Langtang Valley Trek

After breakfast in Syabrubesi, it’s time to take your first real steps on the Langtang Valley Trek. We’ll get started by crossing a suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi river, which flows across the border from Tibet. The trail heads uphill from here, climbing through a dense woodland of pine and rhododendron as it parallels the Langtang Khola river gorge. This is a landscape of sparkling waterfalls and hidden hot springs, where rhesus macaques and red pandas move through the forest canopy while we pass beneath them. Keep on the lookout for the wild, oversized beehives perched high on the nearby cliffs; locals expend great effort to harvest the honey from these hives, often at considerable personal risk.

As we come across terraced farms and quiet streams, we’ll approach several small villages. Most notable amongst them are Bamboo and Renche. We’ll stop for lunch at one of these peaceful mountain communities, where you’ll enjoy the opportunity to refuel your body and rest your feet. In the afternoon, we’ll ascend past Bamboo to reach the charming village of Lama Hotel. We’ll stop here for the night, selecting a comfortable teahouse for our overnight accommodations. 

Today’s trail begins by climbing through forests of pine and rhododendron, passing a number of small mountain communities, and rising above the watercourse of the Langtang Khola to reveal a splendid view of the Langtang Himal range. These mountains are the defining feature of the Langtang Valley. Their highest peak is known as Langtang Lirung, which ascends to higher than 7,000 meters in altitude. We’ll hike in the shadow of its mighty summit as we traverse a glacial valley on the way to Godatabel, a settlement that marks the approximate halfway point on our route for the day.

After sitting down to lunch at Godatabel, we’ll hike along a path adorned with prayer wheels and chortens. As we penetrate deeper into the mountains, these reminders of Buddhist faith appear more frequently, and we’ll marvel at their beautiful inscriptions and loving craftsmanship. We’ll continue across alpine meadows where livestock can often be found grazing as we make the final approach to Langtang village. This Tibetan-influenced town was damaged badly during the 2015 earthquake, and a memorial in the village now commemorates the lives lost in that tragedy. But dedicated reconstruction efforts have revitalized Langtang, and we’ll make our own contribution to its economy by spending the night at one of its best trekking lodges this evening.

Lovers of alpine scenery will cherish the next two days as the best of the entire ten-day Langtang Valley Trek. The views in store for us are nothing short of astonishing, and we’ll want to get an early start in order to make the most of them. Departing Langtang village, we’ll ascend along steep paths and come across a handful of tiny settlements used by yak herders. This is a reliable sign that you’re trekking at a genuinely high altitude; yaks are rarely found below 3,500 meters in elevation. After getting a good look at the shaggy creatures, we’ll continue alongside the course of the Langtang Khola.

As we draw closer to the community of Kyanjin Gompa, we’ll come across an extraordinary example of a Buddhist mani wall. These walls are constructed with stones of varying shapes and sizes, and each is carved with important religious mantras. The mani wall we’ll pass on the way into Kyanjin Gompa is believed to be the second-largest of its type in the entirety of Nepal. When we arrive in the village, we’ll get checked in at one of the local teahouses and drop off our bags to explore the surroundings at our leisure. Today’s relatively short hike allows us to adjust to the higher elevation while taking the time to enjoy awe-inspiring mountain panoramas from the comfort of a café terrace or bakery window. Later this evening, we’ll return to our teahouse for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

The sixth day of our Langtang Valley Trek itinerary is typically set aside for you to explore the fabulous viewpoints scattered throughout the surroundings of Kyanjin Gompa. The most popular option is to embark on the steep ascent to Tsergo Ri, which affords astounding views of no fewer than 21 distinct summits. Chief amongst them is Langtang Lirung, the highest summit of the Langtang Himal at 7,234 meters. The lookout point itself is situated at 4,984 meters, and it can take up to eight hours to complete the round trip, making for a challenging but rewarding excursion.

For a gentler alternative, we can consider trekking to Kyanjin Ri instead. We’ll need to make an early start to reach the top of this hill just northeast of Kyanjin Gompa. This is an easier and shorter ascent than the hike to Tsergo Ri, but it’s still a real climb: Kyanjin Ri sits at approximately 4,600 meters. The view from the top is every bit as good as the view from Tsergo Ri, and you’ll enjoy a 360-degree field of snow-capped mountains, sprawling valleys, and frozen lakes no matter which route you choose. This evening, we’ll return to Kyanjin Gompa to spend a second night at our guesthouse.

As we bid farewell to the colorful Buddhist community of Kyanjin Gompa, we’ll set out for one of the longest stretches of trekking in the Langtang Valley. We’ll be hiking all the way back to Lama Hotel today, but we’ll actually be able to move more quickly and comfortably now that we’re descending through the mountains. We’ll pass by familiar yak herding settlements and wide alpine pastures as we lose about 1,400 meters throughout the course of our descent, and with each step, the promise of a hot meal in Langtang village grows more and more alluring.

After lunch, we’ll take some time to visit any sites you might’ve missed here in Langtang village, such as the earthquake memorial, before setting out on the path to Lama Hotel. We’ll check-in at the best available teahouse here and unburden ourselves of our heavy packs. Then it’s time to kick back and enjoy the ambiance of pines and rhododendrons blowing in a mountain wind while villagers come and go in pursuit of their daily routines.

After breakfast this morning, we’ll begin our hike back to Syabrubesi. We actually have two routes to consider for today’s trek. The first lead back to Syabrubesi the same way we left it, descending through pine forest to pass Bamboo and Renche before reaching the Bhote Khola river crossing. A second, steeper option affords splendid views of the Langtang Valley and offers the chance to explore a new trail instead of retracing our steps. Your guide will help you decide which route is best, based on seasonal weather patterns and our own trekking stamina.

Whichever route we select, we’ll stroll into Syabrubesi with the satisfaction of having completed the entire Langtang Valley Trek. After getting checked in at one of the teahouses in town, we’ll gather for dinner to celebrate our accomplishments. One thing’s for sure—with all those miles behind us, we’re bound to sleep well tonight!

We’ll linger over a tasty breakfast this morning before departing from the Langtang Valley by road. We’ll follow the same scenic route we used about one week ago, tracing the bends and curves of the Bhote Koshi river as it flows past idyllic rural villages and expansive fields of cultivation on the way back to Kathmandu. As you watch the dreamlike imagery of rural Nepal rolling past your window, you’ll think back on the memories you’ve made, the people you’ve met, and the miles you’ve covered with your own two feet.

When we arrive in the city, we’ll check-in at the hotel so you can enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation. There’s nothing quite like a hot shower and a nap after completing a week of trekking in the Himalayas! This evening, take some time to explore the tourist markets of the city’s vibrant Thamel neighborhood. This is also a great second opportunity to visit the cultural and historical attractions that give Kathmandu its distinct flavor. After dinner, you’ll spend the night at your hotel.

Please note: The trekking times indicated above are approximate and are best used as general guidelines. During the Langtang Valley Trek, you’ll be able to travel freely at your own pace.