Langtang Valley

The Langtang Valley, which begins due north of Kathmandu, climbs west-east into a vast chancel of peaks, several to the north, on the border with Tibet, are over 7,000m, with the range to the south, separating the Langtang valley from the Kathmandu valley, at around the 6,000m mark.

This superb trail follows this glorious valley up through a forested gorge, then open valley-floor pastures and mountainsides dotted with yak, staying in tea houses in interesting villages, up to high grasslands surrounded by peaks and ice and summits, with extraordinary views from the local peaks of the high Himalayas, a panorama of peaks, glaciers and mountain glory, with a river of ice descending from nearby Langtang Lirung.

This trek runs below the high Himalayan ridge that constitutes the Tibetan border, so you enter the Tibetan Buddhist world as you climb: think prayer flags, mani walls and monasteries.

A plus about the Langtang Valley is that it is accessible by road from Kathmandu, so no internal flights are needed. There are a lot of lodges, although you can camp to avoid the crowds.

You could be up and down in 6 days, but what a waste not to spend time up high with the views. A full 8 day trek would look like this.

Day 1: Syabrubesi to the Lama Hotel (2,480m): The trek starts at this Sherpa village at around 1,300m, and sets off through old forests beside the noisy, glacial Langtang Khola river. The narrow V-shaped valley is impressive, rising thousands of feet on either side. Cross several footbridges decorated with prayer flags. (6-7hrs, 1,000m+ climb.)

Day 2: Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3,307m): The valley opens up, and you will glimpse the snowy peaks of the high Himalayas. The vegetation changes from rainforest to alpine forest, and then meadows which broaden as the valley widens. You will see signs of the tragic earthquake in 2016, which killed many here and destroyed the old village. (4-5hrs, nearby 1,000m climb.)

Day 3: Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,849m): It is not far to Kyanjin Gompa, the highest settlement on the trek, in a small village with a monastery with huge icy summits all around. But it is a tough slog high up above the Langtang river. A further acclimatization walk is a good idea, to the foot of one of the glaciers or a ridge to soak up some of the views. (2-3hrs, 450m climb; plus side walk.)

There are various options to explore the upper Langtang Valley. You can trek northwards up the Lirung Valley for close-ups of huge peaks and a glacier. An easier option is the 2hrs to and from the Tsona Lakes. You can also climb various peaks. The main choices here, though, are the following.

Day 4: Kyanjin Ri (4,400m): This acclimatization long half day is optional, but a good idea – it would be short-sighted not to spend proper time at the top of the valley, enjoying the huge vistas of the Himalayas. Kyanjin Ri is a small peak overlooking Kyanjin Gompa; you can follow a ridge to Menchhyamsa Ri at 4,600m. Return down a different valley for variety. 

Day 5: Tserko Ri (just under 5,000m) – the big one: You will rise long before dawn for the long climb up towards the summit. Take it very steadily. It is hard to overstate the beauty of the vast array peaks which greets you at the top. Amazing. An alternative is Yala Peak at 5,520m a really tough summit but with even more amazing views. 5hrs up or so.

Day 6: Back down to Langtang Village

Day 7: Back to the Lama Hotel

Day 8: Back to Syabrubesi

This is a tough walk in high, remote mountains with unpredictable weather, where altitude can cause real problems. Come prepared.

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