Manaslu Circuit with Serang Gompa trek
Nepal

• We organise a 13-day trek around Manaslu. This itinerary has been designed to help your acclimatisation before crossing the Larkya La high pass. This includes the side trips "climb high, sleep low" and two nights for essential acclimatisation at Samagaon (3,450m) and Samdo (3,860m).
• We include all meals at the teahouse lodges (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner) while on the trek. Importantly, we clearly define what dishes and drinks we provide so there is no confusion in terms of what is allowed. Given the amount of food and drinks we include, there should be no need to spend any extra money on additional food.
• We are Himalayan trekking specialists having operated trips in Nepal for many years. Roland Hunter has designed the itinerary from his first-hand experience of this trek based on a reconnaissance trek in April 2026.
• Our AITO Traveller Reviews for Manaslu Circuit have a holiday rating of 100%. Based on client feedback we won the 2018 Gold Award as AITO Tour Operator of the Year. Read more about our Testimonials and Awards.
• We review weather forecasts for the Manaslu region throughout the duration of this trek.
• We send a Thuraya satellite phone on our group treks in Nepal. Your leader will have reliable communications for logistics, planning, and group safety.
• We provide the porters with windproof jackets & trousers and shelter. We follow International Porter Protection Group (“IPPG”) guidelines.
• We bring a comprehensive medical aid kit.
• Our team with first-hand knowledge of this trek provides pre-trip support. During high season we have someone from our UK Operations team based in Kathmandu.

Flying into Kathmandu on a clear day is in itself an unforgettable experience. The Himalayan peaks are only a short distance north of the capital of Nepal as seen from the plane. After customs at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will pass into the passenger pick-up area outside. You will see a Mountain Company signboard. Our representative will be waiting to welcome you to Nepal. After transferring to your hotel we will give you a full trek briefing. The rest of the day will be yours to explore Kathmandu and to make final preparations for the trek. You will hear the Nepalese word for hello ‘Namaste’, you will never forget that word after this holiday.

This is a one day guided sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley. We visit three out of the seven World Heritage Sites. You start off by visiting Patan Durbar Square. Afterward, you drive to the Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath. The last stop of the day at the Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath. The tour is likely to finish around 4 pm and the rest of the day is free to further explore Kathmandu.

Three major towns in the valley, Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. Each place has great artistic and architectural traditions. Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city in the country. Patan, the second-largest separated from Kathmandu by the Bagmati river. Bhaktapur, the third-largest, is towards the eastern end of the valley. Its relative isolation reflected in its slower pace and more medieval atmosphere. In Kathmandu, there is a bustle of activity, especially in the bazaars and markets. While the city has expanded it is possible to see traditional buildings and temples.

We leave Kathmandu early in the morning by private four wheel drive vehicle. After exiting the Kathmandu valley we follow the road towards Pokhara called the Prithvi Highway. After about 32km from Kathmandu, we turn off the main road and cross a bridge over the Trishuli River. From this junction it is another 65km to the town of Arughat. This place used to be the starting point for the Manaslu trek although these days the road has been extended up the Budhi Gandaki valley. 

Over the years we have driven further northwards given the improving condition of the road. After our reconnaissance trek in April 2026 we decided to drive up to Jagat (whereas in 2025 we stopped at Maccha Khola). There are limited options for alternative hiking trails away from the jeep track so it makes sense to drive as far as it is safe to do so. After the busy market town of Arughat, the road is no longer hard-topped. It is likely to be quite dusty so it is a good idea to bring a buff or scarf along with you. For the first night of the Manaslu Circuit & Serang Gompa trek, we stay at one of the tea houses in the Gurung village of Jagat.

Important Transport Note: The drive from Maccha Khola to Jagat requires a 4WD vehicle and is highly dependent on local weather. During periods of heavy rain, this unpaved road is susceptible to landslides and rockfalls. While there is a strong probability we will be able to drive to Jagat safely, our team will assess the road conditions on the day. If driving is deemed unsafe or blocked by landslides, the trekking portion of our journey will commence from Maccha Khola instead. This adjustment would result in a single-night stay in Samagaon. Our standard itinerary for Manaslu Circuit trek has been designed with a robust acclimatisation schedule, meaning in this scenario we have sufficient flexibility to maintain a safe ascent profile.

The trek begins from the village of Jagat. After checking through the restricted area permit checkpoint, you will follow the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail gently ascends through a landscape of terraced fields growing corn, millet, and potatoes, leading you to the small settlement of Salleri, which rewards you with your first stunning views of Sringi Himal (7,187m). From Salleri, the trail descends briefly to Sirdibas, a traditional Buddhist village adorned with its first sights of local chortens. You will cross a long, suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki to reach Philim (1,590m), a large, prosperous Gurung village. Philim serves as a great spot to take a break and soak in the views of the surrounding cascading waterfalls split across the valley walls.

Heading north out of Philim, the trail flattens out temporarily across the fields before narrowing sharply. You will trek through lush, dense forests of bamboo and rhododendron, keeping an eye out for the local grey langur monkeys. You will pass spectacular waterfalls cascading down the sheer cliffs of the gorge before arriving at Ekle Bhatti (which translates literally to "lonely teahouse"), a small settlement perfectly positioned for an overnight rest.

Setting out from Ekle Bhatti (1,600m), you will immediately feel the dramatic presence of the towering cliffs enclosing the Budhi Gandaki River. Shortly after starting, you will pass the important trail junction. The right-hand path heads northeast toward Lokpa and the restricted Tsum Valley, while you will follow the left-hand trail, staying on the main Manaslu Circuit. The trail enters a narrow, dramatic gorge section. You will walk on paths carved directly into the cliffside, crossing the rushing river over high suspension bridges. The vegetation shifts beautifully from subtropical sub-alpine mix into dense bamboo, rhododendron, and blue pine forests.

After a series of undulating ups and downs and a steady climb, you will reach the small, rustic settlement of Deng. The cultural landscape changes visibly—you will begin passing your first Mani walls (stone tablets carved with Buddhist mantras) and colorful prayer flags. From Deng, the trail drops briefly to cross the Budhi Gandaki once more before beginning a steep, switchbacking climb through the forest up to the hamlets of Rana and Bihi Phedi. From the Phedi (the foot of the hill), a final, steady push up stone steps brings you to the main village of Bihi. Perched on a high terrace above the river, Bihi treats you to incredible views of the surrounding valley and your first glimpses of snow-capped peaks like Mount Siringi (7,187m). The local architecture here features stacked stone houses, reflecting the distinct Tibetan-Buddhist heritage of the Nubri people.

The trail from Bihi Village to Serang Gompa leaves the main trekking route that the vast majority of Manaslu Circuit groups follow up the Budhi Gandaki valley. Instead we do a rarely walked side trip up to a Buddhist monastery called Serang Gompa nestled right at the foot of Shringi Himal. Today’s hike is a sustained, demanding uphill climb of nearly 1,000m on a trail with some exposure although it follows a well constructed concrete path with hand railings on the steeper sections.

Serang Gompa is situated in the Kyimolung Valley, which is officially recognised as one of the major “beyuls” of the Himalayas. In Tibetan Buddhism, a beyul is a "hidden valley" or sacred sanctuary.  When you make the steep trek up from Bihi Village to Serang Gompa, you are stepping across a spiritual threshold into a valley that has been deliberately isolated and preserved as a peaceful sanctuary for over 1,200 years.

The trail sharply ascends through a dense forest of oaks, pines, and vibrant rhododendrons (which burst into colour if you are trekking in the spring). Because this trail is used by a very small number of trekkers, the path feels very wild and serene. As you gain altitude, the trees begin to thin out, revealing dramatic cliffside views and deep river gorges cutting through the valley below. The final approach to Serang Gompa (3,100m) feels like stepping into a beyul. The dramatic, snow-capped mass of Shringi Himal (7,167m) stands guard directly behind the monastery complex. Serang Gompa itself is an active Buddhist sanctuary where monks and nuns practice in deep isolation. Arriving here offers an incredible sense of peace, and the basic monastery lodge accommodation allows you to witness evening prayers and experience authentic Himalayan spirituality.

This is another day hike on a beautiful, lesser-travelled side trip off the main trekking route of the Manaslu Circuit. Descending from the high-altitude sanctuary of Serang Gompa back down to the main trail at Ghap follows a different trail to the one we took up yesterday from Bihi village. Our trail traverses and stays high above the valley floor. Because this trail is rarely walked by other trekking groups, you will likely have the entire wilderness to yourself. It offers a raw, untouched trekking experience—undisturbed wildlife and pristine mountain vistas. The trail eventually meets the roaring Budhi Gandaki River, where you will make a final approach into Ghap (2,400m). Ghap is a Tibetan-influenced settlement nestled by the Buddhi Gandaki river so we are now back on the main trekking trail.

The day begins by leaving the stone houses of Ghap and crossing a suspension bridge back over the roaring Budhi Gandaki River. You will enter a dense, pristine forest dominated by towering firs, oaks, giant bamboo, and vibrant rhododendron trees. After a few hours of climbing through the forest and conquering steep stone staircases, the trail opens up to the village of Namrung (2,660m). On a clear day, you will get your first dramatic glimpses of Simnang Himal and Ribung Gompa.

Leaving Namrung, you will trek past carved Mani walls (stones inscribed with Buddhist mantras), colourful prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze, and ancient chortens. The trail passes through the scenic farming villages of Lihi and Sho, where locals grow barley and potatoes. As you pass Sho, the massive twin-peaked mass of Mount Manaslu (8,163m) and Manaslu North break dramatically into view at the head of the valley. The final stretch features one last, demanding uphill push along a ridge slope before opening up into the expansive amphitheater of Lho (3,020m). Lho is a traditional village crowned by the majestic Ribung Monastery perched on a hill above.

This segment of the Manaslu Circuit is short but very scenic, transitioning from the lower alpine region deeper into the high Himalayan territory. Because the distance is shorter, this is also a recovery day to rest your legs, explore cultural sites like Ribung Gompa, and acclimatise your body to the high altitude as you cross above 3,400m. This will help you for the more challenging hike tomorrow to Pungyen Gompa at 4,000m.

Before starting on the main trail, we will make the steep, short hike up to the Ribung Monastery. Perched dramatically on a hill overlooking the village, it offers wonderful morning views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m) as the sun hits its eastern face. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma school (the "Ancient Ones"), which is the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The local population of Lho and the surrounding villages are ethnically Tibetan (known as the Nubri people), and they hold Ribung in incredibly high regard.

Leaving Lho, the trail descends briefly through a thick forest of pine and rhododendron down toward the riverbed. You will cross a wooden bridge over a small tributary stream before beginning a steady, gradual climb back up the valley. The trail passes through alpine meadows and pastures, where the gorge begins to open up significantly. As you approach Shyala (3,400m), the trees thin out, revealing an amphitheater of snow-capped peaks including Mount Manaslu, Himal Chuli (7,893m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871m), and Peak 29 (7,871m).

From Shyala village (3,400m), you will turn off the main trekking trail and onto the steep, winding path that climbs toward the Pungyen glacier. The trail transitions from lush forest to open alpine meadows and rugged yak pasture, As you crest the high plateau, the landscape completely opens up into a glacial valley. Directly ahead of you sits Pungyen Gompa (4,000m), dwarfed by the sheer, intimidating south face of Mount Manaslu. Take your time to explore the small, peaceful monastery buildings, interact with any residing monks, and eat a packed lunch surrounded by one of the most dramatic mountain amphitheaters in the Himalayas. Leaving the sacred plateau behind, you will retrace your steps down the grassy moraine slopes. We take a different trail that descends towards Samagaon rather than going back to Shyala. Once you rejoin the main valley trail, you'll make the final, gentle approach into Samagaon (3,450m). Nestled in a wide valley basin, this large, flat village is rich with fluttering chortens, low-slung stone homes, and local yak herders—making it the perfect base for your well-deserved rest and acclimatisation days ahead.

We spend two nights at Samagaon to help acclimatise to the high altitude. Your objective for the day is a hike to the halfway point of the trail leading to Manaslu Base Camp. Leaving Samagaon behind, you will initially skirt the edges of the turquoise Birendra Tal (Glacial Lake). From there, the trail begins its steep ascent through alpine meadows and juniper bushes. As you reach the halfway mark (roughly 4,100m), the terrain opens up dramatically. You are rewarded with spectacular views of the massive Manaslu Glacier tumbling down from the heights, alongside the intimidating, jagged walls of Mount Manaslu (8,163m)—the world’s eighth-highest peak—and its neighbouring summit, Naike Peak.

Our suggestion is not to push all the way to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m), although this may be possible if anyone feels motivated to do it. There is a tea shop at an altitude of 4,100m which is about halfway and in practice this has the best views. Above this point, the trail is a bit loose plus at certain times of the year it can be snowy or icy so going higher depends to an extent on conditions. Walking the whole way to Base Camp is a very long day and for most people it would be going too high in altitude too soon. We don't want to risk you overdoing it and burning out before the pass. At this high altitude, rest and recovery is very important, and after the morning hike, you will have the afternoon in Samagaon to relax (where there are a few nice coffee shops these days).

Important Note: If road conditions prevent driving to Jagat and force an extra walking day at the start of the trek, our time in Samagaon will be reduced from two nights to one night. If this contingency occurs, the schedule for the Samagaon and Samdo will adjust as follows:

• Day 11: the dedicated day for the Manaslu Base Camp (MBC) acclimatisation walk is cut.
• Day 12: because the trek from Samagaon to Samdo is short (approx. 3 hours), we will combine the MBC viewpoint with the hike to Samdo.

Today’s hike is relatively short and serves as an ideal "transit day" to help your body adapt to the thinning air. This stage marks your entry into the high-altitude, alpine zone of the upper Manaslu region. Leaving the sprawling village of Samagaon behind, the trail heads north, parallel to the thinning Budhi Gandaki River. You are walking through alpine meadows, dwarf juniper bushes, and glacial moraines. As you gain elevation, the valley opens up widely. To your left, you will get incredible, shifting angles of Mount Manaslu. The trail eventually drops slightly down to the riverbed to cross a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki.  After crossing the river, you will pass the ruins of Lela Kharka. From here, the trail climbs more steeply up onto a shelf above the river. You will contour around a ridge before a final short, steep push brings you into the stone-walled, flat-roofed village of Samdo. Samdo, is a settlement primarily inhabited by Tibetan refugees who established the village in the 1950s. It stands as the last permanently inhabited village before you tackle the high Larkya La Pass.

To safely prepare your body for the Larkya La Pass (5,215m) ahead, you will put into practice the golden rule of high-altitude mountaineering: "Climb high, sleep low." Leaving the high-altitude village of Samdo after an early breakfast, you will embark on another side-trip toward the Rui La (Pass), a historic trade route on the border between Nepal and Tibet (China) at approximately 5,000m.

The trail winds northeast out of Samdo, tracking along through alpine meadows and rocky moraines. The majestic vistas of the Manaslu region unfold in a stunning 360-degree panorama. Keep an eye out for the Himalayan blue sheep along the slopes. Reaching the top of the pass, you will be rewarded with a view of the vast, arid Tibetan plateau stretching endlessly into the north, contrasted sharply against the jagged, snow-capped giants of the Himalayas to the south. You will see prayer flags fluttering on the border. After enjoying the view for a while, you will retrace your steps back down to the comfort of your teahouse in Samdo.

If you are looking for an alternative to the long haul up to the Rui La border, Samdo offers a couple of fantastic options. Depending on your energy levels, how your body is coping with the altitude, and whether you want a more relaxed cultural day, you can choose from these alternative options:

Option 1: If your primary goal is high-altitude training for the Larkya La pass, walking up Samdo Ri (the peak directly towering over the village) is also a good option. It is a steep, demanding ridge hike, but it requires less horizontal distance than the Tibetan border walk.

• You will climb directly up the slopes behind the village. The higher you go, the more dramatic the view becomes. From the viewpoint or the summit ridges, you get an unparalleled, front-row seat to the massive north face of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), Samdo Peak, Rani Peak, and the sweeping glacier below.
• Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours (round trip)
• Distance: Approx. 5 km – 6 km total return
• Cumulative Ascent/Descent: +/- 600m to 800m (depending on how high up the ridge you go; 

Option 2: Because you just completed the Tsum Valley extension before arriving here, your body has already spent significant time trekking and sleeping at high altitudes. You might actually be well-acclimatised already and benefit from a proper rest day.

• Samdo is a fascinating village and you can spend the day wandering around the village, watching the locals weave yak wool, visiting the small local monastery, and drinking cups of tea in a teahouse is a completely valid—and culturally enriching—way to spend your day.
• Walking Time: 1 to 2 hours of casual strolling
• Distance: 1 km – 2 km
• Cumulative Ascent/Descent: Minimal (+/- 50m)

 This is a short walk to the highest lodges at Dharamsala (also known as Larkya Phedi) before crossing the Larkya La Pass tomorrow morning. The trail takes you past the remains of the historic Larke Bazar, an old seasonal Tibetan trading market, before crossing the wooden bridges over the nascent Budhi Gandaki River. As you ascend alongside the moraines of the Larkya Glacier, the dramatic north face of Mount Manaslu, Samdo Himal, and Larke Peak can be seen. The day ends early at the basic lodge settlement of Dharamsala, leaving you the afternoon to rest, hydrate, and mentally prepare for crossing Larkya La Pass (5,106m) tomorrow morning.

The crossing of the Larkya La (5,215m) is the crux of the trek. After exploring the Tsum Valley and the side trips on the Manaslu Circuit built into our itinerary your body will be well-acclimatised and ready. You will begin an early morning alpine ascent (typically starting around 4 to 5:00 AM) with headlamps switched on and warm layers zipped tight. The trail winds steadily upward through frozen glacial moraines, passing rocky plateaus and lateral glaciers. As the sun rises, the stark, Tibetan-influenced landscape reveals itself, culminating in the prayer-flag-strewn summit of the Larkya La Pass (5,215m). From the top, you are rewarded with a a 360-degree panoramic amphitheatre of Himalayan giants, including Manaslu (8,163m), Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II.

After celebrating at the summit, the journey transitions into a long descent and is quite steep in places. The conditions for crossing the pass vary depending on time of year. We include micro crampons, gaiters and walking poles in our kit list. You will use this equipment if the pass is icy and slippery. After leaving the rock and ice behind, we descend into a lush, green alpine valley. Your destination is Bimtang (3,590m), a beautiful valley meadow flanked by the massive west face of Manaslu. Arriving here brings a deep sense of achievement, thicker air, and a well-deserved warm meal.

The trek to Tilje follows a very picturesque trail that is one of the highlights of the entire trip. You descend in altitude and pass through alpine meadows, rhododendron and pine forests with glimpses of Himalayan peaks. The day begins in the wide valley of Bimtang and the trail starts by dropping down into the lateral moraine of the Bimtang glacier. You will cross a few wooden bridges over glacial meltwaters before entering a moss-draped forest of rhododendron to the settlement of Hampuk. Continuing down, the trail hugs the west bank of the Dudh Khola (Milk River). You will pass through Pukkar and Karche (2,700m), a popular lunch spot. Past Karche, you will face a short, sharp climb over a ridge before dropping back down to the riverbank. You'll pass through farmland, terraced fields, and small seasonal settlements like Gho (Goa). The valley narrows here, and in places we follow a jeep track. You will eventually cross a suspension bridge to the east side of the river and into Tilje (2,300m).

As the road now extends to Tilje, we start our drive from this village. It will be a bumpy ride but we feel that it is a better option rather than walking on a dusty road with passing vehicles. It is scenic as we see the steep walls of the Marsyangdi Valley and finally, the houses of Dharapani appear in the distance. We pass through Thonje and Dharapani lies across a long suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi river. After Dharapani we are now on the popular Annapurna Circuit and we continue the drive to Besisahar. After reaching Besisahar, we switch vehicles to our private bus sent from Kathmandu to collect you. From here, we drive on a black-topped road down to the main Pokhara to Kathmandu highway. Then we drive up to the traditional Newari town of Bandipur where we stay the night in a hotel. We stay at The Old Inn in Bandipur, this is a lovely hotel in a traditional house in the main square of Bandipur.

Bandipur is a small town located on a ridge above the Kathmandu to Pokhara road and has superb views of the Himalayan peaks to the north (Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal). Bandipur has been considerately developed for tourists whereby some of the old houses have been carefully converted to hotels and there are thankfully few concrete buildings like elsewhere in Nepal. Compared to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu the small town of Bandipur is a very peaceful place as vehicles are not allowed into the main square.

Today we drive back to Kathmandu on the main highway from Pokhara.

Transfer to Kathmandu airport for the flight back home. End of trip.