11-Day Langtang Valley Trek in Nepal with Kyangjin Ri

Fly into Kathmandu, where you'll have beautiful views over the valley, the Himalaya, and the terraced fields below. After going through customs, a representative will be waiting to guide you through the initial culture shock of Kathmandu's narrow, winding streets and get you settled into your hotel.

Once you've settled in, head out to visit one of Kathmandu's cultural highlights. In the evening, the tourist hub of Thamel is a good place to grab your first meal, with a variety of restaurants offering both Western and local Nepali dishes.

It's a great time to walk and explore the streets or have a chai overlooking one of the local courtyards or durbar squares. There are a number of ways you can spend the day, given the many incredible sights around the Kathmandu Valley.

Later in the evening, head out for dinner at one of the city's great eateries, or your specialist can arrange a home-cooked dinner with a local family.

Leave Kathmandu early for the seven-hour journey to the Langtang Valley. The road climbs high over ridges as it leaves the Kathmandu Valley and provides impressive views of the Annapurna Himalayas in the west, as well as Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and the peaks of the Langtang region ahead.

Drive through the bustling town of Trisuli before climbing towards Dunche and Langtang National Park. After the town of Dunche, it is another hour downhill to Syabru Besi and your lodge for the night.

Today's trail crosses the Bhote Kosi - meaning "Tibet River" - which flows from nearby Tibet. It then gradually climbs through sub-tropical forests to join the trail from Syabru Besi, continuing through uninhabited oak and rhododendron forests. Look out for langur monkeys in the trees.

The trail through the forest up to Lama Hotel becomes steep, but the reward is a comfortable bed in a cozy lodge in the small settlement.

The trail continues to climb through forest, with occasional glimpses of Langtang Lirung between the trees. At Ghora Tabela (3,000 m / 9,842 ft), the trail emerges from the forest and the mountains loom on either side of the valley. Once there was a Tibetan resettlement project here, but now it is a Nepal Army post with no permanent inhabitants. The trail continues to climb gently and the valley widens, passing a few temporary settlements used by herders who bring their livestock to graze in the high pastures during the summer. You will probably glimpse your first yak if you haven't already.

The next part of the trail is a somber reminder of the 2015 earthquake. Where Langtang village once stood, with numerous lodges, there is now only a huge rock field. Spare a thought for the Nepalis and tourists who lost their lives here, and remember that your journey here will help support the survivors.

From Mundu, the trail climbs gradually through yak pastures as the valley opens out further and the views become more extensive. After crossing several small streams and moraines, the trail reaches the settlement at Kyangjin. Here there is a small monastery and a government-operated cheese factory, which is a good place to stock up for lunch and afternoon snacks.

As you will arrive by lunchtime, there is time to take it easy in the afternoon or explore the area. If you are feeling energetic, head up the valley towards Langshisha Kharka to see some of the amazing views.

Today you can rest or explore the area. You can visit the monastery and the cheese factory, walk up the moraine to see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung, or ascend Kyangjin Ri directly behind the village for a breathtaking panorama of the Langtang peaks.

From Kyangjin, retrace the route you followed up the valley, following the Langtang Khola to Mundu village and on to Ghora Tabela. The descent will certainly be faster than the ascent.

After lunch, continue the steep descent to Lama Hotel.

Continue retracing your steps to Syabru Besi, enjoying the quiet forested hills. If you are feeling fit, take the spectacular route from Rimche via Sherpa Gaon to Syabru Besi. It will take much longer to reach the ultimate destination, but it's a stunning detour.

Drive from Syabru Besi to Kathmandu.

Time to say farewell to Nepal. Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu with breakfast in a cafe, a city stroll, and/or souvenir shopping. A representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home.