Flying in or out of Kathmandu valley is an amazing experience, age very much so, on a clear day. As the plane approaches from the southern west vector, the Himalaya can be seen on the far distance in the north. The approach beautifully navigates between low mountains, passing over picturesque views of small villages, terrace fields and lush forests, before the urban city and its intrigued network of roads and concrete buildings sprawl below us.

As you make your way through the formalities of the immigration and custom procedures, our Office Representative will be awaiting at the airport and assists during our hotel check in. Hopefully the long flight has not been very tiring for a pleasurable evening. 

Overnight: Four-star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast 

Driving west from Kathmandu, we follow the busy Prithvi Highway to countryside adorned with unnoticed hamlets and farms nestled on the hillside. As the road winds alongside the fast-flowing Trishuli River, a popular waterway for rafters, it's hard not to notice the continuous arrivals of soaring hills and luscious forests. Perhaps, a preview of the vistas that await us on our trek. At Galchi we reroute our drive and head northeast toward Rasuwagadhi, a Chinese Border town. We follow the road upstream over the Trishuli River passing by picturesque foothills decorated with rural communities, rich rice fields, farmhouses of millet, willowy sal forest and many meandering rivers that flows down from the Himalaya. The gradual climb of the road soon has us looking towards the northern skies as panoramic views of the southern slopes of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna appears, enticing us, further, in anticipation to the coming days. Shortly, we arrive at the administrative town of Dhunche and the entrance to the Langtang National Park, where we have our trek permits and park entry fees signed in. From the bustling town, we descend down to the Trishuli River at the village of Syabru Besi (1,423m/4,668ft) where we will overnight in a comfortable local lodge. 

Syabru Besi sits on the confluence at where the Langtang Khola (river) flowing downhill from the Langtang Valley in the east, and the Bhote Khosi Khola from the Poiqu River basin in Tibet up north, joins to form the larger Trishuli River channel. After a long drive, an early bed alongside the soft murmurs of the rushing river should have us excited for the days ahead.      

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Today, we start on foot along the epic Langtang Valley. Leaving Syabru Besi behind, we head east along the easy trail over the Langtang Khola which accompany us all the way to Kyangjin Gompa. The trail is relatively moderate today, and allows for a gentle introduction to the byways and contours of the Langtang Valley. The moderate climbs and numerous turns let us test our footings and warm up our muscles, while the shades of the valley come as a welcome relief from the subtropical lowland environs. About an hour later, we arrive at the small settlement of Tiwari and cross the river over to the southern bank of the valley, where Thulo Syabru hangs above on the hill with terraced potato fields and millet farms. Shortly hereafter, we enter the deep valley gorge and descent through bamboo forest to the valley floor. There are few mountain views today, but we have good chances of coming across some Langtang wildlife along the dense forest, though most are probably the tree swinging armies of Langurs. The luscious bamboo forests are home to the sleepy Red Pandas and we will need to stay vigilant to notice these sedentary animals. Continuing on, we arrive at Pairo and the few shops and lodges the hamlet offers, before following the roaring river upstream on a steady climb through rustling forest of bamboos and oaks. The trail along the riverside village of Bamboo sees constant flooding and washing away, and needs to be rebuilt again and again. We cross the Langtang Khola over to the northern side and follow the trail as it climbs steeply to Rimche (2,485m/8,153m) and down the canyon for a short walk to Lama Hotel (2,480m/8,136ft).

Lama Hotel, despite the name is not a single hotel but a pretty village called Changdam with a collection of lodges and home. The village gets its name from a popular trekkers’ stay, and sits on a rushing mountain stream. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

It is possible to trek much further today, even till Mundu, but in favour of better acclimatization to the high altitudes, we have shortened the trip. After breakfast, we continue upstream and follow the gorge northward along lush subtropical forested areas where we may find a sluggish Red Panda or Yellow Throated Martens scouring for a hunt. The sheer Langtang Lirung (7,227m/ 23,710ft) tantalises to our north and dwarfs the local geography underneath its fast-rising vertical peak. Through the trees the views of the snowy peaks accompany us, while the raging river down below tumbles along the canyon floor – the great wilderness of Langtang steers us deeper into the valley. Several hamlets and herders’ huts dot our day, as we cross the river and continue gaining heights before the valley floor begins to widen and the trail gradually levels off. We cross the river again and arrive at a ‘kharka’ (alpine pasture) and to the tiny settlement of Ghoratabela (‘ghora’ means horse and ‘tabela’ means stable, 3,030m/9,941ft). At the army check point we will have our group registered and continue up the trail where scrubs and grasslands, now take over the treelines. The short and steep climb to Thyangsyap (3,140m/10,302ft) ends quickly in anticipation to the comforts of the local Tamang lodge. 

As the treelines disappear, we can feel the air getting thinner. Regular hydration, plenty of rest and climbing at easy pace, play vital roles in ensuring our body acclimatises and stay healthy in the high altitudes, and help to avoid our holiday from being marred by discomforts and uneasiness. “Climb high, sleep low", “Take it slow" and “Drink plenty of fluids" are the secret mantras many have successfully adopted in the Himalaya.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Today we get to enjoy a relatively short walk but it does not get any easier. It is important that we trek slowly at an easy pace and allow ourselves to acclimatize to the gaining altitudes, plus the day will call for plenty of stoppages for photos and cultural interests. The numerous kharkas over on meadows and deserted plateaus, where yak and goat herders sustain a tough living, rolls out like green carpets to the vistas of the daunting snow-capped Himalaya. The high valley now sees a prominent Tibetan Buddhist influence with stunning Buddhist gompas (monasteries), chhortens (Buddhist stupas), colourful prayer flags and impressive mani stone walls gracing the landscape. Throughout the trail, the soft gurgles from water driven mills and prayer wheels along the several water channels running down the mountain, cocoon a pleasant ambiance. We continue on passing through scattered Tamang villages and scenic farmlands. In a short while, we reach the large area of Langtang village (3,430m/11,253ft), which saw huge destruction during the 2015 earthquake. A memorial now stands as a respect to all those who lost their lives in the disaster. Continuing up the valley, we follow the view of the west flank of Gangchenpo Peak (also known as Fluted Peak, 6,387m/20,955ft) and soon arrive at a long line of mani walls and chhortens. From here we descend to a small ravine and climb back up to Mundu (3,450m/11,319ft), a picturesque old village set below the cliffs, for an afternoon of rest and acclimatization.    

Above Mundu, there is a small waterfall that comes after a steep climb on a vague village path, and has panoramic views over to our south of Naya Kanga Peak (5,863m/19,235ft) and Baden Powell Scout Peak (Urkema Peak, 5,826m/19,114ft) named after Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout Movement. The short hike should take about 2 hours and is a good acclimatizational side trip that can be taken in the afternoon.   

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Juniper plants and Blood Barberry shrubs sway gently across the barren valley decorated with mani walls, chhortens and stupas as we head for Kyangjin Gompa. The trail climbs around easy slopes of the alpine country where we find shaggy yaks grazing by, unimpressed to our climbing skills, whilst snowcocks and pheasants forage between juniper bushes. The view of Gangchenpo Peak continues to improve and is accompanied by Dorje Lakpa (6,966m/22,854ft) and Urkenmang Peak (6,150m/20,154ft) to our east, and Pangen Dopku (5,980m/19,619ft) and Naya Kanga peaks to our south. It is easy to take the undulating and often deceptive steep trail quickly in anticipation to the spectacular views that quickly unfolds before us, but we must take note to walk at an easy pace and not let the altitudes catch us. The thin air can be unforgiving here at these dizzying heights. Walking across the glacial moraine ridge stumbling down from Langtang Lirung (7,227m/23,710ft), we can spot the magnificent Kimshing Peak (6,745m/22,129ft) and the metropolis of Kyangjin Gompa (3,830m/12,565ft). The ancient monastery of Kyangjin (estimated to be around six centuries old) is the heart of the Langtang Valley and sits on a jaw dropping elongated amphitheatre surrounded by high snow-capped peaks. 

In the afternoon, we can explore the hillside for a surprising panorama or walk around the village with a camera for interesting cultural experiences. The sacred Kyangjin monastery is always open for visitors and holds many religious and ancient artefacts depicting various Tibetan Buddhist iconographs. Over the years, the guardians of the Kyangjin monastery have seen the immense religious significant of the spiritual sanctuary being overshadowed by tourists arriving only to hoard the mountain views. Least we forget, the Langtang trek was once a holy pilgrimage route undertaken by many to attain spiritual enlightenments. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

The uninhabited lands of the upper valleys sit on an enviable terrain surrounded by towering mountains, ice glaciers and snow-covered ridges. We have options for few impressive day trips that can be discussed with your guide for a suitable exploration of the highlands and the complex geography.

Kyangjin Ri (peak) stands at a height of about 4,400m/14,435ft behind the village. The gentle excursion should take about 4 hours and snakes along the substantial hill, often zigzagging across or climbing steeply over the ridge. The very top of the peak is occasionally covered by snow and calls for cautious approach. The 360-degree views of Langtang Lirung, Gangchenpo Peak, Naya Kanga and the formidable Ganja La (high pass, 5,130m/16,830ft), Kyangjin Gompa village and the Langtang valley extending far below, are worth the efforts to the top. 

Tserko Ri (4,984m/16,352ft), east from Kyangjin is a popular day hike that commands around 6-8 hours. Arriving at the base of the hill, we drop across a moraine and then make our way steeply up the ridges. Reaching the summit, we are rewarded with awe-inspiring sculptures of snow-capped Himalayan peaks stretching over the horizon – Langtang Lirung, Gangchenpo, Pangen Dopku, Yala Peak (5,520m/18,110ft) are all in the list. The climb is demanding and should be avoided during inclement weather conditions as chances of snow avalanches are potentially high.  

Langshisa Kharka (4,060m/13,320ft) sits further east and will need a round trip of about 7-9 hours. It is better to start early and extra care should be taken in consideration to the distance, to allow enough time to retreat back. In the gullies between the towering mountains, once the sun goes down, both the daylight and temperature ebb away quickly. The trail contours along the foothill of Tserko Ri, before making a long descent to the Langtang River and climb back up steadily to an abandoned airstrip that once dared some of the bravest fixed wing pilots to aviation accolades. Collection of old ‘Goths’ (herders’ shelters) and long-haired yaks grazing in a pasture let us know that we have arrived at Namthang Kharka (3,940m/12,926ft). A hill decked with prayer flags is a good vantage point for those who wish not to continue further east as the views do not improve much. Continuing on, another hour or so, we arrive at the pasture of Langshisa Kharka with breath-taking panorama of Langtang Lirung (7,227m/23,710ft), Langtang II (6,596m/21,640), Langshisa Ri (6,427m/21,086ft), Morimoto Peak (named after a Japanese climber, 6,150m/20,180ft), Tserko Ri and dauting ice glaciers that are sadly receding over the years. We head back to Kyangjin Gompa along the same route we had taken to end a fatiguing long day.    

 Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We retrace our steps down the valley, quickly descending over hump yak pastures, stupas and mani walls. The views remain spectacular throughout the day, and the dense sub-tropical forests is refreshing after the barren alpine valleys. Gaining quick grounds, we leave behind the numerous small settlements and cosy hamlets arriving at Ghoretabela (3,030m/9,941ft) just in time for lunch. There are few climbs just before Lama Hotel, but our now-accustomed legs should have little trouble triumphing over them. Do take care in the long descents as it is easy to get enthusiastic and accidentally strain our knees and ankles. Remember it is not a marathon, even though at times it feels like one - take it easy.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We follow the Langtang Khola downstream taking the same route we took going up. The village of Rimchi arrives just as quickly after a short climb and then the trail descends steeply through dense bamboo forests, which after our days at the colder altitude, is warm and humid. Staying relatively close to the deep canyons of the river, the trail rollercoasters through series of sharp drops and immediate ascends. As we contour around the head of the valley, the Tamang village of Thulo Syabru can be seen perched on a high ridge across the river, but we keep along the north bank until the weary climb to Syabru Besi, the old settlement. We cross the Bhote Koshi river and arrive at the new town of Shyabru (1,503m/4,931ft), followed by a beer to celebrate the completion of the Langtang Valley trek. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Our drive back to Kathmandu allows for rest to our weary legs, go through our Langtang photos or even finish the book that got lost to the distractions of the gorgeous valleys and peaks.  On arrival at Kathmandu, a touch of melancholy transpires as stretches of countryside and fields get devoured by concrete buildings and crowded city roads.  

Overnight: Four-star Hotel

Meal: Breakfast

After an amazing adventure in the Himalaya, we reserve today to unwind, rest and take leisurely activities among the colourful crowds of Kathmandu. There are shopping and souvenirs to hunt and complete our travel memorabilia, or a city tour and sightseeing programs at the many cultural heritage sites, or just simply relaxing with drinks in our hands. 

There are numerous heritage sites, all with short distances of each other, inside the Kathmandu valley. None more significant than the Hindu pilgrimage complex of the holy Pashupatinath Temple and the serene Buddhist stupas of Bodhanath and Swayambhunath. The ancient royal courtyards of the three Durbar (Palace) Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, offers fantastic insights into the golden age of Newa cultures and their rich architectures and craftsmanship. The programs in Kathmandu are not included in the cost nor part of our itinerary. They are optional activities you can participate on your arrival. 

Our evening is shared with a one last hurrah. A celebratory farewell dinner in honor of you and the many more adventures to come.  

Overnight: Four-star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Here we bid our farewell and wish you a nice flight back home. Our office representative will pick you up at the hotel for your transport to the international airport.