How Long is the Langtang Trek? Complete Itinerary and Distance

How many days does it take to do the Langtang Valley Trek?

How long is the Langtang Trek? Many trekkers have raised this question recently before heading to these easy trekking routes of Nepal. The Langtang Valley trek typically takes about 7 to 10 days, depending on the trekker’s physical stamina and their duration. The exact duration of the Langtang Valley Trek depends on your chosen itinerary, walking pace, and any side trips. Some itineraries can be 5 Days for those who are short on time and experienced hikers, while beginners with no trekking experience do it in a relaxed way, taking around 10 Days. This flexibility makes Langtang one of the most adaptable treks, ideal for those with limited time and also accommodating for beginners who prefer a slower pace.

Importantly, the Langtang Valley has been reopened for the trekkers after the devastating earthquake in 2015. Now, the teahouses in Langtang Valley are ready to welcome visitors with all the facilities available. As of 2025, new regulations require that all trekkers hire a licensed guide in Langtang National Park for safety. The trek itself is rated as the best short and easy trek in Nepal, which can be done with reasonable fitness, including first-timers, as long as you allow for proper rest and acclimatization. You’ll be walking about 5 to 7 hours each day on average, with steady elevation gains but no technical climbing required.

In this guide, we’ll cover all the key details to plan your Langtang adventure. You’ll find out how far Langtang is from Kathmandu and the best way to get there, see a Langtang trek route map for the trail layout, compare a short 5-day Langtang Trek itinerary versus an 8-day itinerary (great for beginners), and learn about the distance covered each day and the altitude gain per day on the trek. Finally, we’ll wrap up with a conclusion and some FAQs to answer common questions. Let’s dive in!

How far is the Langtang Trek from Kathmandu?

The starting point of the Langtang Valley Trek is Kathmandu itself. The trek commences from the village of Syabrubesi in Rasuwa District, situated about 122 kilometers (76 miles) by road from Kathmandu. The total travel distance from Kathmandu to Syabrubeshi is around 7-8 hours in a public bus.

The Village of Syabrubeshi lies around 1,500 m and is the gateway to Langtang National Park. To get there, you’ll set out from Kathmandu early in the morning, usually via the Pasang Lhamu Highway. The route winds along the Trishuli River, passing through hillside towns like Trishuli Bazaar and Dhunche. Expect a scenic but bumpy ride; the road offers views of terraced farms and green hills but also includes sections of dirt and gravel, especially after Trishuli Bazaar. A private 4x4 jeep is often quicker and more comfortable (around 6 to 7 hours), while the local bus can take closer to 8 hours with stops.

Langtang is one of the closest Himalayan trekking regions to Kathmandu. Unlike the Everest Base Camp Trek or ABC Trek, it does not require flights or longer travel times. You can reach Langtang by road in a single day. By late afternoon of Day 1, you’ll arrive in Syabrubesi, ready to start walking the next morning. (For reference, see the Langtang trek route map below, which shows the trail’s proximity to Kathmandu and the path through Langtang Valley.)

Langtang Valley trek route map, highlighting the trail from Syabrubesi up the Langtang Valley to Kyanjin Gompa. The route begins with a road journey north from Kathmandu (bottom left) to Syabrubesi, then follows the trekking path through villages like Bamboo, Lama Hotel, Langtang Village, and finally Kyanjin Gompa near the Tibet border.

Short Langtang Trek 5 Days Itinerary

For trekkers with limited time, a short Langtang trek of 5 days is an option. This compressed itinerary covers the highlights of Langtang Valley in just five trekking days (plus transport). Keep in mind that it’s at a faster pace—you’ll be trekking long hours and skipping some acclimatization time, so it’s best suited for fit hikers or those already adapted to altitude. Here’s what a 5-day Langtang Valley Trek itinerary looks like:

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,503 m, 7 hours), then start trekking. A short 2–3 hour hike along the Langtang Khola brings you to Bamboo (around 1,950 m) for the night. (By driving further to Doman if possible, you cut a few kilometers of walking on a dusty road.) Overnight in a simple teahouse at Bamboo.

Day 2: Trek from Bamboo to Langtang Village (approximately 3,430 m). You’ll trek through rhododendron and oak forests, pass the Riverside and Lama Hotel areas, and continue up along the river gorge. After 6–7 hours of hiking, the dense forest opens up into the wider Langtang Valley, leading you to Langtang Village—a historic Tamang village that was heavily affected by the 2015 earthquake but has been rebuilt and now warmly welcomes trekkers.

Day 3: Trek from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m), which takes about 3–4 hours of uphill walking. This shorter trek day allows you to arrive at Kyanjin by early afternoon. Kyanjin Gompa is a beautiful high-altitude settlement surrounded by snowy peaks. In the afternoon, you can explore: visit the small monastery and the famous yak cheese factory, or take a short acclimatization walk. Some itineraries also include an afternoon hike to Kyanjin Ri viewpoint (around 4,300 m) on this day if you’re feeling strong, but many save the big hike for the next morning. Overnight at a Kyanjin teahouse.

Day 4: Sunrise hike to Kyanjin Ri (optional but recommended) and trek back down. Early in the morning, ascend to Kyanjin Ri—a vantage point above Kyanjin Gompa that offers a 360° panoramic view of the Langtang Himalayas. It’s a steep 2–3 hour climb to the first summit (4,350 m, with a higher point at 4,700 m). From the top, you’ll witness breathtaking close-up views of peaks like Langtang Lirung (7,227 m) and the snow-clad valleys below. After taking in the scenery, descend back to Kyanjin for breakfast. Then, trek down from Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel (around 2,470 m). Retracing your steps, you’ll head downstream past Langtang Village and Ghodatabela, enjoying easier breathing as the altitude decreases. This long descent of 6–7 hours will likely lead you to Lama Hotel (or a nearby village such as Rimche) by late afternoon.

Day 5: Trek from Lama Hotel back to Syabrubesi (1,500 m), which is mostly downhill and takes about 4–5 hours. You’ll descend through the forested ravine, passing familiar landmarks (Rimche, Bamboo) until you cross the river on a suspension bridge and return to Syabrubesi. Congratulations—you have completed the Langtang trek! After lunch, drive back to Kathmandu the same day by private jeep or shared vehicle, arriving in the evening. (Some itineraries count the drive as a separate day, making it 6 days total, including transport.)

This 5-day trek itinerary is action-packed, essentially compressing the typical week-long route. You’ll experience the entire trail from Syabrubesi to Kyanjin and back, but with less downtime. Be prepared for long hiking days and significant altitude gain in a short period (reaching 3,800+ m by Day 3). It’s doable if you’re in good shape and short on time, but beginners might find it challenging. If you have extra time, a slightly longer trek will be more enjoyable, as we’ll see next.

Choose the 8-Day Langtang Valley Trek for Beginners.

If you’re a beginner or prefer a more relaxed pace, it’s wise to choose the 8-day Langtang Valley trek. Adding a couple of days allows for shorter walking distances each day and an extra day for acclimatization. Many guides recommend an 8-day itinerary for novice trekkers, ensuring you have sufficient time to acclimate to the altitude and fully enjoy the journey. The 8-day trek covers the same route but spreads it out, typically including a dedicated rest or side-trip day at Kyanjin. Here’s an example of an 8-day Langtang trek itinerary:

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,503 m, ~7–8 hours drive). Overnight in a Syabrubesi guesthouse. (No trekking on foot this day, aside from a short stroll around town.)

Day 2: Trek from Syabrubesi (1,503 m) to Lama Hotel (~2,470 m). This first trekking day ascends through lush forests and along the river, covering about 10–11 km in 6 hours. You’ll pass by landmarks like Domen, Bamboo (1,950 m), and Riverside before reaching the cluster of lodges known as Lama Hotel. Overnight at Lama Hotel.

Day 3: Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3,430 m). You’ll gain around 800 m in elevation over ~12 km of trail. The path continues up the valley, emerging above the tree line at Ghodatabela (3,030 m). By afternoon, you arrive at the rebuilt Langtang Village, surrounded by stone walls and yak pastures. Total walking ~6–7 hours.

Day 4: Trek from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m). A short distance day (about 5–6 km, 3–4 hours) as you climb gently into the upper valley. Reach Kyanjin Gompa by lunchtime and spend the rest of the day exploring. This scenic hamlet offers stupendous mountain views; you can visit the ancient monastery or try fresh yak cheese at the local factory.

Day 5: Acclimatization day in Kyanjin. This day is a buffer for rest and exploration, which is why the 8-day itinerary is great for beginners. In the morning, take an optional hike to Tserko Ri (4,983 m) – the highest point of the trek – for unbelievable panoramic vistas. The round-trip hike takes 7–8 hours, but you can tailor it to your energy level (even a shorter climb will provide great views). Return to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m) for a second night. If you prefer not to hike to a high summit, you can do shorter walks around the valley or simply relax at the lodge and soak in the mountain atmosphere.

Day 6: Trek from Kyanjin Gompa back down to Lama Hotel (2,470 m). After your extended stay up high, you’ll retrace your steps down past Langtang Village and through forested sections. This is a long descent of roughly 15–17 km that may take 6–7 hours, but with the easier downhill and better acclimatization, it will feel more comfortable than the ascent.

Day 7: Trek from Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi (1,500 m). Continue descending the valley, about 10 km (4–5 hours) through Bamboo and other settlements. Celebrate the completion of your trek back in Syabrubesi.

Day 8: Drive from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu (1,300 m) – about 7 hours by jeep on the same road you came up. You’ll arrive in Kathmandu by late afternoon, marking the end of the journey.

As you can see, the 8-day itinerary gives you shorter trekking days and a cushion for acclimatization. Importantly, you don’t combine the Kyanjin Ri hike with the return in a single day – you have a full day at Kyanjin to adjust and sightsee. This reduces fatigue and altitude risk, making it ideal for those new to high-altitude trekking. Overall, if time permits, the slightly longer trek greatly enhances enjoyment: you’ll trek at a comfortable pace, capture all the highlights, and have a safer experience.

Distance Covered in the Langtang Trek Each Day

The Langtang Valley trek distance on foot totals around 60 to 70 kilometers, broken up over several days of hiking. How much distance you cover each day will depend on your itinerary and pace, but generally you’ll be walking 10–15 km per day on the main trekking days. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate distance covered each day on a standard itinerary (not counting the drive days):

• Day 1: Drive day – No trekking (drive ~122 km by vehicle from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi).
• Day 2: 11 km trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel. This is a moderate first day, 6–7 hours of walking through lush forests and river valleys.
• Day 3: 12 km trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang Village. Another 6–7 hour day, slightly more uphill as you gain elevation and enter the wider valley.
• Day 4: 10 km trek from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa. This is a shorter half-day hike (3–4 hours) which helps with acclimatization – you reach Kyanjin by early afternoon.
• Day 5: Side trip day: ~15–20 km if you hike to Kyanjin Ri and back down. For instance, going from Kyanjin Gompa up to Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m) and then descending to a lower camp can tally about 18–19 km of hiking. In the 5-day itinerary, they combined the Kyanjin Ri hike with descending to Lama Hotel in one very long day (hiking ~19 km). In the 8-day itinerary, you might only do ~5 km to the summit and back to Kyanjin (if not descending further the same day).
• Day 6: 9–10 km trek from a midway point (e.g. Lama Hotel or Thangshyap) down to Syabrubesi. This usually takes around 5 hours of downhill walking on the final day of trekking.

As you can see, the longest distance is typically on the day that includes the side excursion (Kyanjin Ri) or a big descent. In one itinerary, the Kyanjin Ri + descent day was ~19 km of combined hiking, whereas other days hovered around 10–12 km. Overall, most trekking days are in the 10 km range, which is quite manageable with plenty of rest stops. The entire journey from Syabrubesi to Kyanjin and back is roughly 65 km on foot, usually spread across 5 to 6 trekking days. Breaking it down this way ensures you cover a reasonable distance each day while gradually gaining altitude.

Langtang Trek Altitude Gain Per Day

One of the most important aspects of the trek is how altitude increases (and eventually decreases) each day. The Langtang trek starts at 1,500 m in Syabrubesi and reaches a high point of about 4,773 m at Kyanjin Ri. Here’s a day-by-day look at the altitude gain per day on a typical Langtang Valley Trek itinerary:

• Day 1 (Drive Kathmandu to Syabrubesi): Start at 1,400 m in Kathmandu, end at 1,500 m in Syabrubesi. Gain: +100 m by vehicle. (You’ll go over a 2,000 m pass near Dhunche and descend to 1,500 m.)
• Day 2 (Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel): Start 1,500 m, end 2,640 m at Lama Hotel. Gain: +1,140 m of elevation. This is a big jump in altitude in one day, which is why a steady pace is important. You’ll notice cooler temperatures at the Lama Hotel (in the forest zone).
• Day 3 (Lama Hotel to Langtang Village): Start 2,640 m, end 3,430 m at Langtang Village. Gain: +790 m. You’ll be above 3,000 m for the first time. Breathing may get harder, but the trail provides some gradual sections to help acclimate.
• Day 4 (Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa): Start 3,430 m, end 3,860 m at Kyanjin Gompa. Gain: +430 m. A relatively moderate gain, as this is a short hike designed for acclimatization. Kyanjin Gompa at 3,860 m will be your highest sleeping altitude on the trek.
• Day 5 (Side Trip – Kyanjin Gompa to Kyanjin Ri and back): Start at 3,860 m, peak at 4,773 m on Kyanjin Ri, then return to around 3,800–3,900 m. Gain: +900 m to reach the summit (and then -900 m on the way down). This is the largest single-day ascent on the trek, but it’s optional. Many trekkers attempt it early in the morning for sunrise views. (If you follow an itinerary without an extra day, you might climb a slightly lower viewpoint ~4,300 m instead, or skip the big climb.)
• Day 6 (Kyanjin/Langtang area down to Lama Hotel): You’ll lose altitude on the return. For example, descending from 3,800 m down to 2,470 m at Lama Hotel is a -1,300 m net drop. While there’s no significant net gain, there will be some small ups and downs on the trail.
• Day 7 (Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi): Start 2,470 m, end 1,500 m. Loss: -970 m. A continued descent back to the trailhead. No altitude gain; you are breathing rich air again by the end!

This altitude profile shows that the trek’s ascent is spread over 4 days, with the biggest gains in the first two trekking days. By the time you reach Kyanjin, you’ve gained over 2,300 m from Syabrubesi. The highest sleeping altitude is just under 3,900 m, which helps limit the risk of altitude sickness compared to treks going above 5,000 m. However, the optional hike to nearly 4,800 m is strenuous, so ensure you listen to your body and only do what you’re comfortable with. Thanks to the itinerary design (especially if you take the 8-day plan), the elevation gain per day is gradual enough that thousands of first-time trekkers complete Langtang each year without issues. Always remember to acclimatize properly: walk at a moderate pace, stay hydrated, and consider a rest day if you feel symptoms of altitude effects.

FAQs

How many days does the Langtang Valley trek take?

The Langtang Valley Trek typically takes about 7 to 10 days for the round trip, following a standard itinerary.

How far is the Langtang trek in total distance?

The Langtang Valley trek distance (round-trip from Syabrubesi to Kyanjin and back) is roughly 60–70 kilometers (about 38–40 miles).

Is the Langtang Valley Trek suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Langtang Valley Trek is considered the best short and easy trek I Nepal that is suitable for beginners with a reasonable level of fitness. The trails are well-established, and each day’s hike is manageable (4–7 hours of walking).

What is the highest altitude of the Langtang Trek in Nepal?

The highest altitude you will reach during the Langtang Trek in Nepal is the Hike to Kyanjin Ri at about 4,773 m, or the Hike to Tserko Ri (5000m) from Kyanjin Gompa.

When is the best time to trek Langtang Valley?

The best time for the Langtang Valley Trek is during the Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) seasons. In spring, the weather is mild and the trails bloom with rhododendrons, while autumn offers clear skies and great mountain views. These periods have stable weather (not too hot or cold) and lower chances of heavy rain or snow.

Do I need a guide for the Langtang trek?

Yes. As of 2025, Nepal has implemented rules requiring trekkers in Langtang (and many other regions) to hire a licensed guide. This is for safety reasons – the Langtang National Park authority mandates guided trekking due to past incidents of trekkers getting lost or facing hazards when alone. Beyond the legal requirement, having a guide is highly beneficial: they know the trail, local culture, and best lodges, and can assist in emergencies. Mountain Eco Trails can provide experienced guides to accompany you throughout the trek.

What permits do I need for the Langtang Valley Trek?

You will need two main permits: a Langtang National Park Entry Permit and a TIMS Card. The Langtang National Park permit costs around USD 30 per person for foreigners (about NPR 3000), and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card costs NPR 2000 per person for individual trekkers. These can be obtained in Kathmandu (Nepal Tourism Board office) or sometimes at the park entry in Dhunche. The permits are checked at checkpoints (for example, at Dhunche and Syabrubesi), so make sure you have them before starting the trek. (If you trek with an agency like Mountain Eco Trails, they will arrange the permits for you in advance.)

Conclusion

The Langtang Valley Trek is a rewarding Himalayan adventure that doesn’t require a huge time commitment. We’ve learned that how long the Langtang trek is can range from a quick 5-day hike to a relaxed 8-day journey, covering about 60–70 km in total. We’ve broken down the daily distances and altitude gains, showing that with the right itinerary, even beginners can comfortably tackle the Langtang Valley Trek. This trek offers incredible scenery – from dense forests and waterfalls to open alpine valleys beneath towering peaks – all within easy reach of Kathmandu.

Ready to experience Langtang for yourself? Mountain Eco Trails is here to turn your dream into reality. As a leading local trekking company in Nepal, Mountain Eco Trails provides expert guides, personalized itineraries, and a commitment to safety and eco-friendly travel. We’ll handle all the logistics – from transportation and permits to experienced guides who know the Langtang region inside out – so that you can trek with confidence. Whether you opt for a short 5-day trek or a longer exploration, our team will ensure you have an unforgettable journey through the Langtang Valley’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

Contact Mountain Eco Trails today to start planning your Langtang trek. Let us tailor the perfect itinerary for you, so you can hike at your own pace and fully enjoy Nepal’s magic. Don’t let time constraints or worries hold you back – with Mountain Eco Trails, you’ll be in good hands every step of the way. Lace up your boots and get ready to discover the Langtang Valley with us! Email us or WhatsApp us at +9779849790153