Monasteries and Caves in Manaslu and Tsum Valley 

Welcome to the Manaslu and Tsum Valley region of north-west Nepal. It is a delightful landscape with forests, hills, snowy peaks, and ethnic settlements. In the remote area of Manaslu and Tsum Valley, there lies an abundance of monasteries and meditation caves that are remarkable. This is also the region that follows the footsteps of Tibetan Yogi Milarepa. 

The Manaslu and Tsum Valley region is extremely popular for trekking. During the trek, you can visit these attractions, but you need to spare more time than a regular trek. 

Monasteries and Caves in the Tsum Valley Region

Chhyoling Sandu Gumba- Philim (1570 meters)

Dhampa Gompa- Ripchet (2470 meters)

Galdang Gumba- Chhokang Paro (3031 meters)

Ghese Lama Konchog Retreat Cave- Chhokangparo 

Rachen Gompa (3240 meters)

Rachen Gompa is a renowned nunnery in the Chhokangparo village of the Upper Tsum valley region, that preserves female monastic traditions. 

Nunnery

• Prayer hall with Tibetan Buddhist arts and statues. 
• Female monastic practices 
• Nara purification rituals
• Community feast during festivals 
• Chanting and ceremonial practices

Milarepa Cave (Phiren Phu)- Rachen Gompa (3340 meters)

Chi Phu Gompa- Lar (3350 meters)

Gonhgye Gompa- Chhule (3347 meters)

Gonhgye Gompa is a small spiritual piece located near Chhule. It's great to take rest, chant, and get blessings for the trekkers on the Tsum Valley route. 

Gompa

• Connected Buddhism with the local lifestyle
• Performs basic ritual functions
• One-story monastery with a prayer hall
• Traditional wood carvings
• Chanting and butter lamp offerings
• Performs Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies

Dhepu Dolma Nunnery Gompa- Mu Gompa (3700 meters)                                                

Mu Gompa (3700 meters)

Mu Gompa is a prime attraction in the Upper Tsum Valley region. It holds the significant Tibetan monastic traditions. It features a wonderful central prayer hall, including statues of Avalokiteshvara, Maitreya, and Padmasambhava. In the premises, there are stupas, mani walls, and Thangka paintings that are adorned. The monastery holds an annual Saga Dawa Festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana of Lord Buddha. 

Gumba Longdang (3200 meters)

Gumba Longdang is a meditation retreat, which is situated on the way to Ganesh Himal Base Camp, near Chhokangparo. The trail to reach a bit is challenging, but this is an amazing site for quiet meditation dedicated to Tibetan Buddhism. 

Gumba

• Traditional rituals and meditation practices 
• Hosts Dumji Festival 
• Cham dances  (masked rituals)
• Daily chanting and prayers

Monasteries and Caves in the Manaslu Region 

Monastery at Shyala and Mt. Manaslu in the backdrop

Serang Gompa (3800 meters- above Bihi village, 4 hours)

Serang Gompa is locally known as Sringi Gompa, which is situated in the Kyimolung valley, remotely above Bihi Village. The Gompa was founded by the Shringi Lama, and it serves as a retreat center for Buddhist practitioners. This 18th-century Nyingma monastery is home to significant terma texts and hosts various ceremonies within its monastery premises. The valley itself is the Beyul- the hidden valley, which is a significant valley that preserves Tibetan Buddhism. The treasure teachings revealed by tertons (treasure-revealers) of the Nyingma lineage are believed to be offered in this valley.

Gompa:

• Three stories, made from stone and timber
• Holds original murals of the 18th century
• Detailed projection of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava)
• Has small cave-like rooms and an ancient library
• Mahakala Puja is performed to remove obstacles 

Please note that it may be tough to hike to the monastery in mid-winter and the rainy season. 

Kal Chhokang Gompa (2400 meters- from Prok)

Near Chhokang Gompa is situated at Kal Tal, which begins from Prok. This monastery is known for its ritual procession, and it serves as a lakeside meditation center in the Manaslu region. The route is scenic and tranquil. It is believed that the mixture of Bon and Buddhist culture can be observed. 

• Ritual ceremonies using traditional methods
• Witness the Himalayan Buddhist practices
• Prayer hall decorated with murals of protector deities
• Storage of traditional masks and musical instruments
• Daily prayers and pujas

Namla Gompa- Namrung (2630 meters)

• Modest structure
• Local architectural style with whitewashed walls and traditional woodwork.
• Preserves oral traditions passed down through generations of monks.
• Community-oriented Buddhist practices
• Basic ritual objects and scriptures are used for local ceremonies.
• Integration of Buddhism with rural Himalayan life.

Hinang Gompa (near Lama Gaon- 3000 meters)

Hinang Gompa is located near Lihi Village, which serves as an educational monastery. It has several study rooms and provides training for monks. Several annual pujas and ceremonies are performed. Manaslu Circuit trekkers visit and observe the Gompa and pay homage.  

Gompa

• Hillside located monastery 
• Spiritual center and educational institution
• Preserves Tibetan Buddhist tradition
• Iconic prayer hall with Buddhist iconography 
• Residential quarters and study rooms
• Interaction on the topics of spirituality and philosophy 
• Daily prayer sessions, puja, and annual celebrations
• Chanting, meditation, and community-involving spiritual activities

Tong Gompa (Sho- 2900 Meters)

Gumba Nasa (Sho- 2900 meters)

• Less-visited heritage site 
• Rare Bon-Buddhist fusion site- Bon and Buddhist traditions
• Architectural and ritual elements from both spiritual systems
• Swastika Symbols (yungdrung)
• Seasonal ceremonies are held in the Gumba Nasa premises

Ribung Gompa Monastery (Lho Village- 3180 Meters)

Locally known as Lho Monastery, it is a wonderful attraction in the Manaslu Circuit Trekking route. As the monastery is located on the way, it serves as the spiritual center not only for the locals, but also for the trekkers. The annual Mani Rimdu festival is held in this monastery, and they perform the Cham dance, associated with the Tibetan Buddhist practice. 

Monastery

• Two-story and a main prayer hall 
• Local craftsmanship with artistic wooden pillars 
• Antique thangkas and ritual items
• Open courtyard for devotees' gatherings and festival celebrations

Pung Gyen Gompa (near Shyala, 3550 meters)

The most picturesque monastery with Mt. Manaslu in the backdrop, Pung Gyen Gompa belongs to the Nyingma lineage of the Tibetan Buddhism. the literal meaning of this monastery is adorned conch. It's connection goes to the Manaslu peak itself, which is believed to safeguard it. 

Gompa

• Single story prayer hall with ings and traditional windows 
• 19th Century murals
• prayer flags 
• Chenrezig chants, scrupture study
• Seasonal rituals, festivals and celebrations

Tilije Gompa (2300 meters)

Major Festivals Celebrated in the Monasteries and Tsum Valley  Region

• Lhosar (Tibetan New Year)-February/March (according to the lunar calendar). Devotees perform Cham dances, burn butter lamps, different worshipping ceremonies. Major sites for this ceremony include Serang Gompa, Bihi Village Shringi Gompa, and Ribung Monastery. 
• Saga Dawa (May/June- Full Moon)- Celebrated at Mu Gompa, it honors the life events of Buddha, offering butter lamps, Champa art, and spiritual performances
• Mani Rimdu Festival (October/November)- It is celebrated in many monasteries, but Ribung Monastery at Lho village is the epicenter. It is a three-day celebration with masked dance, fire puja, and the creation of a sand mandala. It may be overcrowded at this time, so you need to make sure that you book accommodation beforehand. 
• Dumji Festival (mostly July)- it is celebrated at Lungdang Gompa, which is performed as a relic procession, and locals compete with archery
• Nara Purification (August)- it is celebrated at Rachen Gompa. Devotees chant, cleanse smoke, and organize a ritual feast. 

Nepal Kameleon Holidays operates Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek covering major monasteries and the meditation cave of Saint Milarepa. Please feel free to contact us if you want to do the trek connecting with Buddhist spirituality.

WhatsApp: +977 9851159455 

Email: [email protected]