At an elevation of 3,180 meters (10,433 feet) in the Gorkha District of Nepal, Lho Village (also called Lho Gaun) is a serene Himalayan settlement and a key stop on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Located just a short trek from Samagaun, it is a cultural hub and an essential acclimatization point for trekkers. The village is part of the Nubri Valley, home to Tibetan Buddhist communities whose traditions remain deeply rooted in daily life.

Key Information at a Glance

Lho’s atmosphere is defined by its spiritual tranquility. Morning prayers at Ribung Gompa, the sound of turning prayer wheels, and the sight of Buddhist prayer flags fluttering against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks create an immersive experience.

Trek Me Nepal includes an overnight stay in Lho Village in all its Manaslu Circuit packages, ensuring trekkers have time to explore its cultural and natural highlights.

Why Lho Village is a Key Stop on the Manaslu Circuit

Lho Village is where trekkers first encounter unobstructed views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest peak. Its location allows for gradual altitude adjustment, reducing the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) before ascending higher.

Additionally, the village provides access to Ribung Gompa, a spiritual center that draws pilgrims and trekkers alike.

Altitude and Quick Facts

• Elevation: 3,180m (10,433 ft)
• Population: A small, tight-knit community of Nubri people, ethnically Tibetan.
• Language: Primarily Nubri dialect (a Tibetan variant) and Nepali.
• Religion: Mostly Tibetan Buddhism, with rituals and festivals shaping village life.
• Proximity: About 2–3 hours’ walk from Samagaun, the next major stop on the Manaslu Circuit.

Ribung Gompa and Spiritual Life in Lho Village

History of Ribung Monastery

Ribung Gompa (also called Ribung Monastery) is the spiritual center of Lho Village and belongs to the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Established centuries ago, it is a religious center and a cultural anchor for the Nubri people.

The monastery houses ancient Buddhist scriptures, thangka paintings, and statues of deities, preserved by resident monks. Unlike larger, more tourist-oriented monasteries in Nepal, Ribung Gompa retains an authentic, lived-in atmosphere, largely unchanged by modern influences.

Daily Rituals and Festivals

Monks at Ribung Gompa follow a strict schedule of prayers, meditation, and ritual ceremonies, beginning before dawn. Key festivals celebrated here include:

1. Losar (Tibetan New Year): Marked by masked dances (cham), butter lamp offerings, and communal feasts.
2. Dumje: A local festival featuring pujas (prayers) for protection and prosperity, often attended by villagers from across Nubri Valley.
3. Saga Dawa: Honors Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana with circumambulation of stupas, mantra recitations, and almsgivin.

These events offer rare insights into Tibetan Buddhist traditions, though visitors should note that participation is by invitation only.

Visiting Etiquette for Trekkers

• Dress Modestly: Cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes before entering shrine rooms.
• Photography Rules: Always ask for permission before taking photos of monks, rituals, or interior spaces. Some areas prohibit photography entirely.
• Respect Silence: Avoid loud conversations during prayers or meditation sessions.
• Circumambulation: Walk clockwise around stupas, mani walls, and the monastery itself.
• Offerings: If moved to contribute, small donations (cash or practical items like tea or rice) are appreciated but not demanded.

Trek Me Nepal can arrange guided interactions with monks where permitted, ensuring trekkers engage respectfully.

The Monastery’s Role in Community Life

Beyond its religious functions, Ribung Gompa is a social hub. Monks oversee local education (teaching Tibetan language and Buddhist philosophy) and mediate disputes.

The monastery also plays a practical role in preserving Nubri culture, from oral histories to traditional arts like thangka painting and butter sculpture.

Key Details for Visitors

• Location: A short uphill walk from Lho Village’s main cluster of tea houses.
• Timings: Morning and evening prayer sessions (typically 6 AM and 4 PM); visitors are welcome outside these hours unless a private ceremony is underway.
• Unique Feature: The monastery’s courtyard offers panoramic views of Manaslu and Himalchuli, making it a strategic sunrise viewpoint.

Life in Lho: Culture and Community

A Day in the Life of a Lho Villager

Life in Lho Village follows the rhythm of the seasons and Buddhist traditions. Most villagers wake before dawn, with households beginning their day by lighting butter lamps and offering prayers.

The primary occupations are subsistence farming (barley, potatoes, buckwheat) and animal husbandry (yaks, dzos, sheep).

Men typically tend to fields or herds, while women manage household chores like cooking, weaving, and childcare. Afternoon hours may involve communal tasks like repairing stone walls, preparing wool, or grinding grain by hand.

Evenings are reserved for family gatherings, often over cups of butter tea, and occasional visits to Ribung Gompa for prayers.

Nubri Tibetan Customs and Family Structure

The Nubri people, ethnically Tibetan, maintain a patrilineal clan system, with extended families living together in stone-and-wood homes. Key customs include:

• Sky Burials: The deceased are taken to designated high-altitude sites for traditional sky burials, overseen by monks.
• Naming Conventions: Children are often named by lamas, with names like Tenzin (derived from Buddhism) or Dolma (referencing Tara).

Language and Traditional Attire

The Nubri dialect, a variant of Tibetan, is spoken at home, while Nepali is used for trade and with outsiders. Basic greetings:

"Tashi delek" (Hello)
"Kham sang?" (How are you?)

Clothing: Everyday wear is practical and traditional.

• Men: Woolen chubas (long tunics) with belts, often paired with rubber boots for fieldwork.
• Women: Colorful striped aprons (pangden) over dresses, signifying marital status.
• Festivals: Elaborate versions of these garments, with turquoise and coral jewelry, are worn during Losar or weddings.

Festivals and Community Bonds

Village life peaks during festivals like Losar (February/March) and Dumje (spring), where rituals at Ribung Gompa are followed by communal feasting, archery competitions, and folk songs. These events reinforce social ties and transmit oral histories to younger generations.

Trekkers may witness daily activities like cheese-making or threshing barley, which are a part of the village’s agro-pastoral cycle, while learning about Nubri traditions from the locals.

Accommodation and Food in Lho Village

Lho Village offers basic but hospitable tea house accommodations catering to trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit. These family-run lodges provide:

• Rooms: Twin-share accommodations with simple wooden beds, foam mattresses, and shared bathrooms. Blankets are provided, but trekkers should carry sleeping bags for extra warmth.
• Common Areas: Communal dining halls with wood-burning stoves (bukharis) for heating during cold evenings.
• Electricity: Limited solar-powered lighting; charging ports for devices may be available for a small fee.
• Hot Showers: Available in some tea houses for an additional cost, depending on solar-heated water availability.

Trek Me Nepal selects tea houses that meet hygiene and hospitality standards, ensuring trekkers stay in the most comfortable lodges during their treks to the Manaslu region.

Meals and Drinks

The menu in Lho’s tea houses reflects local Nubri and Nepali cuisine, with hearty, carb-heavy dishes ideal for high-altitude trekking:

• Dal Bhat: This is the staple meal made up of steamed rice, lentil soup (dal), vegetable curry (tarkari), and sometimes meat (chicken or yak). Unlimited refills make it a trekker favorite.
• Dhido: A traditional Nepali porridge made from buckwheat or maize flour, served with vegetable or meat curry.
• Tibetan Bread: Deep-fried or pan-cooked bread, often eaten with honey or jam.
• Butter Tea (Su Cha): A salty, creamy tea made with yak butter and tea leaves, commonly served to guests.
• Raksi: A homemade distilled alcoholic beverage (similar to rice wine), consumed during celebrations.

Note: Due to the remote location, food options are limited, and prices increase with altitude.

Other Practical Considerations

• Water: Bottled or boiled water is available for purchase. Trekkers can also use purification tablets or filters.
• Toilet Facilities: Mostly squat toilets, occasionally Western-style, located outside the main building. Toilet paper is not always provided.
• Internet/Connectivity: No reliable Wi-Fi; mobile data (Ncell or Nepal Telecom) may work intermittently.
• Payment: Cash (Nepalese Rupees) only; no ATMs or card facilities in Lho.

Short Treks and Things to Do in Lho Village

Viewpoints (Mt. Manaslu, Himalchuli)

Lho Village offers some of the most accessible and spectacular mountain views along the Manaslu Circuit. The primary viewpoints include:

• Manaslu North Face Viewpoint: A 30-minute walk northwest of the village provides unobstructed views of Manaslu's massive north face. The best light occurs at sunrise when the peak glows golden.
• Himalchuli Viewpoint: Located on the eastern side of the village, this spot offers panoramic views of Himalchuli (7,893m) and surrounding peaks. The round trip takes about 1.5 hours at a moderate pace.

These viewpoints serve as excellent acclimatization hikes while providing photographic opportunities.

Trek Me Nepal includes guided sunrise hikes to these viewpoints in our itineraries, customised at your request.

Sunrise Spots and Photography Tips

For optimal photography conditions:

• Timing: Arrive at viewpoints by 5:30 AM during peak seasons (October-November, March-April) to capture the first light hitting Manaslu.
• Equipment: A 24-70mm lens is ideal for landscape shots. Bring a tripod for long exposures during dawn.
• Composition: Include prayer flags or chortens in foregrounds to add cultural context to mountain shots.
• Local Guides: Trek Me Nepal's guides know the best vantage points and can position you for optimal lighting conditions.

Day Hikes for Acclimatization

Several short hikes help trekkers adjust to the altitude while exploring the area:

Lho to Ribung Gompa Loop (1.5-2 hours round trip):

• Gradual ascent to the monastery (200m elevation gain)
• Combines cultural immersion with light exercise
• Ideal for first afternoon in Lho

Lho to Shyala Village (3-4 hours round trip):

• Gentle trail through alpine meadows
• Passes traditional Tibetan homes and farming terraces
• Gains about 300m elevation, excellent for gradual acclimatization

Pungen Glacier Viewpoint (4-5 hours round trip):

• More strenuous option for fit trekkers
• Rewards with close-up views of Manaslu's glaciers
• Gains 600m elevation (turn back at first signs of fatigue)
  Monastery Visits

Beyond Ribung Gompa, trekkers can visit:

• Pema Choling Gompa: A smaller nunnery 1 hour east of Lho, offering insight into women's monastic life
• Mani Walls and Prayer Wheels: The village perimeter features extensive mani walls with carved mantras, walking the circuit is considered auspicious

Additional Activities

• Village Walks: Observe daily life at the water mills, barley fields, and yak pastures
  Cultural Evenings: Some tea houses arrange traditional song and dance performances (request in advance)
• Handicraft Observation: Watch locals weaving wool or crafting prayer flags (purchases support the community)

All activities should be approached with respect for local customs and privacy. Our guides facilitate appropriate interactions.

Acclimatization, Health and Trek Preparation in Lho Village

Why Lho is Ideal for Acclimatization

At 3,180m (10,433ft), Lho serves as a critical acclimatization point on the Manaslu Circuit. Its elevation provides the necessary stimulus for physiological adaptation while remaining below the high-risk zone for acute mountain sickness (AMS).

The village's layout, with nearby viewpoints and hikes at moderate gradients, allows for the recommended "climb high, sleep low" strategy.

Key factors making Lho effective for acclimatization:

• Gradual Ascent Profile: Most itineraries reach Lho after overnight stops at Deng (1,860m) and Namrung (2,630m), following proper altitude gain guidelines.
• Short Hike Options: The walks to Ribung Gompa (+200m) or Shyala (+300m) enable active acclimatization without overexertion.
• Extended Stay Potential: Trek Me Nepal builds in 2 nights at Lho when needed, allowing slower adjustment.

Symptoms of AMS and Prevention

Early AMS symptoms (typically appearing 6–12 hours after ascent):

• Headache (most common)
• Nausea/vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath at rest

Preventive measures

• Hydration: Drink 3–4L of water daily (clear urine is a good indicator). Electrolyte tablets help maintain balance.
• Medication: Acetazolamide (Diamox) 125mg twice daily, starting 1 day before ascent (consult a doctor).
• Pacing: Ascend no more than 300–400m per day sleeping elevation above 3,000m.
• Diet: High-carbohydrate meals (easier to digest at altitude) and avoidance of alcohol.

What to Pack for Lho’s Altitude

Essential gear:

• Layered clothing: Thermal base layers, fleece, down jacket (nights drop below freezing).
• Sleeping bag: Rated to at least -10°C (14°F).
• Headlamp: For pre-dawn hikes and power outages.
• Trekking poles: Reduce joint strain on descents.
• Water purification: Tablets or filter (boiled water is provided but may need backup).

Health kit additions:

• Diamox (if prescribed)
• Ibuprofen for altitude headaches
• Oral rehydration salts
• Blister treatment (moleskin, Compeed)

Safety Tips and Medication

Critical precautions:

• Never ascend with AMS symptoms as this risks HAPE (fluid in lungs) or HACE (brain swelling).
• Communicate openly with guides about any discomfort.
• Sun protection: High-altitude UV exposure demands SPF 50+, lip balm, and sunglasses (category 4).

When to Visit and Permits Required for Lho Village

Best Months for Weather and Festivals

Lho Village is accessible year-round, but optimal trekking conditions occur during two primary seasons:

Spring (March to May)

• Weather: Daytime temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). Nights can drop below freezing.
• Advantages:
  • Rhododendron blooms color the trails.
  • Clear skies provide excellent mountain visibility.
  • Festivals: Saga Dawa (May/June)—a major Buddhist festival at Ribung Gompa.
• Challenges:
  • Melting snow can make higher trails muddy.
  • Increasingly crowded by late April.

Autumn (September to November)

• Weather: Stable conditions with daytime temps 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F). Cold but dry nights.
• Advantages:
  • Post-monsoon clarity offers unmatched mountain views.
  • Ideal for photography (low humidity, crisp light).
  • Festivals: Dashain (September/October) observed by Nepali staff in tea houses.
• Challenges:
  • Popular season so book tea houses in advance.
  • Colder nights from late October onward.

Winter (December to February) is possible but challenging:

• Temperatures: Can plummet to -10°C (14°F) at night.
• Trail conditions: Snow may block higher passes (e.g., Larkya La). Only recommended for experienced winter trekkers.

Monsoon (June to August) is generally avoided:

• Heavy rainfall obscures views and increases landslide risks.
• Many tea houses close for maintenance.

For more details about the weather in the Manaslu region, check it out here!

Required Permits

The Manaslu Circuit, including Lho Village, is a restricted area requiring three permits:

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Issued Through: A registered trekking agency (individual trekkers cannot obtain this independently).

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Where to Obtain: Nepal Tourism Board (Kathmandu) or Trek Me Nepal handles this for clients.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Required For: The western exit via Besisahar (if completing the full circuit).

Permit Rules:

• Guides are mandatory, the RAP requires a licensed guide’s details.
• Checkpoints: Permits are checked at Jagat, Dharapani, and Samagaun.
• Photocopies: Carry 2 extra copies of passport and permits for checkpoints.

Why Guides Are Mandatory

• Regulation Compliance: The Nepal government enforces guided treks in restricted zones for safety and monitoring.
• Navigation: Trail markings are sparse; guides prevent dangerous detours.
• Cultural Liaison: Facilitates respectful interactions with locals and monasteries.
• Emergency Support: Guides coordinate rescues and medical responses.

For more details on Permits required to trek through the Manaslu Region, check it out here!

Conclusion

Lho Village is a practical and cultural stop on the Manaslu Circuit trek. At 3,180 meters, it provides necessary acclimatization before moving to higher elevations.

The village has clear views of Manaslu and Himalchuli peaks, along with opportunities to observe daily life in a Tibetan Buddhist community.

Staying in Lho helps trekkers adjust to the altitude. Short hikes to Ribung Gompa or nearby viewpoints allow gradual adaptation while providing cultural exposure.

Visitors should follow local customs at the monastery, including walking clockwise around religious structures and asking before taking photos.

Required permits for this area include the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. These must be arranged through registered agencies, with guides being mandatory for the trek.

The best months to visit are March-May and September-November when weather conditions are most stable.

Essential preparations include proper gear for cold nights, sun protection, and basic medical supplies. Staying in local tea houses supports village economies while providing authentic accommodation.

Lho Village combines practical trekking needs with straightforward cultural experiences. Its position on the circuit makes it useful for acclimatization, while its monastic center offers insight into local traditions.

Following basic preparation and respect guidelines allows trekkers to make the most of their time in the village.