On our trek we start in the lower Langtang Valley, trekking through its forests and among the villages and farmlands of its people, many of who are of Tibetan origin. Once an important trading route with Tibet, this influence is reflected in the character of the villages and peoples. During part of the trek you will be walking through National Park, and though wildlife is never easy to spot in a forest setting, there are chances of seeing some interesting animals and birds. Among those found in the park are monkeys, musk deer, pika and the national bird of Nepal, the colourful danphe.
From Langtang village, the track continues to Kyangjin Gompa (3,740 m). This is the site of the Yala Cheese Factory. There is a STOL airstrip at Chhaldang, a short distance east of Kyangjin. Visiting to the Yala Cheese Factory (4.633 m) and the small lakes beyond Yala are worthwhile. Yala can be reached within half a day from Kyangjin Gompa.
Trip Duration: 12 Days
Difficulty: Easy
Maximum Altitude: 4380 m
Itinerary
DAY 01 Katmandu - Dhunche (1950m) by bus
DAY 02 Dhunche - Syabru (2130m) in 5hrs
This is a fine day of trekking, which traverses fir tree and rhododendron forests towards a ridge (2300m). From here we get a panoramic view all the way from Ganesh Himal in the west to Naya Kanga in the east and the Tibetan snowy summits. The trail drops steeply down towards the Bothe Khosi river towards Syabru, which is a busy village with its houses laid out in single file down the hillside. Sherpas and Tamangs farm this area.
DAY 03 Syabru - Lama Hotel (2390m) in 5hrs
Following a high trail, we pass through terraces and bamboo massifs. We cross Syarpagaon to continue through a fine forest, alive with birds and the occasional troupe of monkeys. After crossing the Langtang Khola, we start the ascent of the valley and soon reach the shepherds’ huts that are Lama Hotel.
DAY 04 Lama Hotel - Langtang (3520m) in 5hrs
We now have a spectacular view of the Langtang Lirung (7246m). After a steep climb through the Langtang gorge, the ascent eases and the valley widens out into an area of yak meadows and rhododendrons. Further up, we reach Langtang, populated by Tibetans.
DAY 05 Langtang - Kyangin Gompa (3850m) in 3hrs
An easy and pleasant walk through yak meadows. The village is spectacularly situated in a glacial amphitheatre dominated by high peaks. An excellent base for shorter walks towards the Langtang Lirung glacier, eastwards to Lagshisa glacier or a tougher ascent of the northern flank of the valley towards Yala Peak.
DAY 06 Kyangin Gompa - Ghora Tabela (3000m) in 6hrs
We retrace our steps downhill and reach the army post of Ghora Tabela.
DAY 07 Ghora Tabela - Syabru in 6hrs
The trail leaves the alpine country and returns to the deep forest.
DAY 08 Syabru - Sin Gompa (3350m) in 5hrs
We leave the Langtang valley to climb towards the sacred Gosaikund lakes. A stiff uphill climb leads to the ridgeline offering views north into Tibet and west towards the Annapurnas. The second leg goes through old hemlocks and rhododendrons to Sin Gompa,high above the Trisuli river.
DAY 09 Sin Gompa - Gosaikund (4380m) in 5hrs
Through a rocky landscape and sparse bushes the trail follows two glacial lakes before reaching the main lake--Gosaikund. This site is a great pilgrimage for Hindus during August, when thousands come to bathe and make offerings.
DAY 10 Gosaikund - Sin Gompa in 4hrs
DAY 11 Sin Gompa - Dhunche in 5hrs
Descent through rhododendron forests and giant fire trees. We cross the Trisuli on a suspension bridge and follow the river along the south bank through fields.
DAY 12 Dhunche - Katmandu by bus
