Explore the enchanting Langtang Valley, climb up to the sacred Gosaikunda Lake and experience the antique culture of the Tamang and Hyolmo people on this exciting Langtang Circuit Trek.
Also known as the 'valley of glaciers' trek, this 17-day trek comprehensively explores a quieter, yet glorious and diverse region north of Kathmandu. You will witness a fantastic panorama of the Langtang range among other peaks such as Ganesh Himal, Shishapangma, Naya Kang, Dorje Lakpa, Gaanchenpo and Annapurna. Trek to its glacial valleys in the north; the sacred lakes along the southern ridges of the Gosaikunda region; then descend to explore of the lower, greener Middle Hill District of Helambu. Several Hindu and Buddhist communities inhabit the trekking region and will warmly welcome you to their villages. Altitudes are not excessive and are gained gradually, giving ample time for acclimatisation.
A drive from Kathmandu along the northern highway leads to the start of the trek at Syabru Besi. The narrow east-west Langtang Valley nestles between parallel mountain-ranges offering a mix of forest, farmland and high glacial valleys. You will trek through pleasant oak and rhododendron forests as you explore the Langtang National Park. This region is a sanctuary for various rare species of wildlife, some of which we may encounter during our trek, including Red Pandas, Ghorals, Musk Deers, Himalayan Tahrs and so on. A rest day at Kyanjin Gompa invites walks to Spectacular Mountain and glacial views.
The landmark Gosaikunda Lakes are reached in two days from the upper valley along forested trekking trails. The lake is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. The Gosaikunda area is home to 108 lakes, some of which include the Bhairab Kunda, Ganesh Kunda, Saraswati Kunda and so on. The mountain vistas are magical. From there, the trail rises to a 4 610m/15 210ft pass, but quickly drops 1 200m for a warmer and more comfortable night.
The Helambu district offers glorious Middle Hill rhododendron and oak forests, terraced farmlands and friendly villages: with a close mix of cultures to explore. The last village is only an hour’s drive from your hotel in Kathmandu.
Hoshizora Treks & Tour offers custom itinerary for the Langtang Circuit Trek along with other treks in the region like Langtang Valley Trek, Langtang Goshainkunda Trek, Langtang Circuit Trek, Helambu Trek and more.
The Langtang Circuit Trek is an exceptional choice for trekkers seeking a well-rounded adventure in Nepal. This trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and breathtaking mountain views. With its moderate difficulty level and diverse landscapes, including lush forests, alpine meadows, and towering peaks, the Langtang Circuit Trek provides an authentic Himalayan experience. Encounter traditional Tamang and Sherpa villages, explore the Langtang National Park, and revel in the panoramic vistas of Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal. Choose the Langtang Circuit Trek for an unforgettable journey off the beaten path in Nepal.
The best time to perform the Langtang Circuit Trek is during the spring (March - May) and autumn (September - November) seasons. These periods generally have stable weather, moderate temperature and clear skies. This will provide you with the best views and a more convenient trekking experience.
The Langtang Circuit Trek is a moderate difficulty trek that can performed as a tea house or camping trek. You will walk for an average of 6-7 hours a day over steep and hilly trails that will lead up to altitudes of 5000 meters at most. As such, decent physical fitness and stamina is recommended. However, no prior trekking experience is necessary for this trek.
During the Langtang Circuit Trek, accommodations are typically provided in tea houses or lodges along the trekking route. These facilities offer basic yet comfortable rooms with twin beds and shared bathrooms. Meals served are simple and nutritious, including dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, soups, and local specialties. Tea houses often have communal dining areas where trekkers can socialize and enjoy views of the surrounding landscapes. It's advisable to carry a sleeping bag for added warmth, especially at higher elevations.
During the Langtang Circuit Trek, meals are typically provided at tea houses or lodges along the trail. The menu includes a variety of dishes such as dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, soups, vegetables, and local specialties. Breakfast options often include eggs, pancakes, porridge, or Tibetan bread with tea or coffee. Meals are freshly prepared, hearty, and designed to provide energy for trekking. It's recommended to try local specialties and carry some snacks for extra energy during the trek.
For the Langtang Circuit Trek, you will need permits to enter the Langtang National Park and a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card. These permits can be obtained through registered trekking agencies in Kathmandu or directly at the Nepal Tourism Board office. The Langtang National Park entry permit helps fund conservation efforts and supports local communities, while the TIMS card ensures safety and provides trekking information to authorities in case of emergencies. Make sure to carry these permits with you during the trek.
For transportation to the Langtang Circuit Trek starting point, you will typically take a private vehicle or local bus from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, the gateway to the Langtang region. The journey takes around 7-8 hours, passing through scenic countryside and local towns along the way. From Syabrubesi, the trekking route begins, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Langtang Valley. Return transportation from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu is also arranged by private vehicle or local bus after completing the trek.
For the Langtang Circuit Trek, hiring experienced guides and porters is recommended for added convenience and support. Local guides are knowledgeable about the trail, culture, and history of the region, enhancing your trekking experience. Porters can assist with carrying your belongings, allowing you to trek more comfortably with just a day pack. Guides and porters can be arranged through trekking agencies in Kathmandu or directly at the starting point of the trek. Their assistance contributes to the local economy and ensures a safer and more enjoyable trekking adventure.
For the Langtang Circuit Trek, essential trekking equipment includes sturdy hiking boots, warm and layered clothing suitable for varying temperatures, a waterproof jacket and pants, gloves, a hat, sunglasses, a day pack, trekking poles (optional), a sleeping bag suitable for cold weather, and a refillable water bottle. It's important to pack light but adequately for changing weather conditions and varying altitudes encountered during the trek. Additional items such as snacks, a first aid kit, and personal toiletries can be included based on individual preferences and needs.
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (1 300m/4 260ft)
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour
Day 03: Kathmandu – Syabru Besi (1440m/4 750ft), 7-8 hrs drive
Day 04: Syabru Besi – Changtang/Lama Hotel (2 470m/8 100ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 05: Changtang – Thangshyap (3 200m/10 500ft), 4- 5 hrs
Day 06: Thangshyap – Kyanjin Gompa Village (3 870m/12 700ft), 3-4 hrs
Day 07: Kyanjin Gompa: rest and acclimatisation day: Tserko Ri exploration
Day 08: Kyanjin Gompa – Changtang/Lama Hotel: (2470m/8 150ft), 7-8 hrs
Day 09: Changtang – Thulo Syabru (2230m/7 350ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 10: Thulo Syabru – Chandan Bari/Shin Gompa (3330m/10 930ft), 4-5 hrs
Day 11: Chandan Bari – Laurebina Yak (3 950m/12 960ft), 3-4 hrs
Day 12: Laurebina Yak – Gosaikunda (4 380m/14 450ft), 3-4 hrs
Day 13: Gosaikunda – Laurebina La (4 610m/15 210ft) – Gopte (3 440m/11 290ft), 6-8 hrs
Day 14: Gopte – Kutumsang (2 450m/8 090ft), 6-7 hrs
Day 15: Kutumsang – Chisopani (2 160m/7 130ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 16: Chisopani – Sundarijal (1 350m/4 430ft) -- Kathmandu (1400m), 4-5 hrs trek, 1 hr drive
Day 17: Final Departure
After completing passport, immigration and visa requirements, we will meet you outside the terminal building (look for your name board) and transfer you to your hotel: afternoon free. Evening: a welcome dinner, introduction to your guide and a briefing on the trek with a check on necessities.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: D
Take a day tour to five of the Kathmandu Valley’s cultural world heritage sites: Swayambhunath, the famed “monkey temple;” the city’s historical Durbar Square with ancient temples, unique art, architecture, and the chance to see the Kumari (living goddess); Patan’s Durbar Square; the Hindu temple Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath, the world’s largest stupa. A car and driver will take you to each site-entrance and wait for you. (Entry tickets and lunch are not included.)
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B L D
The tarred Northern Highway from Kathmandu heads NW through Middle Hill forest and farmland to cross the Tadi Khola at Devighat; near its confluence with the Trisuli Nadi from Tibet. It then swings NE up the Trisuli Valley to Betrawati, snakes over a pass to Ramche and continues, more sedately, to Dhunche. Continue to Syabru Besi (where the Trisuli becomes the Bhote Koshi Nadi above its confluence with the Langtang Khola).
Accomodation: Tea House
Meals: B L D
The Langtang Khola rises from the Langtang and Porong Ri glacier fields on the Tibetan border in the NE of the valley. It then flows in a SE direction, flanked by the ice capped Langtang Range along the border and a lower parallel snow range to its south. Walk SE, along the north bank to a bridge: cross onto a narrow trail high above the south bank, through oak, rhododendron and bamboo forests. Forest wildlife includes numerous birds, grey langurs, red pandas, wild boars, Himalayan black bears, et al.
Accomodation: Tea House
Meals: B L D
The trail climbs gently at first, then more steeply through mixed rhododendron, oak, hemlock and maple forest. Intriguing glimpses of the Langtang Himal appear to the north. Later, drop back to a quaint teahouse at the river, before climbing to the hotel-settlement and army post of Ghora Tabela (2 970m). Beyond is the broad, U-shaped valley carved by the Langtang, Shalbachum and Lirung Glaciers. Climb the hillside through scrub forest and terraced fields of barley, buckwheat, and potatoes, to the village of Thangshyap. Due to the destruction of the village further up the valley.
Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: B L D
Follow the trail to Chamki (3 300m) and Ghumba (3 400m, with an interesting gompa). Water driven prayer wheels and mills should then have heralded the village of Langtang (3 430m) in its lovely valley: also headquarters of the National Park. Impressive twin waterfalls drop from a cliff-cleft above the former village of flat-roofed stone and wooden homes. Cattle and yaks grazed above the town. Local cheeses, breads and apple pie pampered to foreign tastes.Langtang Lirung (7 227m/23 712ft) is north of the trail. Ascend to a ridge beyond the former village and a long mani wall on the trail to Mundu (3 440m) then down to Sindum (3 280m). Descend to a huge boulder and bridge at the river, before climbing to Yamphu (3 640m). Drop to cross the Laja Chu beneath a glacial moraine – from the top of which are great views of the icefall from the Langtang Lirung and Kinshung Peaks. Kyanjin Monastery is ahead: climb a final ridge and descend to the village below it. After lunch, explore the village and gompa. Overnight in Kyanjin Gompa Village.
Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: B L D
This is a scheduled acclimatization day. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) experts recommend at least a 24 hr rest period. Keep active: climb high and sleep low is the acclimatisation advice. A morning hike up the trail on Tsergo Ri (5 000m, at the top) overlooks the impressive glacier from Langtang Lirung (7 227m) with great views of Kinshung (6 781m) and Yansa Tsenji (6 567m). Towards the W, Dorie Lakpa (6 966m), Ganchenpo (6 387m), Dshabu Ri (5 202m) and Urking Kanggari (5 863m) are prominent peaks. To the NE, some 5km beyond the border is landmark Shisha Pangma (8 027m/26 335ft), China’s only 8 000m peak. A trail south of Kyanjin leads to the difficult pass over the Ganja La (5 130m, frequently snow bound) to Helambu. Return to the teahouse for lunch; explore the Kyanjin Valley and its glaciers.
Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: B L D
Wander back to Changtang, enjoying the views on this easier walk. Overnight in Lama Hotel.
Accomodation: Tea House
Meals: B L D
Activity Duration: 7-8 Hours
Walk back to the bridge over the Langtang Khola and cross to Bamboo (1 930m) and continue to Pairo (1 800m) for lunch. Ascend to a T junction: with great NW views of the Ganesh Himal. Turn south (left) and trek up to the hamlet of U Kyang. Continue to the large village of Thulo Syabru.
Accomodation: Tea House
Meals: B L D
Today’s trail involves a 1 000m/3 300ft ascent with great NE views of the Ganesh Himal, the Langtang Valley and its northern Ranges. The trail zigzags up through potato fields and on to Dursagang (2 740m) before rising through forests of oak and hemlock, then through rhododendrons and open pastures towards a ridge at Phoprang Danda (3 190m). A broad trail then follows the ridge before rising to a second ridge of spruce: and a final ridge with the village of Chandan Bari – and Shin Gompa. The Gompa has a cheese factory; both worth visiting!
Accomodation: Tea House
Meals: B L D
Activity Duration: 4-5 Hours
Views of the Ganesh and Langtang Himals continue as the trail steadily rises. A sanctuary for the preservation of the endangered red panda (in Nepalese: cat bear) has been created on the northern slopes. With altitude, trees are gradually replaced by scrub vegetation: Chalang Pati’s (3 550m) open panorama makes a good tea venue. The views broaden as the trail continues to rise with Manaslu (8 156m) appearing in the east and the sweep of peaks, including some north of the border, stretching to the Annapurnas in the west. Enjoy a free afternoon and night in Laurebina Yak.
Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: B L D
Catch the sunrise on camera before breakfast. Hike to a ridge and pass waterfalls from the Saraswati Kund (4 100m, lake). A high, exposed trail overlooks the south-western Trisuli Valley then the Bhairav Kund. Ahead is the largest lake; Gosain Kund with the village on its north-western shore. A ridge behind the village offers good viewpoints: including semi-frozen lakes to the S. These lakes are holy to both Hindus and Buddhists. There is an important Hindu Temple to Shiva in the village. A revered festival is held annually over full moon in August. Afternoon exploration.
Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: B L D
Approximately 1½ hrs is needed to summit the La, passing three smaller lakes and the Sura (Sun) Kund. Summit views are magnificent. The 1 200m descent follows a stream to a seasonal ‘high camp teahouse’ before dropping down to Phedi (3 740m). A rocky trail then undulates down several ridges, eventually descending into pine and rhododendron forest below the cliffs of the Thare Danda (ridge). Finally, negotiate more ravines before ascending to Gopte’s ridge.
Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: B L D
Trek across several rocky ravines with old boulder-strewn moraine beds before finally climbing to a high, windy ridge and the village of Tharepati. Views to the NE include Gauri Shankar, Dorje Lakpa, the Jugal Himal, and ranges into Tibet: including Shisha Pangma (8 027m). After that 1 200m descent over a succession of ridges begins steeply through dense pines to Magin Goth (3 290m), in hilly Helambu. Then climb the Mera Danda (3 510m) for the last good sighting of the Langtang Himal. A further valley crossing heads for Panghu Danda (3 350m). Then follow ridges down, past a waterfall, through fir and rhododendron forest to the fields surrounding Kutumsang.
Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: B L D
Initially the trail climbs past granite cliffs, then meanders to the Tamang village of Golphu Bhanjyang (2 140m). It then continues gently upward to Thotong (2 260m) and the Lapchu Danda (2 420m). Fine views over this lovely region continue to the south from high ground. The trail then descends through terraces and new forest to substantial Chipling (2 170m). Finally, negotiate two lower ridges before rising gently to Chisopani: with distant peak views to the north once more.
Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: B L D
Chisopani lies on the northern border of the Shivapuri National Park; and is Kathmandu’s chief water catchment basin. Walk through dense forest, up to the Borlang Bhanjyang (2 430m) before undulating to Mulkharka (1 800m) and descending to Sundarijal on the southern border of the park. A car will return you to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: B L D
Activity Duration: 4-5 hrs trek, 1 hr drive
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight to your next destination.
Accomodation:
Meals: B
accommodation: | Hotel, Tea House |
Height: | Tsergo Ri -5 000m |
Best Season: | Spring (March - May) and Autumn (September - November) |
Grade: | Moderate / Adventure |
Duration: | 17 Days |
Activity: | Trekking and Sightseeing |
Treks Type: | Tea House Trek |
Transportation: | Private Vehicle/ Tourist Bus |
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