Sing Gompa

Introduction

Sing Gompa (also called Chandanbari) is a small monastery settlement with a yak cheese factory — the first overnight stop on the Gosainkunda pilgrimage route from Dhunche.

Situated in Rasuwa district at an altitude of 3,330 m (10,925 ft), Sing Gompa is a key stop on the Gosainkunda Trek within the Langtang Region. Locally it is known as Chandanbari. The nearest settlement is Laurebina Yak. Trekkers reach Sing Gompa as part of the standard trekking route.

History

Sing Gompa has a long history as part of the Langtang Region trekking route network.

The langtang region has been a corridor for trade, pilgrimage, and mountaineering for centuries. Sing Gompa has witnessed the evolution of Nepal’s trekking industry, from the early expeditions of the 1950s to the modern tea-house network that today supports thousands of trekkers each year.

Local traditions reflect the deep cultural heritage of the Himalayan peoples, including the Tamang, Sherpa. Oral histories, monastery records, and oral traditions document centuries of settlement, religious practice, and adaptation to high-altitude life.

Geography & Landscape

Sing Gompa lies in the Langtang Region of Nepal at 3330 metres above sea level. The landscape is characteristic of the Nepal Himalaya — dramatic valleys, glacial moraines, alpine meadows, and forested ridgelines shaped by tectonic uplift and glacial retreat over millions of years.

The surrounding topography includes peaks, ridges, and river systems that define the trekking approach. The altitude places Sing Gompa in the sub-alpine zone, with corresponding vegetation and wildlife.

Elevation & Location

• Elevation: 3,330 m / 10,925 ft
• Coordinates: 28.0833° N, 85.3167° E
• District: Rasuwa
• Region: Langtang Region
• Route: Gosainkunda Trek

How to Reach

Sing Gompa is reached on foot as part of the standard Gosainkunda Trek itinerary.

Walking time from the previous stop: 5 hours from Dhunche (10 km).

Trekking Route Info

• Difficulty: Challenging
• Walk hours: 5 hours from Dhunche
• Distance from previous: 10 km
• Best season: Spring (Mar–May), Autumn (Sep–Nov)

What to Expect

A typical day at Sing Gompa begins with the morning Himalayan light filtering through the peaks, followed by breakfast at a teahouse, a steady walk along the trail, and an evening in a warm lodge sharing dal bhat with fellow trekkers and local hosts. The altitude is moderate and the weather can change rapidly — pack layers and stay hydrated.

Things To Do

• Visit Sing Gompa and the yak cheese factory
• First views from the Laurebina ridge
• Forest walk through pines and rhododendron

Accommodation & Teahouses

Sing Gompa has approximately 6 teahouses and lodges, with lodges, electricity, mobile network. Rooms are typically basic — twin beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. Meals include dal bhat, momos, and Tibetan-style dishes.

Food & Dining

Dal bhat, yak cheese, local breads Teahouse menus typically feature dal bhat (rice and lentils), momos (dumplings), Tibetan bread, tsampa (roasted barley flour), butter tea, and seasonal vegetables. At higher altitudes, menus are more limited and prices rise due to the cost of transporting supplies.

Culture & Communities

• Ethnic groups: Tamang, Sherpa
• Languages: Tamang, Nepali

The communities of the Langtang Region have preserved their distinctive traditions through centuries of relative isolation. Daily life blends religious practice, agriculture, herding, and — increasingly — trekking tourism.

Religion & Traditions

• Monasteries: Sing Gompa (small monastery)
• Traditions: Nyingma Buddhism

The religious landscape blends Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, and — in some regions — the pre-Buddhist Bön and shamanic traditions. Prayer flags, mani walls, chortens, and gompas are part of daily life.

Wildlife & Nature

The ecosystems around Sing Gompa may include Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, musk deer, Himalayan marmot, pika, lammergeier, Himalayan griffon, and langur and rhesus monkeys. Flora ranges from rhododendron, oak, and pine forest to alpine meadow.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (Mar–May), Autumn (Sep–Nov). Spring (March–May) brings rhododendron blooms and warming temperatures, while Autumn (September–November) offers the clearest skies and most stable weather. Summer (June–August) is the monsoon season with rain, leeches, and reduced visibility, though the rain-shadow regions of Mustang, Dolpo, and upper Manang remain accessible.

Photography

• Photo spots: Sing Gompa with forest backdrop

The best light is in the golden hour after sunrise and before sunset. Carry a polarizer for the snow, a wide-angle for the landscapes, and a telephoto for distant peaks and wildlife. Always ask before photographing people.

Travel Tips

• Acclimatize gradually — do not gain more than 400–500m of sleeping altitude per day above 3,000m.
• Carry cash (Nepali rupees) — ATMs are rare above district headquarters.
• Pack layers — temperatures swing sharply with altitude and time of day.
• Bring a refillable water bottle and water purification tablets or a filter.
• Respect local culture — circumamberate stupas and mani walls clockwise, ask before photographing people, and dress modestly.
• Get travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation above 5,000m.

Nearby Attractions

Laurebina Yak, Gosainkunda approach

FAQ

What is the elevation of Sing Gompa?

Sing Gompa is at an elevation of 3,330 m (10,925 ft).

Is there Wi-Fi at Sing Gompa?

Wi-Fi is limited or unavailable; check with individual teahouses.

When is the best time to visit Sing Gompa?

Spring (Mar–May), Autumn (Sep–Nov).

How do I reach Sing Gompa?

Sing Gompa is reached on foot as part of the Gosainkunda Trek.

Conclusion

Sing Gompa is a memorable stop on any Langtang Region trek — combining rich cultural heritage, dramatic Himalayan landscapes, and the warm hospitality of Nepal’s mountain communities. Combine careful planning with an open mindset to make the most of the journey to this remarkable corner of the Nepal Himalaya.