Langtang Valley Trek in October

Dry, firm and fast the whole way. The forest below Lama Hotel is open, the valley above Ghodatabela is clear, and there is no snow anywhere on the route.

This is the month for Tserko Ri. A clear October morning from the 4,985m marker gives Langtang Lirung, the Langtang range along the Tibetan border and the glacier system at the head of the valley in a single view, and the air is sharp enough to pick out individual features rather than a white mass. Four to five hours up from Kyanjin Gompa, and the traffic on the path is a handful of parties rather than a queue.

The valley floor is turning through October. The grass goes from green to gold over the month, and the contrast against fresh snow on the high peaks is what most October photographs of this trek are actually showing.

October is the busiest month here and Langtang stays a quiet trek by comparison with its neighbours. Kyanjin Gompa lodges fill on the busier nights and booking ahead is worth doing mid-month, though the trail itself never feels crowded.

Everything is open and fully staffed. Dashain and Tihar fall in October or early November depending on the year, and around those weeks vehicles to Syabrubesi are harder to get and some lodge staff travel home.

The road is dry and in its best post-monsoon condition, and demand for vehicles is at its annual peak. Book the jeep or bus several days ahead in October, particularly around the festivals. Permits are checked at Dhunche as usual.