Backpack Adventures

The Langtang Trek Itinerary: the ultimate guide

This post offers you the ultimate Langtang Trek itinerary. The Langtang trek is a beautiful multi day hike in the Bagmati province of Nepal . An area that is 51 kilometers north of Kathmandu . Making this an easy and accessible trek for those that love to see the Himalayas, but have limited time

The Langtang trek brings you to a beautiful valley at the foot of the snow capped mountain peaks of Kyanjin Ri and Langtang Lirung. All are part of the Langtang National Park. 

Kyanjin Gompa at the end of the Langtang trek

Why choose the Langtang Trek?

So why choose the Langtang trek? My first response would be, because it is a very beautiful and diverse hike. The Langtang trek starts in lush forests where you might see langur monkeys or red panda’s and ends in the alpine meadows of Kyanjin gompa where yaks wander around.

Culturally it is also an interesting hike as you pass by multicultural villages with Tamang and Sherpa communities. Most ethnic groups along the Langtang trek are of Tibetan origin and follow Buddhism. 

The Langtang trek is one of the shortest tea house treks in Nepal and brings you to beautiful high altitude mountain sceneries in just a few days. Perfect if you are short on time, but if you prefer a longer hike it is easy to combine the Langtang trek with the Gosainkund lakes and the Helambu circuit.

The Langtang trek is also a sustainable choice as you do not need to fly to reach the start of the trail. Syabrubesi is an 8 hour bus journey from Kathmandu. Despite all these advantages, the Langtang trek gets relatively few visitors compared to the Everest and Annapurna regions. If you want to avoid the crowds, Langtang is a great destination. 

Tamand and Sherpa women in Kyanjin gompa

The Langtang Trek and the earthquake 

The Langtang area was hit hard by the earthquake in 2015 when a deadly avalanche completely destroyed Langtang village. The families that survived slowly rebuilt their lodges, but then covid came. If there is one area in Nepal where people can really benefit from the return of tourism, it is on the Langtang trek.   

I did the Langtang trek in 2010. Long before the earthquake hit the area. The Langtang village that I visited and stayed at, no longer exists and is still buried under the avalanche.  Survivors moved to Kyanjin gompa, but a new Langtang village is built 100 meters above the old one. 

As of now, the Langtang Trek is open again and there are enough lodges in the new Langtang village to receive trekkers.

Langtang village before the earthquake

Langtang Trek Itinerary

In this Langtang trek itinerary I mention every day the amount of time it took me from start to finish. I am a slow hiker though. I like to take frequent breaks to enjoy the beautiful views. 

If you are a fit hiker, you can probably do it in less time

Day 1: Bus from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi

You need the first day to get from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, the start of the Langtang trek. Like any bus journey in Nepal , it is a long and bumpy ride over winding mountain roads. Delays are common with frequent breakdowns or landslides blocking the road.

In theory, the bus journey to Syabrubesi takes around 8 hours. In practice, it often takes much longer. Buses stop everywhere to let in new passengers. Up till the point that the only place left for more people is on the roof.

My bus was half empty when we left Kathmandu, but one hour later was totally packed. As we left the city behind us the views got more beautiful and soon the peaks of the Himalaya were in sight. 

Right before Dunche there were some scary parts with steep cliffs right next to the road. Even the Nepali lady next to me was afraid.   

After 9 long hours I finally arrived at Syabrubesi. Because it was late in the afternoon I decided to stay the night.  

Logistics : Buses and shared jeeps to Dhunche and Syabrubesi leave everyday from the Gongabu bus station (new bus park or Machapokhari) in Kathmandu. Get there early as it is a chaotic bus station and buses to Langtang leave between 6 – 8 AM in the morning. It is best to reserve your tickets a day in advance at the bus station or at a travel agency in Thamel.

Insider tip : there are delux buses that are slightly more expensive, but don’t stop everywhere to let in new passengers. Shared jeeps are also slightly faster. The best option are private jeeps, but they are expensive ($150+) 

Bus from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi

Day 2: Syabrubesi (1492) – Lama Hotel (2447) 

15 kilometers, 7 hours, altitude gain 1070+

The first day of the Langtang trek is also one of the most difficult days of the trek as you gain more than a 1000 meters in altitude. It starts with a 3 hour gentle climb up to Bamboo village.

Bamboo village is about halfway and a great place for a lunch break. After Bamboo the climb gets more steep, but is still not too difficult if you take it easy. 

Overall, I really enjoyed my first day. Most of the day is right next to the Langtang river and through lush forests where I saw langur monkeys in the trees. In total it took me little over 7 hours to reach Lama Hotel or Changtang village. A cluster of lodges in the forest.  

Bamboo village

Day 3: Lama Hotel (2447) – Langtang village (3430)

14 kilometers, 6 hours, altitude gain 980+

The second day of the Langtang trek is another day of long ascents. The first half of the day is still next to the river and through the forests. However, after 3 hours you leave the forests behind you and enter the beautiful Langtang valley.

Ghodatabela is midway and a great place to stop for lunch. From here you have beautiful views on the snow capped mountain peaks of the Himalayas. The second half of the day is through the glacial valley past small rural villages.

Langtang village used to be the largest and oldest village in the Langtang valley. Famous for its yak yogurt and yak cheese. Langtang village was swept away by an avalanche in the 2015 earthquake. Slowly a new village is built and there are a number of new lodges to stay the night.

Stupa on the Langtang trek

Day 4: Langtang village (3430) – Kyanjin Gompa (3900)

7 kilometers, 4 hours, altitude gain 470+

The third day of the Langtang valley is the shortest and only has a small gain in altitude. I did feel the ascent more than the previous days though which probably had to do with being over 3000 meters high. 

I felt tired easily and was more quickly out of breath. Therefore, I had to take frequent breaks. Stil, I enjoyed every step I took because of the spectacular views. Between Langtang village and Kyanjin gompa are a few yak herding villages with visible buddhist influences such as ancient mani walls and stupas.

Kyanjin gompa was the most lively village I visited in the Langtang valley. Yaks and horses were grazing in the fields, children were playing outside and women walked outside carrying buckets of yak milk. 

Kyanjin gompa is a good place to try yak yogurt or yak cheese and the yak cheese factory is definitely worth a visit.   

Kyanjin Gompa at the end of the Langtang trek

Day 5: Kyanjin Gompa

Kyanjin Gompa is a great place to stay for at least one day to explore the valley. For half day hikes you can choose between the peaks of Kyanjin Ri and Tsergo Ri that both offer beautiful viewpoints. The hike up to the summer yak pastures of Langshisha Kharka is a long and challenging day trip. 

Kyanjin Gompa at the end of the Langtang trek

Day 6: Kyanjin Gompa – Lama Hotel

20 km, 8 hours, altitude loss -1440

The sixth day of the Langtang valley trek was a very long day walking back from Kyanjin Gompa all the way to Lama Hotel. At Ghodatabela I was doubting whether to stop and still had energy, but I miscalculated the time it took to reach Lama Hotel. Being alone in the forest with misty clouds in the mountains and the sun setting was very beautiful, but I was glad to reach the warmth of my guesthouse just before dark. 

Forest views on the Langtang trek

Day 7: Lama Hotel – Syabrubesi

15 kilometers, 7 hours, altitude loss -1070

The seventh day of the Langtang valley trek I felt a bit sad that this would be my last day of hiking. I loved being back in the forests and once again saw langur monkeys. It felt too soon for my lunch break at Bamboo and my arrival at Syabrubesi.  

Syabrubesi at the start of the Langtang trek

Day 8: bus back to Kathmandu

Going back to Kathmandu after trekking in the mountains of Nepal always brings mixed feelings. Of course I am looking forward to the comforts and delicious foods in Kathmandu, but at the same time I am missing the mountains as soon as I take my seat in the bus back. 

Bus from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu

The Langtang Trek Travel tips

Langtang trek permits.

For the Langtang trek you need two permits.

TIMS card : The Trekkers information management card is necessary for almost all treks in Nepal. You can get your TIMS card at the Tourism Board office at Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu. Bring your passport and two passport size photos. The TIMS card costs 2000 nepalese rupees.  

National Park Entrance permit : For the Langtang trek you also need a national park entrance permit. Although you can get this at the checkpoints in Dunche and Syabrubesi I recommend you to get it as well at the Tourism Board Office at Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu. This costs 3000 nepalese rupees plus 13% VAT.  

Do I need a guide on the Langtang Trek?

The Langtang trek is moderately difficult, but easy to do without a guide. There is one trail to follow and it is hard to get lost. Unless you go off season there will be enough other hikers on the trail to keep you company. 

If you are alone and not that experienced you might want to consider joining a guided trek or hiring a guide, porter or porter guide. 

In Nepal there is a clear distinction between a porter and a guide. A guide shows you the way and can tell you more about the history and the culture of the places you visit. A porter will only carry your luggage. Despite their heavy burden they often walk far in front of you and might have reached the lodge when you are only midway. A porterguide is less common, but does both.

If you prefer a female guide I can recommend the 3 sisters adventure trekking that works to empower women and trains women to become trekking guides in Nepal.    

Update April 2023 : The Nepal Tourism Board issued a press release that trekking without a guide is no longer permitted from 1 April 2023 onwards. Trekkers planning to hike in Nepal’s National Parks where you normally need a TIM’s card should have a government licensed guide that is registered with the official Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) . It is unclear yet how this rule will play out in practice. Everest issued a press release stating that they will not enforce it. Other areas do. However, there are no guidelines on how they are going to implement the ban on solo trekking .

Tamang women on the Langtang trek

Accomodation on the Langtang Trek

Along the Langtang trek there is plenty of accomodation and teahouses to choose from. They are rather basic compared to other treks like, The Gokyo Lakes , Poon hill trek or the Annapurna Circuit . They can’t be booked online beforehand. There is a first come first serve basis and some lodges are fully booked by big tour groups.

At the regular stops like Lama Hotel, Langtang village and Kyanjin Gompa there are enough lodges that there will always be a bed for you somewhere. 

The prices of accomodation is incredibly cheap, sometimes even free, but they do expect you to order dinner and breakfast at their establishment. 

Souvenirs for sale on the Langtang trek

Food on the Langtang Trek

The good thing about tea house treks in Nepal is that however basic lodges might be, the food is often quite good if you stick to Nepali cuisine. Yes, many lodges try all kinds of international dishes to attract tourists, but in my opinion often not the best choice.

When trekking in Nepal I eat Dahl bath at least once a day. This national dish of rice with lentils knows a huge variety. Different vegetable curries from fermented spinach to roasted cauliflower and different pickles to spice it up. Not one dahl bath is the same. 

Other Nepali foods to try are Tibetan bread, Thukpa and Momo’s.  

Yak cheese factory on the Langtang trek

When to hike the Langtang Trek

The best time to go trekking in Nepal is spring and autumn.January and February will be too cold with lots of snow on the trail. March, April and May are the warmer months before the monsoon. As the rainy season approaches it can become hot, dusty and humid, but this is not a problem at the higher altitude Langtang valley. Another highlight in spring are the blooming rhododendrons

June, July and August are the monsoon months bringing lots of rain and leeches at the lower altitudes. The biggest problem regarding the Langtang trek is the high chances of landslides on the road from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi and muddy trails.

September, October and November are the most popular months for trekking. Autumn brings clear blue skies and mild temperatures before the cold sets in in December. Autumn is also a festive season with the celebration of Dashain and Tihar . Nepal’s biggest festivals .   

Langtang river on the Langtang trek

Altitude Sickness on the Langtang Trek

The Langtang trek involves a rapid gain of altitude with Syabrubesi at less than 1500 meters high and Kyanjin gompa at 3900 meters high. Experts advise to not ascend more than 300 – 400 meters per day once you are above 3000 meters high. This Langtang trek itinerary actually ascends a little bit more than that and therefore it is important to be cautious of altitude sickness.

The key to prevent altitude sickness is to take it slow, give your body enough time to adjust to the height and to drink enough water. Diamox is a medicine that might help your body to acclimatize, but will not cure altitude sickness once you have severe symptoms. In that case, the only remedy is to go down to a lower altitude as soon as possible.   

Mild symptoms may include being tired and more easily out of breath. More severe symptoms of high altitude sickness are headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, breathing problems, loss of appetite and nausea. 

Take these symptoms seriously and watch out for symptoms in others, even in your nepali guides or porters. It is a misconception that they cannot get altitude sickness. 

Langtang Trek Books and Guides

Cicerone and Trailblazer both have excellent and comprehensive guides about treks in Nepal. Unfortunately their guidebooks about Langtang are out of print and somewhat outdated. Still, if you can get one of those I would certainly recommend it.  

Another option is the Lonely Planet’s trekking in the Nepal Himalayas guide. However, even the newest version was released shortly after the earthquake and lots of things have changed in Langtang since.

Langtang Trek packing list

If you need to carry your own gear on a multi day trek the advice is to bring as little as possible. The Langtang trek is not difficult and there is no need to bring a tent or food. Below a few things to consider

Sun protection : no matter what time of the year, you will need to bring protection against the sun. Sunscreen and a hat are a must.

Rain protection : there is always a risk of rain. I brought a poncho along that protected both me and my backpack from the rain.

Sturdy shoes : There is no need for proffesional hiking boots. However, there are rocky trails. Bring sturdy shoes that fit you well. Don’t bring brand new shoes. Make sure they are tested and comfortable to prevent blisters.

Hiking socks : Besides good shoes, hiking socks are key to prevent blisters. Merino wool socks are lightweight and dry quickly. Wrightsocks are specially designed with double layers to prevent blisters. Decathlon has good merino wool socks too.

Layers : there can be a big difference in temperatures during the day and night. The best way to deal with this is to wear layers. As a base layer I bought merino wool tshirts. I had a fleece vest as a midlayer and as the upper layer I had a windproof jacket.

Backpack : Your shoes and backpack are two things that will have a big influence on the comfort of your multi day trek. I recommend to go to an outdoor store to get some good advice to buy a backpack that fits your torso length and that is comfortable when you wear it. I own the Osprey Fairview trek 50 that I am very happy with.

Reusable water bottle : to prevent plastic waste I always bring a reusable water bottle with me and a water filter or steri pen.  

Sustainable Travel on the Langtang Trek

Although the Langtang trek is not as crowded as other trails, tourism is increasing. The trails become more crowded and pollution is a growing problem. Traveling sustainably to the Himalayas is essential to minimize your environmental impact and preserve the area’s natural beauty for future generations.

Support the local community : You can support the community by purchasing goods and services from local vendors. It is better to try Nepali Cuisine that uses local ingredients rather than imported foreign foods. Nepali food is vegetarian friendly and it is very easy to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is also better to stay in locally-owned guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels.

You can try to look for guesthouses or homestays that prioritizes sustainable practices. That said, environmental awareness is still low. It’s up to you to use water sparsely, turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating when leaving your accommodation.

Leave no trace principle : When hiking the Langtang Trek, stick to designated trails to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem. Straying off the marked paths can cause soil erosion and damage to plant life. If you are lucky enough to spot wildlife, observe quietly from a distance to prevent disruption to their habitats and help maintain their natural behaviors.

I encourage you to take all your trash back with you and dispose of it responsibly. In other words, leave no trace of your visit. Even better is when you bring something to pick up any of the trash that other people left behind.

To avoid single-use plastics, invest in reusable items. For example, you can bring your own water bottle with a filter. At last, use biodegradable and eco-friendly personal care products to minimize pollution of water sources.

Respect the culture : Besides environmental concerns it is also important to be sensitive of the community’s way of life. Nepal is a multicultural country and on the trail you will encounter different ethnic groups.

People will appreciate it, if you dress modestly. Learning a few basic phrases in Nepali, can go a long way in building meaningful connections and to learn more about the local culture. Not everybody is happy to have their picture taken. When in doubt, ask permission.

Disclaimer : This post with a travel guide about the Langtang trek in Nepal contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

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2 thoughts on “The Langtang Trek Itinerary: the ultimate guide”

Thanks for this great overview. It’s just what I was looking for

Hi! Happy to read it! Being a trekking – tourist guide, i want leave one suggesstion : While you stay a couple of days at kyanjing gumba, should not miss to hike to Tserku-Ri (4984m)

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Langtang Trek | What You Need to Know to Hike Langtang Valley

Nepal's Langtang Trek

Home / Plan Your Adventure / Langtang Trek | What You Need to Know to Hike Langtang Valley

Nepal’s Langtang Valley trek is one of our favourite forgotten jewels of the trekking world. With jaw-dropping mountain peaks, bright rhododendron, tiny villages, Buddhist monasteries, and welcoming locals, the Langtang is sure to solidify your love for Nepal. The earthquake that rocked the country in 2015 devastated the Langtang valley. But the area has now reopened to trekkers and choosing to trek here is an excellent way to help Langtang’s resilient earthquake survivors rebuild their livelihoods.

Hiker on the Langtang Trek in Nepal

When is the best time to hike the Langtang Valley Trek?

The best time to trek the Langtang is September to December or March to May .  Clear skies and perfect hiking temperatures create the ideal conditions for trekkers.

How much time does it take to hike Langtang Valley?

The hike is typically completed in 6-10 days , but there are plenty of ways to extend the route if you have more time.

Mountains on the Langtang Trek

How difficult is the Langtang Valley Trek?

The Langtang Valley Trek is a moderate trek by Nepalese trekking standards. It gains significant elevation, but the elevation is easily spaced out over multiple days on the trail.   Like all treks in Nepal, the Langtang Valley is high elevation and proper acclimatization should be factored in. That said, the highest village lies at 3850m, which is well below the high points reached on either the Annapurna Circuit (5416 m) or Everest Base Camp (5545m) treks. 

 Additionally, Nepal’s teahouse trekking drastically reduces your  packing list  making the elevation and mileage much more manageable than North American trips like the Rockwall trail or Rae Lakes. Not to mention, the potential of having a hot apple pie at the end of a long day! 🙂 

How long is the Langtang Valley Trek?

The one-way trip from Syabru Bensi to Kyanjin Gompa on the Langtang Valley Trek is  ~ 29 KM . Over this distance, the Langtang Valley Trek gains ~3000 meters of elevation and loses ~600 meters of elevation. 

A round-trip (out and back)    hike from  Syabru Bensi to Kyanjin Gompa  and back to Syabru Bensi is ~ 58 KM with about 3600 meters of elevation gain and 3600 meters of loss.  

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What permits are required for the Langtang Valley Trek?

To hike the Langtang you’ll require:

  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems) card for 2000 RPS (pick this up in Kathmandu); and
  • Entrance ticket to Langtang National Park  (approximately 3390 RPS).

Do you need a guide or porter?

You do not need to hire a guide or porter to trek the Langtang. The trail is easy to follow and navigation is not challenging. Make sure to download a high quality offline GPS app (we like GAIA) to assist with navigation and route finding. 

That said, some people do enjoy to hire a guide for their knowledge and expertise. If you’re looking for a guide seek out a personal recommendation  and never just hire someone you meet on the street.  

Langtang Guide

Where do you stay and what do you eat on the Langtang Trek?

The incredible thing about trekking in Nepal is that the teahouses in the villages along the way offer basic accommodation and food (namely, a lot of dal bhat!),  This means you can minimize your pack weight as there is no need to carry a tent or food provisions along with you.

Why go on the Langtang Valley Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp?

Most travellers visiting Nepal gravitate towards the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp treks. Langtang has always offered a quieter option with fewer tourists and less infrastructure (there’s certainly no road like the Annapurna Circuit now has). Sadly, Langtang has made its way further off the map after the 2015 earthquake that destroyed lives, homes, and trails. In the three years since the quake, homes have been rebuilt and trails reforged, but the number of trekkers has hardly increased. Trekking here provides an invaluable opportunity to bring income back into a region that is struggling to rebuild. Besides being a quieter trek where your visit can make an important difference for the income of local communities, Langtang is easy to access from Kathmandu. It’s also a lower elevation trek (the highest village is at 3850m), which mitigates the risk of altitude sickness. There are a number of great, basic teahouse options, so you can easily trek this route without a tent.

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Whatever you do, DON'T FORGET THIS

In remote areas travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation or medivac is absolutely essential. My former roomate was medivaced to Bangkok from Cambodia after a medical emergency and her travel insurance ended up paying out a six figure sum for the medical bills.

Hopefully, you never need to make a claim, but if you do you’ll be beyond happy you were prepared!   Don’t start your trip without it!  Check out  World Nomads  for a quote* .  

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Itinerary for hiking the Langtang Trek

Day 1: travel from kathmandu to syabru bensi.

Catch the bus in Kathmandu in the morning (approximately 550 RPS) to travel the 122 km north to the kicking off point for Langtang – the town of Syabru Bensi. Be forewarned that this bus ride is really quite terrifying, but that’s part of the adventure! It can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours to reach Syabru Bensi by bus. Do be prepared to show your TIMS card and permit along the way. Once you arrive in Syabru Bensi, find a teahouse for the night and tuck into bed early to prepare for your first day of trekking.

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Day 2: Syabru Bensi to Lama Hotel

10.5 km | 1400 m elevation gain 400 m loss.

The first day of the Langtang valley trek takes about 6 hours, depending on your pace. The trail crosses the Bhote Kosi River and weaves through oak and rhododendron forests (watch out for animals suddenly coming around the corners!). Beautiful Lama Hotel is a great place to stop for your first night with several good teahouse options.

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Day 3: Lama Hotel to (New) Langtang Village

11.5 km | 1200 m elevation gain 200 m loss.

Day 3 takes just over 6 hours and ends 100 metres past the tragic site of old Langtang Village. This is where the devastation of the earthquake was felt the most strongly in the valley. Only a single house survived the landslide caused by the quake in 2015. 175 villagers and 41 foreign trekkers were killed in the village during this tragedy. These names are commemorated on a memorial mani wall where the village once was. Just a short walk up the valley, Langtang Village is being rebuilt. Staying here is an important way to support the earthquake survivors as they rebuild their lives after losing so much.

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Day 4: Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa

6.0 km | 400 m elevation gain.

Day 4 takes you to the highest village you can stay at: Kyanjin Gompa. As you reach the higher altitude here, the valley opens up into yak pastures surrounded by towering mountains. It’s only a 4 hour walk, so be sure to take your time and allow your body to acclimatize. The elevation here can be an issue for some people. Kyanjin Gompa is home to an incredible monastery, a yak cheese factory, and a small village. It’s a beautiful place to stay for a few nights and explore the surrounding peaks if you have the time.

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Day 5-6: Kyanjin Gompa (with a trip to Kyanjin Ri)

Breathe a sigh of relief as you get to leave your big pack behind at the teahouse you stay at.  Spend  a couple days  exploring this incredible area and use Kyanjin Gompa as your basecamp for these day hikes:

Kyanjin Ri – this popular and worthwhile half-day hike to a  height of 4604m offers incredible vistas of the surrounding area climbing 720m in 2.0 Kilometers (one-way).

Tsergo Ri –  This challenging full day hike to the top of Tsergo Ri  gains 1110 meters of elevation over 5.0 Kilometers (one-way).

Continue up the valley to Langshisha Kharka – Continue up the valley for more spectacular views on this long day hike which gains 450 meters of elevation over 12 KM (one-way). 

Glacier Viewpoint – For an easier option a 2.0 km hike gains 200 meters of elevation for a suberb view of the Langtang Lirung (one-way).

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Day 7: Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel

17.5 km | 200 m gain 1600 m elevation loss.

The way down to Lama Hotel should take about 5 hours. Your knees will feel the descent and you’ll be thanking yourself for bringing trekking poles to ease the load! Once you get to Lama Hotel treat yourself to some momos or more dal bhat.

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Day 8: Lama Hotel to Syabru Bensi

10.5 km | 400 m gain 1400 m elevation loss.

The final day should take around 6 hours to descend, getting you back into Syabru Bensi for a needed early bedtime.

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Impact of the Earthquake on Langtang

The 2015 earthquake has had immeasurable repercussions for the communities in the Langtang valley. With a significant amount of infrastructure destroyed and a rapid drop in income with fewer tourists visiting, this area continues to suffer greatly. There are fewer kids in the communities you trek through than there were before the earthquake. This is a result of the local schools destroyed by the earthquake. Families who have the funds to do so, send their children to boarding schools in Kathmandu to get an education. With the only employment opportunities being subsistence agriculture or the now quiet tourism industry in their home villages, a number of these young people won’t return to the area. Those who don’t have the money to send their children to Kathmandu lose out on giving their children an education. With this in mind, trekking to Langtang has never been more important from a sustainable tourism perspective.  For more insight, this beautiful photo story showcases the personal stories of the survivors in Langtang.

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What to pack for the Langtang Valley Trek

Essential langtang packing list.

If all you’re planning on doing is hiking we love the  Gregory Focal  or  Women’s specific Facet  which at ~2.5lbs provide a great compromise between barebones ultralight packs and the heavier feature-laden packs! 

If you’e stopping in Nepal as part of a longer trip, the Khmer Explorer Travel Set will be perfect for you. It’s more functional for travel, but has a hip belt and suspension system which make it extremely practical for hiking trips like the Langtang! 

Sleeping Bag

Patagonia’s sleeping bags  are 5 star!!   It’s unbelievably lightweight and packs down small. The  30°F / -1°C  to be perfect for most outings – if it gets colder you can always layer up! Like all Patagonia products, it’s not cheap, but they stand behind their gear and the quality matches the price point. If you spend a lot of time in colder environments they also make a  20°F / -7°C version .  These bags are a worthwhile splurge!

Nalgene Water Bottle

 Use it for water, soup, as a hot water bottle to warm up your sleeping bag. Don’t leave home without your Nalgene .

Water Purification

For purifying water, I’m a huge fan of the  Steripen . It’s light, portable and only takes minutes to purify a liter of water in a Nalgene. Press the button, place the pen in your bottle, and stir for a couple minutes!  

First Aid Kit

The pre-built kits from   Adventure Medical Kits  have served me well on many adventurers. At the end of your trip write down any items you used and replace them so they’re ready for your next adventure. A dd a few ibuprofen, high-altitude medicine into the kit as well.

Warm Mittens or Gloves

Wind / rain shell.

An essential piece for the wind, rain, and snow you might experience on the Langtang trek. Check out the Patagonia Torrentshell   (or Men’s Version   version).

Mountain weather can change fast and rain pants are an absolute lifesaver.   Patagonia Torrentshell Pants in men’s  or  women’s are great and can be  taken on and off without removing your shoes/boots and allowing you to stay comfortable even if you get caught in a sudden downpour. 

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Puff / Down Jacket

The Patagonia Nano Puff® Hoody   is a perfect multi-functional item for trekking, everyday, and pretty much anything where you might need a bit of warmth. I’m still looking for an activity it doesn’t work for. They also make the Nano Puff in a men’s version .

Bring a sun hoodie for the Langtang. It helps you cut back on the amount of sunscreen you need, makes your virutally burn proof, and prevents having to reapply. It’s probably the best item I’ve added to my hiking wardrobe!  Check out the Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie available in mens  and  womens.

Hiking Shoes or Boots

Make sure they’re broken in first! Check out the La Sportiva Bushidos for a great lightweight shoe ( mens / womens ).

Invaluable if you get stuck walking in the dark or the electricity goes out. The Spot 350 is the way to go with 6 modes including the night vision saving red light! Red light mode takes a minute to get used to, but once you do it’s a total game changer.

Hiking Pants

A couple pairs of great and durable hiking pants are essentials for the Langtang trek.

Merino Base Layer

Stays warm when wet and effectively wicks moisture. Pack a couple of long sleeves and a few short sleeves. One pair of long underwear are great to layer up with!

A pair of Teva’s are great for hanging out at the teahouses and getting out of your hiking shoes.

Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Vermont makes the best hiking socks hands down. They’re guaranteed for life/replaced free of charge and they don’t stink. Really! I typically bring 3 pair. 1 pair for hiking, 1 pair to change into at camp, and a reserve to throw into the rotation as needed. 

Trekking Poles

Poles are great for reducing the strain of long grueling descents and providing extra stability on exposed sections. Both these features you’ll experience on the Howe Sound Crest Trail, so do yourself a favor and get a pair of poles. For a reliable entry level option try these  Black Diamond Poles  or consider upgrading to the  carbon fiber  to save extra weight.

Additional items to pack

  • Map / GPS app (we like GAIA )
  • Toilet paper
  • Small bills/ money
  • Journal/book/deck of cards (good for relaxing in the evenings)

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*Thanks to the wonderful Lisa Smith for giving us updates on the Langtang trek post-earthquake and allowing us to share her beautiful photos that you see featured in this article.

Disclaimer:  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click one of the links and make a purchase we’ll earn a small commission at no cost to you. Just like the travel backpacks we build, we’re very particular . So any products or services we suggest, we test and use ourselves before making any recommendations or endorsements. 

Banana Backpacks Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Anika

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Hiking The Langtang Trek in Nepal

Have you ever dreamed of hiking the Langtang Trek in Nepal? We’ve all seen those pictures of the soaring Himalayan Mountain Range but do you know what it takes to get there?

A long list of questions fill your head: When is the best time of the year to go? What should I pack? And, what about altitude sickness? 

To answer those questions, I have put together this guide to walk you through everything you need to know to plan and prepare for the Langtang Trek, one of the best treks in Nepal . 

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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE LANGTANG TREK?

The trek is situated in the Langtang Valley, nearby Kathmandu city. It is the perfect destination for someone who wishes to trek to the Himalayas but is looking for a relatively easy route with shorter walks and lower altitude.

Although it is close to the city, it is hard to tell. The rich ecosystem of the valley is well preserved. The region is a rural landscape comprising of villages, terraced farms and forests encircled with green hills with a backdrop of the white Himalayan ranges.

The route is a scenic one through dense bamboo and rose tree forests that will take you passed waterfalls and snow-capped mountain peaks. The trek is known for having one of the best views of the Annapurna Range.

The bonus that comes along with the wild scenery is the chance to get to know the unique culture of the local people. Because the region is close to the Tibetan border, their culture resembles to theirs’. As you hike through the valley, you will get a chance to learn from their practices and traditions. You will also come across several Buddhist temples and monasteries.

LANGTANG AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE

The April 2015 Nepal earthquake annihilated many homes and lives. Langtang, among all the devastated areas, was one of the most effected region. The catastrophe destroyed almost all the guesthouses and marred some parts of the trek. The region was also closed for trekking for a really long time.

The good news is that the region has been open again for trekking. Most of the guesthouses are still under reconstruction. You might have to spend your nights in tented camps if you can’t find a room in any of the few guesthouses.

The routes that were a part of the trek but were destroyed in the earthquake, have been recreated following a different path. You need not worry about the comfort. The trek is as pleasant as it always has been.

In fact, by trekking to Langtang, you will become a part of rebuilding the region. Your recreation will be a major contribution to the economical upliftment of the local residents.

BEST SEASON TO TREK TO LANGTANG VALLEY

The best seasons to trek to Langtang are autumn and spring. Autumn is from September to December and spring stretches from March to May. The weather is warm and the heat is bearable. There will be very little or no rainfall. The sky will be clear allowing you to get the best view of the mountains.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

The trek is graded as a moderate trek. Unlike easy treks, moderate treks have longer walks and higher altitudes. The route in some places steeply ascends or descends. You will require an average level of physical fitness to enjoy the trek.

However, a moderate trek doesn’t not require as much skill, knowledge and experience as the strenuous ones. Even if it is your first trekking experience, Langtang can be a good option to start with. If you are overweight or a senior citizen, take enough rest and break up the hike into short walks.

REQUIRED PHYSICAL FITNESS

The Langtang Trek is not a strenuous trek and hence doesn’t require a high level of physical fitness. But it is advisable to be moderately fit for any kind of trek. Being fit will help you enjoy the walk without putting much stress on your body. Train your body a few weeks before the trek. Read up on how to get fit for hiking , go for a city walking tour and do some regular routine exercises.

WHERE CAN I BUY TREKKING GEAR?

You can purchase hiking equipment in your hometown or in Nepal. Nepal has several stores that sale name brand gear as well as some cheaper ones that sell trekking essentials. Most of these stores are in Thamel, which is the most popular area among travellers. You can also rent gear if you don’t want to travel with your own. 

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION

There aren’t as many teas houses to chose from as before the earthquake but you can still find a few that serve tasty food.

The prefered meal is Dal Bhaat . The dish is filling and will fuel you up for the long walks. Rice is served with lentils, vegetable curry, salad, chutney and meat cooked in Nepali style. The best part of the meal is that you can take as many additional helping of rice and vegetables as you want without having to pay extra.

There are a variety of other dishes. For breakfast, the tea houses serve pancakes, eggs, cereal and porridge. For lunch and dinner, you can also ask for noodles, pasta, momos and various other dishes.

Since most of the guest houses were destroyed during the earthquake, only a few of them are in good condition to accommodate trekkers. You will be either sleeping in tented camps or tea houses depending upon the availability of the rooms.

Do not expect luxurious home stays. The tea houses are simple, comfortable and cozy. In some, you might have to share the restroom which have a squat toilet .

HEALTH CONCERNS

Before trekking, it is always advisable to consult a doctor to check if you are physically healthy enough for high altitudes. But, despite of how fit you may be, there is no guarantee that you won’t fall victim of altitude sickness. There are many symptoms of altitude sickness. Some of them are below:

a. Headache

b. Nausea and vomiting

c. Dizziness

d. Tiredness

e. Loss of appetite

f. Upset stomach

g. Feeling dizzy

h. Shortness of breath

i. Increased heart rate

j. Difficulty sleeping

If you notice any of the symptoms, do not take it for granted. Take necessary precautionary and treatment measures. Some such precautions are:

a. Do not climb any higher for the next 48 hours

b. Descend to a lower altitude if possible

c. Take complete rest until you feel well

d. Do not exercise

e. Do not smoke

f. Drink plenty of water

g. Take external oxygen supply if necessary

h. Take anti-sickness medications

If you don’t feel better but notice you are feeling worse, you will have to be immediately evacuated in a helicopter. So, make sure you purchase your insurance before you trek. The insurance will cover your health costs such as minor & major injuries and emergency helicopter rescue.

There are a couple of local clinics you can consult for minor injuries. Be sure to read up on how to train for high altitude hiking to avoid getting sick.

HIRING A GUIDE AND A PORTER

While you can hike the Langtang on your own, hiring a guide and a porter is highly advisable. A guide will help you navigate through the mountains and will be there in case of an emergency. An added bonus is he will know the best places to eat and stop for the night. When you go to hire a guide, make sure that he or she is licensed to lead tours.

A porter will carry your baggage for you. This will allow you to enjoy long walks without feeling too tired. Even if you have experience carrying heavy backpacks, breathing the thin air of high altitude makes it much more difficult. 

A tip of 15% of what you pay to hire the guide & porter is recommended.

WHAT TO PACK

It is very important to have the right kind of equipment to enjoy any trek. Below is a generous list of the things you need to pack. Depending on your needs, you could pack more or less.

• Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer

• Down vest and/or jacket (optional)

• Fleece or wool pants

• Hiking boots with spare laces

• Thick Wool Hiking Socks

• Footwear For Around Camp (running shoes and/or sandals)

• Gaiters (optional)

• Thermal Base Layers

• Fleece Jacket

• Wind Breaker Jacket (optional)

• Waterproof Shell Jacket

• Thermal Gloves

• Underwear

• Hiking Pants

• Thermal Bottoms

• Sunglasses with UV protection (opt to but this at your home country)

• Sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees (3/4 season)

• Head Lamp , spare bulbs & batteries

• Small padlock to lock trek bag

• Plastic bags

• Daypack (35-40 litres/2500-3000 cubic inches)

• Sleeping Pad

• Water bottles

• Small Towel

• Waterproof Pants (preferably breathable fabric)

• Toiletries

• Basic first aid kit

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

It is safe to carry your electronic devices with you. But make sure to purchase a cover to insulate your devices from extreme temperatures. Nepal has acute electricity shortage so pack a lot of spare batteries just in case. In higher altitudes, the tea houses will charge you extra for charging your devices.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Langtang trek is one of the best ways to experience the Himalayas. It has its own special characteristics that make it worth experiencing. It may not be as famous as the Annapurna Base Camp or the Everest Base Camp , but the experience cannot be compared. I hope you have found this guide useful and enjoy your adventure!

For more of our top hiking & backpacking gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:

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Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

  • Thread starter nepalayatreks
  • Start date Feb 9, 2024

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nepalayatreks

  • Feb 9, 2024

Overview ​

  • Autumn and spring at the month of March to May and September to November are the season for the trek
  • These months have great visibility and moderate temperature
  • Monsoon and winter can be dangerous to trek, as there are high chances of Landslide and Avalanche
  • The trek trails are moist and wet.
  • Unpredictable weather can obstruct the sightseeing

Trip Highlights ​

  • Get to know the Sherpa and other ethnic groups’ culture, customs and their lifestyles.
  • Traveling around Gosaikunda Lake
  • Exceptional view of Langtang Himal, Ganjala peak, Mt.Langtag lirung, Langtang-RI, Langsisa
  • Hike and explore terraced fields, conifers, oak, and Rhododendron forest.
  • Explore and outlook 360-degree angle Langtang Himalayas.

Itinerary ​

Day 1: appear at kathmandu through tribhuwan international airport (tia). ​, day 2: drive to syabru bensi (1,462m/4,795ft) duration: 7 hours​, day 3: trek to lama hotel (2,500m/8,200ft) duration: 5 hour​, day 4: trek to mundu (3,550m/11,645ft) duration: 5-6 hours​, day 5: trek to kyanjing ri (4,773m/15,655ft) and trace back to kyanjing gompa (3,798m/12,495ft) duration: 7-8 hours​, day 6: travel around kyangjuma gompa and hike to chorkari ri (5,050m/16,564ft) duration: 7 hours.​, day 7: trek to the lama hotel (2,500m/8,200ft) duration: 5-6 hours​, day 8: trek to the thulo syabru (2,235m/ 7,330ft) duration: 5-6 hours​, day 9: trek to shin gompa (3,330m/10,925ft) duration: 3-5 hours.​, day 10: trek to gosaikunda (4,300m/14,104ft) duration: 5-6 hours​, day 11: trek to ghopte (3,430m/11,250ft) via laurebinayak yak pass (4,610m/15,120 and ft.) duration: 6 hours.​, day 12: trek to malemchigaon (2,560m/8,399ft) duration: 6-7 hours.​, day 13: trek to tarkeghyang (2,590m/8,495ft) duration: 5-7 hours​, day 14: trek to shermathang (2,610m/8,560ft) period: 3-4 hours​, day 15: trek to melamchi bazaar and drive to kathmandu: 3 to 4 hours hike and 2 hours ride.​, day 16: final departure via tribhuvan international airport. ​.

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Langtang Valley Trek – One Of The World’s Most Beautiful Valleys

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Asia , Nepal

Langtang-Valley-Trek-routes

The Langtang Valley Trek is a relatively easy trek  and is often far less busy than other  popular treks in Nepal . The trek can be done in seven days; however, it usually takes 10 to 12 days.

On this page, you will find a comprehensive and impartial guide to the Langtang Valley Trek.

Langtang Valley Trek

Route overview.

The famed British mountaineer and travel writer, Bill Tilman (1898-1977), called this “one of the world’s most beautiful valleys.” 

The local people in the Langtang Valley are mostly of Tibetan origin and, according to legend, the valley was first discovered by a lama – a teacher of Tibetan Buddhism – who was pursuing a runaway yak. “Lang” is Tibetan for “lama” while “tang” is Tibetan for “follow.”

The highlight of the Langtang Valley Trek is the sight of the Langtang Lirung range, which is simply stunning. The eponymous mountain is 23,773 feet high and dominates the valley.

Langtang-Valley-Trek-map

Langtang Regional Map

The Langtang valley region is in central Nepal, around 19 miles directly north of Kathmandu and near the border with Tibet. Although close to Kathmandu, closer than any other trek, this is as wild as it gets.

As you can see from the map above, the valley runs from east to west, sandwiched between the Himalayas to the north and the slightly lower Langtang Lirung range to the south.

Langtang Recommended Map

We believe the best map of the Lantang region is the Langtang & Helambu Map of the GHT which can be purchased online via Amazon. The map is produced based on data collected from the National Geographic Information Infrastructure Programme (NGIIP).

langtang trek reddit

Langtang Trek Itinerary

It is possible to conduct this trek staying only at tea houses, but there is some time under canvas in this particular itinerary. There are several trek itineraries for this route, however, the one below is the most popular. You could also possibly arrange to meet your operator in Syabrubesi if you want to make your own way there.

Day 1-2: Arrive Kathmandu

You will arrive in Kathmandu on the first day. 

You have the second day to spare while the provider arranges things. Kathmandu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , so you could use the time to explore some the incredible local sites. Or you could do some last-minute shopping around the markets.

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Day 3: Drive to Syabrubesi

Leaving early in the morning, you embark upon a seven-hour drive to Syabrubesi at the bottom of the Langtang Valley, the valley of glaciers. The second half is unpaved and the drive becomes quite rough. You might share a bus with goats and chickens. Sometimes, during the rainy season, the road is blocked by landslides.

The route is dazzling, passing through high ridges and with a marvellous panorama of the Himalayas that includes the Annapurnas, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and the peaks of the Langtang range. There are many waterfalls and wild bee hives. You could also potentially see yellow-throated martins, Himalayan black bears or red pandas, which are endangered. There will certainly be no shortage of monkeys.

Day 4: Trek across the Bhote Kosi

Here, the trek begins properly. The trail takes you across the Bhote Kosi, which emanates from Tibet and lies in a deep gorge. You then climb through sub-tropical forests that teem with bird life, connecting to the trail from Syabru. One of these birds is the danphe, which is a colourful bird and the national bird of Nepal.

You will follow the river, ascending through uninhabited forests of oak and rhododendron, catching sight of langur monkeys if fortune smiles upon you. Vegetation becomes sparser as you go. You will camp overnight in a forest.

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Day 5: Trek to Langtang

This day sees more climbing, with the occasional glimpse of Langtang Lirung visible through the trees. The trail leaves the forest at Ghora Tabela, now a Nepalese army post. The trail climbs comfortably, and the valley grows wider.

In summer, you will pass the temporary settlements of herders whose livestock grazes here. There are numerous chortens and mani walls, structures featuring inscriptions. In  Tintin in Tibet , Captain Haddock was informed that you should always walk to the left of a chorten or demons will be released, but this was an invention of the author, so there is no cause for worry.

Shortly before the village of Langtang, there is a monastery for your delectation. The village is the headquarters of the Langtang National Park, which opened in 1976, the first in the Himalayas and the most unspoiled in Nepal. Houses there are of Tibetan style, with flat roofs and surrounded by stone walls.

Day 6: Trek to Kyangjin and onward

You will climb slowly through small villages and yak pastures. The valley opens, allowing for even better views. Having crossed a few small streams and moraines (patches of dirt or rock), before lunchtime, the trail arrives at the settlement of Kyangjin.

Here, there are facilities for the production of spiritual fulfilment and cheese: a small monastery and a famous government-owned factory. The factory makes Swiss cheese from yak milk and is supported by the Swiss government. Really, it should be called nak milk, as that is the female. This is just a small, three-roomed building, but it churns out prodigious quantities of cheese in summer. The snow-covered peaks in every direction make this spot very dramatic and beautiful.

langtang trek reddit

Day 7: Acclimatisation Day

This is a rest day which you will probably use to explore. The glaciers of Langtang Lirung are sensational. You could even summit Kyangjin Ri (14,209 feet), known locally as Brana Chumbo, which is immediately behind the village and provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Langtang peaks.

Day 8: Retrace route to Langtang

You will retrace your route towards Langtang village. The trail heads is down hill through forest following the river. You pass through ethnic Tamang settlements who strictly follow religious and cultural  practices similar to that of the Tibetans.

Day 9: Return to  Syabrubesi

You will continue the return journey, finishing at Syabrubesi. This is roughly a 5-hour walk and the easy trail goes mostly downhill through lush green vegetation.

langtang trek reddit

Langtang Valley Trek FAQ

How much does the langtang valley trek cost.

Costs for the Langtang Valley trek range from $1000 on the low-end to $2,000 on the top-end.  Check out our list of the best trekking companies in Nepal .

Are permits required for the Langtang Valley trek?

You don't need a permit for the Langtang Valley Trek. However, you must be registered with the Trekkers Information Management system (TIMS for short) in order to do the trek. An entry fee of $30 is charged by the Langang National Park.

langtang trek reddit

When is the best time to trek the Langtang Valley?

The best time to trek the Langtang Valley is Autumn, from mid-September to mid-December, and Spring, from March to May. These are considered the best seasons to hike in Nepal . when the sun is out during the day, but the nights are cold. Winter is also a possibility, if you don’t mind the cold.

Is altitude sickness a risk on the Langtang Valley trek? 

Yes, altitude sickness is a risk because the Langtang Valley trek ascends to some high-altitude points. At its highest point, Tserko Ri, you will reach an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,347 feet). There are steep section on this trek where you will ascend fairly quickly.

Because of this, it is important to have a good understanding of the risks associated with high altitude trekking and how the body acclimatises to high altitude. We recommend you read our detailed article on  Altitude Sickness and Acclimatisation .

How difficult is the Langtang Valley trek?

The Langtang Valley Trek is considered to be of moderate difficulty. There are steep sections that require a good level of fitness; however, the trek is relatively short and most people with a good attitude and high level of determination should be okay.

langtang trek reddit

What gear do I need for the Langtang Valley trek?

Trekking the Langtang Valley requires a number of essential pieces of trekking gear and equipment. It is a long and moderately difficult trek, exposing you to a range of altitudes where temperatures fluctuate dramatically between night and day.

Much of your gear can be rented or bought in Kathmandu, but we strongly suggest bringing the most important pieces of gear and equipment with you.

To help you plan and prepare for your trek, we recommend reading our hiking packing list . Also, dont forget to take out good travel insurance for Nepal .

Are there any recommended guidebooks for the Langtang Valley trek? 

Yes, there are several recommended guidebooks for the Langtang Valley trek. The Langtang Valley trek appears in many guidebooks which you use before and during your trip. 

We highly recommend  A Trekking Guide to Langtang: Gosainkund, Helambu and Tamang Heritage Trail by Sian Pritchard-Jones and Bob Gibbons. If this guidebook isn’t available, then Trekking the Tamang Heritage Trail of Nepal by Alonzo Lucius Lyons is very good too.

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See more information on  Nepal . Or check out these other Nepal hiking articles:

  • Short Nepal Trails
  • Kala Patthar Trek
  • Annapurna Circuit Hike
  • Everest Base Camp Trek
  • Trekking the Khumbu Valley
  • Island Peak Hiking Guide
  • Hiking to Rara Lake
  • Limi Valley Trek
  • Rolwaling Trekking Guide
  • Panchase Hike
  • Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
  • Trekking the Jomsom Muktinath
  • Hiking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp
  • Mera Peak Trek
  • Helambu Hiking Trail
  • Mustang Circuit Trek
  • Gokyo Lakes Hike
  • Trekking to Makalu Base Camp
  • Gosainkunda Trek
  • Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
  • The Royal Trek

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About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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Going the Whole Hogg

LANGTANG VALLEY TREK GUIDE

Snowy mountain view with colourful prayer flags in the foreground, seen from the first Kyanjin Ri viewpoint (4300 m) on the Langtang Valley trek

LANGTANG VALLEY TREK

With an impressive wall of snowy mountains behind, a trekker climbs the trail to Tsergo Ri (4965 m), one of two main day hikes from Kyanjin Gompa on the Langtang Valley trek

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THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE

In this guide we cover everything you need to know about the Langtang Valley Trek in Nepal. This includes a suggested itinerary, a route map, and a GPX download, as well as practical information about accommodation, costs, what to pack, independent vs. guided treks, and more. Along with this written guide, we also share ‘silent hiking’ films of the trail and a video guide to trekking the Langtang Valley. For detailed trail notes, check out our Langtang Valley Trekking Route Guide .

With lush forests and snow-capped peaks, the chance to reach nearly 5000 m without crossing a high mountain pass, and an opportunity to experience the culture of the Tibetan-speaking Tamang people, there are many things that appeal about a Langtang Valley trek. What’s more, the area is relatively close to Kathmandu, the transport options make it easily accessible, and the trek itself is not too long. Read on to discover more and start planning your own Langtang Valley trek.

TREK OVERVIEW LANGTANG TREK VIDEOS MAP & GPX DOWNLOAD ELEVATION PROFILE & 3D MAP SUGGESTED LANGTANG ITINERARY TREKKING SEASONS GETTING TO LANGTANG VALLEY LANGTANG VALLEY PERMITS TREKKING INDEPENDENTLY TREKKING WITH A GUIDE RECOMMENDED TREK AGENCY ACCOMMODATION ON THE TREK FOOD ON THE LANGTANG TREK SAFE DRINKING WATER WIFI/PHONE SIGNAL/CHARGING LANGTANG TREK COST & BUDGET WHAT TO PACK FOR THE TREK ALTITUDE AWARENESS TRAVEL INSURANCE ADD-ON TREKS GETTING TO NEPAL NEPAL TOURIST VISAS WHERE TO STAY IN KATHMANDU MAPS, GUIDEBOOKS, & APPS

TREK OVERVIEW LANGTANG TREK VIDEOS MAP & GPX DOWNLOAD ELEVATION PROFILE & 3D MAP SUGGESTED ITINERARY TREKKING SEASONS GETTING TO LANGTANG VALLEY LANGTANG VALLEY PERMITS TREKKING INDEPENDENTLY TREKKING WITH A GUIDE RECOMMENDED TREK AGENCY ACCOMMODATION ON THE TREK FOOD ON THE LANGTANG TREK SAFE DRINKING WATER WIFI/PHONE/CHARGING LANGTANG TREK COST WHAT TO PACK FOR THE TREK ALTITUDE AWARENESS TRAVEL INSURANCE ADD-ON TREKS GETTING TO NEPAL NEPAL TOURIST VISAS WHERE TO STAY IN KATHMANDU MAPS, GUIDEBOOKS, & APPS

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links – if you purchase a product or service via these links, we may earn a small commission  at no extra cost to you . This helps offset the cost of running this blog and keeps us travelling so that we can continue to produce great content for you. We greatly appreciate your support!*

LANGTANG VALLEY TREK OVERVIEW

  • DISTANCE | 60 – 75 km (depending on day hikes)
  • DURATION | 6 – 8 days (+ 2 days travel to/from Kathmandu)
  • START/END | Syabrubesi (accessible by public bus (8+ hours) or private jeep (6 – 7 hours) from Kathmandu)
  • PERMITS REQUIRED | Langtang National Park Fee 3000 NPR (payable at checkpoint near start of trek), TIMS NOT Required
  • TREKKING SEASON | Best Seasons: Mid-March to April, October to Mid-November; Shoulder Seasons: Early-March, May, September, Mid-November to December; Avoid: June to August, January to February
  • TREK DIFFICULTY | Moderate
  • ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS |   +/- 3420 metres (to Kyanjin Gompa only), +/- 5300 metres (including day hikes)
  • MAX ALTITUDE | 3865 m at Kyanjin Gompa, 4965 m if trekking to Tsergo Ri
  • GUIDE MANDATORY | Debatable: From April 1st 2023, trekking guides became mandatory for all foreign trekkers in Nepal, however the rule isn’t necessarily being enforced on the ground
  • ACCOMMODATION | Teahouses/Guesthouses in villages along the trail
  • TREK COST | $ 24 – 100 USD per person, per day (budget independent trekker to fully inclusive package)
  • ADD-ON TREKS | Gosainkunda , Tamang Heritage Trail, climbing Yala Peak
  • RECOMMENDED TREKKING AGENCY | Himalayan Masters , Quote HOGG5  for 5% discount

DISTANCE 60 -75 km

DURATION 6 – 8 days (+ 2 days travel to/from Kathmandu)

START/END Syabrubesi (accessible by public bus (8+ hours) or private jeep (6 – 7 hours) from Kathmandu)

PERMITS REQUIRED Langtang National Park Fee 3000 NPR (payable at checkpoint near start of trek), TIMS NOT Required

TREKKING SEASON Best Seasons Mid-March to April October to Mid-November Shoulder Seasons Early-March, May, September Mid-November to December Avoid June to August January to February

TREK DIFFICULTY Moderate

ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS +/- 3420 metres (to Kyanjin Gompa only) +/- 5300 metres (including day hikes)

MAX ALTITUDE 3880 m at Kyanjin Gompa 4965 m if trekking to Tsergo Ri

GUIDE MANDATORY Debatable: From April 1st 2023, trekking guides became mandatory for all foreign trekkers in Nepal, however the rule isn’t necessarily being enforced on the ground

ACCOMMODATION Teahouses/Guesthouses in villages along the trail

TREK COST $24 – 100 USD per person, per day (budget independent trekker to fully inclusive package)

ADD-ON TREKS Gosainkunda , Tamang Heritage Trail, climbing Yala Peak

OUR RECOMMENDED TREKKING AGENCY Himalayan Masters , Quote HOGG5  for 5% discount

LANGTANG VALLEY FILM & VIDEO GUIDE

Our ambient ‘silent hiking’ style films are perfect for getting a sense of the Langtang Valley trek. Our indepth video guide works well as a companion piece to this written guide and includes much more discussion of our own experience on the trek.

Watch the behind the scenes version of our Langtang Valley trek on Instagram stories

Watch the behind the scenes version of our langtang valley trek on instagram stories .

Langtang Valley Trek Stories

LANGTANG VALLEY TREK MAP & GPX DOWNLOAD

Langtang valley trek //.

MAP & GPX DOWNLOAD

We have created a detailed Langtang Valley trekking map to accompany this guide. The trekking route between Syabrubesi and Kyanjin Gompa, the day hiking routes to Kyanjin Ri and Tsergo Ri, and the stats for each section are all marked on the map. Villages and tea shops are also marked, as well as key sights and practical info such as checkpoints. Guesthouses as per our own trek itinerary are marked, including prices and services, phone numbers, and a copy of the menu. Photos are included with almost every pin. You can use the digital map online, or download it for offline use with a mapping app such as Organic Maps, Maps.me or Gaia GPS. This is very helpful for navigation assistance on the trail and allows you to quickly pinpoint key places and services along the way and calculate distance and elevation differences between destinations. Note that while we’ve tried to be as accurate as possible when recording and mapping the route, changes on the ground are inevitable, and this map should not be solely relied upon for navigation. 

LANGTANG VALLEY TREK ELEVATION PROFILE

ELEVATION PROFILE

The image below shows the elevation profile of our own route for the Langtang Valley trek, going via Sherpagaon on the way up, including the day hikes to Kyanjin Ri (4586 m) and Tsergo Ri (4965 m), and ending at the Gosainkunda turn-off on the way down.  Elevation is displayed in metres and distance in kilometres.

Langtang Valley Trek elevation profile

3D ROUTE MAP

Watch our 3D relief map video of the route to visualise the geography of the Langtang Valley and get a sense of the trek.

LANGTANG VALLEY TREK ITINERARY

In the table below, we have outlined what we feel is an ideal Langtang Valley trek itinerary. This is an 8 day trek starting and ending in Syabrubesi, plus 2 days travel to and from Kathmandu.

Many Langtang Valley trek itineraries offered by trekking agencies, or outlined in other blog posts online, suggest a 6 day trek plus 2 travel days. Although that is certainly possible, when you consider factors like altitude and acclimatisation, day hikes, and alternative routes, we feel an 8 day trekking itinerary is better and will outline the reasons for this below.

The times given for each day are an average and don’t include time for lunch or other significant stops, such as tea/coffee breaks. You may of course be faster or slower than these times, depending on a variety of factors such as your pace, desire to take photos, and interest in things along the way.

If viewing on a mobile device or tablet, scroll to the right to see the full table or flip your screen to landscape mode.

*You could stop earlier at Ghodatabela (~ 3000 m) although the accommodation is more basic, or continue to Langtang if you are already acclimatised (which will save you a day)

** You could continue 30 minutes to Rimche for better views

ALTITUDE AND ACCLIMATISATION

Most Langtang Valley trek itineraries suggest trekking from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel on Day 1 (1500 m to 2485 m), from Lama Hotel to Langtang or Mundu on Day 2 (2485 m to 3450 m), and then from Langtang or Mundu to Kyanjin Gompa on Day 3 (3450 m to 3865 m). From Kyanjin Gompa, two of the absolute highlights of the Langtang Valley trek are the day hikes to Kyanjin Ri (4586 m) and Tsergo Ri (4965 m) on Days 4 and 5.

  If you are already acclimatised (ie. you have been at altitudes of 3500 m + within the previous week), then we don’t see a problem with this itinerary. However, if you are not yet acclimatised, we feel the speed of ascent to 3500 m and above puts hikers at an unnecessary risk of experiencing adverse reactions to altitude.

A view of Langtang village from above, jagged mountains rising behind

Ascending too quickly to Langtang village (3450 m) and above can put trekkers at risk of experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness

A view of Langtang village from above, jagged mountains rising behind

Everybody reacts to altitude differently. There’s every chance that you may feel fine by the time you reach Langtang or Kyanjin Gompa, but there’s also a chance that you may be suffering from headaches, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, or other symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) because the speed of ascent has been too fast for your body to properly acclimatise. At best, if your symptoms are relatively mild, you may feel pretty miserable and too unwell to tackle the day hikes to Kyanjin Ri and/or Tsergo Ri, missing out on some of the best views and experiences on the Langtang Valley trek. And at worst, you could put yourself at risk of developing HAPE or HACE, both life-threatening conditions.

Therefore, we feel that it is more sensible to follow medical advice and aim to sleep no more than 300 – 500 metres higher than the previous day when at altitudes of 2500 m and above . As such, our suggested itinerary includes a night at Thangshyap (3190 m) on Day 2 , before ascending to Langtang at 3450 m on Day 3, and finally Kyangjin Gompa at 3865 m on Day 4. This is the itinerary we followed and I (Kim) suffered almost no symptoms of AMS during the trek, having suffered from AMS at similar altitudes in the past when ascending more rapidly.

DAY HIKES TO KYANJIN RI AND TSERGO RI

Many Langtang Valley trek itineraries include a 2 night stay at Kyanjin Gompa , however we would recommend staying 3 nights instead. This gives you plenty of time to rest and further acclimatise on the day you arrive at Kyanjin Gompa, then do the day hike to Kyanjin Ri the following morning, and the day hike to Tsergo Ri the morning after that.

These two day hikes are absolute highlights of the trek. By planning morning ascents you’ll give yourself the best possibility of clear views, and by spreading them out over two days you will be less rushed and better acclimatised.

With an impressive wall of snowy mountains behind, a trekker climbs the trail to Tsergo Ri (4965 m), one of two main day hikes from Kyanjin Gompa on the Langtang Valley trek

Climbing Tsergo Ri in the morning gives you the best chance of having clear mountain views

With an impressive wall of snowy mountains behind, a trekker climbs the trail to Tsergo Ri (4965 m), one of two main day hikes from Kyanjin Gompa on the Langtang Valley trek

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES ON THE WAY UP & DOWN THE LANGTANG VALLEY

The Langtang Valley trek is largely an up and down the valley route, following the same trail from Syabrubesi to Kyanjin Gompa and back again. Between Rimche and Kyanjin Gompa there is no way to avoid this, however between Syabrubesi and Rimche there is an option to take an alternative route on the way up and/or down , which we think is far more interesting than simply repeating the same trail.

Most Langtang Valley trek itineraries suggest hiking from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel on Day 1, and repeating this route in reverse on Day 6. The route follows the Langtang Khola (River), going via Bamboo. However, for a change of scenery and chance to visit more local villages in the region, we’d suggest taking an alternative route from Syabrubesi to Sherpagaon on Day 1.

Instead of climbing gradually up the valley and ending the day with a steep climb to Rimche or Lama Hotel, you’ll start the day with a steep climb up through forest to Khangjim and Surka. From here you’ll follow a gently undulating trail for the rest of the day, working your way around the hillside through attractive forest sections and across open areas with fantastic views. Sherpagaon itself is a lovely village with a mix of guesthouses and local homes, and the views from here are great. The following morning it takes less than 1.5 hours to trek to Rimche (again with fantastic views), where you’ll rejoin the classic Langtang Valley trekking route.

The village of Sherpagaon, perched on a steeply sloping hillside high above the Langtang Valley floor

High above the Langtang Valley floor, Sherpagaon (2563 m) has impressive views of the surrounding mountains

The village of Sherpagaon, perched on a steeply sloping hillside high above the Langtang Valley floor

Sherpagaon (2563 m) has impressive views of the surrounding mountains from its position high above the Langtang Valley floor

If for whatever reason you would prefer not to trek the alternative route to Sherpagaon on Day 1, we would at least suggest overnighting at Rimche instead of Lama Hotel. The views from Rimche are much better than at Lama Hotel (a riverside location tucked into a narrow valley), plus it’s more interesting to stay at different places on the way up and down the valley.

If combining the Langtang Valley trek with the Tamang Heritage Trail, note that you’ll trek via Sherpagaon anyway.

OUR RECOMMENDED TREKKING AGENCY

We partnered with  Himalayan Masters for our Langtang Valley, Gosainkunda, and Everest Three Passes treks, and found them to be professional and committed to a high level of service

To enquire about booking your own trek, get in touch via email at [email protected] and mention the code HOGG5 to get a 5% discount off the cost of your trip

LANGTANG VALLEY TREKKING SEASON

TREKKING SEASON

Like many treks in Nepal , the peak seasons for trekking in the Langtang Valley are Mid-March to April and October to Mid-November . While nothing is guaranteed, as weather patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable in Nepal and across the world, these months typically offer the best chance of clear skies mixed with warmer temperatures. In autumn, expect less wind and higher temperatures, while in late March and April, blooming rhododendrons and other spring flowers are a beautiful sight at lower elevations.

Jagged, snow-covered mountain peaks at sunrise, seen from a guesthouse rooftop at Kyanjin Gompa on the Langtang Valley trek

Clear, sunrise mountain views in late March from the rooftop terrace of the Holyland Guesthouse in Kyanjin Gompa (3865 m)

Jagged, snow-covered mountain peaks at sunrise, seen from a guesthouse rooftop at Kyanjin Gompa on the Langtang Valley trek

The shoulder seasons of Early-March and Mid-November to December can be quieter and colder, typically with clear weather, especially in December. In late May and early September there is a higher chance of early or lingering monsoon rains and cloudy skies.

The summer months of June, July, and August coincide with the monsoon season . Trekking during this period means lots of walking in rain, poor visibility with clouds obscuring the surrounding mountains, muddy trails, and leeches. The landscape is lush and green though, and some rare mushrooms and colourful wildflowers can be spotted on the hillsides. Many guesthouses close during this time, although there is usually at least one open in each settlement.

The winter months of January and February are considered too cold by most to trek, and as is the case during the summer monsoon, many guesthouses close for these two months. If you don’t mind cold mornings and evenings, December is a good option for clear skies and sunny days.

HOW TO GET TO/FROM THE LANGTANG VALLEY TREK TRAILHEAD

HOW TO GET TO AND FROM THE TRAILHEAD

Syabrubesi is the trailhead for the Langtang Valley trek , a small town approximately 115 km north of Kathmandu. You can get there by public bus or private jeep and the journey takes around 5.5 – 9 hours depending on your mode of transport. The road is narrow and twisting at points with occasional steep drop-offs, and includes some bumpy sections on rough non-tarmac roads.

BUS FROM KATHMANDU TO SYABRUBESI

Buses from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi depart from Machhapokhari (near the New Bus Park / Gongabu Bus Park) between 6am – 8am every day. They depart from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu between approximately 6am – 7am. Tickets cost 1000 NPR per person, one way. The journey takes around 8 – 9 hours, although it’s possible it can take longer depending on road conditions that day. In Kathmandu, you can arrive early and purchase a ticket on the same day, or head to the bus stop the day before to buy your ticket. In Syabrubesi, you can ask your guesthouse owner to book your seat for the following morning.

A public bus stopped in a town at lunch time, a bus which many trekkers use to get from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi to start the Langtang Valley trek

A typical bus plying the route between Kathmandu and Syabrubesi

A public bus stopped in a town at lunch time, a bus which many trekkers use to get from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi to start the Langtang Valley trek

The bus will stop a couple of times during the journey for food and a toilet break. It’s a pretty uncomfortable trip, with no air conditioning, dust and fumes blowing in the windows, and often music blasting through the speakers for hours on end. Drivers can tear along the road at high speed, which can be potentially dangerous and a little scary.

You can get a taxi between Thamel (or elsewhere in Kathmandu) and Machhapokhari for about 500 NPR. If you hail a taxi on the street, be sure to agree the price with your taxi driver at the start. You can also use a taxi app such as Pathao ( iOS / Android ).

PRIVATE JEEP FROM KATHMANDU TO SYABRUBESI

A private jeep from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi costs approximately $170 one way. It can seat up to 7 people plus a guide and driver (with your bags strapped to the roof). The price can be shared between all passengers. The route is the same as by bus, but the journey time is usually significantly less at around 5.5 – 7 hours, depending on the road conditions that day. You will likely stop for lunch and a toilet break along the way, and you have more flexibility to stop for photos, etc, whenever you like.

A private tourist jeep parked at the roadside, carrying trekkers from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi for the Langtang Valley trek

A private tourist jeep enroute to Syabrubesi

If you are organising your Langtang Valley trek via a trekking agency, they will be able to organise a private jeep for you. Otherwise, you can ask at your hotel or at local travel agencies. A private jeep will pick you up at your accommodation, offering door-to-door service.

It is much more comfortable to travel by private jeep than bus, and safer too.

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Langtang valley trek permits and fees.

TREKKING PERMITS & FEES

To trek in the Langtang Valley you will need to pay the Langtang National Park entrance fee , which is 3000 NPR (1500 NPR for SAARC nationals, 100 NPR for Nepalis). You can pay it on the way to Syabrubesi, at the NP entrance shortly before Dhunche, where all public and private transport have to make a stop. You need your passport and the fee in cash, in Nepalese rupees (NPR). Be sure to hold onto your receipt as you need to show it at checkpoints along the route.

Formerly, getting a TIMS card was also necessary, but this hasn’t been the case for a couple of years and when we trekked in March 2023, it was not required. Whether this situation will continue, we can’t say, but since 1 April 2023 a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card can only be obtained by a representative of a registered trekking agency. 

Your bag will be searched at the same checkpoint where your NP permit is issued, and the police will specifically ask if you have a drone with you. These are not permitted, unless you have the relevant permission and documents proving it.

TREKKING THE LANGTANG VALLEY INDEPENDENTLY

TREKKING INDEPENDENTLY

The Langtang Valley is not a restricted area, and as such, a guide (historically) has not been mandatory. However, the Nepal Tourism Board announced on March 9 2023 that as of April 1 2023, all international trekkers in Nepal are required to hire a licenced trekking guide and obtain the TIMS card through an authorised trekking agency registered with the government of Nepal. This abrupt announcement led to much confusion and debate about where such a rule applies, and whether it is being enforced on the ground.

A common interpretation of the rule is that trekking routes where TIMS is not required are exempt from the mandatory guide rule. The Langtang Valley falls under this category (along with treks in the Khumbu region, such as Everest Base Camp or Everest Three Passes).

From our own experience trekking in Nepal in March and April 2023, we can confirm that independent trekkers are still trekking in the Langtang Valley without guides. They are passing through police and national park checkpoints without any problems. However, the situation can of course change, so it’s best to seek out on-the-trail updates from independent trekkers on active Facebook groups, forums, etc.

PROS AND CONS OF INDEPENDENT TREKKING

Assuming the situation stays the same, and hikers continue to be able to trek independently in the Langtang Valley, here are a few thoughts on the pros and cons of independent trekking here.

This is the cheapest way to trek in the Langtang Valley. You won’t have to pay for anything extra beyond your daily food and accommodation costs, permit fee, and transport to/from the trailhead.

You have complete freedom and flexibility. You can choose how long to trek for each day, what route to take and where to stay. If you like somewhere, you can choose to stay an extra day without having to consult anyone else or consider their needs.

It is easier to enjoy a bit of ‘alone time’ on the trail. If you are trekking with a guide or group it can be harder or more awkward to branch out and enjoy walking alone with your thoughts.

You’ll likely have more interaction with locals. If you are trekking with a guide it is common practice for them to deal with everything at your guesthouse and act as a go-between. It’s normal for your guide to take your order, bring out your food, and settle up the bill on your behalf, which means you may have little interaction with the owner or staff yourself. But, you’ll be doing all that by yourself if you trek independently.

With freedom and flexibility comes more responsibility and the need to do more research, preparation and daily planning. You will need to spend time organising things both on and off the trail. You will need to sort out all the logistics like your permit, transport, and accommodation by yourself, and be confident in your route planning and navigation. 

You are more vulnerable in an emergency situation or if you get sick. This is especially true if you are trekking solo. You should prepare as best you can with a comprehensive medical kit, emergency contact numbers at the ready, and ideally an emergency communication device like the InReach Explorer . 

In peak trekking season you may find it harder to get a room. Many guesthouses prefer bigger groups with organised companies and will give preference to them over independent solo trekkers or those in small groups. Guides with existing local contacts often call ahead to book rooms, something which isn’t as easy for independent trekkers with no personal contacts. 

You miss out on all the insights a knowledgeable, English speaking guide can offer. Your understanding of the region, and Nepal in general, is likely to be much broader after spending a week or more in the company of a Nepali guide rather than going it alone.

This is the cheapest way to trek in the Langtang Valley. You won’t have to pay for anything extra beyond your daily food and accommodation costs, permit fee, and transport to/from the trailhead. 

You have complete freedom and flexibility. You can choose how long to trek for each day, what route to take and where to stay. If you like somewhere, you can choose to stay an extra day without having to consult anyone else or consider their needs. 

It is easier to enjoy a bit of ‘alone time’ on the trail. If you are trekking with a guide or group it can be harder or more awkward to branch out and enjoy walking alone with your thoughts. 

TREKKING THE LANGTANG VALLEY WITH A GUIDE (AND PORTER)

TREKKING WITH A GUIDE (AND PORTER)

Many people choose to trek the Langtang Valley with a guide, and often with a porter too. Whether you’re an inexperienced or seasoned trekker, this is a great option. Not only can an experienced guide be invaluable when it comes to your safety, a guide can also enrich your experience on the trail, giving you the opportunity to learn much more about the history, culture, and geography of the land. Hiring a porter to carry your bag will put less strain on your body, making your trek much easier and perhaps allowing you to better enjoy the surroundings. Hiring a guide and/or porter also provides jobs and supports the trekking tourism economy.

If you are trekking the Langtang Valley with a guide you will usually meet them in Kathmandu prior to your trek, travel to the trailhead together, and then return to Kathmandu together at the end. If you’re trekking with a porter, they may also travel with you from Kathmandu, or you may meet them locally at the start of the trek.

A guide and trekker walking alongside a large mani wall on the Langtang Valley trek

A guide can help with many practical things and also provide insight into local culture and customs

A guide and trekker walking alongside a large mani wall on the Langtang Valley trek

A guide can help with many practical things, but also provide insight into local culture and customs

During your trek a guide will stick with you on the trail, suggest the best spots to stop for lunch, and take you to their recommended overnight accommodation. At busy times, they may call ahead and pre-book a room for you. They will act as your go-between at each guesthouse, arranging your room, taking your food orders, and settling the bill. It’s normal for a guide to run through the following day’s itinerary each evening, giving you an overview of the trail, trekking time, and any other relevant information. Your guide will always be around at your guesthouse, but they won’t stick by you constantly. You will have plenty of freedom to hang out in your room or the dining room, read your book, chat with other guests, play cards, etc. Guides sleep and eat in the same guesthouse as you, always in a separate room.

Porters often trek at their own pace, meaning you won’t always be with them on the trail. It’s common for you to pack your porter bag before breakfast and have it ready for them, and for your bag to already be in your room when you arrive at your guesthouse for the evening. In the Langtang Valley, porters will sleep and eat at the same guesthouse as you, again in a separate room.

HOW TO ORGANISE A LANGTANG VALLEY TREKKING GUIDE (AND PORTER)

The easiest way to arrange a trekking guide is via a trekking agency . You can book an inclusive Langtang Valley trekking package which covers your transport, permit, guide (and porter), accommodation costs, and three meals a day. Alternatively, you can pay for a guide (and porter) only, and then pay-as-you-go for your accommodation, food, transport, and permit.

Choosing a trekking agency is often the trickiest part as there are thousands of registered agencies in Nepal and the quality of service can vary greatly between them. Many trekkers will choose a guide or agency based on a trusted recommendation from a friend or fellow trekker, and this is a good approach. An alternative option is to visit a number of trekking agencies in person when you arrive in Thamel (Kathmandu) to get a feel for a company that you like, or to contact agencies online in advance.

 Having trekked with three different agencies and three different guides on three visits to Nepal, our best experience has been with Himalayan Masters . We partnered with them for our Langtang Gosainkunda and Everest Three Passes treks, and found them to be professional, committed to a high level of service, and competitively priced.

We really appreciate the fact that Sandip, the agency owner, is super flexible when it comes to itinerary amendments that don’t just follow the norm (eg. including Sherpagaon and Thangshyap). He’s also a problem solver and what we’d call a real ‘go-getter’, a trait that’s highly valuable to his clients, whether he’s retrieving a swallowed bank card from a Thamel ATM in record time or fixing logistical issues when things go wrong last minute at 2am (both real life examples experienced by us or fellow Himalayan Masters clients we met on the trail!).

We’d also highly recommend our Himalayan Masters guide, Govinda Rai, who we spent over a month trekking with in Nepal. He is very professional, taking care of everything you would expect from a guide, but also tailoring his suggestions and advice specifically to his clients, resulting in a more enjoyable trekking experience overall. We quickly came to trust his choices for lunch stops and accommodation as we felt they were always among the best options available. His knowledge of the trail was excellent, and his advice on trekking times for each day (based on our own pace) was spot-on, making it easier for us to plan our itinerary and make on-the-go changes as we saw fit. And on a personal level, we found Govinda to be easy-going, friendly, and an all-round great person to spend time with.

Govinda Rai, a trekking guide for Himalayan Masters, laughing and smiling in front of colourful prayer flags at the top of Kyanjin Ri (4856 m) on the Langtang Valley trek

Govinda, o ur Himalayan Masters guide, enjoying a masala tea break at Kyanjin Ri (4586 m)

Govinda Rai, a trekking guide for Himalayan Masters, laughing and smiling in front of colourful prayer flags at the top of Kyanjin Ri (4856 m) on the Langtang Valley trek

Govinda, our Himalayan Masters guide, enjoying a masala tea break at Kyanjin Ri (4586 m)

We also met a number of other Himalayan Masters guides while out on the trail, including Dipak who we chatted with lots, as our Langtang Valley trek itinerary coincided for three nights at the same guesthouses. From our interactions with Dipak, and positive feedback shared over dining room chats with his two trekking clients, we’re confident that Himalayan Masters are working with great guides across the board.

To  discuss your Langtang Valley trek, get in touch with Himalayan Masters at [email protected] , and you’ll get a 5% discount off your trip cost by using our code HOGG5 .

CHALLENGE YOURSELF ON THE EVEREST THREE PASSES TREK

Link image for the Everest Three Passes trek guide featuring a hiker and guide crossing a flat, rocky section before Kongma La

PLAN YOUR TREK WITH OUR GUIDE

Link image for the Everest Three Passes route guide featuring trekkers crossing the glacier towards Cho La, the middle of the three passes on the Everest Three Passes trek

TRAIL NOTES AND OTHER USEFUL INFO

ACCOMMODATION ON THE LANGTANG VALLEY TREK

Accommodation.

Accommodation on the Langtang Valley trek is in the form of guesthouses, also known as teahouses or lodges. These can be found regularly along the trail in local villages (Langtang/Kyanjin Gompa), in guesthouse only settlements (Lama Hotel/Bamboo), and occasionally as stand alone guesthouses such as Riverside (at Gumnachok). In general, the standard of accommodation in the Langtang Valley is quite high, as many of the guesthouses have been newly built following the devastating earthquake of 2015. The main exception is Lama Hotel, where all the guesthouses are old and the facilities are more basic. The guesthouses at Rimche, Gumnachok, and Ghodatabela are also more basic.

Snowy mountains rise behind the colourful multi-storey guesthouses of Kyanjin Gompa, the main destination point on the Langtang Valley trek

There are many guesthouses at Kyanjin Gompa

Snowy mountains rise behind the colourful multi-storey guesthouses of Kyanjin Gompa, the main destination point on the Langtang Valley trek

Guesthouses provide both accommodation and meals, and you are expected to eat dinner and breakfast at the guesthouse you sleep at. Lunch is usually at a different guesthouse along the trail, unless you arrive early at your destination for the day.

Rooms are basic, but comfortable. They usually have two single beds, although some places will have rooms sleeping three, or just one. Beds always have a sheet-covered mattress, a pillow with a pillowcase, and a blanket. We have seen plenty of bedding hanging out to dry which would suggest sheets, pillowcases, and blankets do get washed, however there is no guarantee that they will be freshly laundered for each guest. Personally, we always trek with our own sleeping bag and silk liner, using the blanket over our sleeping bag for extra warmth at higher altitudes.

There is always a light in the room, powered by mains electricity or solar. Often there is a small table, some hooks on the wall, and a bin, and there is almost always a window with curtains. Some guesthouses will have charging sockets in the room, but this is not always the case. There is no heating in guesthouse rooms, only ever in the main dining room.

A bedroom at the Holyland Guesthouse, at Kyanjin Gompa on the Langtang Valley trek

A better-than-average room in the Langtang Valley, this one at the Holyland Guesthouse, Kyanjin Gompa

A bedroom at the Holyland Guesthouse, at Kyanjin Gompa on the Langtang Valley trek

TOILETS AND SHOWERS

There are often rooms with attached bathrooms (ensuite) available, but shared bathrooms are also common. If you have an attached bathroom this will usually have a toilet, sink (not always), and shower. Shared bathroom facilities usually consist of separate toilets and shower rooms, with a sink outside, although sometimes there is no dedicated sink and you’ll need to wash your hands/brush your teeth at an outdoor tap.

Toilets may be sit-down or squat style. Toilet paper is never provided , so you’ll need to pack your own and buy more as you go. Do not flush toilet paper down the toilet, always put it in the bin next to the toilet (this may be an old tin can, a cardboard box, a plastic container, or such like.) Sit-down toilets will likely have an automatic flush, although at higher altitudes in cold weather, the pipes can freeze and you may need to flush the toilet using a bucket of water. Squat toilets never have an automatic flush; you always need to flush using the scoop and bucket of water provided.

Showers are generally solar heated, although sometimes a gas shower is available (usually for a fee). If neither are available, guesthouses can provide a bucket of hot water for a fee, which you can use to wash.

DINING ROOM

Every guesthouse has a dining room where you can eat your meals, drink tea, and hang out. There are usually tables and fixed benches around the perimeter of the room, with plenty of movable chairs too. Expect to see a display cabinet of snacks and sundries for sale (eg. chocolate bars, biscuits, Pringles, toilet paper, soft drinks), and often a Buddhist prayer altar, too. The dining room is the only room with a stove, usually lit in the late afternoon/early evening as the sun goes down and it starts to get cold, making it nice and cosy.

A traditional style, typical dining room with wooden tables, plastic chairs, a central heating stove, and sunny valley views, at the Ganesh View Hotel in Rimche on the Langtang Valley trek

A traditional and typical teahouse/guesthouse dining room, complete with stove, this one at the Ganesh View Hotel, Rimche

A traditional style, typical dining room with wooden tables, plastic chairs, a central heating stove, and sunny valley views, at the Ganesh View Hotel in Rimche on the Langtang Valley trek

A typical, traditional teahouse/guesthouse dining room, complete with stove, this one at the Ganesh View Hotel, Rimche

The kitchen is usually pretty cosy too, as most food is cooked over a wood fire stove. In smaller guesthouses, or when it’s not too busy, you might be invited to sit in the kitchen to stay warm (often at breakfast when the dining room is still cold).

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FOOD ON THE LANGTANG VALLEY TREK

FOOD AND DRINKS

Every guesthouse serves meals and you are expected to eat dinner and breakfast at the guesthouse you are sleeping at, otherwise the cost of the room will be much higher. There are also a few bakeries, coffee shops, and tea shops along the route where you can pop in for treats.

Every guesthouse has a menu, and the options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at each are almost identical. Prices tend to increase the higher you go as food and fuel needs to be transported further via porters or pack mules, resulting in additional costs.

LANGTANG VALLEY SAMPLE MENU

Click into the slider to see a typical example of a menu in the Langtang Valley. This menu is from Summit Guesthouse in Thangshyap (3190 m) and the prices are similar to those in both Langtang (3450 m) and Kyanjin Gompa (3865 m).

Langtang Valley Trek sample food and drink menu, showing typical prices and items available as standard

Breakfast dishes include porridge, muesli, eggs, Tibetan bread (a kind of fried dough), chapati (flat, unleavened bread), and pancakes . Honey, jam, peanut butter, apples, chocolate sauce, and yak cheese are common accompaniments on offer.

Breakfast options are generally priced between 300 – 600 NPR (approx $2 – $5 USD) , depending on location and item.

LUNCH AND DINNER

Dal Bhat is a ubiquitous Nepali meal , eaten twice a day by many locals. It consists of plain rice, a lentil soup, veggie curry, papad (poppadom), and some sort of pickle. Depending on the veggies available, you may also get saag (spinach) or something similar. Everything is served on a big plate, and you can get free refills of each item (apart from the papad!).

A serving of classic Nepali dish dal bhat on a brass plate, sitting on a peach coloured wooden table

There are always free refills of rice, dal and curry with  Dal Bhat , giving rise to the familiar catchphrase ‘Dal Bhat power 24 hour’

Dal Bhat, the national dish of Nepal, on a copper dish set on a blue wooden table

With Dal Bhat , t here are always free refills of at least the rice, dal and curry, giving rise to the familiar catchphrase, ‘Dal Bhat power 24 hour’

Other options include various soups (some fresh, some from a packet), basic pasta dishes (usually fried), fried rice, fried noodles, boiled or fried potatoes, and momos (steamed or fried dumplings). Ingredients more or less revolve around eggs, cheese, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, onion, garlic, and tinned tuna.

 Meal options are generally priced between 350 – 700 NPR (approx $3 – $6 USD) , depending on location and item.

Various hot drinks include black/green/milk/masala/mint/ginger lemon honey tea, instant coffee, and hot chocolate . You can order a single cup or a small/medium/large thermos (called ‘pots’). Cups or pots of hot water are also available.

Seabuckthorn juice is commonly available, served either hot or cold. Seabuckthorn grows locally and is harvested and turned into juice in autumn, making this the best season to try it, although it is often still available in spring.

Soft drinks like Coke, Fanta, and Sprite are available to buy at each guesthouse shop, along with bottled water (although we recommend purifying tap water to drink instead of buying bottled water). You can also buy beer (bottles/cans) and small bottles of Khukuri rum , however it’s best to avoid alcohol at higher altitudes as this dehydrates you and makes acclimatisation more difficult.

Hot drinks are on average about 150 NPR per cup ($1 USD) , or up to 1500 – 2000 NPR per large pot ($11 – $15 USD). Soft drinks are about 400 NPR ($3 USD), bottled water is about 350 NPR ($2.5 USD) , and beer is about 800 NPR ($6 USD) .

SNACKS AND DESSERTS

You can buy chocolate bars, biscuits, and Pringles at most guesthouse shops. Other snacks like popcorn, papad, prawn crackers, yak cheese, or french fries are often available on the menu, and you can usually get desserts like apple, Snickers, or Mars spring rolls/fritters/pies/momos.

Prices for Snickers/Mars are around 300 NPR ($2 USD) , packets of biscuits start from 100 NPR ($.80 USD) , and Pringles are about 600 NPR ($5.5 USD) . Desserts range from 300 – 600 NPR ($2 – $5.5 USD) .

The snacks, drinks and sundries on sale at the Ganesh View Hotel in Rimche on the Langtang Valley trek

A typical example of what’s on sale in Langtang Valley guesthouses 

The snacks, drinks and sundries on sale at the Ganesh View Hotel in Rimche on the Langtang Valley trek

A fairly typical example of what’s on sale at guesthouses  in the Langtang Valley  

BAKERIES AND COFFEE SHOPS

Proper coffee machines are starting to make an appearance in the upper reaches of the Langtang Valley, brought to the area at much expense via helicopter. A real americano goes perfectly with a baked goodie such as a brownie, cinnamon bun, or slice of apple pie, available at bakeries in Langtang and Kyanjin Gompa, as well as a few other select spots. Our personal favourite is the Himalayan Bakery in Langtang, run by friendly Mapsing.

Coffee costs around 300 – 400 NPR ($2 – $3 USD) , and bakery treats are usually around 400 – 600 NPR ($3 – $5.5 USD) .

SAFE DRINKING WATER ON THE LANGTANG VALLEY TREK

SAFE DRINKING WATER

Bottled water is available to buy along the trail, however a much better option (environmentally and economically!) is to treat tap water and drink this instead. Come prepared with a refillable water bottle and/or water bladder , and a method of treating the water to make it safe for drinking.

The cheapest option is to use water purification tablets . You drop these into the water, wait about 30 minutes, then your water is safe to drink (although it can have a strange taste due to the active chemical in the tablets, ie. iodine or chlorine). You can buy these easily in supermarkets and outdoor shops in Kathmandu.

Our preferred method of water sterilisation is to use a Steripen Ultra in conjunction with a filter . The filter screws onto the top of our Nalgene water bottle and ensures any weird floaty bits or particulates are filtered out. Then we stick the Steripen into 1 litre of water for 90 seconds and the UV light sterilises the water, making it safe to drink immediately and with no change to the taste. The Steripen Ultra model is rechargeable via USB, so we can charge it using our solar panel, power bank, or an electrical socket. We always carry water purification tablets as an emergency backup, although we’ve never had to use them during 6+ years of using the Steripen.

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Other common sterilisation methods include a Lifestraw , Grayl , Water-To Go , or a squeeze filter system .

THINKING ABOUT THE MANASLU CIRCUIT TOO?

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DAY BY DAY ACCOUNT

WIFI, PHONE SIGNAL, AND CHARGING ON THE LANGTANG VALLEY TREK

WIFI, PHONE SIGNAL, AND CHARGING

Nepal Telecom SIM cards work best in the Langtang Valley , with a phone signal and (weak) data connection available for most of the trek up to Rimche, and between Ghodatabela and Kyanjin Gompa. NCell doesn’t get much of a phone signal or data connection beyond Syabrubesi.

WiFi is available at a number of guesthouses and bakeries along the trail, although this is often via a hotspot connection to a staff member’s phone. The more people connected, the slower the internet service. There is often a charge of 300 NPR ($2 USD) for unlimited use per stay at a guesthouse . There is no WiFi or phone signal at Lama Hotel or other locations in the narrow valley area, such as Riverside/Gumnachok. Poor weather conditions can affect WiFi connectivity, with no guarantees that it will be working 24/7. In short, you can’t rely on having an internet connection every day, however you will be able to access the internet regularly throughout the trek.

A collection of older guesthouses at Lama Hotel, a small teahouse only settlement used by most trekkers on the Langtang Valley trek

In a deep and narrow section of the Langtang Valley, there is no wifi, data connection, or phone signal at Lama Hotel

A collection of older guesthouses at Lama Hotel, a small teahouse only settlement used by most trekkers on the Langtang Valley trek

There is no wifi, data connection, or phone signal at Lama Hotel, a collection of older guesthouses in a deep, narrow section of the Langtang Valley

Many guesthouses run off solar power and free in-room charging isn’t always available, although we had sockets in our room at four out of six guesthouses on the Langtang Valley trek. At our guesthouse in Lama Hotel, solar power was so limited that charging wasn’t possible at all, and in Thangshyap, charging in the dining room was possible for a fee per device.

Generally speaking, if there are no sockets in your room then you will be able to charge in the dining room , but there may be a fee per device (eg. 150 NPR (~$1 USD) for a phone or 250 NPR (~$2 USD) for a camera battery.

It’s a good idea to pack a power bank (or two, depending on your usage), enabling you to charge your phone and batteries on-the-go. You can charge your power bank overnight in your room or in the dining room when you don’t need it. A portable solar panel can also be useful although it’s certainly not necessary and will add extra weight to your pack; not worth buying unless you will use it on other treks and outdoor adventures in the future.

LANGTANG VALLEY TREK COST AND BUDGET

COSTS AND BUDGET

The cost of your Langtang Valley trek will very much depend on how you choose to trek (whether independently or with a guide), and how many people you share the costs with . The cheapest option is to trek independently as a duo, opting to travel by public transport and sleep in rooms with shared bathroom facilities every night. Trekking with a guide and porter as part of an inclusive trek package, taking private transport, and sleeping in rooms with attached bathrooms wherever possible, will cost more.

Below is a breakdown of the average costs for a Langtang Valley trek.

LANGTANG VALLEY TREK COSTS

3000 NPR ($23 USD) taxi to bus station + public bus (per person return)

$340 USD private jeep return (cost can be shared between up to 7 people)

3000 NPR ($23 USD) per person (1500 NPR for SAARC nationals/100 NPR for Nepalis)

Twin Room w/ attached bathroom, average cost 1000 NPR ($7.50 USD) per night (for 1 or 2 people)

Twin Room w/ shared bathroom, average cost 500 NPR ($3.80 USD) per night (for 1 or 2 people)

3 x meals with hot drinks, average 2500 NPR ($19 USD) per person, per day

Extra Snacks (chocolate bars, biscuits, soft drinks) average 1000 NPR ($7.50 USD) per person, per day

For a detailed look at prices, check out the Langtang Valley menu in the food section above

WIFI/CHARGING

Average 300 NPR ($2.30 USD) per person, per day

$20 – $30 USD per day (cost can be shared with up to 5 people)

$18 – $25 USD per day (max weight carried 25 kg, cost can be shared between 2-3 people)

Expected by guides and porters

Recommended minimum amount is:

500 NPR ($4 USD) per person, per day for guides

400 NPR ($3 USD) per person, per day for porters

For larger groups, tip 10% of total tour cost to be split between all trekking staff

3000 NPR ($23 USD) per person (1500 NPR for SAARC nationals, 100 NPR for Nepalis)

In summary, the average cost for an 8 – 10 day Langtang Valley trek is about $24 per day for a budget trekker sharing a room with one person and trekking independently, with no guide or porter. A fully inclusive package is about $100 per day . Other considerations, such as trekking with a guide but no porter, buying lots of snacks, or staying in more expensive rooms, would see your daily budget falling somewhere between these two figures.

MONEY AND ATMs ON THE LANGTANG VALLEY TREK

You must bring all the cash you need from Kathmandu , in Nepalese rupees. There is an ATM in Kyanjin Gompa, but it wasn’t working when we visited and by all accounts it can’t be relied upon. It’s a good idea to have a mixture of large and small bills, as guesthouses, teashops, and bakeries don’t usually have change.

ATMs in Nepal have maximum withdrawal limits (usually 35,000 NPR), and your bank card is also likely to have a max daily withdrawal limit. Be sure to plan ahead and start withdrawing cash a few days in advance if you need to carry a lot.

PLAN YOUR TREK ON THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT

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WHAT TO PACK FOR THE LANGTANG VALLEY TREK

WHAT TO PACK

We have outlined packing recommendations for a Nepal trek in our What To Pack For Trekking in Nepal guide, so be sure to check this out for a complete rundown. You can also download our Nepal Packing List , a useful online or printable checklist for your trek.

In a nutshell, you will need clothes suitable for trekking in warm and cold conditions and for changing into in the evening, gear to use on the trail and at your guesthouse, any relevant electronics, hygiene and first aid items, and a few essentials such as cash, emergency contact details, travel insurance documents, and your passport.

If you arrive in Nepal without the appropriate gear for trekking, you can buy and/or rent everything you need in Kathmandu (either fake or genuine items). Some trekking agencies provide gear free of charge to clients. Himalayan Masters , for example, provide sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, water bottles, purification tablets, caps, and T-Shirts, plus a duffel bag if you’re trekking with a porter.

You can leave any excess luggage at your hotel in Kathmandu and pick it up when you return from your trek.

Post link image for 'What to Pack for Trekking in Nepal', featuring trekkers, guides and porters crossing a suspension bridge on the Everest Base Camp route

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR TREK

ALTITUDE AWARENESS

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) , also commonly referred to as Altitude Sickness, can affect people at heights of around 2500 m and above . It can affect anyone regardless of age, physical fitness, or other factors. The higher you go the less oxygen there is, and it takes time for your body to adjust. Symptoms of AMS, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, or loss of appetite, can occur when your body is not properly acclimatised to being at a particular altitude. The highest sleeping altitude on the Langtang Valley trek is around 3865 m, at Kyanjin Gompa. The highest points you are likely to trek to are Kyanjin Ri (4586 m) and Tsergo Ri (just under 4965 m).

AMS can develop into the life-threatening conditions of HACE or HAPE, therefore symptoms of AMS should never be ignored. Read up on the causes, symptoms, and treatments for AMS prior to your trek – it could save your life or that of a fellow trekker! We have found the altitude.org website helpful, along with the PDF booklet about Travel at High Altitude (available in a number of languages) produced by Medex . A number of other medical websites, such as the NHS , are also good resources.

In a nutshell, the best way to avoid developing AMS (or the life-threatening conditions of HACE or HAPE) is to follow medically advised best-practices . This includes ascending slowly , sleeping no more than 300 – 500 metres higher than the previous night , taking a rest day for every 1000 metres ascended above 2500 m, staying well hydrated by drinking lots of water, and going on acclimatisation hikes where you can climb high but return to sleep at a lower altitude .

Two trekkers and their guide smiling as they pose for a celebration shot at the summit of Tsergo Ri (4965 m), the highest point most trekkers reach on the Langtang Valley trek

Getting to the top of Tsergo Ri (4965 m) is a great feeling; make sure you acclimatise properly so you can enjoy it!

Two trekkers and their guide smiling as they pose for a celebration shot at the summit of Tsergo Ri (4965 m), the highest point most trekkers reach on the Langtang Valley trek

Getting to the top of Tsergo Ri is a fantastic feeling; acclimatise properly beforehand so you can enjoy it!

If you develop AMS symptoms, do not ascend any higher. Rest, drink water, eat something, take paracetamol and ibuprofen to help with the pain, and assess whether your condition is worsening or improving. If it is worsening, you should descend to a lower altitude immediately. If it is improving or staying the same, rest at the same altitude for a night and allow your body more time to acclimatise before ascending.

Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a tablet that can be taken as a preventative to AMS, or as a treatment to help reduce the symptoms. It helps to speed up the acclimatisation process by causing you to breathe deeper and faster, resulting in higher oxygen concentrations in the body. It usually comes in tablets of 250 mg and the dosage is 125 mg twice a day. You can speak to a medical professional prior to your trip about taking Acetazolamide (Diamox). It is available to purchase over the counter at pharmacies in Kathmandu and trekking guides will often carry it in their first aid kit. Common side effects of taking Acetazolamide (Diamox) are tingling fingers, lips, and/or feet.

Note that many guides and locals will advise you to eat garlic soup as a remedy to AMS, but there is no medical evidence to support this notion.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR TREKKING IN NEPAL

You will have the chance to trek up to nearly 5000 m on the Langtang Valley trek. Trekking to this altitude is NOT automatically covered by most travel insurance providers , but you should be able to pay extra for an add-on ‘activity pack’ which will cover you for trekking at such heights. When choosing your travel insurance policy, it’s also wise to ensure you have Search and Rescue cover and Medical Evacuation cover included.

Always check the inclusions and exclusions of your policy carefully. Some travel insurance providers have specific exclusions or conditions when it comes to trekking in Nepal. For example, the excess for helicopter evacuation may be considerably higher for Nepal than elsewhere. This is due in part to a scam in recent years whereby trekkers who become ill are pressured or encouraged to fly out of the mountains by helicopter for medical attention, with unscrupulous guides, helicopter companies, doctors, and even some trekkers themselves, profiting from the scam.

You should also make a note of the correct procedure for medical emergencies and the insurance company emergency contact number . Add this information to your phone, and keep a written copy with you while trekking.

Whether you are currently in your home country or are already travelling, two travel insurance policy providers that can cover you for trekking in Nepal are World Nomads (for residents of 140+ countries) and True Traveller (for UK and EEA residents only). We have purchased travel insurance policies from both of these companies on numerous occasions and have found their policies to be comprehensive, and their online claims and extension processes straightforward.

If you still need to organise travel insurance, we’d suggest getting a quote from each to see which suits you best.

Click the links below to get a quote

Click the links to get a quote.

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LANGTANG VALLEY ADD-ON TREKS

ADD-ON TREKS

It’s possible to combine a Langtang Valley trek with other treks in the region . One option is the Tamang Heritage Trail , a 5 to 6 day route which also starts and ends at Syabrubesi. Another option (and the add-on trek that we chose) is Gosainkunda , a high altitude lake and holy pilgrimage site. This adds 4 to 6 days onto your trek. You can start/end at Dhunche just south of Syabrubesi, or cross the Laurebina Pass and end at Kutumsang, Chisapani or Sundarijal, northeast of Kathmandu.

Read our   Complete Guide to the Gosainkunda Trek and Gosainkunda Trail Notes  to find out more and plan your own Langtang Gosainkunda trek.

Gosainkunda, a high altitude lake close to the Langtang Valley, with the surrounding landscape covered in snow

Gosainkunda is a great addition to a Langtang trek, requiring an extra 4 – 6 days

Gosainkunda, a high altitude lake close to the Langtang Valley, with the surrounding landscape covered in snow

It’s also possible to climb Yala Peak (5500 m) from Kyanjin Gompa. This is usually a 2 day expedition, camping at Yala Peak Base Camp on Day 1, then summiting the peak and returning to Kyanjin Gompa on Day 2.

You can organise each of these add-on treks plus a Yala Peak climb via Himalayan Masters (our recommended local trekking agency) and get 5% off your trip cost if you mention our referral code HOGG5 . Contact them by email at [email protected] .

GETTING TO NEPAL

It’s possible to travel overland from India to Nepal, crossing the border at Sunauli. The route and details are described in this post on Seat 61 .

The easiest way to get to Nepal is by flying and this is how the vast majority of people arrive. A number of different airlines operate flights to Nepal’s only international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport, on the outskirts of Kathmandu. There are very few long distance direct flights to Nepal, so you can expect to transfer somewhere in Asia or the Middle East, depending on your direction of travel.

It’s best to book your flights at the earliest possible opportunity . During busy times, such as the peak trekking seasons in spring and autumn, flights are often fully booked.

CHECK FLIGHT OPTIONS HERE

Arriving at kathmandu airport.

There is a money exchange booth next to the visa payment counter , prior to passing through immigration. There is an ATM next to the visa payment counter too, however it is unreliable. More ATMs are available after passing through immigration, but it’s best to have some cash with you just in case.

You can arrange a SIM from NCell or Nepal Telecom at arrivals , and SIM cards are also available from many small shops in Thamel.

AIRPORT TAXI

A taxi from the airport to Thamel costs approximately 800 – 1000 NPR ($6 – $7.50 USD) and takes between 15 – 30 minutes depending on traffic and the time of day. There are prepaid taxi counters at arrivals, or you can negotiate a fare with a taxi driver outside (there are no metered taxis). You need to pay cash .

PLAN YOUR TREK TO UPPER MUSTANG

Upper Mustang trekking guide blog post link image featuring two trekkers walking across an arid plateau with mountains in the distance

NEPAL TOURIST VISAS

Tourist visas are available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and at all land border crossings that are open to foreign travellers .

While tourist visas on arrival are available for many foreign passport holders, citizens of some countries are required to get a visa prior to arrival, while those from SAARC countries can get their visa free of charge.

See the Nepal Immigration website for more details.

NEPAL VISA ON ARRIVAL

There are three Nepal tourist visas available and three things you must have to get one on arrival:

  • 15 Days – 30 USD
  • 30 Days – 50 USD
  • 90 Days – 125 USD

WHAT YOU NEED

  • A passport valid for at least six months
  • At least one blank page in your passport
  • The visa fee in cash (US Dollars is best)

The Nepal tourist visa on arrival process is as follows:

NEPAL VISA ON ARRIVAL PROCESS

  • Go to the machines to the right as you enter the arrivals hall. You’ll need your passport details and hotel address . After filling in the required details on the screen, take a photo of the confirmation page on your phone (the printer doesn’t work).
  • Next, you need to pay for your visa at the desk on the left as you enter the arrivals hall. You can show the confirmation on your phone. They want a cash payment for the visa. A sign indicates that a number of currencies are acceptable, including EUR, GBP, CAD, USD, AUD, JPY, KRW, AED, SGD, THB, MYR, CHF, DKK, QAD, SAR, CNY, HKD, KWD, and BHD. Note that they will NOT accept Bank of Scotland GBP notes, only Bank of England notes. You cannot pay in NPR. The sign says they accept card payments, but they will refuse and advise you that you must pay cash. If you insist hard enough, then they’ll send you to the desk on the far left to pay at a card machine with a $1 surcharge. The machine can be temperamental and the payment may fail to go through a few times. Also, it’s treated as a cash advance from your credit card, not a transaction, so you’ll probably be charged a cash withdrawal fee by your credit card company. After paying for your visa you’ll get a receipt .
  • Take the receipt of visa payment, your passport , and boarding pass for your flight into Kathmandu to the immigration desk and get stamped through.

WHERE TO STAY IN KATHMANDU

Thamel is the main tourist hub in Kathmandu , with plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and services aimed at trekkers. Below are our accommodation recommendations for before and after your Langtang Valley trek, with something to suit all budgets.

BUDGET KATHMANDU ACCOMMODATION

Flock Hostel | Dorm and Private rooms, modern design, close to Thamel, rooftop bar and terrace, restaurant

Zostel Kathmandu | Dorm and Private rooms, terrace, bar, restaurant, close to Thamel

Flying Yak | Dorm and Private rooms, modern design, central Thamel, bar, terrace  

Yakety Yak | Dorm and Private rooms, sleek modern design, rooftop terrace, bar, restaurant, central Thamel

Bag Packer’s Lodge | Budget private rooms with shared or private bathroom, rooftop terrace, restaurant, central Thamel location

MID-RANGE KATHMANDU ACCOMMODATION

9ine Thamel | Sleek minimalist design, central Thamel, excellent restaurant 

Nomad Hotel | Tasteful modern design, short walk from Thamel, restaurant and terrace

Oasis Kathmandu Hotel | Good location in Thamel, restaurant, generically ‘nice’ decor

Kathmandu Aagantuk Hotel | Good location in Thamel, restaurant, generically ‘nice’ decor, some rooms with balconies

Hotel Roadhouse | Stylish Modern design with heritage feel, central Thamel, popular restaurant on ground floor

HIGH-END KATHMANDU ACCOMMODATION

Dalai-La | Central Thamel, courtyard restaurant, artistic Nepali design

Hotel Thamel House | Classic heritage style with lots of brick and wood, leafy courtyard restaurant, central Thamel

Kathmandu Marriott Hotel | Sleek and minimal design, walking distance to Thamel, Nimsdai store on-site

Aloft Kathmandu |  Modern design, Thamel location

Baber Mahal Vilas – The Heritage Hotel | Heritage boutique hotel invoking a range of historic styles 

The Dwarika’s Hotel | 5* luxury heritage style hotel, half-way between airport and Thamel

SEE MORE KATHMANDU ACCOMMODATION HERE

Watch our full length langtang valley film, langtang valley maps, guidebooks and apps.

MAPS, GUIDEBOOKS & APPS

You can easily pick up trekking maps of the Langtang Valley region in Thamel, Kathmandu, with many shops selling them.

Good guidebooks for the Langtang Valley specifically, and Nepal in general, include A Trekking Guide to Langtang by Sian Pritchard-Jones and Bob Gibbons (available in paperback or kindle), Lonely Planet’s Nepal Guide , the Lonely Planet Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya guide, and The Rough Guide to Nepal .

langtang trek reddit

We would also suggest having a mapping app on your phone that can be used offline . Our favourite is Organic Maps ( iOS / Android ) (very similar to Maps.me, but with less ads) which is easy to use and has a straightforward interface. You can download maps for the area beforehand and use it offline with the GPS on your phone. Our Langtang Valley Trekking E-Map includes a KML file with the route and all relevant places pinned, which can be imported to Organic Maps or Maps.Me for easy navigation and planning.  

We also use the Gaia GPS app ( iOS / Android ) when we want more detailed topographical info, ensuring that we’ve downloaded the relevant map region online in advance. Again, our Langtang Valley Trekking E-Map includes a GPX file download of the route and key places, which can be imported directly into your app. 

THANKS FOR READING!

If you’ve found this guide helpful, please consider leaving us a small tip. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps cover the costs of running this blog.

Kim and Del Hogg

If you’ve found this guide helpful, please consider leaving us a small tip.

Your support is greatly appreciated and helps cover the costs of running this blog.

That’s it for our guide to the Langtang Valley trek. We hope you found it useful. If you’ve any thoughts or experiences to share, or any questions about this trek, drop them in the comments below.

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A Guide to the Langtang Valley Trek in Nepal

Langtang Valley Trek

Last Updated on May 17, 2023 by Alpha Adventure Treks

The Langtang trek is one of Nepal’s shortest trekking trails. From the jungle with banana trees and monkeys at lower heights to glaciers and ice peaks at higher elevations, it offers spectacular beauty. Short does not imply simple; the path is difficult from the start, with several long and steep ascents, as is typical of Nepalese trekking.

The trek can be completed as a standalone adventure, in conjunction with the Tamang Heritage trek, or as an acclimatization trek before attempting one of the longer and more difficult routes like as Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit.

The Langtang Valley is one of the most well-known treks in Nepal’s central region. The alpine scenery around Langtang valley is very magnificent and spectacular.

Langtang trekking takes you through some of Tibet’s old monasteries, Tibetan Buddhist culture, and alpine meadows. Langtang’s valley floor and alpine slops bloom freely with poppy and other alpine flowers throughout the summer, creating a spectacular display of world flowers.

Langtang Lirung (7,246 m), Gang Chhenpo (6,388 m), Naya Kangri (5,846 m), and Dorje Lakpa(6,966 m) are some of the most important mountains in Langtang .

Check Langtang Valley Trekking Package

Table of Contents

Top 10 Reason To Choose Langtang Valley Trek

  • Stunning views: The Langtang Valley trek offers breathtaking views of the Langtang Lirung glacier and the surrounding peaks, including Langtang Ri, Yala Peak, and the Dorje Lakpa massif.
  • Cultural diversity: The Langtang Valley is home to a diverse mix of Tamang and Tibetan cultures, and the trek offers the opportunity to learn about and experience these cultures firsthand.
  • Off the beaten path: While the Langtang Valley trek is not as crowded as some of the other popular trekking routes in Nepal, it is still well-maintained and offers a variety of accommodation options. This means that you can enjoy a more authentic and peaceful trekking experience.
  • Wildlife spotting: The Langtang Valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including Himalayan black bears, red pandas, and even the occasional leopard. The trek offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting and birdwatching.
  • V aried terrain: The Langtang Valley trek takes you through a variety of landscapes, including forests, meadows, and high-altitude passes. This diversity makes for an interesting and varied trekking experience.
  • Adventure: The Langtang Valley trek offers plenty of opportunities for adventure, including the option to summit Tserko Ri, a peak that offers panoramic views of the Langtang region.
  • Community-based tourism: Many of the accommodations along the Langtang Valley trek are run by local communities, which helps to support the local economy and promote sustainable tourism practices.
  • Spiritual significance: The Langtang Valley is home to several Buddhist monasteries and holy sites, which adds a spiritual dimension to the trek.
  • Natural hot springs: The Langtang Valley is home to several natural hot springs, which provide a welcome respite after a long day of trekking.
  • Good for all levels: The Langtang Valley trek is suitable for trekkers of all levels, from beginners to experienced hikers. There are a variety of routes and options available, making it possible for everyone to find a trek that is suitable for their fitness and experience level.

Overview of the Langtang Trek

  • Distance – 77 km/48 mi
  • Total ascent – 3925 m/12 877 ft
  • Total Days: 9-11 Days
  • Highest point – 4600m/15 000 ft Kynajin Ri peak
  • Accommodation – guest houses
  • Permits – TIMS card and Park entrance permit required
  • Cost per day – US$25-30 per person including permits and transportation

Outlined Itinerary for Langtang valley trek:

Day 1 : Arrival day Day 2 : Kathmandu valley (1,300 m) (sightseeing) Day 3 : Kathmandu (1,300 m) to SyabruBesi (1,550 m) Day 4 : SyabruBesi (1,550 m) to Lama Hotel (2,450 m) Day 5 : Lama Hotel (2,450 m) to Langtang village (3,430 m) Day 6 : Langtang village (3,430 m) to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m) Day 7 : Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m) (Acclimatization day) Day 8 : Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m) to Lama Hotel (2,450 m) Day 9 : Lama Hotel (2,450 m) to SyabruBesi (1,550 m) Day 10 : Drive back to Kathmandu (1,300 m)

Typically, 10 days are enough for concluding Langtang valley trek in accessible manner.

Here are a few reasons why you should consider a Langtang Trek for your next walking vacation:

  • Langtang is a breathtakingly magnificent mountain range.
  • Langtang treks are easily accessible.
  • More than 70 glaciers and stunning lakes, including Goshainkunda (4,380 m), Parvatikunda, Bhairavkunda, and Dudhkunda, can be found in the Langtang valley.
  • Survey Langtang National Park (the first Himalayan national park), which was established in 1976 and contains a diverse mix of flora and animals within a 1,710 km2 overall territory.
  • Diverse cultures and landscapes
  • Because it’s quiet, you’ll be able to learn (and give) much more than you would elsewhere.

“Even if you are unaware of Nepal’s recent history, the Langtang region is a unique corner of the world. By choosing to spend time in Langtang and with its people, you may obtain a better understanding of what life is like beneath Nepal’s vast snow mountains.”

Difficulty level and physical effort for Langtang valley trek

Langtang valley trek is categorized as moderate because it is just over 5,000 meters above sea level. If we can consistently walk for 5-6 hours, we can build up a trek for using a light bag load. For those who are accustomed to walking at higher heights, the climb is much easier.

Furthermore, the Glacier region necessitates a bit more activity in terms of running and exercising on a regular basis before beginning the trek in a couple of months. Aside from that, workouts focusing on the heart, muscles, and lungs would be good in preparing for the Langtang valley trek.

Langtang Valley Trek Facilities and Accommodation:

When compared to other Nepalese treks, the Langtang Valley trek is well-equipped. Imagine savoring a cup of world-class Italian coffee while admiring the magnificent scenery of Langtang Lirung.

Isn’t that fantastic? There are numerous recently constructed hotels and guesthouses that offer superb lodging and dining.

You won’t need to bring any food with you on your hike. There are various alternatives here, ranging from local cuisine to international cuisine.

The hotels provide amenities such as free WiFi and hot showers. Hotels and teahouses can be found at regular intervals throughout the walk. In general, the cuisine and lodging amenities are outstanding.

Best Time to do Langtang Trek:

Spring (March, April, and May) and fall (September, October and November) are the optimum seasons for a Langtang valley trek. The greatest time to see the spectacular mountains and glaciers is in the autumn. Spring also brings us snow-capped mountains and green woodlands brimming with crimson rhododendrons.

Aside from this, the Monsoon has its own significance. Trails are infested with leeches due to the rainy season. Waterfalls, rivers, foliage, and flora and fauna, on the other hand, shine brightest during this season. As a result, nature lovers and photographers enjoy this season.

For the Langtang Valley Trek, you’ll need the following information:

  • Passport, separate photocopies of passport, proof of insurance, two additional page size photos, flight tickets, card money, ready money for obtaining Nepalese visa at airport, and photocopies of identity card (for withdrawing cash from bank/ATM).
  • Head scarf, warm hat/cap, alternative head lamp, sunglasses, half and long sleeve upper wears, wind cheater jackets, waterproof jackets, light and warm thermal tops and pair of normal, woolen or fleece gloves, trekking shorts, trekking trousers, woolen trousers, waterproof pants, light weighted thermal bottoms, normal and woolen socks, and trekking shoes
  • Sleeping bag, large travel bag, small personal carry bag, camera with additional batteries, binoculars, little folding knife, anti-bacterial hand wash, guide books, pocket travel games, power bank are all useful goods.
  • Medical and toiletries: First-aid kit (containing bandages, anti-loose motion pills, anti-headache pills, cold and cough medicine, anti-altitude sickness pills, water purification tablets, and stomach antibiotic) and toiletry information, if desired.

Trekking Equipment List:

Body clothing:.

  • Sleeping Bag
  • Down Jacket
  • Three pairs of trekking t-shirts
  • Long sleeved shirts
  • Thermal Shirt for Colder place
  • Fleece Jacket
  • Warm wool Sweaters
  • Waterproof and windproof Jacket
  • Cotton Trekking pants with folding
  • Waterproof and windproof pants

Head and Face:

  • Wool or fleece hat
  • Sunscreen 50
  • Face wipes and towel

List of Foot wears :

  • Trekking Boats
  • ¾ Paris Preferably Cotton Socks
  • One pairs extra Sport Shoes

Necessary Gears:

  • Gaiters just in case if snow
  • Gloves and Thick Gloves
  • Big rucksack above the 40 L
  • Waterproof Bag Cover
  • Trekking Pole (if you needed)
  • Laundry Soap
  • Toilet papers
  • Water peals
  • Bottle for drinking water
  • Pen and Note Book
  • Copy and Tourist Guide Book
  • Battery charger
  • Memory card
  • Cell Phone and Charger
  • Money Wallet
  • Altimeters and Playing card

First aid Kid:

  • Cotton bandages
  • Paracetamol
  • Painkillers
  • Loperamide to Control diarrhea (just in Case).
  • Water purified tablets
  • Elastic bandages
  • Thermometer
  • Moleskin and sling.

Activities To Do in Langtang National Park:

Visitors can participate in a range of activities in the park with the help of guides and tour operators.

Visitors can go hiking, climbing, bird watching, or go on a nature walk, village walks, visit hot springs after the trip for a hot bath, and many more activities, depending on their level of adventure and interest.

Langtang Treks FAQs:

Langtang trek difficulty is rated as ‘Strenuous’, which falls midway between moderate and challenging. To reach Kyanjin Gompa, you’ll need to trek for about 5-6 hours each day, which is doable for novices. To go above Kyanjin, though, you’ll have to hike 6-7 hours’ round trip at a high height, eventually arriving at the legendary Tserko Ri (5000 m).

It takes 4 hours to drive from Kathmandu to Langtang National Park (202Km). Early morning buses go from Machhapokhari, New Bus Park in Kathmandu to Syabrubesi in Langtang National Park, commencing at 7-9 a.m.

Yes, Langtang Valley is open all over years for trekking and Hiking to Local as well as Foreign tourists.

Yes, langtang is absolutely safe to trek and enjoy the beautiful landscape and wildlife.

The region is known for its gorgeous cedar trees and flowers, as well as breathtaking vistas of soaring Himalayan peaks such as the gigantic Shishapangma, one of the 8000-meter summits, Manaslu Massif, Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal Himal.

Langtang trek is considered to be one of the easiest trek which is about 10-12 days’ trek from Kathmandu.

The Langtang Valley begins just north of Kathmandu, on the Tibetan border. Langtang Lirung (7246m), the highest peak in the vicinity, dominates the valley.

Yes, you can exchange your currency in Nepal with the help of your local tour guide agency.

Yes, you will have internet connection in most of the tea houses, you might have to pay minimal fee to use it but don’t be expecting the fast browsing.

Langtang valley trek is possible and safe for solo/individual hikers because it is a short and moderate trek. The track is not difficult to follow, and there are numerous signposts along the way. 

No, ATMs and banks are not available on the Langtang Valley trip; therefore, you must bring Nepali cash from Kathmandu.

The cost for langtang trek ranges anywhere between $750- $999 depending on the way you travel and accommodation you stay in. The package includes your stay, dining and other necessary expenses.

Guide to Langtan isn’t Mandatory however trekking to any routes in the place you are not familiar with is no less risky so we recommend hiring a professional guide for better travel experience.

Langtang Treks takes about 9 to 12 days from Kathmandu. We recommend you take at least a day or two in leisure just in case of bad weather or any unforeseen situations. 

Langtang Village is located at 3400 Meters above sea level from the North of Kathmandu and takes about 8 days to reach there.

The Langtang Base Camp Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal that takes you through the beautiful Langtang Valley and up to the base camp of Langtang Lirung, a 7,227m peak in the Langtang region.

The Langtang Base Camp Trek typically takes about 10-12 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and pace of the trekker.

The Langtang Base Camp Trek is considered to be a moderate trek, suitable for people with some prior trekking experience. The trek involves walking through rugged terrain, steep climbs, and high altitudes, so it is important to be in good physical condition.

The best time to do the Langtang Base Camp Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is generally clear and dry, with good visibility and pleasant temperatures.

The maximum altitude reached on the Langtang Base Camp Trek is around 4,984m at the Kyanjin Ri viewpoint.

Yes, you need a trekking permit to do the Langtang Base Camp Trek. You can obtain a permit from the Nepal Tourism Board or through a licensed trekking agency.

There are several teahouses and lodges along the Langtang Base Camp Trek route that offer basic accommodation and meals. You can also choose to camp if you prefer

You will need to bring suitable trekking gear, including good quality hiking boots, warm clothing, a sleeping bag, a backpack, and other essentials. It is recommended to bring a first aid kit, trekking poles, and a headlamp as well. A comprehensive packing list can be obtained from your trekking agency.

The Langtang Base Camp Trek is generally considered to be safe, but it is important to take appropriate precautions and follow the guidance of your trekking agency and guides. Altitude sickness is a risk at higher elevations, so it is important to acclimatize properly and be aware of the symptoms.

The maximum altitude reached on the Langtang Valley Trek is around 4,984m at the Kyanjin Ri viewpoint.

The cost of the Langtang Valley Trek varies depending on several factors such as the trekking agency you choose, the duration of the trek, the type of accommodation and meals you prefer, and other additional expenses such as permits, transportation, and equipment rentals. Generally, the cost can range from $500 to $1500 USD.

The highlights of the Langtang Valley Trek include the stunning mountain views, the beautiful Langtang Valley, the Kyanjin Gompa monastery, the diverse flora and fauna of the Langtang National Park, and the opportunity to experience the local Tamang culture and lifestyle.

The Langtang Valley Trek covers a distance of approximately 50-60 kilometers, depending on the specific route and itinerary chosen by the trekker.  

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Langtang National Park Trekking - Tips | Itinerary | Checklist

Trekking to langtang national park | langtang national park trekking.

Trekking to Langtang National Park

Table of Contents

Because the Langtang region is influenced by Tibetan culture, you will see several historic Buddhist monasteries on this cultural journey. You will also drive through local villages, where you will have the opportunity to mingle with the Tamang people, who are famed for their friendliness. If you choose, you will have the opportunity to climb Kyangjin Ri (4900m) on this trek. This is a non-technical climb that trekkers with no prior climbing experience can complete. You can get 360-degree mountain vistas from the peak. Finally, once we arrive in Kyangjin, we will begin our journey back through the spectacular Langtang valley, until we reach Syabru Besi , where we will board the bus back to Kathmandu.

Highlights of Langtang National Park Trekking

  • Scenic Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi viewing the beautiful landscapes.
  • Unspoiled National Park of Nepal: Langtang National Park lies between the Nepal-China (Tibet) border.
  • Learn more about Tibetan Buddhist culture.
  • Experience Extended diversity of flora and fauna.
  • Majestic view of snow-capped mountains
  • The best place to view: Dorje Lakpa (6,990 m), Langtang -II (7,227 m), and Langtang Lirung (7,200 m), Ganesh Himal(7,429 m), etc
  • Enjoy the typical Tamang Village & Community.
  • Chance to climb Tsergo-Ri.
  •  Walking through unimaginable Rhododendron Forest.

Trekking to Langtang National Park

Tips for Langtang Trek

Eat properly and stay hydrated.

You will be walking every day while on a hike. To stay alive, you must eat healthy foods and drink at least 3 liters of water each day. You must eat a sufficient amount of protein and carbohydrates. On the trails, you can bring small snacks and protein bars to eat. You may overcome any health difficulties during the hike by eating properly and drinking enough of water.

Get proper clothing and gear

Weather is unpredictable at high altitudes. The temperature can quickly drop below freezing point at higher altitudes. The trail may become tough due to the cloud and unexpected rain. As a result, you must pack appropriately in anticipation of changing weather conditions. Regardless of the season, you can wear waterproof/windproof gear. It's also a good idea to have a four-season sleeping bag and trekking poles with you on your walk, regardless of the season.

Start at early

Trekking to Langtang National Park

Nepal Trekking Insurance

One of the most important things to consider while planning for the Langtang National Park trek is travel insurance. This is required of trekkers in order to prevent financial loss due to property damage and loss. For treks beyond 3000 meters, you must purchase Langtang Valley Trekking insurance, which covers lost luggage, flights, and airlifting in the event of a medical emergency. Before arriving in Kathmandu, Nepal, MMT experts recommend purchasing travel insurance in your home country.

Hiring a Porter and a Guide

The majority of individuals enjoy hiking or trekking with a guide and porter. A porter assists you in carrying your belongings so that you can hike for longer periods of time at a greater altitude. In general, a guide can assist you in becoming more comfortable in a new environment. Make sure your trip company is registered with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Nepal Trekking Agencies' Association (TAAN). Aside from that, you must ensure that your company has a certified guide. MMT is registered trekking company of Nepal providing different treks like Eeverest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Manaslu trek and Langtang Valley Trek.

Trekking Gear

Trekking to Langtang National Park

Check List for Langtang National Park Trekking

  • Reading/writing material
  • First-aid kit; should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea
  • Re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking if any particular
  • Wet wipes for cleaning can be purchased in Kathmandu.
  • Health requirements arranged
  • Money: cash/credit card
  • Down Sleeping bag provided by Mountain Mart Trek in Kathmandu
  • Light weight Towel
  • Day pack (25-30 liter) to carry your personal needs during the day
  • Torch/flashlight - headlamp style is ideal
  • Insect repellent, sunscreen and lip balm
  • Refillable water bottle - Min 1 Liter Aluminum or Nalgene polypropylene are best
  • Sunhat/bandana
  • Gloves - wool or fleeced and gore tex
  • Bag Liners to waterproof your bags (A duffel bag is provided to each trekker for trekking by MMT in Kathmandu)

Trekking to Langtang National Park

  • Wind and waterproof Jacket & Pants
  • Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes (worn frequently prior to departure)
  • Socks: thick wool blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination - ensure boots fit such combination
  • Running shoes or sandals for evening
  • Wool jumper/sweater/fleece. Lightweight during summer, 1 heavyweight or 2 lightweights during winter months.
  • T Shirts 2 or 3
  • Shirt - Long Sleeved
  • Pants - lightweight long trousers (jeans are unsuitable)
  • Thermals upper and lower
  • Extra warm clothing during winter (December to March) layered clothing - thermals.

Outline Itinerary for Langtang Trekking

  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:
  • Day 02: City Excursion and Trek Preparation:
  • Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche (1550m/ 5,085ft):
  • Day 04: Dhunche to Thulo Syabru (19,00m/ 6,233ft):
  • Day 05: Thulo Syabru to Lama Hotel (2,470m):
  • Day 06: Lama Hotel to Langtang village (3,430m):
  • Day 07: Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,830m/ 12,697ft):
  • Day 08: Exploration day at Kyanjin Gompa:
  • Day 09:Kyajin Gompa to Lama Hotel:
  • Day 10: Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi (1,440m/ 4,750ft):
  • Day 11: Drive from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu:
  • Day 12: Farewell Departure Day:

Trekking to Langtang National Park

Difficulty of Langtang National Park Trekking

The Langtang Valley Trip is a strenuous trek. This journey is not as challenging as some of Nepal's other well-known treks, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Trek, etc. There are numerous teahouses and hotels along the trail, providing easy access to lodging and food. The hike is relatively easy, and there are no complicated trails. This expedition, however, should not be taken lightly. Despite the fact that you will not be traveling in such high-altitude places like the Everest climb, you may find yourself sitting and facing unknown circumstances.

Langtang Trek Route Difficulty

The Trekking to Langtang Valley entails climbing up and down narrow, high mountains along a rocky trail. During the journey, you will travel a distance of 60 to 80 kilometers. This entails walking for 6 to 7 hours every day. The Langtang Valley Trekking begins in the town of Syabrubesi, 1550 meters above sea level. You'll be headed to Lama Hotel from Syabrubesi. The terrain is moderately challenging, with a few steep hills thrown in for good measure. Lama Hotel will take approximately 6 to 7 hours to reach. The walk is primarily uphill after Lama Hotel. This section of the hike might be difficult for beginners. To go to Langtang village, you'll have to trek for 6 to 7 hours straight. The trip continues to Kyanjin Gompa, which is located at 3900 meters. Hiking at such a high altitude can be difficult, but the beauty of nature will make it easier for you. Because the Langtang trip includes steep and slopey ups and downs, certain sections can be rather difficult. As a result, being extremely cautious while walking on such pathways would be beneficial.

Physical Fitness Required

Trekking to Langtang National Park

Altitude Sickness

The most common challenge that trekkers confront during a high altitude journey is altitude sickness. It can happen to anyone, regardless of their age or physical condition. Although the Langtang trip does not reach the same high altitudes as the Everest climb, altitude sickness can still occur. Then, in order to aid yourself and others, you must be familiar with the signs of altitude sickness. The following are the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of appetite
  • Heart rate increment
  • Difficulty in sleeping

If you notice any of these signs, don't push yourself any more or convince yourself that you'll be alright. These symptoms will not go away. As a result, inform your group and guide about your medical condition. If you notice any of the symptoms while hiking, take the following precautions:

  • Walk back to a lower altitude if possible.
  • Do not smoke or drink.
  • Take some medicine.
  • Drink lots of water. Hydration is the key.
  • Do not stress your body or walk until you feel better. You might have to take a rest for the next 48 hours.

Permits Required

Permits are typically required for access and exit as well as permission to hike certain trails. Make sure to get one from Kathmandu's Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Remember to bring your passport and photos.

• The TIMS Card

A permit is a card called the Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS). These permits must be presented at various checkpoints. The Langtang Trek TIMS Card is a record that aids trekkers in the event of an earthquake, severe weather, or lost trekkers. It cost roughly Rs. 2000 ($20) for independent trekkers and Rs. 1000 ($10) for group trekkers with a guide. If you travel through a travel agency, however, they will handle the TIMS Card for you.

• Langtang National Park Fee

Trekking to Langtang National Park

7. Famous Langtang Trekking Route

Gosainkunda helambu trek - 13 days.

One of the most popular treks in the Langtang Region is the Gosaikunda – Helambu Trek . The trek provides an opportunity to see undiscovered pathways, unspoiled natural beauty, rich green flora, immaculate landscapes, and a gorgeous landscape. The walk is also unique in that it allows you to see a variety of flora, animals, and endangered wildlife while trekking through Langtang and Shivapuri National Parks. While traveling through the paths and from vistas, the journey also provides spectacular views of the snow-capped mountain ranges and peaks such as Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal, Annapurna range, Manaslu range, and a few other summits.

Langtang Gosainkunda Circuit Trek - 18 days

The Langtang Gosainkunda Circuit trek leads up the Langtang Valley through woods to Kyanjin Gompa. Here you can see how Buddhists live their spiritual lives. The monastery dates back 700 years. A trek to Tserko Ri in the early morning provides spectacular views of the High Himalaya along the Tibetan border, as well as Langtang Lirung and its glaciers.

Tamang Heritage Trail

Trekking to Langtang National Park

Other Trekking Destinations of Langtang Region

  • Langtang Helambu Trek 9 days
  • Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek 16 days

The Langtang National Park Trek (or Langtang Region Trekking) is one of the most difficult and demanding treks in Nepal's Langtang and Helambu regions. The hike is moderate to difficult, and trekkers with ordinary physical fitness may complete it. The walk is enjoyable in any season, but the ideal seasons to go are spring and fall, when you can enjoy the stunning scenery and pure surroundings. The trek is the best in the Langtang region since it allows you to traverse the highest Laurebinayak mountain and explore the region's sacred lakes, notably Gosaikunda Lake. Please contact us for further information; our professionals are always available to assist you. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about trekking in Nepal. 

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A Complete Guide for Langtang Valley Trek

It is wise to learn more about Langtang Valley Trek before trekking, so we have prepared a complete guide for you.

  • 28 Jul 2023

Hillary Treks

langtang trek reddit

We have covered what you need for a comprehensive guide to the Langtang Valley Trek , one of the best trekking destinations in Nepal’s remote Langtang region. During this trek, you will visit several amazing places in Langtang Lirung , including Langtang National Park, where you can see endangered flora and fauna. Moreover, you will visit one of the most beautiful villages in Nepal, Kyanjin Gompa.

Hence, to enjoy this trek, you might want to have some common knowledge about it. This guide will discuss all the key things you need to know before going to Langtang village.

Langtang Valley Trek

We will discuss the pre-made itinerary (or you can curate one), food and accommodation, trails, weather and climate, and the role of the guides and porter in your journey. Moreover, we will also tell you all the documents and permits you need during your trek and which season is best for trekking.

Checking Weather and Climate Before Scheduling Langtang Trek

Weather and climate are essential factors when planning the Langtang Trek. They play a pivotal role in making your trek fun or frustrating. Regarding the weather during your Langtang Trek, it is important to note that it is very dynamic. 

During the day, the days are warmer, while at night, they grow colder. The weather and climate of the Langtang Trek change based on the seasons you are visiting. During the Summer and Autumn seasons, you will be blessed with warm, sunny days with clear views.

If you are trekking during the monsoon season, you will be greeted with frequent heavy or mild rainfall. For monsoon reasons, the roads will be slippery and wet. You might fall and injure yourself, so avoid trekking on rainy days or carry anti-slippery rain boots.

Veterans don’t mind going on treks in Nepal during winter, but this season is not for beginners. The weather becomes very harsh as the temperature decreases during the day and reaches freezing at night. 

As you trek at high altitude, the temperature at night reaches close to -20 degrees. Snowfall is frequent, blocking your trails. During the winter, snowstorms and blizzards in high-altitude places like Kyanjin Ri village also have a high chance. However, during the daytime in winter, the weather still becomes crystal clear, and you will get stunning views of mountains like Annapurna, Tserko Ri, and Dorje Lakpa mountains.

Tserku ri 5033m

Hence, we don’t recommend trekking in the Himalayas during winter if you don’t have previous experience.

Guide and Porter Helps in Trekking Journey

Guides and Porters are integral parts of any trekking journey. In Nepal, hiring a guide has been mandatory since April 1, 2023. However, it is for your benefit. Guides will make your trek ten times easier as they have planned all the logistics.

They have been trained and experienced for several years and are familiar with all the trails and routes at the trekking destination, making navigation easier.

Furthermore, trekking in a remote, secluded area at a high elevation can become difficult if you go alone. Guides are also well aware of the conditions of the terrains.

While trekking through snow-capped mountains, it is important to have a guide with good navigational skills. Guides are also trained in first aid if you suffer from altitude sickness. Due to dynamic weather, sometimes you might get stuck in a dangerous situation when they will assist you in helicopter rescue in any emergency.

On the other hand, Hiring porters is not mandatory. However, we strongly recommend it. Porters can make your trek ten times easier as they carry heavy loads. When they carry a major portion of your heavy loads in the upward-ascending steps, your stress will be reduced tenfold.

Porters will also assist you in case of any emergencies. They are also trained in first aid, and if you are injured or get into an accident, they can take you to the nearest village.

Food and Accommodation During Trek

When you embark on the Langtang Valley Trek, you will stay in local lodges or teahouses throughout the trip. These accommodations are standard for trekkers in rural Nepal. The rooms are simple but offer all the basic services and facilities. The tea house provides meals in shared dining rooms. The major attraction of the Langtang Valley Trek is the Lama Hotel.

It is best to ask about hot water and WI-FI availability before choosing the teahouse and inquire about the additional cost for these services. Make sure to book in advance if you are thinking of trekking in the peak seasons of Spring and Autumn. During these peak seasons, hotels, lodges, and teahouses are overcrowded, so you might not get appropriate accommodation facilities.

Hence, if you book your accommodation in advance, you don’t have to worry about anything, as they book your hotel.

If you plan on trekking in Langtang, you can expect simple, delicious meals made with fresh, local, and organic ingredients. The teahouses and hotels on the trek serve Dal, Bhat, and tea, along with popular snacks like bread, momos, and chow mein. 

Bakeries are also found in larger settlements such as Langtang, Syabrubesi, and Kyanjin. You can get drinking water from taps and freshwater streams from the mountain; however, we don’t recommend drinking water directly. Ask for water refills at teahouses and lunch stops to ensure your safety. Additionally, it’s a good idea to bring water purification tablets as an extra precaution.

Documents and Other Paperwork Required For Trekking

Langtang Valley Trek offers amazing adventure and thrills, but you need certain permits and documents to trek.

The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) keep a database called Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) card. This information helps ensure the safety and security of trekkers while preventing illegal trekking operations. 

TIMS cards come in three categories: green, blue, and pink. The cost of each permit varies: – Green TIMS Card: The cost is around US $20 for individual trekkers. – Blue TIMS Card: Group trekkers cost about US $10. – Pink TIMS Card: For citizens of SAARC countries, the cost is around US $6 for Free Individual Travelers (FIT), and around US $3 for those traveling in a group.

If you get the said card from different places in Nepal. You can visit the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu and Pokhara. This card will also be available in the TAAN secretariat in Pokhara and Maligaon. 

Langtang National Park Entry Permit

Another permit you need during your trek in the Langtang region is the Langtang National Park Entry Permit. Since you will be hiking mostly around the national park, you need this permit to enter it.

The cost of Langtang National Park differs for the members of SAARC nationals and citizens from other countries.

  • Cost for Other Nationals Per Person: NPR 3,000 or $30
  • Cost for SAARC Nationals Per Person: NPR 1500 or $15

Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park Permit

While traveling to Langtang Valley Trek, normally, you will travel from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. However, there is also an alternate route, the Gosaikunda-Helambu route. However, if you choose this route, you must issue another permit in the Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park Permit.

A Shivarpur Nagarjun Park Permit costs $6 or NPR 600 for SAARC nationals or NPR 1,000 or $10.

Other Documents

Apart from permits, you also need important documents to be eligible to trek in the Langtang region.

  • Valid Passport with Visa
  • 2 Passport sized photos
  • Travel Insurance
  • Required Permits

Best Season for Trek to Langtang Valley

Langtang Valley Trek is one of the most breathtaking trekking adventures in Nepal. During your trek to Langtang, you can enjoy many attractions. Some major attractions are the Kyanjin Gompa monastery, a Cheese Factory, a Hike to Kyanjin Ri, mountain views of Langtang Lirung and Yala Peak, and a stroll through the dense forests of Langtang National Park. You will see many endangered wild animals, such as musk deer, Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, and red pandas.

langtang trek reddit

Trekking through Langtang Valley is fun, and if you do it in the best season, the fun and adventure increase even more. The two best seasons to travel to Langtang Valley are:

Springs is among the best times for the Langtang Valley trek in Nepal. Moderate and pleasant temperatures with the extraordinary sight of Rhododendron blossoms make spring a heavenly time for your trek. Remember that the trails, lodges, and tea houses are overcrowded during the spring season. So we recommend booking everything early to avoid any rush and incovinenance.

If you’re planning a trek through the Langtang Valley, consider going in autumn. Autumn is also an ideal trekking season to enjoy trekking in the Langtang region. The warm, pleasant, and stable weather makes it ideal. You’ll be able to see the beautiful blue skies, breathe in fresh air, and have clear views of the mountains. The mornings may be chilly, but the temperature becomes more comfortable as the day progresses.

Hence, Trekking in Langtang Valley will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There are many attractions that you can visit and enjoy. Furthermore, you can also meet the very friendly and supportive local Tamang people.

If you have decided to trek the Langtang region, we hope you will consider HillaryStepsTreks. We are the leading trekking agency in Nepal, with various guides who have over 25 years of experience trekking in several regions of Nepal.

My name is Hillary. Since completing the Government Guide Training from Nepal's Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (KEEP and HRA), I have been a specialist in mountain trekking and peak climbing. With specific expertise in the Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan regions, I have now been a trekking guide and tour operator in Nepal, and across the Himalayas, since 2012.

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A Guide to the Langtang Valley Trek in Nepal

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Langtang Valley is one of the most popular shorter trekking options in Nepal. The Langtang National Park wasn’t even on my radar for trekking in Nepal. However, within days of arriving in  Kathmandu , I decided it would be the best introduction to hiking in the Himalayas and I wasn’t wrong.

It may not boast any of the top ten highest peaks in the world like in Annapurna or Sagarmatha National Park, but what it lacks in height it makes up for with genuine down to earth people and a less commercialised feel. The Tamang people of the Langtang region were the most hospitable and friendly I’ve come across in Nepal and I’d go back in a heartbeat.

I hiked the Langtang Valley Trek at the beginning of March, which was just before the main trekking season when it was still relatively quiet. Nepal had seen some of the heaviest snowfall in decades and Langtang was completely covered in it, nothing like the pictures I had seen from a normal trekking season. It meant that it was extremely cold at night and required some trudging through snow on the trails, however, it also made the scenery extra beautiful and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Keep reading for my guide to Langtang Valley from my personal experience on the trail as a solo hiker.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more:  Privacy Policy

What you need to know before heading off on the Langtang Valley trek

Before you head off for the Langtang Valley, here’s some essential information that you need to know.

Quick info about the Langtang Valley Trek

  • Distance: 60km
  • Time: 5-7 days
  • Highest point: Kyanjin Ri 4773m
  • Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
  • Start/end: Syabrubesi, approximately 120km north of Kathmandu
  • Trail: Out and back same way
  • Permits and fees: TIMS card and national park fees
  • Accommodation: Teahouses
  • Hiking requirements: Anyone can hike the trail, with or without a guide
  • Optional add ons: Gosaikunda Trek or Tamang Heritage Trail for a longer trek

View from Kyanjin Ri

Best time to hike Langtang Valley

There are two main trekking seasons: March-April and October-November . I would advise to try and complete the trek around these months and avoid the wet season in the middle of the year. The dry winter can make for quieter trails, but many teahouses close down and the trail will be snowed in higher up.

If you’re travelling at the start of the trekking season, it’s a good idea to ask around in Kathmandu at your hostel or guesthouse about trail conditions before you set off. When I did the trek at the start of March the trails had only just been declared passable after a very long winter. Some hikers who’d left too early in the season couldn’t make it up to Kyanjin Ri.

Read next: What You Need to Know About Trekking in Nepal

Langtang Valley

Permit and fees

You will need a TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System Card). These can be purchased at the  Nepal Tourism Board office  near Ratna Park. I simply had to fill an easy form out, hand over a few passport photos and pay 2000 rupees (AUD$25) and I was given a green card which I had to keep with me for checkpoints along the trek.

You can also purchase the  National Park fee  in Kathmandu but I was told that I could do that at the Park entrance as well, which I did with no hassles. It costs 3000 Nepali rupees and you’ll have to show your valid TIMS card and passport.

I managed to pack everything that I needed into a 30L backpack, including a sleeping bag. You don’t need a whole lot considering it’s less than a week trek and you’ll be staying in teahouses along the way.

I  hired a sleeping bag  from  Shona’s Alpine Rentals in Thamel for 120 rupees per day (AUD$1.50). The sleeping bag was extremely warm, even on the night that the water in my drink bottle froze!

You can also pick up a Langtang Valley map in many Kathmandu book stores. However, I wouldn’t say it’s overly necessary unless you’re planning on doing something like adding Gosaikunda trek onto the end of Langtang Valley.

Read next: A Guide to Kathmandu

Nepal trekking maps

Getting to Syabrubesi

The only way to get to the trailhead is by road. I had read that the hardest part of the trek was in fact the notorious bus ride north of Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. The road is a rough, dirt road that winds its way up towards the mountains and is constantly under reconstruction from landslides (I mean, look at that photo above!). The driver was a madman and I swear he’d made a bet with someone that he would make it to Syabrubesi first, as we overtook even the 4WD jeeps along the way.

The buses depart from near the New Bus Stand , across the Ring Road. There’s really only two companies and both were the same price. I purchased my ticket the day before directly at the counter, which I would highly recommend. The ticket cost 750 rupees (AU$9) and the bus left at 8am from the counter. There’s also the option of shared jeeps, although they’re more expensive and stop less often on the way.

The drive was extremely dusty and, as I was sitting in the front seat near the door, my bag on my lap was covered in a layer of brown dust by the end. The 120km journey took 8 hours to cover (even though I was told to expect around 10)! I emerged from the bus feeling as if I’d actually walked the distance rather than sat in a vehicle. Be prepared!

Road to Syabrubesi

Syabrubesi town

The trailhead is a small, one street town that has a few hotels and some basic shops. Don’t expect anything like Namche Bazaar in Sagarmatha National Park, although it’s still not a bad place to spend the night before and after trekking.

I stayed at  Old Namaste Hotel . For 600 rupees (AUD$8) per night I got a bed with a private bathroom. The food there was also really good with intermittent WiFi. The lady who owns the hotel was lovely and I sat up with her for hours talking about everything from tourism, to government corruption to the impacts of the 2015 earthquake.

The town was extremely quiet and I was the only one at the hotel for the night. You can easily walk around and ask prices at different hotels, although most looked a similar standard.

There was one ATM in the town when I was there, although it wasn’t very reliable. I would suggest taking as much cash as you think you’ll need plus extra from Kathmandu.

Langtang Valley bridge

Trek report: Langtang Valley

If you want to know more about my experience on the trail, keep reading for my day by day track notes below.

Day 1: Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel

After crossing the suspension bridge to the old part of town on the other side of the river, the trail becomes more obvious (ask locals if you’re unsure). I could already see the snow capped mountains through the valley and I was excited to think that it wouldn’t take me long to be completely amongst them.

The trail mostly climbed up through forest, following the fluorescent blue river below. I arrived at a small cluster of lodges called Bamboo at 11.15am and I was already hungry for lunch. I stopped for fried rice and some tea at a guesthouse with a pretty view and then continued on upwards.

The rocky trail continued to climb and considering I hadn’t done any proper exercise in months I knew this would really test me. However, I passed quite a few people on the trail, more than I thought I would. Despite leaving after 8am that morning, I managed to arrive at Lama Hotel (the name for the first major village where most people stop for the night) at 2pm, well before most. The man at the first lodge greeted me and I decided to stay there. 

I sat outside in the sun sipping a cup of tea and soon the lodge was full and the owner was turning people away to the next place. As the sun set, the temperature plummeted and everyone huddled inside the dining room where there was a wood fired heater. It was my first experience of the social teahouse dining rooms in Nepal where trekkers from all different countries sit around and chat without the distractions of phones and internet. Not long after finishing my dal bhat though I was in bed asleep, recovering for the next day’s climb.

Distance:  10km   Time:  6 hours   Ascended:  1100m

Langtang Valley trail

Day 2: Lama Hotel to Mundu

I decided not to hurry in the morning and didn’t leave until 9am. The trail continued to climb quite ruthlessly with a skinny, rocky trail in some sections. There was less forest coverage as the vegetation started to thin out, a hallmark that I was getting higher. I stopped for lunch early again in a newly built restaurant which had beautiful views of the valley I was walking through. 

After my lunch stop, the trail continued on its pursuit upwards, however, the views suddenly improved. The mountains on either side of the valley now had snow cascading down them all the way to the river below. Still, with the clear skies and strong sun, I was relatively warm when I was moving. However, with such incredible views around me I found myself stopping much more often to take photos.

I began to see some of the remains from the devastating earthquake of 2015. Lodges, homes, farming sheds, all destroyed and left in rubble. Most of the lodges have now been rebuilt or moved, but seeing some of the remains that had been left behind was devastating. I couldn’t help but get a little emotional. One village had been completely flattened and abandoned, looking up I could still see the landslide that had seemingly came crashing down in April 2015 to bury the structures below. It was hard to comprehend. The scenery around me was so beautiful, yet on the other hand, it was obvious that mother nature could also be destructive when it wanted to be.

Earthquake damage in Langtang Valley

Just before Langtang village (where most people stop for their second day) I met a lady who had a small shop and lodge. I decided to try the local seabuckthorn juice, a local berry that is incredibly high in vitamins. A couple more trekkers saw me there and also stopped to try the famous juice. As I got up to leave the lady hugged me and said, “Thank you for bringing business here”. It must be tough to rely on tourism and trekkers for a living, particularly when life in the mountains is so unpredictable. 

I arrived in Langtang, a village that had been completely wiped off the valley and rebuilt since 2015. A small memorial is near the trail to mark the victims of the earthquake, which also included many foreign trekkers and their guides. I decided to keep pushing on to the next village which was just another 20 minutes.

Mundu was much less commercialised than Langtang and didn’t boast Wi-Fi and hot showers, but that was okay with me. I saw a fellow trekker who had caught the same bus to Syabrubesi and we stayed at the same lodge for the night. The owners were beautiful people and while the wife cooked us dal bhat, her husband sat at the fire and told us about life in the Himalayas, including their experience during the earthquake.

He had lost a devastating 26 family members down in Langtang village, however, in Mundu just a short distance away they themselves had come away unscathed. They spent three months in Kathmandu before they could return to Langtang Valley and start the process of rebuilding, which took them nearly two years.

Distance:  13km   Time:  6.5 hours   Ascended:  1070m

Langtang Valley trek

Day 3: Mundu to Kyanjin Gompa

From Mundu it was a short couple of hours to my final destination for the Langtang Valley trek at Kyanjin Gompa. There was a lot of snow around and the trail had only recently been cleared. I passed some other trekkers coming back and they were raving about the view from Kyanjin Ri, which made me even more eager to get there. 

The valley opened up and there was just a complete blanket of white with soaring mountains towering above in every direction. I climbed up to a newly built hydropower station and crossed a suspension bridge which had amazing views of the valley below and the glacier behind me. Just 10 minutes later I walked up and over a small hill and the village of Kyanjin Gompa was spread out before me in the valley floor.

Kyanjin Gompa

A trekker that I had passed told me of a lodge that he’d stayed in, a large three storey place with WiFi and showers. As I was heading towards it, a lady stopped and begged me to have a look at her lodge, so I obliged. It was a tiny place with just three rooms and squashed between other surrounding lodges. I decided to stay. I try to avoid the overly commercialised lodges and it turned out to be a great decision. The name of the guesthouse was Dorje Lakpa and the woman spoke little English but was incredibly hospitable.

I decided to try and hike to the glacier viewpoint just past the small monastery. I tried to find the trail but there was so much snow it wasn’t visible. I attempted to just trudge through the snow in the direction my phone was telling me but I kept falling through, once up to my waist and so I gave up. I found a protruding rock instead and sat to just admire the incredible view of the valley. 

I relaxed for the afternoon, trying to keep my fluids up considering I was sitting at 3870m after just three days of hiking. A Dutch girl was also staying at the same place and together we had a great time. The couple who owned the lodge were beautiful people and we had a fun night laughing and talking, trying to learn the Tibetan language and traditional dances. It was experiences like this which made the Langtang Valley trek so memorable.

Distance:  5km   Time:  2 hours   Ascended:  315m

Kyanjin Ri

Day 4: Kyanjin Gompa to Kyanjin Ri to Langtang Village

I left just after 8am for Kyanjin Ri, the highest point of the whole trek. The trail started directly from the village and switchbacked steeply for just over an hour to the first viewpoint at 4300m. I was in absolute awe of the view around me but I was concentrating heavily on breathing, sipping water and taking small steps forward. Many people were sitting at the lower viewpoint, content with the view all the way back through the valley we’d all come. I looked up to Kyanjin Ri, another 400m in elevation and just 900m of trail. I could see a couple of people almost at the top and I thought, ‘I’ve gotta have a crack!’.

I pushed on slowly, but surely, stopping every 10 steps or so to let my heart rate settle and my lungs capture more oxygen. The trail was slippery with snow covering much of it and I had to be careful where I placed my foot each time. I kept looking up to see how long I had to go, but progress was slow.

The last few steps were sweet, I had made it even when I began thinking that I wouldn’t. I had the peak to myself and the moment I stopped on the very top and did a 360 degree turn around, I had tears in my eyes. It was the most beautiful place I’d ever seen.

I stayed nearly an hour, soaking in the view and taking photos. I didn’t want to ever leave. However, at over 4700m and with no water left in my bottle I knew I needed to get back down. It was more slippery going down but I was still much quicker, not having to stop to catch my breath anymore. I made it back to the lodge at 1pm, in time for a much needed lunch.

Distance:  4.5km return   Time:  3.5 hours   Ascended:  720m

Kyanjin Ri

I had contemplated staying another night in Kyanjin Gompa. However, with many of the other side trips and other hikes such as to Tserko Ri closed due to the snow level, I decided there was no reason to hang around. So after lunch I took off and headed back as far as I could walk.

I managed to get back to Langtang village in two hours and although I wanted to keep walking, it was after 4pm and so I decided to stop for the night. I stayed at a different guesthouse, which was much larger and more commercialised than in Mundu. However, the view from the property was incredible and a nice change.

Distance:  6.5km   Time:  2 hours   Descended:  400m

View of Langtang Valley

Day 5: Langtang Village to Syabrubesi

Having made it to Langtang the day before, I realised I could potentially get all the way back to Syabrubesi in one day from there. This meant finishing the trek in just 5 days.

I set off at 8am and moved pretty fast, my legs had quickly become conditioned to the movement and the trail over the previous few days. I made it back to Lama Hotel in no time but stopped in the next village called Rimche for some lunch just after 12pm. I was feeling tired and the sun was hot, the steep downhills had me hiking quickly but it was tough on my legs. 

The local boys at the lodge in Rimche told me they were surveying the area for a potential road construction project in the future. I couldn’t believe it. It would ruin the whole landscape of the valley if a motorable road was ever built, but the boys looked excited. “It’s just a dream,” they told me. Of course, for the locals it meant better access to the outside world.

Langtang Village

I kept pushing on, passed Bamboo where I’d stopped for lunch on the first day, over the rocky stairs where I’m sure I lost my headphones on the first day too.

I finally hit the dirt road again and I knew I had just one more hour to get back to Syabrubesi. I was almost limping by this point, dragging my walking pole behind me, absolutely exhausted. I was almost losing the sun behind the valley as I made it to the suspension bridge which took me into town. I took one last glance back through the valley at the snow capped peaks in the distance, I couldn’t believe I’d been completely amongst them just yesterday. 

I arrived at the same hotel in Syabrubesi that I’d stayed before the trek and the lady told me that there was a political strike planned for the next day and so no transport would likely run. So after all that, I’d pushed my body for 8.5 hours for nothing!

Distance:  22km   Time:  8.5 hours   Descended:  2020m

Getting back to Kathmandu

There are bus and jeep ticket counters in the main street of town so it’s easy to get a ticket and see where they leave from. They leave at around 8am and it took almost 10 hours on the way back.

Kyanjin Gompa teahouse

Langtang Valley Accommodation

Most trekking lodges have been either repaired or completely rebuilt since the earthquake in 2015. There are plenty of options to choose from, including smaller villages in between the popular overnight stops on the trail. I was always offered a free room (a few even with a private bathroom) as long as I ate dinner and breakfast there. A simple bed with 1-2 blankets and a pillow is usually all that was in the room, but the beds were always comfortable from my experience. 

In the high trekking season, many lodges and guesthouses will charge between 200-400 rupees (AU$3-5) for a room, although it’s usually negotiable.

The Tamang people are great at marketing and almost every lodge I stayed at passed me a business card of a family member who owned a lodge in the next village. Similarly, many of the locals I passed on the trail would also stop and ask me where I was heading and then proceed to hand me a business card of a cousin, sister or friend of a friend. I actually rarely even bothered to go to one of those recommended lodges as whenever I arrived I found it best to just walk around and have a look myself.

Langtang Valley teahouse

The menus were almost all identical with the standard trekking meals on offer: fried rice, chow mien, fried potatoes, spaghetti, momos and the ubiquitous, dal bhat (similar to an Indian thali consisting of rice with lentil soup and a veg curry, and unlimited refills!).

My meals were pretty repetitive and most days I ate exactly the same thing. I had porridge for breakfast, fried rice for lunch (it was usually the quickest meal for them to make) and dal bhat for dinner.

The meals get pricier as you climb higher, because the teahouses obviously pay more for porters and donkeys to get the products up the valley. Meals cost between 400-700 Nepali rupees (AU$5-8).

View of Kyanjin Gompa

Trail navigation

The trail has all been repaired since the earthquake and is well maintained. It’s relatively obvious with few if any junctions where it might be confusing, however, with the heavy snowfall some parts of the trail closer to Kyanjin Gompa were covered in snow. Still, I had no problems navigating my way.

It’s a good idea to have Maps.Me on your phone though, as the trail is clearly marked on there.

A breakdown of how much trekking Langtang Valley cost me all up:

Permit and park fees:  5000 rupees (AUD$65)

Sleeping bag rental:  950 rupees (AUD$12)

Snacks:  1500 rupees (AUD$20) purchased in Kathmandu before leaving

Meals (accommodation included):  11,600 rupees (AUD$150)

Transport:  1200 rupees (AUD$16)

Total: AUD$263 for 8 nights (5 trekking, 3 in Syabrubesi)

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12 comments.

[…] Langtang Valley in Nepal […]

Incredible guide! thank you

Can I ask when you did the trek, and do you know if it’s possible to hire a guide at Kyanjin Gompa to do a sunrise hike to Kyanjin Ri? I’m thinking in the dark and with possible snow coverage on trail it will be difficult for me to navigate. I’m solo trekking. thanks!

I did this trek in early 2019, so some things may have changed. I would imagine it’s definitely possible to hire a guide in Kyanjin Gompa. Many trekkers hire a guide just for a section of trail, so one of the teahouses will definitely be able to help you out! Enjoy!

Hello Mariel, I am Ang from Sherpa Goan a village 1 day before the Langtang. I own a small Homestay named Hello Trekkers Home in Sherpa Goan and also a certified trekking guide and would love to provide you also various informations you would need. Our small place is usually visited by solo trekkers so I would love to welcome you if you pass by. Yet I am in Kathamndu but will be soon going to my place. Thank [email protected]

Hey, thanks for such a detailed guide!

I am planning to do this trek at the end of December this year, but was curious about shortening it by a day — specifically, going from Lama Hotel to Kyanjin Gompa in one shot rather than staying in Mundu. The idea being to free up a day to allow for an extra hike. Do you think this is feasible? Waking up early/hiking with a headlamp isn’t an issue.

Hi Rob, glad it was helpful! It’s definitely doable, as it would be around 18km I think. I’d allow about 9-10 hours depending on fitness level, but you should also consider elevation change. If you’re fairly acclimatised, it will be fine, but otherwise, watch for symptoms and see how you feel on the trail as tbe altitude starts to climb a bit after Lama Hotel. Wish you all the best, you’ll love it!

Well written !! doing the Langtang trek this oct end !! cant wait !! thanks for the info

Hey nice write ups! Sorry for a loaded question, but you seem to have been to all 3 areas we are contemplating – but alas can only pick one! Muldai View, Lower Mustang, Tamang Hertitage – which one?? Kinda get the feeling that Lower Mustang would be more about exposure to different cultures rather than trekking, due to the roads so prob better to jeep it for some of the way with a few side treks – not a bad thing if the villages make it worth it 🙂 Any insight welcome!

Hi John, that’s a tough one! I think Lower Mustang and Tamang Heritage are both more a cultural experience, although the Lower Mustang does have some incredible landscapes that are quite different to elsewhere in Nepal. You could do some exploring around Lower Mustang by road as you say, if you have time. Muldai Viewpoint would be the best option in terms of mountain views, especially if you can also include Poon Hill in that trek. Either way, you’ll love it – Nepal is amazing! Hope that helps.

Thank you very much for that post. We love the Langtang trek and we recommend a stopover in Sherpagaun, between Lama Hotel and Syafru Bensi. Thanks again.

[…] undiscovered jewel in Nepal, the Langtang Valley Trek offers a rare fusion of alpine forests, steep climbs, and snow-capped summits. The path passes by […]

nice information and good article thank you

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Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley is a classic trekking destination, located only 61.8km away from aerial distance, north of Kathmandu.

Although the Langtang Valley Trek is relatively short, accessible, and cheap, the trails are quieter with less number of trekkers compared to other classic trekking destinations in Nepal .

The trek is ideal for both experienced trekkers as well as novice travel enthusiasts. This trek provides an incredible opportunity to traverse through beautiful Tamang villages, diverse landscapes, eye-catching waterfalls, high Himalayan valleys, monasteries, and densely forested areas.

The mountain trails to Langtang also offers you a spectacular sight of the glaciers and mountains including Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and Ganja La Pass.

Protected as Langtang National Park , it is home to an abundance of exotic animals and birds. On a lucky day, you may spot plenty of wild animals including red panda, langur, musk deer, snow leopards, Himalayan tahr along with birds like Himalayan monal, white-winged redstart, and the snow Patridge.

Before the catastrophic earthquake in 2015, Langtang used to be one of the most commercial trekking destinations in Nepal. The region was severely affected and damaged by the earthquake. Some of the villages in the region were destroyed and buried under the rubble. However, after massive reconstruction and renovation efforts, the area is now open for the trekkers.

Table of Content

Langtang Valley Trek Facts

Highlights of langtang valley trek.

  • Langtang Valley is a relatively short and accessible trekking destination with a fantastic Himalayan experience.
  • Relish the beautiful spectacles of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Jugal Himal.
  • Breathtaking climb to the vantage point of Tserko Ri at the elevation of 5033m.
  • Explore the beautiful Tamang villages and get a more in-depth insight into their cultures and heritages.
  • Opportunity to witness rare animals like the red panda, snow leopard, langur, and musk deer.
  • Explore the ancient monastery of Kyanjin Gompa.

Getting There and Away

Langtang Valley Trek

Start of the Trek

Your journey to Langtang Valley Trek begins with a 7-hour drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. The drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi covers the total distance of 122km. Although reasonably short in distance, there is still no luxury transportation services available for this region. You can drive to Syabrubesi either by local bus or local/private jeep.

The local bus departs from Machhapokhari every morning from 7 to 9 AM. The bus fare may cost you from $6 to $8 depending upon the different transportation companies. The main discomfort while driving on a local bus is congested seats and too many passengers.

The local jeep will cost about $8 to $10 per person on a sharing basis. You can take these jeeps from Machhapokhari as well. They depart every morning from 6:30 to 9 AM.

If you’re willing to hire a private jeep, it’ll cost you around $150 for a group of 6-7 travelers.

The road condition you travel along reveals its pathetic and rough forms. The highway from Kathmandu to Trishuli Bazaar is good with a narrow winding road.  However, once you drive further from Trishuli Bazaar, the road becomes rough and bumpy. Along the way, you come to experience some dreadful landslides.

End of the Trek

Since both starting point and endpoint of Langtang Valley Trek is at Syabrubesi, you’ll be retracing the route backward from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu at the end of the trek.

You’ll have similar transportation options while traveling from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu.

Outline Itinerary of Langtang Valley Trek – 8 Days

Lantang valley trek detailed 8 days itinerary, day 1: drive from kathmandu (1,400m) to syabru besi (1,550m) – 7 to 8 hours.

Syabru Besi

The adventure of Langtang Valley Trek begins with a 7-hour drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi. You can either take a local bus from Macchapokhari or hire a jeep to Syabru Besi.

As soon as the bus departs from Kathmandu, the road climbs over the ridge offering majestic views of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Annapurna. The condition of the highway is extremely rocky and rough with tons of potholes and small ditches.

You’ll be driving alongside the Trishuli river for most of the day. Driving past the bustling town of Trisuli, the road leads towards Dhunche, the administrative center of Rasuwa District. Make sure to keep your TIMS card and National Park Permit in an easily accessible place as you’ll need to show them at the Park Gate right before Dhunche. After driving for another hour downhill from the town of Dhunche, you’ll reach Syabru Besi.

Day 2: Trek from Syabru Besi (1,550m) to Lama Hotel (2,380m) – 6 to 7 hours

Lama Hotel

You’ll start the trek from Syabru Besi by crossing the bridge over the Ying Yang River. The trail ascends and descends simultaneously through the dense sub-tropical forest alongside Langtang Khola.

As the trek continues, oak and rhododendron trees dominate the surroundings. While walking in the woods, make sure to watch out for the langur monkeys. The trail goes steep and slightly strenuous through the forest up to Lama Hotel.

Day 3: Trek from Lama Hotel (2,380m) to Mundu (3,430m) via Langtang Village – 6 to 7 hours

Langtang Village

On this day, the forest trail continues through plenty of waterfalls and occasional glimpses of Langtang Lirung. At Ghoda Tabela, the path emerges out of the woodlands into the lush green meadow. The snow-capped peaks of the Langtang range begin to appear on either side of the valley.

The trail further continues to a gentle uphill, passing a few temporary settlements towards Langtang village. Before the 2015 earthquake, Langtang village was once a bustling settlement with plenty of teahouses and lodges. A massive rock field surrounds the entire valley. Mundu village is only half an hour away from Langtang village.

Day 4: Trek from Mundu (3,430m) to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m) – 3 hours

Kyanjin Gompa

Today, the trail continues gradually passing water mills, chortens, prayer flags, and sacred mounds of rocks with carved inscriptions. The route heads upwards to a yak pasture where the sight becomes more extensive with the mountain views.

As you cross over some moraines and small streams, you’ll reach Kyanjin Gompa. Since this is the shortest day of the trek, you’ll arrive at Kyanjin Gompa by lunchtime. So, if you do not want to spend the day resting, we recommend you head towards Langshisha Kharka for incredible views.

Day 5: Excursion to Tserko Ri (5,000m) – 5 to 6 hours

Tserko Ri

Hike up to the vantage point at Tserko Ri to relish the incredible sights of the mountains, glaciers, and the Langtang valley. Tserko Ri marks the highest elevation point of the trek at 5,000m above sea level.

Since you’ll return to Kyanjin Gompa by the afternoon, you can also explore the ancient monastery of the village. Additionally, you can also visit the cheese factory and glacier.

Day 6: Trek from Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m) to Lama Hotel (2,380m) – 6 to 7 hours

Tea House in Langtang Valley

On this day, you retrace the route from Kyanjin Gompa back to Lama Hotel. The way follows back alongside the Langtang River through Mundu village to Ghoda Tabela. The trail is mostly downhill throughout the day. Upon reaching Ghoda Tabela, you’ll continue descending on a steep downhill to Lama Hotel.

Day 7: Trek from Lama Hotel (2,380m) to Syabru Besi (1,550m) – 6 to 7 hours

Langtang Valley Trek

Two different trails lead to Syabru Besi. You can either retrace the route enjoying the forest from Lama Hotel or you can take a detour from Rimche via Sherpa Gaun to Syabru Besi.

The detour from Rimche takes much longer to arrive at Syabru Besi, but this spectacular route is worth the time.

Day 8: Drive from Syabru Besi (1,550m) to Kathmandu (1,400m) – 8 to 10 hours

Bhaktapur

On the final day, you drive back from Syabru Besi to Kathmandu. If you’re early, you can catch a local bus from here. Otherwise, you can also take a local jeep for a slightly convenient experience. It takes about 7-8 hours to drive from Syabru Besi to Kathmandu.

Langtang Valley and Gosainkunda Extension

Langtang Valley and Gosainkunda Extension

If time permits, you can combine the Langtang Valley Trek with Gosainkunda. The trek offers remote trails with spectacular views of the mountains at Langtang and high Himalayan lake at Gosainkunda.

Gosainkunda, a holy glacial lake at an elevation of 4,380m, is a shrine of Hindus. The diverse landscapes, lush green forest, terraced fields, hills, and scenic mountain views make Gosainkunda one of the most stunning trekking destinations in Nepal.

Langtang Valley Trek with Gosainkunda Extension begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi and then follows through the Langtang Valley. The trail to Gosainkunda connects from Thulo Syapru while retracing the route back from Langtang Trek. The path is quite steep from Thulo Syabru to Sing Gompa and up to the pristine lake of Gosainkunda.

Best Time to Travel in Langtang Region

Best Time to Travel Langtang

Trekking to Langtang Valley is possible throughout the year. However, Spring season (March to May) right after the cold winter and in Autumn season (September to November) right after the soaking monsoon are two most popular periods to visit the Langtang region.

In most of the days during the Autumn, the temperature remains moderate with a crystal clear sky. This means the temperature during this time of the year is perfect for walking. Also, you get to witness the incredible scenery of the Himalayas throughout the trek. However, the only drawback to trek at this time of the year is the crowded trails.

During the spring season, the temperature is slightly warmer during the day, and the sky looks hazy at times. This means the view may not be as exceptional as the Autumn.

Winter brings cold and harsh weather, especially at the higher elevations. Thick snow covers the trails making it hard to walk during winter. However, the skies are unclouded and reward magnificent sights. If you’re planning to trek to Langtang Valley during the winter, make sure to pack warm clothes and high-quality sleeping bags.

Monsoon is the least favorable time to go trekking in Langtang. The temperature is far too unstable with wet and slippery trails. Since dense forests dominate this region, the risk of leeches increases extensively. Trekking in monsoon demands proper preparation and packing.

Here’s a table indicating the details of average temperature and rainfall of different places en-route to Langtang Valley Trek:

How Difficult is Langtang Valley Trek?

Langtang Valley Trek Difficulty

Langtang Valley Trek is a short and moderate trek that does not require any technical skills or previous trekking experience. You can complete the entire trek in 8 to 10 days, walking 5 to 7 hours per day.

The most challenging section of Langtang Trek is the hike from Kyanjin Gompa to Tserko Ri. The trail to Tserko Ri is mostly steep uphill on the rocky Himalayan terrain. However, on most days, the path is easy and comfortable with a pleasant walk.

The highest elevation point in Langtang Valley Trek is 5,000m above sea level. Therefore, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is one of the significant threats while trekking in Langtang. You are required to take all the necessary precautions while traveling in such high elevation. Insist on drinking plenty of water, and be aware of the symptoms of AMS.

The weather in the Himalayas is always unpredictable, especially in the upper reaches. Therefore, it is essential to pack all the necessary equipment while trekking in Langtang Valley. If you’re planning to trek during monsoon season, stay cautious on the trail. There are plenty of landslide-prone areas en-route to Langtang Valley.

While this trek may be relatively easy for experienced trekkers, it does demand a certain level of physical fitness and attitude. One proper way to keep yourself fit for the trek is to engage in cardio-oriented exercises.

What Permits are Requied for Langtang Valley Trek?

Langtang Valley Trek Permit

You only require two different permits —  TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System) and Langtang National Park Entry Permit, while trekking to Langtang Valley.

There are three types of TIMS Card; blue for organized group trekkers, green for individual travelers, and a pink one for SAARC nationals. You can acquire TIMS Card from Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) or Trekkers Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Secretariat in Kathmandu.

Since you’ll be trekking through the Langtang National Park also need an exclusive National Park Permit to enter the area. The permit is available in Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu, or you can also get them from the entry gate at Dhunche.

While issuing a TIMS Card, you’ll require your passport, four passport size photos, insurance details, and contact details of someone in Nepal.

Here’s the price of the permits required for Langtang Valley Trek:

Insurance for the Trek

Having travel insurance is an excellent idea if you’re planning to trek to Langtang Valley. While trekking in such high elevations, you may come across unexpected situations. Therefore, it is essential to get travel insurance for Langtang Trek.

Make sure to choose a policy that covers emergency helicopter evacuation, medical costs, natural disasters, theft, and losses. While several companies provide travel insurance, we advise you to get it from World Nomads. The best thing about World Nomads is that you can claim, buy, or extend the policy anytime online from anywhere — even while traveling.

Guided VS Independent

Guided VS Independent Trek Langtang

Since Langtang Valley Trek is a moderate walk, you can do it both independently or with a guide. If you’re planning a solo adventure and have prior trekking experience, this trek is an excellent choice for you. The route does not disperse into other trails, and occasional signposts mark the entire trail. Therefore, the risk of taking the wrong path is very minimal.

Altitude is the primary threat while trekking to Langtang Valley. Stay aware and precautious regarding this factor.

Trekking independently is relatively cheaper than hiring a guide, but you need to deal with hassles of transportation, teahouses, food and permit. It is always handy to have an experienced guide at high altitude treks. The guide will assist you throughout the trek and will make sure of your safety.

An experienced guide will also know about the place, culture, people, and the mountains. You’ll also get more in-depth information about the valley if you hire an experienced guide.

Accommodation and Food

Accommodation in Langtang Valley

On Langtang Valley Trek, you will mostly stay at the teahouses, which provide rooms, food, and basic amenities like wifi, hot shower, and charging facilities. On the lower reaches of Langtang Valley Trek, you will get high standard rooms with attached bathrooms. These teahouses will offer standard services but may charge you higher than normal rates. Some of the teahouses provide device charging facilities at free of cost.

As you get higher on the trail, teahouses provide only essential services with twin shared rooms. The rooms have two single beds, a thin mattress, a pair of bedsheets, and a cushion. The toilets are usually on a sharing basis without the facility of running water. You’ll have to pay the additional amount for a hot shower, wifi, and charging facilities.

These teahouses also have their restaurant, serving meals to the guests. The choices in the menu are limited, but portions of the food will be quite substantial and filling. Generally, the menu offers Dal Bhat, chowmein, omelet, fried potatoes, pancakes, Tibetan bread, and soups. The non-veg items include yak meat, canned fish, and chicken.

Langtang Valley Trek Cost

Langtang Valley Trek Cost

The plenty of factors like trek duration, transportation, type of trek, and season determine the cost of the trek. On average, the total cost of 8-day Langtang Valley Trek can be around US$ 300-400.

You’ll require TIMS Card and Langtang National Park Entry Permits to trek to Langtang Valley. For individual trekkers, the cost of the TIMS Card is US$ 18 while for group trekkers, it is US$ 9 her head. Additionally, the National Park Entry Permit costs US$ 27 per person.

The charge of the teahouses depends on season. Generally, the rooms in Langtang will cost approximately US$ 5 to 10 per night with an additional US$ 4 to 6 per meal.

A local bus from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi will cost about US$ 6-8 per person at par various transport companies. You can also take a local jeep that will cost you around US$ 8-10. Additionally, you can also hire a private jeep for $150 for a group of 6 to 7 people.

If you hire a licensed guide, they will charge you US$ 22 to 25 per day. If you hire a porter,  it’ll cost you approximately US$ 15 to 18 per day. If you want to hire a porter-guide, they’ll charge you US$ 18 to 20 per day.

Packing List for Langtang Valley Trek

Packing List for Langtang Valley Trek

  • Duffel Bags
  • Trekking Shirt: Pack at least 5 to 7 shirts balancing both long and short.
  • Trekking Trousers: Carry a minimum of 2 trekking trousers with a couple of shorts.
  • Base Layer: Pack a couple of wool base layers to stay protected from the cold in the upper reaches of the trek.
  • Insulation Layer: We recommend you pack a high-quality fleece jacket.
  • Outer Layer: Carry a warm and waterproof jacket for extreme weather.
  • Waterproof Shell Jacket: Pack a pair of waterproof jackets for wet weather.
  • Breathable Underwear: Minimum 5 to 6 pairs of breathable underwear.
  • Hiking Boots: Invest in high-quality waterproof hiking boots. Make sure the boot is lightweight and comfortable.
  • Trainers/Sandals: It is handy to carry a pair of trainers or sandals.
  • Hiking Socks: You should carry 4-6 pairs of breathable hiking socks.
  • Thermal Socks: A pair of thermal socks to keep your feet protected from the cold in the higher altitudes.

Head Wears:

  • Sun Protection Hat: Carry a protection hat to protect your face from the harsh sun.
  • Beanie: An absolute must to keep yourself warm, especially during the evening and night.
  • Buff/Neck Gaiter: This small piece of gear comes in handy to protect your neck from the cold winds and also helps you stay protected from the dust.
  • Inner Gloves: Pack light inner gloves as they can be useful when the temperature is moderate.
  • Outer Gloves: You’ll be wearing them in the upper reaches of the trek. Outer gloves need to be insulated, warm, and waterproof.

Sleeping Bags:

Sleeping bags are the most crucial gears while trekking in the Langtang region. With basic rooms and sleeping facilities, you can never rely on the teahouses for warm, decent blankets.

Therefore, we advise you to invest in a high-quality, 4-season sleeping bag while trekking in Langtang.

Important Accessories:

  • Trekking Poles
  • Water Bottle
  • Basic Medical Kits
  • UV Protection Sunglasses
  • Water Purification Tablets
  • Hand Sanitizers
  • Sunscreen/Lip Balm
  • Trekking Towels
  • Portable Chargers

Network Information

Both Ncell and NTC networks do not work in the Langtang Valley. Once you depart from Kathmandu, NTC services are not available, and Ncell works only up to Lama Hotel. Sky Network is the most preferred telecommunication service in the Langtang Valley. Sky Network works throughout the entire trek, from the lower reaches up to the higher elevations.

Remember, phone services may not be consistent throughout the entire region. Due to the inconsistency of networks, the mobile internet will also be unstable. However, most of the teahouses do provide WiFi facilities, but it might cost you a few extra bucks.

The majority of the teahouses in Langtang have landline phones. In case of emergencies, landline phones are the best way to connect with your emergency contacts.

Useful Tips for Langtang Valley Trekking

Useful Tips for Langtang Valley Trekking

  • While trekking in the upper reaches of Langtang Valley, you’re in a constant threat of suffering from acute mountain sickness (AMS). It is crucial to drink more water and take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself from altitude sickness.
  • Packing the right equipment is essential while trekking to Langtang Valley. If you do not wish to buy all the expensive trekking gears, we advise you to rent them in Kathmandu.
  • Although Langtang Valley Trek is a relatively moderate trek, it requires a certain level of physical fitness. We suggest you engaging in cardio-oriented activities like cycling, swimming and running, a month before the trek.
  • It is not advisable to buy bottled waters as they pollute the trekking trail. We highly recommend you to fill up the water at the teahouses and use water purifiers to treat the water.
  • Invest in high-quality hiking boots. If you’re planning to trek to Langtang Valley during monsoon or winter, buy waterproof boots that have sturdy soles.
  • Before you go for trekking to Langtang Valley, get proper travel insurance that covers both medical costs and helicopter evacuation.
  • Carry enough cash on the trek. ATMs are not available on the trail.

Accommodation in Kathmandu

Recommended travel agencies for langtang valley trek.

  • Himalayas on Foot
  • Magical Nepal
  • Mosaic Adventure
  • Nepal Eco Adventure

Recommended Books and Guidebooks

  • A Trekking Guide to Langtang
  • Lonely Planet Nepal (Travel Guide)
  • The Rough Guide to Nepal
  • Trekking in Langtang, Helambu & Gosainkund
  • Climate Change and the Extreme Events in the Himalayas
  • High Adventure
  • The Snow Leopard

1.   Is it possible to do the Langtang Valley Trek solo/independently?

Langtang Valley Trek is a short and moderate walk in the Himalayas of Nepal. It is possible to do solo as well as in a group. The trail does not diverge in multiple routes and it occasionally marks the signposts. So, the trekkers do not stray off the path.

2.   How likely am I to suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness in Langtang Valley Trek?

Keep in mind, Langtang Valley Trek exceeds the elevation of 3000m above sea level. Once you cross the height of 3000m, the possibility of suffering from altitude sickness becomes higher. Therefore, it is crucial to drink more water and take the necessary precautions to stay safe from AMS.

3.   What type of accommodation can I expect in Langtang Trek?

In the lower region of Langtang, there are plenty of high standard lodges and teahouses that provide quality services. However, these teahouses are relatively expensive than the common one.

In the upper reaches of the trek, the teahouses offer rooms in sharing basis and other basic facilities.

4.   Is it safe to drink water in Langtang Valley Trek?

No, it is not safe to drink water directly from local streams or taps while trekking in the Langtang region. Bottled water is quite expensive on the trail. It is advisable to carry your bottle and fill the water in the teahouses. Carry water purifiers or SteriPen purifiers to treat the water before drinking.

5.   Do I need travel insurance before trekking to Langtang Valley?

While travel insurance is not mandatory, it is highly advisable to have one in high altitude treks. Even though Langtang Valley is a short and moderate, trekking in such high elevation is risky. Therefore, it is advisable to have proper travel insurance that covers all the necessary costs.

Langtang Valley Trek is a short and moderate trek in the Himalayas of Nepal. Easily accessible from Kathmandu, this trek is an excellent opportunity that rewards trekkers with authentic experience and warm hospitality.

Langtang Trek is an ideal choice for people who are looking to escape the massive crowd of Everest and Annapurna. It offers a diverse landscape, unique culture, beautiful scenery, and panoramic mountain spectacles.

Langtang Valley is also a perfect adventure destination to discover rare wildlife and plants. Carrying a decent camera is highly advisable as this trek offers plenty of opportunities to capture picture-perfect photographs.

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Everything You Need To Know About The Langtang Valley Trek

langtang trek reddit

Most of you have probably never heard of the Langtang Valley or Langtang National Park, right? Or heard anything about this unknown but beautiful trekking circuit in Nepal, only a relative short drive from the chaos of Kathmandu. If you have ever been lucky enough to be walking around the streets of the capital on an exceptionally clear day, the mountains you will be seeing are those of the Langtang National Park.

So what to expect on the Langtang Valley trek? Stunning and often blooming rhododendron forests, Tibetan villages with some of the friendliest people on earth, exceptional hiking and often challenging sections along the Langtang Khola (river), valleys of waterfalls to 360-degree views of snowcapped peaks including that of Langtang Lirung, a 7,200 metre mountain.

langtang valley trek 32

Trekking in Langtang Valley is mindblowing! In this Langtang Valley Trek blog I will tell you all the things you need to know: places to see, difficulty, where to stop/sleep, trek cost, itinerary and more tips for an incredible experience.

kyangin gompa 2

The Langtang Valley trek has everything that the Everest Basecamp trek and Annapurna Basecamp trek have and the best thing about this Langtang trek is that you’ll pretty much have the whole valley to yourself… apart from a yak or two!

So if you want to get off the beaten path in Nepal travel to Langtang Valley!

langtang region 1

Best time to do the Langtang Valley Trek

October and November are the ideal months to put on your hiking boots with little rain, good amounts of sunshine and warmth at lower altitudes. On higher grounds it already starts to get colder so prepared yourself well for the Langtang trekking.

langtang valley trek 18

Spring is also perfection from late March to May as Rhododendron’s bloom and wildflowers pop up all over the valley. This time of the year makes the Langtang stand out from other trekking circuits in Nepal.

In summer don’t be put off by the warmer weather below Lama Hotel because the higher you go, the colder it will get especially once you pass Langtang Village (from day 3 onwards). Chances of rain are significantly higher these months.

I did the Langtang Valley trek in the first week of June and temperatures were perfect for trekking. There was a slight chance of rain from day to day, but only one day it actually rained for about 2 hours. We found shelter in a tea house and order a pot of tea. Also magical! Unfortunately our days were mostly clouded, nevertheless it was an absolutely amazing lifetime experience.

kyangin gompa

Langtang trek difficulty

In general I found the Langtang trekking a bit more challenging than the Annapurna Basecamp trek, especially the first two days were long and tough to get through. From day 3 onwards it flattens out a little more and the trek becomes easier. In terms of altitude the Langtang Valley trek is pretty easy as the last village of the valley, Kyanjin Gompa, lies at only 3,800 / 12,500 foot.

langtang trek difficulty

These donkeys are only for transportation of goods. They look sweet and innocent, but one tried to kick me so be careful! You don't want to get injured while trekking in Langtang Valley.

If you scroll down on this blog you will find the Langtang trek itinerary in where I describe every day including the difficulty per day.

Personally, I would not worry about the Langtang Valley Trek difficulty too much. The first two days of any trekking are always hard. Every though start requires a little determination, but once you get through that and you start seeing the beauty of the surrounding mountain peaks then you will only be smiling.

langtang region 4

Do you need a porter/guide?

When trekking the Annapurna Basecamp in 2013 I did not have a guide nor a porter. In all honesty I don’t think you need one for the Langtang Trek either, but…

My Langtang valley trek was with a group of 10 people and we had 1 amazing guide and 5 porters. Although you don’t need someone to guide you (there is only one way up) our guide was such an amazing addition to our team it was lovely to have him around. The same counted for the porters!

langtang region 5

By hiring a team of porters and a guide you are contributing to local communities by offering these people a job. On top of that Nepali people are some of the friendliest in the world and having their smiling faces around you will surely cheer you up in times that the Langtang trekking is difficult. Also you don’t have to worry about guesthouses, meals, trip planning, etc. They fix it for you!

langtang trekking 1

I hardly brought anything and only had my standard blue little backpack that I am now traveling around the world with for the last couple years. Which one? Click here to check out my Pacsafe .

What to pack for the Langtang Valley trek

For a comprehensive Nepal packing list be sure to visit my article in the link. There you will find everything you need to bring on the Langtang trek. Below in my list of Langtang Valley tips you can already find a couple essential things to bring.

langtang trek 4

9 Langtang Valley tips

1. where to sleep in langtang valley.

The trekking is a so-called tea house trekking. Basically you hike from mountain village to mountain village. Some villages consist of 50 houses, some of only 5. But no worries there are plenty guesthouses everywhere scattered along the trek. Accommodation is very basic but warm and cosy. Staying at the local guesthouses are one of the best things about trekking in Nepal in general.

langtang trek 5

Bring toilet paper! Western toilets are a rarity on the Langtang Valley trek. Some newer guesthouses in the bigger villages (Langtang Village and Kyanjin Gompa) have western toilets, but for the rest it will be squat toilets. My best tip is to start practicing! :)

First off have no expectations! If you prepare for the worst than all will be fine. Yes there are showers along the Langtang Valley Trek, but hot water is NOT guaranteed or chargeable. Don’t expect a hair dryer or any luxury item! So time your showers right…

On my 7-day trek in Langtang I had 3 hot showers. At the start and end of the Langtang trek in Shyaphru Besi and when we stayed at Langtang Village.

Make sure to carry enough cash on you to last the entirety of the trip from Kathmandu to Kyanjin Gompa and back as there are no ATM’s along the way. I will talk about the Langtang trek cost later, but better bring too much cash than a little too less. In the end of the day you are supporting local villages in the Langtang Valley and it feels good to spend money on these amazingly lovely people.

5. Phone signal

One of my favorite things about trekking in Nepal is that I can completely switch off. My first big trekking adventure was at Annapurna Basecamp in 2013 when I hiked through the mountains for 15 days. So when I went on the Langtang trekking I was really looking forward to not being online.

Things have changed and even going off the beaten path in Nepal there is a phone signal on the Langtang trek. In my article about the best sim card for Nepal I already explained that in case you are planning to go trekking in Langtang Valley you have to buy a Nepal Telecom sim card as that is the only signal available. There is only a signal in Langtang Village and Kyanjin Gompa, funny enough the two highest located villages at the end of the valley.

Ncell Nepal has no signal! I had an Ncell sim card and therefore still disconnected and I can tell you it feels amazing! :)

langtang valley nepal

6. Wifi available

Nowadays there is even WiFi! So in case you really want to be connected to the internet you can buy internet access for a couple dollars. It costs about $10 for 1GB and you can use it in several guesthouse around Langtang Village and Kyanjin Gompa. Don’t expect high speed internet but I saw some other people using Instagram and Facebook with the Wifi.

7. Bring powerbanks

Most guesthouses will let you charge your electronic devices for free, others ask less than a dollar. But electricity plugs are limited so it is better to bring a couple strong powerbanks with you.

8. Tipping guides/porters

It is normal to tip your guides and porters. I am not 100% sure anymore but I think we tipped $30 per person with 10 people and dived the tip over the guide and the porters. The smile on their faces was priceless.

langtang trek 7 days 1

9. Langtang Trekking permit

Trekking in the Langtang Valley requires a TIMS card or a ‘Trekkers Information Management System’. These cards cost around 5,000 Nepalese Rupees ($44) and can be purchased enroute to the trailhead of the Langtang Valley or at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.

A TIMS is a requirement for every major trekking in Nepal. Along with a TIMS, you are going to need to pay an entry fee for Langtang National Park. The Langtang National Park Entry Permit costs 3,000 Nepalese Rupees ($26).

Make sure you carry extra passport photos and a copy of your passport before purchasing a TIMS or National Park Permit as this will help the officers collect information for your TIMS.

langtang region 2

Best Langtang trek itinerary

The most common Langtang trek itinerary is 7 days. Including the drive from and back to Kathmandu this Langtang Valley trek itinerary is 9 days.

langtang valley trek map

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Shyaphru Besi

  • Distance: 120 kilometers (75 miles).
  • Time: 9-11 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

Getting to the trailhead of any trekking in Nepal is an adventure in itself meaning that nearly all adventures are bound to start in Kathmandu and may take up to half a day or more merely to get to the starting point of your trek.

Day 1 is more of a travel day, a really long one so make sure you are packed and ready to hit the road as early as possible to avoid the chaotic traffic of Kathmandu. Ideally, 05.00 or 06.00 in the morning is the perfect time to leave the city to avoid most of the crazy traffic.

Shyaphru Besi is located some 5 hours from the main road connecting Kathmandu and Pokhara and if you get out of the city before the traffic crawls to a stop, the whole trip either by bus or jeep should not take more than 9 hours.

Bus and jeep days can be long so make sure you charge up your phone or bring a book along to help pass the time. But prepare yourself for an at times horrible trip. Sorry I can’t make it sound better. The roads are really those of your worst nightmares! LOL

Oh and it is dusty! Like really dusty… :) A Langtang trekking tip I would like to tell everyone is to fix a vehicle with AC, like closed windows kind of bus/jeep! The dust is killing, or buy a mouthpiece!

how to get to langtang valley

Once at the trailhead, Shyaphru Besi is the last main town you will pass for the next week so be sure to have all the things to bring for the Langtang trek. Another good tip is to stock up on trail-snacks at Shyaphru Besi as the higher you climb into the Langtang Valley, the more expensive things become.

Day 2: From Shyaphru Besi to Lama Hotel

  • Difficulty: Hard (long and tiring)
  • Time: up to 8 hours
  • Altitude: From 1,460 to 2,470 meter, total of 1,010 meters (3,310 ft) ascent.

langtang valley trek 3

Hiking out of Shyaphru Besi is a good feeling and knowing that you have officially put on the hiking boots and headed for the Himalaya is an even better feeling. The Langtang Valley trek has started! The first few kilometers of the trek involve swing bridges decorated with colourful flags and a first glimpse of the Langtang Khola which is a mighty river originating from the Langtang Glacier.

langtang valley trek blog 1

The first hour of the trek is quite flat following parts of an unfinished road and a rather mild mule track but that all changes once you arrive in the town of Pahare where a seemingly endless barrage of ups and downs occur over the course of the next 4 or 5 hours.

Fueling up or eating when trekking at altitude is essential so don’t forget to have lunch and plenty of water. Bamboo is an idyllic place to rest before pushing on through the thick native forests.

langtang valley trek 43

Me and my guide at Bamboo.

After resting up at Bamboo, you will notice the steep, rocky walls of the Langtang Khola which rise sharply into the sky. If you are lucky enough, Langurs are a species of monkey common to the area and can be seen bounding from tree to tree in search of fruit and new leaf shoots. High on the rocky walls are ginormous hives of honey often 1 to 2 metres in circumference which are extremely difficult to get to and harvest.

For the remainder of day 1, the trek weaves and winds over loose scree while continuing along the Langtang Khola River.

langtang valley trek 8

Lama Hotel is the name of the town and not a specific hotel and was our first place to sleep on the Langtang trek. Lama Hotel is based on the raging corner of the Langtang Khola while being tucked away into a beautiful patch of forest where curious monkeys often come down from the trees to pinch food from unsuspecting tourists.

The best place to stay in Lama Hotel is the first guesthouse on the left called Friendly Guest House. Everyone was broken that first day and even before dinner we all laid down to take a nap. Day 1 of the Langtang trek definitely was the most difficult one.

Day 3: Lama Hotel to Langtang Village

  • Difficulty: Medium to hard as you will feel the big day from yesterday.
  • Time: up to 7 hours.
  • Altitude: From 2,470 to 3,400 meter, a total of 970 meters (3,200 feet) ascent.

Lama Hotel to Langtang Village is a big day and a welcome change to the ups and downs of Shyaphru Besi to Lama Hotel. Already after 1 day of hiking, the scenery starts to change within the first 2 hours of hiking.

Once you have hiked past the small village of Thomna, the valleys open right up giving stunning views of the towering cliffs and the odd glimpse of Langshisha Ri, a 6,560 metre snowcapped peak still some incredible distance away.

During the 2015 earthquake, the Langtang Valley was one of the most heavily affected regions in Nepal so you will notice large areas of debris, ruined houses and remnants of the recent earthquake. As the region is now stable, there are times where you will see plumes of dust after loosened rocks gravitate their way to the valley floor.

With towering cliffs all around, waterfalls are a common sight.

Enroute to Langtang village, there are a few good options for a meal and a cup of hot tea my favourite being Chyamki, a tiny village just before Langtang village and a mere 45 minutes hike away. What makes Chyamki so incredible the fact that it just survived from being wiped off the map in the 2015 earthquake.

Today, an area the size of 30 or more football fields divides Chyamki from Langtang Village. This particular landslide was so intense that it dislodged a glacier which slid from high up in the mountains above and to get from one village to another, you have to cross the remnant glacier by foot!

Langtang Village sits at 3,400 meters and is the first place from where you will get to take in the ultimate Himalayan views at a relatively close distance. To the north of the village, the Luri Himal can be seen, a 6,905 meter mountain peak. This particular chain of mountains connect to Langtang Lirung but more on that later!

With the Langtang Village being affected by the 2015 earthquake, many guesthouses are still being built but there are plenty to choose from. The good thing about all these new guesthouses is that they mostly have a western toilet and a proper hot shower.

langtang village 1

Langtang Village was the only place on the trekking where I took a hot shower. Don’t judge me, it is normal to take only 1 shower a week when trekking in Nepal. By the way I tried washing myself in the Langtang Khola River but damn you need a thick skin for that: COLD!!!!

Day 4: Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa

  • Difficulty: fairly easy as it is mostly flat/very slowly ascending.
  • Time: up to 4 hours.
  • Altitude: From 3,400 to 3,800 meter, a total of 400 meters (1,300 feet) ascent.

Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa is a slow going day despite its short distance. As the trail progresses, the valley opens right up and reveals stunning peaks in all directions.

As soon as you put Langtang Village behind there is a short steep climb for about 20 minutes, but then the trail flattens and follows Mani walls which are long rock walls with hand carved Buddhist writings imbedded into slabs of rock. Walking past Mani walls requires you to walk on the left-hand side which is a sign of respect for Buddhism and Hinduism which are prevalent in Nepal.

With only a few ups and downs, the hike is straightforward giving you time to take in the sights of a stupa at Yamphu which can be entered. In the middle of the stupa is a prayer wheel of gigantic proportions that spins as it is pushed while butter lamps flicker with the entering breeze.

yamphu stupa kyangin gompa langtang

From the Yamphu stupa, it is a matter of 30 minutes uphill hike to Kyanjin Gompa.There are several ways to reach Kyanjin Gompa, I recommend to take the high route over the big hanging bridge from where you have amazing views over one of the glaciers in the Langtang Valley.

langtang trekking 2

Once you arrive in the small but charming town of Kyanjin Gompa, be prepared to be blown away by the closeness of Himalayan giants. Every direction you set your eyes upon, mountains pierce the sky while glaciers, seracs and chutes of snow bound the imposing mountain faces.

For now, take the rest of the afternoon off to acclimatize so sit back with a cup of tea and enjoy the views! Chilling out in Kyanjin Gompa taking in these views with a hot tea was one of my highlights of the Langtang Valley trekking.

langtang trek 1

Day 5: Rest/acclimatisation day at Kyanjin Gompa

There’s nothing more important than having a rest day or even two when hiking at altitude. Acclimatization allows your body to adapt to the change in atmospheric pressure. The higher in altitude you are, the less oxygen is available so there are a few key things to do to help your body adjust.

langtang region 6

Drink More Water! Dehydration at altitude is common. When conditions are colder you may not want to consume water or fluids, but you’ll need to drink as much as possible until you become hydrated.

Drink Less Alcohol! Look who’s talking! But seriously guys, alcohol and altitude DO NOT go hand in hand. Wait until you are at a reasonable level, preferably when descending before consuming alcohol. Or just when you know you are going down.

In all honesty we got freaking drunk on day 6 in Kyanjin Gompa after we climbed to Kyanjin Ri. :)

Go High, Sleep Low! Possibly one of the best techniques for adapting to higher altitudes. A simple method of hiking to a higher altitude than to where you are going to sleep that night. Hiking to an altitude of already 200 meters higher than your accommodation and turning around will drastically help you sleep at night.

Don’t Forget to Eat! At altitude, your body consumes a lot of energy so make sure you have had an adequate meal before going to bed.

Take naps! Sleeping is by far the most important thing to do while at altitude. Sleeping at altitude can be strange with lucid, real life dreams occurring almost nightly to restless nights where you might not get any shut eye at all. Nights in the Himalaya and guesthouses can be long as they are very different to that of a western house so bring a book to read or music to listen to and that might help you sleep.

I usually sleep bad in the mountains. I tend to wake up in the middle of the night and can’t fall back asleep, because of my aching body. I seriously felt like I was suffering insomnia the first days on the Langtang Valley trek.

Now for exploring the village of Kyanjin Gompa!

langtang region 3

With a rest day at hand, make sure to get out of the guesthouse to stretch your legs. Without doing anything too extravagant, you can walk to the nearby Yak Cheese Factory and sample a rather tasty delicacy of the high Himalaya.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, I recommend going for a short walk to a lone stupa looking out to the incredible 7,227 meter Langtang Lirung peak which takes around 1 hour return.

langtang trekking 3

Day 6: Summit Kyanjin Ri and back to Kyanjin Gompa

  • Difficulty: Hard! This day involves some serious climbing, don't underestimate it.
  • Time: up to 6 hours.
  • Altitude: From 3,800 to 4,770 meter, a total of 970 meters (3,200 feet) ascent and back down.

Kyanjin Ri a peak adjacent to Kyanjin Gompa and a good challenge providing exceptional views of Langtang Lirung, Yala Peak and the Dorje/ Kangjala Himal.

The hike to Kyanjin Ri can be divided into two parts with the first being a rocky outcrop perched at 4,300 meters. As the hike is quite a jump in altitude, be sure to spend 30 to 45 minutes here before pressing on to the summit of Kyanjin Ri.

langtang valley trek 25

Kyanjin Ri is further away than it appears and is a lot steeper than you would imagine. A beautiful ridgeline precariously fades into the distant with the Kinshung and Yubra peak dominating the view. Depending on your level of fitness, the summit of Kyanjin Ri can be reached within 1 hour, preferably take your time to avoid altitude sickness related problems.

langtang trek 2

The views from the top of Kyanjin Ri are outstanding with enhanced views of Langtang Lirung as well as the gnarly ridgeline and summit of Kinshung Peak. When you are lucky you can even see the Shishapangma mountain just across the border in Tibet/China. This is the 14th highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8,027 meters (26,335 ft).

langtang valley glacier

When I was climbing to the top of Kyanjin Ri it started raining and I almost aborted my mission. Luckily I decided a little while later to continue and I’m extremely happy I did. Reaching the top of a mountain probably is one of the most rewarding feeling there is!

kyanjin ri summit 4770m

A long time ago in 2008 I did my first mountaineering trip in Bolivia to the summit of a mountain 6,088 meters (19,980 ft) above sea level. Until today it is one of my best travel adventures from around the world.

Descending from the summit can take 2 hours at the most but be careful as there are lots of loose, rocky sections.

langtang trek itinerary 2

Day 7: From Kyanjin Gompa back down to Lama Hotel

  • Difficulty: Easy! From this day onwards it is all downhill.
  • Time: 6 to 8 hours.
  • Altitude: 1,440 meters (4725 ft) descent.

The Langtang Valley Trek as you might have noticed is a return trek unless you are thinking of combining the Panch Pokhari Trek which can be done by taking a high route just past Kyanjin Gompa.

langtang valley trek 35

As for the return part of the trek, you can do it in a few different ways depending on the time you have allowed yourself in Langtang Valley. If you are thinking of changing up the trek on the way back down, you could possibly stay at a different guesthouse in a different town or village.

Nearly 95% of the trek is downhill and the elevation that you will lose is guaranteed to give you a good night’s rest.

langtang valley trek blog 3

Due to our time restraints, we chose to hike back to Lama Hotel which took 8 hours and stayed at the same guesthouse due to the awesome hospitality provided. The party already started in Kyanjin Gompa, but when we got our hands on a couple more bottles of Nepali rum we got completely hammered at Lama Hotel.

langtang trekking 5

Day 8: Lama Hotel to Shyaphru Besi

  • Difficulty: easy/medium. It just drags along and you want to get back to civilisation!
  • Time: 6 hours
  • Altitude: 1,010 meters (3,310 feet) descent.

Once again, due to time restraints we were unable to extend our time in the Langtang Valley however if you have sufficient time towns like Bamboo and Hotspring provide all your needs for an overnight stay off the beaten path in Nepal. Both Bamboo and Hotspring are meters away from the Langtang Khola giving you a soothing soundtrack to your relaxation after a day on the trail.

When doing the Annapurna Basecamp trekking in 2013 I loved it so much that I was probably the slowest trekker on the mountain. If you have time, take your time! You won’t regret being an extra day close to nature and it cuts the long walk down into two as well.

If you decide to press on for Shyaphru Besi, today is much like the first day with a decent amount of ups and downs, swing bridges and warm temperatures.

After a week or more in the Langtang Valley, Shyaphru Besi is a welcoming site with a hot shower very much on the cards.

Day 9: Back to Kathmandu!

I hope all the above Langtang Valley trek tips were helpful and it got you excited to go off the beaten path in Nepal. May you have any questions please hit me up on my Instagram @traveltomtom . Here you will also find some more stories and videos of my Langtang trekking. Curious what to bring to Nepal then click on my packing list article and read what to put in your suitcase. Also inspiring to read is one of my first ever articles about the Poonhill trekking . A short but great trekking in the Annapurna region to one of the most amazing viewpoints in the Himalayas.

langtang trek itinerary 1

Curious how to be able to travel the world full time ? Click on the link to read my story or see here how to make money from travel blogging .

Enjoy your trip to Langtang Valley!

Tel: +977 1 4531610 , 01-4526721

Email: [email protected]

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LANGTANG: Explore the Nature and Culture of Mountain

LANGTANG: Explore the Nature and Culture of Mountain

The variety of treks in Nepal is something that not every country around the globe can challenge. The country of Great Himalayas is a major destination for anyone who dares to conquer some of the highest mountains in the world. Along with the world famous Everest trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek, the Langtang valley is yet another popular destination among the trekkers all around the world.

Table of Contents

About Langtang Valley

Far from the bustling cities, away from the crowd and pollution, there are many valleys and villages in Nepal where one can find real pleasure and adventure. Langtang valley is such one valley which comes in the list. Langtang lies in the Himalayas of Nepal and is also easily accessible from Kathmandu; the capital city of Nepal. The Southern border of the region is only 32 kilometers away from Kathmandu. Thus, Langtang region provides a trekker with a wonderful chance to conquer the handful of beautiful destinations in the region without going very far from the capital city.

The Langtang valley is known as the “treasure house” of Alpine plants. Beautiful flowers in the summer beautify the Langtang valley in a very beautiful manner. The alpine vegetation and the forests of rhododendrons and oaks are the home to numerous animals which includes Red Panda and Snow Leopard.

Langtang_valley

The ethnicity of Langtang Region

The Tamang are the indigenous people living in the Langtang area. The people live a very simple life with tourism and yak farming major source of their livelihood. However, their languages, costumes and their religious practices are similar to the Tibetans. It is also said that they are originally from Kerung, Tibet who later mixed with the Tamang from Helambu region. The traditional houses made up of stone, beautifully carved wooden porches and the beautiful Gompas add more beauty to the Himalayan valley of Langtang. The Langtang valley is a perfect reflection of the mixture of natural beauty and the culture of Tamang communities.

Despite the huge natural beauty and cultural experience, the Langtang is still among the least explored trekking destinations in Nepal. The trekking around the region came into light only after the British mountaineer Bill Tilman entitled the valley as “the most beautiful valley in the world” after his exploration of the valley in 1949.

Best Time to Trek around Langtang Region

The best time of the year to trek around the Langtang valley is autumn (Sep – mid-Dec), and spring (March-May). This is because the climates during these periods of the year are mild and generally dry, making your trek easier to accomplish. The autumn offers the trekkers with the spectacular views of the mountains while the spring will please you with the wilderness and beautiful rhododendron blooms.

However, this does not mean that trekking in other seasons of the year must be strictly avoided. The mid-December to February is the winter and the climate is extremely cold with heavy snowfall in the area. Most of the teahouses in the trail are also found to be closed during this time of the year. Likewise, the summer and monsoon are dominated by the rainfall that makes the trail slippery. The leeches are more common and the mountain views might be disturbed during the monsoon. However, if you are all ready to face these challenges, you will be awarded the best of the wildflowers. The number of trekkers during this time of the year is also comparatively few which provide a greater probability to interact with the locals.

The Mountains of Langtang

There is no doubt that the Langtang region offers several mountain views. The Langtang Lirjung (7,234 m) in the north is the tallest peak in the Langtang region. The south borders with the Chimse Danda ridge, which is crossed by the Ganja La Pass (5,122 m) and Jugal Himal with the highest point of Dorje Lakpa of 6,989 meters.

This is not enough though. The other peaks in Langtang includes Langtang Himal( 6,475 m), Mt Gangchhempo (7,246 m), Kimsung (6,745 m), Ganesh Himal I (7,406 m), Ganesh Himal II (7,150 m), Ganesh Himal III (7,130 m), Langshisha Ri (6,310 m), Morimoto (6,750 m), Pongen Dooku (5,930 m), Yala Peak (5,560 m), Ganjala Chuli (5,844 m), Tembthang (5,702 m) and Mount Manaslu (8,163 m).

mountains_in_Langtang

Apart from the mountains, the snow glaciers are also the other attractions of the Langtang region. Langtang is one of the richest homes of Glaciers in Nepal with almost 70 glaciers. These glaciers are something which completes the Langtang region. Plus the lakes are also an integral part of the Langtang region. Lake Gosaikunda, Parvatikunda, and Dudhkunda are among the lakes which are not only beautiful for eyes to capture but also carry religious importance.

Langtang National Park

The beautiful pristine National Park covers the majority of the Langtang area. The national park is the fourth national park in the country and lies at the altitude of 6,450 meters. Spread over the total area of 1,710 sq km (660 sq mi), the national park was established as the first Himalayan national park of Nepal in 1976. The sacred lake Gosaikunda also falls within the area of the park. The highest point in the park is the Langtang Lirjung Mountain (7,245 m).

The park harbors many species of plants, 21 among them being endemic to the park. There is the abundant growth of birch, silver fir, Sorbus microphyla, and twisted Rhododendron camapanlatum near the tree line. However, the Sal ( Shorea robusta ) dominates the southern part of the park.

Likewise, the national park is home to a wide range of animals. The Assamese monkey, grey wolf, Red Panda, clouded leopard, snow leopard, musk deer, and Tibetan sheep are common animals in the park. The temperate forest in the park is home to the Black bears. Adding on, the park is home to more than 250 species of birds among which 12 species are under the list of globally threatened list. The park also supports many wetland-dependent birds.

Lantang_national_park

Trekking in Langtang Region

Trekking in the Langtang region is a wonderful trek to experience with many mountain peaks and rich diversity. Several routes are available to trek around the Langtang valley. Each route will provide amazing views of the mountain peaks, mixed culture and traditional lifestyle of the local people. You can also go camping in the region which adds more life to your trek. This will provide an extra chance to get closer to the local community and lifestyle. Here are the trekking destinations that Langtang valley offers to you:

Tamang Heritage Trekking

The Langtang Trek offers the trekkers with an opportunity to get another step closer to the local culture of the region. The Tamang Heritage Trek will guide you through the local lifestyle of the region on the lap of Langtang range and the Ganesh Himal.

Nepal Sanctuary Treks offers the trekkers with total 11 days long trekking package of Tamang Heritage Trek with an aim to learn the interesting, an ancient and a unique lifestyle of Tamang with a blend of the stunning scenery of the nature. The trading route between Tibet and Nepal also falls within the trek.

The livelihood of the people is mainly based on agriculture and animal husbandry. Starting from Syabru Besi, you will continue trekking via Tatopani, Thuman, Timure, and Birdim. You will see the locals dressed up beautifully in their traditional customs. The trekkers can also enjoy the local dances and songs at Golijung, Brimdang and Gatlang villages near the Tibetan border.

Explore the Traditional and Untouched Heritage and Lifestyle of Indigenous Tamang People.

Ruby valley and ganesh himal trek.

Ruby Valley and Ganesh Himal Trek is a wonderful adventure walk through the path of Bill Tillman; the first explored the Langtang valley. The trek serves the trekkers with the unspoiled Tamang and Gurung villages, beautiful farm terraces and the mesmerizing views of the Ganesh Himal and various mountains of the Annapurna, Langtang, and Manaslu region. The trail takes you through the beautiful forest of Rhododendron and the majestic waterfalls. The trekking from the Ruby valley can also be extended up to Tsum valley if you are really looking for more adventure in the Himalayas.

Laurabina La Trek

The Laurabina La Trek around the Langtang valley is a challenging yet a beautiful trek to accomplish. The incredible mountain ranges and the sacred Gosaikunda lake are the major attractions of the trek. The lake is a religious site for the Hindus. According to the ledgends,  Lord Shiva created the pond by cutting a glacier to drink water after swallowing poison.

Gosaikunda_lakes

The cheese factory also comes along the trail which you can pay a visit if you want. The  17 days long trek will take you not only through the holy lake and mountain views but also offers an amazing wilderness experience. You might also encounter troops of monkeys and the Tibetan snow cock on your way. The Buddhist prayer flags beautifully decorate the trail. Kyanjin Gompa and Sing Gompa are the Buddhist monasteries that occur in the trail.

Langtang Trek

Trekking to Langtang is a  classic trek that drives the trekkers through the ethnic , beautiful villages and holy Gosaikunda Lake. The Langtang valley, Kyanjin Gompa, Alpine meadows, impressive glaciates valley drive any trekker crazy about the trekking in the region. Starting the trek from Syabru Besi (1420 m) and reaching to Gosaikunda Lake (4,381 m) is the major achievement of the Langtang Trek .

The Langtang Trek is a beautiful trek to the Himalayas that provides with the chance to explore the unique Tibetan culture. The wilderness of flora and fauna and enchanting views of the mountains add an extra flavor.

Langtang Trek for the Perfect Wilderness and Cultural Experience Between the Mountains

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Affiliations & recommendations.

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COMMENTS

  1. Langtang trek / 11 in Nepal / Any advices? : r/Nepal

    Day 1 : KTM - Bamboo (Must reach Syafrubesi at around 1 pm) Day 2 : Bamboo - Ghodatabela (or even up to Langtang Valley) Day 3 : Ghodatabela - Kyanjin Gompa. Day 4 : Kyangin Gompa - Tshergo Ri - Lama Hotel. Day 5 : Lama Hotel - Syafrubesi (back to Ktm on same day if you rent a jeep or the next day on local bus) 2.

  2. Langtang Valley Trek: A Himalayan Adventure : r ...

    The Langtang Valley Trek combines natural beauty, cultural exploration, and a sense of adventure. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a first-timer, Langtang promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Himalayas. Lace up your boots, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Happy trekking!

  3. Is Langtang Trek for beginners? : r/himalayasforever

    A reddit community devoted to preserving and creating awareness about Himalayan heritage, untouched by the modern man ISMs. Members Online Places to visit while on the Mardi Himal Trek.

  4. The Langtang Trek Itinerary: the ultimate guide

    The Langtang trek is also a sustainable choice as you do not need to fly to reach the start of the trail. Syabrubesi is an 8 hour bus journey from Kathmandu. Despite all these advantages, the Langtang trek gets relatively few visitors compared to the Everest and Annapurna regions. If you want to avoid the crowds, Langtang is a great destination.

  5. Langtang Trek

    The one-way trip from Syabru Bensi to Kyanjin Gompa on the Langtang Valley Trek is ~29 KM.Over this distance, the Langtang Valley Trek gains ~3000 meters of elevation and loses ~600 meters of elevation. A round-trip (out and back) hike from Syabru Bensi to Kyanjin Gompa and back to Syabru Bensi is ~58 KM with about 3600 meters of elevation gain and 3600 meters of loss.

  6. Langtang Trek: A Complete Guide to Nepal's Underrated Hike

    The trek is situated in the Langtang Valley, nearby Kathmandu city. It is the perfect destination for someone who wishes to trek to the Himalayas but is looking for a relatively easy route with shorter walks and lower altitude. Although it is close to the city, it is hard to tell. The rich ecosystem of the valley is well preserved.

  7. Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

    The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is a mesmerizing journey that traverses through some of Nepal's most breathtaking landscapes, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and adventurous trails. This trek is a fusion of two incredible routes, the Langtang Valley Trek and the...

  8. Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

    This region lines in the Himalayan region to the north of Kathmandu valley. The Mt. Langtang Lirung (7246 m), the tallest peak of this region, blesses the valley. Some other well-known peaks of this region includes Dorje Lakpa (6,996 m/ 22,854 ft.), Langtang Luriung (7,234 m/ 23,734 ft), Langtang Ri (7,205 m/ 23 638 ft.), and much others.

  9. 8-DAY LANGTANG VALLEY TREK GUIDE (Syabrubesi-Kyanjin Gompa)

    Route: Langtang village (3430m) to Kyanjin Gompa (3870m) to Kyanjin Ri (4773) Trekking time: 6 hours, and then to reach Kyanjin Ri from Kyanjin Gompa 2 hours up, 1-1.5 hours down. Distance: 5.7km / 3.5 miles, and then around 4km / 2.5 miles from the Kyanjin Gompa village to Kyanjin Ri.

  10. Langtang trek

    A 2023 update for the Langtang trek. From the 1st of April 2023, it's compulsory for all international trekkers to have a licensed guide for hiking most routes in Nepal including the Langtang trek. It's a very recent change that was made in March 2023. Unfortunately, it's still unclear if it's compulsory for the Langtang trek or not.

  11. Langtang Valley Trek

    The famed British mountaineer and travel writer, Bill Tilman (1898-1977), called this "one of the world's most beautiful valleys.". The local people in the Langtang Valley are mostly of Tibetan origin and, according to legend, the valley was first discovered by a lama - a teacher of Tibetan Buddhism - who was pursuing a runaway yak.

  12. Gosaikunda

    Lauribina to Gosaikunda. return Gosaikunda to Mokharka. Day - 4. Mokharka to Lama Hotel (Pushed ali) Day-5. Lama Hotel to Kyanjin Gompa (Heavy push about 18kms) Day-6. Kyanjin Gompa to Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri - 5km (6 hrs) back to Langtang Village (8kms) - (arko 6hrs)

  13. A Complete Guide to Langtang Trek

    Langtang Trek is a favorite short trek destination in the Langtang valley located close to Kathmandu city, in the central Himalayas. The 11 days trip takes you across the Langtang National Park through some low and high elevation terrains with natural views and integration of rich Tamang community culture. Bordering closely to Tibet in the north, it offers expansive views of Nepali and Tibetan ...

  14. Langtang Valley Trek: The Essential Guide

    Syabrubesi is the trailhead for the Langtang Valley trek, a small town approximately 115 km north of Kathmandu. You can get there by public bus or private jeep and the journey takes around 5.5 - 9 hours depending on your mode of transport. The road is narrow and twisting at points with occasional steep drop-offs, and includes some bumpy ...

  15. A Guide to the Langtang Valley Trek in Nepal

    The Langtang Valley is one of the most well-known treks in Nepal's central region. The alpine scenery around Langtang valley is very magnificent and spectacular. Langtang trekking takes you through some of Tibet's old monasteries, Tibetan Buddhist culture, and alpine meadows. Langtang's valley floor and alpine slops bloom freely with ...

  16. Langtang National Park Trekking

    Langtang Trek Route Difficulty; The Trekking to Langtang Valley entails climbing up and down narrow, high mountains along a rocky trail. During the journey, you will travel a distance of 60 to 80 kilometers. This entails walking for 6 to 7 hours every day. The Langtang Valley Trekking begins in the town of Syabrubesi, 1550 meters above sea level.

  17. A Complete Guide for Langtang Valley Trek

    28 Jul 2023. Hillary Treks. We have covered what you need for a comprehensive guide to the Langtang Valley Trek, one of the best trekking destinations in Nepal's remote Langtang region. During this trek, you will visit several amazing places in Langtang Lirung, including Langtang National Park, where you can see endangered flora and fauna.

  18. Langtang National Park, Langtang Trek, Nepal. : r/hiking

    View community ranking In the Top 1% of largest communities on Reddit. Langtang National Park, Langtang Trek, Nepal. Related Topics Hiking Outdoors Outdoors and Nature comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment intellectual_punk • ...

  19. A Guide to the Langtang Valley Trek in Nepal

    The couple who owned the lodge were beautiful people and we had a fun night laughing and talking, trying to learn the Tibetan language and traditional dances. It was experiences like this which made the Langtang Valley trek so memorable. Distance: 5km Time: 2 hours Ascended: 315m. Trail up to Kyanjin Ri.

  20. Langtang Valley Trek: Cost, Difficulty, Itinerary, Permits & Weather

    Langtang Valley is a classic trekking destination, located only 61.8km away from aerial distance, north of Kathmandu. Although the Langtang Valley Trek is relatively short, accessible, and cheap, the trails are quieter with less number of trekkers compared to other classic trekking destinations in Nepal.. The trek is ideal for both experienced trekkers as well as novice travel enthusiasts.

  21. Langtang trek guides : r/hiking

    Langtang trek guides Question Hi everybody Me and 3 friends are planning a trek on the langtang valley. We are looking for a guide. Does someone has a suggestion? ... The home of Climbing on reddit. And yes we are scared of falling. Members Online. Death's Head Mask 12d X, Headpointing in the Gunks

  22. Everything You Need To Know About The Langtang Valley Trek

    Time: up to 7 hours. Altitude: From 2,470 to 3,400 meter, a total of 970 meters (3,200 feet) ascent. Lama Hotel to Langtang Village is a big day and a welcome change to the ups and downs of Shyaphru Besi to Lama Hotel. Already after 1 day of hiking, the scenery starts to change within the first 2 hours of hiking.

  23. LANGTANG: Explore the Nature and Culture of Mountain

    Starting the trek from Syabru Besi (1420 m) and reaching to Gosaikunda Lake (4,381 m) is the major achievement of the Langtang Trek. The Langtang Trek is a beautiful trek to the Himalayas that provides with the chance to explore the unique Tibetan culture. The wilderness of flora and fauna and enchanting views of the mountains add an extra flavor.