The Manaslu region of Nepal is one of the remaining untouched cultural sanctuaries of the Himalayas, where still Tibetan Buddhist traditions are alive on a daily basis. Located between the towering presence of Mt. Manaslu at 8,163 meters and the remote valleys that stretch toward the Tibetan border, this region is home to some of Nepal's most authentic monasteries and gompas.
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.
Pungyen Gumpa is an ancient Buddhist monastery which is located at approximately 4,000 to 42,000 meters in 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. The gompa is often visited as a key acclimation side trip from Samagaon, where it offers see beautiful views of Manaslu and the glacier. The monastery is constructed in ancient with traditional Tibetan style, statues, murals, featuring, and prayer flags, set against the backdrop of the massive Manaslu Glacier.
monastery in Sama Gaoun
Mu Gompa is a significant Buddhist monastery located at approximately around 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 is also known as Gumba Lungdang, a remote and culturally significant Buddhist monastery situated at an elevation of approximately 3,200 meters in Tsum Valley of Nepal. The Lungden Gumpa is one of the most essential nunneries in the regions, as it is a home to about 3 dozen nuns who practice Buddhism daily. The gumpa 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 (Gumpa) or Nubri Monastery was built 500 years ago in 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 visit during the Manaslu Circuit Trek near Bihi/Deng. It offers the breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Siringi Himal and surroundings peaks along with traditional, murals, prayer halls and murals.
Lhi Gumpa is a historic Buddhist monastery which 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 which 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 a great surrounding views.
Rachen Gompa is one of the oldest and largest nunneries in Tsum Valley in Manaslu region, it was founded in 1905. It is situated at 3,240 meters near the Tibetan border. This Nyingma tradition monastery houses has 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, mountains region.
Ribung Gompa is a famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Lho village along the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. 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”.
Dhephyudonma Gompa
