Trek Langtang Valley & Summit Yala Peak (5500m) — Self-Launched

Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Take a prepaid taxi or Pathao ride-hail app into Thamel — the backpacker hub — for around £3–5. Check into your guesthouse, then spend the evening exploring Thamel's street food scene. Use this day to finalise your trekking permits (TIMS card ~£12 and Langtang National Park permit ~£20) if you haven't already sorted them at the permit offices on Bhrikuti Mandap, a short walk from Thamel. Arrange your local guide and porter hire through a trusted local trekking agency in Thamel — expect to pay a licensed guide around £25–35/day and a porter around £15–20/day. Brief yourself on the route.

🚌Prepaid airport taxi to Thamel ~£4

🛏Budget guesthouse in Thamel, Kathmandu (e.g. Hotel Encounter Nepal or Potala Guest House) — twin share ~£12–18/night

• →Arrive at KTM, take prepaid taxi (~£4) to Thamel
• →Check into Thamel guesthouse (e.g. Hotel Encounter Nepal or similar)
• →Purchase TIMS card (~£12) and Langtang National Park entry permit (~£20) at Bhrikuti Mandap permit offices
• →Hire a licensed local trekking guide (~£25–35/day) and porter (~£15–20/day) through a reputable Thamel agency
• →Enjoy dinner on Thamel's street food strip — try dal bhat for under £3

Head to Kathmandu's Machhapokhari bus park (north of Thamel, ~£2 by taxi) and board a local bus or tourist minibus to Syabrubesi. The journey takes approximately 7–8 hours along the scenic Trishuli River valley. Local buses cost around £4–6; tourist minibuses booked through Thamel agencies cost around £10–12 but are more comfortable. Permits are checked at Dhunche — have your documents ready. Arrive in Syabrubesi by late afternoon and check into a teahouse.

🚌Local bus Kathmandu–Syabrubesi ~£4–6, or tourist minibus ~£10–12

🛏Teahouse in Syabrubesi — twin share ~£4–8/night (meals ordered separately)

• →Early morning local bus or tourist minibus from Machhapokhari bus park to Syabrubesi (~7–8hrs, £4–12)
• →Scenic drive along Trishuli River valley
• →Permit check at Dhunche
• →Settle into teahouse in Syabrubesi, plan Day 3 route with guide

Lace up and hit the trail from Syabrubesi. The path crosses the Bhote River suspension bridge and winds through dense subtropical forest past Langtang Khola and the hamlet of Bamboo. Keep your eyes peeled for red pandas in the forest canopy. The trail involves a fair bit of up-and-down — around 9 miles, 3,281ft ascent, with humidity making it tougher than altitude numbers suggest. Arrive at the Lama Teahouse in Rimche for a well-earned dal bhat. (~6 hours hiking)

🚌On foot

🛏Lama Teahouse, Rimche — twin/triple share ~£4–6/night

• →Trek Syabrubesi → Bamboo → Rimche (~6hrs, ~9mi, 3,281ft ascent)
• →Cross Bhote River suspension bridge
• →Watch for red pandas in the forest
• →Overnight at Lama Teahouse, Rimche

Trek through beautiful wild forests of hemlock, oak, and giant rhododendron as snow-capped peaks begin to dominate the skyline. Pass the army checkpoint at Ghodatabela before arriving at Langtang Village — a sombre and powerful place still recovering from the devastating 2015 earthquake. Spending money here directly supports the local community's rebuilding efforts. (~5 hours, ~7 miles, 3,937ft ascent)

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Langtang Village — twin/triple share ~£4–6/night

• →Trek Rimche → Ghodatabela → Langtang Village (~5hrs, ~7mi, 3,937ft ascent)
• →Pass army checkpoint at Ghodatabela (have permits ready)
• →Learn about 2015 earthquake recovery efforts from local teahouse owners
• →Overnight in Langtang Village teahouse

A rewarding day's trek across yak pastures and alongside a meandering glacial stream. The full Langtang range comes into view and the imposing Ganchempo (6,387m/20,955ft) appears to the east. Pass through the Tamang settlements of Mundu and Sindum before arriving at Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m/12,700ft) — a cluster of teahouses, a monastery, and a famous yak cheese factory. Dal bhat at your teahouse tonight. (~5 hours, ~4 miles)

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Kyanjin Gompa (e.g. Kyanjin Guest House) — twin/triple share ~£4–8/night

• →Trek Langtang Village → Mundu → Sindum → Kyanjin Gompa (~5hrs, ~4mi, 1,476ft ascent)
• →Trek across yak pastures with Langtang range panorama
• →Arrive at Kyanjin Gompa — visit the monastery and yak cheese factory
• →Acclimatisation: take it easy on arrival at 3,870m

A crucial rest and acclimatisation day at 3,870m before pushing higher. No need to pack — you'll return here tonight. Options include a gentle walk to the Kyanjin monastery, a visit to the local yak cheese factory, or a hike up the moraine to view the stunning ice faces of Langtang Lirung glacier. If you're feeling strong, your guide can lead you up Kyanjin Ri (4,773m/15,659ft) for sweeping panoramas of the entire Langtang range — a superb acclimatisation hike. Don't forget to look up at the stars tonight.

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Kyanjin Gompa — twin/triple share ~£4–8/night

• →Acclimatisation loop hike (~3hrs, ~6mi, 3,117ft ascent/descent)
• →Optional: summit Kyanjin Ri (4,773m) with guide for panoramic views
• →Visit Kyanjin Monastery and yak cheese factory
• →Walk moraine to see Langtang Lirung glacier ice faces
• →Rest, hydrate, and prepare gear for higher altitude days ahead

Leave Kyanjin Gompa behind and follow the rocky glacial trail up towards Yala Base Camp at approximately 4,600m (15,092ft). The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic and barren. Arrive mid-afternoon, giving time to set up camp, acclimatise, and take in the extraordinary view of Yala Peak looming above. Your hired guide will manage the camping logistics — you'll need to carry or arrange tent hire through your Thamel agency (~£5/night per tent). Sunset at this altitude is unmissable. (~6 hours, ~6 miles, 2,559ft ascent)

🚌On foot

🛏Camping at Yala Base Camp — tent hire arranged through Thamel agency ~£5–8/night, guide manages camp cooking

• →Trek Kyanjin Gompa → Yala Base Camp (~6hrs, ~6mi, 2,559ft ascent)
• →Set up camp at Yala Base Camp (~4,600m)
• →Guide conducts crampon, ice axe, and rope skills briefing
• →Watch sunset over the High Himalaya from base camp
• →Early dinner and sleep — big day tomorrow

A second night at base camp is essential for acclimatisation before the summit push. Depending on weather, your guide will lead an acclimatisation hike towards Tserko Ri (4,984m/16,352ft) or a nearby glacial pond — 'climb high, sleep low' is the golden rule. In the afternoon, practise using crampons, ice axe, and abseiling on a safe snow slope with your guide's instruction. Rest up, eat well, and get an early night — summit attempt begins in the early hours of Day 9.

🚌On foot

🛏Camping at Yala Base Camp — same tent as Day 7

• →Acclimatisation hike to Tserko Ri (4,984m) or glacial pond with guide
• →Crampon, ice axe, and rappelling skills practice on snow slope
• →Rest and hydrate thoroughly
• →Guide briefs on summit day logistics, weather, and safety protocols
• →Early dinner and bedtime for 2–3am start

Headlamps on and boots laced by 3–4am. The summit push of Yala Peak (5,500m) typically takes 4–5 hours from base camp, with the final 700m of ascent requiring crampons, ice axe, and roped sections led by your guide. The narrow ridge to the summit delivers one of the most spectacular panoramas in the Himalayas — Shishapangma, Dorje Lakpa, Gangchempo, Langtang Lirung, and dozens more giants. Yala Peak bagged! Descend back to base camp for a refuel, then continue all the way down to Kyanjin Gompa. (~10 hours total, ~10 miles)

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Kyanjin Gompa — twin/triple share ~£4–8/night

• →Pre-dawn start (~3–4am) from Yala Base Camp
• →Summit Yala Peak (5,500m/18,045ft) with guide — roped final section (~4–5hrs ascent)
• →Take in panoramic views of Shishapangma, Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa and surrounding giants
• →Descend to base camp for lunch refuel
• →Continue descent to Kyanjin Gompa teahouse — celebrate with a hot meal

With the summit conquered and lungs readjusting to thicker air, enjoy a long and satisfying descent all the way down to the Lama Teahouse in Rimche. The path retraces your steps through Langtang Valley, dropping over 4,500ft. The descent should feel breezy compared to the climb, and your body will welcome the return of oxygen. Reward yourself with a local Gorkha or Everest beer at the teahouse — you've earned it. (~5 hours, ~11 miles, 4,593ft descent)

🚌On foot

🛏Lama Teahouse, Rimche — twin/triple share ~£4–6/night

• →Long descent: Kyanjin Gompa → Langtang Village → Rimche (~5hrs, ~11mi, 4,593ft descent)
• →Celebrate summit success with a cold local beer (Gorkha or Everest ~£1.50) at Lama Teahouse
• →Reflect on the trek with your guide over dinner

The final day on the trail — an easy 5-hour walk back through the forest, retracing the route past Bamboo and Dovan to Syabrubesi. The small town perched above the river is the perfect place to decompress, wash trail dust off your face, and reflect on an extraordinary achievement. Final tips and farewells to your guide and porter — tipping is standard and very much appreciated (guide: £5–10/day tip, porter: £3–5/day tip). Celebrate with a teahouse dinner. (~5 hours, ~7 miles)

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Syabrubesi — twin share ~£4–8/night

• →Trek Rimche → Bamboo → Syabrubesi (~5hrs, ~7mi, 2,953ft descent)
• →Final evening in Syabrubesi — local dinner at teahouse
• →Tip your guide and porter (guide: £5–10/day, porter: £3–5/day — essential and appreciated)
• →Arrange your local bus or minibus return to Kathmandu for Day 12

Board the morning local bus or tourist minibus from Syabrubesi back to Kathmandu (~7 hours). Arrive in Thamel by early evening — a hot shower has never felt so good. Check into your guesthouse, then head out to Thamel to celebrate. The area is packed with rooftop bars, street food stalls, and lively restaurants. Try OR2K for excellent mezze, or head to a rooftop cocktail bar like Tom & Jerry's for a celebratory drink. You've just summited an 18,000ft Himalayan peak — treat yourself.

🚌Local bus or tourist minibus Syabrubesi–Kathmandu ~£4–12

🛏Budget guesthouse in Thamel, Kathmandu — twin share ~£12–18/night

• →Morning bus or minibus Syabrubesi → Kathmandu (~7hrs, £4–12)
• →Check into Thamel guesthouse, hot shower
• →Celebratory dinner in Thamel (try Chez Caroline or OR2K restaurant)
• →Optional: rooftop bar nightcap in Thamel

Enjoy a well-earned lie-in and a proper breakfast at a Thamel café. Spend your last day exploring Kathmandu's incredible sights: the Boudhanath Stupa (UNESCO World Heritage Site, entry ~£3), the chaotic and colourful Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River (entry ~£12 for foreigners), or wander the medieval alleyways of Patan Durbar Square (~£3 entry). Pick up last-minute trekking gear, lokta paper souvenirs, or Himalayan salt at the local markets. Arrange a prepaid taxi to KTM airport (~£4) when ready to depart.

🚌Prepaid taxi to KTM airport ~£4

🛏Check-out — depart from Kathmandu

• →Relaxed breakfast at a Thamel café
• →Visit Boudhanath Stupa (~£3 entry) — one of the world's largest Buddhist stupas
• →Explore Pashupatinath Temple or Patan Durbar Square (~£3–12 entry)
• →Browse Thamel markets for souvenirs and trekking gear
• →Prepaid taxi to KTM airport (~£4)