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Plan your Langtang trek
An excellent trek if you are a little short on time or are nervous of starting on one of our longer, higher altitude expeditions. Despite being shorter, the Langtang trek captures all the best of Himalayan trekking with stunning scenery and fascinating culture.
This trek in the spectacular Langtang Valley is the closest you can get to the massive snow-capped mountains from Kathmandu valley. The Langtang Valley starts just north of Kathmandu, close to the border of Tibet. The valley is dominated by Langtang Lirung [7246m], the highest peak in the area. This is a superb introduction to trekking in Nepal among some of the most beautiful scenery in the whole country.
About the route
The Langtang trek starts from Syabru Besi which, although not far, takes 8 hours of driving to reach from Kathmandu. The trek follows a trail by the side of the Bhote Kosi river and travels through ethnic Tamang villages. This whole region is heavily influenced by the Tibetan culture and the temples and lifestyle reflect this.
Vegetable fields and green bamboo forests line the trail as you progress up Kyangjin valley surrounded by massive peaks. The trail takes you up to Kyangjin at 3800 metres, where you can choose to trek up Kyangjin Ri for the best views of the mountains. You then retrace your steps to Syabru Besi for the drive back to Kathmandu.
We offer the Langtang trek as a private only tour - please call or email us for prices.
Trip dossier, route maps and profile
Detailed itinerary
Our driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Later you will meet your guide for your pre-trek briefing.
From Kathmandu, we take a long (approx. 8 hours) drive to Syabru Besi. After driving for 30 km, we approach pristine villages on the banks of the river Trishuli. We also start to get views of the Annapurnas, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and the peaks of the Langtang region.
- Elevation: From 1300 metres to 1400 metres
Today we start our trek by traversing the ridge on Syabru Besi's main road and soon reach Ghopcha Khola. Terraced fields and dense forest with a variety of plant species like oaks, maple, alder and bamboo open up. We may get to see yellow-throated martin, wild boar, langur monkey, red panda and Himalayan black bear en route. Further on, the trail crosses a stream and we pass several small bhattis (tea shops) along the way. As we continue ascending steeply along the trail, we come across a steel suspension bridge at 2000m where we will cross to the north bank of the Langtang Khola amid the spectacular vistas of cascading waterfalls. On reaching 2748 metres, we arrive at Lama Hotel where we will spend the night.
- Elevation: From 1400 metres to 2748 metres
From Lama Hotel, we ascend above the Langtang Khola where the trail becomes steeper. From here we can see the beautiful Langtang Lirung rising up to 7246m. The trail takes us across a log bridge and on to the meadows of Ghora Tabela at 3000m. We will see several lodges and a police check post. Further on, the route opens up into a wide valley of yak pastures and scattered Tamang villages with water-driven mills and prayer wheels. We arrive at Langtang village (3500m) which is headquarters for Langtang National Park. The village mainly consists of flat-roofed Tibetan style houses, hotels and cultivated lands yielding buckwheat, potatoes, wheat, turnips, barley etc.
- Elevation: From 2748 metres to 3500 metres
Today, the trail skirts gradually through rich yak pastures and the interesting traditional villages of Muna and Singdun. We cross a wooden cantilever bridge and reach a wide valley after climbing across the glacial moraine. Finally, we climb up through the mountain pass to reach Kyangjin Gompa where there is a small monastery and a cheese factory.
- Elevation: From 3500 metres to 3800 metres
The furthest point of our trek, we will spend the day in Kyangjin where you will get the opportunity to explore the ancient monastery and cheese factory and just generally soak up the atmosphere. If you are feeling strong you can choose to climb Kyangjin Ri (4600m) from where you will get amazing views of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
- Elevation: 3800 metres
- Highest point: 4600 metres (Kyangjin Ri - optional)
From Kyangjin, we take the route back to Lama Hotel. As we retrace our steps, we follow the Langtang Khola to Langtang village and on to Ghora Tabela. We stop briefly for lunch and thereafter continue the steep descent to Lama Hotel.
- Elevation: From 3800 metres to 2748 metres
From Lama Hotel, we head back to Syabru Besi where we will have the opportunity to get an insight into the ancient culture and customs of the Tamang community.
- Elevation: From 2748 metres to 1400 metres
Today we will drive back to Kathmandu. You stay overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.
- Elevation: From 1400 metres to 1300 metres
Our driver will collect you from your hotel and take you to the airport for your flight home.
Frequently asked questions
The questions and answers below are specific to the Langtang trek: for general questions about trekking in Nepal see here.
Q1HOW DIFFICULT IS THE LANGTANG TREK?
The Langtang trek is considered moderate. It’s a great introduction to trekking the Himalayas, particularly if you are nervous of the more high altitude expeditions. The highest point on the trail is 3,800 meters. However, you will have the option to go higher if you wish. The Langtang trek can be completed by anyone with a basic fitness level and some determination.
Q2WHAT IS THE DISTANCE OF THE LANGTANG TREK?
The route is 74 miles or 120 kilometres. This means that you will be trekking for an average of 6 hours per day on the 10 day itinerary.
Q3WHAT IS THE SCENERY LIKE ON THE LANGTANG TREK?
Renowned British travel writer, Bill Tilman (1898-1977), described this area as “one of the world’s most beautiful valleys.” Bill was right. The Langtang valley is a majestic mix of rhododendron forest, rural farmland, bamboo forests, cascading waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. This is one of the most diverse treks Kandoo offer, perfect for the culture vultures out there!
Q4SHOULD I BOOK IN ADVANCE?
Absolutely. This is a privately run tour in which we need time to prepare. Please try and book at least 1 month in advance.
Q5WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE THE LANGTANG TREK?
The two best seasons for the Langtang trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec). The winter months are also possible, however, you will have to prepare yourself with some cold nights!
Email:
sales@kandooadventures.com
Phone: +44(0)1283 499980
