Day 1 - Kathmandu: Arrival Day
Beautiful, historic Kathmandu is your first taste of Nepal! We'll be waiting at the airport to greet you with a warm welcome and transfer you to your hotel in the city. The next two weeks are going to be some of the most memorable of your life... rest up!
Day 2 - Kathmandu: Planning and Preparation Day
You'll have the chance today to meet others in your expedition party as well as your tour leader! Your first meeting together will consist of an initial meeting and discussion of last-minute preparations. This is the time to pick up anything that may have escaped your home packing list - trekking and mountaineering supplies are readily available in the city. Today is also your chance to do a small bit of independent exploration of the Nepalese capital. Stretch your legs and simply soak up the happy, peaceful vibe all around you.
Day 3 - Kathmandu to Syabru Bensi
We hit the road today with a lengthy but scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Bensi, where our trek originates. Our road follows the Trishuli River Valley through pretty Dhunche Village, Trishuli Bazaar, and Betrawati. White and green are the predominate colors of this trip: distant snow-capped mountains in the background, and verdant hillocks and valleys up close! Upon arrival at Syabru Bensi, we'll check into our teahouse lodging. Trekking begins bright and early tomorrow, so rest is essential!
Day 4 - Syabru Bensi to Lama Hotel
Today is our first official day of trekking. After breakfast, we depart from Sybru Bensi, following the Bhote Koshi River, which originates in Tibet, and the Langtang Khola. The trail wends its way up past Bamboo Village, which is famous for its resident red pandas. Keep your eyes peeled! We'll arrive at the popular trekking stop over of Lama Hotel and check into another cozy teahouse for the night.
Day 5 - Lama Hotel to Langtang Village
Another day of vigorous walking is ahead of us as we start seriously ascending up the mountain. The hearty exercise comes with the attendant reward of fantastic scenery as we wend our way through forests of pink and white rhododendron, hemlock, and oak high above the Langtang Khola. We'll pass Ghodatabela as our halfway point, and end up in Langtang Village, the heart of Langtang National Park. The village is rife with flat-topped Tibetan-style lodgings, crop fields, and yak grazing grounds.
Day 6 - Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa
A large Mani wall greets us on the initial leg of our trek today, with the small village of Mundu as our first significant landmark. We'll be treated to the sight of ice flow trickling down multiple mountain peaks as we encounter panoramic Himalayan views. The air is definitely thinner at this altitude, and we'll be sure to arrive at Kyanjin Gompa nice and early to begin our acclimatization process.
Day 7 - Kyanjin Gompa: Acclimatization Day
Today's a day of rest and acclimatization, so we linger in Kyanjin Gompa and adjust to the altitude. The monastery for which the village is named is well-worth a visit, as is the renowned cheese factory. For those willing to stretch their legs, a short hike to Kyanjin Ri (behind the village) affords breathtaking panoramas of the Langtang peaks.
Day 8 - Kyanjin Gompa to Yala Peak Base Camp
It's a seven hour hike to the base camp of Yala Peak today, and then we'll go over some climbing basics in advance of tomorrow's summit.
Day 9 - Yala Peak Base Camp: Summit Day!
We'll start very early today, our long-awaited adventure day, to make the summit push for the top of Yala Peak! It's a six hour round trip, with plenty of time at the top to take pictures of the soul-stirring Himalayan panoramas. After, we'll return back to base camp for the night before starting our descent.
Day 10 - Yala Peak Base Camp to Kyanjin Gompa
Our descent starts today, as we double back from the Yala Peak base camp to Kyanjin Gompa. You'll be surprised how the mountain looks different from this perspective.
Day 11 - Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel
Take some time, as you're descending the mountain, to stop and smell the literal flowers. The Langtang region is kissed by an abundance of Alpine flora, with violets, gentian, and edelweiss blooms forming sprawling carpets over the hills. It's only a four hour trek back to Lama Hotel today, so you'll have some time to wander the village and explore.
Day 12 - Lama Hotel to Syabru Bensi
This is our last day on the mountain, and we spend it trekking six hours from Lama Hotel back to Syabru Bensi. A notable milestone on our way today will be the Chilime Hydropower Power Plant of Sherpagaon, which powers the surrounding area. This is the land of the Tamang people, and it is a gorgeous one. If you are so inclined, tonight would be a great night to have a farewell party with your trekking group and guides. You've been through a lot together!
Day 13 - Syabru Bensi to Kathmandu
The time has come, at last, to rest your weary legs - today we drive back to Kathmandu the same way we came. Our return trip will offer your final glimpses of the mountains and all the beauty surrounding them. Upon arrival back in the capital, we'll bring you back to your hotel for some much-needed relaxation.
Day 14 - Kathmandu: Sightseeing Day
There's no better way to savor your last day in Nepal than to indulge in a leisurely sightseeing tour of Kathmandu's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites - and no easier way to get around than with us as your guides! Have your camera ready as we make the rounds of all the Kathmandu Valley has to offer: Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath, among others. As if that weren’t enough, let us treat you to dinner at one of the city's best Nepalese restaurants. We'd love to hear your feedback on the trip.
Day 15 - Kathmandu: Departure Day
It's your last morning with us as we prepare to say our final farewells. Whether you are off to the airport for a flight home or en route to your next adventure, we hope that your memories of the Himalayas and our staff are warm and fond.
