The landscape here is dotted with ancient monasteries, or gompas; nunneries; meditation caves; mani walls; and chortens, many of which are believed to be more than a thousand years old. Indeed, these spiritual structures were founded by early Tibetan settlers, wandering monks, and revered saints such as Milarepa, Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, and local yogis who used the isolated mountains as places for deep retreat and meditation.
Unlike Everest's teeming trails and the touristy teahouses around Annapurna, Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley represent a rare opportunity to really enjoy deep silence, spiritual solitude, and authentic Himalayan culture. Here, the gompas are not museums but living monasteries: monks chant ancient mantras at dawn, nuns tend to butter lamps, and villagers practice Tibetan Buddhism where lineages are intact.
Monasteries in Manaslu
Pungyen Gumpa
Pungyen Gompa is an ancient Buddhist monastery located at approximately 4,000 to 4,200 meters in the Manaslu region, Nepal. The name “Pungyen” is derived from “Phun Gyen,” which refers to “three peaks” and is often used locally for Mount Manaslu. It is a sacred site where monks usually perform rituals and meditation. Pungyen Gompa is a key acclimation side-trip from Samagaon village, where it offers some beautiful views of Manaslu and the glacier. Trekkers on the Comfort Manaslu Circuit Trek visit Pungyen Gompa on day 8, hiking up from Shyala before descending to Samagaon.
Mu-Gumpa
Mu Gompa is a significant Buddhist monastery located at approximately 3,700 meters in Nepal’s remote Tsum Valley, making it the highest monastery in the area. It is the spiritual place of the Tsum Valley, which follows the Gelugpa tradition, with very strong ties to Tibetan Buddhism, including ancient texts and traditions. The Mu Gompa is a home to monks who study Buddhist scriptures, practice meditation, and perform rituals; it is a major monastic study center.
Lungden Gumpa
Lungden Gompa is also known as Gumba Lungdang, a remote and culturally significant Buddhist monastery situated at an elevation of approximately 3,200 meters in the Tsum Valley of Nepal. The Lungden Gompa is one of the most essential nunneries in the region, as it is a home to about 3 dozen nuns who practice Buddhism daily. The gompa acts as a viewpoint for the Ganesh Himal Range, which offers the breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal I, II, and IV, Nadi Chuli, and Himalchuli too. The monastery also provides simple meals and basic lodging for trekkers, offering a unique opportunity to stay within a monastic compound. The monastery is visited during the Tsum Valley Trek.
Serang Monastery (Gompa)
Serang Monastery (Gompa) or Nubri Monastery was built 500 years ago in a Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary, which is located at 3,100 meters in the Kyimolung “Valley of Peace and Happiness” on the Manaslu trek. This serene site is used as a Serang Shedra (Scripture College) for monks and nuns residing there. The monastery can be visited during the Manaslu Circuit Trek near Bihi/Deng. It offers the breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Siringi Himal, and surrounding peaks along with traditional murals, prayer halls, and murals.
Lhi Gompa
Lhi Gompa is a historic Buddhist monastery that is located in the picturesque village of Lhi (or Lihi/Li Gaon) in the Manaslu region of Nepal. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 2,910 meters. Lihigaon is a village that is known for its traditional Tibetan-style stone houses and terraced fields. The monastery is central to the spiritual life of the Lihi Gaon. The monastery is surrounded by ancient chortens (stupas) and mani walls (stone walls carved with Buddhist mantras), and with great surrounding views.
Rachen Gompa
Rachen Gompa is one of the oldest and largest nunneries in Tsum Valley in the Manaslu region, it was founded in 1905. It is situated at 3,240 meters near the Tibetan border. This Nyingma tradition monastery houses 200-300 nuns who study English, Science, and Buddhism. The monastery is believed to be blessed by Guru Rimpoche. Here, the nunnery hosts important rituals, including the Nara purification ceremony and community festivals. The Rachen Gompa features a picturesque, serene, and secluded atmosphere in a high-altitude mountain region.
Ribung Gompa
Ribung Gompa is a famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Lho village along the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. It is a regular stop on both the Standard Manaslu Circuit Trek and Comfort Manaslu Circuit Trek, where trekkers pause for lunch. It is an active center for Buddhist education, and home to many young monks (tawas) who practice daily rituals and chants. The gompa offers one of the most iconic, panoramic, and close-up views of Mt. Manaslu, which is often called the “Mountain of the Spirit”.
Want To Explore Monasteries?
The monasteries of the Manaslu region are still living places of worship, where monks and nuns carry on traditions that are hundreds of years old. Visiting them is a quiet, meaningful part of any trek in this region.
Which monasteries you see depends on the trek you choose:
The Manaslu Circuit Trek (14 days) - covers Ribung, Lhi, Serang, and Pungyen Gompa
The Short Manaslu Circuit Trek (10 days)
The Comfort Manaslu Circuit Trek (17 days) - same route, but better lodges and a relaxed pace.
The Tsum Valley Trek (15 days) - takes you to Mu Gompa, Rachen, and Lungden in the hidden Tsum Valley.
The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek (22 days) - includes every monastery in this blog.
The Manaslu Tsum Valley and Annapurna Circuit Trek (34 days) - the full journey across three regions.
