If you only have a week or so, and you are travelling in winter, you want a trek that starts from Kathmandu by road, stays at a manageable altitude and does not depend on flights that the weather can cancel. We run two.
In this article
Tamang Heritage Trek, 8 days
The Tamang Heritage Trek is one of our gentlest multi-day options. It goes through the Tamang villages of Gatlang, Tatopani, Thuman and Briddim, staying in village homestays, with a soak in the hot springs at Tatopani on the way. The highest point is Nagthali at 3,165 m, with views of Langtang, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. The walking days are four to seven hours, and it is graded easy. For two or three travellers it is 550 USD each.
Langtang Valley Trek, 10 days
The Langtang Valley Trek is a little longer and higher. It goes up the valley to Kyanjin Gompa at 3,830 m, with an optional climb to Kyanjin Ri at 4,773 m, and a visit to the yak cheese factory. It is graded moderate. For two or three travellers it is 640 USD each.
Why these two work in winter
Both begin with a drive from Kathmandu, five to six hours by bus for Langtang and eight to ten hours on the first day of the Tamang trail. There is no flight to be cancelled by fog or wind, and neither crosses a high pass. They are listed for winter, December to February, on our trip pages.
What to expect
Days are bright and nights are cold. Bring warm layers, a hat and gloves. A down jacket and sleeping bag are on loan with both treks. See our December trekking guide for more detail.
Short on time?
Both treks include two Kathmandu nights, so you can fit one around your flights. If you want something shorter than a week, tell us your dates and we will tell you what is realistic. Our roundup of the best treks for first-timers has more options.