Welcome to Nepali Tibetan Himalaya

If you are looking for a wonderful trekking experience with great alpine Himalayan view yet not too crowded in Nepal, Langtang National Park is the ultimate choice. Langtang is a region located in north central Himalayas of Nepal. Located 51 km from Katmandu Valley, this region is bordered by the Tibet autonomous region of China, making it a unique place where the Tibetan culture can be seen.

We did a 5 day trek in Langtang Kyangin Gompa Valley. The trek started in Syabrubesi and ended in Kyangin Gompa on Day 3, famous for its Buddhist Monastery. The view along the trek is awesome with great alpine view, especially in Kyangin Gompa. 

On Day 1, we trekked from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel. As it was the first day of trek, it was tiring. 

Syabrubesi

Lama Hotel

On day 2, we continued our journey from Lama Hotel to Langtang Village. 

The tea house where we had lunch

Langtang Village

On day 3, we trekked to nearby valley village where we had a great glacier alpine view while relaxing at a tea house before lunch. Then, we continued our journey to Kyangin Gompa at 3800m.  As it was still winter in Feb, the weather was very cold upon reaching the guesthouse in the evening. We had butter milk tea to warm ourselves. 

Valley village with great alpine view

The tea house where we had lunch

The guesthouse in Kyangin Gompa

On day 4, we trekked back to Lama Hotel. 

Lunch at the tea house

One of the guesthouses in Lama Hotel

View from our guesthouse in Lama Hotel

On day 5, we trekked back from Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi, where we overnight in the local guesthouse before we came back to Katmandu the next day. 

Friendly villager in Langtang Valley

Final lunch on the trail

Toward the end of the trek

Finally reaching Syabrubesi

As Langtang was the first trek I did in Nepal, it was the first ever Himalayan glacier experience that left me in awe. The surrounding valley is mesmerizing with unique Tibetan cultural experience and awesome mountainous scenery. In fact, comparing to Poon Hill in the Annapurna region of Nepal which I did right after the Langtang trek, I would prefer Langtang to Poon Hill scenery.

KOYASAN - THE BIRTH PLACE OF SHINGON BUDDHISM

Mount Koya, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is located south of Osaka and Kyoto. It is the head quarter for Shingon School of Buddhism, founded by Kobo Daichi in 805AD. There are hundreds of temples and monasteries around the mountain. The best place to visit is in Autumn in November, where the autumn colors can be enjoyed.

Kongobuji Temple is the main temple built in 1593. It has the largest Banryutei Rock Garden in Japan.

Garan is Koyasan's central temple complex. The two most prominent buildings in Garan are the Kondo Hall and Konpon Daito Pagoda. Kondo Hall is a large wooden temple where major ceremonies are held. Konpon Daito Pagoda is an iconic bright 2 tier pagoda, standing at 45m tall.

Okunoin is the largest cemetery with over 200,000 tombstones lining along a 2 kilometre pathway with centuries old cedar tree. It is also the site of Kobo Daichi Mausoleum. Walking along the pathway in an early wet drizzling morning was like walking in a cloud.

The best experience in Mount Koya is to stay overnight at one of the Buddhist Temples. The temple lodging provides a ryokan like experience, where there is a tatami mat. Dinner was served in the room for the temple I stayed. Breakfast was held in the dining area.

Visiting Mount Koya is a relaxing experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.