Five Hidden Valley Monasteries in Manaslu Trek: A Trekker’s Guide

23 Sep 2024 Chandra Gurung

Trekkers who have visited the Manaslu region know that this place carries extraordinary natural, spiritual, and mystical magnificence. And why not?

Manaslu got its name from the Tibetan word Manas, which means spirit. This sacred place is a must-visit if you want to experience spiritual awakening, and that too amid majestic mountains.

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Why Manaslu region is called sacred?

For those who don’t know, the Tsum Valley of Manaslu is the most sacred place, which is often called the hidden jewel of Nepal. Many legends say that some of the greatest saints, like Milarepa and Padmasambhava, meditated and attended salvation in the caves of Manaslu. Due to these reasons, Manaslu is thought to be both spiritual and sacred.

Before you visit: Manaslu Circuit Trek

If you’re visiting this holy place only for trekking, you’re missing out on such a spiritual experience. If you’re fortunate enough to visit Manaslu, do visit some of the popular monasteries like the Nubri Monastery, Longdan Gompa, Phungin Monastery, etc. to know the authentic monasteries of this region.

Trekking is the most famous activity in this region. Still, during that, one can also visit this region’s ancient and religious monasteries and experience a deep connection with the higher self.

Whether you’re out on the Manaslu Circuit Trek or the Tsum Valley Trek, there you will come across various monasteries. Here, we will let you know about the five monasteries of this region that carry a deep spiritual value in the whole of Manalsu.

1. Serang or Nubri Monastery

During the trek to the Kyimolung Valley en route to the Manaslu Trek, trekkers will stumble on the Serang Monastery mainly known as Nubri Monastery. The peace and tranquillity that one experiences here is different than any other. It may sound shocking but this is the least visited site in the whole Manaslu region.

The monastery is officially called Sancen Rabten Norbuling Monastery but locals prefer calling it Serang Gompa. The Shiring Himal which stands proudly above Serang Gompa was named after the monastery. Many say the Nubri Monastery is the branch monastery of H.H. Chabjay Dodupchen Rinpoche’s Gumba in Sikkim. You will get the chance to chant and meditate with more than 100 monks and nuns who live in this monastery.

How Can I Reach Nubri Monastery?

You can easily reach the Nubri Monastery from Bihi village in 5 to 6 hours.
While the route is not that easy, you will pass through the jungle, rocky trails, and bridges, making your journey worth it.
If you’re lucky, you might also get a glimpse of the Himalayan cock and our national bird Danphe during the Lho village trek.
During these couple of hours, your hike will take you through many small and fragmented settlements like Tsak and Kogpa.
As you move closer, you will get the blessings of Serang Gompa, which is hundreds of years old.

This monastery was built to establish Buddhist teachings in that region. Visitors can also spend a night or two at the Gompa, where they will get to stay at a clean and comfortable teahouse.

On top of that, they will get facilities of three meals, accommodation, and limitless tea and coffee from the package. The cost of a day package is Rs. 2,500 for a Nepali and $40 for an international citizen, which is pretty affordable considering the location.

What Makes Nubri Monastery Special?

Serang Gompa serves as one of the oldest monasteries in the Manaslu region, with a history of at least five centuries. This monastery is less visited compared to other monasteries but the peaceful atmosphere and sanity that it gives are unmatchable.

Visitors will find that this monastery is very true to preserving the traditional Tibetan Buddhist practices. It allows people to learn and understand more about the region’s rich culture, untouched by modernity. There are also lots of hidden caves in rocky mountains where still today some hermits practice meditation.

Spiritual seekers will find bliss in the air of this Gompa. They can meditate and chant hymns in the tiny valley surrounded by the Himalayas. The local community is also deeply rooted in this monastery, serving as a religious and cultural centre. Visiting Nubri will let you connect yourself with nature and let your inner spirituality wake up.

2. Shyala Monastery or Pungyen Gompa

Probably one of the most famous spots during the Manaslu trek, do add the Shyala Monastery to the list of your next trip to Manaslu. Also called the Pungyen Gompa by the locals, this monastery is a perfect example of the timeless beauty of the Himalayan landscape that proudly carries the legacy of Tibetan Buddhism.

Any person who is seeking to get away from the chaos of the modern world is sure to find solace and inspiration at Pungyen Monastery. Any pilgrim who visits the monastery will embark on a spiritual journey, transformation and spiritual cleansing.

Many don’t know that this place was once the base camp of Manaslu. This monastery demonstrates the cultural and natural beauty of the Manaslu region, which is deeply embedded in a spiritual touch. Trekkers often forget their destination as they immerse themselves in the centuries-long traditions and the vibe of Tibetan Buddhism.

How to Travel to Pungyen Gompa?

Spend a night at the Pungyen Gompa for acclimatization before trekking to Pungyen Gompa. Since the pass is the highest point in Manaslu Circuit with a height of 5106 meters, travellers have a high chance of getting altitude sickness if not acclimatized.

One can trek through Syala or Sama Gaun to reach this Gompa which will just take a couple of hours.
You will trek through many famous routes like Seti Khola, Machha Khola, Namrung, and Lho Village.
The route is pretty interesting as you will have amazing views of many mountains like Nadi Chuli, Himalchuli, and even Pungyen Glacier.
You can also sit and enjoy the views of yaks grazing in the lush green meadows, something you can never find in the cities.
While the trail is easier compared to other places on the trek, half of the trek is mostly ascending which can cause some breathing problems.

So, staying hydrated and taking mini breaks helps a lot. As you get closer to the monastery, you will notice a small mountain with lots of prayer flags. Then, you find yourself in a tiny valley at the end of which you will see prayer flags and below that your destination, Pungyen Gompa.

What to do at the Pungyen Gompa?

Once you reach the Gompa, you can sit and relax and take in the fresh air coming through the mountains. You can meditate and allow the spiritual feeling to take over. Some monks will tell you about the historical and cultural significance of this place and how locals are connected to it.

You can also spend a night at the Gompa where proper facilities of teahouses are provided. You will wake up to a blissful morning with prayers and chanting sessions of the monks. That way, you can learn so much about the rich heritage of Tibetan Buddhist ideologies.

3. Rachen Gompa

Unlike many other monasteries in this region where monks and nuns perform religious activities, this monastery is only for nuns. This gompa has around 80 young and old nuns who are taught subjects like English, Nepali, Maths, and Science along with Tibetan Buddhist teachings. Situated at a height of 3240 meters, this Gompa gives an extraordinary view of Mt. Langju.

Hidden somewhere deep in the remote Tsum Valley, this monastery lies on the Tibetan border therefore having a stronghold of Tibetan Buddhism. It is important to note that the Gompa is a spiritual refugee for the nuns who dedicate their entire lives to attaining spiritual growth and enlightenment of all living beings. They conduct daily prayers, chanting and meditation which is also attended by the villagers. This monastery also hosts other important festivals and ceremonies.

What is the route to Rachen Gompa?

To travel to Rachen Gompa, it is necessary to make it to Tsum Valley because it is located in the remote part there. Since the Tsum Valley trek is a famous route for trekkers and spiritual seekers, many might have visited this monastery and if not, you must visit it next time you’re in Tsum.

A traveller spends so many days on this trek and that will not let them down as they will get the fulfilling experience of nature, spirituality, and cultural diversity, all in one.

The trek usually starts from the town of Arughat and takes from 5-15 days to complete.
You will go through the ups and downs of amazing landscapes, like deep forests, terraced fields on hills, deep gorges, high mountains, rivers, and what not.
It is during the trek that they get to visit the monastery, seek blessings, and gain a deep spiritual knowledge of everything around them.

Travellers can also enjoy the Gompa’s Tibetan and local Tsumba styles which contain of delicate carvings colourful murals and prayer wheels. Outside you will see lots of prayer flags flying in the wind, bringing beauty and calmness to the surroundings.

4. Mu Gompa

Mu Gompa is probably the most isolated monastery in the Manaslu region because you will have to walk for 3 hours to reach the nearest village. At a height of 3,700 meters, this quiet and serene gompa has an environment so calm that you will forget all your worries once you get there.

There are only about 20 monks and nuns who live there. The older ones educate the younger ones about Tibetan Buddhism. They use local yaks and horses for the transportation of food and other essentials.

Spiritual and Cultural Significance of Mu Gompa

Mu Gompa carries a spiritual significance to all the locals. The surroundings are perfect for meditating and gaining a deeper understanding of Buddhist teaching.

A follower of Tibetan Buddhism, this monastery has been preserving ancient rituals, practices, and teachings of the Nyingma tradition. Visitors will find the walls of this old monastery showing Buddhist deities and symbols.

It is always a way of getting a unique insight into the way of life of people practicing Tibetan Buddhism.

How to Reach Mu Gompa?

Mu Gompa is normally a part of the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek. Your journey starts from Soti Khola and that takes you through many villages and landscapes. On your 2 to 3-hour trek from Nile, you reach the north part of Manaslu in Mu Gompa.

While the journey can be tough and overwhelming with you having to cross difficult terrains, and mountain passes like Larkhya La, you will also enjoy nature’s raw and extreme beauty. Through the way and once you reach the Gompa, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of every part of the surroundings.

After a difficult trek, you can sit peacefully at the gompa and absorb all the peace, dwelling into a deep meditation and getting spiritually awakened.

There is no provision for accommodation in the gompa and for that, you have to get to a nearby settlement which is hours away. So carrying all the necessities along would be very helpful.

5. Ribung Monastery

Many of you might have seen an ad for Manaslu Trekking where there is a picture of a monastery gate with an amazing back mountain view. Most probably, that is the Ribung Monastery in Lho village in Nubri Valley. This monastery is very famous all around the world and Manaslu trekkers often visit here.

If you have watched the famous Hollywood movie, The Creator, it might look a bit familiar because some parts were shot here. This beautiful monastery carries spiritual and religious importance along with some amazing-looking attractions. Ribung Monastery holds festivals like Lhosar, Saga Dawa, etc, grandly.

Conclusion

Visiting the monasteries of the Manaslu region is unlike any other experience, as they allow you to delve deeper into a spiritual journey while enjoying the natural beauty of the Himalayas.

The mystical valley of Tsum in Manaslu has a long history of great meditators gaining divine powers in the mountains. This valley is rooted deeply in Tibetan Buddhist culture and practices which is evident in the walls and designs of these monasteries and way of life.

If you have any queries or require assistance to visit any of these monasteries in the Manaslu region, you can book in advance or contact the Manaslu Guide to help you with your trip.