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During Lama Hotel to Kyanjin Ri Trek after the first night in the Langtang region at Lama Hotel, you now trek towards the Kyanjin Gompa (~3,870 m).It is a larger settlement located further up the Langtang valley with a broader range of lodges, a monastery, and other facilities. Due to the presence of a monastery, you get more chances to explore the Tamang culture and traditions. To add to its charm, snow-capped peaks like Langtang Lirung, Yubra, Gangchenpo, Tserko Ri, and Kyanjin Ri surround it. Hence, it is often referred to as the cultural and scenic heart of the Langtang Valley.
The walk from Lama Hotel to Kyanjin is spread over two trekking days, passing through Langtang Village (~3,430 m) on the way. This part of the journey shifts from a shaded forest to a wide alpine valley. You’ll also feel the altitude rising for the first time during the Langtang Valley Trek as you walk alongside the grandeur of the Langtang Himal Range.
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What to Expect between Lama Hotel and Kyanjin Gompa
The trail from Lama Hotel to Kyanjin Gompa continues to follow the Langtang Khola. Climbing steadily through the forest, it takes you to an open, wider valley with expansive views of the mountains. The path alternates between short, steep ascents and easier, flat sections. Along with the path, the scenery also changes dramatically. The thick woods give way tostone walls, prayer wheels, mani walls, and eventually open alpine pastures. However,
Lama Hotel to Langtang Village via Ghodatabela
This section is the 2nd trekking day on the Langtang Valley Trek. The trail climbs steadily from Lama Hotel through beautiful forest, accompanied by the Langtang Khola below. The ascent is more gradual than the previous day’s climb, making it a pleasant, steady walk. After 2-3 hours, you reach Ghodatabela (3,030 m). Here in this small settlement, you’ll have lunch and go through a permit checkpoint.
Beyond Ghodatabela, the forest begins to thin, and the valley starts to open up. You’ll witness the views of Langtang Lirung (7,227 m), Langtang Ri (7,205 m), and Gangchenpo (6,387 m). Similarly, you’ll also pass by chortens, mani walls, and small hamlets before reaching the village of Langtang (3,430 m). This is a natural place to stop for the night, both for acclimatization and for cultural immersion.
Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa via Mundu
This section is the 3rd day of your trek in the Langtang National Park. On this day, you start with a short climb to Mundu (3,550 m), another cluster of lodges. Some trekkers push on here instead of stopping in Langtang Village to make the following day to Kyanjin Gompa a little shorter. The trail to Mundu from Langtang village is gentle. Prayer flags and mani stones become more common as you move further into the cultural heart of Langtang. Additionally, you can enjoy expansive views of the valley and stone walls that enclose yak pastures.
From Mundu, the trek route continues along a wide, open valley with increasingly dramatic scenery. As you trek on, you can see the Langtang Lirung rise on the left side. The right-side views are also equally beautiful, featuring Gangchenpo and Langshisa Ri. With the views, the gentle walk takes you to the Kyanjin Gompa. Upon arrival, you’ll see prayer flags and the white walls.
At nearly 3,900 m, this is a major acclimatization stop and a highlight of the trek. You can hike to Kyanjin Ri peak(≈4,350 m) or Tserko Ri (≈4,984 m) for stunning views of the Langtang range and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Later, you may explore this high altitude settlement, which has a variety of lodges, a small monastery, and even a local cheese factory.
Lama Hotel to Kyanjin Ri Trek Overview
| Section | Elevation Gain | Time | Trek Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lama Hotel → Ghodatabela | ↑ ~530–650 m | 2–3 hrs | ~5–6 km |
| Ghodatabela → Langtang Village | ↑ ~400 m | 2 hrs | ~4 km |
| Langtang Village → Mundu | ↑ ~120 m | 30–45 mins | ~1 km |
| Mundu → Kyanjin Gompa | ↑ ~320 m | 2–3 hrs | ~4–5 km |
| Total | ↑ ~1,300–1,400 m | 6.5–8 hrs | ~14–16 km |
In this way, the trek from Lama Hotel to Kyanjin Gompa takes you through a series of villages, including Ghodatabela, Langtang Village, and Mundu. The route covers approximately 14–16 km, with an elevation gain of roughly 1,300–1,400 m, typically spread over two days. This stage transitions from forest trails into a broad alpine valley, blending cultural stops with mountain scenery.
Food and Accommodation Along the Way
Each major stop, Ghodatabela, Langtang Village, Mundu, and Kyanjin Gompa, offers teahouse accommodation. Rooms are basic wooden lodges with shared toilets (often squat-style) and blankets, but the dining halls are warm and social. Prices rise with altitude, but food is hearty and consistent: dal bhat, noodle soups, fried rice, and Tibetan breads are common. You can find all facilities, including hot showers, device charging, and Wi-Fi, at an extra cost. However, they may not be reliable and may have a long queue.
Langtang Village is often the most memorable overnight stop before Kyanjin Gompa, both for its hospitality and its cultural feel. The entire village was buried by an avalanche triggered by the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. At present, it has been relocated to a safer location and rebuilt by the local community. Staying here helps support them, who now heavily depend on tourism. Lodges and teahouses have all been rebuilt with more facilities than those of the Lama Hotel.
By contrast, Kyanjin Gompa is the most developed settlement in the valley. You will spend two nights and a day of acclimatization here. It has a huge number of lodges, bakeries, and a wider variety of menu options. You should try fapar ko roti (roasted buckwheat bread) during your stay here. Hot showers may or may not be available at Kyanjin Gompa, as they areoften heated by solar heaters or gas. Additionally, the extreme cold causes water pipes to freeze. Thus, it becomes extremely difficult or impossible to maintain a steady flow of water for a shower.
Final Thoughts
The trek from Lama Hotel to Kyanjin Gompa is the heart of the Langtang trek. Starting in a forested gorge with the Langtang river beside you, the trail steadily climbs before opening into a vast alpine valley. The snowy peaks, yak pastures, and prayer stones line the way towards Kyanjin Gompa. Reaching this high point offers both a strong sense of achievement and a deep connection to the serene rhythm of Himalayan life.
Additionally, the side hikes to Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri the next day add an unforgettable dimension. From these viewpoints, you can view the beautiful Langtang Lirung Glacier flow down from the towering peak above, creating one of the most majestic sights of the region. These excursions not only deepen the sense of accomplishment but also showcase the raw beauty and grandeur that make trekking in Langtang truly special.
