Langtang Valley and Kyanjin Gompa Birding Trek with Nepal Birding Guide
Follow the Langtang River through forest to Kyanjin Gompa on a ten-day birding trek, with a full alpine birding day and return walks that revisit lower-elevation habitat.
About this tour
Trace the Langtang Valley from forested river trails to open alpine habitat on this ten-day birding trek north of Kathmandu. The route moves through Syabrubesi, Lama Hotel and Thangshyap to Kyanjin Gompa, then returns along the valley. A full day near Kyanjin gives the upper habitats their own observation time.
After arrival in Kathmandu and a guide briefing, take the seven-to-eight-hour road journey to Syabrubesi. The trek follows the Langtang River through bamboo, oak and rhododendron forest, crossing suspension bridges on the way to Lama Hotel. Lower woodland offers possible Rufous Sibia, Green-backed Tit, minivets and thrushes, with birding woven into the progress along the trail.
Beyond Lama Hotel, pine, fir and rhododendron lead toward Thangshyap and a more open valley. The next stage reaches Kyanjin Gompa at an advertised overnight elevation of 3,870 meters. Yak pasture, streams and alpine meadows create a different setting for searching for Grandala, Snow Pigeon, accentors and other mountain birds. Langtang Lirung and the surrounding peaks provide the landscape backdrop.
The dedicated Kyanjin day explores rocky slopes and alpine habitat for possible Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Wallcreeper and other high-elevation species. The descent revisits the woodland for birds missed earlier, returning through Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi before the drive to Kathmandu. Ibisbill and Fire-tailed Sunbird are also among the operator's suggested searches; wild encounters depend on season and conditions.
Spring and autumn are favored. The program calls for moderate fitness and comfort walking for several hours each day on mountain trails. Teahouse accommodation and three daily meals are included during the trek, with a Kathmandu hotel on a breakfast basis. English-speaking birding and licensed trekking guides, private road transfers, park and TIMS arrangements, porter service, staff insurance, taxes and first-aid supplies are included. Personal travel insurance and rescue costs remain the traveler's responsibility. The route is planned around birding and village landscapes rather than an optional summit ascent.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Nepal.
Birds you can spot
Ithaginis cruentus
target
Aethopyga ignicauda
target
Grandala coelicolor
target
Parus monticolus
target
Lophophorus impejanus
target
Ibidorhyncha struthersii
target
Heterophasia capistrata
target
Tichodroma muraria
target
Itinerary
Day 1
Kathmandu arrival
Transfer from the airport and settle into the hotel. Meet the guide to review the trek and birding interests, leaving time to prepare equipment.
Day 2
Road to Syabrubesi
Drive north through hills, fields and river valleys, taking around seven to eight hours. Observe roadside habitat when practical, then stay at the gateway to the trekking route.
Day 3
Forest trail to Lama Hotel
Follow the Langtang River through bamboo, oak and rhododendron, crossing suspension bridges. Look for forest birds along the route before the overnight stay at Lama Hotel.
Day 4
Lama Hotel to Thangshyap
Continue through pine, fir and rhododendron as the valley opens. Search for pheasants, sunbirds, grosbeaks and laughingthrushes before reaching the local teahouse at Thangshyap.
Day 5
Upper valley to Kyanjin Gompa
Walk past yak pastures, alpine meadows and streams to Kyanjin Gompa, the highest overnight base. Search the changing habitat for Grandala, Snow Pigeon, accentors and soaring raptors.
Day 6
Alpine birding around Kyanjin
Use the full day to explore rocky slopes, pastures and valley habitat. The guide searches for mountain specialties including possible pheasants, Wallcreeper and Grandala, with time for photography.
Day 7
Descent to Lama Hotel
Return through Thangshyap and the valley's changing vegetation. Revisit woodland searches while descending to Lama Hotel for the night.
Day 8
Return walk to Syabrubesi
Follow the river trail through forest and across the suspension bridges. Look for minivets, woodpeckers, tits and streamside birds before completing the walking section.
Day 9
Drive back to Kathmandu
Leave Syabrubesi by private vehicle, with potential birding breaks along riversides and viewpoints. Return to the Kathmandu hotel; the itinerary includes a farewell dinner.
Day 10
Airport departure
The airport transfer is arranged around your international flight. This concludes the valley birding journey.
Locations & map
- Kathmandu - Nepal
- Syabrubesi - Nepal
- Lama Hotel - Nepal
- Thangshyap - Nepal
- Kyanjin Gompa - Nepal
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: March to May; October to November
Included
- Airport transfers and private Kathmandu to Syabrubesi road journeys
- Three-star Kathmandu hotel with breakfast
- English-speaking birding guide and licensed trekking guide
- Porter service
- Langtang park permit and TIMS arrangements
- Trekking accommodation and three meals daily
- Guide and porter insurance, government taxes and first-aid kit
Not included
- International airfare, Nepal visa and city lunches and dinners unless specified
- Personal insurance, expenses and drinks
- Personal birding equipment
- Tips and emergency rescue expenses
Policies & FAQ
What accommodation is used during the walk?
The trekking section uses local teahouses, with meals and overnight accommodation included.
Does the route require mountain walking?
Yes. Guests need moderate fitness and should be comfortable with several hours on mountain trails each day.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.