Trip Facts
General trp informationsMin. 2 Pax
Moderate
Hotel/Lodge
3600m
B,L,D
Private Vehicle/Bus
Mar-May, Sep-Dec
Nepal Himalayan valleys were once said to be a veritable Shangri-La, its environment was unpolluted and so fantastic was its natural beauty. It remains more or less as before—rugged mountain landscapes, rushing mountain rivers, verdant high altitude forests, and, of course, the towering snow-capped mountains. Yes, Nepal still is one of the best destinations for tourists seeking for thrilling adventure along with spiritual adventure or pilgrimage and the experience of a lifetime. Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of spirituality and happiness.
This amazing country where inner rewards are valued more highly than material ones offers lessons, both in personal growth and in spirituality. Thus, Nepal offers an almost perfect opportunity to discover and make use of your untapped potential of body, mind and soul.
Beyul, Kyimolung - the Hidden Valley of Happiness, is referred in ancient Buddhist texts prophesied by Guru Padma Sambhva in 8th century. Kyimolung means “Happy Valley” or “Valley of Peace”. This is a sacred pilgrimage site with religious significance located in northern Gorkha to the north of Buddha Himal and Himalchuli, west of Ganesh Himal, east of Mt. Manaslu and lap of Shringi Himal.
This sacred place houses Serang Gompa, one of the most famous monasteries of the region; also there are a number of meditation caves. Serang Monastery itself accommodates number of monks and nuns who dedicate their life for Buddhism and this place is best for long-term retreat and meditational practice. Even further this monastery runs a Serang Primary School for underprivileged kids from the villages.
Others, within the immediate surroundings, do likewise. Jetsun Milarepa (1040-1123), the legendary sage of Tibet, is believed to have visited this place. There are two important Milarepa caves in this area, sought out by pilgrims up to the present day.
This place was revealed by the Tertön (Treasure revealer) Rigdzin Gö-demchen (1337-1409) in 14th century. Garwang Chökyi Wangchuck, also known as Ngari Tertön (1640-1685) opened the latter route. Tibetan Buddhists from around the world are attracted here because of its sanctity.
If you visit in May, you can celebrate Saka Dawa along with the locals, during which, the birth, enlightenment, and demise of Lord Buddha is commemorated. Buddha’s teachings are taken to heart here. In other words, the locals practice what is preached, and the local people prohibiting animal sacrifice in the area. No wonder wildlife flourishes here and you are likely to see some rare animals as well.
Sixteen days route to this Beyul (sacred hidden land) is the one leading into the Manaslu Conservation Area in Nepal combining vigorous trekking, majestic mountains, great power places, staying in Serang Gompa – a Buddhist monastery at high altitude 3,200m above sea level – and quiet time for introspection will lead you to reach again the peaks of yourself. Enjoy the lessons in spirituality from the Himalayas. Enjoy a different life. Bodhi Adventures invite you to take the ‘path of walk and thought’ that makes us consciously happy.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: International arrival Kathmandu 1350m
Day 02: Kyimolung trek preparation, issue restricted area permit, Kathmandu 1350m
Day 03: Kathmandu – Soti khola 700m via Arughat 7-8 hrs
Day 04: Sotikhola to Machhakhola 869m (5-6 hrs)
Day 05: Machhakhola to Jagat 1400m (7-8 hrs)
Day 06: Jagat to Deng 1860m (6-7 hrs)
Day 07: Deng to Kwak Homestay (5 hrs)
Day 08: Kwak village to Serang Gonpa (7-8 hrs)
Day 09: Day in Serang Gompa (7-8 hrs)
Day 10: Serang Gompa to Ghap/Banrung (7-8 hrs)
Day 11: Ghap to Philim (1,570m/5,150ft) 6-7 hrs
Day 12: Philim to Khorlabesi (970m/3,182ft) 6-7 hrs
Day 13: Khorlabesi to Soti Khola (700m/2,296ft) 6-7 hrs
Day 14: Soti Khola to Arughat to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,429ft) drive (7-8 hrs)
Day 15: Free day in Kathmandu
Day 16: International Departure
What's included?
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) fees or Local Govt. Entry Fee
Teahouse (sharing twin or double room) - 13 days Trek is accompanied by a well experienced English speaking guide and porters
Note: - one porter will carry a maximum weight of 25kgs, 1 porter for every 2 guests and 1 sherpa will accompany every 6 guests). Includes all meals, accommodation, allowance, Kathmandu / Lukla/ Kathmandu airfare of 1 Guide & insurance of guide and porter & porter equipment.
- 12 nights accommodation in local lodges sharing twin room on full board according to the itinerary. (B, L, D)
- Bus or Jeep fares Kathmandu – Sotikhola - Kathmandu.
- Guide and porters bus fares or accommodation in Jeep.
- Salary, insurance, food, accommodation of Guide and Porter.
- Airport picks up/ by private vehicle.
- Loan of a sleeping bag, duffel bags, and trekking poles.
- 03 night’s accommodation at local 3-star hotel in Kathmandu sharing twin / double room on bed and breakfast basis.
- All government VAT.
Note: We will provide the best available Local Lodges during the adventure based on room availability. please also expect that some of the local lodges in higher elevation may not have attached bathrooms and extremely basic services. Hence, clients will have to adjust to common bathrooms as well. However, we will try our best to allocate the rooms with attached bathroom wherever available.
What's not included?
- International airfares.
- Nepal visa fee.
- Travel insurance / Medical evacuation and Helicopter Rescue in case of emergency (Compulsory).
- Personal trekking Equipment not mentioned.
- Tips for trekking staffs and driver.
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned in Price Inclusion section.
- Any beverages, including mineral water, alcohol drinks, soft drinks etc. unless otherwise specified.
- Any items of personal nature such as telephone bills, laundry, bar bills.
- Services like accommodation, meals & transfers etc. in Kathmandu except listed in inclusion.
- The prices do not include: undue escalation in fuel prices, new taxes levies on hotels and transportation services or any hikes in entrance fees. Any large tax hikes and new levies shall be payable extra and shall be billed accordingly with prior notice.
- Sightseeing, dinner transfers, entrance fees in Kathmandu.
- Cost of Showers during trekking.
- Any other items not mentioned in the cost inclusion.
- Fleece liner, down jacket, rain poncho etc.
- Internet & Battery Charge.
International arrival Kathmandu 1350m
30 Min. Hotel BB
Welcome to Nepal!
Upon arrival you will be greeted by Bodhi Adventures representative by marigold garland at the Kathmandu airport and transferred to your beautiful hotel. You will meet your qualified guide at 5 pm this afternoon and have a full briefing on your Kyimolung spiritual adventure.
Enjoy your dinner on your own this evening.
World Heritage Sightseeing in Kathmandu if you choose to, rest in your hotel, and prepare your equipment for the Manaslu Trek. Get sleeping bags and down jackets from local supplier.
This day will mostly be riding. The bus trip from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazar takes about 7 hours, passing though the lower Ruby Valley. The bus runs until Arughat Bazar, when a jeep will take you the rest of the way to Soti Khola where you will spend the night
This is the first day of trekking as the trail follows along the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail rises upwards as it follows the river, with many high overlooks and glimpses of Manaslu on a clear day. You will pass by the hot springs at Tatopani. Machhakhola is a pleasant Gurung village with good guest houses and good food. Walking time is 6-7 hours.
Jagat is a pretty village on the west side of the Budhi Gandaki River. It has paving stone streets. Today we see Chortens and Mani walls about Tibetan Buddhism and feel entering into the Beyul. The trail passes through many picturesque villages. Trekking time is 7-8 hours.
Jagat to Deng (1,860m/6,102ft)
6-7 Hrs
The trail will cross the Budhi Gandaki River on a long suspension bridge and then up the side of the mountain to the village of Philim. From here, the villages become few and far between. The river continues to narrow until it comes to the confluence of the Siyar Khola from Tsum valley and Budhi Gandaki River from Nubri Valley, where Kyimolung Valley leads to the left Nubri Valley. Trekking time is 6-7 hours. The food and lodging at Deng is adequate, and the store here is well stocked.
Deng to Gap
5 hrs
Deng to Gap (5 hrs)
This day is not far to get Gap. There is no tourist tea house lodge in Kwak village so we stay in Gap. We just cross the suspension bridge after Deng to get Rana, small village then to Bihiphedi from where also get to Serang Gumba but risky trail because of rock falls. So we take from Kwak village, longer but safe.
Kwak village to Serang Gonpa
7-8 hrs
This day is the hardest day trek to get Serang Gumba. Today after heavy breakfast we take pack lunch with tea on thermos to have on the way. There are no villages in between Kwak village and Serang Gumba. Dry fruits or snacks are really helpful. We advise to take enough water too. Lots of up and down today. You see many rock caves and retreat caves, beautiful Sringi Himal and on its lap beautiful Shangrila of Serang Gompa.
This day is special day for us, early morning we observe and participate in morning worship and Meditation in the main monastery of Serang Gumba with main Lama, nuns and monks. Then we may take time to interact with main Lama if he is in the Serang. We take a walk around the monastery, retreat centers. After lunch in monastery you can volunteer the students of Serang school run by monastery. In the evening even you can join the ritual learning by reciting prayers and playing instruments by school students.
Serang Gompa to Ghap/Banrung
7-8 hrs
This day after Morning Prayer we leave the monastery having breakfast. The Anis, monks, students will give us Khataks (sacred scarfs) to say good-bye and to visit again. We retrace the same trail back to Banrung Village. Trek time is 7-8 hours.
Ghap to Philim (1,570m/5,150ft)
6-7 hrs
This day is also of retracing steps as you leave Serang Gumba and rejoin the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail will hug the side of the mountain high above the river. Spend the night in beautiful village Philim. Today’s travel time is 6-7 hours.
Philim to Khorlabesi (970m/3,182ft)
6-7 hrs
Philim to Khorlabesi (970m/3,182ft) 6-7 hrs
The trail winds its way down along the river. You will cross the river a couple of times on suspension bridges before coming to the pretty little village of Khorla bensi where you will spend the night. Trekking time is 7-8 hours.
It’s last long day walk retracing Machhakhola, Khanibesi, Lapubesi to Soti khola. There you will spend a night, and actually have a warm bath and a wider menu choice at the hotels.
This day will be travelling back to city on a bus and a chance to relax after days of trekking.
Free day in Kathmandu
This day either you can spend on your own or you can go for world heritage sightseeing around Kathmandu valley or some more Buddhist spiritual places too.
Day 16: International Departure
This day according to your departure time, you are taken to international airport on private car to say good bye – NAMASTE!