Langtang Valley Trek
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsTrek into the Langtang Valley and reach Kyanjin Ri with guides who know this trail personally.
Friends paying separately still get the group price.
On The Trail
What It Really Looks Like
Langtang Valley Trek: What to Expect
Stand at 4,773m above the Langtang glacier
Trek through living villages, not tourist towns
Clean guesthouses every night, no camping required
Closest high-altitude valley trek to the capital
The Langtang Valley is 7 hours from Kathmandu by road. No domestic flights, no airport lottery. The trail follows the Langtang Khola river north from Syabrubesi through rhododendron and oak forest, past Tamang villages with mani walls and prayer flags, into the wide glacial valley at Kyanjin Gompa. Two permits are required — Langtang National Park entry and TIMS — both included.
Expect 5 to 6 hours of walking per day across 6 active trekking days. The route is out and back with two optional summit days: Kyanjin Ri at 4,773m for glacier views into Tibet, and the harder Tserko Ri at 4,984m for a full 360-degree panorama of the Langtang range. The valley sees a fraction of the traffic of Everest and Annapurna. Trails are quiet even in peak season.
For a side by side comparison read our Langtang vs Annapurna Base Camp guide.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
Early departure from Machhapokhari Bus Park, following the Trishuli River through terraced hills and forested gorges before climbing into the mountains via Dhunche, where permits are checked at the Langtang National Park gate. Arrive Syabrubesi by late afternoon. Get an early night before the first trekking day.
Trek to Lama Hotel
Cross the suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi river and begin climbing through dense rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forest along the north bank of the Langtang Khola. The trail gains around 920m over a long steady ascent. Lama Hotel is a cluster of teahouses in the forest rather than a proper village, named after a lama who once lived here.
Trek to Langtang Village
The forest thins as the valley opens up and the landscape shifts to alpine meadows and yak pastures. Pass through Ghodatabela and Thangshyap as the trail follows the river north. Langtang village was destroyed in the 2015 earthquake and rebuilt nearby. The new settlement is clean and well built with strong Tamang community spirit and direct views of Langtang Lirung.
Trek to Kyanjin Gompa
A shorter day as the altitude starts to demand respect. The trail crosses yak pastures and glacial moraines with Langtang Lirung filling the skyline ahead. Arrive early at Kyanjin Gompa and spend the afternoon visiting the centuries-old monastery, stopping at the yak cheese factory, and watching herders bring animals in from the high pastures before dark.
Acclimatisation Day at Kyanjin Gompa
Do not rest completely today. Hike up to Kyanjin Ri at 4,773m for panoramic views of Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Gangchenpo, and the glaciers stretching north into Tibet. The ascent takes 2 to 3 hours from the gompa. Tserko Ri at 4,984m is a harder alternative for stronger trekkers and requires a very early start. Return to Kyanjin Gompa for the night.
Trek back to Lama Hotel
A long descent covering most of the ground gained over the previous four days. The views back up the valley to Langtang Lirung are better on the return than on the way in as you face south with the light behind you. Knees take the load on the lower sections so trekking poles are worth using throughout this day.
Trek back to Syabrubesi
The final trekking day descends back through the dense forest to the suspension bridge and into Syabrubesi. A shorter day with the hardest work already done. Arrive by early afternoon with time to shower, do laundry, and eat a proper meal before the long bus ride back tomorrow. Celebrate with a cold drink by the river.
Drive from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu
Early departure from Syabrubesi, retracing the route back through Dhunche and along the Trishuli River to Kathmandu. Arrive by late afternoon with time for last minute shopping in Thamel or a visit to Boudhanath Stupa. The day ends with a farewell dinner featuring traditional Nepali food and a cultural performance.
Final Departure
Breakfast at the hotel then a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport timed to your flight. If you have a late departure, the team can arrange luggage storage or a final morning at Pashupatinath or Boudhanath. Allow at least 3 hours before your international flight for check-in and security.
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
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Airport and hotel transfers Private vehicle on arrival and departure days
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3-star hotel in Kathmandu Twin-sharing with breakfast included
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Teahouse accommodation on trek Twin-sharing throughout all trekking nights
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Licensed Langtang guide NTB licensed, full time, dedicated to your group
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Porter service One porter carries your duffel for every two trekkers
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Langtang National Park permit and TIMS Both arranged in Kathmandu before departure
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Local bus Kathmandu to Syabrubesi Day 2, departs Machhapokhari Bus Park
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Local bus Syabrubesi to Kathmandu Day 9 return leg
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Farewell dinner with cultural show Traditional Nepali food and performance, Kathmandu
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Duffel bag MountainKick kit, yours to keep
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All taxes and official charges No hidden fees added after booking
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International flights To and from Kathmandu, booked independently
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Nepal visa $30 / $50 / $125 on arrival at Kathmandu airport
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All meals during the trek Budget $25 to $35 per day
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Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu Breakfast only is covered at the hotel
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Travel insurance Must include helicopter rescue to 5,000m minimum
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Personal trekking gear Rental options available in Kathmandu through us
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Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging on trail Small extra charge at each teahouse
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Drinks and bottled water Available at every teahouse
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Tips for guides and porters 10 to 15% of trip cost is the standard across Nepal
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Costs from illness or itinerary changes Travel insurance covers most of these scenarios
Enhance Your Trek
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
In Kathmandu you stay in a 3-star hotel on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast included. Rooms have private bathrooms, hot water, and Wi-Fi. Single room upgrades are available on request.
On the trek you stay in teahouse guesthouses throughout. Rooms are simple twin-sharing with foam mattresses, pillows, and heavy quilts. Bathrooms are shared at most stops. Kyanjin Gompa has some rooms with attached bathrooms for a small premium. Langtang village was rebuilt after 2015 and the teahouses there are among the cleanest and most modern on the trail. Expect cold nights above 3,500m regardless of season.
Dal bhat, noodle soups, fried rice, pasta, momos, eggs, porridge, and Tibetan bread are available at every teahouse. The valley is known for its yak cheese try it on toast at Kyanjin Gompa where it is made fresh. Avoid meat above Langtang village as supply chains are unreliable at altitude. Food prices increase gradually as you move up the valley.
| Meals and drinks per day | $30 to $40 /day |
| Hot shower | $3 to $5 |
| Wi-Fi | $2 to $5 per day |
| Battery charging | $1 to $2 per device |
| Bottled water | $2 to $4 per litre |
What Our Trekkers Say
“A beautiful trek away from the crowds”
Kumar guided us as a couple and we really enjoyed the quieter trails, small villages, and incredible mountain scenery. The valley was beautiful, especially as we got closer to Kyanjin Gompa. He was easygoing and very knowledgeable, and the whole trip with MountainKick was wonderfully organized.
“Perfect trek for our group”
There were five of us travelling together and Jeevan did a great job looking after everyone. He kept a comfortable pace and was always happy to stop for photos or a break. We loved the forests and villages on the way up, and the views from Kyanjin were incredible.
“Wonderful experience in Langtang”
Balram was an excellent guide and made the trek feel very relaxed. We enjoyed learning about the local villages and meeting people along the way just as much as the mountains themselves. Kyanjin Gompa was the highlight for us. MountainKick handled the arrangements smoothly, and we'd happily book with them…
“More beautiful than we expected”
We joined a small group for the Langtang Valley trek and had a wonderful time with Gopal, friendly, patient, and always checking in on how everyone was feeling. The scenery changes so much along the way, from green forests to huge mountain views, and the walk around Kyanjin was especially…
“Great guide and an amazing trek”
Hari looked after our group of three really well, he knew the area and the trail thoroughly and was always happy to explain things along the way. We had some beautiful weather and the views around Langtang were incredible. This was our first trek in Nepal and a very memorable…
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Langtang Valley Trek?
Rated Challenging. The hardest single day is the climb from Lama Hotel to Langtang Village, which gains around 960m over 12km. Daily walking runs 5 to 7 hours. No prior Himalayan experience is required but 2 months of cardio training before arrival makes a real difference. See our trek difficulty guide for full context.
Do I need a guide for the Langtang Valley Trek?
Yes. Since early 2025 the Nepal government has made licensed guides mandatory for all trekkers in national parks including Langtang. Solo trekking without a registered agency guide is no longer permitted. All MountainKick departures include a licensed, full-time guide. Permits are checked at multiple checkpoints between Dhunche and Kyanjin Gompa.
How does Langtang compare to Everest Base Camp and Annapurna?
Langtang is shorter, cheaper, and closer to Kathmandu than either. No domestic flights required. The trail is quieter than both EBC and Annapurna in peak season. Maximum altitude at Kyanjin Ri is 4,773m versus 5,364m at EBC, making altitude sickness risk lower. The trade-off is less international name recognition. For a direct side-by-side read our Langtang vs Annapurna Base Camp guide.
What are the altitude sickness risks on this trek?
AMS symptoms typically appear above 2,500m and are most commonly reported between Lama Hotel and Langtang Village where the trail gains altitude quickly. The itinerary includes a full exploration day at Kyanjin Gompa before any summit attempts. Tell your guide immediately if you have a persistent headache, nausea, or dizziness. Descent is always the first treatment. Read our full altitude sickness guide.
Is there ATM access on the trail?
No. There are no ATMs after Kathmandu. Withdraw all cash you need before departure and carry Nepali Rupees in small denominations. Budget around $30 to $40 per day for meals, drinks, and extras like hot showers and Wi-Fi. Cards are not accepted anywhere on the trail.
Can I extend the trek to Gosaikunda Lake?
Yes. Gosaikunda is a sacred alpine lake at 4,381m and sits about 2 to 3 days from the main Langtang trail via the Laurebina La pass. Adding it extends the trip by 4 to 5 days and significantly increases the difficulty. MountainKick can build this into a custom itinerary on request. Contact us before booking if this interests you.
Is the Langtang region safe to trek after the 2015 earthquake?
Yes. The trail and teahouses have been fully rebuilt since 2015. Langtang village was reconstructed nearby with modern stone buildings that are cleaner and better insulated than older Himalayan teahouses. The region is stable and well-trekked year-round. Supporting the local Tamang communities by trekking here is one of the most direct ways to contribute to post-earthquake recovery.
What travel insurance do I need?
Travel insurance is mandatory and must cover emergency helicopter rescue and medical evacuation to a minimum of 5,000m. Without a valid policy MountainKick cannot confirm your booking. Helicopter evacuation from Langtang costs approximately $2,000 to $3,000 USD. Carry a printed copy of your policy on the trek. Read our travel insurance guide for Nepal trekking before purchasing.
When is the best time to do the Langtang Valley Trek?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the two best windows. Autumn gives the clearest mountain views and most stable weather. Spring brings rhododendron blooms in the lower forest and good visibility before the pre-monsoon clouds build in May. Winter (December to February) is possible but cold temperatures drop well below zero at Kyanjin Gompa and some teahouses close. Monsoon (June to August) is not recommended. Trails become muddy, leeches appear in the lower forest sections, and views are blocked by cloud most of the day.
Can I see red pandas on the Langtang Trek?
Possibly, but not guaranteed. Red pandas live in the bamboo and rhododendron forest between Lama Hotel and Ghodatabela. Dawn and dusk are the best windows as they avoid humans during the day. Walk quietly and tell your guide if spotting wildlife matters to you. The park is also home to Himalayan tahr, langur monkeys, over 250 bird species, and snow leopards — though leopard sightings are extremely rare.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Your dates, your group, your way
Same route and guides, just your group. Tell us when you'd like to go and how many of you there are, and we'll send you a day by day plan with a price.
- Nothing to pay now
- Plan and price by email
- Confirm with a 20% deposit
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20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
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80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
| Cancel before you arrive | Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay |
| Cancel after the pre-trip meeting | No refund |
| Date or name change | USD 200 per person |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.
Read the full terms and conditionsPacking List
Clothing and Layers
ⓘ Langtang receives more rain than the Khumbu region. Pack your rain jacket where you can reach it quickly.
Footwear
ⓘ The descent from Kyanjin Gompa to Syabrubesi is steep and long. Boots with good grip protect knees significantly on this section.
Sleeping and Warmth
ⓘ Sleeping bags can be rented through us in Kathmandu before departure. Collect on arrival day.
Trekking Equipment
Documents and Money
ⓘ Withdraw all cash before departing Kathmandu. Budget NPR for meals, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and tips. Cards are not accepted anywhere on the trail.
Personal and Toiletries
First Aid
ⓘ Your guide carries a basic first aid kit throughout the trek. This list covers personal items that supplement what the guide carries.
Trekking in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Trekking in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)
⚠ Langtang is hikeable in monsoon but not recommended as a first Himalayan trek. Trails below Lama Hotel become muddy and leech-heavy, views are blocked most of the day, and teahouses above Langtang Village may close. Speak to Kumar before booking a June to August departure.
Leave at home
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Cotton clothing Absorbs sweat and stays wet. Dangerous at altitude when temperatures drop.
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Heavy DSLR with multiple lenses Adds serious weight to your daypack every single day. A mirrorless or phone camera is enough.
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Hardcover books Heavy and unnecessary. Download reading material before departure
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More than two pairs of shoes Boots and camp sandals cover everything. Extra shoes waste porter weight allowance.
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Valuables and jewellery No safe storage on trail. Leave anything irreplaceable in Kathmandu luggage storage.
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Full-size toiletries Decant into small bottles. Space and weight matter more than comfort products.
Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented through us. Trekking poles are best purchased in Thamel. We'll connect you with trusted shops during your pre-trip meeting. We provide a duffel bag for every trekker as part of the package.
Langtang Valley Trek
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about gear, fitness, altitude or a private group.
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