About Langtang Valley Trek
The Langtang Valley Trek was a remarkable experience for us. This trek starts from Syabrubensi after 7-8 hours of driving from Kathmandu. Our trail goes along the Langtang River up to Kyanjng Gompa. The Langtang Valley trekking route traverses through a gradual ascending to steep climbing sometimes especially from Bamboo Lodge to Lama Hotel, yet we walked on flat land from Langtang to Kyanjing Gompa. In the beginning, our trail led us through the dense bamboo forest and continued tree line vegetation of oak, pine, and rhododendron.
We can see several beehives hanging on the vertical rocky mountain, from which it is not possible to take honey out. We met some foreign trekkers in Ghode Tabela who came here to research many different species of butterflies, so this Langtang Valley Trekking region is rich with flora and fauna. We reach Langtang village by enjoying the sound of the river and creaky, meditative music from the birds and insects, and seeing numerous long-tailed monkeys in the trees. We have a first glimpse of Langtang Lirung from here; the trekking trail follows the wide path through the picturesque landscapes and White Mountain and reaches Kyanjing Gompa. We have a few options to explore from Kyanjing Gompa, such as hiking up to the Kyanjing Ri viewpoint and climbing to Tserko Ri to witness Langtang Lirung, Yala Peak, Naya Kanga Peak, Ganesh Himal, and many unknown white peaks. Langtang Lirung Glacier and Glacier Moraine are other highlights. Day hiking to Langshisha Kharka through the Langshisha Valley would also be one of the choices.
We return to Pahiro and take the ascending route to Syabru Village. Syabru Village is also known as Thulo Syabru. The village is fully inhabited by the Tamang people. Tamang is the biggest ethnic group in Nepal; they are mostly Buddhist and follow Buddhist practices. We pass Thulo Bharku and Sano Bharku at the end of our trek to reach Dhunche. Due to time limitations, we couldn’t do the Langtang Gosainkunda Trek, so the plan is next.
Langtang Valley Trek Guide
Langtang Valley Trek is fully protected by Langtang National Park, and the trekking path leads through with river, dense forest, and trail splits such as Langtang Tamang Heritage Trail, Langtang Ganjala Pass trek, Ganesh Himal trek, Langtang Gosainkunda Trek, and some other day trips around. Trekkers can easily get lost if they are without a local guide on this trek. We have some sad news about some individual trekkers lost and have not been found. It seems easy trek, and it is, but it’s risky trekking too. So, recently, the Langtang National Park has announced that trekking in the Langtang region without a guide is restricted. The guide must be taken from a trekking agency.
Langtang Village
The cultural Langtang village is situated in the initiation of Langtang Valley. This village was completely demolished by the devastating Earthquake in 2015; the Earthquake epicenter was in a neighboring district, Gorkha. Eventually, the village was reformed and rehabilitated for the Tamang people of this area. Many local people and foreigners lost their lives in this tragic incident. The village is very famous among local people as they gather here for rituals and other religious activities, and festivals. We found a beautiful monastery while we toured the area.
Hike from Kyanjin Gompa to Tserko Ri, 5033m/16,508ft
The walking distance from Kyanjin Gompa to Tserko Ri is about 2.81km, and it’s about 1.5km of climbing. The trail goes through the valley in the beginning and starts steep climbing all the way to Tserko Ri. We just enjoy the views backward, such as Naya Kanga Peak, Ganja La, and the Kyanjing Valley. We have a challenging vertical ascent through the Rocky Mountains in the final section to reach the summit. Ice X is needed for this Tserko Expedition.
We will get panoramic views of stunning Yala Peak, Langtang Lirung, Langtang Lirung glaciers, Shisha Pangma, Ganesh Himal, and so many neighboring peaks and picturesque Langshisha Valley. The views we have here are some of the most splendid views in the Nepal Himalayas.
Kyanjin Gompa
Kyanjin Gompa is a beautiful settlement in the Kyanjin Valley of Langtang National Park. There are so many activities we can do from here, such as visiting the Yak cheese factory in the town, visiting glaciers and moraines, which are within 1-2 hours walking distance, the Lower Kyanjin Ri viewpoint, the Higher Kyanjin Ri, and a day hiking tour to Lanshisha Kharka through the Lanshisha Valley. We can have a very close view of the thrilling Langtang Lirung glaciers and walk through the glacial moraine. In the other part, we just cross the Langtang River and follow the rugged trail to Ganjala Base Camp to see the opposite sight view.
Thulo Syabru - Syabru Village
Thulo Syabru is possibly the biggest village inhabited by the Tamang people, which lies in the buffer area of Langtang National Park. This village has a unique Tamang culture and stunning natural beauty. local people from this village mostly do farming, crafts, and tourist businesses like lodges, tea shops, or small glossaries. Yet new generations would prefer to go to Kathmandu capital city of Nepal, for study, and their ultimate goal is to go abroad.
Social culture is amazing as they love to help each other physically or financially. The people from the entire village stay as a family. Thulo Syabru is one of the offering places for trekkers to stay and explore around. Taste local foods, interact with locals, and a sight visit to the Gompa makes us inspired. The very raw stone houses, many of them with colorful prayer flags, cluster each other on the ridge of a hill, fashioning a charming scene against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains. The lodges in Thulo Syabru are basic but welcoming. Provides us with real organic local tastes such as Dal Bhat and “Sue Chiya” butter tea. This village is the best recommended to have a rest day for trekkers.
Langtang Valley Trek Outline Itinerary
Day 01- Drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Bensi
Day 02- Syabru Bensi to Lama Hotel
Day 03- Lama Hotel to Langtang Village
Day 04- Langtang to Kyanjing Gompa
Day 05- Day excursion to Tserko Ri and return to Kyanjing Gompa
Day 06- Kyanjing gompa to Lama Hotel
Day 07- Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru
Day 08- Thulo Syabru to Dhunche
Day 09- Dhunche to drive Kathmandu
