Langtang & Helambu Trek

Alt: 1,350m.
At Kathmandu International Airport, you will be met by a Trek Nepal representative and transferred to your hotel. There will be a full tour briefing in the evening.

Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast lunch and dinner.
Alt. 1503m. Drive 5 hours
We drive northwards out of the Kathmandu Valley to Trisuli Bazaar. From here, our journey ascends above the valleys along a winding road. Shortly after entering Langtang National Park the road drops to cross the Trisuli Khola (river), continuing onwards we arrive at Syabru Besi, a Sherpa village where we stay the night. En route we pass through a number of villages many clinging to valley ridges, and there are spectacular views of the Ganesh Himal and Langtang Himalayan range.

Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Alt. 2,410m. Trek 7 hours.
Walking into the heart of the Syabru Besi Valley we begin the day in a northwards direction following the Langtang Khola. Crossing the river the trail leads us into a forest alive with birds and the occasional troupe of monkeys. Further on, we come to the area which is famous for scrumptious honey; production takes place on the opposite river bank. The trail undulates constantly through forests of oak and rhododendron until the crossing of Langtang Khola On the left side of the river the trail climbs steeply up a winding rocky ridge of a rhododendron forest. As we climb, the rushing river that we have been following and listening to becomes a calming background noise as we arrive at Rimche, a small village that commands spectacular views of the green valley we have just walked through. Following a short descent we reach the Sherpa huts of Lama Hotel.

Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Alt. 3430m. Trek 6 hours.
Continuing to follow the river course we ascend through the forest; after passing Gumnachok there is a short steep climb before the trail brings us to Ghoratabela (2,992m).Here we encounter our first view of the snow capped peak Langtang Lirung (7,225m) and register at the first checkpoint, which is operated by the army. The trail continues to climb with the valley widening, after Thyangsyapu there are several level sections, which are a welcomed respite. Passing hamlets, small streams – some with water driven prayer wheels, and Mani stone walls before a gradual rise brings us to Langtang village. Inhabited by Sherpas, the architecture and layout of the land – arable fields with yaks and cattle grazing above the village, creates a strong Tibetan atmosphere. There is a small cheese factory where we can taste delicious yak cheese.

Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Alt. 3,830m. Trek 3 hours.
Climbing out of the village crossing yak pastures, we proceed on a short steep wide trail passing several Mani stone walls. Beyond the valley opens presenting the impressive Langtang Lirung and Ganchenpo (6,387m). The trail goes through the Tamang settlements of Mundu and Sindum, both of which exude a Tibetan feel. After crossing the Langtang Khola, Kyanjin Gompa comes into sight guarded by the snow peaks of Langtang Lirung and Langtang Kimshung. A short descent takes us in to Kyanjin Gompa a spectacular glacial amphitheatre. It is an excellent base for exploring, to the north west there is the Langtang Lirung glacier; in the east is Langshisa glacier; and Kyanjin Gompa Ri a smaller peak north of this delightful village.

Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Alt. 3,830m. Trek 3 hours.
A day to explore. We commence with a climb to the summit of Kyanjin Ri (4,350m). A steep narrow trail, with Juniper bushes scattered along it, leads us there. Throughout the entire ascent we witness spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. At the top we are rewarded with breathtaking views of numerous snowcapped peaks with many of their glaciers at the valley floor: Langtang ll, Langtang Lirung, Langshisa Ri , Ganchenpo and many more peaks of 6,000m and above; across the valley is the peak of Naya Kang (5,844m) and Ganja La pass. This viewpoint offers one of the most stunning panoramas in Nepal, completely mesmerizing. Retracing our steps the steep descent takes half the time to reach the village. The afternoon is free to explore the village where you can visit the Swiss influenced cheese factory, Kyanjin’s old monastery – in August it celebrates a festival where food and drink is free to everyone, or explore one of the many surrounding glaciers.

Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Alt. 2,410m. Trek 7 hours.
Leaving Kyanjin Gompa we retrace our route westwards down the valley, following the Langtang Khola, through Langtang to Ghoratabela then onwards to Lama Hotel. The trail leaves the alpine country and returns to deep forest.

Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Alt. 2,210m. Trek 6 hours.
Continuing down the valley to cross the Langtang Khola. Shortly we arrive at Pahara Hotel from where we take a sharp left to commence the steep climb through forest to the Sherpa village of Thulo Syabru. From here there are distant snowcapped views of Ganesh Himal and Langtang Himal.

Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Alt. 3330m. Trek 6 hours.
Leaving Thulo Syabru we begin with a steep climb to Dursagang. The gradient eases hereafter as the trail makes it way through forest that changes from pine to hemlock and rhododendron. With only an occasional sign of human habitation this tranquil route takes us to the ridge top and Shin Gompa Monastery, high above the Trisuli Khola. The valley views from here are spectacular.

Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Alt. 3480m. Trek 6 hours.
Away from Shin Gompa the climb is less steep as we make our way through a juniper and pine forest to Chyolangpati, where appears an impressive snow lined horizon. Continuing our ascent up the steep ridge line an imposing view of Surya looms before us, in the west lies Himal Chuli (7,893), Manaslu (8,156m) Annapurnas and Ganesh Himal,whilst to the north is Langtang Lirung. In this protected haven the red panda is prevalent. Beyond the steep climb to Laurebina, we cross the ridge to its south side. Descending we catch our first sight of the sacred glacial lakes. There are numerous lakes associated with Gosainkunda but the most important ones are Saraswati Kunda, Bhairab Kunda and Gosainkunda. As we traverse the ridge this is the order in which we come across them. The third lake, Gosainkunda, is particularly revered, its holy waters are particularly significant at Gangadashahara when it becomes a place of pilgrimage for Hindus during August. It is believed the lake formed when Shiva drove his Tishil into the mountain side in search of water after drinking poison. Time is available to explore this special place and delight in the magnificent sunset.

Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Alt. 3,530m. Trek 7 hours.
We climb out of the basin housing the lakes along a rugged trail, with cairns as way makers, to the summit of Laurebinayak Pass. En route we pass several smaller lakes. At 4,610m there is a breathtaking view of Surya peak and Langtang Himal in the north east and to the south lies Chhyarkung Chuli. The descent from the pass can be difficult as we traverse over scree and moraines, leveling as we approach Phedi (3,500m). The trail remains challenging from here as we descend. Leaving behind the arid terrain we travel through rhododendron forest and ravines as we head to Ghopte an unspoilt village with spectacular views to the south.

Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Alt. 2,530m. Trek 5 hours.
In Helambu Valley the mountains are left behind, now we are steeped in unspoilt foothills and fascinating cultures; as we lose elevation the temperature rises and the landscape becomes greener. Steadily the trail makes it way through alpine landscape, at a small stream it ascends steeply leading us to the ridgeline of Tharepati, where there are stunning views of the surrounding Langtang range. Crossing the ridge we steeply descend through a large rhododendron forest that emerges out to open landscape. After crossing a small bridge followed by a short climb we will arrive at Melamchi Gaon, a picturesque and prosperous Sherpa village. The Sherpas welcome you warmly, and who are more than ready to chat about their culture and yours. The monastery here only operates during festivals but a visit can be arranged.

Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Alt. 2600m. Trek 4 hours.
Descending from Melamchi Gaon we shortly arrive at a suspension bridge over the Melamchi Khola. The trail begins to climb as we plunge into the countryside of rich, fertile arable land. Passing by a number of settlements and small streams before a final ascent to Tarke Ghyang, which is situated on a ridge above Melamchi Khola. The village is the largest in Helambu and is very similar to Melamchi Gaon, Buddhism is predominant and the inhabitants have similar customs and beliefs, as well as having a penchant for conversation.

Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Alt. 2,590m. Trek 4 hours.
The trail away from Melamchi Gaon is flat and easy through beautiful forests. As we walk along the ridge to Gangjawal spectacular views of Melamchi Valley open up before us. As we continue, the views turn to rolling green hills with distant views of the Melamchi Khola. Villagers meanwhile attend to their land, as we continue traversing the flat trail to Shermathang. The village has a number of ancient monasteries that may be visited. Standing on the ridge to the south are valley views, whilst in the north there are distant views of the snowcapped Langtang Himal and Rolwaling ranges.

Overnight Lodge/Teahouse. Included meals breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Alt. 870m. Trek 4 hours.
Our final day of walking is a descent to the Melamchi River. The trail gradually descends through villages, meadows and rice terraces. At a large Chorten (Buddhist temple) we descend a stone staircase until we reach the traditional village of Kakani, where we continue along a narrow trail of rice fields to a big suspension bridge that takes us to Melamchi Pull Bazaar.

Included meals breakfast. Alt. 1,350m. Drive 4 hours.
Drive back to Kathmandu, initially following the Melamchi River.

On your return to Kathmandu, you are free to further explore the city and its shops or simply chill out.