Touch down at Tribhuvan International Airport, where the first views of the distant Himalayas give way to the colour and tempo of Kathmandu. After immigration and customs, meet your representative outside the arrivals hall and transfer into the city. Settle in, refresh, and take the day at an easy pace to gently acclimatise to the valley’s elevation (approx. 1,400m).

When you’re ready, wander the lively lanes of Thamel, where prayer flags stitch bright seams above shopfronts and the scent of incense mingles with roasting coffee. Pause in the leafy calm of the Garden of Dreams, or head towards the old royal quarter to glimpse the ornate courtyards and carved windows around Kathmandu Durbar Square (UNESCO). This is a soft-landing day—soak up the atmosphere, pick up last-minute trekking essentials, and let your body clock adjust.

As the light fades, temple bells echo across the rooftops and the city takes on a warm, golden glow. Find a rooftop terrace for a Himalayan sunset silhouette, or keep things gentle with a short stroll for momo dumplings and masala tea. Tomorrow the adventure deepens, but tonight is about Kathmandu at leisure—unhurried, immersive, and wonderfully evocative.

After breakfast, a scenic road transfer of around 1 hour brings you to Sundarijal on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley. The trail starts beside stone stairways and village lanes, then settles into a steady climb through terraced fields of rice and millet, where irrigation channels glint in the morning light and the air is rich with the scent of freshly turned earth.

Soon, you slip into the cool hush of a rhododendron forest, birdsong filtering through dappled shade and moss-softened trunks. As you gain height the trees thin and the ridge opens up—turn for hazy glimpses of Kathmandu in the valley below, then look ahead as a white-toothed skyline emerges on clear days with views towards the Ganesh Himal and the Langtang Himal.

The final approach follows an airy ridgeline to Chisapani (2,215m), perfectly placed for sunrise and sunset vistas. On arrival, check in to your teahouse, stretch out tired legs and breathe deep—the crisp mountain air, layered blue ridges and day’s gentle mileage make this an inspiring first staging post of your Himalayan trek.

Trek facts: Elevation gain approximately 700–900m; typical hiking time 4–5.5 hours at a relaxed pace with photo and water stops.

Wake early for a glowing Himalayan sunrise, when a pale ribbon of light climbs the horizon and the snow-bound ramparts of the Langtang Himal sharpen against the sky. After breakfast, shoulder your daypack and step onto a classic section of the Helambu district—a day of rhythmic ascents and rolling crests that blends quiet forest paths, terraced farmland and long ridge-top trails with far-reaching mountain views.

From Chisapani, the trail descends through rhododendron forest and neat fields to the welcoming village of Pathi Bhanjyang. Children wave from doorways, water channels sparkle between rice and millet terraces, and the air carries the sweet resin of pine. Pausing for tea, you’ll look ahead to today’s skyline route as the path climbs to a high forested crest, weaving in and out of shade with teasing glimpses of white peaks to the north.

A gentle descent past a prominent stupa leads into Gol Bhanjyang (2,130m), a scatter of houses and simple lodges set on a saddle with wide valley views—an ideal stop to refuel and soak up the panorama. Beyond the hamlet, the way resumes onwards and upwards, re-entering the hush of oak and rhododendron as you gain the long back of the Thodang Danda. When the weather is clear, the highest Langtang peaks stand like a serrated horizon, guiding you along airy spurs and soft-needled forest floors.

Keep your eyes lifted and your steps unhurried—this is a corridor of life. Troops of monkeys flicker through the canopy, laughing-thrushes and minivets stir the branches, and prayer flags whisper along the ridgeline in the breeze. By late afternoon, you round a final shoulder and drift into Kutumsang (2,470m), a small hill village poised for a crimson sunset. Settle in, stretch, and watch the day fade over tiers of blue ridges: a memorable end to a deeply rewarding section of the Kutumsang trek.

Trek facts: Start Chisapani 2,215m → Finish Kutumsang 2,470m; net gain ~255m with rolling terrain. Typical hiking time 6–7.5 hours at a relaxed pace; cumulative ascent ~800–1,050m, cumulative descent ~500–750m (route and lodge locations vary).

Leaving Kutumsang behind, today’s trail pushes north into a wilder, more mountainous realm. Terraces and farmsteads thin out as you climb steadily into a rhododendron and pine forest that feels both ancient and serene. The ascent draws you up onto the long back of the Panghu Danda, where cool shade, birdsong and the soft give of moss underfoot set the pace for a measured, oxygen-friendly rhythm above the 3,000m mark.

Here the ridge-crest is densely wooded—rhododendron flaming in season, pine resin sweet on the air. Between the trees lie secluded pastures and simple seasonal shelters known as goths; views drop away only in brief windows, hinting at the deep valleys flanking either side. You pass the cluster of lodges at Mangengoth (3,220m), a welcome place for tea and a breather, before the path tips back into forest and climbs again onto the airy spine locals call the Thare Danda.

As height builds, the world widens. Layer upon layer of blue ridges step away to the horizon, and on a clear day the skyline pulls in distant celebrities—the ice-bitten silhouettes of the Rolwaling and even the far Khumbu ranges. Underfoot, the trail threads between knolls and saddles, linking abandoned goths and rough clearings. The forest shifts to a pungent mosaic of juniper, berberis and spruce, with deep beds of moss and whimsical curtains of lichen swaying in the breeze.

Although the distance isn’t huge, altitude makes itself known; you keep a steady, unhurried cadence, pausing often to sip water and take in the views. By early afternoon you crest into Tharepati (3,490m), a high saddle scattered with lodges and prayer flags, perfectly positioned for brilliant sunsets and a crystalline night sky. Settle in, warm your hands around a mug of tea, and look ahead towards the rugged uplands of Gosainkund and the route that leads to the Laurebina La.

Trek facts: Start Kutumsang 2,470m → Finish Tharepati 3,490m; net gain ~1,020m. Typical hiking time 5–7 hours at a relaxed, acclimatisation-friendly pace; cumulative ascent ~1,100–1,300m, minor undulating descents along the ridge.

A deliberately unhurried start suits today’s short, high-level stage. Leaving the comforts of Tharepati, the path peels away from the ridge-crest and traverses the upper reaches of a wild hanging valley. It undulates across rocky ribs and weathered spurs with quicksilver views into shadowed ravines, their walls draped in rhododendron and spruce where moss beds glow and lichen hangs in soft veils. The atmosphere is intimate and alpine; a place where every turn feels like a brushstroke from an ink-wash landscape.

The forest eases into open juniper woodland, the scent resin-bright in the cool air, and the trail rides airy shoulders before dropping to the small cluster at Gopte—a natural pause for tea and a breather. Beyond, the way rises and falls in gentle waves, threading rough clearings and old seasonal herders’ shelters (goths) as the skyline widens. On clear days you may catch long looks across stacked blue ridges towards the distant citadels of the Rolwaling and Khumbu.

Keeping a steady, oxygen-friendly rhythm, you contour into the quiet bowl beneath the pass and arrive at Phedi (3,630m)—its name literally the “foot of the hill.” Reaching here by late morning or early afternoon leaves restful time to hydrate, sort layers and enjoy the stark beauty of this high amphitheatre. With the Laurebina La rising above, the stage is set for tomorrow’s classic crossing towards the Langtang Valley.

Trek facts: Start Tharepati 3,490m → Finish Phedi 3,630m; net gain ~140m with gentle undulations. Typical hiking time 3–5 hours; cumulative ascent ~350–450m, descent ~200–300m (varies with exact lodge locations and trail conditions).

Step out of Phedi (3,630m) and the climb begins at once, a purposeful zig-zag through rock terraces and knobbly outcrops towards a wind-combed high point beside a small alpine tarn. The air thins and the horizon lifts in layers; turn and you’ll read a grand atlas of peaks—Annapurna sentinels with the sacred blade of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), the buttressed walls of Himal Chuli and Manaslu, and, closer to home, the serried ranks of the Ganesh Himal.

From the viewpoint, a short descent curves towards the pilgrim enclave on the shores of upper Gosainkund, its steel-blue waters framed by stone shrines and prayer flags. This is one of Nepal’s most revered Hindu and Buddhist sacred lakes; the air carries the hush of devotion. Touch the water to your forehead if you wish, but resist the urge to wade—temperatures are glacial even at midday and the lake is a living place of worship.

Refreshed and awed, you contour across a necklace of smaller tarns before the path picks up the final rise to the crest of the Laurebina La (4,610m). The pass itself is spare and elemental—chortens, cairns, and a sky that feels within reach. On clear days the views run for continents: blue valleys stepping away beneath, with long looks back to Manaslu and forward towards the snow-bright bastion of Langtang Lirung (7,225m).

The descent is a delight: a balcony trail that folds south through boulder gardens and yak-nibbled slopes to the ridge-top lodges of Laurebina (3,900m). Here, clouds roll like surf against the dark trench of the Langtang Valley, and evening light kindles the Ganesh Himal into rose and gold. Settle in with a hot drink and watch the colours ebb from the high country you crossed today—a signature day of the journey.

Trek facts: Start Phedi 3,630m → Pass Laurebina La 4,610m → Finish Laurebina 3,900m; net gain to pass ~980m, net descent to camp ~710m. Typical hiking time 6–8 hours; cumulative ascent ~1,050–1,200m, descent ~750–900m depending on exact lodge locations and conditions.

Today is a mostly downhill trekking day—easy on the lungs, tougher on the knees—so trekking poles will be your best friends. From the high shoulders above Laurebina, the path drops steeply along a narrowing ridge. To the north, the slope cloaks itself in seemingly impenetrable forest, part of the fragile habitat that shelters the endangered red panda. While sightings are rare, move quietly and keep eyes on the mossy trunks and bamboo thickets that pattern these cool, shaded hillsides.

Midway down, you enter the hamlet of Chandan Bari and the monastic enclave of Sing Gompa, a peaceful pause of stone walls, prayer wheels and fluttering flags. Take a moment for tea and a spin of the mani wheel; on some seasons you may find a small yak-cheese dairy nearby—ideal for a savoury trail snack. Beyond this point the ridge is less defined and junctions multiply, so we keep together and follow the main line carefully as the trail undulates through forest breaks, glades and gullies.

In the final stretch, the route levels, then kicks up for a short, steady climb to Thulo Syabru (2,200m), a picturesque one-street village strung along a crest that overlooks the entry to the Langtang Valley. Check into a lodge perched above the stepped rooftops and savour the shift in climate—significantly warmer than recent nights, with sunset washing the terraces and distant ridges in gold. It’s a fine spot to unwind and stage for tomorrow’s foray deeper towards Langtang.

Trek facts: Start ~Laurebina 3,900m → Finish Thulo Syabru 2,200m; net descent ~1,700m with a brief final ascent. Typical hiking time 5–7 hours at a relaxed pace; cumulative descent ~1,600–1,900m, cumulative ascent ~150–300m (varies with trail choice and lodge locations).

Morning light finds you on the crest above the Langtang Valley, where a tidy row of houses shows off exquisite Newari woodcarving on lintels and window sills. From here the path slips from the ridge, zig-zagging down through terraces and copses until the cool rush of the Langtang Khola fills the air at around 1,800m. You turn upstream and the day’s character settles in: a rhythmic, undulating walk beside a lively mountain river.

The trail threads mixed woodland—pine, birch, oak and swaying bamboo—its floor soft with needles and moss. This is a living corridor: grey-furred langur monkeys leap between branches, laughing-thrushes call from the understory, and the whisper of bamboo hints at shy residents deeper in the forest, from wild boar to the elusive red panda and even Himalayan black bear. Waterfalls flicker through the trees; the path rises to meet them, then eases back to the river, repeating in gentle waves.

As the valley narrows, rock walls close in and the river gathers muscle, curling through polished boulders. Bridges chime underfoot, prayer flags add colour to the canopy, and the scent shifts from sun-warmed pine to damp stone and leaf-mould. A final steady pull brings you to Changtang—better known to trekkers as “Lama Hotel” (2,480m)—a small clutch of lodges tucked in forest shade, where the white noise of the river becomes your evening soundtrack.

Trek facts: Start ~Thulo Syabru 2,200m → drop to ~1,800m at the river → finish Lama Hotel 2,480m. Typical hiking time 5–6.5 hours; cumulative ascent ~700–900m, cumulative descent ~400–600m depending on trail choice and bridge approaches.

The character of the trek shifts today as we leave the steep-walled lower gorge and enter a wider, glacially carved, U-shaped valley. The forest opens and diversifies—stands of maple and oak mingle with the ubiquitous rhododendron—and, through gaps in the canopy, the white ramparts of Langtang Lirung flash into view, signalling our arrival in the heart of the high mountains.

Keeping the lively Langtang Khola close on one side, we follow an undulating trail that rises gently above the river. The woodland gradually thins to scrub and high meadows as we reach the small cluster of lodges at Gore Tabela (3,020m)—a welcome pause for tea and a snack with long views up-valley. From here the path continues its steady ascent, threading a sequence of Tamang hamlets guarded by mani walls and festooned with prayer flags that riffle in the alpine breeze.

By late morning the valley floor broadens and the sense of scale increases; stone-walled fields, drystone bothies and yak pastures patchwork the landscape beneath the dominant pyramid of Langtang Lirung, now due north of the trail. The route crosses a broad rockfall—a stark reminder of the events of 2015 that devastated the original village site. Beyond this section the settlement has been carefully re-established, and we continue a short distance to the new Langtang Village (3,540m), where we check into one of the rebuilt lodges and enjoy the afternoon light playing across cliffs and glaciers.

Trek facts: Start ~Lama Hotel 2,480m → Gore Tabela 3,020m → finish Langtang 3,540m. Typical hiking time 5–6.5 hours; cumulative ascent ~1,000–1,150m, cumulative descent ~100–200m depending on rests and exact lodge locations.

The Langtang Valley trek eases into wide-open terrain today. Leaving Langtang Village (3,540m), the path trends gently uphill across yak pastures and stone-walled meadows, with streams glittering between tussocks and prayer flags flickering from mani walls. The gradient is friendly for acclimatisation and the air feels bigger—views stretch up-valley while the snow-bright face of Langtang Lirung begins to dominate the skyline.

You pass a handful of isolated teahouses—many recently rebuilt—and walk through a mosaic of scrub and alpine grasses where choughs wheel overhead and dzopkyo graze. The trail climbs onto an ancient moraine plateau, a softly undulating bench laid down by long-retreated ice. Here, wind-polished boulders, low juniper and the distant crackle of the river set a high-mountain rhythm.

Rounding a final rise reveals Kyanjin Gompa (3,850m), a compact settlement cupped by peaks—a natural amphitheatre with icefalls and ridgelines on all sides. After checking into your lodge, stroll to the village’s small cheese factory, a beloved institution introduced with Swiss know-how in the mid-20th century. Sample a slice of local yak cheese, warm your hands around a mug of tea and watch afternoon cloud scroll across the flanks of Langtang Lirung—you’re now at the very heart of the valley.

Trek facts: Start Langtang 3,540m → Finish Kyanjin Gompa 3,850m; net gain ~310m. Typical hiking time 3–4.5 hours; cumulative ascent ~350–500m, minor undulations en route.

Wake to the silence and scale of Kyanjin Gompa, an amphitheatre of ice and stone that invites a full day of discovery. With lungs now better adapted to height, you can choose between the classic Tsergo Ri trek for panoramic Himalayan views, a gentler but longer valley walk to Langshisha Kharka, or a restorative day soaking up the atmosphere around the gompa.

Tsergo Ri (4,984m) summit option: Set out at first light for a steady, uncompromising ascent of roughly 1,100m above Kyanjin. The path climbs through yak pastures and moraine benches before tilting into a rugged boulder field with occasional steep pitches near the top (early season or after storms, patches of snow/ice are possible). Your reward is a sweeping 360° panorama: to the north and east the eight-thousand-metre giant Shishapangma glows above serried ridges; close at hand, the great faces of Langtang Lirung and elegant Gangchenpo dominate the skyline. Take measured steps on the descent—loose stones demand attention—and return to Kyanjin with the valley unfurling at your feet.

Langshisha Kharka (4,160m) valley option: Prefer a less steep day? Follow the river further east on a gently rising trail through summer pastures, sand bars and glacial outwash. The distance is greater than the summit route, but gradients are kinder, with big-country views to hanging glaciers, avalanche fans and amphitheatres of rock. Langshisha Kharka makes an idyllic picnic spot before you retrace your steps to Kyanjin in the afternoon light.

Easy day in Kyanjin: If your body asks for rest, answer it. Wander between the gompa, mani walls and the small cheese factory, linger over tea with mountain views, or take a brief acclimatisation stroll to a low shoulder above the village. Sometimes the most memorable mountain days are the quiet ones.

Trek facts: Tsergo Ri round trip typically 6–9 hours; cumulative ascent/descent ~1,100m. Langshisha Kharka round trip typically 6–8 hours; cumulative ascent/descent ~300–450m. Start/finish at Kyanjin Gompa 3,850m.

Today covers good distance but remains a straightforward, mostly downhill trek with big, open views down the Langtang Valley. Leaving Kyanjin Gompa (3,850m), you retrace the high-mountain corridor past Mundu and the newly rebuilt lodges near the original site of Langtang Village, the great face of Langtang Lirung slowly slipping behind as the valley broadens.

Keeping to the right bank of the lively Langtang Khola, the path rolls gently, easing you down through scrub and meadow to the cluster at Ghore (Gore) Tabela (3,020m)—a classic stop for tea and a last long look up-valley. Beyond, the trail tiptoes back into mixed forest, trading alpine vistas for a green hush of oak, maple and rhododendron, with bamboo thickets swaying beside the water.

You pass through small waypoints such as Chhunuma and the aptly named Riverside, where bridges chime underfoot and waterfalls thread silver through the trees. The gradient is kind, but knees feel the miles—trekking poles help on stepped sections. By afternoon you reach the forest clearing at Lama Hotel (2,480m), a familiar pocket of lodges tucked in the trees where the river’s white noise promises a restful night.

Trek facts: Start Kyanjin Gompa 3,850m → via Ghore/Gore Tabela 3,020m → finish Lama Hotel 2,480m. Typical hiking time 6–8 hours; net descent ~1,370m; cumulative descent ~1,400–1,600m with minor undulations.

Your final day on the Langtang Valley trek is rich in variety—balcony paths, farm terraces, forest shade and wide river views. From the lodges near Ramche, the trail holds its nerve high on the north side of the valley, weaving through pockets of terraced farmland and stone-walled plots with long looks across to sunlit ridges and the silver thread of the Langtang Khola far below.

Scattered Sherpa and Tamang hamlets punctuate the morning. You pass isolated farmsteads—potato furrows, drying racks, low byres—and arrive at the beautifully perched village of Sherpagaon (2,510m), strung along terraces high above the river. Prayer flags whisper at chorten corners; children wave from doorways; the valley drops away like a painted scroll. From here, an airy traverse leads around to Khangjung, where the path tips into a long, sometimes steep descent towards the meeting of rivers.

As altitude falls, the route slips into rich forest—pine and oak giving way to flamboyant rhododendron and swaying bamboo. This living corridor shelters grey langur monkeys and a kaleidoscope of birdlife; with luck and quiet steps, you might even glimpse signs of the elusive red panda. Water murmurs from side-gullies; bridges clatter; switchbacks test the knees. Finally, the trail reaches the stony banks of the Bhote Kosi—the glacier-fed river running down from Tibet—where you cross a sturdy bridge to the west bank and amble into Syabru Besi (1,460m) for a well-earned lodge night and celebratory supper.

Trek facts: Start ~Ramche/Sherpagaon side 2,400–2,500m → high traverse via Sherpagaon 2,510m & Khangjung → finish Syabru Besi 1,460m. Typical hiking time 6–8 hours. Cumulative descent ~1,100–1,300m; cumulative ascent ~200–350m (varies with exact lodge locations and trail choice).

After breakfast, bid farewell to the high hills and board your vehicle for the 7–8 hour road journey to Kathmandu. The route clings to the mountainside high above the west bank of the Trisuli River, curling through hamlets and markets, with long looks into terraced valleys where cardamom, millet and citrus patchwork the slopes. The air warms, horizons widen, and the cadence of mountain life slides by your window.

Climbing gently at first, the road threads settlements such as Dhunche before tipping into a series of switchbacks that descend to river level near Betrawati. From here, the drive runs past Trisuli Bazaar towards its low point by Devighat (approx. 500m), where warm breezes and banana groves signal a distinct change of climate. Villages blur into orchards, prayer flags into banyan shade; it’s a vivid cross-section of Nepal’s middle hills.

Turning east, the highway begins a long, sinuous ascent to Kakani (2,000m), poised on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley. On clear days, distant snow-lines serrate the northern sky while the valley unfurls below in a soft green bowl. Rolling over the crest, you glide down into Kathmandu, arriving mid-afternoon. Check in at the group hotel, freshen up, and enjoy some easy hours—perhaps a gentle stroll for coffee and handicrafts—before gathering in Thamel for a celebratory dinner amid rooftop terraces and the soft clatter of prayer wheels.

Drive facts: Total distance ~120–140 km depending on routing; typical journey time 7–8 hours with rest stops. Highest point today: Kakani ~2,000m; lowest point near Devighat ~500m.

After breakfast, your Nepal adventure draws to a close. Our team will provide your pre-arranged Kathmandu airport transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), ensuring a smooth, unhurried departure. Take a final look at the valley’s tiered hills and temple spires as you travel—memories of ridgelines, rhododendron forests and big Himalayan skies packed safely alongside your souvenirs.

If your flight is later in the day and you wish to savour a few extra hours, you can add a short Kathmandu Valley sightseeing experience—ideal for one last immersion in heritage and craft. Alternatively, extend your stay with a multi-day wildlife escape to Chitwan National Park for river safaris, birdwatching and Tharu culture. These Nepal tour extensions can be pre-booked during the online booking process for seamless planning.

Suggested extensions (optional at extra cost): A curated half-day heritage loop (e.g., Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square); a sunset run to Bhaktapur & Nagarkot for valley views; 2–3 nights in Chitwan National Park (jeep/canoe safaris, nature walks); or an early-morning Everest scenic flight before your transfer.