The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an off-beaten trekking trail encircling the unexplored gems of the Manaslu region, further giving trekkers the blend of adventure and natural beauty. Throughout the journey, you will follow an outlined itinerary with multiple highlights for you to explore.

With the crossing of muddy trails, passing by the tumbling waterfalls along the Budhi Gandaki River, walking ahead of yak herds, and meeting the friendly local people, while bidding your cheerful smile to the majestic peaks like Naike, Himchuli, Manaslu, Ganesh, Larkya, Pungen Himal, Shringi Himal, and Himalchuli, along with other peaks seen from Manaslu.

These are the primary highlights of your trek. But what if we say there are a bunch of other hidden gems that many fail to explore because they have not found them yet? Well, don't worry, as this time we have gathered all that information from our well-experienced guides and team to make your extra adventure wonderful!

Hidden Treasures You Can’t Miss on the Manaslu Circuit

The Manaslu Circuit Trek lies in one of Nepal’s most untouched corners, and for good reason. While the majestic peaks and cultural wonders often take center stage, many hidden treasures remain undiscovered by trekkers. Beyond the familiar sights, there are secret spots that offer a deeper connection to the raw beauty of this Himalayan gem. This time, we’ll help you uncover these hidden gems, so you can experience the whole magic of the Manaslu region in all its untouched glory.

Birendra Lake

• Location: Near Samagaon at 4,500 meters, near the Manaslu and Punhyen Glaciers.
   
• Interesting Fact: The lake is named after the Late King Birendra Shah.

Situated at a height of 4500 m in the lap of the Manaslu and Punghen Glaciers, the palace's clear water and peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by those mighty peaks, make it a perfect place to unwind your physical fatigue.

You will reach there in your day when you stay at Samagaon, from where you hike about 45 minutes to 2.5 hours. Since there are no lodges or tea houses at Birendra Lake, you have to make your way back to Samagaon for the night. Many people visit the lake as part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek or on their way to Manaslu Base Camp.

Manaslu Base Camp

• Location:
  Manaslu Base Camp is located near Samagaon village at around 4,800 meters above sea level.
   
• Interesting Fact:
  It’s the starting point for climbers who want to reach the summit of Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.

Reaching the base camp of the gigantic peak is the best highlight of your trek. But you must hike from Samagaon, and it is a bit of a challenging walk. Yet the reward is worth it. Standing around the massive glaciers, towering white peaks, and alluring blue sky, the peaceful atmosphere of Birendra Lake nearby makes your side trip even more exhilarating. But like we said earlier, since there are no lodges at the base camp, visitors usually hike back down to Samagaon to stay the night.

Ponkar Lake

• Location:
  Ponkar Lake is located near Bhimthang village at an elevation of about 4,100 meters above sea level.
   
• Interesting Fact:
  The melting of the Ponkar and Kechakyu Glaciers from the Himlung Himal region forms it.

The next lake in the Manaslu region that is hardly explored is Ponkar Lake. It takes around a 1.5-hour hike from Bhimthang, usually after you cross the tough Larkya La Pass. 

The blue crystals reflecting the ranges of Manaslu and Annapurna, the calm and scenic atmosphere, and yaks grazing around the wildflowers make the place one of a kind. Besides, there aren’t many trekkers who know about this, so it can be your place to unwind after a demanding trek.

Kal Tal

• Location:
  Kal Tal is located near Prok Village at an altitude of about 3,600 meters in the Manaslu region of Nepal.
   
• Interesting Fact:
  Despite being called “Death Lake,” Kal Tal is a sacred spiritual site believed to have healing powers and is used for Buddhist rituals.

Well, the list of natural wonders still has names of lakes, and now comes Kal Tal — hidden just above Prok village, it takes about 3 to 5 hours to reach via a steep forested trail. But unlike the usual crystal-clear alpine lakes, Kal Tal holds dark, still waters, and misty mornings often give it an eerie, mysterious vibe.

Interestingly, the lake is a place of deep reverence for Tibetan Buddhists. Locals gather here to perform rituals and prayers near the nearby monastery and stupas, especially during full moons. So, beyond its natural charm, Kal Tal stands as a cultural symbol of spiritual belief. With stunning views of Ganesh and Shringi Himal, the quiet, remote setting offers both peaceful reflection and striking mountain beauty.

Serang Gompa (Nubri Monastery)

• Location:
  Serang Gompa is located near Bihi Village at an elevation of 3,100 meters in the Kyimoloung Valley of the Manaslu region.
   
• Interesting Fact:
  Founded over 500 years ago, Serang Gompa is a branch of H.H. Chabjay Dodrupchen Rinpoche’s Gumba and is historically linked to the revered Buddhist guru Jetsun Milarepa.

Serang Gompa is among the scattered Tibetan monasteries in the Manaslu region. For over 500 years, it has been a central hub for Buddhist education and spiritual practice. It is also closely linked to the sacred traditions of Jetsun Milarepa.

You can visit it after a 5-6 hour hike from Bihi Village. The monastery immerses you in a spiritual atmosphere with the sound of lama chanting, the aroma of butter lamps, and the flapping of prayer flags, all set against the backdrop of majestic Himalayan peaks.

Pungen Gompa (Pungyen Monastery)

• Location:
  Located at 4,050 meters between Mt. Manaslu and Nadi Peak, accessible via a trek from Shyala village.
   
• Interesting Fact:
  The monastery honors Lord Pungyen, a regional deity, and is home to vibrant festivals like Lhosar and Mani Rimdu, featuring mask dances and chanting.

The next monastery has been the hub for meditation for pilgrims from Nepal, India, and China for centuries. It is located in the remote Manaslu region and provides panoramic views of towering Himalayan peaks alongside the cultures and customs of the Tibetan people. 

The best part is that the place hosts festivals like Kumje and Dumche, where locals and visitors participate in sacred dances, chants, and ceremonies, reinforcing the monastery's cultural and spiritual ties within the region.

Hinang Gompa

• Location:
  Located near Lihi village at the base of Himchuli mountain, accessible via the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
   
• Interesting Fact:
  Hinang Gompa is an active center for Tibetan Buddhist practice and plays a vital role in local religious ceremonies.

Hinang Gompa is yet another vibrant monastery located at the base of Himchuli Mountain. Crossing lush forests, rhododendron groves, and glacier views, you reach the monastery, which is a perfect place for trekkers to immerse themselves in the spiritual and natural wonders of the Manaslu region.

Ribung Gompa (Lho Village)

• Location: Ribung Gompa sits at 3,180 meters near Lho Village, accessible by a 30-minute uphill hike.
   
• Interesting Fact: The monastery hosts Tibetan festivals like Lhosar, Dumje, and Buddha Purnima, featuring dances, songs, and rituals.

Ribung Gompa is known as a cultural centre and spiritual paradise — a place for meditation, worship, and Buddhist teachings. Besides its rich cultural heritage, it also offers alluring views of Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Baudha. So, it’s a spot where you can immerse yourself in peace and natural beauty at the same time.

The Tibetan Border (Rui La Pass)

• Location: Rui La Pass lies at 4,998 meters, beyond Manaslu Base Camp towards the Tibetan border.
   
• Interesting Fact: It marks one of the highest points on the trek and offers a view of the remote Tibetan Plateau.

Despite Tibet being a closed region, Rui La Pass allows you to stand right at its edge. It opens up sweeping views of the rugged Tibetan Plateau and surrounding Himalayan peaks. Its dramatic landscape—glaciers, rocky ridges, and vast open spaces—lets trekkers experience the untouched beauty of the high Himalayas.

To wrap up, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remarkable blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. It offers trekkers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with nature and local life. If you're ready to explore this hidden gem, let Nepal Vision Treks guide you on a safe and unforgettable journey. Start your trek with Nepal Vision Treks.

 

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