Nepal is a Himalayan country which reveals the true meaning of life coexisting between nature and huge biodiversity. A country has so much to offer which are yet not been explored thoroughly. With a bag full of mountainous treasure, there are numerous trails open for trekking adventures. Some of the famous treks of Nepal are Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, etc. Through this blog, today we will tell you about all things you need to know about Langtang Valley Trek.
Langtang Valley Trek is the moderate level trek lies north to the capital of Nepal Kathmandu. Within a day of a long ride, one can reach the gateway to Langtang Valley Trek. This trek is comparably short and logistically easy. Although most of the Langtang Valley was greatly affected by Nepal Earthquake 2015, Langtang Valley Trek is in the verge of development. Almost 70-80 percent of constructions are completed and tourism once again is flourishing in Langtang Valley Trek. En route Langtang Valley Trek you can readily find authentic tea house accommodations. Generally, the stay on some tea houses may not stand out on your standard. However, coming out of your comfort zone and venturing new experience is the prime goal of the wilderness trek. Henceforth, if you have a week off in your hand and willing to fully utilize your leisure week then Langtang Valley Trek is just an excellent choice to make.
Ecosystem and Inhabitants
Langtang Valley Trek offers you to anticipate the mixture of culture with nature. The larger settlements of the valley are dominated by Tamang ethnic group. The culture, tradition, language and costumes are very similar to the Tibetans. Because the Tibetan border is close to Langtang Valley, most of the indigenous group are supposed to be the descendants of the Tibetans. In one way or the other, the cultural aspects of Langtang Valley inhabitant are closely related to the natural aspect.
Langtang Valley Trek equally displays the majestic beauty of enormous mountains, surrounding pristine forest and significant wild lives. Not forgetting to mention that much of valley’s area falls within Langtang National Park. It is the first Himalayan National Park of Nepal. With the main objective to balance the harmony between local inhabitant and nature, Langtang National Park was gazetted in 1976.
Imagine yourself taking a course away from the bustling city towards the old-growth subtropical forest to alpine meadows. On tree line zone en route Langtang Valley trek, there are deciduous Rhododendrons and Alders, and evergreen Chir Pines. Trekking in this region is an absolute paradise for bird lovers. On very clear skies you can watch for medium-sized Buzzard, Hawks, Red and Yellow-billed Magpies, Scarlet Minivets, and Slaty-Headed Parakeets. Also, you will encounter several troops of Himalayan Gray Langur giving you company on the lower forest trail.
Langtang Trek Route Map
Langtang Valley Trek Itinerary
The following table shows the brief itinerary of Langtang Valley Trek. It includes days of trekking, altitude of the destination and time taken to reach each destination.
| Day | Destination | Altitude | Hours |
| 1 | Kathmandu to Syabrubesi | 1470 m | 7-8 |
| 2 | Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel | 2480 m | 6-7 |
| 3 | Lama Hotel to Langtang Valley | 3430 m | 4-5 |
| 4 | Langtang Valley to Kyanjin Gompa
|
3-3.5 | |
| 5 | Acclimatization Day
|
4600 m | 30-40 minutes |
| 6 | Excursion to Tsergo Ri | 4984 m | 5 |
| 7 | Trek Back to Lama Hotel | 2480 m | 4 |
| 8 | Back to Syabrubesi | 1470 m | 5 |
| 9 | Return to Kathmandu | 1400 m | 6 |
How to get there?
Syabrubesi is a medium-sized town and a popular gateway to narrow Langtang Valley Trek. Unfortunately, there is no airport in Syabrubesi, which leaves you with a prime option of road transportation from Kathmandu. You can get a local bus from Machhapokhari, Kathmandu going to Syabrubesi early in the morning.
Depending upon the traffic and people’s movement, local transportation might take more than 8 hours to reach Syabrubesi. Although it is post-COVID pandemic period, we suggest you avoid mass public contact. The best option is to book a private jeep and drive to Syabrubesi. Either way, you can hire a Helicopter from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. This might be expensive but the path will be shorter and you will have a luxurious experience in a short period.
When to trek?
Langtang Valley Trek is accessible throughout the year. The seasons are generally the same as the rest of Nepal. However, the weather might vary according to the elevation gained. The four seasons prevailed in Langtang Valley Trek are Winter, Spring, Summer/Monsoon and Autumn.
Winter starts from December and extends till February. This season is not the appropriate season to trek Langtang weather-wise. The day time temperature ranges between 6-9 °Celsius whereas night time temperature falls below 0° Celsius. The weather fluctuates bringing brutal breezes, rain pour, snowfall and snowstorm in higher elevation. You might not be able to enjoy panoramic Mountain View because of the dark sky and mist. However, if you are a lone trekker and enjoy trails with fewer crowds then you can go ahead and approach Langtang Valley Trek.
Langtang Valley Trek blooms during the spring season as it is the season of rhododendron from March to May. The alleys are naturally decorated with white, pink and plump red rhododendron flowers. Moreover, the temperature ranges between 12-20° Celsius making the day rightfully warm and night’s cold. On the same note, the spring season is the second-best season to visit Langtang Valley Trek.
If you are a biology enthusiast and have the desire to dig into Mother Nature, you must tolerate monsoon rain. The mighty rain washes the forest making it shiny green and beautiful. Also, you will find wildflower sprouting on Langtang Valley Trek route making trail like a heavenly path. On the contrary, you might have to tackle with blood-sucking leeches while you take on your steps towards the magical expedition. Because some Spanish author once said, “nothing is gained without taking a risk”.
Finally, the best season for every trek in Nepal including Langtang Valley Trek is an autumn longing from September to November. The trail is busiest and tea houses as overly crowded. The main reason is because of the perfect weather, day temperature ranges from 10-15° Celsius. The skies are heavenly blue creating an ideal condition for enormous mountain views. You can enjoy the majestic picturesque view of central-north Himalayas, glacial lakes, and bio-diversity.
Permit and Regulations
Langtang Valley Trek falls within the Langtang National Park area and you will have to pay the entry fee and need to have TIMS card. TIMS card refers to Trekker’s Information Management System card. Both park entry fee and TIMS card are mandatory for Langtang Valley Trek. Moreover, one need to have travel insurance to acquire a TIMS card to assure self-safeness.
When trekking in high altitude zone, there might occur minor chances of health problems to major altitude sickness. In an extremity, you might have to be rescued from atop for proper medicinal treatments. Make sure to choose appropriate travel insurance which covers emergency medical helicopter evacuation and medical fees. Depending upon which country you belong to, you can choose a reliable insurance company covering the above-mentioned policies.
Documents required
- Photo copy of your passport
- Passport size photograph
- Travel insurance papers
Fees
| Permit Fees | SAARC Country | Foreigners |
| TIMS card |
|
|
| Langtang National Park | NRS. 1500 per person | NRS. 3000 per person |
(Note: FITs stand for Free Individual Trekkers.)
Where to get the permits
TIMS counter: You can obtain your TIMS card from the following places
- Tourist Service Centre- Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu
- Trekking Agencies’ Association Nepal (TAAN) office- Malegaon, Kathmandu
- Any government registered trekking companies in Kathmandu
Langtang National Park entry permit
- Tourist Service Centre- Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu
- Dhunche Check post- en route to Syabrubesi
Recommendation: We in Peregrine Treks have been operating treks and tours since 2002 and have pioneered in adventure tourism. We assure you the best guide, and service to your satisfaction level. Once you choose us to operate your Langtang Valley Trek, it is the company’s responsibility to manage all your permits and fees. In a certain way, you don’t have to carry haste work to visit tourist service centres and worry about your permits, itinerary, guide or any trek related things.
Facilities available during Langtang Valley Trek
Langtang Valley Trek is a very moderate level trek. The trail is off-beaten and short easily accessible from few hours of drive from Kathmandu. Comparing Langtang Valley Trek to other famous treks of Nepal, you will find this trek very unique and untouched by modernization.
After the huge avalanche occurred due to Nepal Earthquake 2015, most of the Langtang Valley was swiped away from the hazard. Hundreds of people were stranded to death making the valley unable to run for tourism for a while. However, the local people were back with the spirit to welcome passionate globe-trotters and started the development. Although, the facilities might not be highly standard climbing up to the valley to experience the wilderness is worth every struggle.
Accommodation
Normally in Langtang Valley Trek, there are tea houses and few lodges available on the route. They offer basic rooms with twin beds; few lodges have private washrooms with western toilets while some have traditional pan toilets. In Lama Hotel, you will have to use a shared bathroom.
Besides, there is also the facility of a hot shower on almost lodges. If you are trekking in the winter season, the water pipeline might freeze of coldness. In that case, you can request the lodge staff to manually warm water and take a bucket shower.
Food
In every few hours of walk, you will find tea houses and dining areas facilitated to provide you with fresh warm food. Depending upon the availability you can order international foods like pasta, spaghetti, English breakfast, pancakes and eggs. However, if you want to try traditional Nepalese cuisine then Dal Bhat is always ready on your request. It is said that Dal Bhat power gives you energy for 24 hours. The combination of Daal (Lentil soup), Bhat (rice) with seasonal vegetable is a perfect package of nutrients required for the body embarking the trekking trail.
Apart from daal bhat, you got to try foods from Tibetan menu on higher altitude. It consists of Tibetan bread, Thaintuk (noodle soup), Tibetan tea made from Yak butter, etc. Due to the exposure of several tourists, high altitude kitchens have started preparing gluten-free, vegan foods as well. You can consult with the cook and order directly as per your diet restrictions. For the day hikes, you can carry snacks, energy bar, chocolates and stuff. But make sure you follow the pollution-free trekking policy and dispose of the waste properly.
Water
Water is an essential part of the diet. Walking for 5-6 hours per day with the gain of elevation causes dehydration in the body. And when the body is dehydrated, one can easily be a victim of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Hence, make sure you stay hydrated and carry enough water as per body requirement. You can easily find drinking water from natural streams and taps for free. Still, you have to use water purification tablets/ solution and consume water after 30 minutes of application. You can also carry a bottle with a portable filter.
On the other hand, you can find mineral water bottles in every tea shops. However, it is better to not buy plastics bottle aiding to environment pollution. Instead, you can ask the hotel to refill your bottle or thermos with hot water and pay for the service. In this way, you gain both environment and budget-friendly reward from your one choice.
The difficulty level of Langtang Valley Trek
Langtang Valley Trek is considered as easy to moderate level trek. Being the shortest trek, trekkers also consider Langtang Valley Trek as acclimatization trek to be prepared for the bigger treks. Any person who is physically fit and is determined to walk through the untouched stony and rugged path can easily do this trek. Mostly the trails are off-beaten passing through the sub-tropical forest, along the Langtang River, Trishuli and Bhote Koshi River.
The highest elevation gained during Langtang Valley Trek is approximately 5000 m if one wants to hike Tsergo Ri. With proper guidance and acclimatization day, you can complete the entire trek without any major difficulties.
Major Attractions of Langtang Valley Trek
Langtang Valley Trek is one heavenly trail which consists of shattered trails, mighty forest, the pinnacle of Himalayas. The local inhabitant displaying their tradition in relation with mother nature and Himalayan lifestyles are the jewels of Langtang Valley. Apart from that, there are many major attractions you will visit during the Langtang Valley Trek. They are explained in brief below.
Langtang Valley
Climbing up from Lama Hotel, you will reach narrow Langtang Valley which was once completely eradicated by an avalanche caused by 2015 earthquake. The locals have built new Langtang Village. From there you can see your first yak grazing on the shrubs.
Kyanjin Gompa
Before reaching Kyanjin Gompa, you will pass a kilometre long monumental mani wall paved with stones. According to Tibetan Buddhism, it is believed that crossing mani walls from the right side will bless you with prosperity and happiness in your life. Generally, Kyanjin Gompa is a village above Langtang village and is named after the oldest monastery of Langtang region, Kyanjin Gompa. Kyanjin Gompa is around six centuries-old gompas with ancient wall Tibetan arts and Thangkas.
Cheese Factory
The first high altitude cheese factory is located in Kyanjin village. The factory is run by Nepal government with Swiss assistance. The factory is run throughout the summer and produces about 7000 kg of cheese per annum. You can taste the indigenous cheese made out of Nak (Female yak) and take home as a souvenir.
Kyanjin Ri
At an altitude of 4600m, you can hike to reach one of the famous low viewpoint, Kyanjin Ri. The ascent takes around thirty to forty minutes to reach the point followed by fluttering prayer flags and chortens. Once you reach the peak, you will be astounded by the enormous snow-peaked mountain sights and mystic glaciers.
Tsergo Ri
Another day hike to Tsergo Ri is the perfect way to spend your acclimatization day in Kyanjin Gompa. Hiking to conical-shaped Tsergo Ri at an elevation of 4984 m and return will take you a day. The climb might be treacherous and exhausting but your struggle will reward you with an incredible Himalayan view. From the viewpoint you will see Mt. Langtang Lirung (7229 m), Ganesh Himal (7422m), Annapurna I (8091 m) and Mt. Manaslu (8167 m).
Closure
Hans Christian Andersen once said, “To travel is to live”. Hence, we in Peregrine Treks are determined to operate treks to majestic Himalayan areas to make our traveller’s life lively. After knowing all things about Langtang Valley Trek, choose us and we assure you the life-changing adventure experience. No doubt you will fall in love with these mountains and keep willing to come for more. Because Nepal once is never enough.
