Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri

For those who have the flexibility in their itinerary, a highly rewarding approach is to spend two nights in Kyanjin Gompa — ascending Kyanjin Ri on the first morning as an acclimatisation hike and tackling Tserko Ri the following day. This strategy not only increases your safety at high altitude but ensures you don’t miss out on the two most iconic viewpoints of the Langtang Valley

Best View Points | Langtang Valley Trek

If you’re trekking to Langtang Valley, the journey usually ends at Kyanjin Gompa, a beautiful village surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. From here, you have two popular hiking options for a day trip: Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri. Both viewpoints offer incredible mountain panoramas, but they differ in terms of difficulty, time required, altitude, and overall experience. So, which one should you choose?

Kyanjin Ri (4773m)

Kyanjin Ri is the more popular and easier of the two hikes. It offers a shorter ascent with two possible summits — the lower one at 4,400 meters and the upper one at 4,773 meters. Most trekkers take around 4 to 5 hours for the round-trip, making it an ideal acclimatisation hike for those adjusting to the altitude. The trail begins with gentle yak pastures and gradually becomes steep and rocky. While the final stretch is challenging due to the high altitude, the views from both lower and upper Kyanjin Ri are rewarding. You’ll see Langtang Lirung up close, as well as Yala Peak, Dorje Lakpa, and the vast Langtang Glacier below. This hike is manageable for beginners and recommended even in winter, as it’s shorter and less exposed to extreme conditions.

Tserko Ri (4984m)

Tserko Ri is a more demanding but deeply fulfilling hike. Rising to an altitude of 4,984 meters, it’s the highest point you can reach without technical climbing in the Langtang region. The round trip takes about 5 to 6 hours and involves over 1,000 meters of elevation gain. The trail starts easy through wide yak pastures, but quickly becomes steeper and more rugged as you ascend. The altitude can make progress slow and tiring, especially in the final sections. Despite its difficulty, Tserko Ri offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Langtang Himalayas, including peaks like Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Yala Peak, and even Shishapangma in Tibet. This is the hike to choose if you’re well-acclimatised, physically fit, and eager to witness the most expansive vistas in the region.

Which Viewpoint Is Right for You?

Choose Kyanjin Ri: If you're looking for a shorter, less strenuous hike, are new to high-altitude trekking, or have limited time. You'll still see fantastic close-up mountain and glacier views. It's also a good option for acclimatisation.

Choose Tserko Ri: If you are well-acclimatised, have excellent stamina, and are seeking a more challenging adventure rewarded with truly breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views that include peaks like Shishapangma.

Extra one more day | Do Both

If you have an extra day in Kyanjin Gompa and sufficient energy, you could consider doing both! This would allow you to experience both the close-up majesty of Kyanjin Ri and the expansive panoramas from Tserko Ri. Just ensure you allow enough rest and acclimatisation between the two hikes. Remember to pack appropriately for the high altitude and changeable weather conditions, regardless of which peak you choose. Enjoy your trek in the Langtang Valley