Best Side Trips in Manaslu Trek 

Today here in this article we will discuss the Best Side Trips in Manaslu Trek. Manaslu region of Nepal is one of the best trekking and traveling journeys in Nepal. Many tourists all around the world come annually to visit this place. The Manaslu Circuit Trek, nestled inside the majestic Himalayas of Nepal, offers the journey of a lifetime with its breathtaking landscapes, wealthy subculture, and serene mountain vistas. While the main trek itself is awe-inspiring, there are numerous facet journeys alongside the path that add a further layer of adventure and discovery to your adventure. Here are a number of the best side trips you can discover throughout the Manaslu Trek

Tsum Valley: 

Tsum Valley regularly called the “hidden valley,” is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley decorated with historical monasteries, chortens, and Mani partitions. This mystical valley is domestic to the indigenous Tsumba human beings who’ve preserved their unique subculture and traditions for centuries. Exploring Tsum Valley lets you to delve deeper into the traditional lifestyle of the locals and witness their religious practices amidst beautiful mountain scenery.

Manaslu Base Camp: 

For those seeking an extra hard facet experience, a hike to Manaslu Base Camp gives unheard-of views of the towering top of Mount Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the international. The path to the bottom camp takes you via rugged terrain, pristine alpine forests, and glacial moraines, rewarding you with a near-up stumble upon this majestic Himalayan large. Therefore, this is one of the Best Side Trips in Manaslu Trek.

Pungyen Gompa: 

Situated at an altitude of 4,1/2 meters, Pungyen Gompa is a secluded monastery perched atop a hill overlooking the Manaslu Glacier. The hike to Pungyen Gompa offers stunning panoramic perspectives of the encompassing peaks and the glacier beneath. You can immerse yourself in the peaceful environment of the monastery, interact with the resident monks, and find out about Tibetan Buddhism. There are a lot of traveling places for this reason that can catch your eye during the travel. 

Rui La Pass: 

For adventurous souls looking for an adrenaline rush, a side trip to Rui La Pass offers a tough but profitable trekking experience. Located at an elevation of 5,345 meters, Rui La Pass instructions sweeping perspectives of the Manaslu massif, Ganesh Himal, and other neighboring peaks. Therefore, this is one of the Best Side Trips in Manaslu Trek. Crossing the bypass requires the right acclimatization and trekking gear, but the sense of achievement upon accomplishing the summit is exceptional.

Manaslu Conservation Area: 

As you trek through the Manaslu place, make the effort to understand the wealthy biodiversity and conservation efforts inside the location. The Manaslu Conservation Area, set up to protect the precise plants and fauna of the place, is home to numerous flora and fauna together with snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and various species of birds. Keep your eyes peeled for rare sightings and immerse yourself within the pristine herbal environment of this Himalayan sanctuary.

Birendra Tal (Birendra Lake): 

Tucked away in a serene alpine putting, Birendra Tal is a tranquil lake nestled amidst the rugged mountains of the Manaslu location. A short detour from the principle hiking path leads you to this hidden gem, in which you may enjoy a peaceful respite surrounded with the aid of pristine nature. The crystal-clean waters of the lake mirror the towering peaks overhead, growing a captivating backdrop for pictures fans and nature fans alike.

Ghorkha Village Exploration: 

Before or after your Manaslu Trek, don’t forget to travel to the historic metropolis of Ghorkha, famous because the birthplace of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of modern-day Nepal. Perched atop a hill overlooking the scenic panorama, Ghorkha offers panoramic views of the encircling valleys and mountains. Therefore, this is one of the Best Side Trips in Manaslu Trek. Explore the historical Gorkha Durbar (palace), go to the Gorakhnath Temple, and wander thru the quaint streets coated with conventional Newari architecture, offering a glimpse into Nepal’s wealthy cultural heritage.

Local Festivals and Celebrations: 

Depending on the timing of your trek, you may have the possibility to witness colourful gala’s and cultural celebrations inside the villages alongside the Manaslu Circuit. From traditional dances and tune performances to spiritual rituals and ceremonies, those festive events offer a colourful show of neighborhood culture and traditions. Participating in these festivities allows you to forge meaningful connections with the community and enjoy the joyous spirit of Nepalese hospitality firsthand.

Gumba Lungdang: 

Nestled amidst the pristine desolate tract of the Nubri Valley, Gumba Lungdang is a secluded monastery perched on a hilltop overlooking the valley beneath. The trek to Gumba Lungdang takes you via picturesque villages, terraced fields, and rhododendron forests, offering glimpses into the traditional lifestyle of the locals. At the monastery, you may witness spell binding Buddhist rituals, interact with the resident priests, and soak in the tranquility of the Himalayan panorama.

Serang Gompa (3100m, 10170ft.)

Serang Gompa, also known as Nubri Monastery, is a distinctive Tibetan Buddhist refuge that is perched on a small meadow surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. It is difficult to believe that this small haven has endured for five centuries high on these stern southern Himalayan hills, straddling the borders of Tibet and Nepal. The monastery situated atop Bhi Village along the Manaslu Trek route. The nearest populated area, unless you’re camping, is Bhi Village.

The monastery, where over thirty mountain children are studying Buddhism, has significant spiritual significance for the local Buddhist community. The starting point of this detour is Bhi village. Leave the resort with enough food and drinking water packed. Take a steeply ascending path through the pine forest to reach a hidden gem in the area that is rarely frequented by hikers.

A day excursion offers breathtaking views of Siringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Mount Manaslu’s peak as well as its verdant valley. You will be rewarded with a close-up look of Himalayan and rare musk deer. Trek on to Tsum Valley if you have camping equipment.  The Kopan monastery in Kathmandu and the surrounding community both provide support for the monastery. 

Kal Tal

This is a recommended day trip to a mountain lake that is 3,600 meters above sea level. The trip from the village of Prok to the lake takes roughly three to four hours. The lake offers an amazing view of the mountains, although the effort is only worthwhile in clear weather. It should be noted that clouds begin to cover the mountains in early autumn and late spring, so make appropriate plans.

Hinang Gompa and Himalchuli Base Camp 

The massive Hinang Gompa can be reached by walking an hour from Lihi to Hinang Khola. You can sleep in the Gompa, and the monks are hospitable. The trail climbs farther in the direction of the Himal Chuli mountains. Beautiful views of the mountains are visible, and a visit to the highly acclaimed Hinang glacier is available. Therefore, this is one of the Best Side Trips in Manaslu Trek.

Phungen Gompa 

This day’s journey begins at a trail branch that leads from Shyala to Samagaon. It takes around one hour to get from the branch to a Yak pasture region, and another 1.5 hours to get to the Gompa, which is situated at the end of a large grassland plateau encircled by breathtaking mountain views. Once more, only on a clear day is the effort worthwhile to see Mount Manaslu and its surroundings from one of the best vantage points.

A tiny prayer hall and a few monk dorms carved out of the mountainside are features of the Gompa. Although there aren’t any lodging options available, the area appears to be enticing for camping. These views in the morning will be amazing.

Birenda Tal

Birendra Tal, a turquoise lake at the base of the Manaslu glacier, bears the name of the late King Birendra of Nepal. From Samagaon, it is a 45-minute walk away. It will be enjoyable for those of you who enjoy taking baths in far-off places to take a plunge in its freezing ice water. Since the lake is only a short detour from the main trail, it is only visible while traveling from Samagaon to Samdo.

Manaslu Base Camp

From Sama Gaon, hiking to MBC, at an elevation of 4900 meters, takes a full day. The area is full with tents, gear, porters, guides, and expedition participants who are either nervous before the climb or worn out after it. These things happen during the climbing seasons.  From Sama Gaon, the steep ascent takes roughly four to five hours. The trail begins briefly in the forest before heading north of the magnificent Manaslu glacier and becoming exposed on the high hill above Samagaon. 

The view is even more breathtaking as you ascend higher: a neighboring glacier, a turquoise lake below, and mountains that stretch as far as the eye can see. The steepest portion of the climb is the last section, which is on a small moraine with a slick track.

In addition to witnessing the activities at the camp and getting to know the climbers, the surrounding mountain beauty is breathtaking. Moreover, bring adequate water with you even if there are various glacier water sources throughout the route. It takes roughly three hours to descend to Samagaon.

Rui La, Nepal –Tibet border

There are essentially two ways to cross the Tibetan border from Samdo. Taking in the view from Lajyung Bhanjyang, a pass located 5098 meters east of Samdo, is the first option. Because it is not well-traveled and the trail is unclear—Yaks are the dominant people in these hills. And have marked many trails there—the locals do not advise taking this route.

The “main way to Tibet” is option number two, which leads to the trade route to Tibet via the Rui La pass, which is located 4998 meters north of Samdo. Similarly, this route takes only a day to walk to the closest Tibetan village, and two days to walk to a motorable road on the Tibetan side. It is possible to do it during a long day of sightseeing.

Beginning in Samdo, the hike heads north toward Dharamshala, crossing the Athahra Saya Khola and ascending from the opposite side. However, you continue north along the western side of the Athahra Saya Khola rather than heading west towards Dharamshala. The track follows the Athahra Saya Khola as it progressively climbs before making a gentle descent towards the riverbed and crossing a side river over a wooden bridge.

After that, it climbs once more and follows the western bank of the river. Therefore, this is one of the Best Side Trips in Manaslu Trek. The Athahra Saya Khola heads west after three hours of walking from Samdo. A tiny wooden bridge crosses this location, and beyond it is a steep slope that leads to far-off mountain passes. 

More on this trip

Proceed over the bridge and start up the incline. The trail may appear confusing at the bottom because there are other Yak tracks leading up, but as you ascend. It becomes obvious that the way you want to go is up. It takes two more hours to ascend to the summit of the Rui La pass, which is located at 4998 feet.

Beautiful views of the Hindu and Fukang glaciers directly behind you as you climb. As well as distant views of Manaslu, is at the route. Moreover, a “classic” “U” shaped mountain pass is the Rui La Pass. The border between Nepal and “Dzong Who” – China – is full of prayer flags and a borderstone.