Langtang Valley is a beautiful valley with many glacial lakes and scattered mountains settlements. Located 61.8 km north of Kathmandu, Langtang Valley offers an excellent trekking opportunity with its rugged trails and pristine beauty. The Langtang valley is often proclaimed as one of the most beautiful valleys in the world.
Langtang valley trek provides you an opportunity to explore the Tibetan-influenced culture and heritage of the local Sherpa and Tamang community. The architecture of the ancient monasteries and the typical village settlements will enthrall you. The rich flora and fauna of the region is one of the major attractions of this trek.
The earthquake of April 2015 destroyed the valley and caused the closing of the trail and loss of many lives. But with local initiation, restoration work was completed swiftly, and the trails are now open and safe for trekking. The tea houses along the trail have been rebuilt and you will have no trouble in finding a safe and comfortable place to stay along the trail.
Want to know more about the Langtang trek? Well, you have arrived at the right place. Read further to learn more about the most important factors to consider while trekking the Langtang valley along with the detailed itinerary. We offer this exciting Langtang valley trek-11 days at a reasonable price. What more can you ask for? Book your trip now!
Major Highlights of the Langtang Valley Trek:
- Awe-inspiring views of the mountains above 7000m like Ganesh Himal (7,600m), Langtang Lirung (7,200m) and Langtang -II (7,227m)
- Incredible amount of flora and fauna including 1000 plants, 150 species of birds, and other wild animals
- Panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges including Kyanjin RI, Dorje Lakpa (6990m), Ganchhenpo (6388m), Tserko RI (5033m), Laure Binayak pass (4,609m)
- Observing many glaciers of the langtang valley
- Exploring the traditional culture and heritage of Sherpa and Tamang villages
- Walking through the lush subtropical forests of the Langtang region
- Spotting Wildlife including wild boars, Langur monkeys, red pandas, yellow-throated martens, Himalayan black bears, and others
Wondering when is the Best Time to Trek the Langtang Valley?
The spring and autumn months are the best time for this trek as these months have perfect trekking temperatures, climatic conditions, and the outstanding views.
✔ Autumn (September-December)
Autumn is the best time to trek in the Langtang region. The weather is warm and stable with perfect temperatures for trekking. The clear blue skies, fresh air, and spectacular mountain views are the primary attraction of this trek in autumn.
The temperature ranges from 10°C-15°C during the daytime. There is almost no precipitation along with sharpest beautiful views of the Himalayas. You will meet many friendly trekkers along the trail.
✔ Spring (March-May)
March-May is also a great time to trek the Langtang region. The days are long and warm during this season with the daytime temperature in the Langtang region in the range of 10°C-20°C. The spring is a blissful period in the Langtang region.
The trail is gorgeous as the forest gets painted red with rhododendron trees. The fresh mountain breezes at higher altitudes perfectly complement the warm temperatures. There are lesser chances of rain or snow and provides you a pleasant trekking experience.
The treks are doable throughout the year; however, the off-season might pose some difficulties during the trek. The summers in the Langtang region is wet, and the trails become slippery with chances of landslides. In the monsoons, the clouds fog up the sky.
The winters might be too cold for you to enjoy the trek completely. However, the trail in the off season is less crowded, which makes it perfect for trekkers who want to trek peacefully in a solitary environment.
How Difficult is the Langtang Valley Trek ?
The Langtang valley trek is a moderately difficult trek. You will be gently climbing up the trail with gradual increase in altitudes which makes it a perfect trek for beginners and first-time trekkers. Dehydration is a significant issue while trekking in the high mountains, so drink a lot of water throughout the trek to avoid any such issues.
You could also use oral hydration salts to be safe from altitude sickness. Wearing kneecaps and using trekking poles helps to ease the pressure of the uphill climb. There are some sections with challenging slopes and rocky paths. You must walk slowly and cautiously at all times.
While you do not require any technical climbing for the Langtang trek, some training at least two weeks prior to the trek is a must. Overall, anyone with a basic level of fitness can complete the Langtang valley trek and hence is a perfect trek for amateurs.
Also Read: Everything You Need to Know about Langtang Valley Trek
Five Essential Tips for the Langtang Valley Trek:
Train regularly for the trek
The trek can overwhelm you if you don't train at least two weeks ahead of the trek. You can do any aerobic and cardiovascular exercises like cycling, swimming, or hiking. This training routine will increase your fitness levels and stamina power. The stress of the trek won't bother you if you train regularly.
Start early on the trek
Start your trek as soon as possible. This step will help you reach your destination in the afternoon before it's too dark. You can also walk at your own pace while clicking pictures and would not need to hurry.
Wear comfortable shoes
Your shoes play an essential part in your trek journey. Do not wear new shoes and make sure the shoes you wear are comfortable. Too tight or too loose shoes will cause a lot of blisters and other problems along the way.
Pack proper clothing and gear
In higher altitudes, the weather gets unpredictable, and the temperature may drop below freezing point. You might experience some cloudburst and unexpected rainfall. My advice would be to pack appropriately, including warm insulating clothes along with waterproof jackets.
The waterproof/windproof clothing is a must in any season of the trek. Also, you need to carry sleeping bags and trekking poles.
Increase your food and water intake
You will need to increase your food and water intake while trekking. The cold conditions of the mountains burn your energy faster and thus to compensate for this loss of energy you need to eat heavily.
Also, make your diet rich in protein and carbohydrates. A light snack like protein bars is perfect for the trails. Eating right and hydrating regularly helps you cope with the altitude sickness.
Detailed Itinerary for 11 Days Langtang Valley Trek:
Day 01: Arrival at the Airport (1380m), and Transfer to the Hotel
Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will get picked up by our representative and transferred to the hotel. The representative will also help you check-in at the hotel. You can stroll around the city in the evening and return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 02: Sightseeing Tour of Kathmandu Valley
After an early breakfast, we start the sightseeing tour of the valley. A professional tour guide and a heritage expert will provide you with the guided tour of the ancient valley. There are seven UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu.
We will start by visiting the famous temples of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath (Monkey temple). We will also visit the historically significant Durbar Squares of Patan Durbar Square and the Basantapur Durbar Square.
You can observe the culture and heritage of the ethnic Newar community. We will then return to the hotel where you will get briefed about the trek and formalities regarding the permit. You will stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 03: Drive to Syabru Bensi (1450m)
We start our drive to Syabrubeshi early in the morning after breakfast. We drive along the banks of Trishuli River overlooking the scenic meadows, valleys, rivers, and mountains for 7-8 hours. After reaching Syabrubesi, which is at the height of 1460m, we stay overnight at a lodge.
You will experience the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, including the Ganesh Himal, Mt. Annapurna II, Manasalu, and others along the route. The Himalayan terraced fields and settlements provide us an idea of the lifestyle of the local people.
We pass through the settlements of Trishuli Bazaar, Betrawati, and Dhunche. After having lunch at the famous Trishuli Bazaar before we continue towards Dhunche. From Dhunche we descend to Syabrubesi for where we stay overnight.
Drive duration: 7-8 hours
Day 04: Trek from Syabru Bensi to Lama Hotel (2480m)
After an early breakfast, we cross the pristine Bhote Koshi River through a suspension bridge. We visit the Gompa of Guru Rinpoche and follow a stone-paved street to head out of the town.
We ascend upto Bamboo after crossing the suspension bridge. The trail then passes through the tropical forest covered in oak, maple, spruce, fir, blue pine, and rhododendron.
You can also spot a variety of wildlife including the wild boars, Langur monkeys, red pandas, yellow-throated martens, and Himalayan black bears, among others. The trek then ascends gradually to Rimche (2400m) and further to the famous Lama Hotel where we stay overnight.
✔ Walking distance: 10.9 km
✔ Time duration: 6-7 hours
Day 05: Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang village (3540m)
We start the trek with a gentle climb, then climbing steeply to the wild forests of oaks, maples, and rhododendrons. We can get a glimpse of the Mt. Langtang Lirung (7244m), and other snow-capped mountains.
We cross several log bridges to arrive at the lush meadows of Ghora Tabela (2992m). We arrive at a classical U-shaped glacial. We pass through yak pastures, helipads, rhododendron forests, and scattered Tamang settlements.
After crossing several streams and watermills and prayer wheels, we arrive at the large settlement of Langtang village (3430m) where we stay overnight. The valley gets surrounded by stone walls to protect the crops like potatoes, buckwheat, turnips, wheat, and barley from the harsh winds.
✔ Walking distance: 14.8 km
✔ Time duration: 4-5 hours
Day 06: Trek from Langtang to Kyanjin Gompa (3900m)
The trail climbs a ridge topped by a large chorten, a climb past an impressive mani wall to reach Mundu (3543m). After crossing several streams, bridges and moraines for 2-3 hours to arrive at the spiritual hub of Kyangjin Gompa (3817m).
The Kyangin Gompa is a beautiful landmark in the Langtang region from where we can observe the spectacular view of Mt. Ganchhenpo and Mt. Langtang Lirung. Moreover, you can also visit the famous cheese factory for some cheese tasting adventures, and explore the traditional houses and monasteries in the region.
✔ Walking distance: 6.8 km
✔ Time duration: 2-3 hours
Day 07: Acclimatization/Exploration around Kyanjin Gompa; short hike up to Tsergo Ri (4985m)
We further extend our exploration of the natural beauty of the Gompa area. The peaceful environment of the area along with the stunning views of the area, will overwhelm you.
We can also climb the Tsergo Ri at 5150m and also trek to the Langtang glacier and the Langshisha Kharka, which is a beautiful yak pasture. After a long and tiring day, we return the same route to Kyanjin Gompa and stay overnight at a lodge.
Day 08: Trek back to Lama hotel
We have our breakfast observing the snow-capped mountains one last time. We trek back the same route back to Langtang Khola and Langtang village and Ghora Tabela.
After lunch, we descend steeply towards Lama Hotel where we stay overnight. The downhill trek provides you with a unique perspective of the region.
✔ Walking distance: 21.6 km
✔ Time duration: 6 hours
Day 09: Trek to Syabrubesi
We trek back through the same steps that we took earlier passing through the bamboo and rhododendron forests to arrive at Syabrubesi. The pleasant trek only takes about 4-5 hour.
After coming back to the lodge, you can enjoy a dinner at the lodge with the locals. You will stay overnight at the lodge.
✔ Walking distance: 10.9 km
✔ Time duration: 4-5 hours
Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel
We drive back to Kathmandu after an early breakfast. You can stroll around the streets of Thamel or do some last-minute souvenir shopping. In the evening, you can enjoy a complimentary dinner on completing the trek successfully.
✔ Drive duration: 7-8 hours
Day 11: Drive to the International Airport for Departure
After an incredible 11 days at the Himalayan nation, the tour comes to an official end. You will get dropped at the airport by our representative. You can then board a flight to your desired destination.
