Plan my trek
Plan my trek
Rasuwa, north Nepal
Syabrubesi, 1,500 m
Kyanjin, ~3,870 m
NPR 3,000 (~£17)
7–8 days typical
Oct–Nov, Mar–May
Langtang is the closest major trekking region to Kathmandu. The valley runs east towards the Tibetan border in Rasuwa district, with Langtang Lirung (7,234 m) rising almost straight above the trail. Most people go for the Langtang Valley trek: about a week of walking through forest, yak pasture and Tamang villages to Kyanjin Gompa at roughly 3,870 m. You can see big Himalayan peaks here without flying to Lukla or spending two weeks on the trail.
Langtang National Park was set up in 1976 as Nepal’s first Himalayan national park. It covers about 1,710 sq km, from subtropical forest near the Trishuli river to glaciers and peaks above 7,000 m. Red pandas, musk deer, Himalayan tahr and more than 250 bird species live here. In spring the lower trail goes through rhododendron forest in flower.
The people make the place as much as the mountains do. The valley and the hills to the west are home to Tamang and Tibetan-descended communities. They are Buddhist, and you will pass prayer walls, chortens, small gompas and cheese makers. On 25 April 2015 the Gorkha earthquake set off a huge avalanche and landslide that buried the old Langtang village. Hundreds of residents and trekkers died. The village has since been rebuilt a short way from the original site. Many lodges are family-run by survivors, so the money trekkers spend here goes straight into recovery.
Who it suits: first-time trekkers who want real altitude without extreme days, people with 7 to 12 days, and anyone who prefers quieter trails and village life to crowds. Fit walkers can add the sacred Gosaikunda lakes or the Helambu hills to make a two-week traverse back towards Kathmandu.
Orientation in words: from Kathmandu the road runs north-west to Trishuli Bazaar, then climbs to Dhunche, the district headquarters and park entry point. It drops to Syabrubesi (about 1,500 m), the usual trailhead. From there the trail follows the Langtang Khola east past Lama Hotel and Ghodatabela to Langtang village and Kyanjin Gompa, with the Tibetan border to the north. West of Syabrubesi is the Tamang Heritage Trail. South of the valley a ridge leads to Thulo Syabru and on up to Gosaikunda. The Helambu region connects Gosaikunda to Sundarijal on the northern edge of the Kathmandu Valley.
Important 2026 update: on 26 August 2026 a flash flood came down the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers in Rasuwa. It damaged the highway and parts of Syabrubesi and Timure, and many people died in the wider region. Operators report that the upper Langtang trail itself was largely unaffected. The usual road approach, however, was disrupted for weeks, and repairs were still under way at the time of writing (October 2026). Read the Getting there and Practical tips sections below and check current access before you book.
Most of Langtang’s highlights are on foot. Some are day hikes from a lodge base, others are multi-day routes. Times below assume a reasonably fit walker with a guide.
The classic route climbs from Syabrubesi through oak and rhododendron forest to Lama Hotel (about 2,470 m), then out of the gorge into open yak pasture at Ghodatabela. Next come the rebuilt Langtang village (about 3,430 m) and Kyanjin Gompa. Most people take three walking days up and two down, plus at least one rest-and-explore day at Kyanjin. Daily stages are usually five to seven hours. The second day up is the steepest, so pace yourself and drink plenty of water. If the views east are clear, stay an extra day at Kyanjin rather than rushing back.
Kyanjin Ri is the small peak directly above Kyanjin Gompa. The summit most people reach is about 4,600 m, and a higher point at roughly 4,773 m takes a further hour. From the top you see Langtang Lirung, the Langtang glaciers and the peaks around the head of the valley. Allow three to five hours return. Set off before dawn for the clearest skies, because cloud often builds by late morning. The path is steep and breathless rather than technical. It also works as an acclimatisation hike if you plan to go on to Tserko Ri.
Tserko Ri (often written Tsergo Ri) tops out at roughly 4,984 m, making it the highest viewpoint most trekkers reach in Langtang. It is a long day of eight to ten hours return from Kyanjin, with about 1,100 m of ascent and loose scree near the top. The reward is a wide view along the Langtang range and, on very clear days, into Tibet. Only attempt it after a night or two at Kyanjin and with a guide who knows the route. In winter, snow can make the upper slope unsafe.
The small monastery that gives Kyanjin its name sits on a rise above the lodges. It is an active Buddhist site. Ask before photographing inside, walk clockwise round the chortens, and leave a small donation. Nearby is a government-founded yak cheese factory that dates back to the 1950s, set up with Swiss help. Locally made cheese is sold in the lodges and makes a welcome change from dal bhat. Kyanjin is also the base for walks up the valley towards Langshisha Kharka, a quiet day hike of five to seven hours return.
Just before the new Langtang village you pass the debris field where the old village stood before April 2015. A memorial wall and chortens record the names of those who died. Walk past slowly and quietly, and follow your guide’s lead on where it is appropriate to stop. Many families in the valley lost relatives. Staying in local lodges, buying locally made goods and tipping fairly are practical ways to support the community that rebuilt here. Avoid drone flights and loud groups at this site.
Gosaikunda (about 4,380 m) is the best known of a cluster of high lakes south of the Langtang Valley, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Thousands of pilgrims walk up for the Janai Purnima full moon, usually in August. At other times the lakes are quiet, and they are often frozen from about December to March. Most people reach Gosaikunda from Dhunche or Thulo Syabru over two or three days. The climb is steep, so build in acclimatisation and do not sleep higher than you can comfortably manage. The lakeside lodges are basic and cold.
Past Gosaikunda the trail crosses the Laurebina La, a pass at about 4,610 m. It then drops into the Helambu region and continues through Ghopte, Tharepati and the Sherpa and Hyolmo villages, ending at Sundarijal on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley. This traverse turns a Langtang trip into a loop with no return drive. The pass day is long and exposed, and in poor visibility it is easy to lose the trail. Treat it as a guided-only section, and avoid it in fresh snow.
West of Syabrubesi, the Tamang Heritage Trail links villages such as Gatlang, Tatopani (hot springs), Thuman and Briddhim. Several of these villages have homestays. The trail tops out at Nagthali, a meadow at roughly 3,165 m with views of Ganesh Himal and Langtang. Days are shorter and the altitude lower than in the valley, and the focus is culture: carved wooden houses, Tamang dress and food, and evenings with host families. Note: operators reported in September 2026 that flood damage had cut some access roads and the Bhote Koshi bridge towards Briddhim. Check whether the trail has reopened.
The temperate forest between Lama Hotel and Ghodatabela, and the woods around Thulo Syabru and Cholangpati, are known red panda habitat. Sightings are rare and need luck, patience and quiet walking early in the morning. You are more likely to see langur monkeys, Himalayan tahr on the cliffs and pheasants such as the danphe (Himalayan monal), Nepal’s national bird. Bring binoculars, keep your distance and never feed wildlife. Spring is best for birdsong and flowering rhododendron.
Lodge menus are similar the length of the trek. Dal bhat (rice, lentil soup and vegetable curry, with free refills) is the best-value and most filling meal. Other staples are momos, Tibetan bread, thukpa noodle soup and potatoes in every form. Higher up, try yak cheese, butter tea and seabuckthorn juice. Prices rise with altitude, so expect to pay roughly double at Kyanjin what you would in Syabrubesi. Meat is carried up on foot or by animal, and many guides suggest eating vegetarian above Lama Hotel.
On the Tamang Heritage Trail, the village of Tatopani (the name means “hot water”) has natural hot springs. Local people and trekkers use them to ease sore legs. The pools are simple concrete tanks, not a spa. Dress modestly, as you would at any local bathing place, and follow local custom on separate times or areas for men and women. Facilities and water flow can change after landslides or earthquakes, so ask in Gatlang or Syabrubesi before you plan a night here.
Four main routes start in or near Langtang National Park. They can be combined. Day counts are walking days and do not include the drive from Kathmandu. Altitudes are approximate and vary slightly between maps.
| Trek | Walking days | Max altitude | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Langtang Valley (to Kyanjin Gompa) | 6–8 | 3,870 m (4,773 m Kyanjin Ri; 4,984 m Tserko Ri optional) | Moderate | First Himalayan trek, big views, short time |
| Gosaikunda (from Dhunche or Syabrubesi) | 4–6 | 4,380 m | Moderate to challenging (steep ascent) | Sacred lakes, pilgrimage culture |
| Helambu circuit (from Sundarijal) | 5–7 | about 3,600 m (Tharepati) | Easy to moderate | Lower altitude, no long drive, winter option |
| Tamang Heritage Trail | 5–7 | about 3,165 m (Nagthali) | Easy to moderate | Homestays, culture, families |
| Langtang + Gosaikunda + Helambu traverse | 12–15 | 4,610 m (Laurebina La) | Challenging | Full traverse ending near Kathmandu |
How they compare: the Langtang Valley gives the most mountain scenery for the effort, and its gradient is gentler than Gosaikunda’s. Gosaikunda gains height fast, about 2,400 m over two days from Dhunche, so altitude sickness is a real risk there. Helambu is the lowest and closest to Kathmandu, and is a good choice from December to February when the higher routes are cold or snowbound. The Tamang Heritage Trail is the most cultural of the four. It pairs well with the valley trek, the two together making about 10 to 12 days.
How do these compare with Nepal’s flagship routes? Langtang is shorter, lower and much quieter than the Everest Base Camp Trek, and reached by road rather than a mountain flight. Compared with the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, it has fewer steep stone staircases and a stronger Tibetan-Buddhist flavour.
There are no international hotels in Langtang. All accommodation is family-run guesthouses, teahouses or homestays. Prices below are approximate for autumn 2026 and rise in peak season (October, November and April). A trekker eating three lodge meals a day typically spends around NPR 4,000–7,000 (about £23–40) per day on room and food, more at Kyanjin.
Syabrubesi has the widest choice of guesthouses in the region, with private rooms, attached bathrooms and hot showers in better places. Most trekkers spend one night here before and after the trek. Expect roughly NPR 1,000–3,000 (about £6–17) for a basic double, and more for newer hotels. Part of the town was hit by the August 2026 flood, so availability may be reduced while rebuilding continues. Ask your operator which lodges are open.
Along the trail you stay in teahouses: simple lodges with twin rooms, thin partition walls, shared toilets and a warm dining room with a stove. A room often costs only around NPR 500–1,500 (about £3–9), and some lodges expect you to eat meals there in return. Hot showers, charging and wifi usually cost extra, from about NPR 200–500 each. Bring a sleeping bag rated to around –10°C for spring and autumn.
Kyanjin has the highest concentration of lodges at the top of the valley. Some newer places have attached bathrooms and better insulation. Rooms run roughly NPR 1,000–3,000 (about £6–17), with food the main cost: dal bhat here is often NPR 900–1,200 (about £5–7). Nights are below freezing for much of the year, so ask for an extra blanket and put a hot-water bottle (filled with boiled drinking water) in your sleeping bag.
Villages such as Gatlang and Briddhim run community homestays, where you sleep in a family home and eat what the family cooks. Expect roughly NPR 1,500–3,000 (about £9–17) per person including dinner and breakfast, though prices vary by village. Facilities are basic, often with a shared outdoor toilet. In exchange you get a real insight into Tamang daily life. Bring a small gift or simply tip your hosts directly.
Dhunche, the district headquarters, has simple hotels and is the usual start for Gosaikunda. The lakeside lodges at Gosaikunda are few and very basic, with cold rooms, limited water and higher prices because of the altitude. During the Janai Purnima festival they fill with pilgrims, so trekkers should avoid that week or book well ahead through an operator.
Before and after the trek you will stay in Kathmandu, usually in Thamel or Boudha (see the Kathmandu guide linked below).
Langtang has no airport. There is no runway in the valley, so you go by road (or helicopter) from Kathmandu. The usual route follows the Pasang Lhamu Highway via Trishuli Bazaar and Dhunche to Syabrubesi. It covers about 120 km, but in normal conditions the drive takes six to nine hours because the road is narrow, winding and partly rough.
Flood disruption in 2026: the 26 August 2026 flood washed out sections of the Pasang Lhamu Highway around Betrawati, Syabrubesi and Timure. Vehicle traffic towards Syabrubesi was suspended. By 1 October 2026 the Galchhi–Betrawati section had reopened on a temporary track and a Bailey bridge was being installed. At the time of writing the full route through to Syabrubesi had not been confirmed as fully restored. Travel times and prices below are for normal conditions. Ask your operator for the current road status a few weeks before you travel, and again the day before.
| Option | Time (normal conditions) | Approximate cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local bus from Kathmandu (Machha Pokhari / Gongabu area) | 8–10 hours | NPR 700–1,000 (about £4–6) | Cheapest. Crowded and slow. Leaves early morning. |
| Shared jeep | 6–8 hours | NPR 2,000–2,500 per seat (about £11–14) | Faster than the bus. Book through your lodge or agency. |
| Private jeep (4–6 people) | 6–8 hours | NPR 14,000–22,000 per vehicle (about £80–125) | Most flexible and comfortable. Usually arranged with an organised trek. |
| Helicopter charter to Kyanjin Gompa | about 45–60 minutes | Typically well over US$1,500 per charter, varies widely | Mostly used for return flights or emergencies. Weather dependent. |
| On foot from Sundarijal (via Helambu and Gosaikunda) | 5–7 days to Thulo Syabru | Cost of the trek | No road needed. Used as an alternative approach after the 2026 flood. |
Alternative approaches after the flood: while the Syabrubesi road was closed, operators and the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) pointed to a walk-in from Sundarijal (a short drive from Kathmandu) through Chisapani, Helambu and Gosaikunda to Thulo Syabru and Lama Hotel. This adds several days and crosses the 4,610 m Laurebina La. Some operators were also planning to start from Dhunche once vehicles could reach it.
Getting around locally: once you leave the road, everything is on foot. There are no vehicles in the valley above Syabrubesi. Porters and pack animals carry supplies, which is why prices rise as you climb. In an emergency, helicopter evacuation is possible from Kyanjin and some other lodges, but only if your insurance covers it (see Insurance below).
Road safety: the UK FCDO notes that road conditions in Nepal are poor, especially in the mountains and during the monsoon, and advises against night bus travel. Leave Kathmandu early and allow a spare day either side of the trek for delays.
The best months are October to November and March to May. Those are the dry, stable months when mountain views are most reliable. The old advice of “September to mid-December and March to May” still holds, though early September is often still wet. For a country-wide view, see our best season to travel in Nepal guide.
| Season | Months | Conditions at Kyanjin (about 3,870 m) | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Late Sep–Nov | Clear skies, daytime around 10–15°C, nights below freezing from November | Best visibility and busiest trails, though still quiet compared with Everest. Book lodges and transport early in October. |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | Cold and mostly clear, nights well below freezing, snow possible | Very quiet. Some lodges close, Gosaikunda freezes and the Laurebina La may be impassable. The valley is usually walkable with good gear. |
| Spring | Mar–May | Warming days, haze increasing by May | Rhododendrons flower in the lower forest (March–April). Afternoon cloud is more common. |
| Monsoon | Jun–mid Sep | Daily rain, cloud, leeches below about 3,000 m | Landslide and flood risk on the road and trail, few views. Upper valley lodges stay open, but this is not a good first trip. |
Festivals worth timing a trip around:
After the 2026 flood: if you plan to go in late 2026 or early 2027, the season matters less than road access. Keep your dates flexible and choose an operator that will reroute you (for example via Sundarijal or to another region) if the Syabrubesi road is not open.
These are typical plans that need a licensed guide. Walking times are approximate and depend on fitness and weather. Always keep at least one buffer day in Kathmandu at the end, for road delays or a slow descent.
This is a close match to the 9-day trip we used to describe here, which added an arrival day in Kathmandu.
Check first that Tamang Heritage villages and bridges have reopened after the 2026 flood.
No long return drive, and the most varied route in the region.
A good winter trek or a warm-up before a longer route. Reported as unaffected by the 2026 flood.
Want one of these adjusted to your dates and fitness? Send us a booking enquiry and we will advise on the best current route.
The essentials below cover what trips people up most often in Langtang. For general Nepal advice, see things to know before travelling to Nepal.
Since 1 April 2023, Nepal Tourism Board rules have required foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas to trek with a licensed guide arranged through a registered agency. Independent solo trekking is not allowed. Local reports say enforcement in Langtang was stepped up from May 2025, with checks at Dhunche, Syabrubesi and along the trail. The UK FCDO also states that solo trekking is not allowed in national parks. You need:
Fees change often, so check the amount when you pay. Your agency normally arranges both permits. Carry them at all times, because they are checked at several posts.
Kyanjin Gompa is at about 3,870 m, and side trips go close to 5,000 m. Altitude sickness can affect anyone. Climb slowly, sleep no more than about 300–500 m higher each night above 3,000 m, drink plenty, and take a rest day at Kyanjin. If symptoms such as severe headache, vomiting or confusion get worse, descend. Treat or filter all water. A filter or purification tablets also cut down on plastic bottles. Read our safety tips for trekking in Nepal.
At the time of writing the UK FCDO does not advise against travel to Nepal. Its main current warning concerns the 26 August 2026 flash flood in Rasuwa district and the Nepal–China border area. That flood damaged roads, buildings and communications, and the authorities warned of a risk of further flooding and landslides. In September 2025, protests in Kathmandu led to curfews and a change of government. The FCDO notes that protests can still flare up at short notice, so avoid demonstrations. Check FCDO travel advice for Nepal before you book and again before you fly.
There are no reliable ATMs in the Langtang Valley. Withdraw Nepali rupees in Kathmandu and carry enough cash for the whole trek, plus a reserve. As a rough guide, budget NPR 5,000–8,000 (about £28–45) per day for lodges, meals, hot showers, charging and snacks. That excludes guide and porter wages, which are usually included in an organised trip. Small notes are useful in villages. Tipping guides and porters at the end of a trek is customary.
Buy a local SIM (Ncell or Nepal Telecom) at Kathmandu airport or in town. You need your passport. Signal is patchy in the valley: decent near Syabrubesi and in some villages, and weak or absent in the gorge. Many lodges sell wifi for a small fee, but connections can be slow or down, especially after the 2026 flood damaged telecom sites. Tell family you may be offline for days.
Your policy must cover trekking to the maximum altitude you will reach (at least 5,000 m if you plan Tserko Ri) and helicopter evacuation. Check the wording carefully. Many standard policies stop at 2,000–3,000 m. See do I need travel insurance for trekking?
Langtang is mainly Buddhist. Walk clockwise round chortens and mani walls, do not point your feet at altars, and ask before photographing people or monastery interiors. Dress modestly in villages: cover shoulders and avoid very short shorts. Remove shoes before entering homes and gompas. Our guide to culture in Nepal covers more customs.
Fires are not allowed inside the national park. Carry out all rubbish that cannot be disposed of properly, especially batteries and plastic. Avoid single-use bottled water and refill with treated water instead. Make sure your agency insures and fairly equips its porters. Filming for commercial purposes needs a separate permit from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, and drones need prior permission. Leave the drone at home unless you have it.
Because Langtang starts and ends in Kathmandu, it slots easily into a two- or three-week Nepal trip. Some of the best combinations:
For more ideas, start at our Nepal travel hub.
Plan your Langtang trip with Get Lost Forever. We work with licensed local guides in Nepal and keep our advice current on road access, permits and conditions, including the recovery after the 2026 flood. Tell us your dates and fitness and we will suggest the right route. Start planning your trip.
Operators reported in September 2026 that the trail above Syabrubesi was largely undamaged. The main problem was the road from Kathmandu, which was cut around Betrawati, Syabrubesi and Timure. Sections reopened from early October 2026, and walk-in routes via Sundarijal and Gosaikunda were used in the meantime. Check the current status with your operator and the FCDO before booking.
Yes. Since April 2023, Nepal’s rules require foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas to use a licensed guide through a registered agency. Enforcement in Langtang was reported to have tightened from 2025. The UK FCDO also says solo trekking is not allowed in national parks.
At the time of writing it is NPR 3,000 (about £17) for foreign nationals and NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals, with VAT added in some places. You also need a TIMS card (NPR 2,000 for foreigners). Fees change, so confirm when you pay.
It is generally rated moderate. Days are five to seven hours on good trails, with no technical sections. The main challenge is altitude: Kyanjin Gompa is about 3,870 m, and optional peaks reach close to 5,000 m. Reasonably fit beginners who train beforehand and acclimatise properly usually manage well.
Allow 7 to 8 days from Kathmandu for the Langtang Valley trek, including the drive both ways. Add 4 to 6 days to include Gosaikunda and Helambu, or 4 to 5 days for the Tamang Heritage Trail.
By local bus, shared jeep or private jeep. The 120 km drive takes about six to nine hours in normal conditions. A private jeep costs roughly NPR 14,000–22,000 (about £80–125) and a bus seat around NPR 700–1,000. Road access was disrupted by the August 2026 flood, so check current conditions.
Langtang is shorter, lower, cheaper and quieter, and is reached by road, with no Lukla flight. Everest Base Camp is higher (5,364 m) and takes about 12 to 14 days, but it gets you closer to Everest and other famous 8,000 m peaks. Many people do Langtang first and Everest on a later trip.
October and November give the clearest views and most stable weather. March and April are the next best, with rhododendrons in flower. Avoid the June to September monsoon unless you are experienced and flexible.
Yes. The old village was destroyed by an avalanche and landslide triggered by the April 2015 earthquake, and a new village has been built nearby. A memorial marks the site of the old village. Staying in local lodges directly supports the families who rebuilt.
Coverage is patchy. Some villages have mobile signal and many lodges sell wifi, but expect gaps of a day or more. Telecom sites in Rasuwa were damaged in the 2026 flood, so connectivity may be weaker than usual for a while.
Plan it with us
Tell us your dates and interests and our team will shape a Langtang trip around you: local guides, small groups and honest advice.