Langtang Trek - 11 Days

Highlights

• Pass through stunning forests, high alpine meadows, and yak pastures
• Enjoy panoramic views across vast open valleys at the end of the trek
• Support people rebuilding their lives and livelihoods after the earthquake
• Incredible mountain views of the Langtang Himalayas, valley and across to Tibet from Kyanjin Ri

Trek Summary

The Langtang trek is a trek with real heart. The Langtang Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal and was once the darling of trekkers seeking stunning landscapes and authentic culture along with heartwarming hospitality in delightful homestay guest houses — all within easy reach of Kathmandu.

However, the Langtang Valley is almost devoid of visitors these days as the people of Langtang are continuing to rebuild their lives after the 2015 earthquake. Survivors of the landslides caused by the earthquake were forced to leave the valley, but now they have come back to reclaim their homeland, rebuild their homes and re-establish their farms.

Trekking in this beautiful valley will support the people of Langtang by providing much-needed income to rebuild in a sustainable and secure way. This is not charity; this is the business end of sustainable travel, where your travel choices can respectfully support local people while preserving their dignity, their culture and their way of life. Be wowed by nature, be humbled by the human spirit and be a part of local solutions when you choose to trek in Langtang.

The trek starts at the small town of Syabru Besi. You will trek through magnificent forests to the high alpine meadows and yak pastures around Kyangjin Gompa (a Buddhist monastery). After an (optional) day hike up to the top of Kyangjin Ri (peak), where the 360-degree views of the Himalayan mountains are truly spectacular, you retrace your route back down the valley and drive back to Kathmandu.

If time is limited and money isn’t an issue, consider adding a helicopter ride out from Kyanjin. Not only will this shorten the trip significantly and prevent you from needing to retrace your route, but you’ll have unforgettable views that can’t be had any other way.

If you're interested in doing the Langtang trek, connect with one of our local specialists in Nepal who can organize the trek for you. You'll have an experienced licensed guide, a well thought through itinerary, and the flexibility during the trek to move at your own pace. Connect with a local specialist

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu!

As you fly into Kathmandu, you'll have beautiful views over the valley, the Himalaya, and of the terraced fields below. After going through customs, a representative will be waiting to guide you through the initial culture shock of Kathmandu’s narrow, winding streets and get you settled into your hotel. Once you've settled in, head out and visit one of Kathmandu's cultural highlights. In the evening, the tourist hub of Thamel is a good place to grab your first meal, with a variety of restaurants to chose from offering both Western and local Nepali dishes.

Day 2: Explore Kathmandu

Kathmandu has a special atmosphere during the early morning hours when the city is slowly coming to life yet not too chaotic. It's a great time to walk and explore the streets or have a chai overlooking one of the local courtyards or durbar squares. There are a number of ways you can spend the day given the many incredible sights around the Kathmandu Valley. Later in the evening, head out for dinner at one of the city's great eateries, or your specialist can arrange a home-cooked dinner with a local family.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Syabru Besi (1,460 m. / 4,790 ft.)

Leave Kathmandu early for the seven-hour journey to the Langtang Valley. The road climbs high over ridges as it leaves the Kathmandu Valley, and provides impressive views of the Annapurna Himalayas in the west, to Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and the peaks of the Langtang region ahead.

We drive through the bustling town of Trisuli before climbing towards Dunche and the Langtang National Park. After the town of Dunche it is another hour downhill to Syabru Besi and your lodge for the night.

Day 4: Trek to Lama Hotel (2,470 m. / 8,103 ft.)

Today’s trail crosses the Bhote Kosi — meaning ‘Tibet River’ — which flows from nearby Tibet. It then gradually climbs through sub-tropical forests to join the trail from Syabru Besi, then climbing through uninhabited oak and rhododendron forests. Look out for langur monkeys in the trees. The trail through the forest up to Lama Hotel becomes steep, but the reward is a comfortable bed in a cozy lodge in the small settlement.

Day 5: Trek to Mundu (3,550 m. / 11,646 ft.)

The trail continues to climb through forest, with occasional glimpses of Langtang Lirung between the trees. At Ghora Tabela (3,000 m. / 9,842 ft) the trail emerges from the forest and the mountains loom on either side of the valley. Once there was a Tibetan resettlement project here, but now it is a Nepal Army post with no permanent inhabitants. The trail continues to climb gently and the valley widens, passing a few temporary settlements used by herders who bring their livestock to graze in the high pastures during the summer. You will probably glimpse your first yak if you haven’t already.

The next part of the trail is a somber reminder of the 2015 earthquake. Where Langtang village once was, with numerous lodges, there is now only a huge rock field. Spare a thought for the Nepalis and tourists who lost their lives here, and remember that your journey here will help support the survivors.

Mundu is just half an hour’s walk further on. The old houses here are a reminder of what all the villages once looked like in this valley. Most of the lodges and homes in this area are now built in a more modern style.

Day 6: Trek to Kyangjin Gompa (3,800 m. / 12,467 ft.)

From Mundu, the trail climbs gradually through yak pastures as the valley opens out further and the views become more extensive. After crossing several small streams and moraines, the trail reaches the settlement at Kyangjin. Here there is a small monastery and a government-operated cheese factory, which is a good place to stock up for lunch and afternoon snacks.

As you will arrive by lunchtime there is time to take it easy in the afternoon or explore the area. If you are feeling energetic, head up the Valley towards Langshisha Kharka to see some of the amazing views.

Day 7: Rest day in Kyangjin or climb Kyangjin Ri (4,850 m. / 15,912 ft.)

Today you can rest or explore the area. You can visit the monastery and the cheese factory, walk up the moraine to see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung or ascend Kyangjin Ri directly behind the village, for a breath-taking panorama of the Langtang peaks.

Day 8: Trek to Lama hotel

From Kyangjin retrace the route you followed up the valley, following the Langtang Khola to Mundu village and on to Ghora Tabela. The descent will certainly be faster than the ascent. After lunch, continue the steep descent to Lama Hotel.

Day 9: Trek to Syabru Besi

Continue retracing your steps to Syabru Besi, enjoying the quiet forested hills. If you are feeling fit, take the spectacular route from Rimche via Sherpa Gaon to Syabru Besi; it will take much longer to reach the ultimate destination, but it’s a stunning detour.

Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu

Return to Kathmandu. 

Day 11: Depart Kathmandu

Time to say farewell to Nepal. Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu with breakfast in a café, a city stroll, and/or souvenir shopping. A representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home. It's good to be at the airport at least two hours prior to departure.

Variations

If you have got more time, this trek combines well with the nearby Tamang Heritage trail, which adds an extra 4-6 days of trekking. There you will learn more about the ethnic Tamang people, who originally came from Tibet. 

Alternatively, trek over Gosainkunda back to Kathmandu instead of driving. Gosainkund is a beautiful blue high-altitude lake. It is preferable to trek to Gosainkunda on the return from Langtang rather than on the way, as it requires a fairly steep ascent, and by this point you will be better acclimatized, making the height of the lake (4,380 m.) less of a concern. (If trekking this route without a guide, be especially careful with the altitude—numerous people have been caught out by a dangerous error in a commonly available trekking map that incorrectly lists some altitudes. Double-check all altitudes before setting off.)

If you're interested in extending your time in this region, take a look at this 14-day trekking itinerary. 

Accommodation & meals

The Langtang Valley had been very well set-up with plenty of comfortable lodges. While the earthquake and landslide destroyed many in certain towns (most dramatically, in Langtang Village), plenty of other settlements were less affected and good options are still plentiful. The standard here is good, with warm blankets, fireplaces, comfortable beds, the occasional hot shower (for an extra fee) and a variety of food. Don’t forget to try the momos in this region, as they are larger and more pastry-like than those commonly found in the capital.

Getting there & away

To trek in the Langtang National Park, you have to first drive to Syabrubesi, Dunche, or Sano Barkhu to start the trek. Public buses are available from Kathmandu, but slow. A private vehicle or jeep is a much better option. Exit is via the same route unless you trek over Gosainkunda and back through Helambu to Kathmandu.

Permits & regulations

You’ll need a TIMS card (US$10) and a Langtang National Park permit (US$34). If you’re trekking with an agency, they will arrange these for you. If you’re arranging the trek yourself, you’ll need to pick up your TIMS permit in Kathmandu and your Langtang National Park permit in Dunche.

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