Langtang Trek - 14 Days

Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu

It's a beautiful flight into the Kathmandu Valley with views of the Himalaya and terraced valley floor. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, one of our representatives will greet you and transport you to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, you'll have time to explore the city. Some popular sights include Kathmandu’s Durbar Square and its narrow alleyways teeming with small shops, ancient temples, and local restaurants. There's also Swayambhunath temple, where you can watch the sunset over the valley and the Himalaya to your north.

The tourist hub of Thamel is a good place to grab your first meal, with a variety of restaurants to chose from offering both Western and local Nepali dishes. Then, if it's not too late, head to the busiest bazaar in the city, Asan Tole, which offers an authentic display of spice, fish, and vegetable stands that make for great photo ops. Practice some basic Nepali phrases and chat with friendly locals!

Day 2: Free day in Kathmandu

Kathmandu has a special atmosphere during the early morning hours when the city is slowly coming to life yet not too chaotic. It's a great time to walk and explore the streets or have a chai overlooking one of the local courtyards or durbar squares. 

After breakfast, there are then a number of ways you can spend your day given the numerous famous sights around the Kathmandu Valley. You can use this as a free day or we can provide a local English-speaking guide who knows the city well and can explain the history and significance of the sights (along with a private jeep to take you around).

However you choose to spend your day, you’ll return to your hotel in Kathmandu in the early evening and meet your specialist (or one of their staff members) who will go over details of your trip, including what to expect and transport logistics.

Later in the evening, head out for dinner at one of the city's great eateries, or your specialist can arrange a home-cooked dinner with a local family.

Day 3: Kathmandu Sightseeing: Bungamati and Khokana Villages

After your breakfast in Kathmandu, you will be picked up by your English-speaking private tour guide for a full-day tour of the rustic Newari towns of Bungamati and Khokana. 

Overlooking the Bagmati River a short drive from the city, Bungamati is still one of the more picturesque spots in Kathmandu Valley despite significant damage in the 2015 earthquake. Many locals live as woodcarvers (and have done so for generations); check out their showrooms and workshops in the main square where work has adorned thousands of homes, temples, and museums.

About a half-hour drive from Kathmandu, Khokana is smaller and quieter than Bungamati. It also saw earthquake damage, especially to its heritage buildings, yet the main square's Shekala Mai Temple is still standing. Head to the heart of the village and observe religious practices and watch friendly villagers spin wool, stuff mattresses with cotton, and prepare rice and straw. In October, the Khokana Jatra festival featuring masked dancers held in autumn. 

Day 4: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (4,790 ft / 1,460 m)

After an early breakfast in Kathmandu, you'll begin a 7-8-hour road trip to Syabrubesi. The drive climbs high over ridges as it leaves the Kathmandu Valley, and provides impressive snow-capped views of the Annapurna Himalayas to the west, as well as Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and the minor peaks of the Langtang mountain region ahead. Keep your camera close as you'll also encounter rivers, terraced hillsides, and rustic villages as you head into this mountainous region. 

You'll drive through the bustling town of Trisuli before climbing up towards Dunche. From Dunche, you'll head downhill for an hour to get to Syabrubesi for the night.

Day 5: Trek from Syabru Besi to Lama Hotel

After breakfast in Syabru Besi, you'll begin today’s trek that crosses over the Bhote Kosi River—meaning ‘Tibet River’—which flows from nearby Tibet. 

You'll follow the stone-paved main street out of town over Langtang Khola. After crossing a suspension bridge, the trail continues through several sub-tropical forests and then joins the trail from Syabru Besi, before climbing through uninhabited oak and rhododendron forests. Keep an eye out for langur monkeys in the trees, as well as an abundance of wildlife such as yellow-throated martens, wild boars, and red pandas.

The trail to Lama Hotel becomes steep in places but then ascends gently and finally levels off before you reach your overnight stay.

Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Trekking distance: 7 miles (11.3 km) 
Overnight: Lama Hotel (8,103 feet / 2,470 m)
Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 6: Trek from Lama Hotel to Mundu

After breakfast at the Lama Hotel, you'll continue climbing through the forest with occasional glimpses of Langtang Lirung between the trees. When you reach Ghora Tabela, the trail emerges from the forest and you'll see snow-capped mountains on either side of the valley. At one time, there was a Tibetan resettlement project here, but now it is a Nepal Army post with no permanent inhabitants.

The trail continues to climb gently as the valley widens, passing a few temporary settlements used by herders who bring their livestock to graze in the high pastures during summer. You'll probably get a glimpse of your first yak if you haven’t seen one already.

The next part of the trail is a somber reminder of the 2015 earthquake. Where the village of Langtang (and numerous lodges) once stood, there is now only a huge rock field. Send a prayer for the Nepalis and tourists who lost their lives here and remember that your trek will help support the survivors.

Mundu is located a bit further on the trail. Check out the area's old houses that are a reminder of what all the villages once looked like in this valley (now they are built in a more modern style). 

Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Trekking distance: 9 miles (14.7 km)
Overnight: Mundu (11,646 feet / 3550 m)
Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 7: Trek from Mundu to Kyangjin Gompa

After breakfast in Mundu, the trail climbs gradually through yak pastures. Notice how the valley extends even further than before allowing for extensive views. After crossing several small streams and moraines, the trail reaches the settlement at Kyangjin. This village has a small Tibetan monastery and a government-operated cheese factory—a good place to stock up for lunch and afternoon snacks.

Since you'll likely arrive at your overnight location by lunchtime, you'll have plenty of free time to take it easy in the afternoon. Relax at the village bakery and cafe, or explore the area by foot. If you are feeling energetic, head up the valley towards Langshisha Kharka to see some of the amazing views.

Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Trekking distance: 3.5 miles (5.7 km)
Overnight: Kyangjin Gompa (12,467 feet / 3800 m)
Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 8: Rest day at Kyangjin Gompa, Optional climb to Kyangjin Ri

Today is a rest day in Kyangjin Gompa, so take advantage of this opportunity to sleep in and relax. After breakfast at your teahouse, you can explore more of the area by visiting the monastery and cheese factory if you haven't already. If you are feeling more energetic, walk up the moraine to see spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of the Langtang Lirung. 

Better yet, overachievers can take a hike to Kyangjin Ri, directly behind the village, for a 360-degree panoramic view of the Langtang peaks. This is the highest point most trekkers reach on the Langtang Trek. For the best views on this outing, it's best to get an early start as clouds usually build up in the afternoon. 

Day 9: Trek from Kyangjin Gompa to Lama Hotel

After breakfast in Kyangjin Gompa, you'll hit the trail and retrace the route you took through the valley, following the Langtang Khola River to the village of Mundu and eventually Ghora Tabela. Though the trail is flat in certain places, the way down will certainly be faster than your ascent.

You'll stop for lunch en route and then continue heading downhill until you get to Lama Hotel. This ancient area and is one of the oldest undisturbed valleys in Nepal. Check out unique flora and fauna, including lush green forests, as well as snow-capped views of the Langtang mountain peaks. Due to the earthquake, there are fewer tourists here so you can expect uncrowded trails. Enjoy the easy downhill terrain and take in the scenery.  

For those with limited time, an alternative option is to take a helicopter ride from Kyangjin to Kathmandu. 

Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Trekking distance: 9 miles (14.5 km)
Overnight: Lama Hotel (8,103 feet / 2,470 m)
Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 10: Trek from Lama Hotel to Syabru Besi

After breakfast, continue retracing your steps to the village of Syabru Besi. This easy route lets you enjoy the area's peaceful forested hills. Or if you're feeling energetic, you can opt for a more challenging route from Rimche via Sherpa Gaon to Syabru Besi; it will take much longer to reach your overnight destination, but it’s a spectacular detour.

Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Trekking distance: 7 miles (11.3 km)
Overnight: Syabru Besi (4,790 feet / 1,460 m)
Accommodation: Teahouse

Day 11: Drive from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu

After an early breakfast in Syabru Besi, you'll begin the 7-hour return trip to Kathmandu. Just like the way you came, you'll experience impressive snow-capped views as well as rivers, terraced hillsides, and rustic villages as you depart this mountainous region and get back to the bustling city. 

Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel and will be able to enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure. Explore Kathmandu's streets on foot, bicycle, or rickshaw, perhaps shopping for souvenirs—here are some of the best things to bring home with you. 

Day 12: Drive from Kathmandu to Sankhu, Hike to Nagarkot (7,136 feet / 2,175 m)

After breakfast at your hotel in Kathmandu, you'll be picked up by private car and transferred to the village of Sankhu. You'll then meet up with your guide and start the trek to Nagarkot, a village perched on the Kathmandu Valley rim with views of the Himalaya, and close proximity to Buddhist and Hindu cultural sites. 

Trekking time: 4-5 hours (7.5 miles / 12 km)

Day 13: Sunrise from Nagarkot, Drive back to Kathmandu

This morning in Nagarkot, take an early morning walk to the village tower for a sunrise view of the Himalayas. If the weather is clear, it's possible to see a range of peaks including Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal, and Numbur. After breakfast, you'll return back to the capital city by private transfer. 

Take advantage of anything you may have missed at the beginning of the trip. Other ideas include rewarding your muscles after the trek with a massage service at Seeing Hands (services are offered from the visually impaired), or the more upmarket Kinjalla Spa. You can also take an early evening yoga class at Pranamaya Yoga, with two locations in Thamel and Patan.

Trekking time: 4-5 hours (7.5 miles / 12 km)

Day 14: Depart Kathmandu

It's time to say farewell to Nepal. Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu with breakfast in a café, a city stroll, and/or souvenir shopping. A representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home. It's good to be at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure.

If you have less time to experience the area, consider this 8-day Langtang Trek itinerary that covers many of the same highlights.