Monasteries of Manaslu Region

The Manaslu region is spiritual, mystical, and magnificent. The name Manaslu is taken from the Tibetan word “Manas” which means spirit. Therefore, the place is worth traveling for the spiritual awakening in the lap of the beautiful grandeur of the Himalayas. The most famous activity to do in the region is trekking. However, you can visit the legendary and ancient monasteries of the Manaslu region too.

Tsum Valley of the Manaslu region is the most sacred and spiritual place. The valley is often described as the hidden gem or jewel of Nepal. It is believed that great meditators like Padmasambhava and Milarepa meditated in the dotted caves of the region. Therefore, the place is spiritual as well as sacred. If you don’t plan on visiting all the monasteries of the region you will miss out the chance to understand the authentic culture of Tibetan Buddhists in Nepal. While doing either the Manaslu Circuit Trek or Tsum Valley Trek you will encounter various monasteries.

Requirements to Enter the Manaslu Region

The Manaslu Region is the restricted zone or area of Nepal. In order to protect the nature and culture of this place Nepal Government has placed the area into a restricted zone. Therefore, you will have to fulfill certain criteria before trekking or touring the region. You can’t enter the region without a government-licensed guide. So, get the guide and also get at least one more trekking or visiting partner because the Manaslu Region restricts trekking for the solo trekker. The special immigration permit is required alongside the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit. If you fail to obtain these permits you will not be able to enter the region and enjoy the majestic beauty of the Himalayas, hills, villages and monasteries of this region. In addition, during the Manaslu Circuit Trek or Tsum Valley, you can explore these monasteries with deep Tibetan Buddhism too.

Today let’s discuss some of the most famous monasteries of the Manaslu Region.

1. Sacred Longdan Gompa

This Gompa is a nunnery where only the nuns live. The monastery is located in the lower Tsum area in the mystical foothill of the forest hill. If you visit the place, you will have to eat whatever the nuns offer you. During September, the nunnery holds a special festival for the people around. Girls enter the nunnery in search of great knowledge and enlightenment from an early age. These nuns who are young go to the school to study like regular people inside the nunnery.

2. Serang or Nubri Monastery

The Serang Monastery also known as the Nubri Monastery is located in Kyimolung Valley. The valley is famously known across the globe as the valley of peace and happiness. The monastery has more than 100 monks and nuns and it is located in a spectacular place just below the Shringi Himal. In fact, the name of the mountain Shringi is also given by the Serang Monastery after its name. If you want to spend the overnight in the place, you will have to pay Rs. 2000 if you are a Nepali and Rs. 3500 for the tourists. Immerse yourself into spirituality and find inner peace by spending a night inside the monastery.

3. Shyala Monastery or Pungyen Gompa

In the beautiful village of Shyala, the Pungyen Gompa is the heart of the Manaslu region. It is probably the most famous monastery of the region after Nubri and Rachen Gompa. The monastery also has teahouse facilities where travelers can rest overnight and understand the rich heritage of Tibetan Buddhist ideologies. Find your inner peace and strength. You can reach the village of Shyala after trekking through Seti Khola, Machha Khola, Namrung and Lho Village.

4. Rachen Gompa

The Rachen Gompa is one of the oldest monasteries of the region. It is said that it is incepted on 1905 AD by the Guru Rimpoche. The Gompa is not for the monks rather it is for the nuns. The monastery is located at an altitude of 3240 m and offers the great view of Mt. Langju. There are about 80 young and old nuns in the gompa. Interestingly, these young nuns study regular subjects like English, Nepali, and Science along with the Tibetan Buddhist teachings.

5. Mu Gompa

At an altitude of 4000 m, Mu Gompa is in an isolated location of Manaslu. For the nearby settlement, you will have to walk more than 7 hours. Therefore, it is serene and tranquil. About 20 monks and nun stays in the Mu Gompa. The older monks are in retreat and teach the younger ones while the young ones study. As for the supply of the food, the yak or horse is used.

6. Ribung Monastery

If you see any kind of advert about Manaslu Trekking, I am sure that you have seen one of the iconic pictures of a monastery gate with the Mountain View in the backdrop. Yes, the view is of Ribung monastery of Lho Village, the village is located in the Nubri Valley. The monastery is very famous in the area as well as in abroad too. The Hollywood famous movie The Creator was shot in the same village and monastery. Apart from the religious point of view, the place is splendidly beautiful. The mountains, green lush alpine forests and landscape are the major attractions around the monastery. The place holds special festivals like Lhosar (Tibetan New Year), Saga Dawa, Dumje etc.

There are numerous other smaller Chhortens and monasteries in the Manaslu region. These religious sites are the national cultural heritage representing the Tibetan Buddhists in Nepal. Apart from the above-mentioned monasteries, there are numerous other monasteries in the region. They are Tashi Tsering Gompa, Dephyudonma Gompa, Gonghye Gompa, Panago Gompa, Gurwa Gompa, etc.

These monasteries’ visit can be added in the Manaslu Trek or Tsum Valley Trek. Please ask your trekking agency to plan and add the visit. You can do the side trek like Rupi Nala Trek or Nubri Valley Trek within the Manaslu region to explore more monasteries, chhortens and stupas of Manaslu region.

Monasteries of the Manaslu Region hit hard during the 2015 earthquake and some are still unrepaired. Therefore, if you wish to contribute, you can contact Nepal High Trek.