LANGTANG TREK TRIP NOTES
4,770M / 15,650FT
LANGTANG TREK TRIP NOTES
2025 TREK DETAILS
Dates: Available on demand
March to May, September to November
Duration: 9 days
Departure: ex Kathmandu, Nepal
Price: US$2,950 per person for a group of 2
Frequently overlooked on the trekking circuit, the Langtang Valley is one of Nepal’s most stunning, and its lesser-trodden trails provide a delightful contrast to the bustling Khumbu Valley. Just a few hours drive from Kathmandu, it is an ideal place to gain altitude exposure prior to an expedition or to simply enjoy a unique and authentic part of Nepal.
The scenic Langtang National Park was once one of the most popular trekking regions in the Himalaya, and justifiably so. Substantial damage suffered in the Nepal earthquake of April 2015 had a major impact on tourism in the area, but the inhabitants have since made great strides in restoring infrastructure and are incredibly keen to see trekkers return to their lodges—you will be greeted by some of the most welcoming locals in Nepal!
In spite of this transformation, the Langtang trails remain quieter than in other regions, allowing a heightened experience of nature and an intimate insight into the local people.
Adventure Consultants offers two week-long trekking itineraries in the Langtang National Park. These are an ideal opportunity to pre-acclimatise in a stunning region prior to your Himalayan expedition or trek.
OUTLINE OF THE TREK
There are two trekking options from which to choose in this region: Langtang Villages and Gosain Kunda Lakes. On both routes, we will walk 3–8 hours each day at a casual pace with plenty of scenic breaks and an extended lunch stop at one of the lodges along the way.
LANGTANG VILLAGES TREK ITINERARY
After a day in Kathmandu sorting gear and enjoying a sightseeing tour of the city, we will drive 8 hours from Kathmandu to Shyabrubesi (1,550m/5,085ft) in the Langtang region.
Our first day’s trekking follows the Langtang Khola River, passing through several small settlements with names such as Bamboo and Landslide along the way. We enjoy watching playful monkeys dart
Gosain Kunda under a fresh dusting of snow. Photo: Sophie Ward
around the surrounding trees as we gradually ascend the valley to Lama Hotel (2,380m/7,810ft).
From here, the trail climbs further and we are treated to views of Langtang Lirung (7,227m/23,711ft) through the trees as we climb steeply to Ghoratabela (2,970m/9,740ft), where we enjoy a welcome lunch break. Our climb then continues as forests give way to open meadows, leading to Langtang Village (3,430m/11,250ft).
Langtang Village itself was devastated by a massive landslide triggered by the earthquake of 2015, wiping out the village and killing over 300 people. Only a single house remained standing. Today, a memorial mani stone lists those who died in the tragedy. The village has now been rebuilt further up the valley in a safer location beneath a cliff band. We spend a day in Langtang, using this time to rest, acclimatise and enjoy some day hikes to higher elevations.
A shorter trekking day then takes us to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m/12,700ft) offering spectacular views of Gangchenpo’s distinctive pyramid (6,387m/20,955ft) towering in the upper valley. Kyanjin Gompa itself is the largest monastery in the Langtang Valley and is well worth a visit. From
Kyanjin Gompa, we will make an ascent of scenic Kyanjin Ri (4,770m/15,650ft).
We retrace our steps on the descent, stopping only in Lama Hotel for the night before returning to the trailhead at Shyabrubesi, where we enjoy our final night before returning to Kathmandu.
GOSAIN KUNDA LAKES TREK ITINERARY
The journey begins on the road from Kathmandu, as we leave the lively chaos of the city and head north on an interesting drive to the small administrative town of Dhunche (1,950m/6,400ft).
The following day, we start the trek proper with a gentle hike through the forest, passing small Tamang villages on our way to Thulo Shyabru (2,200m/7,220ft), where we overnight.
From here the trail zigzags steeply up a series of switchbacks to the top of a ridge and on to Shing Gompa (3,584m/11,759ft), a small village with its own cheese factory! Named after the Tibetan word for the surrounding trees (shing) and its Buddhist fortification (gompa), the village enjoys a stunning vista of white-capped Himalayan peaks.
Enjoying the high passes. Photo: Lhakpa Dorjee Sherpa A region shaped by its people. Photo: Camilla Rutherford
Blue skies after snow. Photo: Sophie Ward
After a night at Shing Gompa, we continue on, following the ridge and enjoying fantastic panoramic views of the Annapurnas and the Langtang Range. As we approach Gosain Kunda, we snatch glimpses of the first of the region’s holy lakes (of which there are 108!). This area is of great religious and cultural significance to Hindu worshippers and is visited in large numbers during the August festival of Janai Purnima. Engulfed by mountains, the picturesque location with its deep blue lakes is a sight to behold.
After a night in Gosain Kunda, we are able to retrace our steps back down the valley—much easier in this direction(!)—to Shing Gompa and then Dhunche before returning to Kathmandu.
ITINERARY
LANGTANG VILLAGES
Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu.
Day 2 Gear checks,trek briefing and city tour.
Day 3 Drive to Shyabrubesi (1,550m/5,085ft)
Day 4 Trek to Lama Hotel (2,380m/7,810ft)
Day 5 Trek to Langtang Villages (3,430m/11,250ft)
Day 6 Trek to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m/12,700ft)
Day 7 Trek to Kyanjin Ri (4,770m/15,650ft), return to Lama Hotel
Day 8 Trek back to Shyabrubesi
Day 9 Return to Kathmandu
GOSAIN KUNDA LAKES ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu.
Day 2 Gear checks, trek briefing and city tour.
Day 3 Drive to Dhunche (1,950m/6,400ft)
Day 4 Trek to Thulo Shyabru (2,200m/7,220ft)
Day 5 Trek to Shing Gompa (3,584m/11,759ft)
Day 6 Trek to Gosain Kunda (4,381m/14,373ft)
Day 7 Trek back to Shing Gompa
Day 8 Trek back to Dhunche
Day 9 Return to Kathmandu
TEAM SIZE
Each trek is run on a private basis, allowing you to select the dates that suit you best. Hence the group size is determined by your own preference.
THE ADVANTAGES OF TREKKING WITH ADVENTURE CONSULTANTS
Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to their expeditions and treks. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every trip to offer our trekkers the best possible experience.
We employ strong and specialised trek leaders and Sherpa staff, who are some of the most preeminent in the industry.
Porters carrying loads through the narrow valleys. Photo: Sophie Ward
We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.
Many of our expedition and trek members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions and treks safe and successful.
FOOD
We will dine in the local tea houses and lodges enroute and food will be of the highest standard possible, given the remoteness of the situation. Please inform us if you have any special dietary requirements.
EQUIPMENT LIST
Trek members will be sent a list detailing all necessary clothing and equipment required for the trip.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Trek members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire to complete prior to the trek. This information will be sighted only by the trek leader and our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality.
DOCUMENTATION & PHOTOGRAPHS
Trek members will need to provide a digital passport photograph for trekking permits and a copy of their passport biodata page.
THE TREK FEE
The price for our 9-day guided trek ex Kathmandu is US$2,950 per person for a team of two trekkers. Please contact us for pricing for other team sizes.
This is an inclusive cost and covers the following:
• Ground transport Kathmandu to Shyabrubesi/ Dhunche and return
• Nepalese government royalty fees
• Kathmandu sightseeing tour
• All trek organisational requirements
• All trekking permits
• Accommodation in lodges ex Kathmandu
• All group equipment for the trek
• All trek staff, including Sherpa guide and porter support
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner ex Kathmandu
The trek fee does not include the following:
• Air travel to and from Nepal
• Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
• Purchases of bottled water, gifts or alcohol
• Personal expenses (laundry, charging, showers, etc.)
• Entry visas for Nepal
• Personal clothing and equipment including sleeping bag for lodge use
• Excess baggage fees over the 15kg allowance
• Personal travel/trip cancellation insurance
• Any costs for rescue or early departure from the trek
• Gratuities
A dramatic setting only a short distance from Kathmandu. Photo: Sophie Ward
PAYMENT DETAILS
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch 42 Willis Street Spark Central Wellington New Zealand
For the account of Adventure Consultants Limited
Account Number: 1000-594771-0000
Account Type: US Dollars
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
NOTE: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter’s account.
We also accept your deposit and balance payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard and Amex) plus a 3% card charge.
DEPOSIT
A deposit of US$500 will secure a place on the trek.
BALANCE
The balance of payment is payable 90 days prior to your trip start date.
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 90 days prior to your trip commencement date. A trek member may then cancel their participation on the following basis:
• Cancellations outside of 90 days will result in the loss of the trip deposit.
• For cancellations made within 90 days of the trip commencement date, we reserve the right to retain 50% of the full fee.
• For cancellations within 60 days of the departure date a cancellation fee of 100% of the full fee applies.
Ascending above Langtang. Photo: Lhakpa Dorjee Sherpa
Trekkers on the summit of Kyanjin Ri. Photo: Lhakpa Dorjee Sherpa
High clouds building in the afternoon. Photo: Lhakpa Dorjee Sherpa
We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons.
HOW TO JOIN THIS TREK
If you would like to join one of our Langtang Treks, please contact our team at https://www. adventureconsultants.com/contact-us/
CONTACT US
If you require more information please contact us at:
Adventure Consultants Ltd PO Box 739 Wanaka 9343 New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 443 8711 Email: info@adventure.co.nz Web: www.adventureconsultants.com
The bubbling Langtang Khola. Photo: Sophie Ward
Adventure Consultants is affiliated to the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association (NZMGA), New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC) and a corporate member of the American Alpine Club (AAC). Adventure Consultants is a supporter of the dZi Foundation in Nepal for their ‘Revitalise a Village’ programmes.
Adventure Consultants perform to IFMGA/UIAGM standards and are world leaders in high altitude guiding.
Langtang National Park. Photo: Sergey Pesterev