Climb 50–100 m above the lodges on a grassy path and you reach the pastures where families graze yaks, nak and chauri. In spring and autumn the herds come down to the lower kharkas around Langtang in the evening, and herders bring milk to the village. Gaining a little height and coming back down to sleep is also good acclimatisation practice before Kyanjin Gompa and Kyanjin Ri.
From the pastures, Langtang Lirung (7,227 m) towers above the side valley to the north, and the glacier that sent the 2015 avalanche is in clear view. Looking down-valley you see the debris field and the new village side by side, which gives a sense of scale to what happened. Late light turns the peak orange for a few minutes after the village falls into shadow.
Keep a respectful distance from yaks, especially mothers with calves, and never walk between a herd and its herder. Their horns are large and they can be nervous with strangers. Wear a warm layer, as temperatures drop quickly once the sun goes, and be back at the lodge before dark.
Good for
- Families
- Photographers
- Couples
Questions travellers ask
Are yaks dangerous on the Langtang trek?
Yaks are generally calm but can swing their horns or bolt if startled. Always step to the uphill side of the trail when a yak train passes, never the drop side, and keep a few metres away from mothers with calves. Do not walk between a herd and the herder.
What is a chauri?
A chauri, also called dzo in Tibetan areas, is a cross between a yak and a domestic cow. Chauris tolerate lower altitudes better than pure yaks and give more milk, so they are common around Langtang village. Much of the milk used for cheese in the valley comes from nak and chauri.
Why walk up in the evening at Langtang village?
Climbing 50–100 m above where you sleep, then returning, helps your body adapt to altitude, following the climb high, sleep low principle. It is gentle, takes about an hour, and gives good views of Langtang Lirung and the 2015 debris field. It also helps you sleep better at 3,430 m.
