Manaslu Circuit Trek Side Trips
The Manaslu Circuit Trek side trips are the best way to get used to high altitudes and learn about the culture of the Himalayas. These important side trips from Samagaun and Samdo lead to hidden treasures like the turquoise Birendra Lake, the spiritually significant Pungyen Gompa, and the thrilling Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m). For those who want to go on adventures that aren’t well-known, the remote Rui La Pass on the Tibetan border.
These side trips on the Manaslu Circuit Trek will make your trip even more adventurous, helping trekkers adjust to living at high altitudes and showing off the Himalayas’ hidden beauty. The main trail is exciting, but the real fun starts when you go off the beaten path from Samagaun, the blue waters of Birendra Lake (3,691 m), and the spiritual sanctuary of Pungyen Gompa (4,050 m). These trips give you the best views of the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
These side trips are the best way to have a legendary Manaslu experience, whether you want to take the best mountain photo or learn about the old Tibetan-Buddhist culture.
Essential Side Trip Guide
| Side Trip | Altitude | Highlights | Perfect For |
| Birendra Lake | 3,691 m | Turquoise glacial lake & Manaslu reflections. | Easy Acclimatization |
| Pungyen Gompa | 4,050 m | An ancient monastery with South Face views. | Spiritual Peace and Viewpoint |
| Manaslu Base Camp | 4,800 m | Proximity to glaciers and expedition camps. | Adventure Seekers |
| Rui La Pass (Tibet border) | 4,998 m | Historic trade route to the Tibetan Plateau. | Remote Exploration |
| Samdo Ri (known as Samdo Peak) | 5,100 m | Best for acclimatization and incredible mountain and valley views. | Adventure Seekers, Viewpoint |
From Where to Hike/Detour?
Hike from Samagaon (3,530 m):
- Pungen Gompa (4,050m): Spiritual Heart of Manaslu
Pungen Gompa is often thought of as the best part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is a peaceful alternative to the adventure base camp. This old monastery is in a huge, green meadow right below the tall face of Mt. Manaslu. It has a peaceful “vibe” and great views all around. The walk is a steady, beautiful climb through rolling yak pastures and high ridges. If you’re an experienced trekker who wants to maximize your acclimatization schedule, you can hike to Pungen Gompa from Shyala or Samagaun It gives you an experience that is off the beaten path through the most beautiful scenery in the Manaslu Conservation Area.
- Birendra Tal (3,691m) (The “Chill” Option)
Birendra Tal is a beautiful turquoise glacial lake at the foot of the Manaslu glacier. It’s a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon. This “chill” option is a short, easy walk from Samagaun, so it’s the best way to spend the afternoon when you arrive. This beautiful hike shouldn’t be your main acclimatization hike because it doesn’t gain enough elevation. Instead, use it to “relax” before you take on the more difficult trail to Larke La pass.
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Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m)
The Manaslu Base Camp 4,800 m (MBC) is a difficult hike at a high altitude that lets you see the area’s rough, natural beauty. It’s a great way for people to see how strong they are. The path is steep and hard, going up almost 1,200 meters from Samagaun. You can see Birendra Lake in all its glory from above. The “crampon point” is at the top, and that’s where the real climb starts. Go in September and October, when the climbing season is in full swing, to see the tents of the expedition come to life. The Manaslu Circuit side trip is the best way to get close to the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
Hike from Samdo Village (3,875 m):
- Rui La (Tibet Border—4,998 m)
Experience an exclusive Himalayan detour at Rui La (Tibet Border), a unique highlight of the Manaslu Circuit. Trekking from Samdo, you’ll reach a historic marker overlooking the Tibetan Plateau, a rare border access not found on Everest or Annapurna trails. This cold, windy hike is perfect for high-altitude acclimatization before the Larke La pass.
- Samdo Ri (5,100 m)
For the ultimate “high point” challenge, climb Samdo Ri, the premier viewpoint of the Manaslu Circuit. Starting directly behind Samdo village, this steep, dusty, but adventurous trail follows a rugged ridge to an incredible 360-degree panorama. From the prayer-flagged summit (5,100 m), the village below looks like tiny Monopoly houses. Ideal for high-altitude acclimatization, this rewarding Manaslu trek side trip offers the best aerial views of the upper valley for those seeking a physical peak experience.
Hike from Bhimthang to Ponkar Lake:
Take a hike to Ponkar Lake to find the Bhimthang glacial valley’s hidden gem. The trail starts just past the lodges and goes through green meadows and yak pastures before turning onto the rocky glacial moraine. This easy, beautiful climb lets you see the huge rocky debris from the Ponkar Glacier up close. This one-of-a-kind side trip is great for trekkers who want to see the “other side” of the Larke La Pass. It shows off the raw, retreating ice landscapes of the Manaslu region in one amazing afternoon.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, adding these Manaslu Circuit Trek side trips to your itinerary is the ultimate strategy for successful acclimatization and a deeper connection with the Himalayas. Whether you’re seeking the spiritual peace of Pungyen Gompa, the physical challenge of Manaslu Base Camp, or the exclusive thrill of the Tibet border at Rui La, these excursions transform a standard trek into an extraordinary cultural journey. By stepping off the main trail in Samagaun and Samdo, you unlock the hidden gems of the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Blog List of Manaslu Circuit Trek
2. Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
FAQs for Manaslu Circuit Trek Side Trips
Why should I plan side trips on my Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The key to a successful trek is to take side trips along with the itinerary. In addition to offering amazing views, these trips are crucial for acclimating to high altitudes. Hiking to places like Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) or Pungyen Gompa (4,050 m) helps your body get used to thin air before you cross the difficult Larke La Pass (5,106 m). This is because you follow the “climb high, sleep low” rule. Furthermore, side trips give you a unique look at hidden Tibetan-Buddhist culture and beautiful glacial lakes that most trekkers miss.
How many extra days do I need to go on side trips from Samagaun and Samdo?
For the best experience, you should add 2 to 3 extra days. Most expert-led Manaslu trekking plans include a full day of rest in Samagaun for a day trip to either Birendra Lake, Pungyen Gompa, or Manaslu Base Camp. If you’re going to hike the Rui La (Tibet Border) or the Samdo Ri viewpoint, you should definitely take a second day off in Samdo. These extra days make it much more likely that you will be able to cross the pass and give your legs a much-needed break.
Which side trip has the best views of Mt. Manaslu?
Many trekkers say that Pungyen Gompa is the best side trip to see the glaciers, even though Manaslu Base Camp is right at the foot of the glaciers. From a quiet alpine meadow, it gives you a huge, 360-degree view of the South Face of Mt. Manaslu. The climb to Samdo Ri offers a stunning “Monopoly-house” view of the valley below, making it a top choice for Himalayan photographers who want to see things from above.