Spiritual · Samagaon
Hike to Pungyen Gompa under Manaslu
Climb from Samagaon to Pungyen Gompa, the monastery destroyed by avalanche in the 1950s and later rebuilt, in a meadow directly below Manaslu's glaciers. A good acclimatisation day with a story.
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From the village the trail crosses fields and climbs a side valley through juniper and grass to a broad meadow at around 4,000 m. Pungyen Gompa stands here, small and plain, with Manaslu and its glaciers rising directly behind. The climb takes 2 to 3 hours at an acclimatising pace.
This is the monastery whose destruction by avalanche in the 1950s the people of Sama blamed on angered gods, leading them to turn back a Japanese expedition in 1954. A donation later helped rebuild it. Your guide tells the story at the site, and if a caretaker is present you may visit inside.
Spend time in the meadow, where yaks graze in summer, and watch the glaciers above. Return to Samagaon for a late lunch. Climbing about 500 m and sleeping low again prepares your body for Samdo and the Larkya La.
Good for
Questions
How hard is the hike to Pungyen Gompa?
It is a moderate acclimatisation hike of 5 to 6 hours return, climbing roughly 500 m from Samagaon to around 4,000 m. The path is clear in good weather but can be muddy or icy. Go slowly, carry water and warm layers, and return early if clouds come in.
Why is Pungyen Gompa famous?
In the 1950s avalanches from Manaslu destroyed the monastery and killed 18 people. Villagers blamed foreign expeditions for angering the gods and turned back a Japanese team in 1954. A donation later helped rebuild the monastery, and the Japanese made the first ascent of Manaslu in 1956.
Should I choose Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp for acclimatisation?
Pungyen Gompa is shorter and gentler, around 4,000 m, and suits most trekkers. Manaslu Base Camp, at about 4,800 m, is a much harder full day that gives better acclimatisation for Larkya La. With two rest days, do both; with one, choose based on how you feel.
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