Kyanjin Ri Overview: Langtang Trek’s Highest Point
Kyanjin Ri is one of the most popular and easily accessible viewpoints in the Himalayas. Unlike other base camp and circuit trekking adventures, you don’t have to take on physically demanding trails to reach a vantage point.
The name of this hiking viewpoint is derived from the beautiful settlement of the ‘Kyanjin Village’, and the village embraced the name due to the spiritual presence of the Kyanjin Gompa. This gompa is believed to be 700 years old and is one of the most significant and old Buddhist sites in the world.
Kyanjin Ri trek is actually divided into two categories: Kyanjin Ri (Lower), which is approximately 4,360 meters (14,304 feet) high from the sea level, and Kyanjin Ri (Higher), which is at an altitude of 4,773 meters (15,655 feet). The lower hiking point offers incredible views of the valleys and mountain ranges from its vantage point.
Similarly, if you hike even further, you will reach the Kyanjin Ri higher viewpoint, which is situated right in front of the Yurba Himal. From here, you will able to enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayan peak, deep valleys, and, of course, ice falls and glaciers up close.
The trail that leads to the upper viewpoint of Kyanjin Ri passes across the ridge of the mountain, so it can be a challenging excursion if you are trekking during the season when the path is covered with snow.
Normally, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the upper Kyanjin Ri from the lower hiking viewpoint. You can also take a different path to descend downhill after reaching the top of the upper viewpoint; the path is less steep and much easier than the way through the lower viewpoint.
What Can You See From Kyanjin Ri?
Kyanjin Ri is an epicenter to immerse in the Himalayan ambiance and enjoy the panoramic views of the mystical snow-clad peaks. The trekking adventure in the Langtang Valley feels incomplete without the hike to this vantage point; this hiking viewpoint has such significance in the Himalayan adventure.
The glacial rivers, serene widespread yak pastures, and the wide Himalayan vistas are some of the scenic highlights of the Langtang Trek. However, the views from the vantage point of the Langtang Trek are even otherworldly; you will be able to relish the stunning views of deep valleys, glacial streams cutting through the valley, wide pastures, and close-up mountain views, including the glaciers and icefalls.
From the top this vantage point, Kyanjin Ri height at 4,773 meters, you will be rewarded with the breathtaking panoramic views of Lantang Lirung (7,234 meters), Langtang Ri (7,205 meters), Loenpo Gang (6,907 meters), Dorje Lakpa (6,966 meters), Changbu (6,7781 meters), Morimoto (6,150 meters), Gangchenpo (6,387 meters), Yala Peak (5,520 meters), Ganja La Peak (5,844 meters) and other surrounding peaks.
In the Kyanjin Ri trek, besides the incredible mountain views, you will also be able to soak in the peaceful and spiritual Himalayan atmosphere, enjoying magnificent views of the monasteries, chortens, and praying flags. On top of that, the views of Ganja La Pass (5,122 meters), moving glaciers, and sometimes even avalanches will make your journey even more enchanting.
How to Reach Kyanjin Ri?
Although there are several options to reach this incredible hiking viewpoint of the Himalayas, one of the most preferred and ideal journeys is through the trails of the Langtang Valley. Depending on the arrangement of your package, either your Kyanjin Ri trek will start after a sightseeing day in Kathmandu or directly with the drive to Syabrubesi (1,450 meters), the trek starting point of the Langtang Valley Trek.
Then, from Syabrubesi, you will make your gradual ascend to the Lama Hotel (2,480 meters) and keep pushing further on the uphill trail to reach the Langtang Village (3,540 meters). Your journey further ahead will then take you to the spiritual realm of the Kyanjin Gompa (3,850 meters). After spending a night at the village and acclimatizing properly, the next morning you will then hike to the Kyanjin Ri, the highest point of the Langtang Trek.
You will return back to the Kyanjin Village to rest for the night and enjoy the magical Himalayan atmosphere one more time before beginning your descending journey. You will either retrace your steps back on the same trekking route and trek across Langtang Village to Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi for the drive back to Kathmandu.
In an alternative route, you can also trek down to Rimche (2,399 meters) from Kyanjin Gompa and descend down to Syabrubesi for the drive to Kathmandu. The overall route and exploration will depend on the itinerary plan.
So, the best way to explore Kyanjin Ri is via the trekking route of the Langtang Vallley. You can select the most suitable trekking package for you that includes the hike to the Kyanjin Ri in your exploration. Explorer Adventure also offers some of the most remarkable trekking packages in the Langtang Himal Region that you can select for the Kyanjin Ri hike. We also offer customizable options so you can decide the duration of the trek, route taken, and highlight exploration in the region according to your preference.
When is the Best Time for Kyanjin Ri Hike?
The Langtang Valley Trek is counted among the easiest expeditions to the Himalayas in Nepal. The route, altitude challenges, and other difficulty factors in this Himalayan excursion are on a moderate level. You don’t need to have any kind of experience or technical skill knowledge to do this trek.
So, Kyanjin Ri trek is pretty much doable throughout the year. For the best experience, the peak season months, like autumn and spring, are recommended as Kyanjin Ri weather conditions are favorable. However, you will also be able to do this trek in winter and monsoon seasons if you make adequate preparations. Still, for a comfortable and pleasant experience, we recommend the peak seasons like spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November). The months of these seasons have stable climatic conditions and pleasant temperatures.
The autumn season is considered the driest month throughout the year and is perfect for the Himalayan trekking adventures. This season also offers the most spectacular views of the Himalayan vistas and welcomes trekkers with fascinating landscapes immersed in the hue and grey shades of the season. The Kyanjin Ri temperature during the autumn usually hovers around 10°C to 31°C.
Similarly, the spring season is popular among trekkers for its natural allurements and the stunning visual of nature’s peak moments. You will be able to enjoy the incredible trekking adventure under the pleasant temperatures and, at the same time, will have the opportunity to explore the rich Himalayan bio-diversity. The Kyanjin Ri temperature during the spring season generally averages around 11°C to 31°C.
Permits Required
Despite the route you take during the Kyanjin Ri hike, you will need to acquire the following permits to trek across the protected areas of the Langtang Valley. Luckily, you will need to get only permits to do this trek:
Permits for Kyanjin Ri Hike
- Langtang National Park Entry Permit
- Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Your incredible Himalayan journey will take you across the conserved area of the Langtang National Park. So, getting the permit for the national park is mandatory, and it costs just about US$ 30.
Similarly, the Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card is another mandatory requirement for high-altitude treks in Nepal. This card helps the authorities save the entry point of your journey on their database and ensure an efficient response in case of emergencies. You can get this card for just about US$ 17 for your hike to Kyanjin Ri.
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What Should You Bring for the Trek?
Although the most part of Langtang Valley Trek has a moderate level of altitude gain, Kyanjin Ri altitude is significant. Doing a high-altitude trekking adventure is not as easy as it sounds. You will need to pack the right layers and equipment to make the journey a comfortable experience. Failing to do so might make it difficult to overcome the different climatic zones along the trails and the remoteness of the region.
You should pack light for the trek and make sure not to miss out on the most essential layers and gear to ensure the trek’s enjoyment. You can use the following packing suggestions to cross-reference with your checklist.
For Head and Body
- Sun block hat, beanie, and woolen hat
- Neck gaiter, cowl, or scarf
- Sweat-wicking and insulated base layers
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof/windproof jacket
- Down jacket for alpine altitude
- Hiking shorts
- Waterproof/windproof trousers
- Breathable insulated trousers
- Undergarments
- Glove pairs with different thickness
For Feet
- Trekking boots (break-in first)
- Sports shoes for short hikes
- Sandals or slippers for teahouses
- Socks with different thickness (light to insulated)
- Waterproof gaiter
Personal Hygiene
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Bio-degradable soap and shampoo
- Sunscreen cream, body lotion, and lip balm
- Small mirror, nail clipper, razor
- Foot powder, perfume
- Insect repellent
- Sanitizer
- Female hygiene products
- Personal medication (if any)
- Travel towel
- Wet wipes, tissues
- Toilet paper
Equipment and Gear
- Trekking pole
- Sleeping bag
- Backpack or daypack, duffle bag
- Packing sack
- Wastage bag
- Rain cover for luggage
- Ankle support
- Map, compass, and GPS
- Sleep mask, earplugs
- Water bottle and thermos flask
- Power bank
- Board games, card games, or entertainment options
- Journal, magazines
- Binocular and camera
