Langtang Valley Trek - 11 Days

You will be greeted at Tribhuvan International Airport by a representative and transferred to your hotel in the capital city of Kathmandu. After relaxation, you can choose to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel or rest after your trip. Depending on your arrival time, there may also be an evening pre-trek briefing to coincide with meeting your guide, going over the itinerary, and discussing any final logistics.

This day is spent absorbing the spiritual and architectural beauty of the Kathmandu Valley. With the guidance of an experienced cultural guide, you will visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The day can begin with a tour to Swayambhunath Stupa, or Monkey Temple, which is perched on top of a hill and provides panoramic views of the city. From there, you will head to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples, situated along the banks of the Bagmati River. You’ll also witness the peaceful and majestic Boudhanath Stupa, a center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Lastly, you’ll explore the historical Kathmandu Durbar Square, a complex of royal palaces, temples, and courtyards. Welcome dinner in the evening at a Nepali restaurant around town with cultural events and Nepali food.

Breakfast, then drive into the Himalayas for a scenic tour of Syabrubesi, the starting point of your Langtang trek. The road goes through rolling hills, terraced hillsides, and picturesque hillside villages. The drive is across rural countryside, hillside towns and colorful villages, terraced fields. The trek, while long, is an easy ascent from the city sprawl of Kathmandu to rural village life of the Langtang region. As the road rises into the Rasuwa District, views of the Ganesh Himal and Langtang ranges and deep river canyons cut by the Trishuli and Bhote Koshi rivers can be viewed. Syabrubesi is a thriving village with modest teahouses and welcoming, friendly villagers.

This is the first day of your trek. The trail follows the Langtang Khola (river), crossing suspension bridges and dense oak, bamboo, and rhododendron forests. It is a haven for wildlife; keep an eye out for langur monkeys, black bears, and red pandas, though it is rare to spot the latter. The trail climbs moderately through tiny villages like Bamboo and Rimche, eventually arriving at the peaceful halt of Lama Hotel, deep within the forest. It is a peaceful place to stop, being surrounded by dense foliage and the soft sound of the river.

You trek deeper into the Langtang Valley today. As you continue to ascend, the forest breaks up and rewards you with wider views of surrounding hills and white-tipped peaks. You'll pass by Ghodatabela, a beautiful area where permits are checked and lunch is traditionally taken. The scenery unfurls to yak pastures and alpine grasslands. Prayer flags and mani walls become more common, announcing your entrance into a more Tibetan-type country. After crossing a couple of wooden bridges and small ascents, you arrive at Langtang Village, a solid village that was devastated in the 2015 earthquake but has been rebuilt again. The village offers a chance to meet the Tamang and Tibetan locals and see their humble, spiritual lifestyle. 

This is a shorter day's trekking but one of the prettiest. The path continues through huge yak pastures and over small streams, wood bridges, and prayer walls. Mountain scenery draws closer, especially of Langtang Lirung, towering high above the valley. At Kyanjin Gompa, the spiritual center of the Langtang valley, you'll be welcomed by sweeping vistas, glacial streams, and stone houses. The village itself contains a centuries-old monastery and yak cheese factory, which can be visited by you in the afternoon. The rest of the day is spent in acclimatization and soaking up the breathtaking alpine scenery.

This is the most difficult but rewarding part of the trek. You will depart early for an optional but much-advised hike to the highest point of the trek, Tserko Ri. The hike is steep and rises constantly, but the sunrise from the summit is nothing less than enchanting. On a clear day, you’ll witness a panorama of the Langtang Himalayan range, including peaks like Langtang Lirung, Yala Peak, Dorje Lakpa, Naya Khang, and even distant views of Shishapangma (in Tibet). After spending some time at the summit, return to Kyanjin Gompa for a well-earned rest. This is an excellent day to reflect on your journey and absorb the raw beauty of the Himalayas.

After the dramatic high-altitude treks, it's downhill time now. You'll be taking your backtracking route through Ghodatabela and Langtang Village, with a reverse view of the valley as you backtrack into the forested terrain. Downhill tends to be easy, but equally challenging for the knees. Return to Lama Hotel for the night, where you'll again be welcomed with hot food and a cozy ambiance.

Your final trekking day is a loop back as you descend from Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi. The lush jungles, rolling streams, and sudden wildlife sightings make the return journey just as memorable. On arrival at Syabrubesi, you can rejoice your trekking victory with your porter and guide. It is a great opportunity to return to civilization, discuss your adventure, and enjoy some local cuisine.

Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will embark on the long trip back to Kathmandu. The roads, during this journey, meander through rolling hills, village settlements by the rivers, and farms on the hillsides. On reaching the city, you will be escorted to your hotel where you can relax or shop around the city streets one last time. Alternatively, you can choose to do some shopping for souvenirs or a farewell dinner with your crew.

Your trek is complete today. Depending on your flight schedule, you can have a leisurely morning. Our team will drive you to the airport for your departure flight. You'll be carrying with you on your flight the indelible memories of the serene Langtang Valley, its giant peaks, and the friendly Nepali people.