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Explore the alluring Langtang Valley with breathtaking sunrise views from Tserko-Ri and interact with unspoiled Tamang and Hyolmo culture on this 12-day Langtang Valley Trek.
The trek offers superb views of the Langtang range among other peaks such as Ganesh Himal, Shishapangma, Naya Kang, Dorje Lakpa, Gaanchenpo and Annapurna. Such expansive mountain vistas have led to it being aptly named the ‘Valley of Glaciers’ trek.
The east-west Langtang Valley lies between the Langtang Himal south of the Tibetan border and the Kangjala – Dorje Himal further south. Its U-shaped upper valley was carved by glaciers in the northeast. Southern slopes are forested and rich in fauna; northern slopes drier.
A scenic, tarred, drive from Kathmandu leads to the large village of Dhunche. The trail undulates between ridges and tributaries, as it gradually rises through bird filled forests and friendly villages to Thangshyap. As you explore the Langtang National Park, you will trek through the tranquil rhododendron forests (which bloom in spring). This sanctuary is home to various rare species of wildlife, some of which we may encounter during our trek, including Red Pandas, Ghorals, Musk Deers, Himalayan Tahrs and so on. The trail then enters the upper glacial valley beneath towering glacial peaks. Pass the site of former Langtang, to the village of Kyanjin Gompa.
A rest and exploration day offers trails north of the gompa to high points such as Tserko Ri: for magnificent views of the region, including nearby Langtang Lirung and its glaciers below your feet. Visit the 700 year old gompa and experience of Nepal trekking and the spiritual lifestyle of the Buddhist inhabitants.
The lower portion of the return trek takes a different route; adding great views of the Ganesh Himal, west of the valley and ending at Syabru Besi at the confluence of the Langtang Khola and the Bhote Koshi from Tibet. Drive back to Dhunche and on to Kathmandu – and your hotel with which the Langtang Valley Trek comes to an end.
The best time to perform the Langtang Valley Trek is during the spring (March - May) and autumn (September - November) seasons. These periods generally have stable weather, moderate temperature and clear skies. This will provide you with the best views and a more convenient trekking experience.
The Langtang Valley Trek is a moderate difficulty trek that can performed as a teahouse or camping trek. You will walk for an average of 6-7 hours a day over steep and hilly trails that will lead up to peak altitudes of 5000 meters at Tserko Ri. As such, decent physical fitness and stamina is recommended. However, no prior trekking experience is necessary for this trek.
After completing passport, immigration and visa requirements, we will meet you outside the terminal building (look for your name board) and transfer you to your hotel: afternoon free. Evening: a welcome dinner, introduction to your guide and a briefing on the trek with a check on necessities. Overnight at hotel.
Take a day tour to five of the Kathmandu Valley’s cultural world heritage sites: Swayambhunath, the famed “monkey temple;” the city’s historical Durbar Square with ancient temples, unique art, architecture, and the chance to see the Kumari (living goddess); Patan’s Durbar Square; the Hindu temple Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath, the world’s largest stupa.
A car and driver will take you to each site-entrance and wait for you. (Entry tickets and lunch are not included.)
The tarred Northern Highway from Kathmandu heads northeast through Middle Hill forest and farmland to cross the Tadi Khola at Devighat, near its confluence with the Trisuli Nadi from Tibet. It then swings northeast up the Trisuli Valley to Betrawati, snakes over a pass to Ramche and continues, more sedately, to Dhunche. Overnight in Dhunche.
The trail follows a rough road that ascends for some 2hrs through rhododendron forest to Thulo Bharku (2 140m), a small Tamang village. Enjoy lunch in an apple orchard, with great views of the Ganesh Himal and ranges to the NE along the Tibetan border. Beyond, the trail contours around a hill before descending gradually to the Tamang heritage village of Thulo Syabru. Overnight in Thulo Syabru.
Today’s trail winds below the village ridge to U Kang before descending towards the Langtang Khola: flowing from the Langtang Glacier on Langtang Ri; on the bulge of land that pushes north to the Tibetan border. At a T junction, turn east (right) onto a narrow trail high above the south bank, through oak, rhododendron and bamboo forests. Forest wildlife includes numerous birds, grey langurs, red pandas, wild boars, Himalayan black bears, et al.
At Bamboo (1 930m), the trail crosses to the northern side of the stream, into drier scrub forest, and passes several waterfalls before climbing to the split-village of Renche (2 400m). The path then rises gently to Changtang and the Lama Hotel. Overnight in Lama Hotel.
The trail climbs gently at first, then more steeply through mixed rhododendron, oak, hemlock and maple forest. Intriguing glimpses of the Langtang Himal appear to the north. Later, drop back to a quaint teahouse at the river, before climbing to the hotel-settlement and army post of Ghora Tabela (2 970m).
Beyond is the broad, U-shaped valley carved by the Langtang, Shalbachum and Lirung Glaciers. Climb the hillside through scrub forest and terraced fields of barley, buckwheat, and potatoes, to the village of Thangshyap. Due to the destruction of the village further up the valley Follow the trail to Chamki (3 300m) and Ghumba (3 400m, with an interesting gompa). Water driven prayer wheels and mills should have heralded the village of Langtang (3 430m) in its lovely valley: the former headquarters of the National Park Overnight in Langtang.
Impressive twin waterfalls drop from a cliff-cleft above the former village of flat-roofed stone and wooden homes. Cattle and yaks grazed above the town. Local cheeses, breads and apple pie used to pamper to foreign tastes.Langtang Lirung (7 227m/23 712ft) is north of the trail.
Ascend to a ridge beyond the former village and a long mani wall on the trail to Mundu (3 440m) then down to Sindum (3 280m). Descend to a huge boulder and bridge at the river, before climbing to Yamphu (3 640m). Drop to cross the Laja Chu beneath a glacial moraine – from the top of which are great views of the icefall from the Langtang Lirung and Kinshung Peaks. Kyanjin Monastery is ahead: climb a final ridge and descend to the village below it. After lunch, explore the village and gompa. Overnight in Kyanjin Gompa Village.
This is a scheduled acclimatization day. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) experts recommend at least a 24 hr rest period. Keep active: climb high and sleep low is the acclimatisation advice.
A morning hike up the trail on Tsergo Ri (5 000m, at the top) overlooks the impressive glacier from Langtang Lirung (7 227m) with great views of Kinshung (6 781m) and Yansa Tsenji (6 567m). Towards the W, Dorie Lakpa (6 966m), Ganchenpo (6 387m), Dshabu Ri (5 202m) and Urking Kanggari (5 863m) are prominent peaks. To the NE, some 5km beyond the border is landmark Shisha Pangma (8 027m/26 335ft), China’s only 8 000m peak. A trail south of Kyanjin leads to the difficult pass over the Ganja La (5 130m, frequently snow bound) to Helambu.
Return to the teahouse for lunch; explore the Kyanjin Valley and glaciers. Overnight at the teahouse.
Wander back to Changtang, enjoying the views on this easier walk. Overnight in Lama Hotel.
After breakfast, drop down to Renche (2 400m), then follow the northern trail that climbs gently away from the river to the substantial village of Syarpa Gaon (2 600m). Beyond the hamlet of Bhanjyang Gaon (2 440m) the trail swings north to Khangjum (2 290m) to meet an old salt-trade route from Tibet.
Walk north to Briddhim for lunch: and breathtaking views of the Ganesh Himal to the northeast and closer views of peaks along the Tibetan border. Head down to Wangal (1 600m) beyond which a spur overlooks the split village of Syabru Besi and the confluence of the Langtang and Bhote Koshi rivers (forming the lower Trisuli Nadi). Overnight in Syabru Besi.
Cross to the western bank of the river; and Lower Syabru Besi, to board your jeep for a 15km trip that re-crosses the Trisuli Khola and zigzags over hills to Thulo Bharkhu and on to Dhunche. From there the better road leads back to Kathmandu and your hotel. Rest of day free.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight to your next destination.
Very knowledgeble guides , friendly, caring and professional. Reccomended to anyone who would like to trek in Himalaya.
Baczek
25th Apr, 2022
