Manaslu Circuit With Serang Gompa Trek

Welcome to the Himalayas, Nepal. After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and assist with your transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. The drive offers your first glimpse of the vibrant streets of the capital, historic temples, and daily local life. Once at the hotel, you can check in, rest, and recover from your flight. After that, you may take a short walk around the narrow alleys of Thamel, a trekker’s paradise filled with gear shops, money exchange counters, and cozy cafes.

Then, you gather with your guide and fellow trekkers for a detailed trek briefing. The guide goes over the itinerary, verifies permits, and inspects your gear. Use this session to get important trail details, ask any questions to make sure you are fully ready for the adventure ahead. You can stop by a nearby trekking shop to pick up any last-minute gear you may have missed. After that, you can enjoy a local’s and traveler’s favourite, Dal Bhat, and enjoy a restful sleep.

The second day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Serang Gompa starts with a drive from the busy streets of Kathmandu to the quieter hills of the Gorkha District on a public bus. You follow the Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli River, where the road gradually shifts from smooth pavement to rougher tracks after Arughat. Along the ride, terraced rice fields, green hillsides, and small roadside villages give you your first clear view of rural Nepal.

As the drive continues, you may notice farmers working in millet and maize fields, waterfalls flowing down steep slopes, and deep river gorges beside the road. The busy bazaars slowly disappear, and the surroundings feel more remote. After a long bus journey, you finally reach Machhakhola (869 M) late in the afternoon. Here, you settle into a local lodge near the Budhi Gandaki River.

Insider Tip: For a more comfortable ride on the public bus, keep a water bottle with you and use a buff or scarf to protect against dust.

Today marks the official start of your Manaslu Serang Gompa Trek as you follow the Budhi Gandaki River from Machhakhola toward Jagat. Early in the walk, you pass through Tatopani, a small settlement famous for its natural hot springs. Then, the trail continues through the villages of Dobhan and Yaruphant, moving along forested riverbanks, climbing over rocky sections, and crossing several high suspension bridges. You may spot mule trains carrying essentials, langur monkeys in the canopy, or hear birds calling from the cliffs above.

Along this route in the rugged lower Manaslu region, you also see impressive waterfalls and traditional stone-built villages that showcase the local Gurung culture. By afternoon, you reach the stone-paved village of Jagat (1,400 M), the official entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area. Here, authorities verify your restricted area permits before you enter the village and settle in for the night.

Insider Tip: When you hear mule bells, always move to the uphill side of the trail and let the animals pass first.

On day four of your trek, you officially enter the Manaslu Conservation Area, and the trail begins to feel more remote. Leaving Jagat, you pass through the stone houses of Salleri and Sirdibas before reaching the large Gurung village of Philim, where authorities check your permits once more. The path leads through bamboo forests, across the Pewa Khola, and along rocky sections that climb gradually toward the Ekle Bhatti junction.

As you gain elevation, the first clear views of Shiringi Himal appear, offering a striking glimpse of the higher peaks ahead. The walk feels quieter, with only the sound of mule caravans and the river below. You pass traditional mani walls, which you should always pass on your left, and continue toward Deng (1,860 M), where you stay in a simple lodge. The scent of wood smoke and the style of the houses clearly reflect the growing Tibetan cultural influence of the upper valley.

Insider Tip: In spring, the sun can feel strong at this elevation, so carrying high-SPF sunscreen is recommended.

From Deng, the trail showcases a deeper Buddhist influence as you walk past the settlements of Rana and Bihi Phedi. After crossing a high suspension bridge over the roaring Budhi Gandaki, the path follows forested sections of fir and rhododendron with steady, manageable climbs. Along the way, you pass terraced fields of barley and buckwheat where yaks graze in open pastures.

Then, a final short climb leads you away from the river to Bihi Village (2,130 M). This quiet settlement features traditional stone-roofed houses and a way of life that feels unchanged by time. You settle into a local teahouse for the evening. Surrounded by green hills, you can hear gentle flutters of prayer flags in the mountain wind. This tranquil setting provides the perfect space to rest and prepare your mind for the spiritual journey toward the sacred Serang Gompa.

Insider Tip: Always move clockwise near the mani walls and chortens to respect local Buddhist traditions.

On day six, you finally reach the “Hidden Valley of Happiness” at Serang Gompa (3,100 M). Officially known as Sancen Rabten Norbuling, this sacred Beyul was blessed by Guru Rinpoche as a sanctuary of peace. The journey to the gompa from Bihi Phedi is a true test of stamina. The trail leaves the main Manaslu Trek route behind and crosses a long wooden bridge before rising steeply through dense pine and juniper forests. With no teahouses along this rugged climb, you need to rely on your packed lunch and withstand the quiet of the wilderness.

As you gain altitude, the views open up to reveal the massive south face of Shringi Himal guarding the valley. Here, you might spot langur monkeys, Himalayan tahr, and wild goats that often wander peacefully into the monastery grounds. By afternoon, you ascend the final stone steps to reach Serang Gompa, a 500-year-old center of Buddhist learning. You stay at the monastery guesthouse itself. This unique experience offers you the chance to join the monks for evening prayers as the golden roof ornaments catch the last mountain light. Just make sure you have warm layers ready because as soon as the sun sets, the air turns sharp and cold.

Descending from the quiet forests of Serang Gompa, you follow a steep but well-maintained path. You first walk through thick pine and rhododendron woods where the air smells of evergreens, and you might see Himalayan tahr on the cliffs. You can enjoy wide views of Shiringi Himal and the surrounding green hills throughout the descent.

As you get lower, the trail crosses several wooden and bamboo bridges over fast-flowing streams fed by glaciers. You pass the remote village of Kwak before rejoining the main river trail. By late afternoon, you reach Ghap at 2,170 M, where a simple lodge awaits. This day helps you catch your breath at a lower altitude before the climb toward Namrung.

Insider Tip: Use trekking poles for the first part of the walk to avoid knee strain during the steep forest descent.

Leaving Ghap, the trek starts with a steady climb through a narrow gorge along the Budhi Gandaki River. You cross suspension bridges and walk through thick oak and bamboo forests, where rhododendrons bloom brightly during spring. Keep an eye out for Himalayan monal or grey langur monkeys in the trees. After a while, you reach Namrung, where your permits are checked with views of Shringi Himal and Ganesh Himal in the background. From here on, you enter the Upper Nubri region, where you get your first full view of Mt. Manaslu.

The trail then passes through Lihi, known for its terraced fields and old chortens. After that, you cross the Hinan River toward Sho village, where Ngadi Chuli and Manaslu North rise above the valley. Finally reaching 3,180 M, Lho feels deeply spiritual, with Ribung Gompa and its mani walls shaping the village atmosphere. After checking in at the hotel, walk 10 minutes uphill to the Ribung Monastery viewpoint before sunset for the best photo of Mt. Manaslu. On your return, you may spot yaks grazing beneath Naike Peak, creating a classic Himalayan scene worth capturing.

Insider Tip: Carry your headlamp with extra batteries. Keep them in the inner pocket as the trail plunges into total darkness and freezing temperatures immediately after sunset.

Leaving Lho, the trek enters the heart of the Nubri region with a shorter route designed for acclimatization. The trail initially descends through forests of pine and rhododendron, crossing the Budhi Gandaki before climbing to a plateau at Shyala Village. Here, you are rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views of Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29), Himalchuli, and Ganesh Himal. The village is also home to a beautiful Buddhist monastery, coloured red and gold, which stands out against the snow-capped backdrop.

The path then opens into wide alpine meadows where yaks graze. Along the way, you will see Bhotia villagers in traditional woolen chubas, maintaining a century-old way of life. By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive at Samagaun village, a major hub featuring stone-paved streets, the ancient Sama Gompa, and views of the massive Manaslu Glacier. The nights here can be freezing, so make sure you bring a four-season sleeping bag rated to -15 °C.

The tenth day of the Manaslu Serang Gompa Trek is reserved for a rest and acclimatization day in Samagaun. You start the day early, around 6:00 AM, and slowly begin a gentle hike to Birendra Lake (3,691 M), a turquoise glacial lake fed directly by the Manaslu Glacier. The trail follows a well-marked path through rocky ridges and small bushes. Walking through, you can hear the crack of shifting ice and spot pikas, marmots, or even blue sheep on the steep slopes.

After 45 minutes to 1.5 hours of walking, you witness the emerald waters flawlessly reflecting Manaslu, the Mountain of the Spirit. While some trekkers choose the longer, more spiritual climb to the ancient Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp, the lake offers a more relaxed pace. You return to the stone-paved streets of Samagaun by afternoon and enjoy the rest of your day with the Nubri people. Share a cup of traditional butter tea to deepen your understanding of their ancient Tibetan heritage and forge a closer connection to their resilient way of life.

Insider Tip: Wear a windproof jacket for this day, as the high-altitude air remains biting even on bright days.

The trek climbs higher into the rugged trans-Himalayan landscape toward Dharamsala (4,460 M), also called Larkya Phedi. After leaving Samdo, you descend to a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki and continue to the old site of Larkya Bazaar. This was once a seasonal market where Tibetan trade routes met. From here, the trail rises steadily across rocky ridges and open alpine meadows. Vegetation becomes sparse, limited to hardy juniper and dwarf rhododendron.

At this altitude, the air feels thin, and every step demands a calm, steady rhythm. You walk beside the vast Larkya Glacier before reaching Dharamsala. Unlike the villages below, this is a seasonal stop with simple stone lodges and tent shelters used as a base before crossing Larkya La Pass. Here, the atmosphere feels raw, quiet, and isolated, with occasional sightings of Himalayan tahr on the slopes or the sound of yak bells in the distance.

Insider Tip: Fill your water bottles before bed and keep them inside your sleeping bag. Water can freeze overnight at this height, leaving you without drinking water for the early climb.

The day begins around 3:00 AM for the challenging climb to Larkya La Pass (5,106 M), the highest point of the Manaslu trek. Under the headlamp light, you cross frozen moraines and follow the edge of the Larkya Glacier, passing four icy lakes and long rocky ridges as the air grows thinner and colder. You maintain a slow, steady pace and push on to reach the summit before sunrise. Then it comes into view, lined with prayer flags and a stone chorten. At the top, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II rise across the horizon, slowly glowing as the first sunlight hits their peaks. The wind flows cold, but the views are so stunning that they make this the best moment of the whole journey.

From the pass, the trail drops steeply for more than 1,500 M. This descent demands focus as you move over loose rocks and patches of snow. Gradually, the dry high-altitude landscape shifts to greener terrain, with Ponkar Lake below marking the meeting point of large glaciers. By late afternoon, you arrive at Bimthang (3,720 M). Here, wide meadows, pine forests, and grazing yaks welcome you after the cold and effort of the pass. This lower altitude brings relief and a deep sense of achievement after the hardest day of the trek.

Insider Tip: Tighten knee supports and shorten trekking poles before the long descent to Bimthang.

After the challenging crossing of the Larkya La Pass yesterday, today you will make a long descent on the Manaslu Circuit with Serang Gompa Trekking trail. The day begins early with a gentle downhill climb. You will trek through alpine meadows and green yak pastures. Similarly, you will pass by colorful prayer flags, mani walls, and small stupas that reflect the region’s deeply rooted religion. After descending for an hour or two, the landscape changes from alpine meadows to dense forests of pine, rhododendron, and fir. There are also small streams, which you will cross over small stone bridges. 

The trail continues to descend, and it gets steeper as you approach the Modi Khola River valley. You will pass by several remote villages with mani walls and teahouses along the way. Trekking through the dense forest, you can get occasional glimpses of the snow-capped vistas of the Himalayas in the distance. For the final stretch, you will make a steady downhill through small villages and terraced farms. As the elevation grows lower, you will notice the air getting warmer and more humid. The route will take you to Tilije, where you will spend the night. 

Insider Tip: It is a long descent, so start the trek early. Some sections are steep and narrow, so use a trekking pole to reduce strain on your knees and maintain balance.

Today is the final day on the Manaslu Circuit with Serang Gompa Trek. Early in the morning, you will get on a local jeep from Tilije to Besisahar. You will drive through the winding, bumpy mountain road, passing by small villages and farmland along the Marshyangdhi River. The road also takes you past rural villages with traditional stone houses and suspension bridges. After driving for a while, the vehicle descends through the mid-hills and takes you to Besisahar. 

From Besisahar, you will take a public bus to Kathmandu. As you leave Besisahar, the views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks get distant. The bus gradually descends towards the Trishuli River. The winding road is narrow, and there are several small settlements and shops along the way for quick refreshment stops. From the Trishuli area, the road merges with the Prithvi Highway. You will drive past roadside towns like Dhunche, Malekhu, and Mugling. These towns, green hills, and mountain river gorges offer one last glimpse of the charming Nepalese countryside.

Upon reaching Kathmandu, we will drop you off at your hotel. In the evening, we will hold a farewell dinner to celebrate the success of the journey. With this, your trek to Manaslu Circuit with Serang Gompa comes to an end. Thank you for choosing Himalaya Guide Nepal!

Insider Tip: Keep a water bottle with you and use a buff or scarf to protect against dust.