Kathmandu to Langtang Trek

Kathmandu to Langtang Trek Highlights

No need to book flights. You can reach trailhead, in just 6-7 hours of drive.
Shortest and Nearest Himalayan trek from Kathmandu.
360 panoramic views of 9 snowcapped mountains above 6000 meters.
Explore rich bio diversity within Nepal’s first Himalayan National Park, including red Panda, Snow Leopard etc.
Sleep in altitude of 3,870 meters, whereas maximum elevation you will gain is 5033 meters while summiting Tserko Ri.
Immerse into unique Tamang and Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Uncover spiritual and healing energy of Kyanjin Gompa.
Experience local Himalayan lifestyle.
Discover raw energy of Himalayas and nature.
Taste locally made yak cheese at Nepal’s first yak cheese factory.

Popular Viewpoints of Langtang Valley Trek

The structure of Langtang trekking includes alpine meadows, glacial valley, incredible ridgelines, steep rocky inclines and unique formation of stones forming natural viewpoints. Thanks to the natural creation of nature where we can get 360 views and experience heavenly mountain views from the viewpoints. The natural formation of viewpoints makes the place more raw and beautiful. The popular viewpoints of Langtang Valley are:

Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m)

It takes only 2-3-hour hike from kyanjin Gompa to reach Kyanjin Ri. It is popular for exclusive sunrise with panoramic views of its surrounding and Himalayan giants like Langtang Lirung, Gangchempo, Dorje Lakpa, Yala peak, Tserko Ri. Early morning is the best time to witness rays of sun lighting up snow- covered peaks from ridge viewpoint.

Tserko Ri (5,033 metres)

It takes about 5-6 hours round hike from Kyanjin Gompa which is the highest viewpoint in the area. You can witness 360 panoramic views of Langtang Lirung, Langsisha Ri, Yubra Himal, Ganja la range, Gangchempo, Yala Peak, Langshisa Kharka, Dorje Lakpa, Kimshung including ranges extending into Tibet like Shishapangma. The alpine terrain, unique rock formation, glacial wind, steep gradients will make you amazed.

Langshisa Kharka (4,080 m)

This ridge viewpoint is located directly above Kyanjin Gompa which takes about 2-3 hour hike. The little steep trail with easy to moderate terrain opens up to the glacial valley which is surrounded by Langshisa Ri, Morimoto peak, Langtang II, Shalbachum. The silent surreal and raw power of the nature over there makes your energy level high. People come here when the glacier is completely frozen to meditate.

Spiritual Himalayan Hotspot Langtang Trek

Kathmandu to Langtang trek connects you to spiritual Himalayan hotspot that radiates raw power and ancient wisdom. You can feel high level of energy in every step into heart of nature, mountains and spirituality. The hustle and bustle of city fades and rhythm of Himalayas begins echoing which carries wisdom of centuries.

Langtang trekking is scenic Himalayan journey into natural energy vortex which is dream place for spiritual seekers, nature lovers, wildlife and cultural enthusiastic. People come here to meditate on lap of Himalayas, glaciers, absorb ground energy and raw energy that flows from the mountains

Story Behind Kyanjin Monastery “The Sacred Soul of Langtang Valley”

Kyanjin Gompa, located at 3,870m is one of the oldest schools of Buddhism that teaches meditation, mantra chanting where generations come to pray and to seek blessings. Kyanjin Gompa is beautiful creation which is the spiritual center of the region and symbol of Buddhist devotion with a beacon of peace and harmony.

The level of energy gets higher as you walk near the Gompa. “Kyanjin” is derived from the word “Kyangi” referring to spiritual ground and site of meditation. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche pursued a yak or ox to this valley.

The high-altitude sanctuary is surrounded by hundreds of colorful prayer flags fluttering into the wind with magnificent views of giant mountains. Tibetan monks and gurus choose this location because of its raw and powerful natural energy surrounded by rivers, mountains and peaceful nature.

Nepal’s first Himalayan National Park (Langtang National Park)

Trekking within the first Himalayan national park of Nepal established in 1976, the Langtang national park is a journey through one of Nepal’s biodiverse Himalayan region. It is home to rare and endangered species covering parts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Sindhupalchok. It covers about 1,710 square kilometers.

The Stimulatory environment over here attracts wildlife enthusiasts, spiritual and adventurous traveler who comes to observe nature and wildlife activities. The flora and fauna over here are quite impressive mainly in spring and autumn season, with varieties of species of birds, animals and vascular plants. Rich in biodiversity with incredible Himalayan views, Kathmandu to Langtang trek offers best place for spiritual seeker, nature lover or adventure traveler

The First Yak Cheese Factory in Langtang Nepal

The cheese factory at Kyanjin Gompa is first Nepal’s yak cheese factory of which was established in 1955, founded under Swiss-Nepalese collaboration led by United Nations and Swiss Aid organizations. The creamy cheese is made through ancient Swiss technology.

Yaks, adapted to high altitude environment that grazes natural herbs and grasses gives rich milk, higher fat content which is very much healthy is used for cheese making.

Unique Culture of Langtang Valley Trek

Kathmandu to Langtang trek showcases the richness and authentic culture of Himalayan region, making it a living Himalayan museum. Tamang people, believed to be descends of early Tibetan settlers of the valley have strong ties to Tibetan ancestry.

Unique culture of Langtang valley welcomes travelers into cultural world full of ancestral wisdom embracing a unique set of traditions and beliefs. Locals perform unique rituals like Dukpa Chhiju dance, a spiritual reflection which offers gratitude for seasonal changes, agricultural hope. They also practice Nyugne fasting to purify negative karma, accumulate positive merit for all sentient beings. Not only mountains but their culture adds vibrant color to the valley.

The colorful traditional dresses, handcrafted jewelry and vibration of rhythms of Tamang Selo specially during Lhosar gives visitors rare chance to be part of something truly authentic. You will encounter prayer flags fluttering in the wind, chortens, mani walls and prayer wheels along the trail as part of their sacred traditions.

Earthquake that Devastated Langtang Valley

On April 25, 2015, a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal in which Langtang village got highly affected. In mere seconds, the Himalayan paradise turned into a graveyard where entire village buried under rock and ice.

Over 300 people got trapped and died at that incident. Some villagers managed to dig themselves out, while others were swept away. Not only people but ancient monasteries, stupas, chortens and scared sites which were remarkable sign of old Tibetan Buddhist culture were destroyed.

Trails got lost, forests got damaged and wildlife activity was disturbed. The people who survived dug through the mud with bare hands with the hope to see their oved ones once again. It was the darkest day for Langtangpa.

Beauty of Resilience (Small Glimpse of Resilience by the Langtangpa after 2015 Earthquake)

When the devastating earthquake hit Langtang valley in April 2015, the Langtangpa people, residents of peaceful valley not only lost homes but their generations, families, heritages that were made before centuries in just few seconds.

The Langtangpa stood with quite strength and rebuilt new homes, tea houses, trekking lodges, reopened trails not only to welcome back visitors but to reclaim their identity. Now we can witness the beauty again, hear the laughter of Langtangpa echoing in the valley and prayer flags dancing again in the wind.

This is the story of downfall and rise of Langtang valley contributed by Langtangpa people.

Shortest and Nearest Himalayan Experience from Kathmandu

Even if you have limited time, you can complete Kathmandu to Langtang trek at short period of time within 5 or 6 days. Without booking any flights, you can reach the trailhead in just a day’s drive making it convenient for those with busy schedule and planning for a short trip.

You can enjoy majestic mountain views of Langtang Lirung, Gangchempo, Dorje Lakpa, Yala peak, Kimshung, Shishapangma (Tibet) featuring glaciers and ridgelines along the trek.

Flora and Fauna of Langtang Valley

Fauna

Langtang valley is home to Nepal’s most rare and endangered species which is best place to observe Himalayan fauna in their natural habitat. The main attraction over here is Red panda and Snow Leopard which is very much shy in nature. Himalayan Black bear, Musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, Gray Langur etc are some of other rare species found over there.

Many animals change their position from higher to lower altitude and vice versa depending on the season. Himalayan Black bear goes into hibernation to caves or dens whereas Himalayan Marmot and Red panda also hibernates during winter. Langtang valley is a paradise for ornithologists and bird watchers too, about 250 species of birds are found over here.

The bird activity can be seen more specially during spring and autumn. Himalayan Monal (National bird of Nepal), Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Snow Partridge, White- winged Redstart, Bearded vulture, Himalayan Griffon, Spotted Laughingthrush are some of the rare and endangered species found in the valley.

Spring and early summer is active time for breeding among mammals and birds, where wildlife activities remain at peak.

Flora

Langtang valley is home to 1500 exclusive species of plants due to its wide range of altitude from 1,000 to over 7000 meters. The vegetation changes from sub-tropical forests to temperate and alpine zone. Traditional medicines like Yarsagumba and Nettle are also found in Alpine zones over 3300 meters.

Some of the rare and endangered species like Himalayan Rhododendron, Himalayan Yew, Spikenard, Himalayan Juniper, Monkshood etc. can be found in this region. Medicinal herbs like Himalayan Yew is used for cancer. Some plants provide foods and shelter for wildlife, which plays vital role in balancing ecosystem.

Can Red Panda be Spotted in Langtang Region?

Yes, Red pandas can be spotted in Langtang region but it depends on your luck and requires perfect timing. Autumn(September to November) and Spring(March to May) is the best possible season to spot Red panda because of perfect temperature and active wildlife activities.

The shy jewel of Himalayas inhabits between 2,200 and 4,800 meters which spends much of its time in dense bamboo forests. January and March is the mating season of Red pandas, they become more active in search of mates, which increases our chance to spot.

The chance to encounter red panda is very low but if you want to spot them without harming their habitat then here are some tips:

Hike early morning or late afternoon.
Trek/Hike around dense bamboo forest with thick vegetation.
Hire a local guide or Wildlife Tracker.
Maintain silence and look above trees.
Visit during peak seasons where wildlife activities increases.

Which the is the Best Time to Visit Langtang Valley Trek?

Langtang trek is possible on all season as all season has its own magic and uniqueness. The weather condition depends on your luck too.

The best time to visit Langtang Valley is during the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). Spring and Autumn is the best month for wildlife watching which offering clear skies, lush landscapes with balanced temperature.

Spring

Rhododendron blooms all over the trail followed by Himalayan orchids, Magnolias, Blue poppies which adds vibrant color over Langtang valley.
Wildlife activity is active during spring.
The sky is usually clear with majestic views of snow capped giants.
Blue poppies, a rare sight also can be found at high altitude like Kyanjin Gompa.
This is post-mating season so animal movement is more active.

Autumn

Grasses and alpine meadows remains lush and green.
Medicinal herbs like Yarsagumba and Panchaule can be found usually at higher altitudes.
This is the time of crops to harvest and prepare for winter by local Tamang inhabitants. You can experience local culture which adds cultural immersion.
This is the main mating season of most mammals. Animal activities remains at its peak as they seek mates or engage in courtship behavior.

Summer

Medicinal herbs like Kutki, Satuwa and Jatamansi can be found.
There are fewer number of trekkers in this season which makes trail less crowded.
Mushrooms and wild berries grows in this season.

Winter

Langtang Valley remains less crowded with quiet and snow blanketed trails.
Snow covered trees, frozen glacier and silent forests provides meditative environment.
You have to prepare warm clothing equipment’s and crampons if you want to experience winter Himalayan trek with snowy landscapes.

The Descent Mixed Feelings While Leaving Langtang Valley Behind

As I sat at the edge of Kyanjin Gompa, sipping my final cup of tea on my last day at the mountains, I felt very much emotional. Soaking in the final view of snowcapped giants I promised myself to return back.

The locals didn’t give me a chance to feel that I was just a trekker but they welcomed me as their own family. I don’t know when we got so attached. The butter yak tea was one of my favorites. The locals greeted me with blessing scarf and Tongba. They offered me coffee as soon as I finished one.

As soon as evening began, the locals would gather and share stories of the Himalayas with me. I was also desperate to listen their centuries old story. I felt like I was part of their family whole time. The echoes of laughter used to dance and vibrate through the crisp mountain air with small sip of Tongba at evening. This was the best trip of life.

I didn’t want to return back to hustle and bustle of the city leaving the serene mountains and warmhearted locals behind but I had to. I offered some money to locals but they declined it and I was surprised. Every step downward was very much heavy. I wasn’t just leaving the place behind, but parts of my own soul too.

There were memories in every step of trail. My gallery was full of photos with locals and mountains. With heavy and emotional heart, I kept descending downwards remembering those kind hearted locals and other memories.

While I was descending, I met one sherpa local near Thangsyap. With a curious smile, he asked me “Did you climb Tserko Ri?”. Beaming with pride, I replied “Yes I did!. That brief exchange reminded me of how deeply the people are connected to these spiritual and sacred peaks.

Earlier that morning at Kyanjin Gompa, I had met a warm-hearted Tamang local named Pasang. He guided me carefully through the trail on alpine terrain through icy and steep trail. He packed lemon and ginger tea in thermos and served me timely through the trail which kept me warm. Despite the challenging alpine terrain, Pasang made the journey comforting.

The time was around morning. As we climbed higher, the warm sunrise began to spill golden color over the white peaks, where I witnessed amazing sunrise views. Colorful prayer fags welcomed us fluttering in the wind as soon as we reached the summit.

I saw panoramic 360 views of snowcapped giants like Langtang Lirung (7,227m), Yubra Himal (6,264m), Kimshung (6,781m), Langshisa Ri( 6,427m), Dorje lhakpa (6,966m) , Gangchempo (6,387m), Yala Peak (5,520m), Ganja La Chuli (5,844m), Morimoto peak (6,150 m), Shishapangma (8,027m), Langtang Valley Glacier stream, langshisa Kharka. From this magical point I saw endless ranges rolling across the Tibet border. The views from Kyanjn Gompa is great but the views from Tserko Ri is much better.

I found myself smiling while sharing all those soul stirring moments to Sherpa local, sipping warm yak coffee. As the time was getting late, I began descending the trail with full heart and memories that would last forever. After further downhill walk I reached Syabrubesi and took Bus back to Kathmandu. The path down felt more emotional than the one up.

Langtang trek made me realize how much I have changed. Those feeling of warm vibration over langtang region will always remain in my heart. The locals of Lantang valley made me feel more at home than city lights ever did.

Kathmandu to Langtang Trek Cost and Itinerary

Cost

The cost for Kathmandu to Langtang trek Kyanjin gompa 8 - 10 days ranges approx. 800$ - 1200$ based on service you want and size of groups. You can customize the itinerary based on your preferences. You can also add some extra days for proper acclimatization or exciting side trip to nearby hidden gems.

Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1: Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1460 m), approx. 7/8 hours drive

On this day we leave city chaos behind and go through green folds of Mahabharat hills. You can start your trip early to avoid traffic. The banks of Trishuli River flows through terraced fields, rural villages where terrain shifts from clustered settlements to rolling mid -hills.

After few hours of drive now we will reach Dhunche, which is permit checkpoint. The smell of Rhododendron on dense forests dominates the air with hanging rocky cliff faces, waterfalls and cave openings. After leaving Dhunche behind, small downhill will take you towards the river valley “Syabrubesi”, nestled between green terraced fields, transitional forest and rugged cliffs where the terrain widens slightly.

Day 2 : Trek Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2420 m), approx. 5/6 hours

We will have to walk through river valley basin surrounded by rugged mid hills on this day. The trail descends to long suspension bridge where Bhotekoshi and Langtang khola merge. After small uphill on shaded trail with pine, bamboo, and rhododendrons trees we will reach Domen.

We will have to cross wooden bridge following uphill trail. The trail gets narrower as we walk through high rocky cliff sides. We will reach bamboo after small walk. The forested trail now comes with stone staircases and starts to open up as you reach near Rimche. After you leave Rimche behind, the trail widens slightly with small descend will take you to Lama hotel.

Day 3 : Trek Lama hotel to Langtang village (3430 m), approx. 6/7 hours

We will ascend through forested trail of lush pine and bamboo forest with sound of Langtang river on right side. The rocky trail now comes with small wooden bridge. After few minutes of walking now you will reach Ghoda Tabela.

The trail comes with ascend on rocky ridges and flat stretches. The forested trail now begins thinning and wide valley opens up. The trail now takes us into high alpine terrain and bushy terrain. After crossing Thangsyap, we will encounter with chortens, prayer flags fluttering on the wind and old stone traditional houses.

The open and dry trail now comes with gradual uphill with view of Langtang Lirung. After small walk we will reach Langtang village.

Day 4: Trek Langtang village to Kyanjin Gompa (3870 m), approx. 4/5 hours

Our morning starts with beautiful views of Langtang Lirung, Ghengu Liru, Naya Kanga, Gangchempo . We will have to ascent gradually through flat meadow trails all the way to Sindum and Yamphu.

The loose gravel trail comes up with gradual uphill and takes us to small ridge viewpoint Laja Bhanjyang with first view of Kyanjin Gompa. We will pass through yak grazing lands, large prayer wheels and stupas with view of icefall from Lirung and Kimshung. After crossing wooden cantilever bridge we will reach to Kyanjin Gompa.

Day 5: Trek Kyanjin Gompa to Tserko Ri (4984 m) and back to Kyanjin Gompa (2,470 m), approx. 6/7 hours

We will wake up to beautiful views of Langtang Lirung, Langtang II, Gangchempo, at the morning. The dirt packed trail comes with quick steep climbs into pastures with long mani wall and prayer wheels. The trail takes you to a ridge viewpoint with panoramic views of Kyanjin Gompa and snow capped peaks. The trail gets narrower through zigzag switchback with uphill climb.

The loose gravel trail becomes more rugged with rocky ridges and amazing rock formation. The resting point comes up in the way with views of Yala Peak, Langshisa valley and kyanjin village. The steep trail comes through. After final ascend, we will reach to our summit point which is marked by colorful prayer flags. The sub alpine zone turns into alpine desert. We can see 360 panoramic views of Langtang Lirung, Ganja La Chuli, Kimshung, Yubra Himal, Yala peak, Naya Kanga, Langshisa Ri, Morimoto peak, Shisapangma(Tibet) from the top of Tserko Ri.

After the summit now we will descend gradually through exposed terrain with descent view of Glacial valley and you will reach Kyanjin Gompa. The amazing formation of giant rocks will make you amazed.

Day 6 : Trek kyanjin Gompa to Ghoda Tabela (2420 m), approx. 5/6 hours

On this day we return back through Langtang region. We can start our morning with small hike around cheese factory and try yak cheese there. The trail descends through glacier-streams from the open valley. The rocky trail comes up with wooden bridges with parallel view of Langtang Lirung and other snow capped giants. The alpine scrub terrain changes to thick temperate forest as you walk by.

The trail now comes up with rhododendron and pine forest. After descending towards suspension bridge you may pass mule trains. We can feel warmer and greener environment compared to kyanjin Gompa. After further walking now you will reach Ghoda Tabela.

Day 7 : Trek Ghoda Tabela to Syabrubesi (1,460 m), approx. 4/5 hours

We begin our descend through dense Rhododendron, fir and pine forest. The forested trail is mostly downhill through thick bamboo grooves and subtropical vegetation. You can spot red panda at top of trees where there is bamboo if you are lucky. We will pass forested and shaded trail with views of river cutting through the George below.

The trail begins to get wider and more stable. We will now encounter with suspension bridge and reach Pairo, a river valley with 2-3 tea house. We will cross long suspension bridge with views of forested ridges, cave face. After further walking you will reach Syabrubesi.

Day 8 : Syabrubesi to Kathmandu (1400 m), approx. 6/7 hours drive

This is the day when you finally will return to Kathmandu valley. The road comes with zigzag continuous uphill. We can see occasional waterfalls, terraced farms, rocky hills with cascading rivers on the side. The road now comes with major downhill through deep river gorges.

The temperate forest turns into subtropical zone. We will enter Prithivi Highway through Belkhu, Dhare and other roadside bazaars. After further drive we will reach Kathmandu valley.

Required Permits for Langtang Trek

Required entry permit and fees for langtang valley trekking and tours for foreigners trekkers

Langtang National Park trekking Entry Permit cost 23 USD.
TIMS Card 23 USD (sometimes need to buy and sometimes no need to buy
It is better if you carry passport with trekkers