Mu Gompa

How do you reach Mu Gompa?

From Kathmandu, drive to Soti Khola or Machha Khola and trek six days up through the Budhi Gandaki gorge before branching east into the sacred Tsum Valley to reach Mu Gompa.

The trail branches off from the Manaslu Circuit at Philim or Lokpa and winds through Chumling, Chhokang Paro, and Nile.

Walking to Mu Gompa takes 6 to 7 days from the roadhead, serving as the northernmost turnaround point in Tsum Valley.

The trail requires a special Manaslu and Tsum Valley restricted area permit and registered guide.

Why is Tsum Valley considered a sacred sanctuary?

Tsum Valley is revered as a Beyul, an auspicious hidden valley blessed by the 8th century Buddhist master Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) as a place of spiritual refuge and non-violence.

Hunting, slaughtering animals, and setting fires in forests have been strictly banned across Tsum Valley for over a century.

Milarepa, the great 11th century Tibetan saint and poet, meditated in the cliff caves of Piren Phu along the trail to Mu Gompa.

Mu Gompa was established in 1895 and houses antique statues of Avalokiteshvara, Tara, and ancient Buddhist texts.

What is the environment surrounding Mu Gompa?

Sitting at 3,700 m in a wide, treeless alpine valley just miles from the border of Tibet, Mu Gompa is surrounded by dry barren hillsides and towering glaciated peaks.

Trekkers can make a day hike further north to the Tibetan border pass at Mailatasachhe Pass (4,390 m).

A small community of resident monks and lamas provide basic vegetarian dormitory meals and lodging for visiting hikers.

The absolute quiet and isolation offer rare opportunities for deep reflection and pristine mountain stargazing.

Things to do in Mu Gompa

1. 01

   Explore the ancient inner prayer hall

   Observe historic painted frescoes, butter lamps, ancient Buddhist scriptures, and bronze idols of Guru Rinpoche.

2. 02

   Day hike toward the Tibetan border

   Hike along the open glacial plateau north of the monastery toward the passes connecting Nepal and Tibet.

3. 03

   Visit nearby Dhephu Doma Nunnery

   Walk down the hillside to visit the historic nunnery housing ancient hand-carved wooden printing blocks.

Nearby

• Manang

Frequently asked questions