Most adventure enthusiasts consider the Manaslu Circuit one of Nepal’s most amazing treks, mainly because of Larkya La (also known as Larke Pass). The pass is special, but the trek isn’t limited to it.
Several other side trips on the Manaslu Trek are like icing on the cake. Apart from crossing the pass, some of the best side trips on the Manaslu Circuit Trek include:
- Birendra Lake
- Pungyen Gompa
- Manaslu Base Camp
- Rui La Pass (Tibetan Border)
- Hinang Gompa
- Samdo Ridge Viewpoint
- Larkya Glacier Viewpoint
- Kaal Taal
- Serang Gompa
- Tsum Valley
Besides, you’ll also come across ancient monasteries and traditional villages.
To reach these places, you’ll need to hike for a few hours, while some may require an additional day. So you can choose based on your time and itinerary; you don’t have to detour to all of them during the trek.
Many experienced guides suggest side hikes during the Manaslu Circuit Trek depending on the weather, trail conditions, your acclimatization, and how you’re feeling along the trail. Some people want great mountain views, while others enjoy visiting remote villages and monasteries or finding peaceful trails away from the main route.
There’s no single best option among these side trips. It depends on your preferences and the kind of adventure you want to experience.
In this blog, you’ll learn about the best side trips on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. We’ll help you understand what makes each one special, its difficulty, total duration, and which one is the best fit for you.
Manaslu Side Trips at a Glance
| Side Trip | Altitude | Starting Point | Duration | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birendra Lake | 3,450 m (11,319 ft) | Samagaon | 2–3 hrs round trip | Easy to Moderate |
| Pungyen Gompa | 4,040 m (13,255 ft) | Shyala / Samagaon | 4–6 hrs, depending on route | Moderate |
| Manaslu Base Camp | 4,800 m (15,748 ft) | Samagaon | 7–8 hrs round trip | Moderate to Challenging |
| Rui La Pass (Tibetan Border) | 5,030 m (16,503 ft) | Samdo | 8–9 hrs round trip | Challenging |
| Hinang Gompa | 3,100 m (10,171 ft) | Lihi | 2 hrs round trip | Easy |
| Samdo Ri | 5,100 m (16,732 ft) | Samdo | 3–5 hrs round trip | Moderate to Challenging |
| Larkya Glacier Viewpoint | Above 4,460 m (14,633 ft) | Dharmasala | Short optional hike | Easy to Moderate |
| Kaal Taal | 3,685 m (12,090 ft) | Prok | 6–7 hrs round trip | Moderate |
| Serang Gompa | 3,100 m (10,171 ft) | Bihi | 5–6 hrs one way | Moderate |
| Tsum Valley | Varies | Lokpa area | 5–7 extra days | Moderate |
Why Should You Take Side Trips During the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Without a shadow of a doubt, crossing Larkya La is a major part of trekking the Manaslu Circuit, but this journey isn’t only about reaching the highest point. Some of the most memorable moments actually happen when you step off the main route.
That’s where side hikes on the Manaslu Trek come in. Whether it’s a peaceful monastery right beneath the mountains, a crystal-clear glacial lake, or a quiet viewpoint with hardly another trekker around, these short detours offer you an opportunity to experience a different side of the region.
The good news is that you don’t always need to add extra days to visit them. Some side trips, such as Birendra Lake, fit perfectly into your acclimatization day in Samagaon, while others only take a few hours before you return to the main trail. Longer hikes, like Rui La Pass or Manaslu Base Camp, require extra time and energy.
Local guides usually suggest different side hikes on the Manaslu Circuit depending on the weather, trail conditions, your fitness, and how well you’re adjusting to the altitude. Seasonal conditions also matter, which is why the best time for the Manaslu Trek plays a vital role in deciding which side trips to include in your itinerary.
Below are some reasons why many trekkers choose to add at least one or two side trips:
- Better views: Some trails take you closer to glaciers, alpine lakes, and viewpoints that are not visible from the main trail.
- Learning about local culture: Visiting monasteries such as Pungyen Gompa or strolling through Lho offers an experience of the region’s strong Tibetan Buddhist heritage beyond the teahouses.
- Great photography spots: Crystal-clear glacial lakes, colorful prayer flags, dramatic mountain scenery, and quiet landscapes make these detours some of the most photogenic parts of the journey.
- Chance to spot wildlife: The quieter trails are home to wildlife such as Himalayan tahr and other species found in the Manaslu Conservation Area.
- Help with acclimatization: It’s better to go on short hikes around Samagaon instead of sitting in the teahouse all day, as this can help your body adapt to the altitude before crossing Larkya La. That’s one of the reasons experienced guides often recommend hikes such as Birendra Lake during acclimatization days.
- Less rushed feeling: Taking a few hours to explore beyond the main trail lets you slow down and appreciate places that many people pass without really seeing.
10 Best Side Trips on the Manaslu Trek
As you know by now, the Manaslu Circuit Trek isn’t limited to Larkya La Pass; it offers much more to trekkers on this journey. You’ll learn about some hidden gems in the Manaslu region in this section.
Birendra Lake
Birendra Lake is situated at an elevation of 3,450 m (11,319 ft). It is fed by the Manaslu Glacier. The hike to the lake is easy to moderate and takes roughly 3 hours round trip from Samagaon, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding side trips on the Manaslu Trek. You don’t need to add an extra day in the village to capture its beauty on your camera; you can do this during the acclimatization day.
Most trekkers hike to the lake early in the morning to catch the clearest views and the reflection of the white giants in the water. If you’re trekking in winter, you need to use caution, as parts of the trail can become icy.
Pungyen Gompa
Pungyen Gompa is a centuries-old Buddhist monastery that combines great mountain views with local culture. It’s named after “Phun Gyen,” which means three peaks that represent the local protective mountain god.
The hike from Samagaon to the gompa is moderate, taking around 4 to 6 hours for the round trip. It sits at an altitude of about 4,040 m (13,255 ft). Along the way, you’ll also get a chance to see stunning panoramas of Pungyen Glacier and the neighboring peaks.
In our Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, we visit Pungyen Gompa on the way from Shyala to Samagaon instead of doing it as a separate side hike from Samagaon. This allows you to explore the monastery without using your acclimatization day for the trip.
In addition to the scenery, the peaceful atmosphere, colorful prayer flags, mani walls, and the gompa itself make the hike special, offering great insight into the deep Buddhist heritage of the region. Therefore, be respectful, don’t make loud noises, and dress modestly.
For trekkers doing the Manaslu Circuit for more than mountain views, Pungyen Gompa is an ideal choice. If your itinerary follows the route from Shyala to Samagaon via Pungyen Gompa, you don’t need an extra overnight stay or a separate acclimatization day for the visit.
Manaslu Base Camp
The hike to Manaslu Base Camp from Samagaon is one of the best options for those who prefer a bigger challenge during the acclimatization day. You’ll cover approximately 12 to 14 km (7.5 to 8.7 mi) and spend around 7 to 8 hours on the round trip, reaching up to 4,800 m (15,748 ft).
You’ll pass through yak pastures, rocky moraines, and glacier-fed terrain. You might find it difficult to reach the base camp, but once you finally get there, the dramatic views of the world’s eighth-highest mountain, glaciers, and icefalls make you feel that you made the right choice. During spring, you may see tents from various expedition teams because it’s the main climbing season in Nepal.
Rui La Pass (Tibetan Border)
Rui La Pass is on the border between Nepal and Tibet (China) at 5,030 m (16,503 ft). You can hike to it from Samdo, which is more adventurous than hiking from Samagaon to Manaslu Base Camp, and it takes around 8 to 9 hours round trip. If you’re a regular hiker, well-acclimatized, and comfortable with long walks at high altitude, it’s a great option for you.
Once you reach the pass, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayas, high-altitude valleys, and the Tibetan Plateau. It was once part of a trade route between Nepal and Tibet, but it’s now a quiet place popular among trekkers who prefer exploring beyond the main trail of the Manaslu Circuit.
Since the pass is on the border between two countries, you should check the latest requirements for the Manaslu Trek permit before including this side hike in your itinerary.
Hinang Gompa
Hinang Gompa is situated above the village of Lihi (between Namrung and Lho) at 3,100 m (10,171 ft). The hike is easy to moderate and takes around 2 hours round trip.
The monastery is surrounded by pine forest and is famous for its quiet atmosphere, traditional Buddhist architecture, and breathtaking mountain views, especially of the Himalchuli Range. If you have more time, you can also continue towards Himalchuli Base Camp (4,020 m / 13,189 ft) for even more dramatic mountain and glacier scenery.
Since it’s also a monastery, respect local customs by keeping your voice low, asking before taking photos or videos, and wearing modest clothes while you visit. Keep this in mind and enjoy the blend of local culture, history, and the Himalayan landscape.
Samdo Ri (Samdo Ridge Viewpoint)
The Samdo Ri hike is moderate to challenging. It starts from Samdo and takes around 3 to 5 hours round trip, reaching approximately 5,100 m (16,732 ft).
From the top, you can witness stunning views of Samdo, Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,781 ft), and the neighboring glaciers. If the day is clear, you can even see the Tibetan Plateau. In the early morning, the skies are usually clearer, making the conditions better for photography.
Larkya Glacier Viewpoint
Larkya Glacier is one of the major highlights around Dharmasala, the last stop before Larkya La Pass. Dharmasala sits at around 4,460 m (14,633 ft), and if you arrive early, you can take a short acclimatization hike around the area for closer views of the glacier and high-altitude landscape.
From the higher points around Dharmasala, you can enjoy close-up views of Larkya Glacier, glacial moraines, and the surrounding mountains. However, there isn’t a specific marked viewpoint called Larkya Glacier Viewpoint, so how far you hike depends on the weather, trail conditions, and your guide’s advice.
You’ll get even better views the next morning as you head toward Larkya La. After leaving Dharmasala, the trail gradually climbs to a valley on the north side of Larkya Glacier, where you can see Cho Danda and Larkya Peak before continuing across the glacial moraines towards the pass.
Another thing: glacier and trail conditions don’t remain the same throughout the year; they vary depending on the weather, snowfall, and season. Always follow your guide’s advice before exploring around Dharmasala.
Kaal Taal
A hike to Kaal Taal (Kaal means ‘death,’ while taal means ‘lake’ in Nepali) is one of the most unique detours on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The side trip starts in Prok village, located between Deng and Namrung. The lake is situated at around 3,685 m (12,090 ft) and is surrounded by dense forests and stunning mountains.
The name of the lake might sound a bit scary and mysterious, but it has a peaceful atmosphere, and on clear days, you can see the reflection of Mt. Manaslu in the water. It’s better to allow an extra day to visit if you want to explore one of the quieter and lesser-known parts of the Manaslu region. The full round trip from Prok generally takes around 6 to 7 hours.
Serang Gompa
Serang Gompa is another rewarding and relatively large Buddhist monastery in the Manaslu region, situated at around 3,100 m (10,171 ft) in the remote Kyimolung Valley above Bihi. Unlike shorter side hikes on the Manaslu Trek, visiting Serang Gompa normally requires an extra day. The hike from Bihi takes around 5 to 6 hours one way, depending on your pace and trail conditions.
To reach the monastery, you’ll leave the main Manaslu Circuit trail around Bihi and hike through dense forests and remote mountain terrain. It sees fewer visitors and offers a calm setting with a rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
Major highlights include the peaceful monastery setting, traditional Buddhist architecture, prayer flags, and the chance to experience one of the quieter parts of the Manaslu region. Like the other monasteries in the region, you should respect local customs, keep your voice low, dress modestly, and ask before taking photos or videos inside sacred areas.
Tsum Valley
Tsum Valley is one of the longer side trips on the Manaslu Circuit, but it is really another trek in itself, taking almost an extra week if you want to explore it properly. Often described as a “Hidden Valley,” it is known for ancient monasteries, including Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa; traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture; centuries-old villages; and great mountain views.
The trail leading to Tsum Valley branches away from the regular route of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and takes you deeper into one of the more remote parts of the region. The trail is quieter than the main Manaslu Circuit route, and if you’re also into local culture and history, extending your journey by taking this detour will be worthwhile.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need an additional restricted area permit to visit Tsum Valley, as the valley has a separate permit requirement from the Manaslu Circuit.
Which Manaslu Side Trip Is Best for Acclimatization?
Acclimatization is essential during high-altitude treks like the Manaslu Circuit. There are several stunning side trips on this trek that you can hike during your acclimatization days, not just for dramatic scenery, but most importantly to help your body adjust to the increasing altitude.
However, not all these side trips are equally useful for acclimatization. The best ones are those that take you to a higher elevation during the day and bring you back to a lower altitude to sleep, following the idea of “climb high, sleep low.”
On this trek, Manaslu Base Camp is one of the best options for acclimatization because you can reach up to 4,800 m (15,748 ft) before returning to Samagaon at around 3,530 m (11,581 ft) to sleep at a lower elevation. However, it is a long, demanding hike, so attempt it only if you’re feeling well and properly acclimatized.
Pungyen Gompa at 4,040 m (13,255 ft) and Samdo Ri at around 5,100 m (16,732 ft) are also good options for gaining elevation, while Birendra Lake at 3,450 m (11,319 ft) is ideal for those who want a shorter and easier acclimatization hike.
| Side Trip | Acclimatization Value | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Birendra Lake | Moderate | Easy to Moderate |
| Pungyen Gompa | High | Moderate |
| Manaslu Base Camp | Very High | Moderate to Challenging |
| Rui La Pass | High | Challenging |
| Hinang Gompa | Low | Easy to Moderate |
| Samdo Ri | High | Moderate to Challenging |
| Larkya Glacier Viewpoint | Moderate | Easy to Moderate |
| Kaal Taal | Low | Moderate |
| Serang Gompa | Low | Moderate |
| Tsum Valley | Not primarily for acclimatization | Moderate |
The best acclimatization side trip ultimately depends on how well your body is adjusting to the altitude, your fitness, the weather, and the trail conditions. You don’t need to reach the highest possible point just for acclimatization; always listen to your body and follow your guide’s advice.
Suggested Side Trips Based on Your Trek Duration
The duration of your Manaslu Trek also plays a crucial role in deciding how many side hikes you can comfortably do. The standard duration of this journey is around 13 days, and most trekkers do one or two shorter side trips, such as Birendra Lake or Manaslu Base Camp, during the acclimatization day in Samagaon. Nevertheless, you can also add a few other detours if you have enough time and want to explore more than just the main trail of the Manaslu Circuit.
| Trek Length | Recommended Side Trips |
|---|---|
| 13 Days | Birendra Lake or Manaslu Base Camp; Pungyen Gompa can be visited via Shyala |
| 14 Days | Add an extra side hike around Samagaon or Samdo |
| 15 Days | Add Rui La Pass from Samdo |
| 16+ Days | Add Kaal Taal, Serang Gompa, or another longer detour |
| 19–20+ Days | Consider combining the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley |
Adding one side trip or another also depends on your pace, fitness, acclimatization, weather, and trail conditions; don’t pick detours just by counting how many you can fit in. A couple of side trips with enough time to actually enjoy them will usually be better. You don’t have to do as many as you can just for the sake of setting a record or being able to say you’ve been there later.
Your guide can also help you decide which side trips are suitable once you’re on the trail. At high altitude, it’s always better to keep your itinerary flexible, especially around Samagaon, Samdo, and Larkya La.
Local Tips for Manaslu Side Trips From NEST Adventure
A good side trip isn’t just about finding another viewpoint. On the Manaslu Circuit Trek, timing, weather, elevation, and your walking pace can make a huge difference.
Below are some practical tips from NEST Adventure that can help you make your journey unforgettable:
- Don’t try to fit all the side trips into your journey; choose the ones that match your itinerary, fitness, acclimatization, and interests.
- Start as early as possible for hikes during your acclimatization day to avoid stronger winds and afternoon clouds that can make you feel uncomfortable and block the mountain views.
- Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake, and Pungyen Gompa are among the most worthwhile side trips, depending on your trek duration, fitness, and itinerary.
- Carry at least a liter of water and some snacks, as most side trips have no teahouses along the way. For longer hikes, such as Manaslu Base Camp or Rui La Pass, carry enough water and food for the entire hike.
- At high altitudes, the weather can be unpredictable and change at any time, so bring a warm layer and a raincoat. It’s worth checking the Manaslu Trek packing list when planning this adventure.
- Don’t decide on side trips entirely by yourself; it’s better to consult with your guide, as they have proper knowledge of each detour and can help you pick the ones that are the best fit for you according to your available time, weather, trail conditions, and how you’re feeling.
- Inform your guide right away if you feel uneasy, unusually tired, dizzy, or unwell while ascending. Don’t continue climbing higher just to complete a side trip.
- Keep a safe distance from wild animals, don’t disturb them for photographs, and ask for permission before entering monasteries or taking photos inside.
- Keep your itinerary flexible. Snowfall, rain, strong winds, poor visibility, or your acclimatization may mean changing or skipping a planned side trip, especially at higher elevations.
Final Thoughts
The Manaslu Circuit Trek isn’t just about crossing Larkya La Pass; you can take a detour and explore places such as peaceful monasteries, viewpoints, and glacial lakes during the journey. From an easy hike to Birendra Lake to more challenging side trips like Manaslu Base Camp or Rui La Pass, there’s a side trip for every interest, fitness level, and trekking schedule.
You don’t have to include every side hike in your itinerary. Choose a few that genuinely interest you and leave enough time to enjoy them.
Your guide can also help you decide according to the weather, altitude, trail conditions, your acclimatization, and how you’re feeling on the trek. After all, the goal isn’t to collect as many side trips as possible; it’s to enjoy the Manaslu region at your own pace.
So, whether you have only a few extra hours or several additional days, make some room for a detour. Some of your favorite Manaslu memories might happen away from the main trail.
FAQs
Each side trip on the Manaslu Trek has its own specialty. However, some of the best are Manaslu Base Camp, Pungyen Gompa, Birendra Lake, Samdo Ri, and Rui La Pass. The best one for you depends on your available time, fitness, acclimatization, and interests.
Yes. Manaslu Base Camp is situated at 4,800 m (15,748 ft), so if you’re properly acclimatized and comfortable with a long day hike, it’s worth visiting. It offers close-up views of Mt. Manaslu, glaciers, and other nearby peaks.
Yes. Birendra Lake lies along the route towards Manaslu Base Camp, so you can visit both during the same-day hike from Samagaon. However, the full hike can take most of the day (around 8–10 hours) and is physically demanding, so you shouldn’t push your body to the limit if you’re not feeling well or properly acclimatized.
It varies depending on your interests. If you love learning about Buddhist culture while enjoying mountain views, choose Pungyen Gompa. However, if you’re looking for a more challenging high-altitude adventure with closer views of Mt. Manaslu and glaciers, Manaslu Base Camp is an ideal option.
The hike to Manaslu Base Camp is moderate to challenging. You’ll walk for around 7 to 8 hours round trip from Samagaon and reach an altitude of 4,800 m (15,748 ft). The high altitude, elevation gain, and rough terrain make it more demanding than shorter side hikes such as Birendra Lake.
Not necessarily, but having an extra day in Samdo makes the trip more comfortable. Rui La Pass sits at around 5,030 m (16,503 ft) on the Nepal–Tibet border and requires a long, high-altitude hike of around 8–9 hours from Samdo. If you want to visit without rushing your regular Manaslu Circuit itinerary, adding an extra day is a better option.
Manaslu Base Camp is one of the best options for strong, well-acclimatized trekkers because it takes you much higher during the day before you return to Samagaon to sleep. Pungyen Gompa, Samdo Ri, and Birendra Lake are also good options depending on your fitness, acclimatization, available time, and how you’re feeling.
Yes. Birendra Lake is relatively suitable for beginners compared to the more challenging side hikes because the hike is shorter and easier. The lake sits at around 3,450 m (11,319 ft), so walk slowly and pay attention to how your body adjusts to the altitude.
It depends on the itinerary. A standard 13-day itinerary usually includes an acclimatization day in Samagaon, when you can visit Birendra Lake or hike towards Manaslu Base Camp. In our itinerary, we also visit Pungyen Gompa while trekking from Shyala to Samagaon. We have another acclimatization day in Samdo, when you can optionally hike to Rui La Pass (Tibetan Border). So, you can include several rewarding side trips without necessarily adding extra days to the trek.
If you want to experience Mt. Manaslu and its glaciers up close, Manaslu Base Camp is one of the best choices. If you prefer panoramic mountain views combined with Tibetan Buddhist culture, Pungyen Gompa is another excellent option.
Most shorter side trips along the regular Manaslu Circuit don’t require a separate trekking permit beyond the permits already required for the trek. However, Tsum Valley is a separate restricted area and requires an additional restricted area permit. Access to border areas such as Rui La can also depend on current local restrictions, so check with your trekking agency or guide before planning the hike.
Spring and autumn are generally the best seasons for Manaslu side trips because the weather and mountain visibility are usually more favorable. However, conditions at high-altitude destinations such as Manaslu Base Camp, Samdo Ri, and Rui La can change quickly, so always check the weather and trail conditions with your guide before starting a side hike.
