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Treks

Plan

Kyanjin Gompa village in the Langtang valley, beneath snow peaks

Langtang Valley guide

How hard is the Langtang Valley trek?

An honest look at the difficulty of the Langtang Valley trek, the long climb from Syabrubesi, the altitude at Kyanjin Gompa, and how to train for it.

Langtang is a moderate trek: one valley, up and back, with no high passes. It still climbs from about 1,460 m to 3,870 m, so altitude matters.

The hard parts

  • The first trekking day. From Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel you gain about 1,000 m through forest, the biggest climb of the trek.
  • Above Langtang village. The air thins as you approach Kyanjin Gompa at 3,870 m. Walk slowly.
  • Kyanjin Ri. The optional climb above Kyanjin Gompa reaches about 4,600 m. It’s steep, but the view of the glaciers and Langtang Lirung is the highlight of the trek.
  • The drive. The road from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi is long and rough.

How to train

  • Walk hills or stairs two or three times a week for six to eight weeks before you go.
  • Do at least a few long walks with the pack you’ll carry, on consecutive days.

Who it suits

Fit walkers who want a high mountain valley without flights, and a quieter trail than Everest or Annapurna Base Camp.