Perks of doing a circuit trek with Himalayan Spirit Adventure
- More than 25+ years of expertise in the mountains of Nepal
- Fully customizable itinerary and services in the package
- Complimentary welcome dinner in Kathmandu
- Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle
- Professional English-speaking mountain guide and native porter with their travel insurance
- Himalayan Spirit Adventure's duffel bag to use during the trek
- Complementary company's t-shirt and cap
- First-aid kit with an oximeter to monitor your oxygen level during the trek
- Online trip briefing to answer all your questions and doubts
- Free space to store extra luggage in our office during the trek
- Best Manaslu Circuit price and service - no hidden charges
- 100% guaranteed departure
- Trek completion certificate
- 24/7 support and safe payment gateway
- Win-win cancellation and refund policy
- We specialize in ecotourism - check out more about ecotourism on this page
Trek highlights
- An adventurous trip in the western Himalayan range in Nepal
- Complete the Manalsu Circuit trek, one of the sought-after advanced treks
- Trek through deep valleys, drastic gorges, lush forested hills, and glacier moraines
- Explore authentic Nepali villages on the way and see the mountain lifestyle of the locals
- Visit ancient monasteries like Serang Gumba and Pungyen Gompa
- Get to know about the locals and their culture in depth
- Hike to Manaslu Base Camp, the lap of the eight highest mountains on Earth
- Explore the Birendra Lake and cross the challenging Larkya La Pass
- Witness stunning mountain panoramas and breathtaking landscapes
- Discover many exclusive flora and fauna of Manaslu Conservation Area
- A peaceful trekking route
The Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba is an adventurous trip in the western Himalayan range in Nepal. It is a challenging trek that involves a detour to Serang Gumba and Larkya La Pass crossing.
On this 16 days trip, you will explore stunning mountains, deep valleys, beautiful Nepali villages, and several ancient monasteries. Many adventure lovers know about the Manaslu Circuit trek, but only a few know about Serang Gumba.
It is an ancient monastery that can be reached in a few hours of hiking from Bihi. To visit Serang Gumba, you have to add three more days to your standard Manaslu Circuit itinerary.
Trekkers usually visit Pungyen Gompa as a side hike from Sama Gaon. An excursion to Serang Gumba makes the Manaslu Circuit trek culturally even more immersive. You will learn more about the cultural depths of the Nubri community (upper Manaslu region).
Overall, the Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba unlocks new locations in the Upper Manaslu region and makes the journey more fascinating.
The Serang Gumba
Before we share more about Serang Gumba, you must understand Kyimoloung Valley, also known as Kyimoloung Beyul. It is believed that in the 8th century, Padma Sambhava (Guru Rinpoche) traveled all over the Himalayas and founded 108 Beyuls.
Among those 108 Beyuls, he founded 5 in Nepal, and one of them is Kyimoloung Beyul. Beyuls are known as hidden valleys in the Himalayas. They are secluded from the rest of the world and protect Buddhism and its practitioners during times of crisis.
Serang Gumba is located in the Kyimoloung Beyul, which we understand as the upper Manaslu region. It is one of the ancient monasteries in the Manaslu region.
The gumba is situated on the lap of Shringi Himal, north of Bouddha Himal, west of Ganesh Himal, and east of Mt. Manaslu. Serang Gumba is also known as Nubri Monastery.
The monastery is situated 3,100 meters above sea level and was built by Chokyi Gyaltsen more than 500 years ago. The Serang Gumba was established to bring Buddhism to the Kyimoloung Valley (aka Nubri Valley). Today, the monastery is home to over 100 monks and nuns.
History of Serang Gumba
When Jetsun Milarepa visited this place, he meditated in a cave. Then Gonpo Tsten visited Nepal with his three sons. As per the legends, all three sons possessed special powers. On the request of the locals, Gonpo Tsten left his youngest son to become their Lama.
At the time, there was a charnel ground in Kyimolung Beyul, where villagers were outright killed or disappeared. The villagers left the Lama there for three days, and when he didn't return, they thought he was either killed or had disappeared.
However, when villagers started looking for the Lama, he was found meditating and glowing with power in the cave. The villagers then acknowledged his powers and accepted him as their Lama.
It takes approximately 15 minutes to walk to the cave from Serang Gumba. The Lama built the Serang Gompa in a dry, barren land. However, after the monastery was built there, the land became lush.
After the death of the 11th Nubri Lama in 2006, the family lineage ended. Then Sernag Gumba entered the spiritual guidance of the 4th Dodrup Chen Rinpoche as per the villagers' wish.
Why do the Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba 16 days?
If you crave adventure:
There is no limit to adventure on the Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba. From day one to the top of Larkya La Pass, you will explore a wide variety of terrain, vegetation, and natural wonders.
You will traverse steep trails, thrilling suspension bridges, alpine meadows, glacier moraines, deep gorges, rockfall areas, landslides areas, and many more.
Challenge yourself:
Adventure comes with challenges, and the Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. Therefore, it is recommended for trekkers with previous experience.
You have to be physically fit to enjoy the Manaslu Circuit trekking. The journey is not only physically demanding but mentally taxing as well.
Travel far away from famous trekking routes:
Unlike the popular Everest and Annapurna regions, Manaslu is a less-traveled trekking area in Nepal. It remains untouched and unbothered by the crowd of tourists. So, you will experience pristine nature and peaceful trails.
Stunning landscapes and mountain views:
The landscapes during the Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba are phenomenal. The trail traverses different altitudes, so you will enjoy diverse landscapes.
Likewise, you will see many Himalayan mountains on this trek, such as Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Boudha Himal, Simnang Himal, Naike Peak, Shringi Himal, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, etc.
Beautiful mountain villages and welcoming villagers:
It is a teahouse trek. You will spend multiple nights in different villages during the trek. Starting the Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba from Machha Khola, you will gradually hike through several villages, seeing the daily lives of the locals.
Some of the night stops following our Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba itinerary are Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Krayak, Serang Gumba, Lho, Ghap, Sama Gaon, Samdo, etc. The villagers are friendly and welcoming everywhere.
The rich flora and fauna:
You will trek inside the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is home to rich flora and fauna. The trail ascends daily. Therefore, you will see different vegetation daily.
From subtropical forests to alpine forests and alpine meadows, the Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba presents many types of plants, flowers, birds, etc.
Wildlife is not usually seen on the human trails. But once in a bloom, some trekkers get to see the snow leopard and red panda.
Monasteries and stupa visits:
As much as the Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba is adventurous, the trip is also culturally rich. The locals are deeply rooted in their culture and follow Tibetan Buddhism.
Sarang Gumba is one of the main highlights of this 16 days Manaslu Circuit itinerary. Along with that, you will also visit the Pungyen Gompa and explore many small stupas, chortens, and mani walls along the trail.
Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba distance, duration, and altitude
The Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba distance is approximately 150 km+. We have shared the daily walking distance, duration, and altitude below:
|
Day |
Trek route |
Trek distance |
Trek duration |
Sleeping altitude |
|
1 |
Kathmandu arrival |
- |
- |
1,324 m/4,344 ft |
|
2 |
Kathmandu to Machha Khola |
160 km/99 miles |
8-9 hours |
870 m/2,854 ft |
|
3 |
Machha Khola to Jagat |
22.2 km/13.7 miles |
6 hours |
1,410 m/4,625 ft |
|
4 |
Jagat to Deng |
19.9 km/12.3 miles |
7 hours |
1,804 m/5,917 ft |
|
5 |
Deng to Krayak |
km/ miles |
4-5 hours |
2,295 m/7,529 ft |
|
6 |
Krayak to Serang Gumba |
12 km/7.4 miles |
4-5 hours |
3,042 m/9,980 ft |
|
7 |
Serang Gumba to Ghap |
17 km/10.5 miles |
7-8 hours |
2,165 m/7,103 ft |
|
8 |
Ghap to Lho |
15 km/9.3 miles |
6-7 hours |
3,180 m/10,433 ft |
|
9 |
Lho to Sama Gaon |
12 km/7.4 miles |
5-6 hours |
3,530 m/11,581 ft |
|
10 |
Acclimatization day- hike to Manaslu Base Camp |
- |
- |
3,530 m/11,581 ft |
|
11 |
Sama Gaon to Samdo |
8.2 km/5 miles |
3-4 hours |
3,875 m/12,713 ft |
|
12 |
Samdo to Larke Phedi (Dharamsala) |
11.7 km/7.2 miles |
4-5 hours |
4,480 m/14,698 ft |
|
13 |
Larke Phedi to Bimthang crossing Larkya La Pass |
24.7 km/15.3 miles
|
8-9 hours |
3,720 m/12,205 ft |
|
14 |
Bimthang to Tilje |
26 km/16 miles |
6-7 hours |
2,300 m/7,546 ft |
|
15 |
Kathmandu via Besisahar |
195 km/121 miles |
8-9 hours |
1,324 m/4,344 ft |
|
16 |
Final departure |
- |
- |
- |
Is the Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba suitable for you?
- You are physically and mentally fit.
- You have previous trekking experience.
- You understand and accept the challenges of remote trekking.
- You understand this is a restricted area trek in Nepal and therefore requires special permits and regulations.
- You are looking for a peaceful trekking route in the spring and autumn seasons.
- You want an alternative to the famous Annapurna Circuit trek.
- You want a journey that is both adventurous and culturally enriching.
- You want to push your limits.
How do you prepare for the Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba?
Preparation is for trekkers who are not physically fit and need time to get ready before the trek starts. Usually, we recommend trekkers to have 4 to 8 weeks to get physically fit.
You can have more or less time allocated as per your fitness. Now, preparation includes strength and stamina improvement, mental resilience, trek awareness, documentation, and packing.
- Strength and stamina improvement: Exercise is the only way you can improve your strength and stamina. Resistance training in the gym with cardio workouts such as running, cycling, swimming, and jogging is recommended.
- Mental resilience: Treks like the Manaslu Circuit are equally mentally challenging. It demands you push your limits, and not everyone can do it. You have to embrace the challenges and be ready to push your limits. Start by pushing yourself during physical preparation. If possible, go on day hikes or do some short treks.
- Trek awareness: Learn about the Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba. Search what it is like doing this trek, what the challenges are, where you will spend nights, what you eat, etc. Knowing these things beforehand will prepare you mentally and save you from disappointment, and it makes a huge difference to the overall trek experience.
- Documentation: Check your passport and see its date. Your passport must have six months of validity from the day you enter Nepal. So, if needed, get it updated. Likewise, buy travel insurance, visit your bank for international payment via card charges, and figure out the Nepal travel visa. We can provide more information on these things, but you have to take care of them by yourself.
- Packing: Another huge part of trekking preparation is arranging all the clothes, gear, and essentials. We have shared a packing list for the Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba at the end of this page. Check it to see what you need. Now, you can buy things in your country or upon landing in Kathmandu.
Charging, hot shower, internet, and toilet during the Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba
- Charging: Because of a lack of electricity, charging costs extra money in the tea houses. It may cost you Nrs 100 to Nrs 300 per device to charge. Pack spare batteries, a power bank, and a solar charger.
- Hot shower: Hot showers are another paid service in the teahouse. It may cost you Nrs 500 to Nrs 700 per shower. There is no good electricity infrastructure in Manaslu, so locals heavily rely on wood and solar power. And this leads to an extra charge. Wet tissues will be very helpful to keep yourself fresh on days you do not get to take a shower.
- Internet/mobile network: The Manaslu Circuit and Serang Gumba route is remote. The mobile network does not work in all parts of the trail. You may get a network in some villages. Likewise, WiFi is available in many teahouses but costs extra money. The network is not strong in most places.
- Toilet: Trekkers have to adjust to both Western-style and squat-style toilets. It is recommended that trekkers pack toilet paper, soap, sanitizer, and all other toiletries.
*All the extra charges we have mentioned above are your personal expenses. These expenses are not covered by our Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba package cost. So, trekkers are requested to budget a daily allowance for personal expenses. You can budget USD 12 to USD 20 per day.
Trekking in a group or solo?
Solo trekking is not exactly possible in the Manaslu region because it is a restricted area. However, solo trekkers can join our fixed departure groups or contact us for a ghost permit and trek one-on-one without a guide and porter.
Fixed departure groups are perfect for travelers who like to make new friends. It also costs less compared to a private trek. There could be 4 to 8 trekkers in our group.
Similarly, if you are a group of 2 or more trekkers, you can again join our fixed departure group or opt for a private trek. Private trek gives you the flexibility to customize the itinerary, pick the departure date, and make other changes in the package.
What is it like doing the Manaslu Circuit Serang Gumba trek with Himalayan Spirit Adventure?
By choosing Himalayan Spirit Adventure as your trekking partner, you will be traveling with a reliable team. They ensure your safety during the trek and take care of the logistics.
You do not have to worry about a thing. Just be well-prepared and arrive in Kathmandu on the designated date. Our team will handle the rest of the things. At Himalayan Spirit Adventure, we share a legacy and an extensive trek experience.
You will not be lost with us. Every moment of the journey will be meaningful. From the first day of the trek to the end of the journey, we will travel with you. Our genuine Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba cost and the quality of service are unbeatable.
For the best Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba experience and support, trek with us!
Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba cost 2026
Our Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba costs USD XXXX per person. Depending upon the seasons you trek and the group size, the cost per head may differ.
*For a group of more than 10 trekkers, kindly contact us for a special group discount.
You can check our group price list for the Manaslu Circuit trek with Serang Gumba below:
|
Number of trekkers |
Starting price |
Inquiry |
|
1 |
USD XXXX |
|
|
2 to 5 |
USD XXXX |
|
|
6 to 8 |
USD XXXX |
|
|
9 to 10 |
USD XXXX |
|
Alternative adventure packages
We have many adventurous trekking packages in Nepal. You can check out the website for more options. Below, we have shared our top favorite treks that you may find interesting too:
- Manaslu Circuit trek with Tsum Valley
- Upper Mustang trek
- Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake
- Nar Phu Valley trek
- Langtang Valley with Gosaikunda trek
- Ghorepani Ghandruk Poon Hill trek
- Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lake


