Photo: Himalayan Local Guide / UnsplashNepal
The closest big trek to Kathmandu: a week up a glacial valley of Tamang villages and yak pastures to Kyanjin Gompa, with no flights and the peaks close enough to touch.
The trek starts at Syabrubesi, a long day's drive north of Kathmandu, and follows the Langtang Khola through forest and Tamang villages to Kyanjin Gompa at about 3,870 m, beneath Langtang Lirung.
The 2015 earthquake destroyed the old Langtang village. It has been rebuilt nearby, and staying in its lodges supports the families who came back. Fit walkers can do the trek in a week, without any flights.
Day by day
₹17,500–28,000per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
A long drive north through Dhunche. Rest well for the walk.
Follow the Langtang Khola through bamboo and oak forest to Lama Hotel (about 2,470 m).
Climb out of the forest into the open valley and the rebuilt Langtang village (about 3,430 m).
A short day to Kyanjin Gompa (about 3,870 m), its monastery and its yak-cheese factory.
Climb Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m) early for views of Langtang Lirung, then rest.
A long descent back down the valley.
Walk out to Syabrubesi, and drive to Kathmandu the next morning.
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Teahouse room | ₹300–800 | ₹1,200–2,500 |
| Food (rises with altitude) | ₹1,200–2,000 | ₹2,000–3,000 |
| Guide (your share of the daily rate) | ₹1,000–2,000 | ₹2,000–3,000 |
| Charging, Wi-Fi and hot showers | ₹200–500 | ₹400–800 |
| Typical day | ₹2,500–4,000 | ₹5,600–9,300 |
Langtang National Park entry is about NPR 1,500 (roughly ₹940) at the SAARC rate; buy it in Kathmandu or at Dhunche on the way. The bus to Syabrubesi is cheap, but a private jeep costs several thousand rupees each way, so share it if you can.
A small monastery and lodge village at the head of the valley, ringed by glaciers.
A steep morning climb to 4,773 m for the best view of Langtang Lirung.
Stone houses, prayer wheels and yak pastures along the trail.
A holy lake at about 4,380 m, a 3–4 day add-on that fills with pilgrims at Janai Purnima.
Moderate. Days are 5–6 hours of walking, mostly uphill on the way in, and the highest overnight stop is about 3,870 m. No technical skills are needed.
Langtang is shorter, lower and needs no flights, so it's cheaper and easier to fit into a week. Everest goes higher and takes about two weeks.
Yes. The holy lake of Gosaikunda is a 3–4 day add-on via Thulo Syabru. It goes above 4,300 m, so allow time to acclimatise.
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Guide reviewed September 2026. Costs are estimates, not live prices. Check current prices, permits, weather, safety advice and schedules before you travel.
