Where is Kyanjin Ri located?
Kyanjin Ri is a stunning viewpoint at a high altitude (4,773 m) above Kyanjin Gompa on the Langtang Valley trek. Kathmandu to Kyanjin Ri is considered to be a short to moderate trek; it is not considered to be a long trek in terms of the distance trekkers need to trek. The route covers roughly 35 km of actual trekking one way, which means that it takes trekkers roughly 6 to 8 days to complete the trek in a round-trip way from the capital. The viewpoint Kyanjin Ri is trekked upwards from the starting point of Kyanjin Gompa, which is not a lot when knowing that the total round trip is just 5 km, with a one-way distance coming down to just 2.5 km.
Kathmandu to Kyanjin Gompa
Travelling from Kathmandu to Kyanjin Gompa mainly involves riding a bus to Syabrubesi, which usually takes 7 to 8 hours, which is around 122 kms to cover. After reaching Syabrubesi, you will have to hike 24 to 27 kms to get to Kyanjin Gompa. Kyanjin Gompa is the base starting point for the trek upwards to Kyanjin Ri. The trek is not considered to be tough, but it is an acclimatising trek that helps the body prepare for the trek that is yet to come.
Kyanjin Gompa to Kyanjin Ri
Kyanjin Gompa to Kyanjin Ri is the main trek that trekkers go on this trek for; it is a very rewarding one which offers extremely beautiful and scenic views of the valley. The entire circuit is covered with glaciers, rivers, and snowcaps. Kyanjin Gompa (3870m) to Kyanjin Ri (4773m) is the ascent that roughly takes around 2 - 4 hours and takes around 1 - 2 hours to descend. At some point, the trail becomes steep and rocky, but it is not anything hard and is an extremely good climb for beginners who have decided to trek the trail.
Lower Kyanjin Ri to Upper Kyanjin Ri distance
The trek from Lower to Upper Kyanjin Ri in the Langtang circuit is roughly about 500 to 600 meters of trek. Even though it seems like a short trek, the trekkers should know that it is extremely steep, and the road leading up to it is also a very rocky road, which will take approximately 30 – 45 minutes to hike the trail. The view seen from the viewpoint is said to be one of the most beautiful views of the Langtang Valley trek circuit; it offers a complete view of the Langtang Valley and the deep rivers the circuit contains. The view is considered to be the most beautiful part of the trek.
How to reach Kyanjin Ri?
Reaching Kyanjin Ri is not hard, no matter how hard trekking up might be. To get to Kyanjin Ri, the easiest way is to first trek 3 days to Kyanjin Gompa, which is in the trek itself in the Langtang Valley, which is followed up by trekking around 3 - 4 hours to the peak at 4773m. The way to reach Kyanjin Ri is first getting to Syarubesi from the capital, then hiking to Lama Hotel and through that to Langtang Village; after that, trekking to Kyanjin Gompa, which finally will lead the trekkers to the trek of Kyanjin Ri.
Accommodations and Foods
Most local teahouses and lodges have very simple accommodation that at most might have 2 beds, which have a mattress, pillow, and blanket; the toilets are normally communal ones. In the facility, the only places around the place that have areas for heating are present in the dining rooms; that is why the trekkers are suggested to take their own sleeping bag into the room for extra warmth and comfort. Room rates normally vary from 1500 - 2000 NPR depending on the room the trekkers choose to sleep in.
Food found in the trek is as simple as the rooms in the trek; meals include dishes like dal bhat, noodles, eggs, pancakes, fried rice, tea, coffee, etc. These meals are made up of products that are found and reared naturally in the area by the local farmers. Trekkers can also purchase dairy products that are made in the area by the local farmers, which can include yak cheese, curd, and butter. The food is very simple, and anything more than that is not usually found around the trek.
Charging Facilities and Hot Shower
Charging facilities are also available in the places of stay, but it is to note that the charging backups are operated mostly by solar backups in the facility, which, depending on the weather, might change, as the weather might be sunny and some days might be very cloudy and foggy. The costs usually range from 500 to 800 NPR. Hot showers are provided by lodges using solar panels, which are used to heat the water; the cost for it is usually around 500 to 800 NPR. Wi-Fi and networks are always available in every lodge, but the cost to use them is around 500 to 1000 per hour, depending on the place. You can also use network providers like Ncell and NTC, but the way towers might get picked up may vary
Weather and Temperature
Weather and Temperature around Kyanjin Ri in spring are a perfect time to trek the circuit, as its beauty with the weather really shines during that season; the sky opens up to be very clear then and opens the valley completely, and it is the time to enjoy the views and experience the mountain range. Along the entire trek, you can notice the flowers that are found in the region blooming in the most beautiful ways.
The temperature around the daytime usually ranges from around 10 -18 degree celcius however, during the nighttime in the circuit, it can plummet down to minus 5 degrees to 5 degree celcius, which can be extremely cold for people not used to those weather conditions. The weather and temperature around the time of autumn are also extremely good to trek during, as it offers a very similar trek experience just like the spring, but it is worth noting that the temperature around the circuit during autumn can range upwards from 12 - 20 degrees Celsius, and the temperature at the summit of the trek usually falls to 0 -7 degrees Celsius at night.
Winters around Kyanjin Ri are super chilly, with snowfall happening everywhere. During the daytime around Kyanjin Gompa, it's around 0 - 8 degree celcius but up at the peak, it plummets down to -15 to -5 degree celcius. The path during the winter becomes very snowy and hard to hike through, so if you want to trek the circuit and trail during the winter, it is best advised by us that you be an experienced trekker.
Popular things to do around Kyanjin Ri
Climb Kyanjin Ri Viewpoint
Kyanjin Ri is said to be the most beautiful trek in the entirety of the Langtang Circuit, as said by the trekkers and the locals of the area. The trek at base starts from Kyanjin Gompa, and then the trekkers start their trek up to Kyanjin Ri while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Langtang Valley. On the trail to the peak, they can also see the glacier peaks of the circuit, which are Yala Peak, Naya Kanga, Dorje Lakpa and Langtang Lirung, to name a few. This trek usually takes around 3 to 5 hours round trip, and also during the trek, if the trekkers feel tired, they have an opportunity to stop at the lower peak for a much-needed break and to enjoy the views of the entire circuit.
Explore Kyanjin Gompa and Local Dairy
Kyanjin Gompa is located in a small village where people have sustained most of their lives by raising farm animals like yaks and sheep from which they make cheese, curd, etc. You can visit them and see how their lives are and have a talk with the very friendly locals of the place. Trekkers can also purchase dairy products from the local farms, as it is priced very reasonably for the fresh quality of the products.
Langtang Glacier
The Langtang Glacier is located right above Kyanjin Gompa, and it is a very famous viewpoint for photographers and trekkers who trek the circuit. The glacier offers excellent views for trekkers who are trekking the circuit; the place is also an excellent opportunity to obtain educational information about the glaciers in the Himalayas.
Hike to Langshisha Kharka
Langshisha Kharka is a meadow located at high altitude which is located above Kyanjin Gompa, where the local farmers usually take their herds to graze. This place offers a very scenic view of the valley, so it is an excellent place to take some leisure time. This area also offers beautiful views of the flowers that bloom there, so it is an excellent place to enjoy the scenic views.
Local Yak Cheese Tasting
Yak Cheese has been a staple for people of the circuit to sustain themselves for many years. The dairy products that are made in the area have helped the farmers sustain their lifestyle by selling them and consuming them. Trekkers can try the cheese and butter, and many more dairy products, and get a taste of the local cuisine for a different culinary experience. The cheese and many other dairy products are normally found on the local farms or in the factory and the local teahouses.
FAQs
How difficult is the Kyanjin Ri Hike?
The Kyanjin Ri is considered to be a mild trek in terms of difficulty. Kyanjin Gompa to the peak is a steady trek with nothing that is considered to be too hard for beginners or people who are not used to harsh climates. In some sections, the path becomes rocky and pretty steep, but technical skills are not required to finish the climb. Even though it's an easy trek, Trekkers should have a bit of experience with high-altitude climbing in order to complete the trek smoothly.
How long does it take to complete the trek?
To complete the trek, it takes on average about 3 to 5 hours to trek from Kyanjin Gompa to the peak for a total length of around 21 KMs. The trekkers can also follow the lower Kyanjin Ri peak, which would also, on average, take around 2 or 3 hours to complete the trek. The fog usually rolls in later in the day, which is the reason for trekkers start the trek early in the morning when there is less fog.
What are the permits required to hike Langtang Kyanjin Ri?
The Kyanjin Ri trek requires a Langtang National Park permit and an entrance permit alongside the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. The permits are very easy to obtain; they can be obtained either in Kathmandu or at the starting point of the trek at Syaphrubesi.
When is the best time to climb Kyanjin Ri?
To hike the trail while enjoying the best views, the best time to start the hike is between 5 and 7 AM. So that you can reach the destination while enjoying the best views possible and before the clouds start coming in and start fogging everything, and also, it is to note that the trails become progressively more slippery as the day goes by, so that is why starting early is the best option.
What are the gears required for the trek?
Gear required for trekking the Kyanjin Ri is the basic gear that is required for treks. The required gear is tough hiking boots, warm clothes, hats, gloves, trekking poles for support, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a backpack to carry any essentials that you might want to bring along the trek. Depending on the season you are trekking, you will also need jackets which are insulated, crampons for better navigation, and gaiters to protect yourself and to stay warm from the icy conditions on some trails.
Is Kyanjin Ri suitable for beginners?
The trek is extremely good for active people who are just starting to get into trekking trails, but the elevation, which contains steep sections near the peak, makes it very harsh for anybody that are not experienced in hiking very high altitudes.
Conclusion: Final Words
Kyanjin Ri, which is placed at 4773m above sea level, is an impressive, easy, and extremely rewarding place to view the beautiful peaks of the Langtang Valley of Nepal. It is a valley that contains world-renowned mountains such as Lirung Yala, Dorje Lakpa, Gangchempo, Naya Kanga and Tsergo Ri, as well as the large glaciers of the valley. Kyanjin Ri's hike can be completed within a day starting from the base at Kyanjin Gompa, or a shorter hike to a lower peak can also be done. When trekking, the trekkers will get an opportunity to explore the monastery in Kyanjin Gompa, visit the cheese factory that is produced by yak milk, and sample local cuisines. The best season to trek the valley is during the spring and autumn, but if you are planning to trek the circuit during the winter, you will need proper gear and experience.
Kyanjin Ri is the viewpoint that is regarded as one of the most rewarding treks in the entire circuit; it has trails that get steep and rocky, but then the trekkers get to ultimately experience the beauty of viewing the entire circuit from the peak. The experience of trekking the circuit is truly an unforgettable experience for the trekkers; being able to trek the trail and socialise with the very friendly locals of the valley is truly an experience worth exploring. The scenic views provide you with the best photos, which can be added to your photo album. We here at Destination Himalayan Treks and Expeditions provide you with the best possible experience to make your trek truly memorable. For further assistance, reach out to us via WhatsApp at +9779851016814 or email us at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com.
