July 28, 2025
The Manaslu Region offers a unique blend of Tibetan Buddhist heritage, remote highland villages, and ancient spiritual traditions. Nestled along the border with Tibet, the region has preserved much of its original character due to its isolation and late opening to trekkers.
From cliffside monasteries to meditation caves and sacred passes, Manaslu is not just a trek through mountains—it’s a walk through centuries of living culture and faith.
1. Mu Gompa
- Elevation: 3,700 meters
- Location: Upper Tsum Valley, near the Tibetan border
Mu Gompa is one of the most revered monasteries in the Manaslu region and the highest point in the Tsum Valley. Built in the early 20th century, it belongs to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and is home to a small community of monks.
Pilgrims and trekkers alike visit Mu Gompa for its serenity, views of the Ganesh Himal, and access to nearby meditation caves.
2. Rachen Gompa
- Elevation: 3,240 meters
- Location: Tsum Valley, near Nile village
Rachen Gompa is a large nunnery located in the wide upper section of the Tsum Valley. It was founded in 1905 and serves as a center for female monastic education and ritual.
The gompa’s white walls, red accents, and mountain setting make it one of the most photogenic monasteries in the region. It is also an important spiritual stop on pilgrimages through Tsum.
3. Milarepa’s Cave (Piren Phu)
- Location: Just past the village of Burji in Tsum Valley
This sacred meditation cave is believed to have been used by the Tibetan saint Milarepa during his travels. “Piren Phu” translates to “Pigeon Cave,” referring to a nearby rock formation.
Inside, you’ll find small shrines, ancient murals, and colorful prayer flags fluttering outside. It’s a deeply spiritual site for both monks and lay pilgrims.
4. Shyala Monastery
- Elevation: ~3,500 meters
- Location: Near Shyala village on the main Manaslu Circuit
This lesser-known monastery lies on a ridge above the village of Shyala, offering sweeping views of the Manaslu massif. It’s often overlooked, but locals hold it in high regard.
It’s a quiet, peaceful site to observe morning prayers or simply take in the surrounding beauty.
5. Lho Monastery (Ribung Gompa)
- Elevation: 3,180 meters
- Location: Lho village, on the Manaslu Circuit
This vibrant, active monastery sits at the edge of Lho village with stunning views of Manaslu (8,163m). Ribung Gompa follows the Gelug tradition and hosts monks of all ages.
The monastery is an important cultural hub, especially during festivals and community gatherings. The golden rooftops and prayer flags are a striking contrast to the snowy peaks behind.
6. Pungyen Gompa
- Elevation: 4,000 meters
- Location: Day hike from Sama Gaun
A remote and peaceful retreat perched on a hillside with a direct view of Mount Manaslu and its glacier. Pungyen Gompa was destroyed by an avalanche in the past and later rebuilt.
It remains a sacred place for locals, who come here to make offerings and conduct prayers for safety and prosperity. The solitude and views make it a powerful spiritual site.
7. Sama Gaun Monastery
- Elevation: 3,530 meters
- Location: Sama Gaun village
Sama Gaun is the largest settlement along the Manaslu Circuit, and its monastery is a center for local religious life. Surrounded by mani walls and prayer wheels, it reflects the Tibetan influence that dominates this region.
The village also features traditional architecture, yaks grazing nearby, and regular Buddhist rituals in daily life.
8. Sacred Passes and Mani Walls
- Larkya La Pass (5,106m): While not religious per se, it’s marked with prayer flags and is often crossed with ritual intent—especially by locals.
- Mani walls: Stretch throughout the region, carved with prayers and mantras. You’ll see them in almost every village—especially Lho, Samdo, and Bihi.
Cultural Practices & Etiquette
- Always pass chortens and mani walls clockwise.
- Be mindful around monks and pilgrims, especially during ceremonies.
- Many monasteries welcome visitors, but some may request a small donation.
- Tsum Valley is a Restricted Area: some sites may require local guidance or additional permits.