Signature trip
The Nepali Himalaya in a small group: the Budhi Gandaki valley, Serang Gompa monastery, the Tibetan villages of Nubri and the Larkya La pass, at 5,106 metres.
Trip overview
Manaslu Circuit Trek and Serang Gompa
Eighteen days on one of the least crowded routes in the Himalaya. The route follows the Budhi Gandaki valley up from Machha Khola, detours to the remote Serang Gompa monastery, passes through the Tibetan villages of Nubri (Lho, Shyala, Samagaon) and crosses the Larkya La pass, at 5,106 metres, before descending through the Manang valley towards Kathmandu. An expedition trek with a restricted-area permit and Marc Ginesta looking after the group's acclimatisation pace from start to finish. Group departure confirmed for 22 October to 8 November 2026.
The character of the trip
How much adventure, culture and nature you'll experience.
Who will be with you on this trip
Marc Ginesta goes with the group on this Manaslu circuit. He is a UIMLA-qualified mountain leader, based in the Val d'Aran since 2008, the author of the book "Freeride Val d'Aran" and safety manager at Freeride World Tour events at Baqueira Beret.
As a mountaineer and ski mountaineer he has made first ski routes in the Pyrenees, including the first descent of the Occitània couloir on the Tuc des Neres. That same judgement of terrain, safety and respect for the mountains is what he applies day by day on Manaslu: looking after the group's acclimatisation pace and taking the key decisions before the Larkya La crossing.
Ecotour departure
Small group · max. 8-10 travellers
Share Nepal with a small group, a well-judged pace and an itinerary designed by Ecotour.
Bookings are not open yet. Get in touch and we'll personally tell you all the details.
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Complete freedom
A route just for you and your group, with the freedom to adapt the dates, pace and priorities of the trip.
We tailor the itinerary and pace, and shape the proposal with you. No commitment until every detail is settled.
2026
Choose a month and we'll tell you the availability and price for those dates. The price varies with dates, group size and available accommodation.
The group meets, a briefing for the trek and a check of permits and kit. A last chance to complete your equipment before heading for the mountains.
Kathmandu
A road journey of about 8-9 hours to Machha Khola, following the Budhi Gandaki valley. A first taste of rural Nepal outside the capital.
Machha Khola
The first day of trekking beside the river, crossing suspension bridges and small villages. The gorge narrows as you gain height.
Jagat
The route keeps climbing the Budhi Gandaki between ravines and subtropical forest, with an atmosphere increasingly shaped by Tibetan culture.
Deng
Entry into the Manaslu restricted area. Bihi is the starting point for the detour to Serang Gompa, already in a high-mountain setting.
Bihi
A climb up the Kyimolung Valley to the monastery of Serang Gompa. A night inside the gompa itself, with monastic life as a backdrop.
Serang Gompa (monastery)
Back to the main route of the Manaslu circuit along the same valley, rejoining the Budhi Gandaki at Ghap.
Ghap
The first great views of Manaslu (8,163 m) above the valley. Lho has one of the most photographed gompas on the route, with the snowy peak right behind it.
Lho
A short day that helps acclimatisation, entering a true amphitheatre of peaks of more than 6,000 and 7,000 metres around the Nubri valley.
Shyala
Samagaon is the main village of the upper valley and the usual base for acclimatisation, with access to viewpoints towards Manaslu Base Camp.
Samagaon
A short day at altitude without changing accommodation, with the option of climbing towards Lake Birendra or to a viewpoint over Manaslu Base Camp depending on the group's pace.
Samagaon
The last stage before approaching the pass. Samdo is the last permanent settlement on the route, close to the border with Tibet.
Samdo
A short but decisive stage to finish acclimatising before the crossing. Dharmasala is little more than a shelter for passing trekkers at the foot of the Larkya La.
Dharmasala
The hardest and highest day of the trip. An early start to cross the Larkya La in daylight and good weather, between glaciers, and a long descent to the meadows of Bhimtang.
Bhimtang
The landscape changes completely on the other side of the pass: rhododendron forests, yak meadows and the Manang valley, now outside the Manaslu restricted area.
Tilije / Dharapani
The last day of trekking or a transfer by track to Besisahar, the connection point with the road to Kathmandu.
Besisahar
A road journey back to Kathmandu. Free time in the afternoon to rest and celebrate the end of the trek with the group.
Kathmandu
A last morning in Kathmandu depending on flight times. Farewell to the group and the close of a long, demanding and very uncrowded route.
Detailed itinerary
DAY 1
The group meets, a briefing for the trek and a check of permits and kit. A last chance to complete your equipment before heading for the mountains.
DAY 2
A road journey of about 8-9 hours to Machha Khola, following the Budhi Gandaki valley. A first taste of rural Nepal outside the capital.
DAY 3
The first day of trekking beside the river, crossing suspension bridges and small villages. The gorge narrows as you gain height.
DAY 4
The route keeps climbing the Budhi Gandaki between ravines and subtropical forest, with an atmosphere increasingly shaped by Tibetan culture.
DAY 5
Entry into the Manaslu restricted area. Bihi is the starting point for the detour to Serang Gompa, already in a high-mountain setting.
DAY 6
A climb up the Kyimolung Valley to the monastery of Serang Gompa. A night inside the gompa itself, with monastic life as a backdrop.
DAY 7
Back to the main route of the Manaslu circuit along the same valley, rejoining the Budhi Gandaki at Ghap.
DAY 8
The first great views of Manaslu (8,163 m) above the valley. Lho has one of the most photographed gompas on the route, with the snowy peak right behind it.
DAY 9
A short day that helps acclimatisation, entering a true amphitheatre of peaks of more than 6,000 and 7,000 metres around the Nubri valley.
DAY 10
Samagaon is the main village of the upper valley and the usual base for acclimatisation, with access to viewpoints towards Manaslu Base Camp.
DAY 11
A short day at altitude without changing accommodation, with the option of climbing towards Lake Birendra or to a viewpoint over Manaslu Base Camp depending on the group's pace.
DAY 12
The last stage before approaching the pass. Samdo is the last permanent settlement on the route, close to the border with Tibet.
DAY 13
A short but decisive stage to finish acclimatising before the crossing. Dharmasala is little more than a shelter for passing trekkers at the foot of the Larkya La.
DAY 14
The hardest and highest day of the trip. An early start to cross the Larkya La in daylight and good weather, between glaciers, and a long descent to the meadows of Bhimtang.
DAY 15
The landscape changes completely on the other side of the pass: rhododendron forests, yak meadows and the Manang valley, now outside the Manaslu restricted area.
DAY 16
The last day of trekking or a transfer by track to Besisahar, the connection point with the road to Kathmandu.
DAY 17
A road journey back to Kathmandu. Free time in the afternoon to rest and celebrate the end of the trek with the group.
DAY 18
A last morning in Kathmandu depending on flight times. Farewell to the group and the close of a long, demanding and very uncrowded route.
Trip highlights
The Budhi Gandaki valley
From Machha Khola the route follows the Budhi Gandaki river up through narrow gorges, crossing suspension bridges and subtropical forests before entering the restricted area of Manaslu.
Serang Gompa, the hidden monastery
A detour from Bihi leads to Serang Gompa, a Buddhist monastery at about 3,100 metres where the group sleeps in simple accommodation inside the compound itself, far from the main route.
The Tibetan villages of Nubri
Lho, Shyala and Samagaon are villages of Tibetan culture with gompas, buckwheat fields and the first great views of Manaslu (8,163 m) above the valley.
Samdo and the last villages
Samdo is the last permanent settlement before the pass, with views of the valley and the peaks on the border with Tibet. Here the group completes its acclimatisation before the crossing.
The Larkya La pass, 5,106 m
The hardest and highest day of the trip: an early start, intense cold and a long pass between glaciers before the descent towards Bhimtang begins.
Bhimtang and the descent
On the other side of the pass the landscape changes completely: yak meadows, rhododendron forests and the Manang valley on the way to Dharapani and Besisahar.
Marc Ginesta goes with the group all along the route, from Kathmandu until the return.
Ecotour guideA Nepali trekking guide and staff, porters for the shared luggage and support personnel on the route.
Local team on the groundManaslu restricted area permit (RAP), MCAP and ACAP, arranged by the agency.
PermitsSeventeen nights in mountain teahouses and one night inside the Serang Gompa monastery, subject to availability.
AccommodationBreakfast, lunch and dinner on the trekking days, from Machha Khola until the return to Kathmandu.
Meals on the routeGround transfers Kathmandu - Machha Khola and Besisahar - Kathmandu as per the programme.
TransfersHelp beforehand with high-altitude expedition kit, international flights and physical preparation.
Advice beforehandInternational flights, travel insurance and high-altitude rescue cover (compulsory), accommodation and meals in Kathmandu other than as stated, drinks, tips and personal spending.
What is not includedYou must travel with insurance that includes medical cover, helicopter rescue and trekking activity up to at least 5,200 metres.
The temperatures in the table are daytime figures for the upper section (Samdo/Samagaon, ~3,500-3,800 m). At night they fall well below zero, and on the Larkya La pass (5,106 m) they can reach -12/-20 °C. You need high-altitude expedition equipment: a winter sleeping bag, technical layers and good trekking footwear.
Frequently asked questions
The Larkya La pass, at 5,106 metres, crossed on stage 14. It is the most demanding point of the whole trek.
No climbing technique is required, but you do need good fitness and previous experience of multi-day treks at altitude, since you walk for around 18 consecutive days.
Yes. Stage 6 includes a night in simple accommodation inside the monastery itself, one of the distinctive experiences of this variant of the Manaslu circuit.
The Manaslu circuit is a restricted area: you need the restricted area permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area permit (MCAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area permit (ACAP). All three are included and arranged by the agency.
Travel insurance that covers rescue and trekking activity at altitude up to at least 5,200 metres. It is not included in the price and it is compulsory.
The guide assesses the state of the group every day. If someone does not acclimatise, the pace is adjusted or, as a last resort, they descend accompanied by the local staff while the rest continue.
Simple mountain teahouses, shared rooms and shared bathrooms on most stages, except for the night in the Serang Gompa monastery, where the accommodation is even more basic.
Yes. It is arranged on arrival at Kathmandu airport (visa on arrival) or online beforehand; we give you the details in the preparation before the trip.
The departure is confirmed for 22 October to 8 November 2026, with a maximum of 10 travellers and a price of €1,990 plus international flights. You can check availability from this page.
Gallery
Reviews
Sara Rojas3 months ago
Morocco
Just back from spending a few days in Morocco with Ecotour, all I can say is that the experience was wonderful, the kind that leaves unforgettable memories and makes life even more beautiful!!! Thank you
Hector Rus2 years ago
Morocco
I went on a trip to Morocco with Ecotour and Javi: 4 people and two specialists in snake spotting and rescue. Honestly, the number of different species we saw was surprising, from cobras to vipers and grass snakes, very big desert lizards, geckos and so on. It was non-stop, including getting into Western Sahara, with a group that from minute one felt like we'd known each other all our lives, great vibes and lots and lots of passion for animals and sharing. I learned a ton of things and was able to handle these animals in complete safety. I'd also say that I never felt we were going through tourist spots, quite the opposite. The places we passed through hadn't seen outsiders for days. That means that, besides everything being cheaper, you feel you've really got into the heart of a trip. One hundred percent adventure; more than a tour, it was a trip among friends passionate about animals. Thanks for everything, Javi, and for being there looking out for everyone. A big hug, and I'll do it again as soon as I can, no doubt. 🫂🙌
Sergio Gonzalez Yagüe2 years ago
Morocco
The trip to Morocco was one of the best moments of my life, 10/10, nothing more to add.
Lara Redondo González2 years ago
Morocco
How lovely it is when things are done with passion! A truly authentic trip with Javi in Morocco. If I were you, I'd rush to grab the next place :)
Juan Pablo Bernalte Toledo2 years ago
Morocco
This trip to Morocco was magical, the organisation and the guides super professional, every day an adventure. 100% recommended.
Carlos Buil3 years ago
High mountain
As always, it's an unforgettable experience to do high mountain climbing safely with Javier. Climbing two 3,000-metre peaks and enjoying the scenery in an educational and passionate way. Looking forward to doing it again 💪💪💪
ines piazuelo3 years ago
Vallibierna
Very professional and fun guiding on the Vallibierna. With guides like this, it seems possible to climb any peak. Thanks for the encouragement during the ascent, Javi, we'll surely see each other again 🏔️🥾👏🏻…
Adrian Romero Fernandez2 years ago
Patagonia
I set off on a trip to the southernmost point in the world with Eco Tour and the experience couldn't have been better. Without a doubt, I'd do it again a thousand times!
Veronica Bimba2 years ago
Patagonia
I went on a trip to Chilean Patagonia with Javi last Christmas and it was impressive!! Besides the scenery, which is truly incredible, Javi's management and organisation were great. Before the trip he advises you on everything you need, and during the trip he was one more companion and friend. A good person and a good professional, I'd definitely travel with him again.
rajae azelmad3 months ago
Honest and good experience
Rut V2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
A wonderful experience in a luxury setting. We got in touch with Javi after finding him online and it was a great decision. He's a young guy, passionate about his work and about nature, and it shows. He explained so many things about the rut and the surroundings, and brought samples to show us how animals are tracked, always with respect and without disturbing their habitat. He also took loads of souvenir photos, both of us and of the animals, which we really appreciated. I loved the equipment he uses: he has a screen that attaches to the camera, so we could all enjoy the views without needing telescopes. Thank you so much, Javi, for the experience. You're a truly lovely person.
M. Villar (Proska)2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
Without a doubt an unforgettable experience. Several companies offer the rut, but not like this one: his knowledge of the subject, together with the technology he uses, guarantees a complete outing and lets you enjoy the activity to the fullest. 100% recommended
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