Flying in or out of Kathmandu valley is an amazing experience, 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 cross the suspension bridge over the Bhote Khosi Khola and 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 of the valley, even though it is mostly the tree swinging armies of Langurs. The luscious bamboo forests are home to the sleepy Red Pandas but 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 with a collection of lodges and home. The Changdam village is fondly known as Lama Hotel after a hotel with the name, 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 light of better acclimatization to the higher elevations, 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 increasing 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 ever-widening barren valley decorated with mani walls, chhortens and stupas as we head toward Kyangjin Gompa. The trail contours around easy slopes of the increasingly 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 now accompanied with 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 blow out. 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. So, as we traverse across the Langtang valley it should be noted that this 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 you can discuss 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 in snow and calls for cautious approach, but 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 feels freshening 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, and 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 now feel warm and humid. Staying relatively close to the deep canyons of the river means that the trail will rollercoaster through series of sharp drops that immediately ascents right back up. As we contour around the head of the valley, the Tamang village of Thulo Syabru can be seen perched on a high ridge above the river. A short climb through terraced fields and farm houses leads us into the pretty settlement, and perhaps followed by a beer to celebrate the completion of the Langtang Valley trek. Of course, tomorrow we begin our pilgrimage toward the sacred lakes of Gosaikunda and the high pass of Laurebina. 

Thulo Syabru (2,210m/7,250ft) is the old Syabru, and the name ‘Thulo’ which means ‘big’ could be expressed as the ‘elder’ Syabru. The modern-looking Syabru Monastery is opened to visitors in the morning and in the evening, and houses features of Guru Rinpoche and Green Tara.  

Overnight: Lodge/ Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

The morning begins with the usual bustling of a typical Nepali farm village – roosters crowing, cattle rummaging, songbirds chirping and faint murmurs in the kitchen. We head south from Thulo Syabru, taking the trail above the village, pass the chhorten and army post. The climb gradually snakes up the ridge to another chhorten with views over the village extending all the way to the hills of the Tamang Heritage region, to our west the ranges of Ganesh Himal (massif) sneak up, Naya Kanga ridges in the east, parts of Langtang Himal in the northeast and unnamed peaks over the border with Tibet. Our climb continues through rhododendron forest and screeching armies of Himalayan grey langurs that are exclusive to the region, or even come across a rare wild orchid bloom. The teahouses at Dursagang (2,660m/8,727ft) is followed by another chhorten as the trail curves to the hill for a long ascent to the ridge top. The refreshments stop at Phoprang Danda (Phoprang Hill, 3,190m/10,466ft) comes with a magnificent vista over the Trishuli valley and across the Tamang country to Ganesh Himal. From here the trail leads us through shaded forest floors, steadily climbing over another ridge, passing through an enclosed patch and into Shin Gompa (3,312m/10,866ft), a small village with a gompa (monastery), few lodges and a cheese factory.  

First thing first, the spicy yak cheese is a delicacy you must try at the cheese factory. The plain-designed Shin Gompa is a historic monastery of the ancient Buddhist school of Nyingma-Pa and holds ancient wall paintings and aromatic butter lamps. The Nepali name for the village is ‘Chandanbari’ meaning ‘a sandalwood garden’, while ‘Shin’ is the name for a ‘sandalwood tree’ in Tibetan. 

Overnight: Lodge/ Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

After a tiring day, early dawn arrives with a hard choice of ignoring few more hours of undisturbed slumber for an alluring sun rise over the Ganesh Himal. About ten minutes from the exit kani (Buddhist village gate) there are views of Ganesh Himal, and as the pink hue of the Himalayan sky descents, a breath-taking golden tint radiates across the mountain face for an unforgettable sun rise. After breakfast, we head east along the high ridgelines overlooking the scenic southern terrains, and as the stretch levels off Langtang Himal appears just above the sweet smelling tree-lines. Soon the delightful tea shops and lodges of Chyolangpati (3,584m/11,758ft) arrives, and still, we continue on, climbing steadily as the tranquil woodlands slowly reveal more of the panoramas of Langtang Lirung to the east, Ganesh Himal to the northwest, followed by Manaslu Himal and even the Annapurna massifs with Machhapuchare Peak (Fishtail Mountain, 6,999 m/ 22,963 ft) and Annapurna II (7,555m/24,787ft) sneaking up in the distance. A chhorten with a concealed image of Yab-Yum (Tibetan for father-mother) locked in a sexual embrace welcomes us further to this stunning country, and shortly thereafter, we pass through Laurebina (3,910m/12,828ft). ‘Laurebina Yak’, the full name of the small hamlet, strangely translates to ‘a yak without a stick’ - don’t ask us why. The trail climbs steadily through yak kharkas (pastures on open high meadows) and a white chhorten with a painting of Guru Rinpoche, before the route hits rugged terrains littered with rock bluffs, small cairns and stone walls. Even though the views are distracting here, let’s keep an eye on our footings as the foot-trail gets narrow, icy and often stays hidden. The first lake, Saraswati Kund, appears to our right and a little descent following a ridge brings us to the much larger Bhairab Kund. Another short climb over a crest arrives at the holy lake of Gosaikund (4,380m/14,370ft).   

The legend of Gosaikund begins with its origin from the hands of Lord Shiva who thrusted his trident into the Himalayan ground from where he drank gushes of water to rid the dreadful poison he had consumed. The ensuing water channel from the sacred lake is so named Trishuli River after the trident of Lord Shiva. The small Shiva Temple houses an ancient stone lingum, the symbol of Shiva, and is draped with colourful Buddhist prayer flags. The barren looks of the holy temple and the few lodges do enough to highlight the almost uninhabitable condition of the site, with horrendous winds, mostly, as the main culprit. 

Overnight: Lodge/ Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Before we begin, make sure the water bottles are well-filled because at this altitude drinking fluids is vital, and do wear your wind-protectives as the high pass could see strong gales. The morning could start by observing Hindu pilgrims take a holy bath in the frozen waters of the sacred lake, for us though a gentle wash will do. We head along the edge of Gosaikund Lake and make our way up, climbing at a gentle pace, pass the smaller lakes of Dudh Kund, Ganesh Kund and Surya Kund to arrive at a cairn decorated with large collections of colourful fluttering prayer flags that marks the Laurebina La (pass, 4,610m/15,125ft). At the pass, take one longing look back at the Langtang peaks, Manaslu and the Annapurna, along with our route heading down south to Helambu Valley and across to the blue ridgelines toward Kathmandu Valley. The long descend begins on a rugged terrain that has withstood centuries of Himalayan high winds, and follow the rocky path down the few lodgings at Phedi (base, 3,630m/11,910ft), and continues on to reach a bridge over the Tadi Khola. From here we keep to the trail as it climbs in and out of ravines as juniper bushes, grassy pastures, sparkling streams and photogenic waterfalls accompany us around the hillside, finally arriving at Ghopte (3,530m/11,581ft). 

Overnight: Lodge/ Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

With the high treks done, the walk down to the Helambu region, the home of the Yolmo-Tibetan ethnics, and into Kathmandu valley feels very much a celebratory. Jubilant footsteps, now lead us down on steps and onto easy trail that sweeps beneath bamboo thickets and rhododendron covers; our boots tramping on mushy moss carpets; playlist of soft running streams and bird calls reverberating over. The Thadepati Pass (3,690m/12,106ft) borders the ridge overlooking the scenic Helambu valley, and on a clear day Jugal Himal (massif) including Dorje Lakpa (6,966m/22,854ft) and Rolwaling Himal can be seen to our northeast; the sinister-looking trail heading down from Laurebina Pass to the northwest; and the Tadi Valley stretching southwest to Nuwakot. A glimpse over the ridge top, to our southeast, has the Helambu valley spread-out below with isolated villages of Melamchigaon, Tarkeghyang and the wooded ridges of Sermathang. The trail to the heart of  Helambu and the Yolmo-Tibetan cultures snakes off to our east from the pass, and do complete the fascinating trilogy of Langtang, Gosainkund and Helambu, for those with few more days to spare. We continue on toward Kathmandu on a gentle trail through wispy, wind in the willows forest over high airy ridges that offers excellent views to our west and east extending as far as to the Ganesh Himal and Gaurishankar (7,181m/23,560ft), the second highest peak of the Rolwaling massif, on a clear sky. Occasionally arriving at chhortens and prayer flags, the trail is surprisingly flat, under Himalayan foothill standard, as we make our way to the once-herder’s settlement of Magengoth (3,390m/11,122ft). From here, the descent to Kutumsang (2,470m/8,104ft) interrupts through eroded gullies, tricky sections, steep steps and laughing langurs.

Overnight: Lodge/ Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

The day starts with a climb of about 200 meters (650 feets) over a ridge with scenic views to our east and west to comfort the upward hike. The undulating foot trail keeps to the next hill before dropping steeply to the rustic Tamang settlement of Gul Bhanjyang (2,130m/6,988ft) and climbs back again to Thodung (2,160m/7,086ft). The ascent presses on contouring around hillsides and farmlands, and with great views of Jugal Himal, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu Himal and even Annapurna massif in the distance, viewing breaks and photo calls will ask for timely stoppages. Every so often, our trail will meet up with a dirt road that sees sporadic traffics of occasional motorbikes and a local bus service. At the ridge top, the expansive Shivapuri Hill rolls out – our last hurdle before the crowded city life of Kathmandu overwhelms us. Marked with mani stones and prayer flags, the descend is steep and follows stony path, re-joins the dirt road, leaves the dirt road, continues pass the village of Chipling (2,170m/7,120ft), descends further down, and arrives at Thankune Bhanjyang (1,845m/6,053ft) for our last night in rural Nepal. 

Overnight: Lodge/ Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Our final leg of the trek, takes us through the subtropical forest of the Shivapuri National Park. But before that, the trail continues on over dirt road and foot trail to Pati Bhanjyang (1,830m/6,004ft) and climbs to Chisapani (2,215m/7,267ft), a popular weekend destination of Kathmanduites. At Chisapani (‘cold waters’), we enter the Shivapuri National Park, a wildlife and watershed reserve that sources the two main rivers, Bagmati and Vishnumati, of Kathmandu valley. Dominantly covered with chir pine and rhododendron, the tranquil forest provides a fitting farewell to our Himalayan adventure with towers of exotic vegetations, songs of Spiny Babblers and Hoary-Throated Barwings, and those mischievous tree-swinging langurs. We take the well-engineered stone steps of the reserve for one last ascent to Borlang Bhanjyang (2,472m/8,110ft) and a final long descent down to the valley floor. Keep an eye out for small-sized Himalayan wild boar native to the forest and the bigger sized Russian wild boars who were introduced by the Royals and aristocratic dignitaries for sports hunting many years ago. The pleasant walk is interrupted by the Tamang village of Mulkharka (1,855m/6,086ft) and shortly thereafter the waterworks of Sundarijal, followed by the exit check post and the bazaar where our transport awaits us. The hour drive to Kathmandu has a touch of melancholy as stretches of fields get devoured by houses and then by concrete buildings and crowded city traffics.  

Overnight: Four-star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast 

Today we reserve ourselves a day of well-deserved leisure opportunities of some shopping and souvenir hunting, a city tour and sightseeing activities at the heritage sites, or just simply relaxing after the demanding trek.

The Kathmandu valley locates heritage sites all within short distances of each other. The Hindu pilgrimage complex of the holy Pashupatinath Temple or the serene Buddhist stupas of Bodhanath and Swayambhunath are few of the religious sites that many would like to visit. The museums and ancient royal courtyards at the three Durbar (Palace) Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, richly transport us to the golden age of Newa cultures. 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.