Chandanbari sits in a clearing in old-growth forest on the ridge between Dhunche and Gosaikunda. The name Sing Gompa comes from the small Buddhist monastery at the top of the settlement; Chandanbari, meaning sandalwood garden, is the name used on government signs. A dozen or so lodges, a cheese dairy run by the state and a few herders' huts make up the place. It is quiet for most of the year and transformed in August when Janai Purnima pilgrims pass through by the thousand.
Two trails meet here. From the west comes the climb from Dhunche via Deurali, and from the north the path from Thulo Syabru via Foprang Danda, used by trekkers coming over from the Langtang Valley. Above Chandanbari the trail continues up through Cholang Pati (3,584 m) and Lauribina (3,910 m) to Gosaikunda (4,380 m), so this is the last real forest stop before the alpine zone.
The forests around Chandanbari are some of the best red panda habitat in Langtang National Park, with fir, hemlock, rhododendron and bamboo undergrowth. Mornings are often clear, with views west to the Ganesh Himal and north to Langtang Lirung from the ridge above the lodges. At 3,330 m nights are cold, below freezing from November to March, and the clearing is often wrapped in mist by afternoon.
What to see and do
- Sing Gompa monastery
The small gompa that gives the place its common name sits above the lodges, with prayer flags, a chorten and views through the trees. Visit in the evening when butter lamps are lit. It was repaired after damage in the 2015 earthquake.
- Government cheese dairy
A small state-run dairy makes hard cheese from yak and chauri milk brought by herders in the surrounding pastures. Production is seasonal, but cheese is usually on sale, and it makes a good comparison with the Kyanjin factory in the Langtang Valley.
- Red panda forest
The fir, hemlock and bamboo forest around Chandanbari is prime red panda habitat. Early morning walks with a quiet guide offer the best chance of a sighting, though nothing is guaranteed. Himalayan monal and blood pheasant are seen more often.
- Cholang Pati viewpoint
An hour above Chandanbari, the clearing at Cholang Pati (3,584 m) opens up views of Langtang Lirung, the Ganesh Himal and on clear days Manaslu. Families and older pilgrims often walk up here and back as a short excursion.
- Meeting point of two trails
Trekkers from Thulo Syabru and the Langtang Valley join pilgrims from Dhunche here, so the lodges see a mix of Nepali and Indian pilgrims, international trekkers and guides swapping news about conditions at the lake.
Experiences in Chandanbari (Sing Gompa)
How to reach Chandanbari (Sing Gompa)
Road
Drive about 117 km and 6–7 hours from Kathmandu to Dhunche via Trishuli Bazaar. Rough tracks above Dhunche are sometimes used by jeeps in the dry season towards Deurali; ask for current conditions.
On foot
From Dhunche (1,960 m) walk 5–6 hours via Deurali, gaining about 1,370 m. From Thulo Syabru (2,210 m) walk 4–5 hours via Dursagang and Foprang Danda, gaining about 1,120 m.
Helicopter
There are no tourist flights to Chandanbari, but rescue helicopters can land in the clearing in an emergency. The nearest tour landing is Gosaikunda.
Where to stay
Around ten to fifteen simple teahouse lodges stand in the clearing, built of timber and stone with twin rooms, shared toilets, blankets and a warm dining room with a wood stove. Some have been rebuilt since 2015 with attached bathrooms. Electricity is solar and limited. There are no hotels. In August during Janai Purnima, lodges are crammed and many pilgrims sleep in dining halls or tents, so we carry tents on festival dates. In October and spring, rooms are easy to find. Choose a lodge near the top of the clearing for morning views and a shorter walk to the monastery.
Tips from our trip managers
- Rest an extra night here if you feel a headache after the 1,370 m climb from Dhunche.
- Walk up to Cholang Pati at dawn for the clearest mountain views before cloud rises from the valleys.
- Buy cheese at the dairy to carry as a high-energy snack for the climb to Gosaikunda.
- Carry a warm hat and gloves even in August; nights here are cold and damp.
- Walk quietly in the forest early in the morning if you hope to see red pandas or pheasants.
