Kyanjin Gompa is a small village at the head of the Langtang Valley, at about 3,870 m. On the standard route it is the highest permanent settlement, and most trekkers sleep here for two nights. It has a monastery, a cheese factory and a cluster of lodges, and it is the base for day hikes to nearby viewpoints.
Altitude: about 3,870 m. Heights quoted for villages and camps vary by source, so treat this as a guide.
Where Kyanjin Gompa is and why trekkers stop
Kyanjin Gompa sits in the upper Langtang Valley, beyond Lama Hotel and Langtang Village on the main trail from Syabrubesi. The path ends here as a lodge route, so every trek in the valley either finishes at this village or uses it as a turning point. Trekkers stop for the simple reason that there is nothing further to sleep in. They also stay because the surrounding ridges make good day trips, including the climbs to Kyanjin Ri and Tserko Ri, which are easier to manage when you are not carrying a full pack.
What to expect at Kyanjin Gompa
The village is compact and walkable, with lodges, a small monastery and a cheese factory that our guides often point out. Yak pasture surrounds the buildings, and the mountains close in on three sides, so the feeling is of arriving somewhere at the end of the road. Days here are usually spent on short climbs or on a gentle wander to the glacier side of the valley. Afternoons often bring cloud, so many people plan viewpoint outings for early morning, when the air tends to be clearer.
Altitude and how you may feel
At about 3,870 m, the sleeping altitude here is higher than any earlier stop on the route. Headache, poor appetite and restless sleep are common and often settle with rest, water and an easy pace. A second night in the village is built into most plans so the body can adjust before the day hikes. Altitude illness can strike at this height even in fit people. If symptoms get worse, such as a worsening headache, vomiting or unsteadiness, descend to a lower village and do not climb higher.
Lodging, food and practical tips
Lodges here are simple teahouses with shared bathrooms and a dining room heated in the evening. Menus are built around rice, noodles, potatoes and eggs, and the local cheese sometimes appears on them. Bring warm layers because nights are cold even in the main trekking seasons, and carry some cash since payment options are limited. Charging and hot water usually cost extra and may be unreliable. Book the day hikes around the weather rather than a fixed schedule, and keep your pace slow when climbing from the village.
Stage guides that pass through Kyanjin Gompa
These day-by-day guides start or end at Kyanjin Gompa, with walking times, ascent and where to sleep.
- Kathmandu to Kyanjin Gompa trek: stages, altitude and time
- Lama Hotel to Kyanjin Gompa trek: stages, altitude and time
- Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa trek: altitude, time and route
- Kyanjin Gompa to Tserko Ri trek: altitude, time and route
- Syabrubesi to Kyanjin Gompa trek: stages, altitude and time
Common questions
Is Kyanjin Gompa the last stop on the Langtang trek?
Yes, it is the highest permanent settlement on the standard route, so most trekkers turn back here. Day hikes to Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri start from the village, and then the route retraces the valley to Syabrubesi.
How many nights should I spend at Kyanjin Gompa?
Two nights is the usual plan. The extra night gives your body time to adjust and leaves one full day for a viewpoint climb. A third night helps if you want to try both Kyanjin Ri and Tserko Ri on separate days.
What is there to do at Kyanjin Gompa besides resting?
You can visit the small monastery, see the cheese factory, walk toward the glacier side of the valley, or climb a nearby ridge viewpoint. Many trekkers also simply rest, since the walk in is long and the altitude is the highest of the trip.
