A complete guide to Langtang Valley Trek

Complete Guide to Langtang Valley Trek

“The greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories”-Og Mandino

A complete guide to Langtang valley trek provides you the detailed information regarding the Langtang valley trek route & itinerary, best time to visit Langtang valley, food & accommodation on Langtang valley trek, trek difficulty & some useful tips. Make sure you read out to the end because we are saving best for the last.

Langtang trek/Langtang valley trek is one of the most popular & trending off beaten trekking destination in Nepal. This Langtang valley trek walks you through the diverse landscapes, traditional Tamang villages, and the lush forest of bamboo, oaks & rhododendron along with the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains.

Where is Langtang Valley located?

a-complete-guide-to-Langtang-valley-trek

Langtang valley is located on the north of Kathmandu valley bordering with Tibet in the Himalayas of Nepal- exactly 51 km far from Kathmandu. It only takes a few hour short drive to reach the Langtang valley.

Likewise, Langtang trek is famous for its low altitude & comparatively short & easy trek for all the beginner hikers. In addition, this trek is a perfect choice to escape from the capital’s busy lifestyle full of crowds & pollutions to enjoy nature.

Here are some Langtang Valley Trip Highlights:

Spectating the mountains above 7000m like Langtang lirung (7,200m/23,622ft), Ganesh Himal (7,600m/24,934ft), Langtang II (7,227m/23,710ft).

Wander through the lush forests of pines, oaks & rhododendrons.

Experiencing the daily lifestyle of the Tamang community influenced by Tibetan culture & traditions.

Passing through the Langtang National Park (1976) – full of flora & fauna.  

Excellent sunrise view over the Langtang range from Kyajin Ri or Tsergo Ri.

Trip Fact of Langtang:

Trek Distance:120km approx.
Max elevation:Kyajin Ri 4,773m OR Tsergo Ri 4,984m
Difficulty:Easy-Moderate
Permits:TIMS, National Park Entrance

Langtang Valley Trek after 2015 Earthquake in Nepal:

Sadly, Langtang valley was heavily affected by the 2015 earthquake in Nepal wiping out the entire valley completely. The earthquake took the lives of 175 villagers, 27 local tourism staffs and 41 foreign trekkers, summing up 243 in total which was very heart-breaking news.

For several years, the trekking trails were still holding the potential threats of landslides which resulted in a decrease in tourists. However, over the years, Langtang valley is once again back-Teahouses and lodges have been once again rebuilt & are opened to fulfill the fooding & lodging for the trekkers.

The local people have got supported by many organizations to withstand the losses. As a matter of fact, tourism is also one of them to support their lives in the future.

Note: Contribute to the development of Langtang valley by visiting here which can help the local people to earn income.

How do I get from Kathmandu to Langtang Valley?

To reach the Langtang Valley from Kathmandu, your journey starts with a scenic 7-hour drive to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu. From there you will trek inside Langtang valley through high meadows, yak pastures, lush forests following the Langtang river until you get to Kyanjin Gompa. And there you will have the view of Langtang Lirung glacier & icefall. Also, visit the local yak cheese factory.

On your 6th day, hike to Kyanjin Ri or Tsergo Ri to catch a stunning 360° view of snow-capped Himalayan ranges. Be awed with views this trek offers you. Finally, following the same route, you will trek back down to the valley & drive to Kathmandu.

Similarly, the Langtang trekking trail also cress-cross with other trekking routes like Tamang Heritage trail, Gosainkunda lake trek & Helambu trek.

How long is the Langtang Valley trek?

Here is the outline itinerary for Langtang Valley Trek :

  • DAY 01: RECEIVED BY GUIDE ON ARRIVAL & TRANSFER TO HOTEL.
  • DAY 02: DRIVE TO SYABRUBESI 1,460M – 07 HRS.
  • DAY 03: TREK TO LAMA HOTEL 2,400M – 07 HRS.
  • DAY 04: TREK TO LANGTANG VILLAGE 3,400M – 06 HRS.
  • DAY 05: TREK TO KYANJIN GOMPA 3,800M – 04 HRS.
  • DAY 06: HIKE TO KYANJIN RI 4,773M OR TSERGO RI 4,984M.
  • DAY 07: TREK TO LAMA HOTEL – 07 HRS.
  • DAY 08: TREK TO SYABRUBESI 1,460M – 06 HRS.
  • DAY 09: DRIVE BACK TO KATHMANDU – 07 HRS.
  • DAY 10: DEPARTURE FROM KATHMANDU TO HOME.

For the detailed itinerary, see the “Langtang Valley Trek”

What is the best time to trek in Langtang Valley?

sunset-in-Langtang-valley

The best time to trek in Langtang Valley is during the Spring or during the Autumn season. This season is also called the peak trekking season in Nepal. Similarly, both of these seasons offers you the best view of Himalayan ranges with lush green vegetation all along the trek.

Just get ready to blend with pristine nature & enjoy the jaw-dropping mountain views in this trek.

Below are the four main seasons to do Langtang Valley trek.

1) Langtang Valley Trek in Autumn (September to November)

The autumn season is the best time for experiencing the Langtang trek in Nepal. The autumn season starts soon after the end of monsoon clearing out all the dust & pollutions on the air. The temperature remains stable with crystal clear skies.

Since there are very fewer trekkers in comparison to the Everest region, Annapurna region & Manaslu region, you don’t have to worry about finding accommodations in Langtang.

Best Recommend Month: October

2) Langtang Valley Trek in Winter (December to February)

The weather in winter can be very challenging. Daytime is usually fresh and warm but during the night time, the temperature drops down to the freezing point. You will experience the snowfall on most parts of the Langtang region.

If you are planning for Langtang trek during winter then make sure you pack your extra warm clothes.

3) Langtang Valley Trek in Spring (March to May)

Spring is another big trekking season in Nepal. The trail is exceptionally beautiful as the wildflowers start to bloom everywhere & the temperature remains stable i.e neither cold nor hot. The days are warm and long with the clear blue sky which makes it perfect to take stunning landscape photos.

Recommend Month: April

5) Langtang Valley Trek in Summer (June to August)

Summer is the hottest as well as the monsoon season in Nepal. Rainfall usually happens on a daily basis. The trekking trails are all muddy and you will find leeches and bugs everywhere all along the trek.

However, the most beautiful part during Summer/Monsoon is that you can enjoy the farming and planting along with the locals in Langtang valley.

“Join the Langtang Trek in best season”

Permits for Langtang Valley trek:

It is no surprise that every trekking region in Nepal requires permits. And depending upon the trekking region the permits are different. With that being said, you need two different permits for Langtang valley trek: TIMS & Langtang National Park entry permit.

Here are the permits name and cost of those permits required for Langtang valley trek:

TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System):

  • Individual Trekker: NRS. 2000 / $20
  • Organized group/TIMS: NRS. 1000 / $10
  • SAARC Nationals: NRS. 600 / $6

Langtang National Park Entry Permit:

For any treks within the Langtang regions, you trek via Langtang National Park. Hence you require a special National Park entry permit too.

  • For foreigners: 3,000 NPR
  • For SAARC Nationals: 1500 NPR
  • Free for children less than 10 years of age.

Accommodation during Langtang Valley trek:

accommodations-in-langtang-valley

The Langtang valley trek has a good quality of tea houses and trekkers won’t have any difficulties to find a comfortable place to sleep and have a good meal. As other treks, Langtang trek accommodation also changes according to the altitude level. The details of the different types of accommodation that can be found in the Langtang trek are given below;

Accommodation in Syabru Besi:

After a drive from Kathmandu, Syabru Besi is the starting point of this Langtang trek. Accommodation available in Syabru Besi is basic to a standard that costs from $3-$30. And of course, the choice of hotels is always according to your budget.

Some of the guest houses found in Syabru Besi is;

  1. Ok Hotel
  2. Yala Peak Guest House
  3. Yak Hotel

Accommodation in Lama Hotel:

Lama Hotel has very few and satisfying guest houses which are the basic guesthouses. Basically, rooms are available on a twin basis with no attached bathroom. In addition, toilets are normally outside the guest houses which are for all the trekkers.  As a matter of fact, all the guesthouses provide a hot shower facility.

The name of the guest houses found in Lama Hotel are;

  1. Sherpa Hotel and Lodge
  2. Friendly Guest House
  3. Lama Guesthouse

Accommodation in Langtang Village:

Before the earthquake 2015, Langtang village was always trekker favorite station. This beautiful village used to have lots of accommodation facilities from basic to standard and also trekker could get a chance to enjoy the culture and the natural beauty at the same time.

However, after earthquake locals have succeeded to build new guest houses for trekkers with basic services which are very comfortable.

Guesthouses at the Langtang Villages are as follow;

  1. Everest Guest House
  2. Hotel Moonlight
  3. Buddha Guest House
  4. Village View Hotel
  5. Shangri La Hotel
  6. Lucky Guest House
  7. Peaceful Guest House
  8. Hotel Red Panda
  9. Himalayan Guest House
  10. Sunrise Guest House
  11. Eco Guest House
  12. Tashi Delek Guest House
  13. Tibetan Guest House
  14. Lucky Guest House

Accommodation in Kang Jin Gompa:

The highest point (3900m) of this Langtang trek is Kang Jin Gompa. Here, trekkers can find a very basic type of accommodation. Also, the rooms are twin basis and trekkers have to use a common toilet outside the guest house in a separate hut.

The name of guest houses in Kang Jin Gompa are listed below;

  1. Yeti Guest House
  2. Hotel Sherpa
  3. Yak Hotel
  4. Nurling Kyangjin
  5. Hotel View Point
  6. Yala Peak Guest House

Trekkers will find the rooms clean and comfortable in each and every guest house of Langtang valley. In the peak season, trekkers may not get the room. So, if you’re trekking in the peak season then don’t forget to pre-book the rooms. Whereas, the local and authorities from Langtang National Park have fixed the price for accommodation from Syabru Besi to Kang Jin Gompa i.e $5-$10.

In addition, the price of the accommodation may get expensive in peak season in comparison to offseason. Guesthouses even may give trekkers a discount in off-seasons.

Foods in Langtang Valley Trekking Trails:

Dhal-Bhat-Nepali-Cusine-in-Trekking-area

After accommodation, the most asked questions before this Langtang trek is about the food.

Here, we will discuss the various foods and drinks available in this trekking trail.

Along with good accommodation, Langtang trekking trail provides trekkers a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Foods are suitable for a vegetarian with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

Breakfast in Langtang Valley:

Here, in Langtang trek, the menu for the breakfast is similar in all the guest houses. Basically, breakfast is served from 7 am-9 am which might be the perfect timing for having breakfast and start the trek. Trekkers can also find organic food items and veggies.

The list of the food for breakfast found in Langtang is listed below;

  1. Bread and Chapati
  2. Eggs
  3. Pancakes
  4. Porridge and Puddings
  5. Soup

Lunch in Langtang Valley:

The national food of Nepal Dal Bhat and Tarkari is very popular as a lunch set among the trekkers and is very cheap in comparison to other lunch options. Whereas, trekkers also can find lots of western food items as lunch options.

Most of the lunch station prepares carbohydrate-rich foods so that trekkers can get enough calories which are very necessary during trekking.

Here are the food items found as a lunch option in Langtang region;

  1. Rice
  2. Dal Bhat
  3. Noodles
  4. Pasta and Macaroni
  5. Spaghetti
  6. Momos/Dumplings
  7. Pizza
  8. Potato items

Dinner in Langtang Valley:

All the guesthouses offer you a hot and freshly cooked dinner which keeps you warm near the mountains. Normally, guest houses serve dinner at 9 pm. In addition, options for the dinner are similar to the lunch menu. We personally refer you to choose Nepali Dal Bhat and Tarkari as it is healthy. If you don’t like Nepali food than you can find lots of other options which are suitable for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.

Drinks in Langtang Valley:

Along with food guest houses provides lots of drinking options. Even though the alcoholic drink is also found, it is better to avoid those drinks because it decreases the water level of the body resulting in dehydration.

The list of drinks is listed below;

  1. Tea
  2. Coffee
  3. Honey Lemon/Ginger Honey Lemon
  4. Alcohol
  5. Coco-Cola/Fanta/Sprite
  6. Mineral water
  7. Different fruit juice

The price of food keeps increasing as you ascend higher and higher. If you paid $2-$3 for food in Syabrubesi you might have to pay $6-$7 at Kyanjin Gompa for the same food.

Similarly, trekkers also should take good care of their health by keeping healthy habits like; washing hands or using hand sanitizers. Trekkers should always use a water purification system while drinking the water from the tap too.

Langtang Valley Trek Difficulty:

trekking-pole-for-langtang

According to the difficulty level, Langtang valley is a moderate trek and requires no previous trekking experiences, age limitation or physical requirements.

Basically, the Langtang trail is a combo of uphill and downhill routes along with the steep path. And, most part of the trek will be done at a lower altitude. With a basic fitness level, anyone can overcome the Langtang trek difficulty & accomplish the trek.

However, the difficulty of trekking in Nepal is determined by various factors that apply to the Langtang trek as well.

Langtang Valley Trek Difficulty by Weather:

Weather plays a major role in determining the difficulty of Langtang trek. As mentioned above, the different season offers you their own- distinct charm & beauty. Choosing a wrong month (August-rainy & January-coldest) can simply ruin your Langtang trek experience. So decide what time of the year you want to go for Langtang trek & prepare accordingly.

Whereas, Autumn and the spring season is the very best time where you can easily and fully experience the Langtang trek.

“Trek underneath the crystal clear blue skies while enjoying the panoramic mountain scene to the fullest.”

And as for Monsoon and Autumn season, you need to have extra preparation. Don’t forget to pack a raincoat or waterproof clothing set to tackle monsoon downpour and extra warm clothes to stay away from the winter cold.

Langtang Valley Trek Difficulty by Cost:

Not only a short trek but at the same time Langtang valley is considered the low price trek also. We are offering you 10 days Langtang trek at just USD 590 per person with full board meals included.

The Langtang trek cost depends upon the modes of transportation used, duration of the trek, services you want to include and exclude in addition to the extension of trekking days along with other optional hikes.

Langtang Valley Trek Difficulty by Physical Fitness:

Being one of the short and moderate level treks, it does not require trekking skills and high physical training. However, if you are a beginner, you should be always prepared for any circumstances that can happen during the trek.

You have to walk 5-6 hours on a daily basis via uphill and downhill, rocky paths, jungles, and rivers. Hence before hitting the trail strengthens your legs since trekking is all done by walking. 

Tips to reduce the difficulty of Langtang trek:

  • Choose the best weather
  • Pack proper gears and clothing
  • Make sure your shoes are comfortable
  • Eat properly and stay hydrated
  • Follow your trekking guide

Altitude Sickness during Langtang trek:

When trekking in Langtang valley, the max altitude you will gain is 3,800m (Kyanjin Gompa) excluding short optional hike to Kyanjin Ri (4,773m) or Tsergo Ri (4,984m). Hence, the chance of getting altitude sickness is very low during the trek.

However you should not take altitude sickness lightly. In a worst-case scenario, altitude sickness can cost your life too.

Here are the symptoms of Altitude sickness:

  • Headache followed by dizziness
  • Nausea & Vomiting
  • Weakness or muscle fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Difficult to breath
  • Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Read full article on altitude sickness.

If you find any of the above signs and symptoms quickly descend down at lower altitude or notify your guide.

Things to pack for Langtang Valley Trek:

The packing list depends on the time of the year you are doing Langtang trek. Generally, no specialized trekking gear and equipment is needed for this trek.

Below is the essential packing list for Langtang trek:

Bags:

Duffel bags – 50-60 Ltrs                  Daypack – 20-25 Ltrs

Headwears:

-Cap or Hat         -Neckband or Buff           -Sunglasses

Clothing:

-Wicking long-sleeve T-shirts / 2 pairs                      -Quick-dry T-shirts / 2 pairs

-Bra / 3 Pairs (sports bra recommended)                               -Thermal underwear / 2 pairs

-Underwear / 4 pairs                       -Fleece Jackets / 2 pairs

-Insulated Jacket or Down Jacket / 1 pair (Can be rented )              -Insulated trekking pants / 2 pairs

-1 pair of waterproof jackets & pants on your bag.

Footwears:

-Hiking boots / 1 pair      -Spare shoe / 1 pair         -Camp shoe or sandal / 1 pair      -Woolen hiking socks / 4 pairs

-Shorts (optional)             -Gaiters (optional)

Handwear:

-Inner gloves                      -Outer gloves

Sleeping Bags:

-Four-season sleeping bag rated to -15°C. (can be rented)

Important Accessories:

-Trekking Poles                 -Water Bottle                     -Basic Medical Kits

-UV Protection Sunglasses                           -Headlamp                          -Hand Sanitizers                    

-Sunscreen/Lip Balm                       -Trekking Towels                              -Portable Chargers

Our guides will always carry basic first aid kit with some other essential medical kit & basic toiletries

-Diamox (for altitude sickness)                   -Advil (pain-killer)            -Aspirin (to reduce fever, headache, etc)

-Pulse Oximeters             -Antibiotics (for diarrhea)             -Lung inhaler

-Water Purifier                  -Hand Sanitizer                  -Deodorant

-Wet Wipes                        -Soap                    -Body lotion

-Nostril openers                               -Bandages

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Langtang valley trek safe for solo/individual trekkers?

Being a short and moderate trek, Langtang valley trek is possible and safe for solo/individual trekkers. The trail is not confusing and on top of that, there are several signposts along the trail. But there are many cases of missing too.

Do I need travel insurance for Langtang valley trek?

Not necessarily but it is always best to have one especially while you are trekking in Nepal. High altitude trek revolves around risk and other dangers, therefore, recommended having travel insurance.

What about drinking water during Langtang valley trek?

Since the bottled water is expensive on the trail, we suggest you carry your bottle and fill the water in teahouses. Please avoid drinking water directly from taps and streams until and unless you treat with water purifier or steripen.

About Author

As the head of Pristine Nepal Treks and Expedition, he is the inspiration for all the young generation who wants to work in the trekking field. As he is working in the tourism/trekking field from a young age he is always interested to learn and exploring more about the Himalayas, Culture, History, and politics too.

With a very friendly nature, smart personality, and kindness he is an expert in the tourism sector and has already organized countless trekking trips and going on.

(1) Comment

  1. zidane

    thanks for the great article, keep up the good work

Leave a Reply