Langtang Trek in Nepal

This trek takes 10 to 14 days, depending on the route taken. The highest elevation reached is 4300m. There are some spectacular views Ganesh Himal Mountains and interesting Tibetan and Tamang villages are visited. The Langtang area has some great views of the mountains including Lantang Lirung (7245m), Dorje Lokpa (6960m) and Gang Chenpo (6385m). The trek passes the foot of mountain glaciers in the Langtang Valley. There is accommodation available during the entire trek. The trail goes from 540m at Trisuli Bazaar to 3800m at Kyanjin Gompa.

Dhunche is the usual place to begin the Langtang Trek. The bus to Dhunche (12 hr, 7am & 8 am) departs from the New bus stand in the Gongabu area in Kathmandu. Tickets should be purchased the day before. The bus continues on to Syaprubensi (10 hr). Tickets for the bus from Dhunche to Kathmandu can be purchased two days in advance at the Thakali Hotel. You can begin the trek in Syaprubensi, which saves a day’s walking. To do this trek you have to pay Rs 1000 to enter the national park.

The standard trek begins in Dhunche at 1950m, where your trekking permit is checked and you pay your entry fee for Langtang National Park, if you have not already done it in Kathmandu. It then goes pass Syabru (2100m), Chongong, Tabelsa, Langtang village (3300m) and ending in Kyangjin Gompa (3700m), usually after five days. You then return on the some route, which should take around three days. You can also make side trips to the Tsergo Ri Mountain (5000m) from where there are fantastic views of the mountains including Shisha Pangma (8012m), Langshishka Kharka Valley and glacier in the north.

Actual Trek
Day 1: Dhunche to Syabru
A little after leaving Dhunche the trail goes off the road and then goes southeast along the Trisuli Khala River. It crosses the river and then goes up steeply and goes along the ridge to Bharku at 1860m.

You then climb to 2300m and come to the Langtang Valley from where to are views of the mountains in to the northeast and west. The trail descends steeply to Syabru at 2100m, where there are many lodges.

You can also begin this trek by driving to Syabrubesi and beginning there. You then trek to the Langtang Valley past Syapargaon and then join the main route at Changtang.

Day 2: Syabru to Changtang
The trail then goes down through forest to the Langtang Khola River at 1890m and then goes along the river. The trail crosses the river from the south to north side and then gets to Changtang at 2380m. It is also known as Lama Hotel. There are some places to camp here and several lodges including the Lama Hotel.

Day 3: Changtang to Langtang
The trail keeps following the Langtung Khola, often climbing steeply to Ghora Tabela at 3000m, from where there are good views of Langtang Lirung. Your trekking permit and national park entry permit is checked here. There is the pleasant Lovely Lodge here.

The trail climbs gently to Langtang at 3500m. Langtang and the villages in the area are Tibetan style villages with herds of yaks. This is where the park headquarters is located. Village View Lodge is the best place.

Day 4: Langtang to Kyanjin Gompa
You then go through some village and start to climb up to Kyanjin Gompa at 3800m, which takes the morning. There is a monetary, a cheese factory and the some lodges. There are several walk that can be taken in the area.
You can climb north on the glacial moraine to 4300m, from where there are great views of Langtang Lirung. A longer walk can be done to Yala and other places in the valley from where there are great views.
If you plan to go over the Ganja La pass to Helambu it is best to spend some time to acclimatize.

Other Routes from Kyanjin Gompa
There are several routes that can bring you back to Kathmandu. You can either return on the same route back to Dhunche. If weather allows you can go via Gosainkund Lakes to Helambu. If you are fully equipped with tents and food you can go over the Ganja La pass.

Copyright ©2001 John Howley and Spiritual Guides