Langtang Valley Trek

Overview

The closest Himalayan region to Kathmandu, Langtang Valley, is a picturesque destination in the Langtang National Park. It is also known as the valley of glaciers. The Langtang Valley trek is one of the famous treks in Nepal. Syabrubesi is the gateway of this trek, and it is about an 8 hour long drive away from Kathmandu. The trek goes through rhododendron forests and grassy meadows, where you can see the grazing yaks. Rich Tamang culture is another part of this trek.

Langtang Valley trekking is an opportunity to feel the wonderful hospitality of the Tamang people, who closely follow the Tibetan pattern of lifestyle. Lungur monkeys, musk deer and Himalayan black bears are commonly seen during the trek along with some of the more rarely found animals such as the red panda and the snow leopard. The views of the Himalayas include Mt. Langtang Lirung, Langsisa, Yala Peak, Ganjala Peak as well as dozens of other white peaks. The Langtang Valley and Kyanjin Valley are two striking valleys that you can see during the trek. Langtang Valley has been described as the most beautiful valley in the world by the famous British climber Bill Tilman. The Kyanjin Valley is known as a spiritual centre with Gompa and Chhortens. Another great thing that you’ll be doing during your trek here is exploring a cheese factory. Malaika Travel is always here to assist you with everything you need.

Day to day itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Once you arrive at the airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by one of our representatives who will transfer you to a pre-booked hotel in Kathmandu. After checking in at the hotel, you can decide whether you would like to relax at the hotel or take a walk in Kathmandu (if you have any spare time).

Day 2: Trek preparation

After breakfast, there will be a discussion session where we will talk about our trekking/climbing plan and how to prepare. Your trek leader will brief you about the expedition and answer your queries.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Syabru Besi (1550m) [7-8 hours’ drive]

We will get into a vehicle that will drive us to Syabru Besi (the starting point of the trek). It will take us approximately eight hours to reach Syabru Besi. On our way, we will enjoy the Himalayan views along with the terraced fields, lush vegetation and rustic villages around us. We will stop in Trishuli Bazaar for lunch and continue via Dhunche to reach Syabru Besi. Overnight, we’ll stay at a guest house in Syabru Besi.

Day 4: Syabru Besi to Lama Hotel (2380m) [5-6 hrs]

We will start our trekking expedition from Syabru Besi today. We will cross the suspension bridge and continue to walk through the dense forest to reach Doman. We then climb over a steep rocky ridge to reach Paira Lodge. Eventually, we will reach Rimche and then Lama Hotel. It will take about seven hours to reach Lama Hotel from Syabru Besi. Overnight, we will stay at Lama Hotel.

Day 5: Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3430m) [6-7 hrs]

We will trek for approximately seven hours to reach Langtang Village today. We start our expedition by walking through the dense forest which is filled with hemlocks, oaks, and rhododendrons. The trail offers magical views of Langtang Lirung and other Himalayas throughout the expedition today. We will first ascend to Ghora Tabela (2970m) and later we’ll descend to Thangshyap (3140m) before ascending into Langtang. We can see water mills, prayer wheels, chortens and sacred carved rocks along our way. Upon reaching Langtang Village, we will check in to the pre-booked hotel and rest for the night.

Day 6: Langtang village to Kyanjin Gompa (3870m) [3-4 hrs]

We start our expedition by passing through the yak pastures and ascending to Sindhum and Yamphu. We also pass through the largest mani wall in Nepal made of stone with prayers written on them.  As we trek higher, we might have a little bit of breathing difficulty due to the high altitude. We climb a moraine to a viewpoint from where we can see Kyanjin Gompa along with dramatic icefalls flowing from Langtang Lirung and Kinshung. The trail then descends to Kyanjin Gompa. Kyanjin Gompa is surrounded by the Himalayas and offers superb views of glaciers, icefalls and Himalayas along with other natural attractions. Overnight, we will stay at the Kyanjin Gompa.

Day 7: Rest Day at Kyanjin Gompa / Exploration day

We have set this day to be a rest day. Trekking experts suggest that you don’t stay idle during the rest of the day. We will spend the day exploring the area. We can visit the monastery or the cheese factory. We can also choose to walk up the moraine to see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung or we can ascend Kyangjin Ri (4350m). We will spend the night at a guest house in Kyanjin Gompa.

Day 8: Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel [6-7 hrs]

We will trace back down to Lama Hotel today. We’ll wake up early in the morning, enjoy the sunrise, have breakfast, and then trek down to Lama Hotel.

Day 9: Lama Hotel to Syabru Besi [5-6 Hrs]

The trail back to Syabru Besi is quite easy; it is mostly downhill through the lush forest. It will take us approximately five hours to reach Syabru Besi. We will finish our trekking expedition when we reach Syabru Besi.

Day 10: Syabru Besi to Kathmandu [7-8 hours’ drive]

We will drive back to Kathmandu today. It will take us approximately 8 hours to reach Kathmandu. There will be wonderful views of the Himalayas, mountains, rivers and other natural attractions on our way back to Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you can do some last minute shopping in the city. Overnight, we will stay in a hotel.

Day 11: Transfer to the airport for your onward destination

Today we will drive you to Kathmandu airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.