Langtang Valley Trek
The valley of glaciers
- 11 days
- Moderate
- From $3,100
- Duration
- 11 days
- Walking grade
- Moderate
- Highest point
- 4,984 m
- Best months
- Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
- Starts and ends
- Kathmandu
Big mountains, yak pastures and Tamang hospitality, without a flight.
- Tamang villages and yak pastures
- Kyanjin Gompa and the option of Tserko Ri (4,984 m)
- No domestic flight: a drive from Kathmandu
- Stay with the families who rebuilt Langtang village
The Langtang valley is a short drive north of Kathmandu and feels a long way from it. Tamang villages, yak pastures and glaciers lead up to the monastery at Kyanjin Gompa.
The 2015 earthquake destroyed Langtang village. It has been rebuilt by the families who live there, and part of what you spend here goes to them. From Kyanjin you can climb Tserko Ri for a view across to Tibet.
The trek needs no mountain flight. A private jeep takes you to Syabrubesi, and from there the trail climbs up the forested gorge of the Langtang Khola and out into the open upper valley. We walk it with short days at Ghodatabela and Langtang village, so you reach Kyanjin at 3,870 metres well acclimatised, with a full day there to climb or rest.
Langtang suits travellers who want real mountain scenery within a week or so, without very high altitude or long, hard days. It is also a good choice if you would rather avoid the weather risk of Lukla flights. The lodges on this trail are simple teahouses throughout, clean and friendly, mostly with shared bathrooms. Your nights in Kathmandu, at each end, are at a heritage hotel.
Langtang Valley Trek: the route
6 places · starts and ends in Kathmandu
Your journey at a glance
Choose a day
Highest night 3,870 m at Kyanjin Gompa · highest point 4,984 m
Way upWay backPositions are approximate; peaks are shown for orientation.
Langtang Valley Trek, day by day
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Day 1 Kathmandu Luxury hotel Arrival 1,400 m
Your host meets you at arrivals and drives you to the hotel, a courtyard of carved brick and timber in central Kathmandu. The afternoon is free to rest after the flight. In the evening your guide joins you to check gear, go through the route and answer questions over dinner.
- Getting there
- Arrival
- Sleeping altitude
- 1,400 m
- Where you stay
- Heritage luxury hotel in Kathmandu (Dwarika's or similar)
- Meals
- Dinner
-
Day 2 Syabrubesi Best teahouse Drive 7–8 h 1,460 m
A private jeep takes you north out of the city, up through terraced hills and along the Trishuli river to Syabrubesi. The road is slow and winding in places, and the drive takes most of the day with stops for lunch and tea. Syabrubesi is a small roadhead town by the river, and the teahouse is simple and clean.
- Getting there
- Drive 7–8 h
- Sleeping altitude
- 1,460 m (+60 m)
- Where you stay
- Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 3 Lama Hotel Best teahouse 6 h · 11 km 2,480 m
The trail crosses the Bhote Koshi and follows the Langtang Khola up its forested gorge. You climb steadily through oak, rhododendron and bamboo, past Bamboo and its small lodges by the river, to Lama Hotel. Langur monkeys are often seen in the trees. The teahouse is basic, with a warm dining room in the evening.
- Walking
- About 6 h, 11 km
- Sleeping altitude
- 2,480 m (+1,020 m)
- Where you stay
- Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 4 Ghodatabela Best teahouse 3 h · 6 km 3,010 m
A deliberately short day to keep the ascent gentle. The forest opens out as you climb, and the first snow peaks appear at the head of the valley, with Langtang Lirung above. You reach Ghodatabela by lunchtime and have the afternoon to rest and walk a little higher before coming back down to sleep.
- Walking
- About 3 h, 6 km
- Sleeping altitude
- 3,010 m (+530 m)
- Where you stay
- Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 5 Langtang village Best teahouse 3 h · 6 km 3,430 m
Another short climb into open yak pasture, past water-driven prayer wheels and long mani walls. You reach Langtang village, rebuilt by its families after the 2015 earthquake, and visit the memorial to those who died. The afternoon is free in the village. Your guide can introduce you to families who run the lodges here.
- Walking
- About 3 h, 6 km
- Sleeping altitude
- 3,430 m (+420 m)
- Where you stay
- Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Days 6–7 Kyanjin Gompa Best teahouse 3 h · 7 km 3,870 m
A gentle walk up the widening valley to Kyanjin Gompa, a small monastery among lodges and yak pastures, with glaciers on three sides. You visit the gompa and the cheese factory. The next day is for climbing: either Kyanjin Ri, a shorter hill with a fine view, or the long climb to Tserko Ri at 4,984 metres, for a view across to Tibet. Your guide will help you choose.
- Walking
- About 3 h, 7 km
- Sleeping altitude
- 3,870 m (+440 m)
- Where you stay
- Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 8 Lama Hotel Best teahouse 6–7 h · 18 km 2,480 m
A long day downhill, retracing the valley through Langtang village and Ghodatabela and back into the forest to Lama Hotel. The descent is easy on the lungs but hard on the knees, so poles help. You will see the valley from a new angle, with the river loud below.
- Walking
- About 6–7 h, 18 km
- Sleeping altitude
- 2,480 m (−1,390 m)
- Where you stay
- Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 9 Syabrubesi Best teahouse 5 h · 11 km 1,460 m
Down through the forest to the river and back to Syabrubesi and the road. In the afternoon you can soak tired legs in a hot spring near the village, if it is open. It is the last night on the trail, often with a small celebration with your guide and porters.
- Walking
- About 5 h, 11 km
- Sleeping altitude
- 1,460 m (−1,020 m)
- Where you stay
- Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 10 Kathmandu Luxury hotel Drive 7–8 h 1,400 m
The private jeep takes you back south along the Trishuli to Kathmandu, a long day on mountain roads with stops along the way. By evening you are back at the hotel, with a hot bath and a proper bed. Dinner is wherever you would like it to be.
- Getting there
- Drive 7–8 h
- Sleeping altitude
- 1,400 m (−60 m)
- Where you stay
- Heritage luxury hotel in Kathmandu (Dwarika's or similar)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 11 Departure Departure
A private transfer to the airport for your flight home. If you would like more time in Nepal, we can add nights in Kathmandu or join another journey.
- Getting there
- Departure
- Meals
- Breakfast
Walking times are typical at an unhurried pace and include rests; your guide adjusts each day to the group and the weather.
Is this journey for you?
- Walking
- Five to seven hours a day, sleeping as high as about 4,000 metres.
- Fitness
- Regular exercise and some hill walking before you come.
- Altitude
- You sleep as high as 3,870 m, with acclimatisation built into the route. We send a health questionnaire and talk it through before you book.
- Terrain
- Good forest trails with long steady climbs in the gorge, then open, gentler paths across yak pasture in the upper valley.
The practical details
Where you stay
Named lodges or similar, confirmed in your proposal.
- 2 nights
Luxury hotel
Heritage luxury hotel in Kathmandu (Dwarika's or similar)
Kathmandu
- 8 nights
Best teahouse
Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom
Syabrubesi · Lama Hotel · Ghodatabela · Langtang village · Kyanjin Gompa
Best time for the Langtang Valley Trek
- JanJanuary: Possible. Cold and clear; snow can close high passes.
- FebFebruary: Possible. Cold and clear; snow can close high passes.
- MarMarch: Best. Spring begins: clear mornings, rhododendrons in bloom lower down.
- AprApril: Best. Peak spring season: warm days, flowers, busier trails.
- MayMay: Good. Warmer and hazier, with afternoon cloud as the monsoon nears.
- JunJune: Not recommended. Monsoon: rain most afternoons, leeches low down, mountains often hidden.
- JulJuly: Not recommended. Monsoon: heavy rain and frequent flight cancellations.
- AugAugust: Not recommended. Monsoon: heavy rain and frequent flight cancellations.
- SepSeptember: Good. Monsoon clears late in the month; lush valleys, some cloud.
- OctOctober: Best. Peak autumn season: clear views, festivals, busier trails.
- NovNovember: Best. Clear, stable and cooler; quieter after mid-month.
- DecDecember: Good. Cold, clear and quiet; short days at altitude.
Seasons for this journey: Spring, Autumn. Choose a month for what to expect.
Comparing prices for the Langtang Valley Trek?
Cheaper treks are usually group departures. Ask any operator:
- Is the guide yours alone?
- Yes. Only your own party travels together, never a group departure.
- How many guides and porters?
- A senior guide and a porter for every two guests.
- Are altitude checks written down?
- Twice a day above 3,000 m, with bottled oxygen on every high route.
- What if someone needs evacuating?
- A standing helicopter agreement, and insurance confirmed before you travel.
Included
- Himkora Host, plus a senior guide and a porter for every two guests
- All hotels and lodges as described
- All meals, including dinners in the cities
- Permits: Langtang National Park permit
- Porters, private vehicles and every transfer
- Down jacket, sleeping bag and a Himkora duffel on loan
- Treated drinking water every day on the trail
- Twice-daily oxygen and pulse checks, and a full first-aid kit
- Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu as described
- The Himkora Care Standard, in full
Not included
5 items
- International flights
- Nepal visa (US$50 on arrival for 30 days)
- Travel insurance with evacuation cover (required)
- Gratuities and drinks
- Wi-Fi, charging and hot showers where lodges charge for them
Before you go
Permits we arrange for you
- Langtang National Park permit and TIMS card
We need a scan of your passport photo page and one passport photo about six weeks before travel. Permit fees are included in your price.
Visa and insurance
- Most nationalities get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, or online in advance. Check the Department of Immigration before you travel.
- Travel insurance is required. It must cover trekking to at least 5,000 m and helicopter evacuation; we check your policy before departure.
How we manage altitude
- Above 3,000 m, sleeping altitude rises by about 500 m a night (never more than 700 m, and then next to a rest day), with acclimatisation days built in.
- Your guide checks blood oxygen and pulse twice a day and carries bottled oxygen and a full medical kit.
- Guides always have the authority to descend, and we hold a standing helicopter-evacuation agreement in Kathmandu.
Getting ready
- Walking grade: Moderate. We send a training plan with your proposal.
- Talk to your doctor or a travel clinic about altitude medication and vaccinations at least six weeks before you travel.
- We send a health questionnaire before booking and talk it through with you.
Mountain flights
- Your itinerary ends with a night in Kathmandu. If delays run on, we can arrange a helicopter (at cost).
- Domestic baggage is usually limited to about 15 kg including your cabin bag; extra can stay at your Kathmandu hotel.
Weather
- Days are usually bright and mild in season; nights drop below freezing above about 4,000 m.
- Afternoon cloud is normal; mornings bring the clearest views.
- Upper valleys can be windy in the afternoon, especially in Mustang.
We provide
- A Himkora duffel for your porter to carry (up to 12 kg per guest)
- Down jacket and sleeping bag rated to −20°C, on loan
- Water purification, first-aid and the Care Standard kit
You bring
- Broken-in walking boots and four pairs of trekking socks
- Layers: base layers, fleece, waterproof shell jacket and trousers
- Warm hat, sun hat, gloves, sunglasses (category 3 or 4) and sunscreen
- Daypack (25–30 litres), refillable bottles, headtorch
- Personal medicines, and a copy of your insurance policy
A full packing list comes with your proposal.
Money
- Your journey is paid in advance, so you only need cash for drinks, souvenirs and tips.
- Nepali rupees are best on the trail; there are ATMs in Kathmandu, Pokhara.
Connectivity and tipping
- Most lodges have Wi-Fi, often slow and sometimes paid; mobile data works in many villages. Your guide carries a satellite messenger.
- Gratuities are not included and are always your choice. We send guidance for guides, porters and drivers with your pre-departure notes.
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Questions guests ask
More answers on our questions page, or write to hello@himkora.com.
How much does the Langtang Valley Trek cost?
The Comfort journey is $3,100 per person for two travelling privately, and the Signature journey is $3,400. The price includes guiding, porters, accommodation, meals and permits as listed. Your proposal gives one clear price for your dates.
How many days is the Langtang Valley Trek?
11 days as we have planned it, from your arrival in Nepal to your departure. Because it is private, we can add rest days or extra nights, or shorten it if you have less time.
How difficult is the Langtang Valley Trek?
We grade it moderate. Five to seven hours a day, sleeping as high as about 4,000 metres. Regular exercise and some hill walking before you come.
How high does the Langtang Valley Trek go?
The highest point is 4,984 m, and the highest night is at 3,870 m. The itinerary includes acclimatisation days, and your guide checks your oxygen levels every morning and evening.
When is the best time for the Langtang Valley Trek?
The best months are March, April, October and November. See the month-by-month guide above for the rest of the year.
Which permits do I need for the Langtang Valley Trek?
You will need: Langtang National Park permit and TIMS card. We arrange all of them for you and include the fees in your price.
Is every journey private?
Yes. You travel only with the people you choose, on your dates. Your guide, porters and vehicles are yours alone, and the route can be adjusted before or during the journey.
What is included in the price?
Your Himkora Host and senior guide, porters, every hotel and lodge named in the itinerary, meals as listed, domestic flights, permits, park fees and private transfers. International flights, your Nepal visa, travel insurance, drinks and gratuities are not included.
How do deposits and payment work?
A 30% deposit confirms your journey, and the balance is due 90 days before travel. Your proposal sets out the full price and the cancellation terms before you pay anything. Our full booking terms are on the Booking terms page.
How fit do I need to be?
Each journey has a walking grade, explained on its page. Before you book, we send a short health questionnaire and talk through your walking history. If a route isn't right, we will say so and suggest one that is.
How do you manage altitude?
Above 3,000 metres our itineraries raise sleeping altitude by about 500 metres a night, never more than 700 metres and then only next to a rest day, with acclimatisation days built in. Guides check blood oxygen and pulse twice a day, carry bottled oxygen on high routes, and always have the authority to turn back.
Do I need special travel insurance?
Yes. Your policy must cover trekking to the highest altitude on your route (up to 6,000 metres on our high journeys), emergency medical treatment, helicopter rescue and repatriation. We check it before you travel.
What if flights to Lukla are delayed?
Mountain flights depend on the weather, and in busy months they may leave from Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu. Every Everest itinerary keeps a spare day in Kathmandu after the Lukla flight, so a weather delay doesn't cost you any of the trek. If delays run on longer, a helicopter can be arranged at cost.
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