On our trek we start in the lower
Langtang Valley, trekking through its forests
and among the villages and farmlands of its
people, many of who are of Tibetan origin. Once
an important trading route with Tibet, this
influence is reflected in the character of the
villages and peoples. During part of the trek
you will be walking through National Park, and
though wildlife is never easy to spot in a forest
setting, there are chances of seeing some interesting
animals and birds. Among those found in the
park are monkeys, musk deer, pika and the national
bird of Nepal, the colourful danphe.
From Langtang village, the track
continues to Kyangjin Gompa (3,740 m). This
is the site of the Yala Cheese Factory. There
is a STOL airstrip at Chhaldang, a short distance
east of Kyangjin. Visiting to the Yala Cheese
Factory (4.633 m) and the small lakes beyond
Yala are worthwhile. Yala can be reached within
half a day from Kyangjin Gompa.
12
Days |
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Maximum
Altitude:4380 m |
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DAY 01 |
Katmandu - Dhunche (1950m) by bus. |
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DAY
02 |
Dhunche
- Syabru (2130m) in 5hrs. |
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This
is a fine day of trekking, which traverses
fir tree and rhododendron forests towards
a ridge (2300m). From here we get a panoramic
view all the way from Ganesh Himal in the
west to Naya Kanga in the east and the Tibetan
snowy summits. The trail drops steeply down
towards the Bothe Khosi river towards Syabru,
which is a busy village with its houses
laid out in single file down the hillside.
Sherpas and Tamangs farm this area. |
DAY
03 |
Syabru
- Lama Hotel (2390m) in 5hrs. |
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Following a high trail, we pass through
terraces and bamboo massifs. We cross Syarpagaon
to continue through a fine forest, alive
with birds and the occasional troupe of
monkeys. After crossing the Langtang Khola,
we start the ascent of the valley and soon
reach the shepherds’ huts that are
Lama Hotel. |
DAY
04 |
Lama Hotel - Langtang (3520m) in 5hrs. |
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We
now have a spectacular view of the Langtang
Lirung (7246m). After a steep climb through
the Langtang gorge, the ascent eases and
the valley widens out into an area of yak
meadows and rhododendrons. Further up, we
reach Langtang, populated by Tibetans. |
DAY
05 |
Langtang - Kyangin Gompa (3850m) in 3hrs. |
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An
easy and pleasant walk through yak meadows.
The village is spectacularly situated in
a glacial amphitheatre dominated by high
peaks. An excellent base for shorter walks
towards the Langtang Lirung glacier, eastwards
to Lagshisa glacier or a tougher ascent
of the northern flank of the valley towards
Yala Peak. |
DAY 06 |
Kyangin
Gompa - Ghora Tabela (3000m) in 6hrs. |
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We
retrace our steps downhill and reach the
army post of Ghora Tabela. |
DAY
07 |
Ghora
Tabela - Syabru in 6hrs. |
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The
trail leaves the alpine country and returns
to the deep forest. |
DAY
08 |
Syabru
- Sin Gompa (3350m) in 5hrs. |
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We
leave the Langtang valley to climb towards
the sacred Gosaikund lakes. A stiff uphill
climb leads to the ridgeline offering views
north into Tibet and west towards the Annapurnas.
The second leg goes through old hemlocks
and rhododendrons to Sin Gompa,high above
the Trisuli river. |
DAY
09 |
Sin
Gompa - Gosaikund (4380m) in 5hrs. |
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Through
a rocky landscape and sparse bushes the
trail follows two glacial lakes before reaching
the main lake--Gosaikund. This site is a
great pilgrimage for Hindus during August,
when thousands come to bath and make offerings. |
DAY
10 |
Gosaikund
- Sin Gompa in 4hrs. |
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DAY
11 |
Sin
Gompa - Dhunche in 5hrs. |
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Descent
through rhododendron forests and giant fire
trees. We cross the Trisuli on a suspension
bridge and follow the river along the south
bank through fields. |
DAY
12 |
Dhunche
- Katmandu by bus. |
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