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The Langtang Valley of Nepal
Tour Code: NPL09A 24-day holiday incorporating a 19-day trek through the finest forests and alpine meadows of Nepal, with birdwatching and sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley.
24 days
from
£5,995 (Inc flights)
£5,995 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£5,495
£5,495
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
The Langtang circuit is particularly special, encompassing some of Nepal’s finest forests and a wonderful sense of peace and tranquillity. Our focus will be on the superb upland bird life, alpine flowers and high-altitude rhododendron forests of this beautiful place – a Naturetrek favourite! We begin our trek high above the Trisuli River then climb its eastern flank through pretty villages into dense subtropical vegetation. Next we head into the deep Langtang Valley for several days where Musk Deer and Blood Pheasants find refuge amongst the rhododendron forests. We’ll explore remote ravines, passes and forests, and enjoy arguably the world’s most breathtaking scenery, before returning to Kathmandu or perhaps extending the tour to Chitwan National Park.
- White-capped River Chats, Blue Whistling Thrushes, Fire-tailed Myzornis & Wallcreeper
- Visit the home of the elusive Satyr Tragopan & Himalayan Monal
- Colourful warblers, babblers, tits & flycatchers of the Himalayan foothills
- Pied Ground Thrush & Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon
- Stunning Himalayan scenery, including Annapurna chain & views to Mt Everest
- Black Bear, Leopard & Red Panda inhabit the area we visit
- Mammals we may see include langurs, Common Goral & Himalayan Tahr
- Look for rosefinches, snowcocks & Snow Partridge in hanging valleys & glaciers
- Led by expert local naturalist guides
Grading
Moderate. Trekking between 1,520 and 4,570 metres.The Langtang circuit is particularly special. We do not approach the highest of the Himalayan peaks, we do not encounter the diversity of scenery and ethnic groups that is found in the Kali Gandaki Valley; but we do find Nepal’s finest forests, and a peace and tranquillity that is sometimes lacking on more popular trails. Though just north of Kathmandu, this route takes us to some of Nepal’s least populated regions, and remains relatively free of trekkers. May can be very hot at low altitudes but is a wonderful time for birds and flowers, just as in Europe, and on this trek we do remain at high altitudes for most of our journey. On no other trek will you see so many of Nepal’s upland breeding birds and alpine flowers. High altitude rhododendron forests are covered in pink blooms, and underfoot lie carpets of primulas, anemones and dwarf irises.
We begin our walk from Dhunche, high above the banks of the Trisuli River. Whitecapped River Chats and Blue Whistling Thrushes decorate riverbed rocks, Indian Rollers and mynas call from the riverside Sal forest. Slowly we climb above the river on its eastern flank, following it northwards through pretty Tamang villages, steep terraced fields and watery ravines filled with dense subtropical vegetation and tall stands of alder. Here we will encounter the colourful warblers, babblers, tits and flycatchers of the Himalayan foothills, and will keep a look out for the beautiful Pied Ground Thrush and Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon. The views to the Trisuli River far below, of Ganesh Himal to the west, and of the stout, snowbound Tibetan peaks at the head of the valley are quite magnificent.
Leaving the Trisuli Valley behind, we turn east into the deep Langtang Valley, the heart of a large national park. Here we spend several days. The uninhabited oak and rhododendron forest of the lower valley is outstanding. Black Bears, Leopards and Red Pandas all occur but realistically we must satisfy ourselves with the smaller mammals — langurs, macaques, Common Goral and Himalayan Tahr — and the exceptionally rich birdlife of this forest. In the upper reaches of the valley, high alpine pastures lie enveloped by the high snowy peaks of the Langtang range and Tibetan border. We visit the hanging valleys and great glaciers where rosefinches, snowcocks and Snow Partridges are common and confiding. In a gnarled birch and rhododendron forest, sitting on the tree line, Musk Deer, and Blood Pheasants and Himalayan Monals find refuge.
We must climb high to leave the Langtang Valley but the mixed forest, home of the elusive Satyr Tragopan, and the flower-filled meadows beneath the holy lake of Gosainkund are magnificent. Leaving Gosainkund we follow a series of smaller lakes to the Laurabini Pass (4,570 metres), then drop into a wild land of remote forests and steep damp ravines where birds and flowers abound, but humans do not.
Our final days take us along a spectacular forested ridge and through little Tamang villages, from which the views of the Himalayan chain, from Annapurna to Mount Everest, are outstanding ... providing that the weather is clear! Before and after the trek we have plenty of time to explore the temples and shrines, the rivers and forests of the Kathmandu Valley, and those that wish for a further aspect of Nepal, and a new range of birds and mammals, may take advantage of our extension to the lowland riverine and Sal jungles of Chitwan National Park. There we will spend four nights at a jungle lodge, exploring the park on foot, elephant back and by canoe. Chitwan is a most exciting place, offering a unique and very different Nepalese experience ... as well as an additional 200 new bird, and 15 new mammal species for our trip!
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Depart London
Day 2/3
Kathmandu
Day 4/21
Trekking
Day 22/23
Kathmandu
Day 24
Fly London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation: Fully serviced camping on trek; comfortable hotel, Kathmandu, and jungle lodge, Chitwan, both with private facilities.
- Food: Included in the price, except for lunches and dinners in Kathmandu. Allow ?45.
Reviews
-
-
Excellent trip.
B.B. Scotland -
Tamding was excellent. I cannot praise him highly enough plus the 3 cook boys, the variety and quality of food were excellent. All the porters were friendly, cheerful and worked very hard.
D.B. Kent -
The ornithologist, Som and Sirdar, Ramesh were excellent and contributed enormously to a most enjoyable and instructive trek as did our cook Kesher and guide Krishna - it was a pleasure and privilege to travel with them and the cook boys and porters who are so fundamental. Lots of good cheer, friendliness and kindness from all made it memorable.
F.B. Scotland
Extensions
Chitwan
In Kathmandu we'll stay at the famous Yak & Yeti Hotel before travelling to Chitwan National Park, in Nepal's lowland 'terai' jungle. We'll spend three days exploring Chitwan by canoe, searching the grasslands for Tigers, Rhinos and other mammals on jeep, and birdwatching in the forests on foot. Chitwan has 500 bird species and a greater variety of wildlife than any other area of Nepal.
6 days from £1,495
Dates & Prices
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sat 4th Apr – Mon 27th Apr
SPACES
£5,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£5,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£995
2028
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sat 1st Apr – Mon 24th Apr
SPACES
£5,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£5,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£995
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[description] => Botanical Tours – See Wild Flowers with our Expert Botanical Guides
There are few more pleasing sights in the natural world than a meadow filled with wildflowers. Seeing plants in their native habitat is always exciting and our flower tours offer you an incredible choice, from dazzling tropical blooms and the thrill of finding elusive orchids or delicate alpines, to seeing island endemics or British flora. Our tours range from week-long holidays focusing on the ‘Alpine flowers of the Swiss Alps’, the ‘Italian Dolomites’ and the ‘Alpine Flowers of Slovenia’s Julian Alps’, to orchid-hunting on Italy’s Gargano Peninsula and searching for the Autumn Plants of Greece’s Peloponnese. We also visit more remote areas of the world in search of plant-life, from the Tien Shan Mountains of Kazakhstan where we look for wild tulips, to the rainforests and spiny deserts of Madagascar where over 80% of the flora is endemic.
Many of us want to know more about the plants we see around us. Whether inspired by an appreciation of the aesthetic appeal of flowers, or a more focused desire to identify individual species, everyone with an interest in botany will derive pleasure from joining one of Naturetrek’s flower tours.
Why choose Naturetrek’s botanical holidays?
- All our botanical holidays are led by expert botanist guides
- All levels of interest and expertise are catered for, from hobby gardeners and complete beginners to keen botanists who wish to explore a new area with the help of a knowledgeable leader
- We keep the overall focus on flora, though expert guidance is also given on other wildlife
What can I expect on a typical Naturetrek botanical holiday?
- Travel with a group of like-minded people
- Stay at a comfortable hotel or lodge, close to an area of outstanding botanical interest
- Enjoy a series of leisurely day excursions with ample time to appreciate the local flora
In addition to our dedicated flower tours, we also offer holidays with a wider theme to encompass birds, butterflies and other aspects of natural history as well as the flora. Our spring tours to 'Crete' and ‘The Island of Cyprus’ are both timed to allow us to enjoy the botanical highlights as well as the spring bird migration, whilst ‘Croatia and Slovenia – Spring in Istria’ also allows time to enjoy a little of the local culture. ‘Romania – the Wildlife of Transylvania’ combines an appreciation of the flora of the Carpathian Mountains with birding, butterflying and a trip to look for Brown Bears from a purpose built hide, and our holidays in both the ‘French Pyrenees’ and the ‘Spanish Pyrenees’ combine birds, butterflies and botany throughout the week.
Our specialist recommends...
"I'd recommend 'Wengen – Alpine Flowers of the Swiss Alps', 'Crete' and 'The French Pyrenees', which all offer some fascinating European botany, along with plenty of wider natural history and some stunning scenery. If you’re keen to travel a little further afield, I’d suggest joining us in South Africa for our 'Wild Flowers of the Cape & Namaqualand' tour”
David Tattersfield - Tour Leader
David Tattersfield - Tour Leader
Combined Walking and Wildlife Tours
Naturetrek started by, and still specialises in, organising bird-watching and wild flower treks to remote and mountainous regions of the world. Though our broad programme of holidays now includes many tours which involve little or no strenuous walking, we still offer an excellent choice of walking and trekking wildlife holidays, from the Himalaya to the Pyrenees and the Camino de Santiago to the Inca trail.
Walking Wildlife Holidays on Offer:
These tours involve walking all day on most of the days, and tend to be 8 days in the mountains of Europe (although not exclusively) and are either botany or general natural history in focus. Often in remote areas where there are very few other people, our expert naturalist guides will lead you through some of the most majestic scenery, whilst at the same time helping you discover the wonderful flora and fauna that inhabit the region. These tours are for those who enjoy spending a whole day on foot, being able to cope with some strenuous terrain on sometimes uneven ground, and their reward will be, apart from the memorable landscapes and wildlife encounters, a hearty dinner at the end of each day and a great sense of satisfaction at the end of the holiday! Some of our favourite destinations are:
- The Alps, which offer classic mountain vistas. Switzerland, in particular, with its beautiful alpine meadows, spruce forests and glaciers, is hard to beat for a superb holiday combining botany and walking
- The Pyrenees – we offer various itineraries with tours on both the French and Spanish sides. Wilder and less manicured than the Alps, this mountain range has a large number of different habitats and a wealth of natural history as a result
- The little visited Picos de Europa in northern Spain rewards those who visit with outstanding natural history – birds, plants and butterflies galore!
- Italy has a number of regions which are ideal for walking and afford plenty of wildlife – alpine flowers and butterflies in the Dolomites and unknown Sibillini Mountains, and Marsican Brown Bear in the Abruzzo National Park (in the Apennines)
- Zambia - walking between bush camps in Zambia’s South Luangwa National park, home to over 500 species of bird and 60 mammals, is a unique and unforgettable experience!
Looking for something even more adventurous?
Strenuous treks as the main feature of the tour – lasting up to 15 days – in some of world’s most spectacular and sparsely populated mountain ranges, we offer a selection of trips, including the Himalaya & Nepal’s Langtang Valley, where we go in search of breeding birds, alpine flowers, mammals and other wildlife. Here are a few more choices:
- We have two options in Ladakh searching for Snow Leopards - our original trip which involves camping for several nights and a new departure staying in a recently opened lodge, for those who prefer a roof over their head!
- Mount Everest & the Gokyo Lakes of Nepal to enjoy the world’s highest peaks & their unique natural history
- A holiday to Bhutan’s Bumthang Valley, an area with the most temples and historic sites in the this secretive country, in search of spring flowers, particularly rhododendrons
- Our Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu trip has the option to complete the infamous Inca Trail, which culminates after 5 days of trekking with the best view of Machu Picchu, looking down at the monumental Inca city from the Sun Gate.
Be it day walks or trekking, in mountains, hills or the savannah, we offer a wide variety of holidays where you can truly stretch your legs, breathe in the cleanest of air, and enjoy the natural history of our world on foot.
Our specialist recommends...
"Well, I’m a little biased as I am particularly fond of the Himalaya. However, if you want to find some spectacular mountain scenery and wildlife nearer to home, try ‘Wild Asturias – Realm of the Bear’ for mammals and birds, the Dolomites or Alpujarra for butterflies and Switzerland for alpine flowers!”
David Mills -Managing Director
David Mills -Managing Director
Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists
The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.
Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:
- Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
- The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
- Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
- Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
- Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
- Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
Our specialist recommends...
"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
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Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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