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

View from Kyangjin Ri © Don Bethune

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 to Syabru besi, enjoying the glorious forested hills of Nepal. If you are feeling fit, take the spectacular route from Rimche via Sherpa gaon to Saybru, it will take a fair bit longer but is stunning.

Walking time: Approx. 6-7 hours

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

Back in the forests © Judit Staurland

Today we conclude the trip with the journey back to Kathmandu.

Rani Pokhari at night © Rocky Prajapati