Our trail initially crosses the Bhote Kosi, flowing down from Tibet, which is literally only a few kilometers away. We then gradually climb up through the sub-tropical forests, teeming with bird-life, to join the trail from Syabru. We follow the river, climbing through uninhabited forest of oak and rhododendron and maybe catching a glimpse of langur monkeys roaming through the trees. We continue climbing along a steep trail to Lama Hotel in the forest, where we will spend the night.

Walking time: Approx. 6 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bridges at hot spring Hotel © Dawa Sherpa

As we continue climbing today there are occasional glimpses of Langtang Lirung between the trees. At Ghora Tabela [3000m], the trail emerges from the forest. Once there was a Tibetan resettlement project here, but now it is a Nepalese army post though it has no permanent inhabitants. The trail continues to climb gently and the valley widens, passing a few temporary settlements used by herders who bring their livestock to graze in the high pastures during the summer months.

The next part of the trail is a somber reminder of the 2015 earthquake – where Langtang village once was there is now only a huge rock field. It is a good place to send a thought to those who passed away and remember that we are there to support those who survived in continuing their lives in this stunning valley which has been the home for them and their ancestors for centuries.

We continue for another 30 min to our days’ destination, Mundu, where the old houses are a reminder of what all the villages once looked like in this valley. Modernisation had already started the process of change and, post 2015, our hosts have been rebuilding their houses in a style that fits best for their lives as they are now.

Walking time: Approx. 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mundu tea house © Dawa Sherpa

From Mundu, the trail climbs gradually through yak pastures as the valley opens out further and the views become more extensive. After crossing several small streams and moraines, the trail reaches the settlement at Kyangjin. Here there is a small monastery and a government-operated cheese factory. We should arrive at Kyangjin by lunchtime allowing time to acclimatise and explore the area. It is a dramatic setting, with snow-covered peaks surrounding us in all directions.

If you are feeling good, head up the Valley towards Langshisha Kharka to see some of the amazing views up that way and explore the valley. If you are feeling the altitude a bit, just rest at Kyangjin.

Walking time: Approx. 4-5 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekker near Kyangjin Gompa © Dawa Sherpa

A day to rest and explore the area. We can visit the monastery and the cheese factory, walk up the moraine to see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung or ascend Kyangjin Ri [or ‘peak’ – 4850m], directly behind the village, for a breath-taking panorama of the Langtang peaks.

Walking time: Approx. 3 hours (up and down climbing Kyangjin Ri)

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On top of Kyangjin Ri © Judit Staurland

From Kyangjin we retrace our route, following the Langtang Khola to Mundu village and on to Ghora Tabela. After lunch we continue the steep descent to Lama Hotel.

Walking time: Approx. 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

View down the valley © Dawa Sherpa

We continue retracing our steps down the valley, enjoying the glorious forested hills of Nepal. A little way after passing Hot Spring Hotel, we turn off the main trail and start climbing again. We will climb up to Thulo Saybru, a big village that sits high on the hill overlooking the valley we have just come from. Here we will spend the night in another lovely tea house.

Walking time: Approx. 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Across the bridge and up to Thulo Saybru © Mads Mathiasen

Today we have a big climb ahead of us but it will be well worth it as Laurabina which we will get to at the end of the day has stunning mountain views, amazing sunsets and sunrises to look forward to. The trail climbs steadily all day up through beautiful forest where Red Panda sightings are frequent so keep your eyes open and you might just get lucky.

Walking time: Approx. 7-8 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ganesh Himal sunset from Laurabina © Mads Mathiasen

Today is not a long days trekking, which is great because it will give you time to really appreciate this stunning place. After hopefully a clear morning with views all the way west to Annapurna, we start the trek with an hour of climbing to a small pass. From here it’s a relatively gentle climb to the tea houses at the foot of Gosainkund. Soon you will have your first views of the lakes, Saraswati kund , Gosainkund and many more – this is a truly sacred region dedicated to the gods of Hinduism but sacred also for Buddhists.

Once at the tea house you can relax with a well earned mug of hot tea while taking in the beautiful view of the lake before you. It’s lovely to loosen up your legs a little with a gentle stroll around the lake in the afternoon.

Walking Time: Approx. 2-3 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gosainkunda lake © Mads Mathiasen

This morning there is time to explore a little around Gosainkund before we need to head down. From the tea houses the trail descends a little way from the Gosainkunda Lake before a small climb to a charming pass where you find a shrine and Bhuddhist prayer flags as well as a lovely view back up towards Saraswati Kund to Gosainkund. From here the trail contours around the mountain through a spectacular rock strewn landscape, leading downwards to a chorten on the ridgeline above the little tea house village of Laurebina. From here you can have magnificent views across Langtang valley to Langtang Lirung and to the west are Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu. From Laurebina, we descend to Sing Gompa on a beautiful forested trail. There is a small monastery, still intact after untold years and a small cheese factory in Sing Gompa.

Walking Time: Approx. 5 hours

Accommodation: Tea house
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

View from near Sing Gompa © Alex Treadway

Today after breakfast we trek down all the way to Dhunche, pausing often to rest our weary knees, which will get tired from the steep descent. the trail leads through an incredibly stunning forest of ancient oaks, firs and rhododendrons. When we reach the river the trail levels out and we will come to a sacred pond dedicated to Shiva and not far head is our chance to enjoy a last cup of Nepali tea on the trail at a little tea house nearby a small temple also dedicated to Lord Shiva. From here the trail is undulating and takes us down, out of the forest and into Dhunche, the district headquarter of Rasuwa.

Walking Time: Approx. 5 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekker on suspension bridge © Mads Mathiasen

Today we conclude the trip with a jeep drive back to Kathmandu, which takes approximately 7 hours and takes us through stunning landscapes.

Driving Time: Approx. 7 hours

Rani Pokhari at night © Rocky Prajapati