Explore 7 hidden Treasure in Manaslu and Tsum Valley Few Trekkers Visit Yet

  • Jul 10, 2023
  • Karna Rana

Table of Contents

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 dive into a secret hidden treasure that is not often visited by other trekkers. 

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 to cook lunch. Meantime, 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 the cantilever bridge ascends many steps. You can play with heard of Mountain Goat "Jharal" in the yard of the Gumba, 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 Sarang Gumba Trek. 

You will be passing through some small settlements like Tsak and Kogpa. As you reach there, you can see 500 years old white Serang Gompa which was settled by Chokyi Gyaltsen to establish the traditions of the Buddha’s teaching in this Beyul Kyimolung (Valley of Peace of Happiness). Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) introduce Buddhism in Tibet in the 8th century and translated the Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit into Tibetan, he is a founder of Tibetan Buddhism and Jetsun Milarepa visited the 11th century in Kyimolung Valley at Nubri monastery,  Now, in this monastery has been home to over 100 monks and nuns. It is best to stay two nights at Serang Gumba, where you will be staying at a good tea house provided by Monastery. They are certain charges per night basic in Package (including accommodation, three times meals, tea coffee limitless) for the Guide, Porter, and Guest. The cost is higher than a regular trekking route, however, is nothing compared to the view from Serang Gumba and its hospitality and spiritual good vibe. The cost for a day package is Rs. 2,000 for a Guide /Porter and Rs.3,500 for a tourist.

serang-gumba-manaslu

Nubri has at its core the blessings of the Dharma and a fresh untouched magnificence. This serene is located undisturbed atmosphere, isolated and unreachable; is perfect for the 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 45 minutes ascending cross river bridge can get 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 is steep-up ascending. The trail is all the way ascending until the lake. In total, it takes around 4-5 hours of ascending to reach the lake and 3 - 4 hours to get back. 

5. Himalchuli Base Camp (4020m) and Hinang Gumba - Pristine 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 the Lihi village. You can give a visit to Hinang Gumba (3,100m) situated en route to Base Camp. 

The trip began from Lihi village. After leaving Lihi village, the trail takes up 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 additional 3-4 hours to get to Himalchuli Base Camp. It also can cost 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, along with 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 2-2 ½ 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 Mane 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 (4,998m) 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 force. 

Meanwhile, you can enjoy the splendid view along with 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 gains 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 the height of 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, want to explore all of them? It's up to you.

Hope this article was helpful for you. Let us know if you have any questions relating to this article. We at Nepal Mother House are here to help. 

Karna Rana

Karna Rana

Namaste!

I hearty welcome to Nepal, known as the Kingdom of Himalayans, and the roof of the World “Mt. Everest.” Nepal has been named a Heaven on Earth and is a wonder in the Himalayan. It is the Shangri-La, a cultural Museum, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha, and the country of the living Goddess “Kumari.”

I am Karna Rana Trekking Tour Operator and Mountain Guide, specializing in Trekking, Tour, Travel in Nepal, Hiking in the Himalayan and other Outdoor Activities, Peak Climbing, Expedition, Adventure Trekking, Rafting, etc. applying for my field expiring in 2000. Meanwhile, I have completed my Master’s degree in Rural Development (2016) from the Tribhuvan University of Kathmandu, Nepal’s leading educational institution. I have been applying my field experience in tourism, especially in remote areas of the country, for sustainable eco-tourism for local empowerment. I enjoyed writing my blog own word sharing my travel experience in the Himalayan, aiming to provide the right information and help to the Nepal Traveler.

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