Serang Monastery Trek

Duration: 15 days

Trip Overview

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Max Elevation: 3,400 Meters
  • Best Season: Spring / Autumn
  • Total Duration: 15 days
  • Trip Grade: 5

Nestled on a sacred Kyimolung Valley (the valley of peace and happiness) in the lap of Himalayas is a unique Buddhist sanctuary known as Sancen Rabten Norbuling Monastery. Most of the people recognize it as Serang Gompa or Nubri Monastery, which is now a remarkable community of over 100 monks and nuns.

After Guru Rinpoche and Jetsun Milarepa visited Kyimolung Valley, Chokyi Gyaltsen settled there and 500 years ago built the monastery establishing the traditions of the Buddha’s teaching in this valley of peace.

All the profit of our company Mahasukha Treks goes to supporting Maha-Sukha Foundation, which in turn supports Serang Monastery and its projects. That means our trekking company is directly funding this monastery and its Serang Primary School project. And by choosing us as your travel partner, you will be playing a direct role to preserve this ancient monastery its school that provides free education to community children.

 

Trip Highlights

  • Remote settlements
  • Ancient monasteries
  • Stunning mountain views
  • Amazing landscapes
  • Diverse flora and fauna

Itinerary

  • - Day 01: Arrival in Katmandu

    After you land at Tribhuwan International Airport in Katmandu, you our representatives assist you to transfer to your hotel. After check-in, we there is a short briefing of your trek. Remaining time is free for independent activities. You can relax or have an evening stroll around the city for your own leisure.

    O/N: Hotel

  • - Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation

    While our staff prepares your trek permits, we take you to a tour of Kathmandu. This ancient city has lots of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We first visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, which used to be the palace of the rulers of the ancient Kathmandu. The next is Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. Next we visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest unique stupas in the world. Take some time to immerse yourself in the spiritual vibes of Boudhanath after which we head back to the hotel. You will then meet your guide for trek briefing.

    O/N: Hotel

  • - Day 03: Drive to Maccha Khola – Approx. 9 hrs

    We drive west of Kathmandu to reach Maccha Khola, the starting point of our trek. The drive is along Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway, then leave the highway and follow the banks of Budhi Gandaki River for most of the days. Brace yourself near the end as the road at that point is rural and gets very bumpy. We reach Maccha Khola, a small settlement on the trailhead, on late evening this day. 

    O/N: Lodge

  • - Day 04: Trek to Jagat– Approx 8 hrs

    We begin today’s trek upward along the gorge and river. We eventually cross Tharo Khola, reach Khorlabesi and continue northward passing through natural hot springs at Tatopani. Keep an eye out for Langoor Monkeys which roam the region. We cross multiple suspension bridge, pass settlement of Dobhan and finally reach Jagat, a neatly flagstoned Gurung village. You are required to verify your trekking permits at the check post. It is the beginning of restricted region.

    O/N: Lodge

  • - Day 05: Trek to Pewa – Approx. 6 hrs

    After Jagat, we walk down to the river and follow its course along the trail. We cross a long suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola and then climb stone stairs to reach Tharo Bhanijyang. You have to cross the river many times. The view of waterfalls cascading down in Budhi Gandaki is also pleasant to watch. The walk till Pewa is fairly easy and refreshing at the same time. Dal Bhat in Pewa served with Shilong Achar tastes really amazing!

    O/N: Lodge

  • - Day 06: Trek to Bihi– Approx. 6 hrs

    We leave Pewa early in the morning after breakfast and head towards Behi. The views just keep on getting better! The trail is fairly flat with occasional ascend and descend. We walk towards the village of Deng before making one final climb to Bihi for our stopover for the day.

    O/N: Lodge

  • - Day 07: Trek to Serang – Aprox. 8 hrs

    Serang awaits us! After breakfast, we head towards the valley of peace and happiness with lots of excitements and energy. There are only two small settlements along the way Tsak – Kogpa. But it is a fairly easy trail along the forests with amazing views. Be prepared to be mesmerized by our destination!

    O/N: Guesthouse

  • - Day 8, 9 and 10: Explore Serang and sacred Kyimolung Valley

    This unique Buddhist sanctuary located high on the Himalayas has history of over five hundred years! Our guide and representatives in the monastery will give you tour of the monastery and familiarize you about its projects, including the Serang School. The atmosphere here is really calm and peaceful. You will have to see to believe this – wild deer from wilderness comes freely around the monastery premises like a family! We will spend the three days exploring Kyimolung Valley, with short trek to Dhupchu (holy water) – where the spring water comes straight from the mountain. The gurus will also teach you meditations. One thing is for sure - our time here will be very peaceful and fun at the same time. You would want to prolong your stay!

  • - Day 11: Trek to Ghap Approx. 9 hrs

    Time to bid farewell to this ancient monastery and beautiful destination. Today we will head back to Bihi and walk a little further to reach Ghap. After relaxing time at Serang Monastery, our les and minds are really fresh and we would not have problem covering the distance.

    O/N: Lodge

  • - Day 12: Trek to Deng – Approx. 7 hrs

    From Ghap, we head towards Shringi Khola, cross a stream, pass waterfall and descend to cross Budi Gandaki to finally reach Deng.

    O/N: Lodge

  • - Day 13: Trek to Jagat – Approx. 8 hrs

    After breakfast, we have to cross a bamboo forest and Deng Khola and ascend trails along steep gorge. We pass a settlement of Salleri and make our way to Jagat for the night stay.

    O/N: Lodge

  • - Day 14: Trek to Maccha Khola – Approx. 8 hrs

    It is time to make our way back to Maccha Khola. We walk through steep rocky trails along the fast-flowing Budhi Gandaki River and reach our destination where we can catch a bus to Kathmandu the next day.

  • - Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu – Approx. 9 hrs

    Although the bus ride is bumpy in the beginning, the road gradually gets better. We eventually catch Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway and safely arrive at the capital city. After arriving, we will transfer you to a comfortable hotel for much needed rest from this tiring yet extremely memorable trip.

    O/N: Hotel

  • - Day 16: Departure

    Our Serang Monastery trek has come to an end and now its departure day. You can visit nearby places, indulge yourself in last hour shopping and prepare for departure. We will drive you to Tribhuwan International Airport two hours prior your flight time. And comes the final departure with lots of memories.

Included in the Cost

  • Airport pickups and drops
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu
  • Meals and accommodation in Kathmandu as per the itinerary
  • Related trekking permit
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)

Not included in the cost

  • International flights
  • Nepali visa fee
  • Extra day/night meals and accommodation in Kathmandu than the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, hard or soft drinks, laundry service, trekking gears etc.)
  • Tips

 

Sharable expenses (shared among the number of people in trekking groups)

  • Experienced and licensed English-speaking guide
  • Porter service
  • Transportation (jeep and domestic flights)
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