Arrive in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival, we will welcome you in the terminal hall in Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu. We will transfer you to your hotel and introduce you to your trekking guide, and together you can enjoy a hot cup of masala tea and have an in-depth discussion about your trek, including the trekking route, anything you need, the necessities for the trek, and any general suggestions for preparing for your upcoming adventure. 

Sightseeing & trek preparation in Kathmandu

Today you will take a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu with our appointed City Guide! Kathmandu is rich with Hindu and Buddhist history, so with an early morning start, you will visit places such as the Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath, the “city of fine arts - Patan Durbar Square, Krishna temple, Kumbeswore Temple, Golden Temple, the 2000-year-old “Monkey Temple” - Swayambunath Stupa, and Basantaur Durbar Square - home to the living goddess Kumari. In the afternoon you can get acquainted with the local area around Thamel market, as we help you finish your final trek preparations with a spot of gear hire and/or shopping. In the evening we will officially greet you with a Welcome Dinner serving traditional authentic Nepali food in Kathmandu. 

Kathmandu (1,350m) to Syabru Besi (1,550m: 8 hours)

We’ll set off early in the morning towards Syabru Besi in our own private jeep. This 141km journey will consist of both an on-road and off-road adventurous ride with scenic views of Ganesh Himal and Annapurna Himalayas. You’ll get to see rural villages exquisitely depicting the local culture, pass through rolling rice fields, steep mountainous routes, and travel across the Chilime Hydropower plant to reach out overnight accommodation at Syabru Besi. 

Syabru Besi (1,550m) to Lama Hotel (2,380m: 6 hours)

Once you’re done with breakfast, it’s time to get your legs moving for a great adventure. Today you’ll descend across a steel suspension bridge over Bhote Koshi River which winds all the way down from Tibet. The trail soon gets exciting, especially for nature seekers, as we navigate our way to higher lands through sub-tropical rhododendron forest, scenic woodlands with majestic waterfalls, hidden hot springs, and through the natural habitat of naughty langur monkeys and red pandas. The day will wind down as we hike the canyons aside the gushing Langtang Khola River until you reach your cozy warm bed in our teahouse accommodation in Lama Hotel.

Lama Hotel (2,380m) to Langtang (3,543m: 6-7 hours)

Feel closer to nature as we find our way through a lush green pine forest on our ascent towards Langtang, with Langtang Khola rushing alongside the canyon. We’ll lighten the mood after an hour or so with a warm cup of tea beneath the alpine trees while the river slides calmly in the foreground. Today’s trek further leads us to Kortabela, where you can amaze by the long-awaited view of Langtang Lirung. End your day by stretching your legs and satiating your trekker’s appetite with a nice hot plate of Dahl Bhat.

Langtang (3,543m) to Kyenjing (3,870m: 3-4 hours)

As we proceed trekking towards the scenic valley of Kyanjin, our view of the picturesque valley will begin to broaden. Today will be a relatively short trek in which you will come across lush and exotic yak pastures, and Buddhist Mani walls, which are made up of stones of varying sizes carved or painted with Tibetan Buddhist inscriptions. Crossing into Kyenjing, we’ll cross a suspension bridge over a mountain river that guarantees a splendid view of ice fall from a nearby mountain. As you approach closer to Kyanjin, the breathtaking view of snowy capped Langtang Lirung starts to unveil.

Don’t forget to stop by the prayer wheel that operates with running water to get good vibes for the journey ahead - myths say that the prayer wheel accumulates good karma (wisdom) and purifies bad karma(negativity).

Acclimatization and rest day in Kyenjing (3,870m)

Start your day with a sweet retreat in the heart of the Himalayas, take a deep breath, and imagine rolling down the deep abyss of the Himalayas. After you’re done with an early morning wander (or a sleep-in!), we will head off on a day hike to Tserko Ri (5,033m), which is approximately a 4-hour hike from Kyanjin Gompa. The 360° panoramic viewpoint makes it absolutely worth it to summit! It might be a little challenging for some people, but it’s a non-technical hike that offers astounding views of sky stabbing peaks, the most prominent amongst them being Langtang Lirung (7,234m). Continue your acclimatization day by exploring the centuries-old Kyenjing Gompa (monastery) depicting the colorful traditions and culture of Nepal, or visit the world’s only cheese factory at 3,500 meters! Gompa’s yeasty cheese is simply mouthwatering!

Kyenjing (3,870m) to Lama Hotel (2,380m: 6-7 hours)

As we bid farewell to the serene Langtang valley, we begin to retrace our way back to Lama Hotel. Pass through familiar alpine pastures or navigate through local communities. The Tamang people are considered very friendly. Be sure to listen to them as they may have some exciting stories to tell!

Our descent will be much smoother and quicker, so you can visit any areas previously unchecked or missed. We’ll stop by at the Earthquake monument to offer our prayers for those who lost their lives in the devastating earthquake of 2015, which wiped away the whole of Langtang village. The remains of the town are still to be found in the landslide wreckage.

Lama Hotel (2,380m) to Thulo Shyabru (1,900m: 5-6 hours)

It’s great being back at Lama Hotel. Today the trek descends to the Langtang Riverso that we can cross the forest and reach Pairo. Re-energize with delicious Nepalese food before an hours-long push towards Thulo Shyabru.

Our way will be traversed in the company of friendly monkeys and the unveiling views of Langtang Lirung (7,227m), Ganesh Himal (7,422m), and Nayakhang Peak (5,844m) will make your journey even more exciting. Before you know it, you’ll be welcomed by the tranquil settlement of Thulo Syabru.

Thulo Shyabru (1,900m) to Shing Gumba (3,330m: 5-6 hours)

Once you’ve finished breakfast, we’ll begin a morning 5 hour hike through rhododendron and pine forests, aiming for the next destination in Shing Gumba. Nearly a thousand meters ridge hike is to be completed before we reach Phoprang Dada (3,200m), where the absolutely fascinating sunset views ignite a deep sense of awe and joy.

Discover the neighboring mountaintops peeking over backpackers and greets you with a light cold breeze that stirs up energy from the arduous hike. Traverse through oak and hemlock forests to find yourself enjoying yummy cheese in the nearby cheese factory.

Before reaching our overnight accommodation in Shing Gumba, we will also pass through the small settlements of Thuman, which is a community of ethnic groups from Tibet. You’ll certainly want to listen for a minute or two as the natives of the Himalayas regale you with tales of the mountains, and share helpful advice for safe travels..

Shing Gumba (3,330m) to Gosaikunda (4,380m: 5-6 hours)

This is an exciting day as you’re one step close to the anticipated lake of Gosaikunda. An early morning hike starts towards Cholang Pati where you will be faced by mesmerizing views of Langtang Peak (7,227m), several Annapurna peaks, and Ganesh Himal (7,422m). With the captivating views in your sight, reach Lauribinayak to cherish a hot cup of tea. Take a short stroll by yourself or with your friends, and be back to stop by a Buddhist Shrine.

The trail continues to ascend towards Lauribinayak La before taking a turn steeply downwards. Adore the moment as we navigate our way through the ocean blue lakes of Saraswatikunda and Bhairab Kunda. Once past these lakes, brace yourself to get in the proximity of the sacred lake of Gosaikunda. The lake remains covered with a sheet of ice half of the year, and at other times it reflects the deep blue skies. Whatever the season, the alpinist beauty is an attraction for devotees and nature lovers.

It is said that religious disciples flock towards the holy lake on the full moon nights for religious ceremonies, so if the opportunity presents, be sure to witness such unthinkable ceremonial practices at God’s place at 4,000m. We’ll stay overnight at Gosaikunda. 

Gosaikunda (4,380m) to Lauribina/Shing Gumba (3,910m/3,330m: 2-3 hours)

Nobody likes leaving behind Gosaikunda, but maybe that’s the essence of traveling. We cannot explore more of the artistic wonders of the world unless we leave them behind someplace. Today, we’ll bid farewell to Gosaikunda and proceed to descend from Lauribinayak, through a forest to reach Shing Gompa.

The Manaslu range and Langtang Lirung too will start to fade behind the curtains of thick white clouds, but you will be satisfied knowing you had a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the winsome company of the Himalayas.

Lauribina/Shing Gumba (3,910m/3,330m) to Dhunche (1,650m: 5-6 hours)

Today will be our last day of the two-week trekking tour in the Langtang region. Keep that in mind as we descend through the blooming rhododendron and bamboo forests, and cross a steel suspension bridge over Trishuli River to get by local settlements. The 5-6 hour downhill descent will end in a  lodge in Dhunche where you can celebrate and party with our group while recalling the trip and updating social media.

Dhunche (1,650m) to Kathmandu (1,350m: 8 hours)

On the last day, you leave behind memories of the auspicious journey you just had with a thought in mind of returning here at some point in life. With so much in mind, in addition to a sense of accomplishment, we  will make our way back to Kathmandu. 

Take a final chance to breathe in the mountains, winding roads, terraced farms, small towns, and roadside villages, as the mountains and rural lifestyle gradually give way to the more developed Kathmandu city. Depending on the time we arrive back, you can take the afternoon to yourself to wander the bustling tourist district of Thamel to finish up your souvenir shopping, or rest up in your hotel. Join us for a final meal together, as we enjoy a Nepalese farewell dinner with traditional live music and dance.

Drop off at the airport

As today is your last day in the country, we appreciate your decision to choose us as your travel companion. We are honored to be a part of your beautiful memories and hope that we met your expectations. We will accompany you to the airport for a traditional Nepal farewell, and we wish you a safe flight back home.