Langtang Trek

Langtang Valley
Langtang Valley (Photo: John Balha)

Langtang Trek (19 days, 18 nights)
In Tibetan, "Lang" is Yak and "Teng" is to follow. It is believed that a Lama following a yak found the valley and hence the name "Langtang". The Langtang area was designated as Nepal's first national park in 1971 and in 1949 Tilman, one of the first Westerner allowed into the country, chose the Langtang valley as his trek destination. Despite this history, Langtang barely receives half as many trekkers as the Annapurna or the Everest region. Langtang is especially beautiful during the spring when the red, white and blue rhodendrons are in bloom along with numerous vareties of wild flowers. Langtang is also home to over 150 bird species and the endangered Red-Panda.

The Tamang Bhotia's who inhabit this region practice a culture very similar to their Tibetan neighbors in the north and engage in agriculture and raising of yaks and sheep. Langtang Lirung dominates the skyline along with Naya Kanga, Dorje Lakpa and other beautiful peaks. The trek begins in Syabru - besi which is around 6-7 hour drive from Kathmandu. You will first trek to Kyanjin valley where you will be rewarded by 360 degree views of Himalayan peaks. Then you re-trace the trail to near Syabru from where you head towards Gosaikunda lake crossing a near 14,000 ft. pass. You will trek back to Kathmandu by way of Sundarijal.

The trek is rated mildly strenuous but is moderately paced. No technical climbing is involved and you do not have to be an experienced hiker to participate. But it is important that you come with an open mind and be very patient.

Trip format: Lodge trek – sleep and eat in local family owned lodges. You must provide your own sleeping bag and personal clothing.

Itinerary

Day 01 - Kathmandu (4,400 ft/1,250m)

Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel. Rest of day free. Welcome dinner at a Nepali Home. (Dinner)

                                                                                     Day 02 - Kathmandu (4,400 ft/1,250m)

Pashupati sadhus
Sadhus of Pashupati

Visit Pashupatinath, Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Here, you'll probably witness a Hindu cremation along the banks of the Bagmati River.

Then drive to Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees, for lunch and a tour of the royal palace square. Bhaktapur is a medieval city in the Kathmandu valley and is least disturbed by modern life. Here, you can absorb the architectural splendor of the five-storied Nyatapola temple, or the sculptural delight of the Peacock Window. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 03 - Kathmandu to Syabru Besi (4,590ft/1,400m)

After breakfast, a chartered vehicle will take you to Syabru Besi. On the drive, on a clear day you will be able to see Annapurna, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. The road mainly follows the Trishuli river and from Dhunche it is all unpaved road and progress is slow. After arrival in Syabru, you will walk to a lodge outside of town. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 04 - Syabru to Lama Hotel (8,100 ft/2,470m)

Steadily ascend to Lama Hotel. Today's trek is through forested trail and you might see langur monkeys. If you are lucky you might even see a Red Panda or a Himalayan Black Bear. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 05 - Lama Hotel to Ghora Tabela (9,740ft/2,970m)

Today is a short trek day (3 - 4 hours hiking) to allow for acclimatization. Initially the hike is through steep forested trail but once close to riverside the trail is level. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

                                                                         Day 06 - Ghora Tabela to Langtang (11,250ft/3,430m)

Langtang girl
Lhamu Yeshi of Ghora Tabela (Photo: Jenny)


Another short trek day (2 hours). The ascent is gentle and you will notice the change in landscape from green forest to barren open valleys that are typical in higher altitudes. Overnight Lodge. (All  meals)

Day 07 - Langtang to Kyanjin (12,700ft/3,870m)

Todays trek is a gentle 4 hours to Kyanjin. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 08 - Kyanjin (12,700 ft/3,870m)

You have couple options for today. You may either hike to the summit of Kyanjin ri (16,500ft.) for views of Lantang or hike to Langshisa Ri. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 09 - Kyanjin to Lama Hotel

Retrace and descend to Lama Hotel. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 10 - Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru (7,500ft/2,290m)

Trek through rhododendron forests to Thulo Syabru. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 11 - Thulo Syabru to Sing Gompa (10,900ft/3,330m)

Today is a short day but involves a steep ascent to Sing Gompa in Chandan Bari. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 12 - Sing Gompa to Gosaikunda (14,650ft/4,460m)

Since by now you are well acclimatized, trek direct from Sing Gompa past the shepherds huts in Laurebinayak to Gosaikunda. The trek to Gosaikunda can take up to six hours. At Gosaikunda there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 13 - Gosaikunda to Ghopte (11,300ft/3,340m)

After a short ascent, it is all down hill today. Today you cross the Laurebina La at 15,120 ft. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 14 - Ghopte to Tharepati (11,900ft/3,640m)

Today is a short day of 2 hours to Tharepati. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 15 - Tharepati to Gul Bhanjyang

Todays trek is a little over 6 hours and involves a lot of steep terrain. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 16 - Gul Bhanjyang to Chisapani

Trek to Chisapani. Morning views of the mountains from Chisapani are outstanding. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

 
Day 17 - Chisapani to Kathmandu

Descend to Sundarijal where your trek ends. Drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight Hotel Tibet. (All meals)

Day 18 - Kathmandu

Sightseeing in Kathmandu. Farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight Hotel Tibet. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 19 - Final Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. (Breakfast)

Price includes:

Price does not include:

TO BOOK THIS TRIP:

A completed reservation form must be either faxed to us or scanned and emailed as an attachment.

Email: info@crystalmountaintreks.com
Fax: 977 – 1- 4412647

You must also send us a non-refundable deposit of $500 per person. The deposit must be wired. (Sorry, we will begin accepting credit cards from 2009 only). We will refund up to $30 to cover your wire expenses. Wire details will be provided. The balance of the amount must be paid on arrival, either in traveler’s checks or cash.

Download reservation form here »

TREK RATING:

This trek is rated mildly strenuous and is moderately paced. The trek involves daily hiking of between 5-6 hours on average but the entire trek involves lots of up and down. Highest altitude reached is near 15,000 ft. While the trek requires good physical fitness and involves walking through rocky terrain and landslides, no technical climbing experience is required nor do you have to be a very experienced hiker.

TRIP LEADER:

This trip will be led by one of our senior guide with at least 15 years guiding experience.

REFERENCES:

Crystal Mountain organizes treks and tours in Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tiber for hundreds of satisfied travelers each year. Feel free to ask us for a list of references who can tell you about their experience with us.

PRE AND POST TRIP EXTENSIONS:

Arriving early or leaving late? Nepal (and the region) has a lot to offer besides your main trip to Langtang. Depending on the extra days you have and your budget, we would be glad to match you up with one of the following activities:

Contact us for more details: info@crystalmountaintreks.com

QUESTIONS:

Email: info@crystalmountaintreks.com

Phone
Land Line: + 977 1 4416813
Mobile: + 977 98410-00724