Langtang is such a beautiful place. It lies just north of Kathmandu, and is a long east-west running valley, roughly parallel with the border with Tibet. It's closeness to Kathmandu means that it is accessible via a jeep from the country's capital, something that for many trekkers is a big advantage over the Khumbu where you generally have to fly in. For our trips to Langtang we use a private jeep that takes us right from our hotel door in Kathmandu to the start of our trek in Syabrubensi, a fascinating journey on pot-hole cratered roads and rough mountain tracks of between 6 and 8 hours.

Langtang is a place of mountain grandeur, but also sadness. It was here that saw the most devastation in the 2015 earthquakes, with villages being destroyed and over 200 people losing their lives. This is one of the many reasons we visit Langtang. The people here need tourism in order to rebuild their lives. Most of the infrastructure is back in place, and the village now boast a range of fine lodges with many of the trappings of modern western life, such as fresh coffee, bakeries and wifi.

On our Langtang trek we enjoy exploring the valley from its lowest reaches at Syabrubensi right up to the highest village at Kyanjin Gompa. We base ourselves at Kyanjin Gompa for a few days, and take day walks to some of the surrounding peaks, including the 5033m high Tsergo Ri (the bulky, vegetated mountain in the photograph above). The trek is non-technical, requiring nothing more than the ability to walk on mountain paths for up to 8 hours a day. It is hard work though, especially for the optional ascent of Tsergo Ri, and this does require a fair bit of determination! Or you can stay behind on that day and explore the village instead if you wish. It is most suited to regular hillwalkers looking for their first venture into the Himalaya.

Throughout this trek we will be based in lodges, and we'll enjoy the very best of hospitality from the local people.

Day 1. Arrive in Kathmandu. You'll be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Depending on your flight arrival time, there may be time to explore the city. In the evening we'll gather as a group at the hotel. You'll meet your UK guides, and also your local guides who'll be with you for the rest of your trip. There'll be time to answer questions, and we'll advise you about packing for the onward journey to Syabrubensi.

Day 2. Kathmandu. As some flights may not arrive until late on day one, we'll have breakfast together in the hotel, then spend the day in Kathmandu. You could enjoy the exotic splendour of Kathmandu independently, or explore Thamel and the neighbouring area with your UK guide. We normally have an early dinner together, as we'll need to get an early night's sleep, ready for a very early start the next day.

Day 3. Jeep to Syabrubensi. This is a long day, but it really feels like you've arrived somewhere exotic as you follow rough tracks high into the mountains on your way to Syabrubensi. We spend the night in Syabrubensi, relaxing and getting ready for our first day's trekking tomorrow.

Day 4. Trek to Lama Hotel. This can feel like quite a long first day trekking (about 8 hours), but it's a brilliant walk through jungle. We'll stop for a break at a place called Bamboo for lunch, and usually arrive mid afternoon at Lama Hotel where we settle in for the night. This is a simple, rustic collection of lodges and tearooms. It's basic, but wonderfully atmospheric tucked in beneath the pine-clad walls of the surrounding mountains.

Day 5. Trek to Langtang Village. An exciting day as we trek higher up the Langtang Valley (6-7 hours), getting our first views of the snowy peaks that fringe the upper part of the valley. We leave the dense jungle behind today, and emerge into the higher grazing pastures of the valley. We cross the terrible debris left by the landslide that devastated the original village when the earthquake hit in 2015, a poignant reminder of how frail life can be. Beyond this we reach the new Langtang Village where we settle in for a comfortable night.

Day 6. Trek to Kyanjin Gompa. Today we have a much shorter trek (about 3-4 hours) to reach the main village of the upper Langtang Valley, Kyanjin Gompa. There'll be time in the afternoon for a little acclimatisation walk above the village, and we'll also be able to see more of the village itself, perhaps finding one of the bakeries open for coffee and cake!

Day 7. Ascent of Kyanjin Ri (4773m). Today we have a slow and steady walk up to the summit of Kyanjin Ri that lies above the village. There's a good path all the way, and we'll rest on the summit to aid acclimatisation, gaining amazing views of the east face of Langtang Lirung (at 7234m the highest mountain in the Langtang area). After we've rested we'll enjoy a different return route back to the village of Kyanjin Gompa.

Day 8. Ascent of Tsergo Ri (5033m). This is the high point of our trek, and an amazing place to be. It's a tough walk (6-7 hours), although on a reasonable path throughout. The summit slopes can often be snowy, but don't normally require ice axe or crampons. The prayer flags on the summit frame magnificent views in every direction, and this is a panorama that is sure to stay with you forever. A magical place. After taking it all in we return to Kyanjin Gompa for our last night in the village.

Day 9. Trek down to Lama Hotel. Now feeling fit and well acclimatised we'll be able to enjoy the walk all the way down to Lama Hotel, stopping only in Langtang Village for lunch along the way.

Day 10. Trek to Syabrubensi. It's a 6 hour walk down the valley back to Syabrubensi, and we'll savour the views as we go.

Day 11. Jeep back to Kathmandu. After our last night of the trek we'll sadly say our goodbyes to the Himalaya and head back to Kathmandu in our private jeep.

Day 12. After breakfast we'll be taken to the airport for our flights back home.