Located near the capital city of Kathmandu, Langtang valley is filled with stunning mountain peaks, pristine rhododendron forests and ancient Tibetan-Buddhist heritage. Langtang Valley Trek delves into the abode of the Tamang people as you make your way through the Langtang National Park. The trek even makes a stop at one of the greatest monasteries of the region at Kyanjin Gompa and reveals the history of the glorious region.
Why Langtang Valley?
Langtang Valley, tucked within the heart of Nepal's Himalayas, offers an unparalleled trekking experience that seamlessly blends diverse and pristine natural beauty with rich biodiversity and unique cultural experiences. As you embark on your journey, you'll traverse lush forests, vast pastures, and icy glaciers, while drinking in the breathtaking views of majestic peaks like Langtang Lirung and Kimshung. The Langtang National Park, which lies en route, is home to a wealth of wildlife, including the rare Red Panda and Snow Leopard, making this trek a must for nature lovers.
A noteworthy aspect of the trek is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the ancient traditions of the valley's Tamang community, whose warm hospitality is a highlight of the journey. In contrast to the more crowded treks of Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, Langtang Valley offers a serene and intimate experience, and its relative ease of access from Kathmandu enhances its appeal. The versatile and manageable trekking route makes it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, with teahouses peppered along the route for rest and nourishment. Adding a spiritual layer to your adventure, the trek takes you to sacred Buddhist sites like the Kyanjin Gompa, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. The trek, therefore, presents an enriching blend of natural beauty, wildlife, culture, and spirituality, leaving you with indelible memories and experiences.
What will the trip look like?
Day 1 – Arrive in Kathmandu City
You will be welcomed by a guide at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu, and they’ll bring you to Kathmandu City. Did you know the Kathmandu valley has the highest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage sites? Immerse yourself in Nepal’s rich culture and history as your guide brings you around iconic sites including the Temple of Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Temple and Kathmandu Durbar Square
Day 2 – Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Sybrubensi
The ride takes you along the north-western hills of Kathmandu. You can see the rushing Trishuli River from your windowpane as you head towards Dhunche. Sybrubensi is a short drive away from Dhunche and is the starting point of the trek.
Day 3 – Trek from Syabrubensi to Lama Hotel (Duration: 6 hrs)
The first day of trekking begins with a climb and then takes you through a gradual path which passes through the terraced fields and scattered villages. From Thulo Syabru you will walk uphill through the rhododendron and oak forests. The trail follows the Trishuli upstream and takes you to Lama Hotel.
Day 4 – Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (Elevation: 3430m, Duration: 7 hrs)
The trek begins with a gentle uphill climb but the trail gets steeper as you move ahead. On the way, you can see glimpses of Langtang Lirung (7,227m) and other snow-capped mountains. While ascending uphill, you can see the scenic views of the beautiful Langtang valley. You will walk past the Buddhist monasteries, water-driven mills, and prayer wheels and make your way to Langtang village.
Day 5 – Trek from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (Duration: 4 hrs)
The trail passes through a Buddhist shrine and trek to Mundu. After crossing streams and wooden bridges up ahead you get the first glimpse of Kyanjin Gompa. This is an old monastery made up of wood and stones with Buddha images and idols inside it. You can also check out the famous yak cheese factory which is near the monastery.
Day 6 – Hike Tserko Ri (4984m) and return to Langtang Village (Duration: 7 hrs)
An early morning hike will take us up to Tserko Ri (4,984m). The climb is steep but after reaching the top, you can enjoy the stunning views of the mountain peaks like Dorje Lakpa (6,996 m), Gangchempo (6,387m), Langtang Lirung (7,227m) and many other peaks in the Langtang and Everest ranges. After soaking in the beauty of Langtang Valley, you will descend and make your way back to Langtang Village.
Day 7 – Back to Syabrubensi (Duration: 5 hrs)
This is the final day of trekking. Leaving Langtang behind, you will follow the downhill path through the villages and lush green vegetation to reach Syabrubensi. In the evening, you can relax and explore the town of Syabrubensi.
Day 8 – Drive back to Kathmandu
From Syabrubensi, a private vehicle will take you back to Kathmandu. In the evening, you can explore the ancient streets and markets to search for gifts and souvenirs for completing this amazing adventure.
Day 9 – Departure
The 9-day trekking adventure comes to an end and your guides will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport to bid you farewell.
The trip is inclusive of:
| IFMGA-certified Mountain Guide |
| Porters (1 porter will carry items for 2 people) |
| Accident insurance for trekking staff |
| All ground transport |
| All accommodations |
| Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek |
| Duffle bag for trekking |
| First aid medicine kit |
| Sagarmatha National Park Permit fee |
| Trekkers' Information Management System Fee (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permit) |
| Government taxes & service charges |
Not included:
| Flights between Singapore and Kathmandu |
| Travel insurance, with coverage for emergency rescue flight |
| Entry fee in the Kathmandu valley (varies from S$0.50 – S$10 for each site) |
| Nepal entry visa, which can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (S$56 for 30-day visa) |
| Soft drinks including water |
| Snacks and other personal expenses |
| Gratuities for trekking staff and drivers |
Do I need to be super fit?
This trek is no walk up Bukit Timah Hill, but it definitely isn’t as daunting as the name sounds. People of all ages have completed this trek – even a 6-year-old from Singapore. There will be breaks and porters to help with your bags.
Is this safe?
The Langtang Valley Trek is one of the more relaxing treks in the Himalayas and is generally safe.
Who will be your guide?
Your guide for this trek will be Mr Tulsi Gurung.
He is a certified by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA), which has highly rigorous requirements. As of 2023, there are only less than 150 IFMGA guides in Nepal.
Tulsi has summitted Everest twice. He is a board member of the Nepal Mountaineering Association. He is featured on the Netflix documentary, Aftershock. He has also performed multiple rescues.
You know you’ll be in safe hands on this trek.
Tulsi is accompanied by his team from the Himalaya Summit Club. This team comprises highly experienced guides and porters who are also friends and relatives from his village.
The team members are super fun and friendly people, and many of them have trained to become Ghurkas, including for the Singapore Police! You can learn about their lives and culture while you are trekking with them.
Do I need special equipment?
Unlike the climb up Mount Everest, this is still a trek (not a mountaineering expedition!) so you don’t need too much fancy and expensive equipment.
You do need a good pair of hiking boots, waterproof pants and lightweight warm clothing (depending on the season you go). Hiking poles can be helpful with balance too. You can get these from Decathlon or secondhand from Carousell for reasonable prices.
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