# Langtang Valley Trek > The Langtang Valley trek is a 10-day guided trek from Kathmandu into Langtang National Park, the closest major Himalayan trekking area to the capital. After a scenic drive to Syabrubesi, you follow the Langtang River through forest, Tamang villages and yak pastures to the monastery village of Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m), beneath Langtang Lirung (7,227 m), and climb Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m) for a panorama of glaciers and peaks.The trek needs no domestic flights, is graded moderate and fits into a week and a half, making it one of the best-value and most accessible treks in Nepal. The best time is March–May and September–November. A licensed guide, porters, the national park permit, private transport and teahouse lodges with meals are all arranged by our team in Kathmandu. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 10 days - **Difficulty:** Moderate - **Activity:** Trekking - **Max altitude:** 4,773 m / 15,659 ft (Kyanjin Ri) - **Best season:** Mar–May, Sep–Nov - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, teahouse lodges - **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek - **Price:** from US$690 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/langtang-valley-trek - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=langtang-valley-trek ## Overview Just north of Kathmandu, close to the Tibetan border, the **Langtang valley** is one of the most beautiful and accessible trekking areas in Nepal. Within three days of leaving the road you are walking through a wide glacial valley among yak pastures, prayer walls and snow peaks over 7,000 metres. The valley is home to **Tamang** and Tibetan-origin communities whose culture, food and hospitality are a highlight of the trek. The trek also has a moving recent history. The 2015 earthquake triggered a huge landslide that destroyed the old village of Langtang. Since then, families have rebuilt their homes and lodges, and trekking here directly supports the valley's recovery. ### Langtang Valley trek at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration10 days from Kathmandu (7 days of trekking)Highest overnight stopKyanjin Gompa, 3,870 mHighest pointKyanjin Ri, 4,773 m (optional Tserko Ri, about 4,984 m)GradeModerateDaily walking5–6 hoursStart and finishKathmandu, by road to SyabrubesiAccommodationHotel in Kathmandu, teahouse lodges on the trekPermitLangtang National Park entry permitBest timeMarch–May and September–November### Why trek the Langtang Valley? - **Close to Kathmandu**: no mountain flights, just a scenic drive. - **Kyanjin Gompa**, a monastery village among glaciers and yak pastures. - **Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m)**, with a 360° view of Langtang Lirung and the surrounding peaks. - **Tamang culture**, Buddhist monasteries and mani walls. - **Wildlife** of Langtang National Park, including langur monkeys and, if you are lucky, the red panda. - **Yak cheese** from the Kyanjin cheese factory. ### The Langtang trek route A drive of about seven to eight hours takes you from Kathmandu past Trishuli Bazaar and Dhunche to **Syabrubesi**. The trail follows the Langtang Khola upstream through subtropical forest to **Lama Hotel**, then climbs through oak and rhododendron to **Ghoda Tabela**, where the valley widens. You continue past water-driven prayer wheels and long mani walls to the rebuilt village of **Langtang** and on to **Kyanjin Gompa**. A full day at Kyanjin allows a climb of **Kyanjin Ri** or, for fit trekkers, **Tserko Ri**, as well as a visit to the monastery and cheese factory. The return follows the same valley down to Syabrubesi and back to Kathmandu. ### How difficult is the Langtang Valley trek? The trek is **moderate**. Walking days are 5–6 hours on good trails, with a steady ascent over the first three days. The highest overnight stop is 3,870 m, which is lower than on Everest or Annapurna Base Camp treks, and the climbs to Kyanjin Ri and Tserko Ri are optional. The road to Syabrubesi is long and winding, but we use private vehicles for comfort. ### Altitude and acclimatisation The trail gains height quickly from Syabrubesi at about 1,460 m to Kyanjin Gompa at 3,870 m in three days. We walk at a steady pace, keep the climbs to Kyanjin Ri and Tserko Ri for the rest day, and return to sleep at Kyanjin. Drink plenty of water and tell your guide about any headache or nausea. ### Best time for the Langtang trek **Spring (March–May)** brings rhododendrons to the forests, and **autumn (September–November)** the clearest views. **Winter** is possible, with cold nights and occasional snow at Kyanjin. The **monsoon** brings rain, leeches and a higher risk of landslides on the road, so plans need to be flexible. ### Accommodation and food You stay in family-run teahouses, many rebuilt after the earthquake and simple but clean. Try the yak cheese, Tibetan bread and butter tea at Kyanjin, and the freshly baked cakes in its small bakeries. Dal bhat, noodles, soups and potatoes are available everywhere. ### Langtang or Everest? Choose **Langtang** if you have 10 days or less, want to avoid the Lukla flight, prefer quieter trails and enjoy village culture. Choose the **Everest Base Camp trek** if you want to see Everest and have two weeks or more. Langtang offers 7,000-metre peaks and glaciers at a lower cost and with less travel time. ### Extending the trek With extra days, continue from Thulo Syabru over the **Laurebina La** to the sacred lakes of **Gosainkunda**, and on through **Helambu** back towards Kathmandu, or add the **Tamang Heritage Trail** with its homestays and hot springs. ### Why book the Langtang trek with Himalayan Hiking? - **Private transport** to and from Syabrubesi. - **Rest day at Kyanjin Gompa** for Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri. - **Local guides** who know the valley and its communities. - **Flexible extensions** to Gosainkunda, Helambu or the Tamang Heritage Trail. ## Highlights - Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m), a monastery village beneath Langtang Lirung - Panoramic views from Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m) - Tamang villages, mani walls and water-driven prayer wheels - Forests of Langtang National Park, home to the red panda - Yak cheese from the Kyanjin cheese factory - No domestic flights: a scenic drive from Kathmandu ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Meet our team at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon trek briefing and permit preparation. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Drive to Syabrubesi (1,460 m) A scenic 7–8 hour drive north through Trishuli Bazaar and Dhunche, with views of Ganesh Himal and Langtang, to Syabrubesi. _Altitude: 1,460 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 120 km drive_ ### Day 3: Trek to Lama Hotel (2,470 m) Cross the Bhote Koshi and follow the Langtang Khola through forest where langur monkeys play, past Bamboo to Lama Hotel. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 2,470 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_ ### Day 4: Trek to Langtang village (3,430 m) Climb through oak and rhododendron forest to Ghoda Tabela, where the valley opens, then continue past water mills and mani walls to Langtang village and the earthquake memorial. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,430 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 14 km_ ### Day 5: Trek to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m) A short walk past long mani walls and yak pastures to Kyanjin Gompa. Visit the monastery and the cheese factory in the afternoon. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 3,870 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 7 km_ ### Day 6: Hike to Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m) Climb Kyanjin Ri for a panorama of Langtang Lirung, Gangchenpo, Dorje Lakpa and the glaciers, or take on the longer Tserko Ri (about 4,984 m). Return to Kyanjin Gompa. _Walking: 5–7 hours · Altitude: 4,773 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 7: Trek to Lama Hotel (2,470 m) Descend the valley past Langtang village and Ghoda Tabela back into the forest to Lama Hotel. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 3,870 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 21 km_ ### Day 8: Trek to Syabrubesi (1,460 m) Follow the river down to Syabrubesi and celebrate the end of the trek with your guide and porters. _Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 2,470 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_ ### Day 9: Drive to Kathmandu (1,400 m) Drive back to Kathmandu and relax, or visit Boudhanath Stupa in the evening. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 120 km drive_ ### Day 10: Final departure Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or stay on for a Kathmandu Valley tour. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast - Private vehicle Kathmandu – Syabrubesi – Kathmandu - Langtang National Park entry permit - Teahouse lodge accommodation during the trek (7 nights) - Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek - Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid - Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance - Sleeping bag and down jacket on loan if needed - First-aid kit carried by the guide - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights to and from Kathmandu - Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,000 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory) - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara - Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek - Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations - Helicopter evacuation or charter - Personal equipment and expenses - Tips for your guide and porters ## Useful information ### Fitness and preparation If you can walk 15 km with a few hundred metres of climbing and do it again the next day, you are in good shape for this trek. Start training two to three months ahead, and break in your boots before you fly. ### Altitude sickness This trek reaches 3,870 m at Kyanjin Gompa and 4,773 m on the optional climb of Kyanjin Ri. Symptoms of acute mountain sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and poor sleep. Walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol and tell your guide about any symptoms. If symptoms get worse, descending is the most effective treatment. Talk to your doctor before the trip about whether altitude medication is right for you. ### Weather and temperatures The lower forest can be warm and humid, while nights at Kyanjin Gompa fall below freezing, especially from November to February. The monsoon brings rain and landslide risk on the road. ### Permits The Langtang National Park entry permit is included and checked at the park entrance and along the trail. ### Money, charging and Wi-Fi Take out cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you set off: there are very few ATMs on the trail, and the ones that exist often don't work. Lodges charge a little for hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi, so a power bank saves money. ### Drinking water Bring a refillable bottle and either purification tablets or a filter. Lodges also sell boiled water, which is cheaper and better for the trail than bottled water. ### Travel insurance Travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover trekking to 5,000 m, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation. Please send us your policy details before departure. ### Visa Most visitors get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, or apply online before they fly. Your passport needs six months' validity, and bring a few passport photos for trekking permits. ## Packing list ### Clothing - Moisture-wicking base layers - Fleece jacket or mid-layer - Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us) - Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers - Trekking trousers and shirts - Warm hat, sun hat and buff - Liner gloves and insulated gloves - Trekking socks ### Footwear - Broken-in waterproof trekking boots - Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges ### Equipment - Sleeping bag rated to about −10°C (can be borrowed from us) - Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover - Trekking poles - Head torch with spare batteries - Water bottles and purification tablets - Sunglasses with UV protection - Power bank and charging cables - Leech socks (spring and monsoon) ### Personal items - High-factor sunscreen and lip balm - Personal first-aid kit and medication - Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes - Snacks such as energy bars and nuts - Passport, insurance details and copies ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the Langtang Valley trek? This itinerary takes **10 days** from Kathmandu, with 7 days of trekking, including a rest day at Kyanjin Gompa. ### How difficult is the Langtang trek? It is **moderate**, with 5–6 hours of walking a day and a maximum overnight altitude of 3,870 m. The climb to Kyanjin Ri is optional. ### Do I need to fly for the Langtang trek? No. Langtang is reached by road from Kathmandu, a drive of about 7–8 hours to Syabrubesi. This makes it one of the most affordable treks in Nepal. ### What is the highest point of the Langtang Valley trek? The highest overnight stop is **Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m)**. The highest point is the optional climb of **Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m)**, or **Tserko Ri (about 4,984 m)**. ### When is the best time for the Langtang trek? **March–May** and **September–November**. Winter is possible but cold at Kyanjin; the monsoon brings rain and landslides on the road. ### What permits do I need for Langtang? The **Langtang National Park entry permit**, included in this trip. ### Do I need a guide for the Langtang trek? Under Nepal's current rules, you need a licensed guide to trek in most national parks. A licensed guide and porters are included. ### Is the Langtang trek good for beginners? Yes. It is a great first Himalayan trek for fit beginners, with no flights, moderate daily distances and a manageable altitude. ### Is Langtang safe after the 2015 earthquake? Yes. The valley has been rebuilt, lodges are open and the trail is in good condition. Visiting supports the families who rebuilt their homes and businesses. ### Can I see red pandas on the Langtang trek? Red pandas live in the forests of Langtang National Park, but they are shy and rarely seen. Langur monkeys, Himalayan tahr and many birds are more common sightings. ### Can I combine Langtang with Gosainkunda? Yes. The Langtang–Gosainkunda trek adds about 4–5 days, crossing the Laurebina La to the sacred lakes. ### How much does the Langtang Valley trek cost? The trek is priced per person, with group discounts for 2 or more; see the price box. It includes private transport, hotel, permit, lodges, meals on the trek, a guide and porters.