August 2, 2019
Langtang Valley trek is one of the most popular and rewarding treks in Nepal. Located in the Langtang National Park, the trek offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, rugged landscapes, and pristine forests. If you’re planning to embark on this trek, there are a few things you should know to make your experience safe, enjoyable, and hassle-free. In this article, we’ll outline ten essential things you should keep in mind before going to Langtang Valley trek. From permits and accommodation to physical fitness and weather conditions, these tips will help you prepare for your Langtang adventure and make the most of your time in this stunning region of Nepal.
Kathmandu- Syapru besi – Lama Hotel – Langtang – Kyanjin Gompa Acclimatization day explore T-serko Ri – Lama Hotel – Syapru besi – Kathmandu
Langtang Valley trek is a popular trekking destination in Nepal, located in the Langtang region of the Himalayas. The Langtang Valley is situated to the north of Kathmandu, bordering Tibet, and is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, alpine forests, traditional villages, and diverse wildlife.
The Langtang Valley trek is considered a moderate trek and takes about 7 to 10 days to complete. The trek starts from the small town of Syabrubesi and goes through beautiful villages, lush forests, and across high mountain passes, offering stunning views of the Langtang Himalayas including Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, and Ganesh Himal.
Along the way, trekkers can experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the Tamang people, who are the predominant ethnic group in the Langtang region. They can also explore the Kyanjin Gompa, a famous Buddhist monastery, and enjoy the natural hot springs in Tatopani.
Overall, the Langtang Valley trek is an excellent opportunity for trekkers to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Nepal’s Himalayas.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,350 m/4,428 ft)
Day 02: Kathmandu city tour and trek preparation
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi via Dhunche (1,550 m/5,100 ft): 7-8 hours
Day 04: Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2,380 m/7,830 ft): 6 hours
Day 05: Trek to Mundu (3543 m/11,621 ft) via Langtang village: 6 -7 hours
Day 06: Mundu to Kyangjin Gompa (3,870 m/12,697 ft): 4-5 hours
Day 07: Acclimatization- Explore Tserko Ri (5000 m/16,404 ft) 7-8 hours
Day 08: Kyangjin Gompa to Lama Hotel: 6-7 hours
Day 09: Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi: 4-5 hours
Day 10: Syabrubesi to Kathmandu
Day 11: Final departure
In general, Langtang valley trek best season is Spring and Autumn regarding the safety, weather, temperature and visibility. It is also possible to do all year but if you wish to see the high mountains and crystal clear sky then you are recommended to trek in spring and autumn season.
Spring season:
The spring season, which runs from March to May, is an excellent time to do the Langtang Valley trek. During this time, the weather is generally clear and stable, with comfortable temperatures and low chances of rainfall or snow.
The Langtang region is known for its stunning rhododendron forests, which bloom in spring, creating a colorful and picturesque landscape. Trekkers can also witness the arrival of migratory birds and spot various wildlife such as the elusive red panda and musk deer.
In addition to the favorable weather and natural beauty, the spring season also offers opportunities to experience local festivals such as the Tamang Heritage Trail Festival and the Buddha Jayanti, which celebrate the culture and traditions of the Tamang people.
However, since spring is a popular season for trekking, the Langtang Valley trail can get crowded. It is important to make advance bookings for accommodation and permits to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trek.
Autumn season:
Autumn, which runs from September to November, is another excellent time to do the Langtang Valley trek. The weather during this time is generally clear, with stable temperatures and low chances of rainfall. The autumn season is also considered the best season for trekking in Nepal due to its favorable weather conditions.
During the Langtang Valley trek in autumn, trekkers can witness the stunning autumn colors of the forests, including the vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. The clear skies and crisp air offer excellent visibility of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal.
Autumn is also a time of festivals and celebrations in Nepal, with major festivals like Dashain and Tihar taking place during this season. Trekkers can experience the festive atmosphere and learn about the local culture and traditions.
One of the advantages of trekking in the Langtang Valley during autumn is that the crowds are generally thinner compared to the spring season, making it a more peaceful and serene experience. However, it is still important to make advance bookings for accommodation and permits to ensure a comfortable trekking experience.
The price of Langtang valley trek was 20 $ Few years ago but the recent price for Langtang national park permit is $ 30 US per person.
It is compulsory to have Trekking permit entering Langtang national park otherwise you are illegal and you may get arrested from Nepali police or Locals from that area, therefore you should make it with your original passport and pp size photograph (2 each)
If you have time you can buy Langtang permit in Kathmandu at Nepal Tourism board (NTB) if you are shot on time you can still buy it at Dhuche before reaching Syapru besi. noted that your passport & PP size photographs are required.
The Langtang Valley trek is a moderate trek that reaches an altitude of 4,984 meters (16,352 feet) at Tserko Ri. The trek starts at the town of Syabrubesi, which is located at an altitude of 1,503 meters (4,931 feet).
As the trek progresses, it passes through various scenic locations and altitude gains. The first major stop is the village of Lama Hotel at an altitude of 2,380 meters (7,808 feet). The next stop is the Langtang village at an altitude of 3,430 meters (11,253 feet), followed by Kyanjin Gompa at an altitude of 3,870 meters (12,697 feet).
After Kyanjin Gompa, trekkers can opt to climb Tserko Ri, which is the highest point on the Langtang Valley trek, at an altitude of 4,984 meters (16,352 feet). However, climbing Tserko Ri is optional, and many trekkers choose to skip it and return to Kyanjin Gompa.
It is important to acclimatize properly to the increasing altitude during the trek to avoid altitude sickness. Trekkers should drink plenty of water, eat light and healthy meals, and take proper rest breaks to adjust to the altitude.
Here are some important trekking gears that are recommended for the Langtang Valley trek:
Trekking boots: Sturdy and comfortable trekking boots with good ankle support are essential for the Langtang Valley trek.
Backpack: A backpack with a capacity of 30-40 liters is recommended to carry your essential trekking gear.
Warm clothing: Temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially at higher altitudes. So, warm clothing such as a down jacket, thermal wear, and fleece jacket are important.
Rain gear: Rain can occur at any time, even during the dry season. Therefore, a waterproof jacket and pants are essential to keep you dry and warm.
Trekking poles: Trekking poles help to reduce the impact on your knees while walking downhill and provide support while ascending.
Headlamp: A headlamp is essential for night-time trekking and for use in lodges with limited lighting.
Sunglasses and sunscreen: The high altitude and strong sun rays can cause damage to your eyes and skin. So, sunglasses and sunscreen are necessary to protect yourself.
First-aid kit: It is always recommended to carry a basic first-aid kit containing essential medications, bandages, and antiseptics.
Water bottle and purification tablets: Carry a refillable water bottle and purification tablets to avoid buying bottled water and to ensure safe drinking water.
Trekking map and guidebook: A trekking map and guidebook are helpful to navigate and plan your trekking itinerary.
When trekking in high altitude areas for many hours, you burn lots of calories and can lose energy quickly. Therefore, it’s important to eat food regularly during the trek to keep up your energy levels.
The Langtang Valley trek is a fully tea house-based trek, meaning that there are many tea houses and local inns along the trail where you can find food and lodging.
However, since the trek to Langtang Valley is quite remote, it can be difficult to supply food to the area. The main way of transporting food is by porters, so meat dishes may not be the safest option. It is recommended to stick to vegetable dishes for safety. If you do want to eat meat, it is recommended to do so at the beginning and end of your trek in Syaprubesi, where they have refrigeration.
During the trek, you can try fresh cheese made from yak at Kyangin and Sing Gompa.
At the tea houses and lodges along the trail, you can expect to find breakfast items such as chapatti with jam/honey, Tibetan bread, toast, hash brown potatoes, eggs, porridge, pancakes, instant noodles with vegetables, fruits, etc. For lunch and dinner, there are options such as spaghetti, fried noodles, fried rice, thukpa, Nepali dhal bhat, pizza, fried potatoes, spring rolls, macaroni, and more.
The price of food on the Langtang trek is relatively cheaper than other trekking regions in Nepal, with an average cost of 4 to 7 USD per meal.
The accommodations on the Langtang trek are moderate standard lodges. You will be staying in small lodges that provide food, Wi-Fi, hot showers, battery charging, and drinks. The lodges have twin-sharing rooms with normal beds, and private rooms with shared bathrooms with other trekkers who are staying at the same lodge. Some lodges may charge a small fee for charging your battery, phone, using WiFi, and taking a hot shower. The price of accommodation during the Langtang trek is about 3 to 10 USD for a twin-sharing room.
The Langtang trek is classified as a moderate and short trek that is relatively easy and inexpensive. However, it is important to plan your budget and be mindful of your spending limitations.
Prior to embarking on the Langtang trek, it is essential to take note of all the expenses you will encounter and which ones to avoid, to ensure a hassle-free trek. It is important to note that there are no ATMs or money exchange facilities available along the trekking route.