Overview

This fifteen day trip in-country includes ten days trekking in the stunning Langtang region of Nepal, which is the closest National Park to Kathmandu and requires no internal flights to reach it. The Tamang Heritage trail adds a circular loop to the trek which avoids going the whole way up and down the same path. There is also an option to add on a summit of Yala Peak which adds three days to the trip.

The area is renowned for its beautiful cedar forests and flowers and jaw dropping views of soaring Himalayan peaks including the mighty Shishapangma which is one of the 8000 metre peaks, Manaslu Massif, Ganesh, Langtang and Jugal Himal. The Tamang trail is a relatively new circular addition to the route which promotes an income to the Tamang hill people who settled in the area.

Days 1-3:    Arrive Kathmandu, rest day, and drive to Langtang region
Days 4-13:  Langtang Trek and Tamang Heritage Trail
Days 14-15: Drive back to Kathmandu, and depart for home

Map of Langtang Valley Trek with Tamang Heritage Trail

Langtang Valley and Tamang Heritage Trail Map.jpg (1)

 

lang tang valley panorama.jpg

Langtang is situated north of Kathmandu and borders Tibet. The terrain is mountainous but not precipitous with forests, terraced hill slopes and valley paths leading to high pastures and eventually the moraine of the glaciers and peaks. It does not reach the same heights as the treks in the Khumbu valleys and therefore has far less of the altitude related issues.

The Tamang Heritage trail visits an area where the people who originally came from Tibet as horse traders settled in Nepal several hundred years ago. They have a distinct Tibetan identity with Tibetan and their own language with colourful dancing and interesting customs. The Tamang villages in Langtang were badly affected during the 2015 earthquake and this trek helps promote an income to the villagers.

langtang valley beauty.JPG


Below are a couple of independent clips covering the area:

Tamang Heritage Trail from Bruce Lyman on Vimeo.

Langtang Valley Timelapse from lokofilms on Vimeo.

 

Description of the Langtang Valley trek

The overall distance is in the range of 95km. You do not need to be super-fit for the Langtang trek section however the Tamang Heritage Trail section does have some moderately challenging ascent sections. The entire trek has mostly 6 hours days of sustained walking with a light backpack - your main pack goes by porter. The effects of altitude will tax your body, though this trek is not overly high, plus the pace is slow and the rate of ascent very gradual.

The trek follows a well trodden path all the way through which can be rocky and uneven in parts and there is no need of any rock climbing or ‘mountaineering’ nor specialist equipment. Walking poles are useful though. Higher up, the open slopes and moraine may give you added reassurance with a pole, but again the path is quite easy to follow and of course you'll be in the expert hands of your guide.

langtang valley with lakes.jpg

ALTITUDE PROFILE FOR THE LANGTANG VALLEY AND TAMANG HERITAGE TREK

Altitude Profile Langtang Valley and Tamang Heritage Trek
Click the image above for a larger version

ACCOMMODATION ON THE LANGTANG VALLEY & TAMANG HERITAGE TREK

Accommodation varies between the more traditional Tamang Heritage Trail and the central valley section. The former is less westernised and more rural. This specific area was badly hit by the Nepal earthquake so you have a mixture of traditional lodges and in many places new builds, though of traditional style. The second section of the trek, up into the Langtang Valley is in comfortable and more established lodges. Accommodation in both sections are run by local families. Each lodge has a central communal area with a large stove that provides heat and a cosy atmosphere. The bedrooms are unheated and generally have two beds per room with mattresses, pillows and a blanket. You will need to bring a sleeping bag (3 season is normally enough) and we'd recommend a pillow case. 

The lodges generally have showers and toilets with the first section being more basic and the latter powered by gas and with sit down flush toilets (some lodges do also have squat toilets). Food in the lodges is very good quality, a mixture of local Nepali food and in the Langtang western recipes. You will find a Nepal price guide here. There are also many shops selling all types of drinks and snacks, sweets and chocolate. You can also buy any gear that you may, or forget on the trail or in Kathmandu.

PACKING LIST FOR THE LANGTANG VALLEY & TAMANG HERITAGE TREK

Normal trekking clothes and some warm layers for the evenings and a rain jacket are needed for this trek. You won't need any specilist equipment or kit. Have a look at our Nepal Trekking Kit List page for information about what gear and clothing we recommend.

The basic idea of the kit needed is to keep you warm, dry, protected from the sun, able to move comfortably in the mountains and able to be comfortable in the evenings and night. The main points to cover are as follows:-

  • Bags - Rucksack or duffle bag for a porter to carry plus a day pack to be carried by you. Dry bags inside to store clothes.
  • Rain protection - Top and bottom waterproofs to keep off wind/rain, also an umbrella
  • Layers - Shirts, trousers, shorts, T-shirts, jumpers and jackets, hat and gloves.
  • Walking - Comfortable boots with a good sole and ankle support. Lighter footwear to change into in the evenings. Trekking poles
  • Sleeping - 3 or 4 season is enough in the lodges where there are beds and mattresses and blankets
  • Water - Water bottles should be hard plastic (Nalgene), not throwaway bottles. Water can be boiled or treated.
  • Personal hygiene - wash kit, towel, small first aid kit
  • Sun protection - sunglasses, sunhat
  • Miscellaneous - head torch, camera, books, music, power bank and leads

Kathmandu has an area called Thamel which is full of hundreds of equipment shops, each one an emporium of new, used, quality and fake equipment all very reasonably priced for rental and buying. You can buy anything needed for any trek.

IS THE LANGTANG VALLEY AND TAMANG HERITAGE TREK GOOD FOR A FAMILY TRIP?

The Langtang Valley trek is a great itinerary for people thinking about trekking in Nepal with their children. The days are not too demanding, the views and scenery is beautiful and the villages and people interesting and friendly. It's not too high, there are none of the precipitous bridges crossing torrents and gorges plus it's not too busy an area and it's close to Kathmandu.

WHAT IS THE TAMANG HERITAGE TRAIL?

The Tamang Heritage Trail has only relatively recently been opened up for trekkers. It offers a lovely addition to the Langtang trek. It is an excellent way to experience the culture of the local Tamang people who live here. Life is very traditional along this unique trail and slower than on the main trails. With more tradition you can expect less westernised lodges, but a warm and friendly welcome and of course amazing views and fantastic flora and fauna.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE LANGTANG TREKKING REGION?

The Langtang National Park is a protected area where the majority of residents are Tamang and the climatic zones range from subtropical to alpine. It remained unknown until Bill Tilman’s expedition in 1949, the same year that the Royal Geographic Society and the Alpine Club asked for permission to explore the south side of Everest; this was refused, but Tilman was allowed into Langtang, where he searched for a way into Tibet. He discovered a pass (still called Tilman’s Pass) beyond Gangchempo leading south through the wild Jugal Himal and back to Kathmandu.

Today, despite the road going up the Trisuli Valley all the way to Dhunche, the valley is still a less visited area compared to the Khumbu or Annapurna regions. The Park has similar climatic pattern to Sagamartha National Park, but the subtropical area to the south ensures a wider variety of animals, including musk deer, Himalayan black bears and the Himalyan tahr (a large ungulate), langur monkeys, ghorals, and the rare snow leopard and red pandas.

Trees include oak, blue pine, birch, maple and in the springtime the hillsides are heavy with rhododendron flowers. The valley also boasts several glacial lakes including Gosainkunda Lake which is sacred to Hindus and a possible add on to your trek if you have a few more days. There are also lot's of very high technical peaks and lower trekkig peaks which can also be added to you itinerary such as Yala Peak.

Langtang-Valley-with-Gosaikunda.jpg

 Do have a read of our various Blogs about treks in Nepal and also the 'More Information' section, both have tabs on this page and will answer every question you may have! We also have a lot of useful information on our Nepal Preparation page.

Fixed Itineraries
Start Date
12/07/2017
End Date
14/07/2017
Days
2
Price
£1bn dollars
£1bn dollars
Start Date
12/10/2024
End Date
26/10/2024
Days
15
Price
£1345.00
Start Date
15/03/2025
End Date
29/03/2025
Days
15
Price
£1345.00
Start Date
12/04/2025
End Date
26/04/2025
Days
15
Price
£1345.00
Start Date
13/09/2025
End Date
27/09/2025
Days
15
Price
£1345.00
Start Date
11/10/2025
End Date
25/10/2025
Days
15
Price
£1345.00

Langtang Valley itinerary

15 days trip from arrival in Kathmandu up to the day of departure
12 days trip - 2 days driving and 10 days trekking

 

Day Elevation Travel Time Description
1-2 1500m  

Arrival in Kathmandu for two nights in the hotel.

3 1500m 8 hrs

Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, 1500m

4 2240m 6 - 7 hours

Syabrubesi to Gatlang at 2240m

The trail initially has a few steep ascents to reach Ronga Bhanjyang after 3 hours with views of the Ganesh Himal and Gosaikunda range alongside the Goljang Valley. Descend into the Goljang valley for about an hour for lunch and then continue on easy terrian to traditional Tamang village of Gatlang. Visit the ancient monastery or for nature lovers the Parbati Kund offers a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna.

5 2605m 6 hours

Gatlang to Tatopani at 2605m

Initially through deep forests and the village of Chilme which takes about 2.5 hours. Cross a suspension bridge and after a further 1.5 hours arrive at Gonggang village for lunch. The trail continues gently up for another 2 hrs to Tatopani, where is famous for its natural hot springs.

6 2340m 6 hours

Tatopani to Thuman, 2605m

Initially gain height through forest and reach Brimdang, famous for a beautiful monastery at the top of a hill, and then a short steep section to Nagthali village at 3165m for lunch with great views over Langtang Lirung (7225m), Shishapangma (8013m) and Ganesh Himal (7422m). After lunch a gentler descent to Thuman.

7 2230m 5 hours

Thuman to Briddim, 2230m

Initially descend to Timure on the old trade route to Tibet; there is an ancient fort nearby on the Nepal-Tibet border called Rasuwaghadi and some large hydroeletric projects in the area. After lunch cross a suspension bridge over the Bhote Kosi river and ascend steeply to Briddim.

8  2470m 6 hours

Briddim to Rimche, 2470m

Drop back down the Bhote Khosi valley through forest and terraced fields where you might see some local wildlife and then ascend more gently to Rimche through high bamboo on the bank of the Langtang river. Following the river to enter the Langtang Valley itself, the heritage trail now meets with the main trail. A short distance past Rimche is the Lama Hotel which is a collection of lodges and homes. 

9  3430m 6 hours

Rimche to Langtang Village, 3230m

Ascending through forest to where the valley broadens out at Ghoda Tabela (3030m) after a few hours, there is a registration checkpoint and then a further trek up to Chyamki village where there are many mani walls and chotens signalling proximity to Langtang Village, a large Tamang settlement.

10  3865m  3 hours

Langtang Village to Kyangjin Gompa, 3865m

A short day following the Langtang valley through numerous villages and yak herding areas, to eventually reach the famous monastery in the heart of the Langtang region with stunning views of the peaks around. This is the high point of the trek, and there will be plenty of opportunity to explore the area.

11 3865m Variable

Kyangjin Gompa

Today can be a rest day at this beautiful place and a chance to explore the monastery and see the monks going about their daily lives, and you might also see a puja ceremony. There is also a cheese factory nearby. There is a local hike up to Langshisa Kharka (4100m) for views of Tserko Ri (5450m), Langtang Lirung (7227m), Langtang II (6586m) and many more peaks. Overnight again in the lodges at Kyanjin Gompa.

12 2380m 6 hours

Kyangjin Gompa to Rimche, 2380m

Descend back down the Langtang Valley bypassing Langtang Village and stopping at Ghoda Tabela for lunch, before descending further to Lama Hotel for an overnight.

13 1500m 5 hours

Rimche to Syabrubesi, 1500m

Final day trekking back to the start point of Syabrubesi along the Langtang river descending through bamboo and birch forests, crossing the Langtang and the Bhote Koshi rivers.

14 1400m 8 hour drive

Syabrubesi to Kathmandu by road

A day's drive back to Kathmandu and to the hotel.

15     Airport transfer for departure home

Langtang Valley and Tamang Heritage Trail trek cost £1285.00

INCLUDES

  • Airport Transfers
  • English speaking trekking guide
  • Porters - each porter carries between 15 and 18kgs.
  • Accommodation in lodges whilst on trek
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner in lodges with a hot drink at each meal (ordered from the menu)
  • Jeep transport to and from the Langtang region
  • National Park and Heritage Trail permit fees
  • Staff food, insurance, accommodation and equipment

EXCLUDES

  • Accommodation in Kathmandu - we provide options during booking or you can book your own. Click here for details
  • Travel Insurance - to cover trekking only
  • Personal expenses - extra hot or cold drinks, snacks, charging, hot showers, boiled water.
  • Single room supplements
  • Tips

Payments

A deposit of £100.00 is required on booking to secure your place and we ask that the remaining balance (trip price minus the deposit) is paid in full 6 weeks prior to your departure. When you book with us you're given your own secure online account which you can access 24/7. Through this account you can edit your booking, add flight, health, insurance and dietary details and also make interim payments. We make payments as flexible as possible and you can choose, if you wish, to pay a bit off your trip fee whenever it suits you.

Local Benefits

This trek supports the Tamang Heritage Association because the route passes through their land and staying in their community lodges allows them to benefit from tourism revenue.

£1,345pp

Choose a scheduled date or contact us to set up private dates or a bespoke itinerary. The minimum deposit is £100.00 and the balance is due four weeks before travel.

Tours from only 1,345pp Dates & Bookings
Key Information
  • Duration 15 days
  • Numbers 2 - 10
  • Max Altitude 5000m
  • Distance 95km
  • Challenge Moderate
  • Comfort Lodge