Day 1 - Kathmandu: Arrival Day
We'll be at the airport waiting to welcome you to Kathmandu, the beautiful and ancient capital of Nepal. The very ground feels imbued with history here! You’ll board a private vehicle and be driven to your hotel - you just sit back and relish the scenery. We'll hold a small briefing tonight over dinner, and then turn in for some rest.
Day 2 - Kathmandu to Syabru Bensi
Altitude: 1,460m/4,790ft
By Local Vehicle: 145km (7-8 hours)
You’ll start the day boarding a bus to Syabru Bensi, the traditional gateway to Langtang and Gosaikunda. It's a lengthy drive (six and a half hours, approximately), but there's tons of gorgeous scenery to drink in as you watch the towns of Trisuli Bazaar and Dhunche speed by. The snow-capped peaks of Annapurna II, Manasalu, and Ganesh Himal are visible in the distance as you cross Kakani, eventually giving way to the agricultural geography of hillocks, rivers, and small villages. You'll know the destination is close when you begin to see the stone houses of Syabru Bensi, a pretty village popular with trekkers.
Day 3 - Syabru Bensi to Lama Hotel
Altitude: 2,470m/8,103ft
Walking Distance: 10.9km (5-6 hours)
Our first day trekking kicks off with a hike along the path of the Langtang River, which we’ll follow over the next several days, until the valley comes to a head. We then ford the river via suspension bridge, stretching our legs as the trail ascends in the direction of Paira Lodge. Up is the direction of the afternoon as we climb towards Rimche, after which the village of Lama Hotel is only 40 minutes away. The hike today brings us through scenic wilderness, in which you’ll be treated to the sight of native wildlife like red pandas, monkeys, and Himalayan black bears.
Day 4 - Lama Hotel to Langtang
Altitude: 3,550m/11,646ft
Walking Distance: 14.8km (5-6 hours)
We start the day going uphill, leaving Lama Hotel behind us as we ascend through a beautiful forest of oak, maple, rhododendron, and hemlock. Gradually, we attain Ghora Tabela, catchin tantalizing glimpses through the trees of Mt. Langtang Lirung the whole time. We then follow the Langtang Khola, climbing steadily until we reach today’s destination. Langtang, a notable Tamang village, is located in a gorgeous, remote valley. Houses of stone and wood are scattered among grazing pastures for yak.
Day 5 - Langtang to Kyanjin Gompa
Altitude: 3,800m/12,467ft
Walking Distance: 6.8km (7-8 hours)
Trekking past Langtang officially moves us above the tree line, allowing you the opportunity to experience a more typically-Himalayan landscape, one rife with wiry grass, juniper, and shrubs. As our trail ascends we’ll pass Sindum and Yamphu, and then cross the Laja Khola. Prepare for one of the most dramatic moments of our journey as we scale a glacial moraine for epic views of the Kyanjin Gompa and icefall flowing from Langtang Lirung. Snap some pictures, and then square your shoulders for just a bit more walking to gain Kyanjin Gompa, the home of a well-known Buddhist monastery (for which it is named!). We’ll visit the gompa itself after lunch, and also stop in on a yak-cheese manufacturing plant. If you’ve any energy left, join us for a hike to the flag-topped peak of Kyanjin Ri, located just north of Kyanjin Gompa.
Day 6 - Kyanjin Gompa to Chorka Ri Ri, Chorka Ri Ri to Kyanjin Gompa
Altitude: 4,850m/15,912ft
Walking Time: 7-8 hours
We'll be up before dawn (5:30) and eating a quick breakfast, all the better to get started on our climb to the top of Chorka Ri Ri. The early wake-up call will be forgiven as the indescribable splendor of a Langtang Himalayan sunrise plays out before your eyes. Enjoy phenomenal panoramas of Langtang Lirung, Langshisa Ri, Gyanghempo, Ganjala, and Naya Kang. Sweeping views of the Langtang valley and glacial icefalls can also be seen here. Let the glory of nature sweep you off your feet, then return to Earth for the hike back to Kyanjin Gompa.
Day 7 - Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel
Altitude: 2,500m/8,200ft
Walking Distance: 21km (6-7 hours)
The beauty that drew us to Langtang follows us as we begin our trek back in the direction of home. Keep your eyes open for animal life, and do take time to appreciate the marvelous loveliness and diversity of the forests' flora.
Day 8 - Lama Hotel to Syabru Bensi
Altitude: 1,462m/4,795ft
Walking Distance: 10.9km (5-6 hours)
We're retracing the steps of our ascent today, as we wend our way downhill from Lama Hotel towards Syabru Bensi. We descend until we get to Paira Lodge, and then have to climb through the forest on the way to the village of Syabru. The walking is easier, and the views are splendid.
Day 9 - Syabru Bensi to Kathmandu
By Local Vehicle: 145km (7-8 hours)
We return the way we came, driving back to the capital by shared jeep or bus. It's approximately a seven hour drive back, but that still leaves ample time to enjoy your last evening in Nepal! Partake of some sightseeing, explore the city's multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and enjoy some delightful local dishes for dinner in town.
Day 10 - Kathmandu: Departure Day
It's your last day in Nepal! Grab some breakfast, and then take in some last-minute shopping in Kathmandu. We'll make sure you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport with plenty time before your flight home. At this time, we'll say our goodbyes and bid you farewell, armed with warm memories and gorgeous photos to show your loved ones.
