Langtang Valley Trek

After an early breakfast we leave Kathmandu and head north through Trishuli Bazaar and Dhunche, the headquarters of Rasuwa district. The road climbs along terraced hillsides with the Ganesh Himal and Langtang peaks appearing on clear days. Permits are checked at the Langtang National Park entrance near Dhunche. The last section winds down to Syabrubesi, a busy riverside town at the confluence of the Bhote Koshi and Langtang Khola and the starting point of the trek. The road is rough in places, so expect a bumpy but scenic journey.

The trek begins by crossing a suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi and following the Langtang Khola upstream. The trail rises gently at first through small settlements and then climbs more steadily into forest of oak, maple, rhododendron and bamboo. Keep an eye out for langur monkeys and, if you are lucky, the shy red panda. We stop for lunch at Bamboo, beside the roaring river, before a final climb to Lama Hotel, a cluster of teahouses in a forest clearing.

Today the valley starts to open up. The trail keeps climbing through forest to Ghoda Tabela, where the trees thin out and the first big views of Langtang Lirung appear. From here the path passes grazing land, water-driven prayer wheels and small Tamang settlements. Langtang village was largely destroyed by the 2015 earthquake and has since been rebuilt a little away from the landslide site; there is a memorial to those who lost their lives. Take it easy this afternoon, as you are now well above 3,000 m.

A shorter day, which helps with acclimatisation. The trail climbs gently past long mani walls, chortens and the village of Mundu, with yak pastures and glacier-carved slopes all around. By late morning you reach Kyanjin Gompa, a small settlement surrounded by peaks. In the afternoon, visit the old monastery that gives the place its name and the yak cheese factory, then enjoy the views of Langtang Lirung and the Kyanjin glacier. An easy stroll above the village helps your body adjust to the altitude.

We start before dawn for the climb to Tserko Ri, the highest point of the trip. The path crosses yak pastures and then climbs steadily over rocky ground to the summit, marked with prayer flags. From the top there is a sweeping panorama of Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Gangchenpo and the glaciers of the upper valley. It is a long, demanding day, so we return to Kyanjin Gompa in the afternoon to rest. If you prefer a shorter outing, Kyanjin Ri (about 4,773 m) is a great alternative, taking three to four hours return.

After breakfast and a last look at the peaks, we retrace our steps down the valley. Walking downhill is quicker, so we pass through Langtang village and Ghoda Tabela and continue back into the forest all the way to Lama Hotel. The descent is long but the thicker air makes it feel easier, and you will notice details on the trail that you may have missed on the way up. Watch your knees on the steeper stone steps; trekking poles help a lot today.

The final trekking day follows the river down through bamboo and rhododendron forest to Bamboo and on to Syabrubesi. The trail is mostly downhill with a few short climbs. Back in Syabrubesi you can enjoy a hot shower and a relaxed evening with your guide and porter to celebrate the end of the trek. It is a nice time to thank the team who made the journey possible.

After breakfast we drive back to Kathmandu along the same road through Dhunche and Trishuli. The journey takes most of the day, with stops for tea and lunch. Once you are back at your hotel, the rest of the evening is free to shop for souvenirs in Thamel or enjoy a well-earned dinner in town.

Your adventure ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few hours for last-minute shopping or a visit to Boudhanath or Swayambhunath. A member of our team will drive you to Tribhuvan International Airport about three hours before your international flight. We hope to welcome you back to Nepal for another trek soon.