Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN NEPAL
You will depart the UK for the trip of a lifetime! If you have booked flights with us (option available for Bucket Lister + trips only), we’ll provide all the information you’ll need to meet your guide. If you are arranging your own flights, have a safe journey!
On arrival in Kathmandu you’ll make your way to the accommodation. If you have booked transfers through us, we’ll send you the details before your trip.
Special Information: Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today.
DAY 2: FREE DAY IN KATHMANDU
Free day to relax and explore Kathmandu.
DAY 3: DRIVE TO DHUNCHE
About 30 minutes out of Kathmandu, you pass through the town of Kakani from where there are excellent views of the Ganesh Himal. Further along, we’ll stop at Trisuli Bazar, before continuing the drive to Dhunche (1970m). At this point, you’ll get excellent views of Gheng (6581m) and Langtang Lirung (7246m) to the north and Ganesh (7460m) to the west. The drive descends towards the Trisuli River and to Thulo Bharkhu, then climbs steeply through pine woods. From here you have fine views up the valley towards the Tibetan border, about 20km away. The trail out of Bharkhu climbs a steep slope to the top of a ridge (2300m) which is a good place to take a break; it’s a great bird-watching site. At this point, you have entered the Langtang Valley with views of Ganesh Himal to the west, Tibet to the north, and Langtang Lirung to the east. You can also see, on a ridge top below you, the lovely village of Syabru (Thulo). The trail contours around the ridge before descending a short steep slope into Syabru (2134m).
DAY 4: GHORETABELA (3048m)
Start to walk through the cool forests of oak and maple that cover the lower sections of the valley, then climb through massive stands of spruce, fir, and blue pine. Towering walls close in and your paths will skirt precipitous drops, which fall into a silt-laden river below. It is a classic transition from temperate lowland forest to high-altitude Himalayan valley. Descend through the village of Syabru and continue down the ridge until you come to a trail to the east that drops sharply off the ridge and through a dense forest. Cross a bridge (1960m) over a tributary of the Langtang Khola and then climb for a short distance. The trail continues level for a way before descending, still in the forest, to the Langtang Khola. The trail follows the south bank of the river through a deep gorge with no views of the mountains, crossing another tributary in about an hour. In another hour from this tributary, cross yet another bridge (2050m) to the north bank of the Langtang Khola. The trail begins climbing up from the river at this point and in an hour, shortly after the trail levels off, you’ll join the old Langtang trail (2380m) from Sherpagaon and Syabrubensi. Another hour from this trail junction brings you to the Lama Hotel in the tiny village of Chongong (2400m). From the Lama Hotel the trail climbs steadily to Ghora Tabela (3048m) with glimpses of Langtang Lirung (7246m) through the trees. At times the trail becomes very steep but only for short distances. Gradually the air becomes thinner and the climate colder. At Ghoretabela the trail leaves the forest and a spectacular view of Langtang Lirung appears. Ghoretabela was once a Tibetan resettlement camp but is now an army post.
DAY 5: LANGTANG (3506m)
Continuing up the valley, leaving the forests behind, the trail ascends steadily, passing below a monastery before entering Langtang village. Langtang is an interesting Tibetan-style village, with stone walls enclosing houses and fields where you might see your first yaks! The Langtang National Park headquarters is located here. After Langtang, you will see a community of typical flat-roofed Tibetan houses; here the valley flattens and broadens into open pasture. This is perfect for raising yaks, and you will see these imposing beasts everywhere.
Approximately 6-hour walk
DAY 6: KYANJIN GOMPA (3811m)
The valley is U-shaped as it was carved by a glacier. Below Langtang, the valley has the characteristic V-shape of a river-carved valley. Leaving Langtang, you ascend gradually to a chorten (a small Tibetan Buddhist stupa), behind which is a very long Mani wall. The trail passes two small villages, and the valley widens. You cross several streams and a moraine before arriving at Kyanjin Gompa (3800m). Between Langtang and Kyanjin Gompa, the views just get better and better; you will see Yansa Tsenji (6580m) and Kimshun (6750m) to the north and the Langtang Himal to the northwest. Take a good rest at Kyanjin Gompa and allow your body to acclimatise to the high altitude as much as possible in preparation for further ascent tomorrow. 4-hour walk
DAY 7: LANGSHISHA KHARKA (4125m)
Trekking further up the valley provides more spectacular views of Langtang Lirung (7246m), Ganchenpo (6400m), Langshisa Ri (6320m), Dorje Lakpa (6700m), Lenpo Gang (7100m), and Urkinmang (6170m). About a 4-hour walk to the east of Kyanjin Gompa from the village is the 5033m Tserko Ri. If you are well acclimatised, physically fit, and start early in the morning you should be able to climb this peak and return to Kyanjin Gompa on the same day. The reward for climbing to the summit is a magnificent view of the 7246m Langtang Lirung, the mountain that dominates the valley.
DAY 8: LAMA HOTEL (2480m)
You are acclimatised already so descending will not be a problem. You should be able to reach the Lama Hotel in about a 6-hour walk from Kyanjin Gompa.
DAY 9: SYABRU (3906m)
We will be continuing to Syabru today, walking for about 6 hours.
DAY 10: SING GOMPA (3254m)
Leaving Syabru, climb past the gompa, school, and army post, and follow the switchback up the steep hill above the village. There are a few houses and pleasant teashops in the settlement of Dursagang at 2550m. The trail continues less steeply, now mostly in forests, past an old chorten to the top of the ridge and tea shops at 3000m. After the forest, the trail climbs further before reaching the top of the ridge. There is a view of Dhunche far below in the valley. The trail continues across the head of a second valley and then reaches a final ridge at 3260m. The small Buddhist monastery of Sing Gompa is about 100m along the trail to the left. This is the main attraction in the village of Chandanbari (3250m). We stay here overnight before crossing a 4610m pass tomorrow.
DAY 11: CROSS PASS TO GOSAIKUNDA (4309m)
From Sing Gompa, the trail continues, climbing steadily through rhododendron forest. The trail crosses over to the Langtang side of the ridge and stays in deep forest for a time before emerging onto a saddle at Cholang Pati (3380m). From the north side of the ridge there are good views of Langtang Lirung, and, looking west, you can see the Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, and Manaslu. From here it is also possible to see Tibet. Continuing the trek, you cross high-altitude summer pastures for sheep and goats. The trail becomes narrower on the south side of the ridge; the first glimpse of Gosainkund lakes may be seen from here. After crossing a spur, the second lake in the chain, Bhairav Kund, comes into view. The trail climbs gently but continuously to a ridge then descends about 20 metres to the third and largest lake, the holy Gosainkund, at an elevation of 4380m. Hundreds of people come here to worship and bathe in this lake during the full moon festival each year in August. At Gosainkund killing of animals, lighting of wood fires, and grazing of goats is prohibited.
DAY 12: GHOPTE (3430m)
The trail climbs to the shore of the lake before ascending towards the Laurebina Pass (4610m). As you continue trekking you will see four other smaller lakes. After the pass at 4610 metres the trail descends, steeply at first and then more gradually to the southeast on a rocky path. In about an hour, you will see roofless stone herders’ huts, before the trail descends to another ridge, crosses several streams, and passes two waterfalls. After passing another stone hut the trail climbs to another ridge to reach Ghopte (3430m).
DAY 13: MELAMCHI GAON (2560m)
The trail from Ghopte climbs through rhododendron forests to the ridge at Tharepati (3600m); this takes around 2 hours. You may see wildlife including pheasant in this area. After lunch, you will make a steep scrambling descent to the village of Melamchi Gaon, situated at the top of the Melamchi valley. This is a Sherpa village, though the culture is distinct from that of the Khumbu (Everest) region.
DAY 14: TARKEGHYANG (2530m)
Descend about 700 metres to the valley before scrambling up to Tarkeghyang. The other sister village is Shermathang. These two are attractive villages with beautiful monasteries. This is a short trekking day; after lunch, there will be time to visit the monasteries.
DAY 15: SHERMATHANG (2664M)
The ridge walk to Shermathang offers views in all directions down to the Melamchi valley. Continue to walk the hillside, and see the southern foothills of Nepal fading towards the plains of India. This is another short trekking day, allowing you to take a break.
DAY 16: TARANGMARANG (960M)
The trail descends to the Melamchi River and Tarangmarang, a busy trading village with good swimming available for cooling down after a long day of trekking. From here the trail descends easy and smooth to Melamchi Bazar.
DAY 17: MELAMCHI
We take a very short drive from Talamarang to Melamchi Bazar, along the Melamchi River. You may stop to see the devastating effects of flooding in this sprawling town
The drive continues along the river to Bahunepati and then gradually climbs to a large village at Nanggle Bhari before heading further up to the ridge at Jarsing Pauwa (21km/1-hr drive). After lunch at Jarsing Pauwa (1861m) we descend to Sankhu (1328m) – around a 60km/3-hr drive. We may stop at Sankhu for a short walk to see the medieval town; the famous temple of Bajrayoginiis is worth a visit. Drive to Kathmandu.
DAY 18: KATHMANDU
Full-day sightseeing tour of Swambhunath, Patan, Pashupatinath, and Baudhanath.
DAY 19: FREE DAY IN KATHMANDU
We have a free day to further explore Kathmandu, before heading home tomorrow.
DAY 20: DEPART KATHMANDU
This marks the end of our Nepali adventure...alternatively, you could continue your adventure with a 3-day add-on to Chitwan National Park!
Food & Accommodation
- Day 1 Hotel (Twin Room)Breakfast
Lunch Dinner - Day 2 Hotel (Twin Room)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 3 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 4 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 5 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 6 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 7 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 8 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 9 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 10 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 11 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 12 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 13 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 14 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 15 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 16 Lodges (Shared)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 17 Hotel (Twin Room)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 18 Hotel (Twin Room)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 19 Hotel (Twin Room)Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 20 FlightBreakfast Lunch Dinner
What’s the Food Like on the Langtang Trek?
Food on the Langtang Trek is simple, hearty and designed to keep you fuelled for long days on the trail. Most meals are served in teahouses along the trekking route — cosy, family-run establishments that offer a taste of local Nepali hospitality as well as nourishing food.
Breakfast usually includes items like porridge, eggs, toast or chapati, along with hot tea or coffee to warm you up before you set off. Lunch and dinner often feature dal bhat (a traditional lentil and rice dish served with vegetables and pickles), vegetable curries, noodles or pasta, and occasionally meat for those who want it. Nepali food tends to be mild rather than spicy, wholesome and filling — just what you need after a big day of trekking.
Snacks like biscuits, chocolate, fruit and energy bars are readily available on the trail and make great refuelling between meals. Hydration is key at altitude, so plenty of tea, hot lemon or boiled water is recommended throughout your trek.
Overall, the food is modest, nourishing and comforting — not fine dining, but perfectly suited to the rugged terrain and altitude of the Annapurna region, and often a highlight of the shared teahouse experience with fellow trekkers.
How Difficult Is It?
How Difficult Is the Langtang trek?
The Langtang Trek is considered moderate, offering a rewarding Himalayan experience without the extreme physical demands of higher-altitude treks like Everest Base Camp. You’ll spend most days walking 4–7 hours on varied terrain — from forest paths and river trails to rocky mountain slopes — and gradually gain elevation. The pace is steady rather than rushed, but the terrain can be uneven and increasingly steep as you approach higher viewpoints such as Tserko Ri.
While you don’t need specialist climbing skills, a good base level of fitness and comfort with long days on your feet, uphill and downhill walking, and occasional rough trails will make the trek much more enjoyable. Proper pacing, acclimatisation and basic trekking experience help you stay comfortable throughout.
For a deeper breakdown of daily walking distances, altitude effects, fitness preparation and helpful tips, see our full guide here.
What's Included?
What’s Included on the Langtang trek
Your Langtang Trek adventure includes everything you need for a safe, supported and unforgettable Himalayan experience:
- All accommodation throughout the trek (local guesthouses/teahouses)
- Twin-share accommodation in Kathmandu
- All meals during the trekking days
- Experienced English-speaking local head guide
- Assistant guides and Sherpa support team
- Porters to carry your main duffel bag during the trek
- All trekking permits and national park fees
- All transport within Nepal as outlined in the itinerary (this excludes international airport arrival & departure transfers – unless added to your booking, or if you have added Group Flights to a BL+ trips)
- Support from The Bucket List Company team before and during your trip
- UK Bucket List Company Leader on all BL+ and TB departures
- Access to the Vamoos app with full itinerary, packing lists and key trip info
What's Not Included?
What’s not Included on the Langtang Trek
The following are not included in the trip cost:
International Flights
Flights to and from Nepal are not included in the base trip cost. These can be added on Bucket Lister Plus trips if you’d like us to arrange everything for you.
Airport Arrival & Departure transfersThese are excluded from the base cost of your trip but can be added to your booking. If you are booking Group Flights with us on a BL+ trip, then these transfers are included automatically.
Meals Not Listed
Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
Visa
Visa fees (if applicable) are not included.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory. It must also cover high-altitude trekking up to 5,100m and emergency helicopter evacuation
Tips
Tips are not included – trip-specific guidance will be provided.
Personal Expenses
Snacks, drinks, WiFi charges in teahouses, hot showers, laundry and souvenirs.
UK Leaders on BL Trips
BL trips will not have a UK Bucket List Company Leader present.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?
Because entry requirements can and do change, and because we have clients of many nationalities, we always recommend checking this with your own government’s website. Be sure to allow enough time to apply for any visas or permits required; don’t leave your checks until the day before!
What vaccinations do I need?
These change, so it is important that you check with either a travel health clinic or your doctor’s surgery. You should allow plenty of time for this process, as some vaccines need multiple doses. The TravelHealthPro website is another useful source of information – https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
How can I avoid roaming charges but still use my phone?
Your mobile provider might have reasonably-priced roaming add-ons, so it is worth exploring these. Or you could buy an eSim; these are often much cheaper than add-ons and are easy to activate and use. See our article for more information – https://thebucketlistcompany.co.uk/unlock-seamless-connectivity-with-esims-the-ultimate-travel-companion/
Do I need a trekking permit?
You will – we will ask you for any necessary supporting documents/information and arrange it for you. The permit price is included in the base cost of the trip.
Can I drink the tap water?
No; we would also recommend you use treated/bottled water for teeth brushing.
How do the monthly payments work?
If you choose to pay for your trip monthly your payment plan will start the month after your booking is made, and will end a minimum of 28 days prior to departure. After deposit, the outstanding balance will be divided by the number of months available and we’ll charge this amount each month to the card of your choice. If you have a preferred date of the month for payments to be taken just let us know. If at a later date you wish to add an extra experience to your trip we can modifiy your payment plan to accommodate this.
Can you cater for different diets?
When you book you will receive a link to your portal, where you can fill in your passenger information, including dietary and medical requirements. These will be shared with our guides and providers (including airlines if you have also booked flights). Please provide this information as quickly as possible, so we can make any necessary arrangements for you.
Whilst we do our utmost to ensure your needs are met, in some locations options for very specific diets may be extremely limited; we therefore suggest bringing some suitable snacks.
If you have a severe food allergy please ensure you carry your medication at all times, and that we are made aware. We will pass this information on, but a conversation with your in-country guide on arrival will help them give you the best possible guidance regarding suitability or otherwise of foods.
If you have specific concerns we always suggest contacting us to discuss before booking.
