Can I trek to Serang Gompa solo?

No. Like the Manaslu Circuit, Serang Gompa is in a restricted area. The Nepal Department of Immigration requires a minimum of two trekkers and a government-licensed guide to issue the mandatory Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP).

Can I actually stay overnight inside the monastery?

Yes, the monastery offers basic guesthouse rooms for trekkers. It is a unique experience where you can hear the morning chants and eat simple meals with the monks. The cost is approximately $25–$35 per night, which usually includes basic meals.

What is the "Hidden Valley" (Beyul) mentioned in the description?

In Tibetan Buddhism, a Beyul is a sacred "hidden land" blessed by Guru Rinpoche. Kyimolung (where Serang sits) is considered one of the most powerful Beyuls in the Himalayas—a place of peace where spiritual practice is said to be more effective.

How much harder is the Manaslu Circuit if I add the Serang detour?

The detour adds about 2–3 days to the standard circuit and involves a very steep climb from the village of Bihi. You will ascend nearly 2,000m from the riverbed to the monastery, which is a significant physical challenge but excellent for acclimatization before the Larkya La pass.

What happens if I get Altitude Sickness at Serang Gompa?

Because the monastery is at 3,900M, it is a high-risk zone for AMS. Your guide will monitor your oxygen levels daily. If symptoms are severe, the only solution is to descend immediately back to the valley floor (Bihi or Ghap), which is significantly lower.

Serang Gompa Trek: Manaslu’s Hidden Spiritual Valley

The Serang Gompa Trek is a profound journey into the “Hidden Valley of Kyimolung,” one of the sacred Beyuls (hidden lands) prophesied by Guru Rinpoche.

Located in the shadow of the majestic Shringi Himal within the Manaslu region, this trek is a detour from the standard Manaslu Circuit, offering a rare blend of high-altitude challenge and deep Tibetan Buddhist spirituality.

Maximum Altitude
5,106 M (Larkya La Pass)
Accomodation
Teahouses / Lodges (Monastery stay at Serang)
Permits
Manaslu RAP, MCAP, ACAP, and Chumnubri Local Permit
Language
English
Group Size
2-15
Destinations
Manaslu Region
Activities
Trekking
Trip Type
High Altitude
Difficulty
Hard

Serang Gompa trek overview

Designed for trekkers who seek solitude and cultural authenticity, the route traverses the rugged Budhi Gandaki river valley before ascending to the Serang Monastery (3,900m). This trek is not just about the scenery; it is an immersion into a living Buddhist sanctuary where ancient traditions remain untouched by modern tourism. With a maximum altitude of 5,106m at the Larkya La Pass and a duration of roughly 18 days, the Serang Gompa Trek is classified as a strenuous adventure. It is best suited for experienced hikers who wish to explore the Nubri Valley’s most secluded corners while completing the iconic Manaslu Circuit.

Serang Gompa Trek Highlights

The Sacred Beyul Kyimolung: Explore one of the four most sacred hidden valleys in the Himalayas, rarely visited by commercial trekking groups.
Serang Monastery (Gompa): Experience the tranquility of a high-altitude monastery nestled directly under the south face of Shringi Himal.
Larkya La Pass (5,106m): Conquer one of the most dramatic high-altitude passes in Nepal, offering panoramic views of Himlung Himal and Annapurna II.
Unrivaled Mountain Vistas: Get up-close views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), Shringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, and the Boudha Peak.
Authentic Tibetan Culture: Encounter the hospitable Nubri people and witness ancient Bon and Buddhist rituals in remote villages like Lho and Samagaon.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is for resting or exploring the vibrant streets of Thamel as you prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 02 :

Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola

Today is a long drive through the scenic middle hills of Nepal. You will follow the Trisuli and Budhi Gandaki rivers, passing through rural towns and terraced hillsides until you reach the dusty, bustling village of Machha Khola.

Day 03 :

Trek to Jagat

Today you follow the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing small suspension bridges and walking through forests and terraced fields. You’ll pass little waterfalls and maybe see villagers farming or kids playing. Jagat is a friendly village with stone houses and neat flagstone streets where you can rest for the evening.

Day 04 :

Trek to Philim

After completing permit formalities at the Jagat checkpoint, you climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri and then descend to Sirdibas. The path opens up as you reach Philim, a large Gurung village surrounded by fields of corn and millet.

Day 05 :

Trek to Bihi Phedi

The trail heads north, becoming narrower as the river gorge tightens. You’ll pass through bamboo forests and cross the river several times. The climb toward Bihi Phedi offers a transition into the more Tibetan-influenced culture of the upper valley.

Day 06 :

Ascend to Serang Gompa

Today is a challenging but rewarding climb as you leave the main Manaslu trail. You ascend steeply through rhododendron and pine forests toward the "Hidden Valley." As you reach the monastery, the massive south face of Shringi Himal looms directly above you.

Day 07 :

Exploration Day at Serang Gompa and Kyimolung Valley

A day for spiritual immersion and rest. You can watch the monks during their morning prayers, explore the ancient meditation caves nearby, or soak in the silence of this sacred Beyul. The views of the surrounding peaks from the monastery are unparalleled.

Day 08 :

Descend to Kwak

Saying goodbye to the peaceful monastery, you descend back toward the valley floor. The trail winds through lush greenery and past small seasonal settlements. You will spend the night in the quiet village of Kwak before rejoining the main route.

Day 09 :

Trek to Namrung

The trail climbs steadily today, passing through Ghap where you’ll see intricate Mani walls (prayer stones). You enter a beautiful forest inhabited by monkeys and various bird species before arriving at Namrung, known for its excellent viewpoints of Ganesh Himal.

Day 10 :

Trek to Lho

The Tibetan influence becomes very clear today as you see people dressed in traditional "Chubas." The climb to Lho is rewarded with your first spectacular view of Mt. Manaslu. The village is famous for its large monastery (Ribung Gompa) perched on a hill.

Day 11 :

Trek to Samagaon

A shorter walking day allows you to take in the views of Peak 29 and Manaslu. You pass through the village of Shyala before reaching Samagaon, the largest and most important village in the Nubri Valley, located on a broad, flat plateau.

Day 12 :

Acclimatization Day at Samagaon

To help your body adjust to the altitude, you can take a side trip to the turquoise Birendra Tal (lake) or make the steep climb to Manaslu Base Camp. Alternatively, explore the local monastery and witness the daily life of the Tibetan-descended locals.

Day 13 :

Trek to Samdo

The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki river upward, which has now shrunk to a small stream. You’ll walk through desert-like landscapes with stunted junipers. Samdo is a remote village located very close to the Tibetan border, where you can often see yak caravans.

Day 14 :

Trek to Dharmasala

A slow, steady climb takes you to the Larkya Phedi (Dharmasala). This is a high-altitude base camp with basic stone shelters. You’ll have an early dinner and a short night’s sleep in preparation for the big pass tomorrow.

Day 15 :

Cross Larkya La Pass and descend to Bimthang

The most difficult and spectacular day of the trek. You start before dawn, climbing steadily to the summit of the pass. At the top, you are rewarded with 360-degree views of Himlung, Cheo, and Annapurna II. A long, steep descent over glacial moraine brings you down to the beautiful meadow of Bimthang.

Day 16 :

Trek to Tilije (2,300m)

The trail descends through some of the most beautiful forests in Nepal—vast stands of rhododendron, fir, and pine. You follow the Dudh Khola (Milk River) down to Tilije, a neat village famous for its local apple brandy and hospitality.

Day 17 :

Trek to Dharapani and drive to Besisahar

A short walk brings you to Dharapani, where the Manaslu trail meets the Annapurna Circuit. From here, you’ll board a local jeep for a bumpy but scenic ride down the Marsyangdi River valley to the town of Besisahar.

Day 18 :

Drive back to Kathmandu

After breakfast, you’ll take a bus or private vehicle back to Kathmandu. As the mountains fade into the distance, you’ll have plenty of time to reflect on the spiritual journey to Serang Gompa.

Day 19 :

Departure