Hidden Gems of the Manaslu Conservation Area: Lakes, Monasteries & Border Passes

Nepal’s Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA) is a sanctuary of untouched wilderness, sacred monasteries, glacial lakes, and centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist culture. While the Manaslu Circuit is gaining popularity among trekkers, most travelers only scratch the surface. Beyond the main trail lie hidden gems—peaceful gompas, remote alpine lakes, and timeless mountain villages that offer a deeper connection with nature and heritage.

This blog explores the lesser-known but unforgettable places within the Manaslu Conservation Area, perfect for adventurers, spiritual seekers, and those looking to go beyond the guidebooks.

1. Gompa Lungdang & Ganesh Himal Base Camp: Sacred Solitude and Himalayan Majesty

Lungdang Gompa is a small, serene monastery perched on a hilltop above the forested hills of Ripchet, at the southern edge of the Tsum Valley. Reached via a steep and rewarding climb from Domje, this remote gompa belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is home to a small community of devoted nuns. The setting is breathtaking—rhododendron-covered hills, cascading waterfalls, and the imposing backdrop of Ganesh Himal. Few trekkers visit, and those who do are welcomed with warm hospitality and often invited to join in prayer or receive blessings.

From Lungdang Gompa, trekkers can make a demanding side trip to Ganesh Himal Base Camp, located at around 4,200 meters. The route is rugged and unmarked in places, requiring a guide or local knowledge. It follows yak trails and moraine ridges through pristine alpine terrain with views of Ganesh I (Yangra), Ganesh II, and several other snow-draped giants. This trek is especially rewarding in spring when rhododendrons bloom, and the landscape bursts into colour.

Accommodation is basic: trekkers typically return to Lungdang Gompa or camp near the base camp area. There's no mobile reception beyond Domje, and food options are limited, so carrying extra provisions is recommended. The entire area feels untouched and deeply spiritual—ideal for those seeking isolation, meditation, or off-the-grid adventure.

2. Serang Gompa (Nubri Monastery): A Sacred Sanctuary in the Clouds

Serang Gompa, also called Nubri Monastery, is nestled high in the Nubri Valley near Bihi village, on a secluded ridge surrounded by pine and juniper forests. It's one of the most important spiritual centers in the region and belongs to the Nyingma tradition. The gompa is home to a small group of monks who live in retreat and follow strict meditation practices. The monastery is also associated with Guru Rinpoche and is believed to hold protective spiritual energy for the entire valley.

The hike to Serang Gompa is an uphill journey through peaceful woodlands, with stone chortens and prayer flags lining the trail. It's best accessed from Bihi, requiring a full day hike with a packed lunch and water. Because it's off the main trail, few visitors make the journey—those who do are often deeply moved by the sense of serenity and detachment from the modern world.

There are limited accommodation options at Serang, though monks occasionally allow visitors to sleep in simple quarters or camp nearby. The atmosphere here is perfect for reflection or spiritual retreat. Visitors are expected to be respectful of monastic life—no loud noises, photography only with permission, and adherence to local customs.

3. Kal Tal (Kalchhuman Lake): A Mystical Lake Hidden in the Hills

Kal Tal, also known as Kalchhuman Lake, is a remote and sacred glacial lake hidden in the hills northeast of Prok village. Revered by locals as a site of spiritual power, the lake is surrounded by pine forests, alpine meadows, and legends of protective deities. During special festivals, villagers make pilgrimages to the lake, where they offer prayers and perform rituals for prosperity and harmony.

Reaching Kal Tal requires a full-day hike from Prok and involves traversing narrow trails, forest ridges, and high pastures. The route is not commonly used and is best attempted with a knowledgeable guide. There are no teahouses en route, so trekkers must bring their own food, water, and camping gear if staying overnight. The reward for this effort is an untouched landscape with reflective waters and complete silence—perfect for meditation or spiritual contemplation.

Wildlife sightings are common in this remote area, including musk deer, Himalayan monals, and blue sheep. Because the lake is so rarely visited, trekkers should take special care not to disturb the environment or leave any waste behind. Kal Tal is a gem best suited to experienced hikers looking for solitude and mysticism.

4. Himalchuli Base Camp & Hinang Gumba: Off-Trail Alpine Wonder

The detour to Himalchuli Base Camp (4,020 m) begins from the main Manaslu Circuit near Lihi or Sho and leads toward the hidden Hinang Valley. The first major stop is Hinang Gumba, a peaceful monastery nestled in a meadow surrounded by pines and waterfalls. Monks here welcome visitors and may offer butter tea or insight into their daily rituals. The setting is calming and ideal for a short retreat.

From the gompa, a trail ascends through yak pastures and across glacial moraines to Himalchuli Base Camp. The peak itself (7,893 m) is rarely climbed, but the base camp provides jaw-dropping views and a genuine sense of wilderness. This side trip is a great acclimatization hike before crossing Larke Pass, and it can be done as a long day hike or an overnight adventure with camping.

The trail is less traveled and can be snowy or muddy depending on the season. Trekking with a guide is highly recommended. Trekkers should bring snacks, extra layers, and water purification tablets. This route gives you an unfiltered Himalayan experience—remote, raw, and rewarding.

5. Pungyen Gompa: Silence Beneath the Giants

Pungyen Gompa is one of the most accessible yet least visited gems in the upper Manaslu region. A detour from Syala or Samagaun, the gompa is perched on a ridge overlooking the Pungyen Glacier and Mount Manaslu’s southern face. Though the original monastery was destroyed in the 1950s, it has been rebuilt and continues to serve as a meditation and retreat center.

The hike to Pungyen Gompa is short but steep, taking 2–3 hours from Shyala. The route climbs through yak pastures and skirts glacial rivers, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Trekkers often spot Himalayan marmots and eagles soaring above. Once at the gompa, the silence is profound—ideal for a picnic, a meditative rest, or even joining the monks in morning chants.

There are no facilities at the gompa, and overnight stays are not possible. It’s best to return to Shyala or Samagaun for the night. Since it lies slightly off the main circuit, most trekkers miss this spot entirely—but those who take the detour are rewarded with one of the most peaceful locations in the region.

6. Birendra Lake: Beauty, Belief, and Acclimatization

Birendra Lake is a tranquil glacial lake located just 30–45 minutes from Samagaun, making it a perfect acclimatization hike. The lake, formed by meltwater from the Manaslu Glacier, shimmers turquoise beneath the sharp ridges of Manaslu (8,163 m). Its clear waters reflect not only the peaks but also the spiritual reverence locals hold for this sacred body of water.

A flat and well-defined trail leads from Samagaun past chortens and through yak pastures. Along the way, trekkers may see locals performing rituals at small shrines, and herders tending to their animals. The lake itself is an ideal spot for lunch, rest, or peaceful meditation before heading higher toward Samdo or the Larke Pass.

Birendra Lake is more than a photo stop—it’s a spiritual place where the divine and natural meet. Visitors are encouraged to be quiet, avoid swimming, and respect local customs. Because of its proximity to Samagaun, it’s also a good emergency retreat location for trekkers experiencing mild altitude symptoms.

7. Rui La Pass (Lajyang Bhanjyang): A Window into Tibet

Rui La (Lajyang Bhanjyang) is a remote Himalayan pass that historically served as a trade route between Nubri Valley and Tibet. Located north of Samdo, at an elevation of approximately 4,998 meters, this high-altitude pass lies along an old salt trading trail and marks the spiritual and geographic edge of Nepal. The trail passes through rugged terrain and barren valleys carved by wind and snow.

Few trekkers venture beyond Samdo to Rui La, but those who do are treated to a unique borderland experience. The final climb is steep, with fluttering prayer flags at the top and panoramic views into both Nepal and Tibet. It’s a deeply spiritual spot, long used for ritual offerings and seasonal pilgrimages.

The journey to Rui La takes 5–7 hours round trip from Samdo and requires excellent acclimatization and proper gear. There are no shelters or teahouses en route, so trekkers must carry snacks, water, and extra layers. This side trip offers a rare sense of standing on the edge of two worlds—culturally, spiritually, and geographically.

8. Ponker Lake: Hidden Turquoise Jewel Near Bhimtang

Ponker Lake lies just north of Bhimtang and is often overlooked by trekkers who descend from Larke Pass. This stunning alpine lake is nestled below the Ponker Glacier, surrounded by moraine cliffs and snow-capped peaks. Its icy blue waters are pristine, reflecting the grandeur of the surrounding Himalayas and offering a place of rare tranquility.

The trail to Ponker Lake is short but rocky, and best visited in the early morning for clear views. It takes about 1–1.5 hours from Bhimtang and can be done as a side trip before continuing to Tilije. The area is rich in wildlife, with chances of spotting blue sheep, snow pigeons, and even lammergeiers gliding overhead.

There are no services at the lake, so trekkers should bring water and snacks. This hidden gem is perfect for those who want to linger one more day in the high alpine world of Manaslu before descending into greener valleys.

Final Conclusion: Explore Beyond the Trail in the Manaslu Conservation Area

The Manaslu Conservation Area isn’t just a trekking destination—it’s a sacred, living landscape where tradition, wilderness, and spirituality intertwine. Whether you're hiking to hidden lakes, exploring monasteries, or standing at the edge of Tibet, every detour reveals a deeper layer of meaning.

These hidden gems offer trekkers solitude, authenticity, and a powerful connection to Nepal’s cultural and natural heritage. The MCA is not just a trail—it’s a gateway to timeless Himalayan wisdom, waiting to be discovered step by step.

Explore our full Manaslu Circuit Trek with Side Trips — a complete adventure covering all these hidden gems in one unforgettable journey.

If you’re ready to go beyond the guidebooks, the heart of Manaslu is waiting—with lakes, monasteries, and passes that few ever see, but none ever forget.