Langtang Valley
Himalayan Valley Inside Langtang National Park, The Closest Major Trek To Kathmandu · Kyanjin Gompa, Bagmati
The Langtang Valley is the closest major Himalayan trek to Kathmandu, a week-long walk up a forested gorge that opens into a wide glacial valley ringed by snow peaks, with Langtang Lirung rising directly above. It is home to the Tamang and Tibetan-descended people of the valley, yak pastures, and the monastery and small cheese factory at Kyanjin Gompa, from where day hikes climb to viewpoints such as Tserko Ri. The valley is inside Langtang National Park, where red pandas live in the forest. Its recent history is tragic. In the 2015 earthquake a huge avalanche and landslide buried the village of Langtang, killing most of its people and many trekkers and guides; a memorial stands above the site, and the survivors rebuilt the village nearby and reopened the lodges. Visiting supports that recovery. It is graded tier 2 because it draws mainly those already in Nepal with limited days, rather than travellers who plan a trip around it. It combines well with the sacred lakes at Gosainkunda.
Langtang National Park, Rasuwa District, Kyanjin Gompa, Bagmati, Nepal
Seasonal. Best October to November and March to May; December to February is cold but often clear, and the monsoon from June to September brings landslides, leeches and cloud. A Langtang National Park permit is required, bought in Kathmandu or at the park entrance, and guide rules for foreigners changed in 2023 - confirm current rules before booking. The trek starts at Syabrubesi, a long day's drive from Kathmandu on a rough road, often eight hours or more. Lodges run through the main seasons; some higher up may close in deep winter.