Langtang Valley Trek, a short mountain destination north of Kathmandu, into the Langtang National Park
Highlights:
Experience the Langtang Valley Trek, a thrilling adventure that takes you to the Amphitheatre of Grand Mountains at Kyanjin. Trek through a dense natural reserve to mountain-rimmed alpine meadows and immerse yourself in the villagers’ life. Walk on beautiful alpine ridges and enjoy never-ending sceneries. Immerse yourself in the beauty of mountain scenery, sacred lakes, rolling farmland, and the life of Helambu Sherpas. Begin the trek with a scenic 5-hours drive and conclude by walking back to Kathmandu. Step Into Adventure with Happy Feet Nepal.
Trek Profile:
The Langtang region lies north of Kathmandu Valley within Nepal’s second-largest National Park, dominated by Langtang Lirung, 7246m, the region’s highest peak. The Langtang National Park is enriched by more than 1000 plant species, 150 bird species, and several elusive wildlife, including pandas and snow leopards. The Gosainkunda Lake at 4300 metres and the Dorje Lakpa range of 6988 metres bisects the park from east to southeast. The majority of the inhabitants are Tamang and Tibetan, the Kirungbas. The southwestern region of Langtang, leading to Kyirong, the borderline between Nepal and Tibet, is known as Tamang Heritage Trail and makes a beautiful cultural trek. The park also contains spiritual sites such as the Buddhist monastery at Kyanjin Gonpa and Gosainkunda Lakes, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists.
The Langtang National Park contains various climatic zones, from subtropical to alpine. Approximately 25% of the park is forested. Trees include deciduous oak, maple, pine, and different types of rhododendrons. The wildlife in the park consists of Himalayan black bears, Himalayan tahr, rhesus monkeys, snow leopards, red pandas, and wild boars, and there are stories of Yeti sightings.
Langtang village was completely swiped away by a massive avalanche caused by the earthquake of 25th April 2015, which resulted in more than 310 deaths, including 176 residents, 80 foreigners and ten military personnel. More than 100 bodies (estimated) are still missing.
To the east of Langtang and Gosainkunda Lake lies the Helambu region, separated by the high passes of Ganja La and Gosainkunda (Lauribina La) Pass. Helambu is a beautiful region to the northeast, about 80 km from Kathmandu. It is the home of the Hyolmo people. The word Helambu derives from the word (Hye – Potato and Labu – Radish (in Tibetan). The Helambu region begins at the Lauribina La pass and descends to Melamchi. Once famed for short cultural treks, Helambu is one of the most trekked areas. The region contains several monasteries, stupas and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Great snowy peaks decorate the northern and eastern horizons of Helambu.
Arrive in Kathmandu, customs and immigration formalities and claim your baggage, which takes some time. Upon exiting, the arrivals get a traditional welcome from the Happy Feet Nepal representative and transfer to the hotel. Reach the hotel, and the rest of the day is free with the possibility of optional excursions (not included), but you can ask to organise any of the tours or stroll through its vibrant streets.
Kathmandu, the capital and heart of the country with three medieval cities, symbolises Nepal’s everything. Having lived through the several ruling dynasties of Buddhists and Hindus, the culture and society of Kathmandu Valley have evolved through time to give it more than a unique feature. Today it is an urban city, and still rapidly increasing, that has its ancient myths and, at the same time, is testimony to the greatness of people who have lived there for time immemorial.
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit Swayambhunath, dating back more than 25 centuries and one of the world’s oldest Buddhist chaityas. The great stupa of Swayambhunath is a landmark wonder of Nepal and is listed as a World Heritage Site. The all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha keep an eternal watch over the valley.
Swayambhu is located west of Kathmandu proper on a hillock about 500 feet above the valley floor. The hill is a mosaic of small chaityas and pagodas—one Hinayana (Theravada) and five Mahayana (Vajrayana)—temples. The site offers a complete view of Kathmandu Valley, its surroundings, and the northeastern Himalayas.
In continuity, drive to Patan, one of the three medieval cities of Kathmandu Valley and one of the World Heritage sites among the seven World Heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley, located 7-kilometres southwest of Kathmandu. The city known as Lalitpur, the City of Arts, was a renowned Buddhist centre in Asia and had four Ashok-built Stupas and a multitude of miniature stupas, monasteries, viharas and temples. At Patan, we visit its Durbar Square, the Golden Temple, Thousand Buddha, and its museum, among other sites, which explain Buddhism and Hinduism in extensive labels within the living traditions and context.
In the afternoon, drive to Basantapur Durbar Square, also known as Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. The tour of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, classified as a World Heritage Site, teems with activity. It features countless monuments, including the House of the Living Goddess (Kumari Ghar) and the ferocious Kal Bhairab and kneeling Hanuman (the red-capped monkey god) statues.
The architecture represents some of the greatest achievements of the medieval Malla era. The stroll leads around the square past a host of pagoda temples (including the grand temple of the goddess Taleju) and a window framing Shiva and Parbati sitting together viewing the scene.
The square is full of colourful life centred on the Kasthamandap rest-house. Said to have been built with wood from a single tree (and the origin of Kathmandu’s name), it is now reconstructed in the wake of the 2015 earthquake. Then visit the Temple of Kumari; the residential quarters of the Living Goddess called Kumari (‘chaste virgin’) consists of a traditional building complex featuring carved wooden balconies and windows.
Also impossible to overlook are the great bell and large drums. The palace’s main golden gate is guarded by the monkey god Hanuman, the faithful devotee of Lord Ramachandra, the hero of the epic Ramayana.
Finally, pass through the Hanuman Dhoka: the historic seat of the past Malla and Shah dynasties. The historic temples and palaces epitomise the religious and cultural lifestyle of the rulers. Among the most interesting things to view is the Taleju Temple, built by King Mahindra Malla in A.D. 1549 and a historical museum containing artefacts of past Shah kings.
We finalise with the tour and ride a rickshaw and roll through its old city market centre, the Ason Bazaar, seeing what the Nepalese people buy and sell in their daily run.
A 5-hour drive in a Jeep.
Breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu and transfer to Syabrubesi. The overland journey through small towns and villages with views of magnificent mountains, green hills and valleys, jungle and farmland, rivers and streams is an experience of a lifetime. You will also pass through Dhunche, the district headquarters of Rasuwa and the main entrance to Langtang National Park. From Dhunche, it is an hour’s drive downhill, through several small towns and the river valley to Syabrubesi. Spend the night in a hostel.
A 3-hour Trek.
Breakfast and start of the walk on the first day’s trek. Cross the river and climb gently up a slope to the northwest. The trail traverses to the northwest, gaining height and passing through tiny settlements. After approximately 4 hours of walking, we arrive at Khamjing, a small hamlet with a strong Tibetan lifestyle. Although they are not Tibetan, they understand and speak the Tibetan language. The village lies on the side of a hill facing southeast and has a beautiful view of the snake road that climbs above Syabrubesi towards Ganesh Himal.
A 4-hour hike.
The day begins with a beautiful trek through farmland with photographic valley landscapes, including Syabrubesi and Dunche. Then, the trail leads through sparse rhododendron forests to a steep hill and traverses overlooking the dense Langtang River valley through Sherpa Gaun, with only two houses, and an easy trail leads to the Lama Hotel. The Lama Hotel, with several teahouses, forms within a dense forest on the bank of the Langtang River, a lovely place to spend the night.
A 6-hour hike.
The morning walk continues along the bank of the Langtang River, heading upstream into the deep forest with oaks, hemlocks, maple, pine and white and red rhododendron, enjoying the occasional views of Langtang Lirung and reaching the riverside hotel. A lovely resting place with an open space on the bank of Langtang River, a further walk past a herders’ meadow and take a steeper trail to Goda Tabela 2970m (Horse Stable), once served as the Armed Khampa Soldiers’ resettlement site around 1960. Currently, it is a Nepal Army check post, and National Park permits checking post. From Goda Tabela onward is scenic as the valley slowly opens wider, and it takes two more hours to reach Langtang town.
In the afternoon, we walk another 2 hours to the town of Langtang, passing several tiny settlements with basic teahouses. The trail is scenic with a gradual ascent, and imposing glimpses of Langtang Lirung at 7246 meters get seen from many points along the way.
Langtang Village was swept away by the avalanche created by the 2015 earthquake, so the village has many new houses. In the past, homes in Langtang and neighbouring communities used to have flat Tibetan-style roofs and walled compounds. And the villagers often keep herds of yaks and cattle here and in the pastures above the village.
A 4-hour trek.
Today is a short walk to Kyanjin, our primary destination for the trip. The morning walk begins with a short gradual climb, passing an impressive mani-wall with a good view of Langtang to our back. Further, continue passing through a tiny settlement and cross a stream to Mundum and Sindum villages with teahouses. Then a pleasant walk through a beautiful small open area with Mani walls with a giant boulder draped in prayer flags. Finally, cross the Langtang Lirung glacial stream and reach a wide and picturesque Kyanjin valley surrounded by a series of peaks, where we will make two overnight stops.
A day or two of rest or a busy day walking in the Kyanjin hills is recommended due to the valley’s natural environment with its incredible scenery of dazzling peaks. It is an excellent accumulation of the high mountains, inspiring one to take a full-day trip or repeated treks through the same ranges with changeable Himalayan climates. From Kyanjin Gonpa, you can hike to Langshisa, the region’s last barrier to Tibet or take a day hike to the top of Chyarku Ri or Kyanjin Ri to captivate the entire area in an unforgettable memory.
After lunch, in the afternoon, enjoy a scenic hike up to Kyanjin Ri above Kyanjin village. The Kyanjin Ri, adorned with colourful prayer flags, offers heart-stopping sceneries of the Langtang Himal range or a 360-degree panorama. The mountains seen from here are Ghengu Liru (Langtang II) 6571m, Langtang Lirung 7425m, Kimshun 6745m, Shalbahum 6918m, Dorje Lakpa 6980m and Chimsedang Himal, which form a ridge with Naya Kanga or Ganjala Peak at 5,846m, including Gangchempo and the beautiful fluted peak of Tilman.
A 6-hour excursion.
Today we walk to the last mountain barrier with Tibet. The trail up to Langshisa Kharka Kharaka at 4100 metres is flat and scenic, surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks and valleys. It takes about 5 hours to reach Langshisa and back with a packed lunch, but the scenery is exceptional. Beautiful peaks surround us, and the views as we go to Langshisa and back are magnificent and relaxing. Finally, we admire the massive natural border wall of mountains with Dorje Lhakpa and Penthang Karmo between Nepal and Tibet and return to Kyanjin.
A 6-hour trek.
After a beautiful time around Kyanjin’s beautiful and picturesque Langtang Valley, the trek leads back to the same route, following a downhill path to the Lama Hotel, the distance we covered in two days. Again, the views are wonderfully different, an excellent opportunity to experience all aspects.
A 6-hour trek.
The trek continues down, following the banks of the Langtang River to Syabrubesi. The trail descends through a dense forest, crosses a steel bridge, and follows down the river’s northeast bank, seeing the powerful water rumbling against the rock and the River-birds singing on the slippery river rocks! We will find embraced by full of nature, wild beehives hanging from cliffs. This part of Langtang is home to several wildlife species, such as leopards, monkeys, red pandas, and wild boars. The trail descends further and reaches a junction at Pairo (landslide), branching to Syabrubesi and Gosaikunda. From here, we follow the right path down to Syabrubesi and continue down following the bank of the Langtang River through a beautiful forest area full of monkeys. Cross two bridges, and you will return to Syabrubesi, the start and end point of the trek.
A 6-hour drive by 4×4 Land Cruiser.
From Syabrubesi, we drive back the same way to Dhunche and downhill to reach the warmer areas of Trisuli Bazaar and stop for lunch. Then a lovely drive through the plains of Trisuli and traverse over through a pleasant hill that rims the Kathmandu valley. Finally, arrive at your hotel in Kathmandu and be distributed to the rooms. The rest of the day is free for you to rest and relax, or if you want, you can walk around the main street of Kathmandu or spend your time doing things of your choice, or you can also go shopping for your friends and family as a souvenir of Nepal.
Breakfast and a full day of visits to Kathmandu, starting with Pashupatinath Temple. A pagoda temple with gilt roofs, carved with silver doors dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated at the bank of the holy Bagmati River, and regarded as among the most sacred temples of the Hindu religion, Pashupatinath is the focus of pilgrimages culminating in the day of Shiva Ratri (the marriage anniversary of Lord Shiva and the goddess Parvati). Pashupati is also the cremation ground in the ghats (cremation group) along the bank of River Bagmati, where the recently deceased Hindus of the Valley are cremated.
After the visit, we take a 13 kilometres drive to Bhaktapur, east of Kathmandu. Its original name is, Bhadgaon, or the village of Devotees is one of the living museums of Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur is filled with the 55-windowed Royal Palace, the Palace of the Kumari, the temple of Taleju, the temple of Pashupati, the main square of Taumadhi Tole, Nyatapola Temple (the most imposing the tallest such architecture in all of Nepal), the temple of Akash Bhairab (the second most important temple of Bhadgaon), the Dha Hateya and the Square of the Potters. UNESCO recognises Bhaktapur as a World Heritage Site.
In the evening, visit the Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist shrine in South Asia. This ancient Chorten was built in the 5th century A.D. by King Manadeva. A series of three terraces lead up through water, fire and air segments to the pinnacle, symbolic of space and the highest spiritual attainment. The whole is surrounded by a circle of shops which form a small Tibet. Lord Buddha’s four pairs of eyes flash vividly into the cardinal directions, radiating the message of Mahayana Buddhism, known as Lamaism in Sikkim, Ladakh, Bhutan and Tibet.
Breakfast and the rest of the day are leisure on your own. The Representative of Happy Feet Nepal will arrive at your hotel with transport three hours before your departure flight time. Get escorted from the hotel to the International Departure Terminal, see off formalities, and go through the immigration and departure.
From October to mid-December, the fall/autumn season is the best time to trek in the Langtang region. The weather remains crystal clear, with breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the landscapes.
The spring season is beautiful with rhododendron and wildflowers. The parts above Shyabrubesi to Langtang to Sing Gompa and Thulo Syabru, Helambu and Ghopte to Nagarkot are prime areas to sight the dense rhododendron forest in bloom. However, spring is also the time for the build-up of monsoons and clouds, and one may encounter occasional rain in the lower valleys and hail at the high altitude.
The summer season, monsoon time for Nepal, is also beautiful to the Langtang Valley and Gosainkunda. The high plateau above Langtang, Ganja La and Gosainkunda regions gets carpeted with yellow and multi-coloured flowers in summer. Gosainkunda receives hundreds of visitors on the occasion of the full moon in July or August each year.
The winter, especially January-February, is not recommendable to trek in the area but offers an excellent cultural or winter trekking, the Tamang Heritage Circuit.
