The Langtang Valley has long been a favorite trek due to its expansive views, interesting Tamang culture, relatively gentle pace and accessibility from Kathmandu. Post earthquake of 2015, it also provides vital economic support to survivors
The Langtang Valley a beautiful trek, your visit will also provide vital support for local livelihoods.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.
Highlights
TOP TIP:
Our trail head is Syabrubesi, where we start and end the trail. Reaching there is a six to eight hour drive through the Nepali countryside, on a comfortable private jeep transfer. 120kms . 8 hours
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. 14 kms . 5 - 6 hours
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. 15 kms . 6 hours
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. 6 kms . 3 - 4 hours
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.
Trek down to Lama Hotel. Depending on how we feel while going up, we can also choose to use the exploration day to come back a bit before we take the long route back into Syabrubesi. A lot depends on how well everyone is walking while going up, and while coming down. 20 kms . 7 - 8 hours
Return back to Syabrubesi. 14 kms . 4 hours
Drive back to Kathmandu on private transfers. 120 kms . 8 hours
Day | Location | Activity | Transport | Hotel | Meals |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Syabrubesi | Drive to Syabrubesi | jeep | lodge | - |
2 | Lama Hotel | Trek to Lama Hotel | trek | lodge | - |
3 | Mundu | Trek to Mundu | trek | lodge | - |
4 | Kyanjin Gompa | Trek to Kyangin Gompa | trek | lodge | - |
5 | Kyangjin Ri | Exploration Day | rest day | lodge | - |
6 | Lama Hotel | Trek back to Chyamki or Lama Hotel | trek | lodge | - |
7 | Syabrubesi | Trek back to Syabrubesi | trek | lodge | - |
8 | Kathmandu | Drive to Kathmandu | jeep | Self | - |
"having a magnificent moment at Kyanjin Ri - Exploration Day@
GEAR LIST | What to bring on this Trek?
Think only safety. Safety from the rain, the cold, the heat and the altitude. So simply put the bare essentials would be