Trip Summary
Classic Langtang Valley Trek is one of the closest trekking destinations to the Himalayas from Kathmandu. 6 to 7 hours of public bus drive brings us to Syabrubesi (1470 m) from where we start our classic Langtang Valley Trek. There are locally shared jeeps also available and they are a bit faster than buses but have less legroom. Although close to Kathmandu, the Langtang Valley has remained as isolated as any other Tibetan highlands, with an inspiringly remote landscape. The people from the highlands of the Langtang Valley are Nepalese but are direct descendants of Tibetan origin, so they look like the Tibetans, and their dresses and language are similar to Tibetan. Hereafter, the Langtang region offers some of the best treks. short Langtang Valley trek can be combined with the Gosaikunda Lake Trek, Tamang Heritage, and Helambu trekking, which requires around two weeks. Langtang region is positioned at number three for about trekking popularity in Nepal.
This famous traditional one-week-long Langtang Valley trekking within Langtang National Park, located in the area, is so fascinating and attracts 21000 visitors a year. Some 4,500 people live inside the park, and many more depend on it for timber and firewood as cooking fuel. The majority of the residents are Tamang. Langtang National Park, established in 1976, covers a diversity of climate zones, from subtropical to alpine. Roughly 25 percent of the park is covered by forest. Trees include deciduous oak and maple, pine, blue pine, and various types of rhododendron. Animal life consists of the Himalayan black bear, the goat-like Himalayan tahr, rhesus monkeys, and red pandas. There are also tales of Yeti sightings. Besides that, this short trek contains beautiful Langtang Valley and the spiritual sites are the Buddhist monastery and a Yak Cheese factory at Kyanjin Gompa.
The main features of Langtang Valley are local culture, unbelievable mountain scenery, varieties of rhododendrons, bamboo forests, majestic waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks, making the Langtang Valley trek one of the most diverse treks near Kathmandu. Wilderness Excursion’s 8 Days Langtang Valley Trek starts with a day jeep ride from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi and a 3-hour walk to Khanjim on the same day. We head northwest to Khanjim, leaving Langtang Khola and the traditional trail to the right. We offer a different itinerary than the usual one going through Khanjim, Wangel, and Sherpa Gaun. It is always interesting to do a circuit trek when possible. At Lama Hotel, we catch the main trail after these two days off the beaten track.
Langtang village has been swiped away by a massive avalanche followed by the earthquake in April 2015. The villages suffered an estimated 310 deaths, including 176 Langtang residents, 80 foreigners, and 10 army personnel. More than 100 bodies were never found. In the last 2 years, the people of Langtang have restored most of the houses and rebuilt the lodges and tourism activities in Langtang are back to normal.
Then we head to Godatabela, Langtang, and Mundu until we arrive at the famous Kanyanjin Gompa as our last destination. We have one extra day at Kyanjin kept as an additional day that allows you to do the Tesrgo Ri (4985 m) hike or a day trip to Langshisha Kharka; both of these two side trips need 6-7 hours each. You need to choose either one for the hike. If you don’t skip the extra day at Kyanjin, your Langtang Valley trek will be one week (8 days). After exploring Langtang Valley, we trek down following the Langtang Khola till Syabrubesi, from where we drive back to Kathmandu again. You can add Gosaikunda Lake and Surya Peak Trek, Tamang Heritage Trek, and Gosaikunda Helambu if your time allows you with Langtang Valley Trek, which will require another week.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1400 m). 5 to 6 hours drive.
Day 2: Trekking to Sherpagau (2500 m) 6 to 7 hours walk.
Day 3: Trekking to Thangsep (3140 m), 5 to 6 hours walk.
Day 4: Trekking to Kyanjin Gompa (3870 m), 3 to 4 hours walk.
Day 5: Day hike to Kyanjin Ri (4773 m) or Tsergo-Ri (4985 m)
Day 6: Trekking to Lama Hotel (2324 m), 5 to 6 hours walk.
Day 7: Trekking to Syabrubesi, 4 to 5 hours walk.
Day 8: Transfer to Kathmandu. 6 to 7 hours drive.