Langtang is a narrow valley sandwiched between the main Himalayan range to the North and a slightly lower range of peaks to the South. Langtang was designated as Nepal’s first Himalayan national park in 1971 and officially established in 1976. The Langtang region lies directly north of Kathmandu and is one of the closest areas to trek from Kathmandu. Despite this fact, it receives far fewer trekkers compared to the Everest and Annapurna regions. Langtang Lirung (7,246m), Gang Chhenpo (6,338m) and Dorje Lakpa (6,996m) dominate the skyline.
Our trek begins with an ascent up the Langtang valley. We descend the same route but divert East and then North near Syabrubesi along an ancient Hindu pilgrimage to the austere, high-elevation Gosainkund Lakes. There are believed to be 108 (an auspicious number in Buddhism) small and medium sized lakes in the area. We then continue East over the Laurebina La pass (4,610m/15,100ft) towards the holy Helambu Valley where Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava), the Indian mystic credited with introducing Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan, is supposed to have frequented leaving his mark at several locations in the valley.
Gosaikunda is believed to be the abode on the Hindu God Shiva and his consort Gauri. The lake is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva when he thrust his Trident into a mountain to extract water so that he could cool his stinging throat after he had swallowed poison.
| Day | Description | Overnight | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 1,340m/4,300ft |
| Day 2 | Exploring Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 1,340m/4,300ft |
| Day 3 | Kathmandu to Syabrubesi | Syabrubesi | 1,460m/4,790ft |
| Day 4 | Trek to Lama Hotel | Lama Hotel | 2,470m/8,100ft |
| Day 5 | Trek to Langtang Village | Langtang Village | 3,430m/11,250ft |
| Day 6 | Trek to Kyanjin Gompa | Kyanjin Gompa | 3,800m/12,467ft |
| Day 7 | Hike Kyanjin Ri and descend to Thangshyap | Thangshyap | 3,260m/10,700ft |
| Day 8 | Trek to Bamboo | Bamboo | 1,990m/6,550ft. |
| Day 9 | Trek to Upper Thulo Syabru | Upper Thulo Syabru | 2,560m/8,400ft. |
| Day 10 | Trek to Laure Binayak | Laure Binayak | 3,910m/12,830ft |
| Day 11 | Trek to Phedi | Phedi | 3,770m/12,365ft |
| Day 12 | Trek to Melamchi Ghyang | Melamchi Ghyang | 2,550m/8,375ft |
| Day 13 | Descend to Timbu. Vehicle back to Kathmandu. | Kathmandu | 1,340m/4,300ft |
| Day 14 | Explore Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 1,340m/4,300ft |
| Day 15 | Final departure |
You will be greeted on arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport by a representative of Crystal Mountain Treks holding a placard at the arrival gate. You will then be escorted to your hotel in Kathmandu. Once in the hotel you can refresh and take a rest as the day will be free. In the evening you will be entertained with a welcome dinner (included).
Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar
Meals: D
After breakfast, drive to Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Shiva, meaning “The Auspicious One”, also known as Mahadeva (“Great God”), is a popular Hindu deity and is considered to be the Supreme God within Shaivism, one of the three most influential denominations in Hinduism. Here, you’ll probably witness a Hindu cremation along the banks of the Bagmati River and many ascetics and Sadhus.
Then on to Bhaktapur, which is located about 20 km east of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is known as the ‘City of Devotees’, the ‘City of Culture’, the ‘Living Heritage’, and ‘Nepal’s Cultural Gem’. It is one of the 3 royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley. The others are Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and Patan. Bhaktapur is filled with monuments, most terra-cotta with carved wood columns, palaces and temples with elaborate carvings, gilded roofs and open courtyards. As a World Heritage site listed by the UNESCO, Bhaktapur has been heavily restored since a 1934 earthquake severely damaged the city.
Overnight at Hotel Tibet or similar.
Meals: B, L
Board a chartered vehicle early in the morning for a 7-8 hour drive to Syabrubesi where our trek begins. Though the distance is only 82 miles (132 Kilometers), most of it is on unpaved jeep track. After the 2015 earthquake the Kodari-Zhangmu border (East of Kathmandu) between Nepal and Tibet was closed and the Kodari highway is no longer used for entry into Tibet. Instead, Kerung which lies just above Syabrubesi is the new entry point into Tibet and work is underway to widen this highway.
Overnight Lodge.
Meals: B, L, D
The trek begins today and soon you cross a suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi to the village of old Syabrubesi. Cross another bridge over the Langtang khola and start a gentle but continuous ascent trekking past several landslides, many of which were triggered by the 2015 earthquakes. Today’s and tomorrow’s trail is mainly along the river through forests which abound in fauna including the wild boar, red panda, langur monkey and the Himalayan black bear. You will most likely stop at Bamboo for lunch where wild bee combs can be spotted across the river on the rocky cliffs.
After lunch, it is again a continuous ascent with ocassional steep ascents to camp at Lama Hotel.
Overnight Lodge.
Meals: B, L, D
SYABRUBESI TO BAMBOO:
Total Distance: 6.06 miles (9.75 Kilometers)
Ascent: 2,357 feet or 718 meters
Approximate ascent time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Descent: 547 feet or 167 meters
Approximate descent time: 40 minutes to an hour
Approximate flat time: 30 minutes
BAMBOO TO LAMA HOTEL:
Total Distance: 1.88 miles (3 Kilometers)
Ascent: 667 feet or 204 meters
Approximate ascent time: 2 hours
Descent: 196 feet or 60 meters
Approximate descent time: 20 minutes
Approximate flat time: 5 minutes
The trail continues to climb through thick forests of oak, maple and rhododendrons. Langtang Lirung is visible directly ahead. Soon the trail becomes more gradual as you pass Ghoda Tabela which once was where Tibetans were resettled. Cross a suspension bridge and ascend to Thanshyap and continue a steep ascent to Langtang village. Just before you enter Langtang village is the site where a huge landslide triggered by the 2015 earthquake buried several locals, trekkers and army personnel.
Overnight Lodge.
Meals: B, L, D
LAMA HOTEL TO GHODA TABELA:
Total Distance: 6.86 miles (11 Kilometers)
Ascent: 1,966 feet or 600 meters
Approximate ascent time: 2 hours
Descent: 224 feet or 69 meters
Approximate descent time: 20 minutes
Approximate flat time: 1 hour
GHODA TABELA TO LANGTANG:
Total Distance: 2.5 miles (4 Kilometers)
The trail continues to ascend gradually as the valley widens. Climb a moraine from where you can finally see Kyanjin Gompa and the ice-fall flowing from the peaks of Langtang Lirung and Kangshung. Continue over another ridge and descend to Kyanjin Gompa with its ugly collection of concrete lodges – most of which were built after the earthquake.
Overnight Lodge.
Meals: B, L, D
LANGTANG TO KYANJIN GOMPA:
Total Distance: 4.22 miles (6.8 Kilometers)
Wake up early to ascend Kyanjin Ri for a better view of the entire valley and the surrounding mountains. Those who are more fit and have acclimatized can attempt to climb Tsergo Ri which is twice as harder than Kyanjin Ri. From the top of Kyanjin Ri, it is possible to have a better view of Lantang Lirung and it’s icefalls (See picture above) along with the other mountains.
After the Kyanjin Ri excursion, follow trail back to Thangshyap which is an hour or so past Langtang Village.
Overnight Lodge.
Meals: B, L, D
KYANJIN GOMPA to Kyanjin Ri (same applies for return to Kyanjin Gompa):
Total Distance: .91 miles (1.5 Kilometers)
Ascent: 1,453 feet or 443 meters
KYANJIN GOMPA TO THANGSHYAP:
Total Distance: 5.55 miles (9 Kilometers)
Ascent: 245 feet or 75 meters
Approximate ascent time: 20 minutes
Descent: 2,086 feet or 635 meters
Approximate descent time: 2 to 3 hours
Approximate flat time: 30 minutes
Continue descent on the same trail to Bamboo.
Overnight Lodge.
Meals: B, L, D
THANGSHYAP TO BAMBOO:
Total Distance: 7.16 miles (12 Kilometers)
Ascent: 380 feet or 116 meters meters
Approximate ascent time: 32 minutes
Descent: 3,157 feet or 962 meters
Approximate descent time: 2.5 hours to 3 hours
Approximate flat time: 10 minutes
Continue descent to Pairo. A little beyond Pairo, a sign shows the route towards Thulo Syabru. Follow this steep trail and ascend rapidly to a lone tea shop from where Sherpa Gaon is visible high above on the other side of the river. Also, the Ganesh Himal range is visible in the distance. The trail then becomes level and is on a cliff until we cross a long suspension bridge and begin the ascent to Thulo Syabru. We continue past Thulo Syabru for about an hour to Upper Thulo Syabru. If all are feeling well, we continue to a meadow at Mu Kharka which is a little higher up.
Overnight Lodge.
Meals: B, L, D
LAMA HOTEL TO GHODA TABELA:
Total Distance: 5.28 miles (8.5 Kilometers)
Ascent: 3,005 feet or 916 meters
Approximate ascent time: 2 to 3 hours
Descent: 1,271 feet or 388 meters
Approximate descent time: 1.5 hours to 2 hours
Continue ascending through the forest which slowly gives way to a couple of meadows. The Upper meadow is Mu Kharka. Re-enter the forest (mainly Rhododendrons and Oak) and ascend steeply gaining altitude rapidly to Cholang Pati where the forest gives way to barren alpine landscape. Looking back, in the south west are the Ganesh Himal range and Manaslu. In the West is Langtang Lirung. From Cholang Pati, continue steep ascent to Laurebinayak.
Overnight Lodge.
Meals: B, L, D
THULO SYABRU TO CHOLANGPATI:
Total Distance: 3.63 miles (5.9 Kilometers)
Ascent: 3,697 feet or 1,126 meters
Approximate ascent time: 4 hours
Descent: 0
CHOLANGPATI TO LAUREBINAYAK:
Total Distance: 1.02 miles (1.6 Kilometers)
Ascent: 1,032 feet or 315 meters
Approximate ascent time: 1 hour
Descent: 10 feet or 3 meters
Wake up early to begin the ascent over Laurebina la pass. This is mostly windy and hence chilly so dress appropriately. From Laurebinayak, it is a steep ascent to the top of Buddha hill where there is a Buddha statue. The views from here are quite marvelous. The trail then become more gradual. The trail which is along a high cliff has now been widened but still isn’t advisable for those with vertigo issues.
We stop for lunch at Gosaikunda where there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. From Gosaikunda, it is another hour or so (1.77 miles with 916 feet ascent) to the pass at Laurebina La. After the pass, it is a steep descent to Phedi. We continue further to Ghopte.
Overnight Lodge.
Meals: B, L, D
LAUREBINAYAK TO GOSAIKUNDA:
Total Distance: 2.5 miles (4 Kilometers)
Ascent: 1,735 feet or 530 meters
Approximate ascent time: 2 hours
Descent: 112 feet or 35 meters
Approximate descent time: 10 minutes
Approximate flat time: 30 minutes
GOSAIKUNDA TO PHEDI:
Total Distance: 4.31 miles (7 Kilometers)
Ascent: 916 feet or 280 meters
Approximate ascent time: 1 hour
Descent: 3,030 feet or 924 meters
Approximate descent time: 2-3 hours
The trail continues up and down through the forest past Ghopte. After a short gradual ascent, arrive at Tharepati from where the entire Helambu valley is visible along with Dorje Lakpa and Ama Yangri.
From Tharepati, it is a steep descent to Melamchi Ghyang.
Overnight Lodge.
Meals: B, L, D
PHEDI TO THAREPATI:
Total Distance: 5.31 miles (8.5 Kilometers)
Ascent: 2,243 feet or 683 meters
Approximate ascent time: 2 hours
Descent: 2,612 feet or 797 meters
Approximate descent time: 2 hours
Approximate flat time: 15 minutes
THAREPATI TO MELAMCHI GHYANG:
Total Distance: 3.1 miles (5 Kilometers)
Ascent: 143 feet or 43 meters
Approximate ascent time: 10 to 15 minutes
Descent: 3,707 feet or 1,130 meters
Approximate descent time: 2 – 3 hours
It is possible to drive back to Kathmandu from Melamchi but some sections of the road are scary and hence we choose to hike to Timbu. (This option is still available).
From Melamchi, descend steeply to the Melamchi river. Enroute, we will see a rock with a foot imprint which is believed to be that of Padmasambhava. We cross the river and continue along a forest and again cross another suspension bridge. A little later we arrive at the site of Melamchi Water Supply which through a man-made tunnel will provide much needed drinking water for the Kathmandu valley. A little further is Timbu from where we board a chartered vehicle back to Kathmandu.
Overnight Lodge.
Meals: B, L, D
MELAMCHI TO TIMBU:
Total Distance: 8 miles (12 Kilometers)
Ascent: 900 feet or 275 meters
Approximate ascent time: 1 hour
Descent: 5,000 feet or 1,524 meters
Approximate descent time: 3 – 4 hours
Approximate flat time: 30 minutes
Full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu. You will be accompanied by our in-house city guide. In the morning, visit Bodhanath, the Stupa of a Million dew drops, to watch monks and devotees circumambulate the largest stupa in the world. Then visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Drive to Patan for lunch in the garden of the Patan Museum Café. After lunch, visit the well-maintained Patan Museum storing ancient Nepali artifacts, followed by a tour of Patan Durbar Square. Drive back to Kathmandu.
Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar.
MEALS: B, L
Transfer to the airport for final departure.
Meals: B
Per person price (valid until December 31, 2020)
1 persons: US$2,600 per person (includes single supplement)
2 – 4 persons: US$2,080 per person
5 or more persons: US$1,820 per person
Single supplement: US$200
US$ 150 per person discount on December, January, February, May and June departures
Payment policy:
Cancellation policy:
All airport transfers; Two full days sightseeing in Kathmandu as indicated in the itinerary and entrance fees to monuments; Four nights twin sharing hotel accommodation at Hotel Tibet (3 star) in Kathmandu; Chartered vehicle: Kathmandu to Syabrubesi and Timboo to Kathmandu; Meals as indicated in the itinerary; Lodge trekking as indicated in the Langtang-Gosaikunda itinerary; Three meals a day; Boiled water for your bottles two times a day; Use of Steripen to sterilize water; Guide and staff wages; equipment and meals; Guide and staff insurance; Langtang National Park Fee, Trekkers Information Management Card (TIMS card); Gamow Bag (High altitude pressure chamber)
Your international airfare, Nepal Visa, Meals not indicated in the itinerary, Tips and gratuities, Personal equipment (a suggested list will be mailed to you), Travel insurance (Required), Other expenses of a personal nature
This itinerary IS customizable. You can add days and reduce days. You can do the whole trek at a faster pace if you are very fit. (Very fit could mean you are currently a long distance runner or a trail runner, a mountaineer or you do several backpacking trips every year hiking between 15 to 20 miles a day.)
You can also just do the Gosaikunda or the Langtang portion. The itinerary would be:
LANGTANG TREK (11 days/10 nights):
DAY 01: Arrive Kathmandu. DAY 02: Explore Kathmandu. DAY 03: Drive to Syabrubesi. DAY 04: Trek to Lama Hotel. DAY 05: Trek to Langtang. DAY 06: Trek to Kyanjin Gompa. DAY 07: Ascend Kyanjin Ri and descend to Thangshyap. Day 08: Descend to Pairo or Bamboo. Day 09: Trek end at Syabrubesi. Drive to Kathmandu. Day 10: Free day in Kathmandu. Day 11: Final departure.
GOSAIKUNDA TREK (10 days/09 nights):
DAY 01: Arrive Kathmandu. DAY 02: Explore Kathmandu. DAY 03: Drive to Dhunche. DAY 04: Trek to Sing Gompa. DAY 05: Trek to Laure Binayak. DAY 06: Trek to Gosaikunda and descend to Phedi. DAY 07: Trek to Melamchi Ghyang. Day 08: Descend to Timbu and drive to Kathmandu. Day 09: Free day in Kathmandu. Day 10: Final departure.
This was my second trip to Nepal with Crystal Mountain Treks (the first was Annapurna Sanctuary Trek in 2009). Like my first trip, CMT took excellent care of us – from preparations before we even left home to dropping us back off at the airport for our final departure. Due to schedules, our group arrived separately in Kathmandu and CMT was very accommodating, which was much appreciated.
The Langtang trek, which we did in early October, took us up through the valley and along the raging river rewarding us with glimpses of the Himalayas along the way. Our pace up the mountain was slow and steady, allowing us to acclimate to the altitude. One person in our party was more impacted by the altitude and our very experienced guide was ready and able to make adjustments as needed. Fortunately, we all made the climb up Kyanjin Ri, the weather cooperated, and we got some excellent views of the mountains.
Two things stand out for me as I reflect on this trip: (1) passing through Langtang Village and (2) interacting with our guides, porters, and hosts. First, because the valley is narrow, we had to walk through the “old” Langtang Village that was destroyed by a landslide following the 2015 earthquake. We passed through remnants of structures and over a vast field of rocks that covered what used to be home. The “new” Langtang Village they rebuilt just beyond the landslide area seems so small in comparison. While these villagers always overlook this very stark reminder of what was lost, by rebuilding they demonstrated their strength and fortitude in a life full of challenges.
Second, we had Pema Sherpa as our fearless leader. He is a veteran guide that was able to share not just information about Langtang and Nepal, but also his personal stories about being a guide/cook/porter on Everest and other peaks. It was these interactions with Pema (plus our porters and guest house hosts) that really made our trip truly unique. They showed us a great time and some wonderful Nepali hospitality. They invited us into their space, traded stories, and did everything with a smile. All in all, absolutely unforgettable.
