Langtang Valley is located near Kathmandu city and is also the closest trekking region near the capital city. Due to which it is the perfect place to escape the hectic city lifestyle and enjoy a relaxing trek in heart of a very remote valley with only nature and culture by your side. By joining this trek, you allow yourself to experience a fairytale-like journey filled with enchanting natural scenery with breathtaking glimpses of the Himalayan mountains.
In geography, Langtang Valley is situated near the Tibetan border in the northern region of Nepal and has been influenced by Tibetan cultures and traditions over the past decades. However, you will also see an abundance of traditional Nepalese communities that have their own unique cultural norms and values that can be surprising for some as only a few tourists visit the Langtang region each year.
During the 11-day journey, trekkers will also get the chance to walk through the natural serenity of Langtang National Park where enchanting forests are filled with vibrant ecosystems that host numerous amounts of wildlife. Epic trailblazing trekking trails covered with moist soggy shrubs and heart-capturing affection of local tribal communities are bound to excite your life that can give us a thrill that can’t be much forgotten by you or any other trek that can give you a remarkable journey.
You start your journey with a scenic seven-hour long drive to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu city while enjoying a nice view of the open wilderness around you. Once, you reach Syabrubesi, you will then begin your trekking adventure by making your way up to Lama Hotel and then to Kyanjin Gompa respectively. You will stay at local lodges and meet people who are native to this particular region. The trek also allows trekkers to catch some very heartening glimpses of snowcapped mountains gleaming with colors of excitement. Among those mountains, Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa are some of the predominant mountains.
With such experiences, trekking to Langtang valley will always be a gratifying journey in itself nonetheless. Besides that, trekkers need to remain fit and healthy both physically and mentally to complete the trek. Also, the best seasons to do this trek are the Autumn and Spring seasons which normally start from Sep-Oct and March-May.
Wish to go on our Langtang Valley Trek? Then, contact us today to be an explicit member of our trekking team.
Langtang valley, one of the most popular trekking destinations for tourists worldwide. One of the nearest trekking milestones from Kathmandu, Langtang situates about 62 Kms North of Kathmandu. It is the terrestrial of glacial lakes containing gorgeous archetypal parishes.
Unfortunately, it was destroyed by a massive earthquake in April 2015 which caused hundreds of deaths and loss of several physical structures including lodges, teahouses, and residents. Gradually, it's being recovered these days. Destroyed trekking routes are already built, teahouses are rebuilt and it's being back in their original shape.
Langtang has preserved Tibetan-influenced culture. It offers Panoramic views of giant peaks like Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Lirung, diverse vegetations, the first and last rays of the sun over spectacular peaks, eye-catching waterfalls, and many more.
Most of the treks in Langtang are organized in the peak seasons-Autumn and Spring. Among them, October and April keep the top records in tourists' flow. In these months, the climate remains stable, skies become clearer and mountains are visible.
Trekking in other months as of June, July, and August may be affected by the rain causing a landslide, flood, and trekking trial may become muddy. On the other hand, December-February is the closest and driest month in Nepal when snow may affect the trek. In these months, teahouses in the upper part may get closed due to the cold.
So just after the monsoon, travelers get close-up views of the Himalayas, greeneries, and landscapes and after winter, trekkers are welcomed by the rhododendron flowers, eye-catching views of the giant peaks, and colorful woodlands.
Trekkers need to obtain Langtang National Park Entry Permit and Trekkers' Information Management System(TIMS) before trekking Langtang valley.
Regarding the charge of those permits, Trekker Information Management System (TIMS) expenses NPR: NPR 1000, and National Park entry costs NPR 3,000 each.
These permits can be obtained at Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in Kathmandu. You need to apply for your passport having validity for at least 6 months and two photos for a permit. Otherwise, you can contact Holy Mountain Treks which favors you for those formalities.
Langtang valley trek is a teahouse basis trek. Trekkers need not carry tents as plenty of teahouses are ready to serve with basic amenities. Most of the rooms are decorated on a twin share basis where you will get a pair of bed sheets, pillows, and a small table, and a common bathroom. In the lower elevation, there is a proper facility charging your microelectronics devices.
Concerning the food, most of the teahouses have set their own menus but the items are almost the same in most of the lodges. They mostly serve eggs, pancakes with jam, oat porridge, chapati, and peanut butter for breakfast, and Dal Bhat, fried rice, curry, soups, spaghetti, pasta, and MO; MOs for lunch and dinner. You will get non-veg items as well but while eating them you must be careful regarding freshness. You will get bottled water, tea, coffee, hot lemon, beer, local wine (change)for drinks.
Langtang Valley Trek is a moderately difficult journey that reaches a maximum elevation of 4,984m above sea level. The trekking trail is well constructed and marked. Except for some steep ascents and descents, you will walk passing gradual ups and downs throughout the journey. Being moderately challenging, you need not any technical climbing skills. However prior experience will be beneficial.
If you are eager to learn more, just go through What makes the Langtang Trek Difficult? for further detail regarding the difficulties of this trek.
Day | Highlight | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
Day 2 | Sightseeing around culturally affluent Kathmandu valley | Kathmandu |
Day 3 | Drive to Syabru Bensi | Syabru Bensi |
Day 4 | Trek to Lama Hotel | Lama Hotel |
Day 5 | Trek to Mundu | Mundu |
Day 6 | Trek to Kyangjin Gompa | Kyangjin Gompa |
Day 7 | Ascend from Kyangin Gompa to Kyangin Ri or Cherku Ri | Kyangjin Gompa |
Day 8 | Trek back to Lama Hotel | Lama Hotel |
Day 9 | Trek to Syabru Bensi | Syabru Bensi |
Day 10 | Drive back to Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
Day 11 | Final Departure |
Namaste!! Welcome to the land of formidable Himalayas, blessed with picturesque landscapes, greenery inhabited by exquisite wildlife, vivid culture and classic traditions. After your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, we’ll come across each other and exchange warm greetings. Subsequently, you’ll be guided to your hotel where you can loosen up your tired muscles and enjoy the facilities provided by the hotel. At evening, you can stretch your legs via a walk around the inspiring Thamel Bazaar.
Following the breakfast, we’ll move ahead for a sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu Valley where the centuries-old culture, traditions and heritage are preserved despite being in the era of modern technology. At the beginning of the sightseeing tour, we’ll first stop by one of the most sacred Hindu shrines of Pashupatinath where we can find the essence of peace. Afterwards, we’ll proceed to the sacred Buddhist stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. With the colossal mandala, Boudhanath is one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. Also, Swayambhunath is among the oldest standing structure in Kathmandu Valley. Both Buddhist shrines are the ancient architectural marvel. Eventually, we conclude our day visit to Patan Durbar Square. The whole durbar square complex is the masterpiece of the Malla craftsmanship and flaunts the awe-inspiring fine arts including artistic carvings on wood and stone. You can make a wander on the colourful and crowded streets of the Kathmandu to get familiar with Nepalese lifestyle.
Today, you’ll make your way on the scenic bus journey adjacent to the north-western hills of Kathmandu to Syabru Bensi, which takes about 7-8 hours drive (Depending on traffic conditions). Along the way, you can observe picturesque landscapes, snow-capped mountains such as Mt. Annapurna II, Manasalu, Ganesh Himal and other neighbouring peaks as well as terraced hills, rivers, small human settlements and greenery. This prepossessing outlook progresses across Trishuli Bazaar, Betrawati and Dhunche; you can take pleasure Himalayan vistas and elementary but ethnic lifestyle through the rustic villages and green farmlands. Finally, we arrive at Syabru Bensi (1,462m).
The day four marks the commencement of our trekking adventure on the exhilarating trail, which advances across a suspension bridge over Bhote Koshi River and continues along the banks of Langtang Khola. Now, the trail gradually ascends through subtropical forest of oak, maple, massive spruce, fir and blue pine to the stream at Dovan (1,680m). Afterwards, it makes an abrupt uphill climb over a rocky ridge and passes across dense rhododendron woodland to Pahiro (1,800m), then proceeds to Bamboo (1,930m); subsequently ascending gently to Rimche (2,400m). En route, we can observe the inhabitants of the forest that include a variety of wildlife such as Yellow-throated martens, Wild boars, Langur monkeys, Red pandas and Himalayan black bears etc. At the end of the day, we set our foot on Lama Hotel (2,500m).
At the beginning of the day, we confront a gentle ascend, which gradually becomes more and more abrupt as we advance further. The trekking trail progresses across dense woodland comprising hemlocks, oaks, maples alongside pink and white rhododendrons overlooking the Langtang Khola. While on the move, we initially get alluring sights of snow-capped mountaintops parallel to the renowned Mt. Langtang Lirung (7,244m) beyond the woodland. Next, advancing beyond a log bridge, the trail ascends on the other side of thriving grassland known as Ghora Tabela (2,992m). Afterwards, as the valley opens up into distinct U-shaped glacial, the trail gradually climbs past yak pastures, helipad, lush rhododendron vegetations, and dispersed Tamang settlements of Thangshyap and Gompa. The lovely trail now passes through a sprouting stream and ascends beyond a handful of water driven mills to the graceful village of Langtang (3,430m), which harbours the headquarter of Langtang National Park. The village is encircled by stone walls that encompass wandering yaks and wild goats along the farmlands of buckwheat, potatoes, wheat, turnips and barley. Furthermore, the upper village maintains a sublime flat-roofed houses flaunting Tibetan design with detailed and carefully carved driven windows. Subsequently, we pursue the trail that first advances beyond chorten surmounted ridge; then, slowly ascends across a gushing stream to the Mundu Village (3,442m).
From this point onwards, we make our way past numerous small streams via the wooden bridges placed above them. We eventually get a glimpse of Kyanjin Gompa Monastery and the remarkable icefall running from the peaks of Langtang Lirung and Kimshung. Once we arrive at Kyangjin Gompa (3,798m), we may visit renowned Government operated Cheese factory and get a taste of cheese and curd prepared from Yak milk. Later, we can explore the region, which flaunts awe-inspiring panoramas of snowy mountaintops including Langtang Lirung (7,246m), Yala peak (5,500m) , Kyangjin RI (4,750m), Tsergo RI (5,000m), Langshisa- Ri (6,427m), Dorje Lhakpa (6,430m), Naya Kang (5,844m), and Ganja La (5,160m).
This very day, we lace our shoes tight and climb uphill to Kyangin Ri (4,300m) or Cherku Ri (4,984m); the highest points of our entire trek. By standards of the mighty Himalayas, Kyangin Ri is a small hill positioned on the northeast of Kyanjin Gompa. From Kyangin Gompa, a 4-5 hours hike is required in order to get to its summit, which is rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the upper Langtang Valley and surrounding peaks and glaciers. On top of that, if you desire to go higher than Kyangin Ri, we extend an alternative 7-8 hike to Cherku Ri in front of you. This viewpoint at the elevation of 4,984m asl mesmerizing Himalayan outlooks.
In the eighth day of our escapade, we take final glances of the exquisite surrounding prettified with alluring snow capped peaks; then, trek back to Lama Hotel following the same trail. We purse the trail along come Langtang Khola and come across familiar Langtang village, which we left behind previously during our advancement to Kyangin Gompa. Afterwards, we continue back to Ghora Tabela and via an abrupt descend; we reach Lama Hotel where our trekking adventure had once commenced.
Today, we descend downhill beyond the woodland comprising of rich vegetations. Also, we can take pleasure of mountains and green hills vistas on our doorstep. Subsequently, we hike on an irregular path with some high and low through several villages populated by native Tamang communities which provides us with the opportunity to get an insight into classic culture and traditions of Tamang people. Lastly, we reach Syabru Bensi.
We will drive back to Kathmandu on a comfortable tourist bus. While passing through the road, you can witness terraces, streams, rivers, native settlements, high hills and of course, the ferocious river Trishuli. It takes about 7-8 hours depending on traffic conditions to reach your hotel in Kathmandu. At evening, you can wander inside the radiant Nepalese market and perform a last moment shopping of souvenirs to take back home for your family and loved ones.
Today marks the end of your escapade in Nepal. We hope that we stand your expectations with our services and expertise. With the expectation to see you soon on another adventurous journey, we will drop you to the Kathmandu Airport where flight back to your home is waiting for you. Farewell and safe journey!!!
Langtang Valley is located in the north-central part of the Himalayan section of Bagmati Province, Nepal. It settles 51 kilometers north of Kathmandu valley and is renowned inside the magnificent Langtang national park which eventually comprises the border with Tibet, a self-governing section of China.
This 11-day trip (from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu) includes ten days of trekking in the stunning Langtang region of Nepal, which is the closest National Park to Kathmandu and requires no internal flights to reach it.
Langtang is situated north of Kathmandu and borders Tibet. The terrain is mountainous but not precipitous with forests, terraced hill slopes and valley paths leading to high pastures and eventually the moraine of the glaciers and peaks
The best time to go for the Upper Mustang is March to May and September to November. Although, trekking Upper Mustang is also possible in the months of December and June to August as well.
Trekking in Langtang region is suitable for almost all people with moderate fitness. It does not need any prior experience and running, walking, and swimming are the fitness activities to get involved in the excursion. If you are suffering from any diseases or have any health issues you should consult with your doctor before considering to trek. It is normal to face little problems before being fully acclimatized.
The overall distance is in the range of 95km, possibly more depending on your chosen activities on day 11 at Kyanjin Gompa. You do not need to be super-fit for the Langtang trek section however the Tamang Heritage Trail section does have some moderately challenging ascent sections, though short-lived. The entire trek has mostly 6 hour days of sustained walking with a light backpack - your main pack goes by the porter.
Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict however, Nepal does have a pretty reliable climate. In the mountains nights are generally cold; depending on the altitude you will find extra layers, often a down jacket useful.
Winter brings with it cold days but when the sun is out it is quite beautiful and often warm enough for t=shirts to be worn. There can be snow or rain storms at any time of the year. Trekking in spring (March – April) is particularly lovely as the rhododendrons are in full bloom, and the mountains still have plenty of high snow to enhance your photos.
You need to be aware that it can get pretty hot and sunstroke can be a risk. Good polarizing sunglasses or glacier glasses (not trendy fashion ones) for high altitudes/winter treks and a large brimmed hat are a necessity. It is also important to make sure that you can stay warm and dry in just about any conditions. Expect the unexpected! If unsure about the weather conditions on the trail ask your guide.
The maximum altitude that you can reach in Langtang Valley Trek is Kyanjin Ri (4,500m). But, if you want to extend the Langtang Trek to one more night, then you can reach ever-higher altitude – Tserko Ri (5,000m). From the top, you can view the amazing mountains and valleys.
The best things to do in Langtang Valley trek are;
Although the number of lodges and tea houses is swiftly growing, some areas in Langtang Valley Trek may lack enough housing for travelers in the peak months. However, you can opt for a camping trek which is gaining more popularity these days. The major differences between these two are listed below
Trekkers may have to compromise on food quality on this trek. While some trekkers prefer to enjoy local food (mainly Daal Bhat), others may not be satisfied with it for the long journey. You need to carry your own snacks for the day as the availability of such items in the trek is not guaranteed.
Although there is the availability of bottled water in almost all of the teahouses en-route the trek, we recommend not using them to decrease plastic pollutants in the environment. Instead, carry your own water bottle and fill it at the teahouses you stay in. Learn how to clean water beforehand so you can ensure the water you drink is clean and safe.
Wonderful! I felt lucky to trek in Tamang Heritages, lustrous villages, and rhododendron forests of Langtang National Park. My guide Krishna was very helpful, knowledgeable provided me plenty of information about the Himalayas. Comfortable teahouses, easy walks, amazing views, magnificent vistas, co-operative, and responsive team members made my journey special. I highly recommend all to contact Holy Mountain for any treks in Nepal!