Ghodatabela is a Himalayan village located in the Langtang Valley within Rasuwa District, Nepal. It is a peaceful rest stop for trekkers on the Langtang trekking route.

The name Ghodatabela translates to "Horse Stable" in Nepali, reflecting its traditional use for grazing horses and yaks in the open grassy areas. Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters above sea level, the village features flat terrain surrounded by steep ridges and pine-forested hills.

The area includes the banks of the Langtang Khola river, with dense forests of oak, rhododendron, pine, and bamboo nearby. Trekkers can see alpine flora and fauna, along with clear views of Himalayan peaks such as Langtang Lirung at 7,227 meters on good weather days.

Key Information at a Glance

Location and Elevation

Ghodatabela is located on the Langtang trail, specifically between Lama Hotel at 2,470 meters and Langtang Village at 3,430 meters.

The approximate distance from Syabrubesi to Ghodatabela is around 16 kilometers, typically covered over two days of trekking: first from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (about 11 kilometers), then from Lama Hotel to Ghodatabela (about 5 kilometers).

Trekkers need to follow the trail northward from Syabrubesi, crossing the Bhote Koshi river, passing through forests and along the river, then ascending gradually from Lama Hotel through wooded areas to reach Ghodatabela.

The village offers views of surrounding mountains, including rocky cliffs and white hills, as well as the forested ridges on either side of the valley.

Trekking Routes to Ghodatabela

Trekking from Syabrubesi and Lama Hotel

Syabrubesi to Ghodatabela

Ghodatabela on Langtang trek is accessible via a route starting from Syabrubesi, the main entry point to the Langtang Valley trek route. The trek begins at Syabrubesi, located at about 1,460 meters elevation, and heads northward along the Langtang Khola river.

From Syabrubesi, the path crosses the Bhote Koshi river over a suspension bridge and enters the Langtang National Park area.

Learn more about Langtang National Park here.

The trail then ascends through dense forests of oak, pine, and bamboo, passing small villages and tea shops. After about 5 to 6 hours of trekking, covering approximately 11 kilometers, trekkers reach Lama Hotel at 2,470 meters. This section includes river crossings, rocky paths, and occasional meadows with views of waterfalls and distant mountain ridges.

From Lama Hotel to Ghodatabela, the route continues upstream along the river for another 4 to 5 hours, covering around 5 kilometers. The path involves a gradual ascent through rhododendron and pine forests, with sections of open meadows and stone steps. Trekkers may cross small streams and encounter yaks grazing in clearings.

Scenic highlights include the widening valley with glimpses of snow-capped peaks like Langtang Lirung, as well as the sound of the river and bird calls in the forest.

The total estimated trekking duration from Syabrubesi to Ghodatabela is 9 to 11 hours over two days, depending on pace and weather. Ghodatabela trail stop marks a flat area at 3,000 meters, serving as a rest point before further ascents.

Connecting to Langtang Village

From Ghodatabela to Langtang Village, the trail follows the Langtang Valley trek route northward, covering about 6 kilometers in 3 to 4 hours. The path features gradual inclines with some steeper sections, made up of dirt tracks, stone paths, and occasional wooden bridges over streams.

Trail conditions are generally well-maintained but can be muddy after rain or snowy in winter. Views include open meadows, surrounding pine forests, and closer sights of Himalayan peaks such as Langtang Lirung and other ridges in the valley.

Trekkers might want to rest in Ghodatabela trekking village before continuing due to the altitude gain to Langtang Village, which helps with acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. The stop also allows time to recover from the previous day's trek and enjoy the Ghodatabela scenery, including the nearby river and forested areas.

Nearby villages include Langtang Village ahead and smaller settlements like Thyangsyap or Mundu further along the route.

Highlights and Attractions Around Ghodatabela

Major Attractions and Highlights at Ghodatabela

Natural Beauty and Landscape

Ghodatabela landscape features a mix of pine forests, open meadows, and Himalayan peaks, making it a notable spot for photos and Himalayan views.

The village is surrounded by steep ridges and the Langtang Khola river. Dense pine forests cover the hillsides, with patches of grassy meadows used for grazing.

Trekkers can see clear views of peaks like Langtang Lirung at 7,227 meters, along with rocky cliffs and white hills in the distance. Short walks around the village allow access to viewpoints overlooking the valley and riverbanks.

Taking photographs is common here, especially during clear weather when the mountains and forests provide distinct contrasts.

Wildlife and Flora

Langtang wildlife in the Ghodatabela area includes common sightings of yaks grazing in meadows, deer such as musk deer in the forests, and birds like Himalayan monal or various eagles. The local flora and fauna add to the trekking experience by offering opportunities to observe natural habitats along the trails.

Langtang forest rhododendron is prominent, with rhododendron trees blooming in pink and red during spring from March to May, creating colorful understories in the oak and pine forests.

Oak trees provide dense canopy cover, while bamboo grows in lower sections near the river.

Seasonal changes affect the area: in autumn from September to November, leaves turn shades of yellow and red; monsoon from June to August brings greener vegetation but wetter conditions; winter from December to February may cover higher areas in snow, limiting some wildlife visibility but enhancing the stark landscape.

These elements help trekkers connect with the environment through sightings and seasonal variations.

Accommodation Facilities Around Ghodatabela

Teahouses and Guesthouses Around Ghodatabela

Ghodatabela has a only a few simple teahouses, guesthouses, and homestays as lodging options for trekkers on the Langtang Valley trek route. These homestay and lodge facilities provide basic rooms with beds, often on a sharing basis, and shared bathrooms.

Meals are available, including Nepali dal bhat, vegetarian options, and some Western dishes. Electricity may be present through solar power, but it is limited in higher areas. Wi-Fi is generally not available or unreliable beyond lower stops.

Peak season for trekking is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), so advance booking for Ghodatabela lodge booking is recommended during these times to secure rooms, as availability can be limited.

What to Bring and Trekking Essentials

Preparation is key for trekking to Ghodatabela due to basic facilities and variable weather on the Ghodatabela trail Langtang. Essential items include trekking poles for support on uneven paths, warm clothing layers for cold nights at 3,000 meters elevation, rain gear for possible showers, a reusable water bottle with purification tablets, energy snacks, and Nepali cash for teahouse payments and tips.

Other useful items are a headlamp, sunscreen, a basic first aid kit, and altitude medication if advised by a doctor. These Ghodatabela trekking tips help manage the trek planning Langtang, ensuring comfort in areas with limited services like shared facilities and no reliable electricity or internet higher up.

Trek Planning and Travel Advice

Seasonal Weather & Trekking Conditions

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Langtang region, including Ghodatabela, is during spring from March to May and autumn from September to November. These periods offer clear skies, mild temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius during the day at lower elevations, and lower chances of rain, making seasonal trekking more comfortable.

Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and other flora, while autumn provides stable weather for better mountain views. Monsoon season from June to August involves heavy rain, leading to slippery trails and potential landslides.

Winter from December to February can bring snow at higher elevations above 3,000 meters, cold temperatures dropping below freezing at night, and limited visibility due to clouds or fog. Trek planning Langtang should account for these conditions, with permits and gear adjusted accordingly.

Permit Requirements & Checkpoints

Safety and Health Tips

Trekker safety Ghodatabela focuses on managing the trek's demands at altitudes around 3,000 meters.

Altitude advice includes acclimatization by ascending gradually, such as spending a night at intermediate stops like Lama Hotel before reaching Ghodatabela, to reduce risks of acute mountain sickness with symptoms like headache or nausea.

Staying hydrated with at least 3 to 4 liters of water daily, resting frequently during ascents, and monitoring for fatigue are essential. Carry a basic first aid kit with items like bandages, pain relievers, antidiarrheal medication, and altitude sickness pills if recommended by a doctor.

Respect local customs by asking permission before photographing people, supporting community teahouses, and following park rules in Langtang National Park. Beginners can follow simple practices like trekking in groups, hiring a guide for navigation, and checking weather updates before starting.

These steps help ensure a safer experience on the Ghodatabela trail Langtang.

Book your Langtang Region trek, which includes Ghodatabela, through Trek Me Nepal. We offer three primary package options: Langtang Valley 11 Days Trek, Tamang Heritage with Langtang Valley 14 Days Trek and Langtang-Gosaikunda Lauribina Pass 16 Days Trek.

We can also customise the treks according to your requirements. All bookings include guide services, permits, accommodation, and meals as specified in the chosen itinerary.

Laxu Sapkota

General Manager

Laxu Sapkota views travel as his lifelong calling. Born and raised in the heritage-rich Kathmandu Valley, his earliest memories are tied to the breathtaking sights of white mountain peaks in the north... Read More