Langtang valley trek begins with the drive along the Trisuli River north of Kathmandu, via Dhunche to Syabrubesi, 1470m, the first of several settlements of the Tamang and Sherpa ethnic groups. The trail disappears up a narrow, forested gorge towards Village, 3400m, beautifully situated at the base of Lirung, surrounded by 6000-7000m snow-capped peaks. Aside from a little agriculture, the trekking business was the main livelihood for the inhabitants, and until 25 April 2015, the village was booming. This was the day the 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit. The strong tremors caused most of their houses to collapse, and minutes later a terrifying rumble was heard as an entire section of Lirung broke off, bringing 40 million tons of giant boulders, much of the glacier, and the entire frozen lake down on top of the village. The only trace of the village that remained was the wall of one house.

Once the area was declared safe for trekking, the resilient villagers began rebuilding their homes, teahouses and lives, about 100 meters above the old village. The new village lacks the authentic feel of the first, but most of them are have more amenities. There is a memorial mani wall dedicated to the lost ones a short distance from the old village. You can also find plaques listing the names of all 243 victims of the landslide at Langtang village. Visiting the Langtang Village with your friends or family is a great contribution to their recovery.

Above Langtang village, the valley widens and you ascend through alpine pastures to Kyanjin Gompa, 3850m, near the border of Tibet. From here a day hike to Tserko Ri offers spectacular views of mountains and glaciers: of Langtang Lirung, 7246m, Kimshung, 6781m, and Langshisha Ri, 6370m. This is one of the places you could spend an extra day or two.