The trail leaves Samagaun to the south, crosses the fields and climbs through juniper and scrub onto a lateral moraine of the Manaslu Glacier. The gradient is steady rather than steep, and most walkers reach the old monastery site in 2.5 to 3 hours. The original Pungyen Gompa was destroyed by an avalanche in 1953, which local people linked to the first Japanese attempts on Manaslu; that story still comes up in conversation in the village, so it is worth asking your guide about it.
From the ridge the Manaslu Glacier spreads below you in broken blue and white seracs, with the summit pyramid above. On clear days you can pick out the route expedition teams use towards Camp 1. Yak herders graze animals on the meadows around the gompa site in summer and early autumn, and you may share the trail with them.
Start by 7 am to reach the top before cloud. Take water, a warm layer and a windproof jacket, because the ridge is exposed. Walk at a pace where you can still talk, and turn back if anyone develops a headache or dizziness. You descend the same way to Samagaun for lunch and a rest, sleeping at 3,530 m after touching about 4,000 m.
Good for
- Photographers
- Solo
- Groups
- First-timers
Questions travellers ask
How hard is the Pungyen Gompa hike from Samagaun?
It is moderate. You climb roughly 450 to 500 m over 2.5 to 3 hours on a clear trail with no technical sections, then return the same way in about 2 hours. The main difficulty is the altitude, close to 4,000 m at the top, so walk slowly, drink 1 litre of water on the way up and turn back if a headache develops.
Is Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp better for acclimatisation?
For most trekkers Pungyen Gompa is the better acclimatisation day because it gains about 500 m and leaves you rested for Samdo and Larkya La. Manaslu Base Camp gains about 1,270 m and takes 8 to 9 hours return, which suits fit, already acclimatised walkers who have an extra day in their itinerary.
Is there a working monastery at Pungyen Gompa?
No. The original monastery was destroyed by an avalanche in 1953, and today the site is a ruin with prayer flags and a few small structures used by herders. People go for the location and the views of the Manaslu Glacier rather than to visit an active gompa. Samagaun's own village gompa is the place for prayers and butter lamps.
