Manaslu and Tsum Valley are all about hidden treasures and secret places that only a few visitors have visited yet. Are you ready to go on a journey to discover all those treasures? 7 Hidden Treasures in Manaslu and Tsum Valley you should visit for your lifetime experience.
Manaslu Base Camp is commonly visited as a side trip for acclimatization or a rest day. Still, the trail has numerous spots for acclimatization and excursion, which you have no idea of.
Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trekking routes are the frequently used trails for hiking. Those routes have numerous hidden places you can visit on your rest day or acclimatization.
What are the treasures of the Manaslu region? Let's explore a hidden treasure that fewer trekkers frequently visit.
1. The Secret Gompa Longdang and Ganesh Himal Base Camp
Base point: Dumje/Remjam
Height: 3200 meters
Total time: 7-8 hours
Gumba Longdang is a monastery hidden in the lower Tsum Valley. It has access from Remjam or Dumje/Gho. It can take around a couple of hours to reach Dumje or Remjam.
The monastery is the nunnery of Buddhist nuns only. You have to eat whatever the nuns cook and serve. You can stay there and continue your journey towards Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,800 m). But it is recommended to just have a day trip and return.
For the day trip, you can have your breakfast and head towards Gumba Lungdang (3,200 m). As you reach there, you can see nuns praying and chanting mantras. Some of the nuns will help you cook lunch. Meanwhile, you can explore the Gompa.
For the most part, you will walk up steep hills. You can find some easy trails on the way. Make sure to carry enough water because you can only get water on Gompa Longdang.
It can take around 4 hours or more to reach the monastery. Returning can take around 2-3 hours, whereas it is all descending.
The place has a magnificent view of the Ganesh Himal range on the southern side. On your west, you can witness Buddha Himal, Himalchuli, and Manaslu ranges too.
Also, half of the trail is covered with dense forest. You may encounter some blue sheep and deer too.
2. Chumchet Village: Alive Traditional Tibetan Lifestyle
Base point: Chumling
Height: 3200 meters
Total time: 5-6 hours.
Chumchet village is a hidden village hidden in the Tsum Valley. It is a beautiful village with the biggest settlements of the Tsumbas people. But the village has not gotten the recognition it deserves.
Chumchet village is just nestled below Shringi Himal, above Chumling village. Most of the trekkers hike through the Chumling village and walk further towards the upper Tsum valley. Chumchet has oversight by Chumling.
It can take a couple of hours more from Chumling. It is situated at a height of 3200 meters, which is about 900 meters above Chumling.
The village shares a panoramic view of the Ganesh Himal Range, Shringi Himal, Buddha Himal, Himalchuli, Churke Himal, and many more. Due to their ancient architectural design, their houses are unique and rare.
Do you want to have the ultimate experience in Manaslu? Then, Ultimate Manaslu Trek is the best option.
3. Serang Gompa / Nubri Monastery—Spiritual Mystical Serene
Basepoint: Bihi
Height: 3,050 meters
Total time: 6–7 hours.
A trip to the Serang Gompa is a different experience than any other. Also, situated at Kyimolung Valley, the Valley of Peace and Happiness, you can feel tranquility and spiritual sensation. Moreover, Serang Gompa is the least visited site in Manaslu trekking.
This monastery is named Sancen Rabten Norbuling Monastery but is locally known as Serang Gompa. The Shringi Himal is also derived from the Serang Gompa because it is above the monastery. Likewise, the monastery, also known as Nubri Monastery, is a branch monastery of H.H. Chabjay Dodrupchen Rinpoche’s Gumba (Chorten Monastery) in Gangtok, Sikkim.
It is accessible from Bihi village. It can take 5–6 hours to reach the monastery. The trail goes through the jungle; rock passes; and the cantilever bridge ascends many steps. You can play with heard of Mountain Goat "Jharal" in the yard of the gumba, and Himalayan Pica and Himalayan Marmot can be seen around the gumba like your new friend. Likewise, the Himalayan cock and nine colored bird "Daphe" Nepalese national birds can be seen during the Sarang Gumba Trek.
You will be passing through some small settlements, like Tsak and Kogpa. As you approach it, you can see the 500-year-old white Serang Gompa, which Chokyi Gyaltsen built to establish the Buddha's teachings in this Beyul Kyimolung (Valley of Peace and Happiness). Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) introduced Buddhism in Tibet in the 8th century and translated the Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit into Tibetan. He is the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, and Jetsun Milarepa visited the 11th century in Kyimolung Valley at Nubri monastery. This monastery has been home to over 100 monks and nuns. It is best to stay two nights in Serang Gumba, where you will be staying at a respectable tea house that the monastery provides. There are certain charges per night for the basic package (including accommodation, three meals, and tea and coffee limitless) for the guide, porter, and guest. The cost is higher than a regular trekking route, however, which is nothing compared to the view from Serang Gumba and its hospitality and spiritual good vibe. The cost of a day package is Rs. 2,500 for a guide or porter and USD 40 for a tourist per night, which covers meals, tea, coffee, and accommodation.
Nubri embodies the Dharma's blessings and possesses a fresh, untouched magnificence at its core. This serene, undisturbed, isolated, and unreachable atmosphere is perfect for divine practice. There are still hidden caves where hermits, continuing a centuries-old tradition, meditate on world enlightenment. The Serang Gonpa offers spiritual mysticism to a world much in need of it. If you are truly passionate about the spiritual journey, you must visit Serang Gonpa to enroll in extraordinary merit and the pure dharma vibe in your soul.
The Gompa has a splendid view of Shringi Himal. It is not only about the view but also about the calm and peaceful environment. You will be having lunch with the monks and nuns.
After spending quality time, it's time to get back through the same trail to the Kwak Village for lunch. It will take 6 to 7 hours to return from Serang Gumba to Kwak village. and another hour's descent to the Ghap Village. If you are going to visit Kal Mochan Lake from Prok, then a 45-minute ascending cross-river bridge can get you to beautiful Prok Village. If you want to spend more time in this serene environment, you can stay in Gompa with the monks. You can have an extra rest day to explore more of the valley of peace and happiness.
4. Kal (Kalchhuman) Tal: -Enchanting Beauty of Nature
Basepoint: Prok
Height: 3,685 meters
Total Time: 7-8 hours.
Kal Tal is also called Kalchhuman Tal and translated as ‘Death Lake’. It is hidden on the hilltop of Lungmang Hill. The excursion to the lake can cost a whole day. You need to pack your lunch from the village.
Don’t forget that you need an additional local guide from Prok to explore Kal Tal. It is a community rule because lots of trekkers were lost on the way.
As mentioned before, for lunch, you can take a packed lunch. Or, you can take instant noodles with veggies and cook at the side of the lake. The tea house will provide a pot and bowls.
Situated at an elevation of 3,685 meters, the lake shares an iconic view of Mt. Manaslu, Shringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, and many peaks. The lake is beautiful itself, plus the reflection of mountains adds extra beauty.
Talking about the trail, for a couple of hours, it has been steep and ascending. The trail is up, ascending until the lake. In total, it takes around 4-5 hours to ascend to the lake and 3–4 hours to get back.
5. Himalchuli Base Camp (4020 m) and Hinang Gumba: Pure Nature and Wilderness to Inspire
Basepoint: Lihi
Height: 4020 meters
Total time: 8–9 hours.
Himalchuli Base Camp is another gem of the Manaslu trek. It is accessible from Lihi village. You can pay a visit to Hinang Gumba (3,100 m), situated en route to Base Camp.
The trip began from Lihi village. After leaving Lihi village, the trail takes off from Lihi Khola (river). It can take just an hour to reach Hinang Gumba.
After Hinang Gumba, the trail follows alongside the Hinang glacier. It can take an additional 3–4 hours to get to Himalchuli Base Camp. It can also take a whole day to explore.
As you move further to your destination, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Himalchuli range, Simnang Himal, Nadi Chuli, Mt. Manaslu, and Langjam Glacier.
Just like Kal Tal, you need to pack your lunch and have it on the base of Himalchuli. And make sure to carry enough drinking water.
Are you interested in exploring side trips in the Manaslu region? We have specially made the Manaslu Circuit Side Trip trek. Make sure to check it out.
6. Pungyen Gompa: Secret Buddhist Serenity
Base point: Syala or Samagaon
Height: 4100 meters
Total time: 4–5 hours.
Pungyen Gompa, aka Old Manaslu Base Camp. It is one of the best spots, with breathtaking views. This Gompa is reachable from both Syala and Sama Gaun.
It can take around 2–3 hours to reach the Pungyen Gompa, plus 1 ½ hours to get back. The trail is easy, but the first half of the trek is ascending. As you reach the top of the ascent, you can see a small mountain with prayer flags. Then, the hill turns into the valley.
As you walk further, at the end of the valley, you can see prayer flags. Just below you will see a century-old monastery, Pungyen Gompa.
On the way, you can observe numerous mountains like Nadi Chuli, Himalchuli, Manaslu, Kutang Himal, and Pungyen Glacier. Likewise, yaks can be spotted grazing in meadows.
Don’t forget to add Pungyen Gomba to your next trip to Manaslu Circuit Trek.
7. Rui La Pass (Lajyang Bhanjyang): Explore the Border of Tibet
Base point: Samdo
Height: 4,998 meters
Total time: 6-7 hours.
Rui La is the pass that takes you to Tibet. It is a golden opportunity to observe the Nepal-China border. The trails take you to the decertified hills passing through Chhemge Tal.
Usually, trekkers skip Rui La (4,998 m) and head toward Dharamsala. Add one more day to your itinerary and explore China. Remember, you can roam around the border but cannot pass through it due to the Chinese armed forces.
Meanwhile, you can enjoy the splendid views of Mayol Himal and Nysing Himal. You will be walking along the side of Fukang Danda.
The trail is not that difficult. Even if it is gradually ascending and slightly gaining height, you have to spend 3–4 hours to reach the pass. It takes more or less 2 hours to return.
As you reach the pass, you can see the asphalt road even at almost 5,000 meters. There is a border pillar separating China and Nepal. Also, besides it, you can see Chorten with prayer flags.
Conclusion:
So, this is the list of 7 hidden treasures of the Manaslu trek. Now, you can effortlessly choose your side trips for your next journey to the Manaslu region. Or do you want to explore all of them? It's up to you.
I hope this article was helpful to you. Let us know if you have any questions relating to this article. We at Nepal Mother House are here to help.
