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Kathmandu - Machha Khola - Samagaon - Larke La Pass - Bimthang - Besisahar - Kathmandu
3 * Star Hotel or Similar in City and Tea House during Trek
· Serang Gompa Spiritual Sanctuary: Venture deep into the Kyimolung Beyul (the Hidden Valley of Happiness), an ancient sanctuary blessed by Guru Rinpoche, and spend an unforgettable night inside an active monastery.
· Larkya La Pass (5,106m): Test your endurance and conquer one of the most dramatic, rewarding high-altitude mountain passes in the entire Nepalese Himalaya.
· Unspoiled Tibetan Culture: Walk alongside ancient mani walls, prayer wheels, and interactive Buddhist communities untouched by modern commercialization.
· Birendra Tal Exploration: Hike to a striking, turquoise glacial lake resting directly at the foot of Manaslu’s immense icefalls.
· Wildlife and Biodiversity: Keep a lookout for unique Himalayan wildlife, including blue sheep, langur monkeys, and diverse bird species across shifting climate zones.
For true adventurers seeking the raw, untamed essence of the Himalayas, the classic mountain trails can sometimes feel a bit too commercialized. If you want to step off the well-trodden paths of the Everest and Annapurna regions and immerse yourself in a landscape defined by towering 8,000-meter peaks, deep river canyons, and ancient Tibetan culture, the Manaslu region is your calling. But at Roving Nepal Trek, we believe an adventure should do more than just test your physical limits—it should touch your soul. That is exactly why we designed the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Serang Gompa.
This specialized 15-to-16-day itinerary takes the already legendary Manaslu Circuit and introduces a profound, off-the-beaten-path detour. Deep within the restricted Nubri valley, hidden away from the standard commercial trekking crowds, lies the mystical Kyimolung Beyul—the "Hidden Valley of Happiness". Here, perched dramatically against the sheer cliffs of the Shringi Himal, sits Serang Gompa, a 500-year-old active Tibetan Buddhist monastery. By incorporating an exclusive overnight stay within the walls of this sacred sanctuary, this journey balances a grueling, high-altitude alpine expedition with a deeply peaceful spiritual retreat.
For decades, the standard mountain circuits of Nepal have undergone rapid modernization. While teahouse luxuries have their place, they often dilute the sense of raw exploration. The Manaslu region stands as a fierce, beautiful exception. Because it borders Tibet and remains classified as a government-restricted zone, the flow of travelers is strictly regulated. Solo hikers cannot enter; every trekker must travel with a registered partner and a licensed guide.
The resulting atmosphere is one of absolute serenity. When you walk these trails, you are tracing the historic salt trading routes that connected Nepal and Tibet for centuries. The villages are built entirely of local stone, the prayer flags are faded by high alpine winds, and the daily rhythm of life is governed by agriculture, yak herding, and Buddhist traditions. It feels like stepping into a time capsule—a window into what Himalayan trekking used to be in the 1970s and 80s.
Unveiling Kyimolung Beyul: The Hidden Spiritual Sanctuary
The defining crown jewel of this specific itinerary is the detour to Serang Gompa. While most trekkers stay on the valley floor alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, our team breaks away from the main trail after leaving the village of Bihi. We venture upward into a landscape that feels completely removed from the modern world. According to Buddhist lore, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) blessed several beyuls—sacred hidden valleys tucked away in the high Himalayas—to serve as spiritual safe havens during times of global chaos and hardship.
Serang Gompa sits at the very heart of one of these valleys. The climb to reach it is no walk in the park; it requires an unrelenting, steep ascent through dense, primordial forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine. But the moment the trees part and the monastery comes into view, any physical fatigue immediately evaporates. Set against an amphitheater of jagged, snow-dusted peaks, the monastery exudes an undeniable energy of peace.
Spending the night here is a transformative experience. You won't find the standard amenities of a commercial lodge. Instead, you will experience the humble, monastic lifestyle. You will hear the low, resonant rumble of long horns echoing across the valley, witness young monks studying their scriptures, and have the rare privilege of sitting in the main prayer hall during the pre-dawn puja (spiritual chanting). It is a rare chance to disconnect completely, quiet your mind, and absorb a level of pure stillness that is virtually impossible to find anywhere else on earth.
The Alpine Challenge: Conquering the Larkya La Pass
While the spiritual immersion at Serang Gompa centers your mind, the upper sections of the trek will fully test your body. As we leave the monastery and re-enter the main valley trail, the subtropical forests quickly give way to true alpine territory. The trees disappear entirely, replaced by sweeping views of glaciers, frozen rivers, and vast boulder fields. Villages like Lho and Samagaon offer jaw-dropping, front-row views of Mount Manaslu’s double-peaked summit rising to an astonishing 8,163 meters.
The ultimate physical test of this journey is the crossing of the Larkya La Pass. Standing at an elevation of 5,106 meters, this is a formidable high-altitude pass that requires mental resilience, careful acclimatization, and proper execution. The day of the pass crossing begins in the freezing, pitch-black hours before dawn. Under the glow of headlamps and with the crisp, thin air biting at your cheeks, you will slowly pull yourself up the steep moraine slopes.
The effort is demanding, but the reward at the summit is unforgettable. Standing amidst thousands of fluttering, colorful prayer flags, you will look out at a panoramic view of the grandest peaks in the world, including Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the massive wall of Annapurna II. The sense of personal achievement you will feel while standing at the top of the pass, looking down into the vast, emerald valley of Bimthang, is a feeling that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Nature, Culture, and Biodiversity in Harmony
Beyond the high peaks and the monasteries, the Manaslu Circuit with Serang Gompa is a masterclass in geographical diversity. Over the course of a single trek, you will walk through almost every climatic zone Nepal has to offer. You start in the warm, humid lowlands, trekking past rushing waterfalls, emerald terraced rice paddies, and steep river gorges carved out by the powerful Budhi Gandaki River.
As the altitude rises, you will step into the cooling shade of rhododendron and pine forests—which burst into vibrant shades of red, pink, and white if you travel during the spring season. Keep your eyes trained on the high cliffs, as this region is a safe sanctuary for rare Himalayan wildlife. It is incredibly common to spot herds of blue sheep (bharal) leaping effortlessly across vertical rock faces, cheeky langur monkeys swinging through the forest canopy, and majestically soaring golden eagles.
Culturally, the route acts as a living bridge between two distinct indigenous communities. In the lower elevations, you will interact with the welcoming Gurung people, learning about their rich traditions and agricultural lifestyles. As you ascend past Jagat, you will enter the domain of the Nubri people, whose language, traditional dress, and architecture are deeply intertwined with their ancient Tibetan roots. This seamless blend of raw nature, rich cultural heritage, and deep spiritual exploration makes the Serang Gompa Circuit the absolute pinnacle of Himalayan trekking.
You can explore our short Manaslu Base Camp Trek package that skips Larke La Pass crossing too! Or, you can do the Short Manaslu Trek in Nepal as well with us.
Please Note: The Serang Gompa detour branches completely away from the standard commercial trekking route. The trail to the monastery is steep, isolated, and rarely visited by western tourists. Facilities at the monastery are basic and communal; choosing this trek means embracing a rustic pilgrim lifestyle for a few days in exchange for unparalleled spiritual peace and authentic cultural immersion.
After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, the Roving Nepal Trek team will pick you up, help with your bags, and drive you straight to your hotel. Once you have unpacked and freshened up, you can spend your evening strolling through the lively, colorful streets of Thamel, grab a hot meal at a local restaurant, and meet your guide for a quick, relaxed trip briefing while we handle all your restricted area permits.
Max. altitude 1,400m / 4,593ft. We will pick you up early in the morning for a rugged, classic Nepali road trip. We will leave the city behind in a private 4WD vehicle, cruising down the Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli River before bouncing onto the dirt roads past Arughat. It is a long, 8-to-10-hour drive, but you will be glued to the window watching terraced emerald hillsides, rushing rivers, and small roadside villages roll by. By evening, we will pull into Machha Khola to rest up for the first real walking day.
Max. altitude 869m / 2,851ft. Lace up those boots, because today the real foot adventure begins! We will follow the winding trails right along the banks of the roaring Budhi Gandaki River. Early in the hike, we will pass through Tatopani, a tiny village famous for its natural riverside hot springs. We will cross a few thrilling, swaying suspension bridges and navigate rocky cliffs, sharing the path with local mule caravans. By late afternoon, we will clear the official entry checkpoint at the beautiful, stone-paved village of Jagat.
Max. altitude 1,340m / 4,396ft. Today, the scenery starts to shift as we register our restricted area permits and dive deeper into the valley. We will head uphill through the gorgeous Gurung settlement of Philim, tracking high above the river canyons. As we move further north, you will notice the culture transforming—the classic terraced fields give way to alpine barley plots, and traditional chortens begin to line the trails. We will settle down for a peaceful night in the quiet village of Bihi.
Max. altitude 2,130m / 6,988ft. Get ready for a unique, soul-stirring day. We will break away from the standard commercial trekking trail and head straight up into the isolated Kyimolung Beyul. It is a tough, continuous 4-to-5-hour uphill grind through dense, enchanted forests of pine and wild rhododendron, but the reward at the top is pure magic. The trees open up to reveal the magnificent Serang Gompa, sitting quietly under the dramatic, snowy peaks of Shringi Himal. Tonight, we leave the teahouses behind to sleep inside the sacred monastery walls.
Max. altitude 3,100m / 10,171ft. If you are up for it, wake up early to join the resident monks for their morning prayers and a cup of warm butter tea. The calm, spiritual energy here is unforgettable. After receiving a traditional travel blessing, we will start a long, steady descent back down through the deep forest valleys. We will cross back over the river, snapping photos of incredible hidden waterfalls, and spend a cozy evening resting up in the tiny forest settlement of Ghap.
Max. altitude 2,397m / 7,864ft. Today’s walk takes us through dense, mossy woodlands where you can frequently spot curious langur monkeys playing in the tree canopy. As we climb higher, the valley widens significantly, and you will catch your very first, jaw-dropping clear view of Mount Manaslu’s North Face. We will end our day in Lho, a bustling mountain village dominated by the beautiful, sprawling Ribung Monastery.
Max. altitude 3,180m / 10,433ft. We will take it relatively easy today with a shorter, highly scenic 3-to-4-hour walk. We will stroll through the high-altitude pastures of Shyala, completely surrounded by a massive, 360-degree amphitheater of snow-capped peaks. By afternoon, we will arrive at Samagaon, the largest and most culturally vibrant Nubri settlement in the entire region. Take the afternoon to rest, explore the local stone alleys, or chat with the friendly locals.
Max. altitude 3,530m / 11,581ft. We are quite high up now, so taking a rest day is crucial to let your body adjust to the thin air. But "rest" doesn't mean staying in bed all day! We will go on a gentle, essential acclimatization hike up to Birendra Tal, a stunning, ice-cold turquoise glacial lake sitting right beneath the massive icefalls of Mount Manaslu. It is a fantastic spot for photography and lets you stretch your legs without overexerting yourself before the high camps.
Max. altitude 4,800m / 15,748ft. As we leave Samagaon, you will feel the landscape becoming distinctly wilder and more rugged. The tree line is long gone, replaced by low alpine shrubs and wide tundra plains. We will follow the shrinking Budhi Gandaki River upward, tracking close to the ancient trading border of Tibet. It is a slow, steady walk that brings us to Samdo, a remote yak-herding village where traditional stone houses hide from the cold mountain winds.
Max. altitude 3,870m / 12,697ft. Today is all about slow, deliberate pacing. We will cross a final old market ground where Tibetan traders used to gather and head up the desolate alpine slopes toward Larkya Phedi. The air is noticeably thinner here, so we will take plenty of short breathing breaks. We will arrive at the basic, high-altitude outpost of Dharamsala by early afternoon. You will want to pack your gear, eat a hearty dinner, and get to bed early for the big climb tomorrow.
Max. altitude 4,460m / 14,633ft. This is the big day! We will wake you up with a hot drink around 4:00 AM, lace up our boots, slip on our microspikes, and head out under the stars. The slow, steady pull up to the pass is challenging, but arriving at the summit of Larkya La (5,106m) amidst thousands of prayer flags is an absolute peak life experience. After soaking in the unreal, panoramic views of Annapurna II and Himlung Himal, we will make a long, steep descent down the moraines to the beautiful, grassy valley of Bimthang.
Max. altitude 5,106m / 16,752ft. After yesterday’s massive effort, today is a total joy. We will leave the high alpine rocks behind and descend rapidly into lush, green pastures and thick forests of rhododendron and pine. Your knees and lungs will thank you as the air grows thicker and warmer with every mile. We will pass through beautiful, isolated summer settlements and wrap up our hiking day in the lovely Gurung village of Tilije.
Max. altitude 2,300m / 7,546ft. Our walking days are officially complete! We will hop into a rugged local vehicle from Tilije to Besisahar, where we will switch to our private transport for the smooth drive back down the Prithvi Highway to Kathmandu. After checking back into your hotel and enjoying a long, hot shower, the entire Roving Nepal Trek team will host you for a wonderful farewell dinner to celebrate your successful Himalayan journey!
Max. altitude 1,400m / 4,593ft. · Permits Required: You will need a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit. Similarly, you also need the Chhumnubri Rural Municipality entry permit.
· Group Regulatory Law: Solo trekking was prohibited until 2026 but it is open for solo trekker too. Even if you are allowed to trek solo, you must hire a trekking guide from registered trekking company.
· Physical Demand: This is a strenuous trek requiring excellent physical conditioning, as it involves steep uphill forest climbs to Serang Gompa and a demanding high-pass crossing.
Your Start Date is the day you land in Nepal, and your End Date is when you fly home.
If the set Manaslu Circuit Trek with Serang Gompa group dates don’t suit your schedule, we can offer alternative dates upon request.
The standard Manaslu Circuit follows the main valley floor along the Budhi Gandaki River. By introducing the Serang Gompa detour, you break away into the Kyimolung Beyul, a hidden valley protected by sacred geography. This detour introduces a deep spiritual element to the trek. You aren't just passing by cultural monuments; you are actively staying inside a working, 500-year-old monastery, sharing spaces with young monks, and experiencing Himalayan Buddhist culture in its most isolated, authentic, and living form.
Yes, solo trekking is completely open in the Manaslu region due to its recent news on classification as a government-restricted zone near the border of Tibet. The Government of Nepal requires all trekkers to book through an authorized agency like Roving Nepal Trek. Your permit application requires a minimum of two registered trekkers traveling together, and you must be accompanied by a government-licensed, professional guide from the moment you pass the first checkpoint until you clear the conservation boundaries.
Over the course of the 14 trekking days, you will cover a total trail distance of approximately 160 to 175 kilometers, depending on the exact side excursions we take. On a typical day, you can expect to be on your feet walking for about 5 to 7 hours. The longest and most demanding day by far is the pass-crossing day from Dharamsala over the Larkya La Pass to Bimthang, which can easily take between 8 to 10 hours of sustained high-altitude walking.
You will need high-quality, ankle-supportive trekking boots that are completely waterproof. The terrain varies wildly from muddy forest paths to loose gravel, rocky moraines, and snowfields. It is absolutely vital that your boots are thoroughly broken in several weeks before arriving in Nepal to avoid painful blisters. We also highly recommend packing several pairs of moisture-wicking merino wool trekking socks and lightweight camp shoes for the evenings.
While you do not need full mountaineering boots, crampons, or ropes, carrying a pair of lightweight, flexible microspikes is strongly recommended. Depending on your trekking season (especially during early spring or late autumn), the high slopes of Larkya La can be covered in hard, slick glacial ice or compacted snow. Microspikes stretch over regular hiking boots and provide the necessary traction to safely descend the steep western side of the pass into Bimthang without slipping.
This route requires a higher baseline of fitness than standard tea-house treks. You should begin a dedicated cardio and strength regimen at least 8 to 12 weeks before departure. Focus on leg strength (squats and lunges) and high-intensity cardiovascular training (stairmaster, trail running, or hiking with a weighted backpack). The climb to Serang Gompa is a sustained, unrelenting uphill through dense forests, and the crossing of Larkya La Pass requires walking on loose scree and snow at 5,106 meters for up to 9 hours.
You will need high-quality, ankle-supportive trekking boots that are completely waterproof. The terrain varies wildly from muddy forest paths to loose gravel, rocky moraines, and snowfields. It is absolutely vital that your boots are thoroughly broken in several weeks before arriving in Nepal to avoid painful blisters. We also highly recommend packing several pairs of moisture-wicking merino wool trekking socks and lightweight camp shoes for the evenings.
Accommodation at Serang Gompa is very basic, rustic, and communal. The monastery provides simple rooms or dormitory spaces with thin mattresses and shared bucket-flush toilets. There are no luxury amenities, heated rooms, or private attached bathrooms. Trekkers are expected to bring a high-quality, cold-weather sleeping bag to stay warm. The experience is designed to be a respectful immersion into the monastic lifestyle, focusing on spiritual quietude rather than modern comfort.
Along the main trekking trail, tea houses offer an extensive menu featuring Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice and vegetables), noodles, eggs, pancakes, and basic pasta. However, while staying at Serang Gompa, you will eat simple, purely vegetarian meals prepared by the monastery kitchen. The typical fare consists of traditional Tibetan bread, tsampa (roasted barley flour), vegetable noodle soups, potatoes, and plenty of butter tea or hot water. Meat and alcohol are strictly forbidden within the sacred monastery grounds.
Yes, safe water is accessible throughout the entire route. You can purchase boiled, filtered water directly from the teahouses for a small fee, which also helps support the local mountain communities. Alternatively, you can fill your bottles from clean local taps and treat the water using purification tablets, chlorine drops, or a reliable UV filter system. We recommend carrying two 1-liter wide-mouth water bottles or a durable hydration bladder that can withstand boiling water.
The premier trekking windows are Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May). Autumn offers exceptionally clear blue skies, crisp mountain air, and the highest probability of snow-free trail conditions over the Larkya La Pass. Spring brings spectacular displays of blooming rhododendron and wildflower forests on the climb to Serang Gompa, though there may be more leftover winter snow on the high pass. Trekking during the summer monsoon is highly discouraged due to landslide risks in the gorges.
Temperatures drop drastically as you climb past 4,000 meters. At the high camp in Dharamsala and during the early morning push over the Larkya La Pass (5,106m), nighttime and pre-dawn temperatures routinely plummet well below freezing, ranging between -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F). Wind chill factors on the exposed ridges can make it feel significantly colder, requiring you to wear heavy down insulation, windproof gear, thermal gloves, and beanies.
Late November brings incredibly clear skies and thin crowds, but it also marks the arrival of dropping temperatures. Trails up to the high pass can become icy overnight due to freezing meltwater. The days are noticeably shorter, meaning early morning starts are mandatory to arrive at your next teahouse before the freezing shadows blanket the valleys. You must ensure your down layers and sleeping bags are rated for deep winter conditions.
Our itinerary incorporates a gradual elevation progression and a dedicated acclimatization day in Samagaon before ascending to high camps. Our guides are comprehensively trained in wilderness first aid and early symptom detection of AMS. They monitor your oxygen saturation levels daily using pulse oximeters. If a trekker shows signs of severe altitude sickness, our team will initiate an immediate, controlled descent to lower elevations. We also maintain a reliable communication network to coordinate helicopter evacuations if an emergency arises.
Roving Nepal Trek practices strict, ethical porter treatment guidelines. We assign one porter for every two trekkers, and the maximum weight allowed per porter is 20 to 25 kilograms (approx. 44 to 55 pounds). This means your individual duffel bag should not exceed 10 to 12.5 kg. You will carry your own small daypack containing essential personal items like water bottles, rain gear, a camera, extra layers, sunblock, and valuable documents.
Every single guide deployed by Roving Nepal Trek is a government-certified professional who speaks fluent English and has multiple years of experience navigating the high-altitude restricted zones of Nepal. They possess extensive knowledge regarding local Tibetan Buddhist culture, regional geography, trail safety, and environmental conservation. They act as your ultimate link to the local communities, helping translate conversations and explaining the unique history behind monuments like Serang Gompa.
The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) cost varies by season. From September to November, it costs USD 100 per person for the first seven days, plus USD 15 per day thereafter. From December to August, the price drops to USD 75 for the first seven days and USD 10 per day after. Additionally, you must pay for the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, which cost roughly NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 23) each. All of these fees are fully managed and processed by Roving Nepal Trek prior to your departure.
Because this trek requires the processing of specialized, restricted area government permits and coordination with an isolated monastery, we highly recommend booking your trip at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance. During the peak autumn season, tea house spaces in small villages like Dharamsala and room allocations at Serang Gompa fill up very quickly. Early booking ensures we can secure the necessary permits, experienced guides, and the best available accommodation for your journey.
Our package covers your core permits, accommodation, transport, and standard meals. However, personal expenses are not included. You will need local currency (Nepalese Rupees) to pay for luxury items like hot showers, device charging fees, Wi-Fi access codes, bottled beverages, extra snacks, alcoholic drinks, and tips for your hardworking guides and porters. There are no active ATMs beyond the first driving day, so carrying adequate cash is vital.
| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 1 | $2,100 |
| 2 - 4 | $1,700 |
| 5 - 10 | $1,649 |
| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 1 | $1,150 |
| 2 - 4 | $1,000 |
| 4 - 8 | $970 |
| 8 - 15 | $950 |
| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 1 | $1,200 |
| 2 - 4 | $850 |
| 4 - 8 | $800 |
| 8 - 15 | $750 |
| 15 - 30 | $700 |
| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 1 | $1,700 |
| 2 - 4 | $1,400 |
| 4 - 6 | $1,350 |
| 6 - 10 | $1,300 |
| 10 - 20 | $1,250 |
