Langtang Valley Trek Route Overview

Where silent valleys carry the sound of the mountain wind and every step tells a story. 

The Langtang Valley trek route is among the most scenic and simplest treks in Nepal.

It takes you through verdant forests, serene villages and high-altitude valleys, directly to the heart of the Langtang region.

This hike is perfect for those who want a real Himalayan experience without the trekking crowd of Everest or the long days of Annapurna.

In just 8 days, you’ll see snow-tipped peaks, walk alongside the Langtang River and reach the peaceful village of Kyanjin Gompa, which sits between glaciers.

The Langtang trek is perfect if you’re looking for:

• A short but rewarding trek

• Panoramic mountain scenery and cultural encounters

• Accessible Himalayan treks from Kathmandu

Pro Tip: Langtang is Nepal’s third most-traveled trekking destination, yet it is still peaceful. You get the breathtaking views of the Himalayas without the crowds.

In this blog of Nepal Base Camp Treks, you will understand:

• Where to start and finish the Langtang trekking route

• A day-by-day route itinerary for the whole trek

• Best time to trek in Langtang Valley

• What are the permits needed and where are the checkpoints

• Trekking tips, highlights and safety advice

• Whether the Langtang route is easy to follow

• Answers to common questions

Let’s begin your adventure.

Where Does the Langtang Valley Trek Start and End?

The Langtang Valley trek route starts from Syabrubesi and finishes at Kyanjin Gompa, which is a peaceful village surrounded by big snow mountains.

You begin from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

From there, you travel by road to Syabrubesi.

Trekkers usually use a private jeep for comfort, but you may use local buses as well.

Reaching Syabrubesi from KTM takes approximately 7-8 hours.

Upon reaching Syabrubesi, you start trekking.

The trail goes through forests, rivers and Nepali villages.

The final point is Kyanjin Gompa, where you will see glaciers, reach viewpoints like Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri and enjoy the peaceful mountain life.

Then again, you descend the same way back to Syabrubesi.

Many trekkers ask, “How to reach Langtang National Park from Kathmandu?”

But did You Know? 

Syabrubesi lies on the edge of Langtang National Park, Nepal’s first Himalayan national park.

In summary:

Start: Kathmandu → Drive to Syabrubesi

Trek: Syabrubesi to Kyanjin Gompa

Finish: Return back to Syabrubesi → Drive back to Kathmandu

Complete Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Langtang Valley Trek Route

The trekking route in Langtang Valley is short, quiet and beautiful.

In just 8 days, you walk through green forests, stone villages and snowy valleys.

There, you will meet local people, enjoy warm meals and admire the enormous high Himalaya peaks.

For your journey, here is an overview, one day at a time. 

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi

Route: Kathmandu → Galchi → Trishuli → Dhunche → Syabrubesi

Distance: 122 km | Time: 7-8 hours | Transport: Private Jeep or Local Bus

The Langtang Valley trekking route begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, the gateway to the Langtang Valley.

The drive takes you through highway over hills, river basins and villages.

After Dhunche, the mountain views improve despite the highway becoming more bumpy.

You will pass the entrance to Langtang National Park, where the temperature drops and the forest gets thick.

Syabrubesi is a quiet village with green hills around it and is the starting point for the Langtang trek.

Pro Tip: During the trekking season (spring or autumn), it is best to book a jeep ahead of time. It will save you valuable time and get you an early start on the trek.

Day 2: Hike from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2,380m / 7,808 ft)

Route: Syabrubesi → Bamboo → Riverside → Lama Hotel

Distance: 11 kilometers | 5–6 hours | Type of Trail: Wooded, not steep

Your trek starts over a nice, long suspension bridge over the Langtang River.

The hike ascends easily through farm fields, small villages and into dense green forests of oak, rhododendron and bamboo.

The first place you come to will be the Bamboo and Riverside tea house areas, where you can take your first tea or lunch break.

This hiking area is inside the Langtang National Park, so while you are hiking, keep your eyes peeled for monkeys or red pandas, if you are lucky.

At the last climb to the Lama Hotel, which consists of small accommodations spaced through the trees.

It is quiet and comfortable to rest and sleep here.

Tip: Use trekking poles; the trail in the forest may be slippery when wet.

Day 3: Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3,430m / 11,253 ft)

Route: Lama Hotel → Ghoretabela → Langtang Village

Distance: 14 km | Time: 6–7 hours | Trail Type: Flat forest, followed by open valley

Today, you carry on with the Langtang Valley trek trail deeper into the mountains. 

You’ll walk alongside the Langtang River upstream in quieter forest before coming down to Ghoretabela, a flat grassy plain that’s ideal for lunch.

Beyond Ghoretabela, the woodland dies back and the valley widens.

Snowy peaks come into sight ahead of you, with your first good views of the Langtang Lirung (7,234m).

You’ll be in Langtang Village, a peaceful village with Tibetan-style buildings and prayer flags, by the afternoon

Unfortunately, this village suffered in the 2015 earthquake, but has been restored by the local villagers with impressive resilience.

You’ll feel their welcome from the moment you arrive.

Pro Tip: Take it slow, altitude starts to get you here.

Day 4: Trek from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m / 12,697 ft)

Route: Langtang Village → Mundu → Kyanjin Gompa

Distance: 6 km | Duration: 3-4 hours | Trail type: Gradual uphill, expansive valley

This is one of the most visually impressive days on the Langtang Valley trek.

The trail departs the tree line and gradually climbs, weaving through open pastures.

You’ll pass through small settlements, like Mundu, with incredible views of the mountains in all directions.

You’ll soon arrive in Kyanjin Gompa, a village located below towering peaks.

The prayer wheels swirl in the breeze, cheese factories saturate the air with buttery wafts and this mystical land, everywhere around you, feels peaceful and spiritual.

The views are ridiculously picturesque.

In the afternoon, you can go and visit the monastery, taste freshly made yak cheese or just relax and soak in the views of Langtang Lirung and the glaciers that lie next to it.

Pro Tip: Try the yak cheese, it’s fresh and local, making it a great snack for your next hike.

Day 5: Side Hike to Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri (Up to 4,984m / 16,352 ft)

Route Choices:

Kyanjin Gompa → Kyanjin Ri (4,773m) | Duration: 3 hours round trip

Kyanjin Gompa → Tserko Ri (4,984m) | Duration: 5-6 hours round trip

Trail Type: Steep uphill, rocky, exposed

This is your adventure day.

This is your opportunity to hike the highest Langtang trek altitude at 4,934 meters.

You will hike from Kyanjin Gompa to either Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri, the highest points along the Langtang Valley route.

The hike is steep uphill, but worth it.

As you start to gain elevation, the valley unfolds below you and you will begin to see snow-capped mountains in all directions: Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Gangchempo and so many more.

From the top, you will see glaciers, ridgelines and prayer flags blowing in the wind; it is one of the best panoramic views in Nepal.

Pro Tip: Get up early, hike before the sun rises to avoid a busy trail, experience golden light and avoid afternoon winds!

Day 6: Trekking from Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel (2,380m / 7,808 ft)

Itinerary Route: Kyanjin Gompa → Langtang Village → Ghoretabela → Lama Hotel

Distance: 18 km | Duration: 6 – 7 hours | Trail: Mostly Downhill

You will be making a return trek along the same Langtang Valley trek route. 

Instead of going uphill, you will be going downhill to the Lama Hotel.

The trail will take you through Langtang Village, beautiful open grassy meadows and back into the woods that you hiked through on the way up.

Although the air is still thin, after a week in the Himalayas, it seems much thicker and each step will feel easier.

Along the path, you will surely remember many sites, including Riverside and Ghoretabela.

Finding a place for lunch or a cup of tea will not present any issues.

That day will be a long walk, but the terrain is mostly downhill, hence the stroll will be enjoyable.

Pro Tip: Use trekking poles to take the stress off your knees, especially for steep downhill sections.

Day 7: Trek from Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi (1,550m / 5,085 ft)

Route: Lama Hotel → Bamboo → Syabrubesi

Distance: 11 km | Time: 5–6 hours | Terrain: Forest descent

Your final trek day on the Langtang Valley trek route is an easy downhill walk through forests of oak, pine, and bamboo.

You’ll see old places like Bamboo and small tea shops before finally arriving at Syabrubesi.

This part of the Langtang trek route is calmer.

You might find yourself reminiscing about your whole trek as the air starts to warm, the valley narrows a bit, and nature slowly disappears into small village life.

Once you get to Syabrubesi, remember to take a deep breath.

You made it.

Pro Tip: Indulge yourself on your last trek day with a warm meal and local tea at a guesthouse.

Day 8: Drive from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu (1,300m / 4,265 ft)

Route: Syabrubesi → Dhunche → Trishuli → Kathmandu

Distance: 122 km | Duration: 8–9 hours by private jeep or bus

The trek is over, but the experience is what lasts.

Similar to the drive to Syabrubesi, you will get to enjoy the views as you climb back to Kathmandu.

The winding road follows a river, takes you past hilltop towns and villages, and that city rhythm will slowly return.

After a week surrounded by mountains, forests and open skies, it could seem a bit loud when you get back to Kathmandu.

Pro Tip: Be sure to get a window seat on the left side of the jeep so you can enjoy your last mountain views before you hit the Kathmandu skyline.

Route Map of Langtang Valley Trek (With Elevation)

Want a sneak preview of where the trekking route of Langtang takes you?

A Langtang Valley trekking route map tells you where you’ll be trekking, how high you’ll be trekking and where stops will be made.

It’s a great planning tool for your trek to stay on the right track.

The trek starts from Syabrubesi (1,550 meters) and ascends gradually through the forest trails, isolated villages and huge mountain valleys.

And you will complete the trek at Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 meters) with the option to hike Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri, the highest points on the Langtang Valley trek route.

So, what to do for maps?

Before heading out on your trek, you can download offline maps such as Maps.me (free and offline) and AllTrials.

Best Time to Trek the Langtang Valley Route

The ideal times to trek the Langtang Valley route are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). 

These seasons allow for optimal weather, clear views of the mountains and safe conditions on the trail for both experienced trekkers and those on their first trek.

Enjoying the springtime trek allows trekkers to witness Langtang National Park ablaze with rhododendron blooms and mild weather of (10–20°C), and maybe catch a glimpse of some endangered species like the red panda.

If trekking in the autumn, once the rain from the monsoon has cleared the skies, the trekkers will be rewarded for the trip to view the majestic Langtang Lirung, Kenjin Ri and Tserko Ri with the breathtaking views they will reveal. 

Autumn brings with it the time for culture and festivals, in addition to the refreshing crisp air after the monsoon has passed.

The monsoon (June–August) needs to be avoided by all trekkers. 

Monsoon means rain, leeches and mood swings as a consequence! 

Winter (December–February) might fall on the unprepared or naive, who are not ready for snow at the high elevations of Langtang Valley and cold nights on the treks down.

Langtang Trek Entry Permits and Checkpoints 

Before you head into the heart of the Himalayas, you must be informed about the entry permits to the Langtang Valley trek and the en route checkpoints.!

Langtang National Park Permit:

A requirement that is mandatory based on your itinerary and length of stay. 

You can obtain the Langtang National Park permit in Kathmandu, Dhunche or as part of our Nepal Base Camp Treks package, like we do.

From your Langtang Valley trek price, this permit includes around 15$ (if you are from SAARC Nationals) or 30$ (if you are other nationals).

For Nepali citizens, it costs only 1$, which is around 137 rupees.

The local rangers will check your permit at the park gate entrance near Dhunche and also randomly throughout the trek, like at the Lama Hotel and at Langtang Village.

TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System):

Another requirement for all foreign trekkers.

Your own licensed Langtang Valley trek guide can register your TIMS card in Kathmandu or through our agency.

The TIMS card is for your safety while trekking in remote areas.

There are checkpoints at:

• Syabrubesi (start)

• Dhunche (park entrance)

• Langtang Village and Kyanjin Gompa trailhead 

Pro Tip: Confirm your permits and TIMS before departure. If you forget them, you can pay a fine for nothing or be denied entry altogether.

How Long is the Langtang Valley Trek Route?

Most Langtang Valley trek itineraries take 7 – 10 days, but we, at Nepal Base Camp Treks, feel that our well-structured 8-day trek is the perfect share of adventure, safety and comfort. 

You will cover around 77 kilometers (48 miles) on foot from Syabrubesi to Kyanji Gompa and back, including a hike to Kyanjin Ri and Tserko Ri.

Our standard itinerary is intentionally paced to soak in the enjoyment of the Langtang Valley trek without being rushed.

It features all key highlights, such as:

• Kyanjin Gompa
• The beautiful  side hike to either Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri
• Walk through forests of pine and rhododendrons

You can also check out our flexible Langtang Valley Trek Package.

If you want to customize the trek experience, you can add or shorten the route to suit your available time, pace or include side trails such as the Tamang Heritage Trail.

To do that, simply reach out to you.

Is the Langtang Trek Route Easy to Follow Without a Guide?

The short answer is: No, you cannot follow the Langtang trek route without a guide. 

While parts of the Langtang Valley trek route are easy to follow with marked trails, many other section consists of forests, landslides or unmarked paths which can easily leave you confused, especially in poor weather. 

If you’re pondering “Is the Langtang trek route easy to follow?”, you should know that as of 2025, solo trekking is prohibited in Nepal.

You are obligated to acquire a Langtang Valley trek guide to immerse yourself within Langtang National Park.

This rule is put in place for your safety. 

There are genuine accounts of trekkers who have gotten lost and trekkers who have experienced altitude sickness with virtually no help available. 

Your guide will also help navigate your trek, understanding your pace, and tell you about the local culture. 

So if you are planning to trek in the Langtang Valley without a guide, it’s not just risky, but it’s not allowed.

Natural and Cultural Attractions on the Langtang Trail

Trekkers who have visited Langtang know that the trekking trail to the Langtang Valley is not just about exploring the Himalayan region; it’s a personal journey that unfolds step by step.

As you trek through the trails, you will begin your journey at Langtang National Park, where the scent of pine forests greets you, the sounds of bird varieties and the sight of beautiful rhododendrons.

If you are fortunate, you will see red pandas making their way through verdant green forests.

This section of the Langtang trek is pure and spiritual, with nature speaking its story in silence.

But it is not just nature that wins your heart.

It is the people, too.

As you walk through the rural villages of Lama Hotel, Langtang Village and Kyanjin Gompa, you get a glimpse of centuries-old lifestyle.  

You will walk on the Tamang heritage trail, pass by Buddhist chortens, have a chance to spin the prayer wheels and share laughter and conversation over steaming tea with locals who live simple yet tough lives.

There are cheese factories in Kyanjin that make fresh yak cheese and it will be a crazy thing to think that we are at 3,800 meters here!

And all around you are the views of the Langtang range, with incredible peaks like Langtang Lirung, Tserko Ri and Kyanjin Ri towering above you.

The 2015 earthquake rattled the Langtang region, yet there was something it couldn’t demolish: the heart and soul of a community!

Trekking this route today is not just an adventure, but also a recognition of survival, strength and beauty in the Himalayas.

If you are curious about what makes the Langtang region’s trekking route so special, to us, it is a perfectly mixed blend of natural beauty and culture.

It is not so much the trek here, but what the trek offers in return!

Safety Tips for Navigating the Langtang Trek Route

While the Langtang Valley trek route is not as technical as Everest or Annapurna, that doesn’t mean there are no problems.

You still have to face challenges with altitude and trail conditions.

So, below are some tips to stay safe and get the most out of your trek:

Acclimatization

The Langtang trek altitude goes from 1,400m at Syabrubesi to almost 5,000m at Tserko Ri.

You must therefore spend an extra day at Kyanjin Gompa to acclimatize and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Packing

The most important survival items (trekking poles, insulated sleeping bag, waterproof boots) help keep you warm, fatigue-free and upright on slippery trails.

Don’t pack heavy, as you need to be careful of the weight limit.

Guide + Porter

While the Langtang trek route is reasonably well-marked, a Langtang Valley Trek guide will know the trails, offer comfort in emergencies and share culture & history with you.

Our package includes a porter, so you have no worries taking the trek without a heavy weight.

Train before you arrive

The difficulty in the Langtang trek is stamina-based.

Train with lots of cardio (swimming, biking), hill climbing and longer walks, so you have strong legs and lungs, possible for maximum enjoyment on your trek.

Weather

The weather in Langtang has fast-changing conditions.

Regardless of the season, you should bring a waterproof layer, gloves and sun protection, even in spring or autumn.

FAQs