Langtang

The classic trekking region closest to Kathmandu: follow the Langtang Valley up to Kyanjin Gompa for snow-peak views, with easy links to the Gosaikunda lakes circuit or the Tamang villages route.

Langtang lies in Rasuwa District, Bagmati Province, Nepal, bordering Kyirong in Tibet, China, to the north, and is the high-mountain trekking area closest to Kathmandu. Langtang National Park, established in 1976, covers the Langtang Valley, the sacred Gosaikunda lakes and the southern slopes of Helambu; its highest peak, Langtang Lirung, rises to 7,227 m. The classic route starts at the roadhead of Syabrubesi (1,460 m) and follows the Langtang River through rhododendron and bamboo forest, passing Lama Hotel and Langtang village up to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m) — 6–8 days round trip. At Kyanjin Gompa you can add a day to climb Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri for mountain views, or walk out to the Langshisa pastures to see the glaciers. Two other popular routes: the Gosaikunda trek over the Lauribina La pass (which can be combined with the valley trek as a loop, or continued through Helambu back to Kathmandu), and the Tamang Heritage Trail through traditional villages such as Gatlang and Tatopani to the west, which stays lower and suits winter and first-time trekkers. The best seasons are Oct–Nov and Mar–May (when rhododendrons bloom in spring); Jun–Sep is the monsoon, with landslides and plenty of leeches; Dec–Feb brings snow at altitude, and the Gosaikunda route may be closed. Getting there: Syabrubesi is about 120 km from Kathmandu, 7–9 hours by bus or jeep on rough roads. Permits: you'll need a national park entry permit (about NPR 3,000 for foreigners) and a TIMS card, and since 2023 foreigners must trek with a licensed guide. Teahouse lodging along the way is basic, with hot water, charging and Wi-Fi costing extra, so bring cash. An avalanche triggered by the 2015 earthquake buried the old Langtang village; it has since been rebuilt near the original site. Watch for altitude sickness and slow down above 3,500 m.

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