One of Nepal's most breathtaking and intriguing trekking routes is the Langtang Trekking Trail. The Tibetans found Langtang while looking for the Lost Yak. "Langtang" means "the place where yak was found" in the native tongue. The main goal of the Langtang Valley Trek is to immerse yourself in the old Tibetan culture's distinctive living legacy.
Langtang Valley Trek: A Complete Travel Guide
The course normally takes an average of 5 - 7 days to finish. The trek covers a total distance of around 77km which includes Kyanjin Ri summit. A trip through the Langtang Valley offers a lot of attractions, including verdant woods and snow-capped peaks and the possibility to reach about 5000 meters without having to cross a steep mountain pass. Furthermore, you get a chance to learn about and experience the culture of the Tamang people, who speak Tibetanon during the Langtang valley trek itinerary. The breathtaking views of the northern glacier moraine offer an incredible perspective of Langtang Lirung rising into the pristine sky. Your heart will race as you see the captivating vistas of the Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung (7324m), Dorje Lakpa (6966m), Porong Ri (7292), Gangchempo (7205m), and Yala Peak (5520m). You can get lost in the Langtang National Park's environment in addition to its rich cultural diversity. Majestic creatures like the musk deer, snow leopard, and red panda coexist with the national park's diverse flora and fauna on your trekking to Langtang Valley.
Quick Facts on Langtang Valley Trek
- Location: Langtang National Park, Nepal
- Elevation: Langtang Village (3,430m/11,253ft) to Kyanjin Gompa (3,830m/12,566ft)
- Duration: 7-10 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
- Best Season: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
- Highlights: Spectacular mountain views (Langtang Lirung, Gangchhenpo, Naya Kanga), Glaciers, Kyanjin Gompa, Cheese Factory, Tamang Heritage
- Accommodation: Teahouses and Lodges
- Entry Permit: Langtang National Park Entry Permit required
- Nearest Airport: Kathmandu
- Altitude Sickness Risk: Moderate to High due to rapid ascent
When is the Best Time to Visit Langtang Valley Trek?
The ideal season to trek in the Langtang Valley is in the spring and autumn if that suits you. The weather is clear and you will probably have a clear view of the mountain range. Similarly, the trail is also perfect during this season.
However, tea houses are normally packed during these seasons, so make sure to book the rooms before your trip. The worst months to trek are from June to August, which is the rainy season. Rainfall is heavy, roads and paths become extremely muddy and leeches are common at lower elevations. The area gets extremely cold during the winter, from December to February, and the highest portions of the walk will be covered in snow. In reality, a lot of the guesthouses close for the winter and reopen in late February or early March.
Langtang Valley Trek Difficulty
It is one of the more accessible trekking paths of Langtang Vallery in Nepal and a fantastic choice for those who have never gone on a high-altitude expedition. Because the course is constantly climbing and descending, the first part of it is quite strenuous. Furthermore, the second part is significantly simpler. Altitude sickness appears when you are above 2000 meters in altitude. For mild cases, you need to get a good night's sleep. You must consume enough warm liquids and foods, such as soup, tea, and water, to stave off your illness and continue with your journey.
You will be travelling over rugged terrain and at high elevations, therefore the acclimatization day is meant for relaxation. Taking a rest day will also help your body adjust to the thin air in the Langtang region. At the Langtang valley trek itinerary the highest point is 3800 meters (or 4600 meters if you ascend Kyanin Ri summit), which is far lower than the elevation of most other well-known routes, such as the Manaslu Circuit Trekking and Annapurna Base Camp trek.
You will be travelling over rugged terrain and at high elevations, therefore the acclimatization day is meant for relaxation. Taking a rest day will also help your body adjust to the thin air in the Langtang region. At the Langtang valley trek itinerary the highest point is 3800 meters (or 4600 meters if you ascend Kyanin Ri summit), which is far lower than the elevation of most other well-known routes, such as the Manaslu Circuit Trekking and Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Brief Itinerary of Langtang Valley Trek
- Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and Transfer to the hotel
- Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi by jeep 1,503 m -07 hours
- Day 03: Trekking from Syabrubensi to Lama Hotel 2,450 m – 06/07 hours
- Day 04: Trekking From Lama Hotel to Langtang Village 3,430 m - 07 hours
- Day 05: Trekking from Langtang village to Kyanjin Gompa 3,830 m – 04 hours
- Day 06: Hike to Tserkuri Viewpoint (4984m) Explore the Langtang Himalayas
- Day 07: Trekking from Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel 2,450 m – 07 hours
- Day 08: Trekking from Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi - 06 hours
- Day 09: Drive to Kathmandu by jeep and transfer to hotel – 07 hours
- Day 10: Final departure
Guide and Porter for Langtang Valley Trek
You will probably not regret hiring a porter and a local guide for your trek. One of the world's most modest people is the Nepalese. A porter is someone who helps you move your bags and belongings. Similarly, a guide will assist you with all of the housing, food, and directions. Due to the challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, we recommend that all hikers hire a porter and a guide for the Langtang Trek. Guides can accompany you on your travels and are available to assist you in many ways.
Hiring a guide is for more reasons than only the fact that trekking alone is prohibited. Your tour itinerary can be meticulously planned with the assistance of a dedicated trekking guide. For the Langtang Trek, hiring a guide usually runs between $30 and $40 per person per day. In a similar vein, employing a porter often costs $20 to $30 per person each day. Similarly, the cost also depends on how proficient your porter and guide are in English or any other language of your choice. Those who speak multiple languages tend to score higher on the fair. The cost also depends upon the level of expertise of your guide and the amount of weight carried by your porter.
Foods and Accommodations During Langtang Valley Trek
Along the way, you can stop at a few bakeries, coffee shops, and tea shops for snacks. For breakfast, you can anticipate oat porridge, chapati, pancakes with jam, or peanut butter. For lunch and dinner, there are momos (local dumplings), fried rice, curry, noodles, and spaghetti. As you ascend higher, prices usually go up because food and fuel must be carried, usually by pack mules or porters, adding to the expense. Some of the local foods you must try are:
On the Langtang Valley trek, lodging is provided by guesthouses, sometimes referred to as teahouses or lodges. Even in places that seem to have everything, you should be ready for the unavailability of hot water, power, or wi-fi. Since many of the guesthouses in the Langtang Valley were constructed recently in the wake of the tragic 2015 earthquake, the quality of lodging is generally very excellent. The Lama Hotel is the lone exception, with all of the guesthouses being older and having more basic amenities.
- Masala Tea
- Tibetan Tea
- Buckthorn juice
On the Langtang Valley trek, lodging is provided by guesthouses, sometimes referred to as teahouses or lodges. Even in places that seem to have everything, you should be ready for the unavailability of hot water, power, or wi-fi. Since many of the guesthouses in the Langtang Valley were constructed recently in the wake of the tragic 2015 earthquake, the quality of lodging is generally very excellent. The Lama Hotel is the lone exception, with all of the guesthouses being older and having more basic amenities.
Packing List for Langtang Valley Trek
It's crucial to pack light and only bring what you need if you want to carry your backpack. However, you can hire a porter who can carry your bag ranging from 15-25 kg. Here is the list of all the necessary things that you need throughout the trek.
- Lightweight down jacket
- Lightweight hiking shirt
- Full or half Pants/Trousers
- Hiking Underwear
- Sleeping bag
- Waterproof pouch
- A pair of hiking sandals
- Gloves
- Hiking socks
- Shorts
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen, face, and body moisturizer and Lip guard
- Toilet paper, deodorant and hand sanitiser
- Miscellaneous
Trek Permits and Fees
The Langtang Valley Trek requires two permits: a Langtang National Park Permit and a TIMS Card. You can get the Langtang National Park permit from the Nepal Tourism Board or at the entry point of the National Park in Dhunche. Similarly, you can get the TIMS cards from the Trekking Agency Association Nepal (TAAN) in their head office. The NP permit will cost you 3000 NPR, 1500 NPR for SAARC nationals and 100 NPR for Nepali citizens. TIMS card will cost you NPR 2000/US$15. However, the TIMS card is not compulsory. Your backpack will be examined at the same checkpoint as your NP permission is obtained, and the authorities will ask if you have a drone with you. They are not permitted unless you have the proper permission and paperwork confirming it.
Travel Insurance
Trekking in Nepal can be risky due to the high altitude, which can induce various ailments, weakness in trekkers, and poor judgment. So travel insurance is a must. Whether you are currently in your home country or are already travelling, three travel insurance policy providers that can cover you for trekking in Nepal are:
Make sure your travel insurance policy includes medical evacuation and search and rescue coverage. Trekking in Nepal is subject to particular exclusions or conditions from certain travel insurance companies. So you should make sure to analyse and study each policy and study before signing any insurance program.
- World Nomads (for residents of 140+ countries);
- SafetyWing, which is the one we recommend;
- True Traveller (for UK and EEA residents only).
Make sure your travel insurance policy includes medical evacuation and search and rescue coverage. Trekking in Nepal is subject to particular exclusions or conditions from certain travel insurance companies. So you should make sure to analyse and study each policy and study before signing any insurance program.
Wrap Up: A Complete Travel Guide to the Langtang Valley Trek
Trekkers of all ages can take advantage of this perfect altitude as it gradually rises through beautiful subtropical Langtang woodlands and rocky farmlands. Trekking across the Langtang Valley will show you amazing views of multiple mountains. This journey can be perfect for someone who admires nature and loves to dwell among nature. However, it is very important to understand the location you are travelling especially if it is a remote trekking route like Langtang Valley. You need to plan everything from day one, where you will be staying and what you will be carrying. Nevertheless, this trek is sure to bring joy and the peace of mind that you have been longing for.
What about you, have you ever done the Langtang Valley trek? Feel free to share any tips & advice below!
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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