This intriguing 15-day trek to Langtang National Park is a great option for visitors seeking diversity of Himalayan scenery. Local village culture, alpine forests, a grand glaciated valley, and if you are up for it, a day trip at the end to the top of an easy peak. The sheer variety of experiences on this trek deserves an entire chapter in a travel book.

The landscape is also a rich treasure trove of images and sounds for videographers and digital nomads looking to document the Himalayas on one single trip without having to spend a month trudging across Nepal.

Despite its duration, this is a moderate walk suitable for anyone with some basic fitness. There are uphill stretches at the beginning, interspersed with delightful woodland sections, before we enter the relatively flat upper Langtang valley. We walk for around 5-6 hours a day with leisurely breaks for lunch, photos and interactions with local villagers.

Day 1: Arrive in Nepal’s bustling capital of Kathmandu

The vast majority of visitors from around the world fly into Kathmandu, a sprawling city of more than 1.6 million people. As you step out of Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide or a company representative who will drive you to your hotel. After finalising your itinerary with your guide at the hotel and answering any remaining questions you might have, you are free to go explore the warrens of colourful alleyways and tourist attractions in downtown Kathmandu. Restaurants, bars and shops open till late during peak tourist seasons.  

Day 2: Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1460m)

A scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1460m/4790ft), passing terraced hillsides, forests, and local villages. After crossing Trishuli River and enjoying mountain scenery along the way, you arrive at the quiet village of Syabrubesi, gateway to Langtang National Park and trailhead of the Tamang Heritage Trail.

Day 3: Syabrubesi to Gatlang (2238m)

Ascend from Syabrubesi to Gatlang (2238m/7343ft) through lush rhododendron forests, fast-flowing rivers and waterfalls, and Tamang villages. Look out for great views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal range and surrounding peaks. In the evening, consider visiting the freshwater lake of Parvati Kund high above Gatlang or an ancient Tamang Buddhist monastery at the village.

Day 4: Gatlang to Tatopani (2607m)

Today, we start the trek from Gatlang to Tatopani (2607m/8553ft) with a gentle descent through forests, crossing suspension bridges over mountain streams, walking through terraced fields. We will also pass by Tibetan Buddhist chortens (as stupas are called in Nepal), streams of prayer flags, and walls of rocks and stones inscribed with Buddhist mantras. The trail then turns uphill past more villages before you arrive at Tatopani, a village steeped in Tamang culture. The village was once famous for its natural hot springs, but they have largely disappeared following the 2015 magnitude-7.8 Nepal earthquake.

Day 5: Tatopani to Nagthali (3165m)

From Tatopani we head towards Nagthali Ghyang (3165m/10384ft), passing through dense alpine forests. You emerge onto a grassy plateau around lunch-time with breath-taking views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges. Some groups choose to descend after lunch and stay at the village of Thuman on the same day, missing out on a rare chance to sample rare panoramic vistas. This is also the elevation where trekkers may start to feel the altitude, so we advise travellers to take it easy for the rest of the day in Nagthali. Due to the open landscape, evenings will be chilly.

Day 6: Nagthali to Taruche viewpoint and back to Nagthali (3165m)

Head uphill after a delicious breakfast to Taruche viewpoint (3726m/12224ft), arguably the jewel in the crown on the Tamang Heritage Trail, offering grand views of the Langtang, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu and beyond on a clear day, rivalling the panoramas seen on the summit of Poon Hill in the Annapurnas further west. Look in the other direction, and one could peer into Tibet. Pencil in 4-5 hours for this side trip. Lunch at Nagthali. One can either overnight in Nagthali or descend to Thuman (2200m/7218ft) for the night.

Day 7: Nagthali to Briddim (2229m)

After a hearty breakfast, we descend to Thuman, where you can explore an old Tibetan Buddhist monastery and a yak cheese factory. Then through lush forests, we reach Briddim (2229m/7313ft), walking along terraced hillsides and passing by more stone chortens and mani walls. Beautiful forests of fir and pine will be your companion today before you arrive at Briddim, a pretty village renowned for its Tamang traditions and festivals. There is a monastery you can visit before a well-deserved dinner.

Day 8: Briddim to Lama Hotel (2470m)

Set off after breakfast for the next leg of your journey – the famed Langtang National Park! The trail quickly descends towards the Ghopche Khola river. Upon crossing the river via a suspension bridge, the trail begins to ascend on gentle and well-maintained tracks cutting through rhododendron and pine forests with occasional clearings offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. By the early afternoon, after passing throught the pretty villages of Khangjim, Sherpagaon and Rimche, you will reach Lama Hotel (2470m/8104ft), a tranquil area nestled on the banks of the Langtang river. Check into your lodge and relax, taking the opportunity to explore the peaceful surroundings. Enjoy a short walk around the area or simply unwind by the river, soaking in the fresh mountain air.

Day 9: Lama Hotel to Langtang (3400m)

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the heart of the mountains as you hike from Lama Hotel to the village of Langtang (3400m/11155ft) about 5-6 hours away. The trail ascends gradually, crossing picturesque Buddhist mani walls, stone chortens (stupas), and Tamang villages painted with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. The lush forests open up to reveal breath-taking views of Langtang Lirung, a majestic peak rising dramatically into the sky. You may spot white monkeys frolicking in the trees or colourful birds darting through the canopy as you walk within the protected area of Langtang National Park. The scent of pine and rhododendron blossoms fills the air. Pace yourself as you enter an elevation where the effects of altitude will be felt. The current Langtang village is relatively new, built from the ground up after the old Langtang was wiped out by a massive landslide triggered by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in 2015. There is a stone memorial honouring the lives of those who perished in the tragedy on that day. As you arrive at your lodge, it is common to feel fatigued or have a dull headache in the evening. Retire to bed early. 

Day 10: Langtang to Kyanjin Gompa (3860m)

Today is an elevation-gaining day as you trek for 3-4 hours towards Kyanjin Gompa at 3860m (12664ft). The trail climbs steadily past yak pastures and gentle streams, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The landscape transitions from lush forest to alpine meadows dotted with colourful wildflowers and grazing yaks. Upon reaching Kyanjin Gompa, visit the ancient monastery, a centre of spiritual and cultural life for local Tamang communities. From here, marvel at the sweeping vistas of snow-capped peaks including Langtang Lirung (7246m/23773ft), their majestic forms thrusting into the blue sky to create an unforgettable panorama.

Day 11: Explore the Kyanjin Gompa region

Today will be the highlight of the trip, no matter what you choose to do. And the options are many. If you are feeling good, consider trekking to the summit of Kyanjin Ri (4773m/15660ft) in the morning for stunning views of the Langtang Lirung amphitheatre and spend the afternoon exploring the valley. If the weather is clear and your fitness permits, aim for Tsergo Ri (4984m/16352ft), a strenuous excursion taking up to 10 hours return. If walking up a Himalayan peak is not your cup of tea, go slow and explore the delightful and awe-inspiring Langtang valley itself. There is no permanent habitation beyond Kyanjin Gompa and the end of the valley close to Nepal’s border with Tibet is a two-day walk. For three hours, go as far as Namthang Kharka (3940m/12927ft), which offers good views up the valley. It would take another hour to reach Langshisa Kharka (4110m/13484ft). Make sure you have sufficient time to return to Kyanjin Gompa before dark. 

Day 12: Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel (2470m)

Today, you retrace your steps back towards Lama Hotel (2470m/8104ft), trekking downhill through lush forests, village homesteads, and scenic river crossings. The route takes about 5-6 hours, offering a mix of peaceful valley views and forested trails. Passing through Langtang village and Ghoretabela (3005m/9859ft), you'll soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the mountain landscape one last time before entering the forest and arriving at Lama Hotel, where comfortable lodges await.

Day 13: Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru (2250m)

On Day 8, you begin your trek from Lama Hotel and head towards Thulo Syabru (2250m/7382ft), a journey that typically takes around 5 to 6 hours. The trail leads you through beautiful pine, oak, and rhododendron forests. As you walk, keep an eye out for endangered wildlife such as red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and a variety of bird species that inhabit this lush landscape. The forested path winds upward, opening up to reveal the large Tamang village of Thulo Syabru, known for its rich cultural heritage. The village's peaceful atmosphere and scenic mountain backdrop make it an ideal place to experience local Tamang culture. You will stay overnight in a warm, welcoming lodge within the village, surrounded by stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests.

Day 14: Thulo Syabru to Kathmandu via Thulo Bharkhu

On Day 9, your trek takes you from Thulo Syabru to Thulo Bharkhu, a small yet charming Tamang settlement, after walking about 3-4 hours. After lunch in Thulo Bharkhu, you will transfer back to Kathmandu in a private vehicle where you can unwind, enjoy a hot shower, and reflect on the incredible journey through the Himalayan landscape.

Day 15: Goodbye – for now

Bid farewell to your guide or even travel mates as you are being driven to the airport for your departure from Nepal. We look forward to your return some day!