorama of surrounding snow-covered ridges.

At the end of the trail, you will reach a humble red-roofed monastery adorned with fluttering prayer flags. Here, Pungen Gompa serves as a sacred retreat for monks and a meditative stop for trekkers. Inside the main prayer hall, you will witness walls that are lined with brightly painted statues of Buddhist deities, elaborate mandalas, and symbolic art rooted in centuries-old traditions. 

Now, if your trek aligns with cultural festivals like Lhosar (Tibetan New Year), the gompa becomes a lively gathering space filled with masked dances, ritual music, and blessing ceremonies.

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 Short Trek

Tucked beneath the towering presence of Mount Manaslu, Birendra Lake is a tranquil glacial lake named after the late King Birendra of Nepal. Located just above the picturesque village of Samagaun, this short and scenic side trip on the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers both natural beauty and cultural depth which is perfect for acclimatization.

The hike to Birendra Lake spans approximately 3 kilometers (1.88 miles) with an elevation gain of about 120 meters (394 feet). The trail takes you through a serene forest of pine and fir trees. Once you reach the lake, you will be greeted with stunning views of crystal-clear waters, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dense coniferous forests, and the dramatic face of the Manaslu Glacier.

Now, Birendra Lake also holds spiritual significance for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Here, several viewpoints along nearby ridgelines offer sweeping panoramas of Mount Manaslu, the glacier, and the pristine alpine landscape.

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 elevation of approximately 4,800 meters, the Manaslu Base Camp side trip is one of the most iconic and high-altitude day hikes on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Starting from Samagaon, this trail offers a rewarding ascent through alpine yak pastures, dense Himalayan pine forests, and rugged glacial moraines. As you gain altitude, the landscape transitions into a raw, untouched high-mountain wilderness.

The final stretch to Manaslu Base Camp includes a series of zigzag switchbacks over loose rocks and steep, rocky outcrops. Though physically challenging, the views from the top make every step worthwhile. From the base camp, you will enjoy breathtaking close-up views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 meters), along with dramatic sights of the Manaslu Glacier, hanging icefalls, and the towering peaks of Naike Peak, Samdo Peak, and the Pungen Himal range.

Manaslu Base Camp is perfect for side trip and an acclimatization hike. Whether for photography, physical training, or spiritual awe, the hike to Manaslu Base Camp from Samagaun is one of the most memorable additions to your Manaslu Circuit trekking itinerary.

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 remote and high-altitude side trips on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the Rui La Pass hike is a rare opportunity to stand face-to-face with the Tibetan border at approximately 5,000 meters above sea level. Starting from the windswept village of Samdo (3,875 meters), this adventurous detour follows an ancient salt trade route once used by Tibetan traders and yak caravans.

The hike to Rui La Pass from Samdo takes around 6 to 8 hours round trip, depending on your pace and acclimatization. The trail begins with a gentle climb along the Budhi Gandaki River, gradually rising through rocky alpine terrain, glacial moraines, and expansive yak pastures. As you leave the green valleys behind, the trail opens into an arid, treeless landscape of glacial scree and high ridgelines.

Reaching the narrow saddle of Rui La Pass, you will be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of Kang Guru, Simnang Himal, and the vast stretches of the Tibetan Plateau. This is one of the most adventurous and off-the-beaten-path hikes in the Manaslu region.

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 Viewpoint Hike

The Samdo Ri Hike is one of the most underrated yet spectacular side trips on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Rising to an altitude of approximately 5,100 meters, Samdo Ri stands tall above the remote Himalayan village of Samdo, offering a sweeping panoramic window into both Nepal’s rugged landscapes and the vast expanse of the Tibetan Plateau.

The trail to Samdo Ri begins directly from Samdo village and climbs steadily up a ridgeline just behind it. The ascent is physically demanding due to the thin mountain air and consistent uphill gradient, but the journey is richly rewarding. As you gain elevation, you leave behind the stone-built homes and enter an alpine world of glacial valleys, rock-strewn terrain, and limitless Himalayan sky.

Upon reaching the summit ridge, you will be greeted with breathtaking 360-degree views of Mount Manaslu, Simnang Himal, Ngadi Chuli, and the distant Tibetan glacial valleys. Here, Samdo Ri is particularly famous for its sunrise and sunset views. Though the hike takes just 3 to 4 hours round trip, it is considered a challenging high-altitude acclimatization hike due to the elevation gain and exposed terrain.

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 into a remote alpine basin above Bimthang, Ponkar Lake sits peacefully at around 4,200 meters. It is a serene and rewarding detour after crossing the challenging Larke La Pass. 

The hike to Ponkar Lake from Bimthang begins on a gentle trail heading northeast, skirting ancient glacial moraines, sparse rhododendron shrubs, and scree-covered slopes. Although the path isn't steep, the altitude and loose terrain require steady footing. It typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the lake from Bimthang. Upon arrival, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of crystal-clear blue waters reflecting the snow-draped peaks of Punka Himal, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and even Manaslu North.

If you are trekking during Spring or early Summer in Manaslu Nepal, you will also see alpine wildflowers blooming across the surrounding meadows, adding a burst of color to the dramatic landscape. Beyond its natural beauty, Ponkar Lake holds deep spiritual and religious significance for local Buddhist communities, who visit during seasonal festivals to make offerings and prayers.

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.