In recent years, Langtang Valley Trek is gaining popularity each day. It is one of the shortest destinations, easily accessible from Kathmandu valley, and suitable for every traveler regardless of their age and fitness level. Trekkers wishing to explore Himalayan ranges in a shorter time period and walk in the lower elevated lands can join this epic journey.
Remaining quite close to the city, this trek resembles richness in the ecosystem and wilderness and is well preserved. The moderately difficult trek leads you to the quaint local settlements, lustrous woodlands of bamboo, rhododendron, pine, and cherries. Picturesque views of mountains and dazzling waterfalls make the journey special.
Along with the wilderness, diverse flora, and fauna, trekkers get golden chances to explore the unique culture and lifestyles of the locals on the journey. As Langtang valley has close contact with the Tibetan border, the cultural practices and traditional values reflect Tibet. Several Buddhist monuments as chortens, monasteries, Mani walls, and colorful prayer flags can be seen throughout the excursion.
The bonus that comes along with the wild scenery is the chance to get to know the unique culture of the local people. Because the region is close to the Tibetan border, their culture resembles theirs’. As you hike through the valley, you will get a chance to learn from their practices and traditions. You will also come across several Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Trekkers are welcomed by the astonishing views of Langtang Ri, Langtang Lirung, Langshisha Ri, Dorje Lakpa, Himal, and their neighboring peaks.
Langtang Valley locates in the north-central part of Nepal, Province no 3, and Rasuwa district. It lies in the Langtang National Park which takes a half-day drive from Kathmandu. The beginning point of the journey-Syabrubensi distances 122 kilometers/75 miles from Kathmandu.
You can hire a private jeep or car which is easily available easily in Kathmandu and drive there before commencing the actual journey. Instead, you have an option to catch a local bus from Kathmandu Buspark and reach there. Still, the former option is far better than the latter one.
The devastative earthquake in 2015 badly affected the Langtang trek and wiped out the intact valley entirely.
Sadly 243 people lost their lives including 41 foreigners, 175 locals, and 27 tourism workers. For many years, tourism totally held in the Langtang region fearing similar hazards.
But, tourism has been resumed in this sector now. Most of the teahouses and lodges along with the religious monuments are already rebuilt. The post-earthquake reconstruction is almost completed. The sceneries and landscapes look even gorgeous now.
Initially, we have a long drive to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu before the actual trek. Commencing the journey, we trek inside Langtang valley passing the pasturelands, wide meadows, yak graze lands, lustrous timberlands we reach Langtang valley. Langtang River is followed time and again reaching Kyanjin Gompa.
Hiking further to Kyanjin Ri or Tsergo Ri-the highest point of the journey, one can sightsee a stunning 360° view of snow-capped Himalayan ranges including Langtang Lirun, glacier, and icefall.
Following the same trail, trekkers descend to Syabru Bensi and drive back to Kathmandu. In course, trekkers encounter Tamang Heritage trail, Gosainkunda lake trek, and Helambu trek. Trekkers wishing to extend their journey can join one of these routes making the journey a bit longer.
|
Day |
Activity |
Elevation |
Time spent |
|
Day 1 |
Drive to Syabru Bensi |
1,462m/4,796ft |
7-8 hours drive |
|
Day 2 |
Trek to Lama Hotel |
2,500m/8,202ft |
6-7 hours trek |
|
Day 3 |
Trek to Mundu |
3,430m/11,253ft |
6-7 hours trek |
|
Day 4 |
Trek to Kyangjin Gompa |
3,798m/12,460ft |
2-3 hours trek |
|
Day 5 |
Ascend from Kyangin Gompa to Kyangin Ri/ Tsergo Ri |
4,300m/14,107 ft /4,984m /16,351ft |
8-9 hours trek |
|
Day 6 |
Trek back to Lama Hotel |
2,500m/8,202ft |
5-6 hours trek |
|
Day 7 |
Trek to Syabru Bensi |
1,462m/4,796ft |
4-5 hours trek |
|
Day 8 |
Drive back to Kathmandu |
1,350m/4,429ft |
7-8 hours drive |
Note: This trek is based on Kathmandu-Langtang Valley-Kathmandu excluding arrival and departures. The itinerary can be extended or shortened according to the choices of the guests.
Most of the trekking and mountaineering-related adventures are organized in spring (March to May) after frosty winter and autumn (September to November) after the strenuous monsoon in Nepal. In these months weather remains sustainable and suitable for trekking.
Concerning Langtang valley Trek, most of the trekkers prefer the spring months to trek. Trekkers are welcomed by the lustrous rhododendron and cherries blooms. The skies are clearer and magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks can be witnessed closely.
Autumn months-September, October, and November are other peak seasons for Langtang Valley Trek. These post-monsoon months have less possibility of downpours and skies look crystal. The mountain views are unobstructed. The weather and climatic atmosphere remain stable and it suits the trekking.
Standing on the top of Tsergo RI, trekkers witness eye-catching 360-degree panoramic mountain ranges. But if you trek in December, January and early February, the upper parts of the trail may block due to the snowfall.
Trekking in the summer months as of June, July, and August, heavy downpours may affect the journey causing landslides and floods in the rivers which may create the trails slipperily and muddy. The mountains may invisible due to the fog and clouds in these months.
Basically, you need two permits for Langtang National Park Entry Permit and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS). TIMS is provided according to nationality and group sizes. The detail about the permits is listed.
|
Permits |
Cost |
Remarks |
|
Langtang National Park Entry Permit |
- USD 30 for excluding 13% VAT for international trekkers - USD 15 excluding 13% VAT for the SAARC citizens |
- children under the age of 10, do not require to pay any charges the permits |
|
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) |
- USD 20 for the individual trekkers - USD 10 for the Group trekkers - USD 6 for the SAARC citizens |
- a card is green in color - a card is blue in color - a card is pink in color |
|
Shivapuri National Park Entrance Fee |
- USD 5 excluding VAT |
- If you follow the Helambu Trail starting from Shivapuri National Park only. |
You can apply for any Trek Permits on your own by visiting the office of the Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu, and Pokhara. But in the organized treks by the company, they will manage everything. You just need to provide passport details with 4 passports sized photocopies.
Langtang Valley Trek is a famous teahouse trekking in Nepal. Throughout the trails, plenty of local lodges are built which offer basic amenities as neat and clean bedrooms, mostly attached bathrooms, single rooms. In the peak seasons, due to the crowd of guests, you need to share the rooms on a twin basis.
The cost of the rooms takes $6-$8 per night. Booking makes security in the peak months of autumn and spring. Trekking through agencies, you will be offered better accommodations services and facilities.
Most of the teahouses offer breakfast and dinner services and lunch is served at the next stops. Most of the teahouses have set menus including both local and international varieties.
While trekking in the Langtang region, you will be offered tea, juice, egg, pancake, toasts, potatoes, mo:mos, Tibetan bread, as breakfast. It costs approximately $3 in the lower elevated lands whereas the price increases up to $4-$5 in the higher altitudes.
Daal Bhat (a set of rice, lentil, vegetable, pickle) is widely used food for lunch and dinner. It offers plenty of calories and proteins. Despite Daal Bhat, you can get noodles, spaghetti, mo; mo, salads, soup, etc. as a lunch and dinner which cost $4-$5 and may increase with the elevation.
Another important factor to consider while trekking in the mountains is drunk. Water, the most important drink to keep you hydrated and help to avoid altitude-related problems as well.
Carrying the water purification system helps you to avoid spending an additional amount where you can refill water in the hotels or taps available on the way. You should not drink water without purifying it. Buying a bottle of water may cost $1- $3 according to elevation.
Other cold and hard drinks are also available throughout the journey. Different types of wines, beer, coca-cola, Fanta, and sprite are available in the shops nearby. The cost may vary with the altitudes.
Langtang Valley Trek is considered a moderately difficult trek. Trekkers need to pass diverse landscapes experiencing changing climatic atmospheres.
The journey starts from 1,350m/4,429ft-Kathmandu and summits 4,984m /16,351ft- Tsergo Ri where trekkers feel a significant change in weather and temperature. However, trekkers need not walk long distances and the elevations won’t change dramatically in a single day.
The longest and hardest day will be on hiking to Tsergo Ri and back to Kyangin Gompa. The elevation will be near 5000m above sea level and trekkers may suffer from altitude-related hazards.
Spending fewer moments in the higher elevated lands, having proper rest time and again, and staying hydrated, you can escape from such circumstances.
Trekkers need to be careful enough regarding the trekking trail which is rough, steep, and landslide-prone regions in some areas. Passing via river gorges, suspension bridges, and densely forested lands, trekkers should aware of it.
This trek is considered a moderately difficult trek. Trekkers need to walk 5-7 hours a day in the Himalayan foothills passing the rocky ridges, several ascends and descends require an average level of physical fitness.
The journey is moderate and need not any climbing skills and prior experience. This excursion is shorter in comparison to EBC, ABC, Annapurna Circuit, or Upper Mustang Trek that suit novice voyagers, senior citizens as well.
Trekking without a guide is possible in Langtang Trek but is not always easier. Confusing trails, narrow paths, altitude-related problems may add difficulties during the trek.
The guides do not only navigate the way but also choose the best accommodations and foods, provide essential information, and take care of every moment.
In case of emergencies, they take process fast evacuation services. On the other hand, porters carry your luggage. It makes you stress-free and helps to enjoy the trip freely.
In this trek, trekkers reach Kyanjin Ri (4,773m) or Tsergo Ri (4,984m). Trekking above 3000m above the sea level, travelers may affect altitude-related problems as Weakness or muscle fatigue, Headache followed by dizziness, Nausea & Vomiting, Shortness of breath, Irritability, Insomnia, Loss of appetite, and others.
If you suffer from any symptoms of Altitude Sickness, should inform your leader immediately or should descend in the lower altitudes. In the case of ignorance, it may cause serious problems as well.
Having the proper rest and acclimatization, you need to march ahead. If you skip optional hikes, you will gain only 3,800m -Kyanjin Gompa during the trek which is not much difficult.
Trekking gears and equipment play vital roles in the success of the journey. Here is the generous list of the things you need to pack before the trek. The packing list may differ according to your fitness level and needs.
A short, moderately difficult journey near Kathmandu with exotic Himalayan views and landscapes offers perfect sceneries of nature and culture.
The journey can be extended or shorten according to the need, interest, and time available. Numerous trekking destinations are interconnected with this journey.
Diverse flora and fauna can be observed while marching via Langtang National Park. Unique Tamang culture, Tibetan lifestyle, different Buddhist monuments with colorful prayer flags, and deep rhododendron forests with a perfect Himalayan view are the key attractions of this trek.
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