Langtang, located in the central northern region of Nepal, is home to several natural and cultural treks.
Highlights of Langtang Valley Trek
- Experiencing the warm hospitality of the native Tamang village.
- A visit to a historical and religious Buddhist monastery – Kyanjin Gompa.
- A short hike to Kyanjin Ri (4773 m) and Tserko Ri (4983 m) viewpoints for excellent panoramic mountain views.
- Sunrise view from the Tserko Ri viewpoint.
- Witness various Himalayan peaks, including Langtang Lirung (7234 m).
- Explore Langtang and Kyanjin villages.
- Enjoy local cuisine and locally produced Swiss cheese.
- Cultural immersion of the Tamang community.
- It is one of the safest treks and the closest trek from Kathmandu.
- Bath in a natural hot spring at Tatopani.
Trip Facts
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8 days
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approximately 75 km
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4,984 m/16,351 ft
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Jan-Jun, Sep-Dec
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Tea House & Hotel
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Included
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Kathmandu
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Langtang National Park Permit
Overview
Langtang, located in the central northern region of Nepal, is home to several natural and cultural treks. The valley of Langtang offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and a unique cultural exposure for local as well as foreign tourists. A trek in the midst of traditional Tamang and Sherpa villages, lush forests, and the perfect blend of snow-capped mountains is one thing you do not want to miss. The region’s easy accessibility is another factor contributing to trekking and cultural immersion. One of the best ways to get everything in Langtang is through Langtang Valley Trek.
Langtang Valley Trek is undoubtedly the most beautiful and exciting journey in the Langtang region. The trek guides you along traditional ethnic villages. You will always be accompanied by towering mountain peaks throughout the journey. Situated north of Kathmandu, Langtang Trek Nepal is a beginner-friendly trek that you can easily complete with friends and family.
The fact that the Langtang trek in Nepal passes through Langtang National Park is another exciting news for botanists or any nature novice. The rich flora, fauna, and diverse landscape is a perfect genome for nature enthusiasts.
Itinerary
Drive Route: Kathmandu – Shivapuri – Trishuli – Dhunche – Syabrubesi
Once we have completed our preparation for the Langtang Valley Trek, we will be heading towards Syabrubesi on the 1st day.
Kathmandu to Shivapuri
After breakfast at your hotel, one of our agents will pick you up in a private jeep at around 7 am. We will leave Kathmandu Valley and drive by a beautiful Shivapuri National Park Area to reach Trishuli. This is going to be a half-hour drive.
Shivapuri to Trishuli Bazaar
Driving through the hills of Shivapuri National Park, you can see various landscapes and vegetation. After driving for about 2-3 hours along the Trishuli River, we will reach Trishuli Bazaar around 10–11 am. Trishuli is a small town situated at an elevation of 625 meters and is the headquarters of the Nuwakot district. This is our rest point, where you will have lunch.
Trishuli Bazaar to Dhunche to Syabrubesi
After having a delicious lunch and relaxing for about an hour, we continue our drive to the Langtang region. After driving for about 2 hours, we will cross through Dhunche village. There might be some checking at Dhunche. From Dhunche, it's just an hour drive to Syabrubesi.
If we travel in a private jeep, we might reach Syabrubesi at around 1 or 2 pm. However, taking public transport from Machhapokhari, Kathmandu, might take a couple of hours more.
After reaching Syabrubesi, you can stroll around the town or even play pool. It is a bustling town with more than 20 good guesthouses. You will be staying in one of the best guesthouses, with an attached bathroom, hot showers, Wi-Fi, a variety of food menu items, and so on.
Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 145 km
Trek Route: Syabrubesi – Pairo – Bamboo – Rimche – Lama Hotel
Syabrubesi is the starting point of our Langtang Trek Nepal journey. After a hearty breakfast at your guesthouse, we will start our trek to Lama Hotel around 8 am.
Syabrubesi to Pairo (1675 m)
After an hour's trek through a forest, you will reach the traditional Tamang village, Pairo. There are just 2-3 teahouses. After enjoying a cup of tea, we walk along the roadway to reach Bamboo. You can also see the hydropower being constructed on the route.
Pairo to Bamboo (1970 m)
Bamboo is another 3 hours gradual upward trek from Pairo. Situated along the Langtang River, Bamboo is going to be our lunch station for this day. It is a beautiful village with stunning views of mountains and rivers.
Bamboo to Rimche (2450 m)
After having an invigorating lunch and resting for a couple of hours, we will continue our trek to reach Rimche. Rimche is just a 2-hour uphill trek from Bamboo. During the hike, you will cross a suspension bridge. There is only one teahouse here, where you can rest over a cup of tea.
Rimche to Lama Hotel (2470)
You just have to trek for 40 minutes to reach Lama Hotel and spend the night there. It is an easy downhill trek. There are 6-7 good-quality teahouses in the Lama Hotel. The teahouses provide basic services, Wi-Fi, and a charging plug at the reception desk.
As the teahouses are located inside restricted areas of Langtang National Park, construction and renovation of new teahouses are prohibited. The Lama Hotel lies downhill, so you won’t be seeing any special views. However, you can enjoy the wilderness and the view of the jungle.
Time: 6 hours
Distance: 14 km
Trek Route: Lama Hotel – Riverside – Ghodatabela – Thyangsyapu – Langtang Village
The 3rd day of our Langtang trek itinerary is the longest and the most spectacular day. Trekking through the beautiful forest and stunning mountain view, we will be reaching Langtang village. The trek begins around 7 to 8 am and ends around 4 pm.
Lama Hotel to Riverside (around 2700 m)
The first section of the trek is a little challenging uphill. After 1.5-2 hours, you can reach Riverside. There are only 1 or 2 teashops at Riverside that serve delicious food.
Riverside to Ghodatabela (2972 m)
With 2 hours walk, we will reach Ghodatabela. We are going to rest here and savour delicious lunch here. There are only 2 teahouses here. Remember to enjoy the alluring view of Langtang Lirung and other Langtang Himal ranges, along with the Langtang River and jungle view from Ghodatabela.
Ghodatabela to Thyangsyapu (3140 m)
This part of the trek might be the most challenging part of Langtang Valley Trek Nepal. You need to trek through a steep uphill for about an hour before reaching Thyangsyapu. From Thyangsyapu, you can see one of the most spectacular views of the Langtang ranges.
Thyangsyapu to Langtang Village (3430 m)
The hike from Thyangsyapu to Langtang is about a 1.5-2 hours gradual uphill hike. Hiking through the lush forest gives you a different feeling of excitement. After walking past alpine meadows, you will be at the Langtang Village.
Langtang village is a very old, historic Tibetan village comprised of Buddhist people. There are about 20 newly built, good-quality teahouses here. The new teahouses are cleaner and better, and they provide services such as an attached bathroom, comfortable and warm beds, hot showers, and many other modern services.
You can see the Mani Stone Wall and visit local gompas and an army camp around here. The region faced huge damage from the devastating 2015 earthquake. However, they have been resilient and are reconstructing the village. There are about 40 small houses with around 200 local people. The majority of the people are Tamang.
Trek Route: Langtang Village – Mundu – Kyanjin Gompa – Langtang Glacier - Kyanjin Gompa
The 4th day is going to around 4 hours trek to Kyanjin Gompa. After having breakfast in Langtang Village, we will head to our destination.
Langtang to Mundu (about 3550 m)
Mundu from Langtang Village is about 40 minutes trek. The trek route goes through the flat alpine grassland. Along the route, you can see several Mani walls. There are just a few local settlements and teahouses in Mundu.
Mundu to Kyanjin Gompa (3870 m)
After walking for about 2 hours, we will reach Kyanjin Gompa. On the way, you can see a small hydropower station as we walk past the forest area. We are going to have our lunch here and explore the village.
Hike to Langtang Glacier
Hiking to Langtang Glacier after lunch is optional. If you are too tired to hike up, you can stay at your teahouse and rest or go on a stroll around the village.
The hike to Langtang Glacier is uphill, with meadows on the way. It is the longest glacier in Nepal, with an area of 46.5 sq. km.
About Kyanjin Gompa
Kyanjin Gompa is a picturesque village primarily inhabited by Tibetan Buddhists. Even though the village is situated in a difficult landscape, it is a quiet, beautiful village with around 20-25 teahouses. The rooms in the teahouses have both attached and common bathrooms, hot showers, and Wi-Fi, but they might not have plugs. There is also an old monastery that you can visit.
Today is a rest day, during which you can rest and acclimatize to the altitude. You can stay at your teahouse and share your trekking experience with each other or stroll around the Kyanjin village.
If you are prepared for it, you can also go for a short hike to Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri.
Kyanjin Gompa to Kyanjin Ri (4773 m)
The Kyanjin Ri is situated at an elevation of 4773 meters (15,659 ft). It is the highest point of the Langtang Valley Trek. The viewpoint from the top of the mountain offers an excellent view of Langtang Lirung, Langshisa range, and other Langtang Himalayan ranges.
The Hike to the viewpoint is uphill, taking around 4 hours. There are two viewpoints on the way to the top of the hill: the first is a 1.5-hour hike, and the second is a 2.5-hour hike.
Kyanjin Gompa to Tserko Ri (4983 m)
The hike to Tserko Ri is more challenging but exciting than Kyanjin Ri. It takes 6-7 hours. Our path traverses through yak pastures, offering stunning views of over 20 peaks, including Langtang Lirung (7234 m).
The viewpoint of Tserko Ri is situated at an elevation of 4983 meters (16,348 ft). The sunrise view from the viewpoint is one you do not want to miss, for which you have to start your hike early.
After the hike, we will return to Kyanjin Gompa and have our meal. Thereafter, you can again go around visiting nearby tourist spots.
Trek Route: Kyanjin Gompa – Langtang Village – Ghodatabela – Lama Hotel
The 6th day of our trek to Langtang is a descent back to Lama Hotel. After a hearty breakfast at Kyanjin Village, we will be trekking for about 6 hours before reaching Lama Hotel to stay overnight there.
It is a long yet easy trek on a sloppy downhill. As we pass Langtang Village on the way back, you can explore the village more. After a couple of hours of exploring the village and having tea, we will continue towards Ghodatabela. This is going to be our lunch stop for today.
With an invigorating lunch and all the memories, we will finally reach Lama Hotel. Here, you can eat a fine dinner and collect all your trekking experiences and challenges. Further, we can visit around the village and socialize with the locals.
Trek Route: Lama Hotel – Bamboo – Syabrubesi
The 7th day is the last day of our trekking journey. It is the same way back to Syabrubesi. It is another approximately 5 hours trek from Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi. The Langtang trekking route back is quite an easy route.
On the way, you can visit a nearby village if you have missed any while ascending. We will stop at Bamboo for lunch and continue our trek again. You can see an awe-inspiring view of Langtang Nepal Trek with a few towering mountains. Do not forget to take photos and videos.
Finally, your trek ends at Syabrubesi, where we will spend the night. Tomorrow, you will drive back to Kathmandu.
It is the final day of the Langtang Valley trek itinerary. On this day, you will drive back to Kathmandu using the same route as on day 1. It will be a scenic drive through bewildering forests, high mountains, and several local villages.
Feel free to stop anywhere and enjoy the drive; this is only possible if you are travelling in a private vehicle.
Useful Information
Packing List for Trek to Langtang
You can customize your packing list for the trek to Langtang Valley, Nepal, according to your preferences and needs. However, there are some items that you do not want to miss.
Here is a Langtang Valley trek packing list of essential items for you.
Warm or clothes according to the weather
Down fleece jacket
Sturdy hiking boots
Sleeping bag
Trekking backpack and a day pack
Trekking pole
Gloves, hat, and neck gaiter/buff
Sunglasses
Sunscreen and lip balm
Headlamp
Power bank or solar charger
First-aid kit
Water bottle
Water purification tablet
Toiletries
Medicine (as per your need)
Permits, passport, and visa ticket
Some Cash
Langtang Valley Trek Difficulty
The Langtang Valley Trek difficulty can be categorized as moderate. Although, at a few points, the trekking trail might be steep, or you might need to trek longer distances, it is quite bearable. Having said that, due to some level of technical climbing, it could be challenging for those with average physical condition.
Hiking daily for 6 to 7 hours requires one’s physical endurance and mental determination. Another challenging factor is altitude sickness. If we do not properly acclimatize or are not fit enough, even the strongest can get altitude sickness. Especially, during the hike on acclimatization day, it could be really strenuous for some.
Apart from these, diarrhea, hypothermia, hypoxia, insomnia, and fatigue are some of the other difficulties trekkers can face during the Langtang Valley Trek in Nepal.
To encounter these difficulties, you must do some fitness and cardiovascular training. Mainly, you need to listen to the guidelines from your guide and follow the itinerary. Travel Diary Nepal has prepared one of the safest and most comfortable itineraries for you.
Mental Fitness and Physical Health
You do not need any physical training for the treks in Langtang, Nepal. However, having a good health is always beneficial. So, we recommend that you do some cardio and strength-building exercises 1 month prior to the trek. If possible, go for short hikes.
Likewise, along with physical health, mental fitness is equally important. Having positive thoughts might not have a direct impact on the trek but can boost the environment. With a jolly environment, you can make even more beautiful memories. Not only that, but also, during any emergency or difficult conditions, you can make wise decisions.
Emergency and Evacuation
Accidents are unpredictable, especially when you are on a high-altitude trek. There are several dangers that one can face when trekking in the Langtang region. The most common is altitude sickness. As we ascend above 2500 meters, if we do not acclimatize to the sudden increase in altitude, we might fall victim to altitude sickness.
Apart from altitude sickness, injuries, hypothermia, insomnia, etc., are other risks during the trek. In such emergencies, if conditions worsen, helicopter evacuation might be necessary. If not, you can use first aid and complete the journey.
Therefore, it is advised that you have travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation and medication costs.
Langtang Trek Best Season
Trekking to the Langtang Valley is open throughout the year. You can enjoy the rich culture and environmental serenity any time of the year. Moreover, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are among the best seasons to trek to Langtang.
The weather is stable during spring and autumn, with clear skies. Therefore, the panoramic view of Langtang mountains, including Langtang Lirung and its surroundings, can be seen clearly. The days are warm, and nights are moderate, so walking is comfortable during this time of the year.
However, winters (December-February) and monsoons (June-August) could be challenging. Langtang region, especially at higher altitudes, experiences really cold winters, with trekking trails covered with snow, making navigation difficult. Likewise, during summer/monsoon, trekking on rainy days is very difficult due to slippery and muddy landscapes.
Food and Accommodation During Langtang Trek
The food and accommodation on the Langtang trek are done in teahouses (local houses for lodging and food). The teahouses in Langtang offer a warm bed with a blanket. Some teahouses also provide hot showers, Wi-Fi, attached bathrooms, electronics charging, etc., for free, while some might not have it.
The teahouses also provide a delicious meal that gives enough energy for the trek. The food on the route is generally Nepali food. You can also order food from the menu. The menu has a vegetarian and non-veg food menu.
Electricity, Water, and Wi-Fi on Trek
The electricity and batteries charging are normally available throughout the trek. However, carry a power bank or extra batteries to be on the safe side.
The water during the trek is from natural springs. But before drinking it, ask your guide if it is drinkable. Also, you need to purify the water with a water purification tablet so that you do not get sick or suffer from diarrhea. Additionally, bottled mineral water can be bought for $1-$2.
Wi-Fi is available in almost all the teahouses on the route to the Langtang Valley. In contrast, the internet speed might fluctuate due to weather conditions or an electricity outage. In that case, getting a Nepali SIM card and using cellular data could be the best option to stay connected to the internet at all times.
You can get a SIM card before leaving for the trek in Kathmandu or anywhere where it is available.
Langtang Valley Trek Experience
Feeling of reaching an altitude around 5000 meters is definitely an experience of a lifetime. Walking through the river basin to the high mountains offers a perfect blend of thrill and serenity.
Being one with nature, lost in the wilderness of dense rhododendron forests, and feeling the warmth of people from local villages gives a different satisfaction. It might not be a long journey, but it definitely is filled with adventure and cultural immersion.
Proper guidance from our professionals ensures a comfortable, safe, and happy experience, which will become a tale for old age.
Is Langtang trek worth it?
Yes, Langtang Trek in Nepal is definitely worth visiting. If you are looking for a less crowded trek compared to popular treks in Nepal, such as Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, etc., then this trek is best for you.
During the Langtang Valley Trek, you will experience the magnificence of the Himalayan mountains and their cultural value within a short period. The trek is filled with scenic beauty and is easily accessible, affordable, and beginner-friendly in Nepal. So, it is worth a try.
Langtang Region Trek – Side Trip
Langtang Tamang Heritage Trek
The Langtang Tamang Heritage Trek is a cultural trek in the Langtang region of Nepal, visiting the local settlement of the Tamang community. This journey takes 7-10 days and also offers an opportunity to engage with the locals in Tamang settlements such as Gatlang, Tatopani and others. Some of the highlights of the trek are natural hot springs, rhododendron forests, and Langtang National Park wildlife. Spring and autumn are the best time to go to Langtang Tamang Heritage Trek due to stable weather and clear views during these seasons. This is a moderate trek suitable for visitors who are interested in cultural trekking in the Himalayan region.
Tamang Heritage and Langtang Valley Trek
This trek combines the cultural aspect of the Tamang people with the natural view of the Langtang Valley. While it passes through attractive villages of the Tamang, such as Gatlang, Tatopani, and Thuman, visitors get the chance to experience their cultural, linguistic, and handicraft lifestyles. Some of the highlights of this trek include lush rhododendron forests, the Langtang Lirung Mountains, and the monastery of Kyanjin Gompa.
Langtang gosaikunda trek
The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is a moderate trek that is done in the Langtang National Park to reach the sacred Gosaikunda lakes. The Langtang Gosaikunda trek route takes you through the Langtang River upstream, where you will find the forest and Kyanjin Gompa. It then reaches Gosaikunda Lakes, which are situated at an altitude of over 4300m, after crossing Laurebina La pass. The Langtang Gosaikunda trek itinerary typically takes 8-12 days.
Langtang Helambu Trek
The Langtang Helambu Trek is a route which links up the Langtang Valley with the Helambu region to the south of it. It passes over high ridges that give long stretches of the Langtang and Jugal Himal Ranges. The trek takes one through both Tamang and Sherpa villages so as to feel the cultural diversity. It is a less crowded alternative to the main Langtang Valley trek.
Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek
Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek is one of the most difficult treks situated at high altitudes. Trekkers cross the 5,130 meters (16,831 ft) high Ganja La Pass, which links the Langtang Valley with the Helambu region of Nepal. The trek includes crossing steep slopes, sharp rocks, and glaciers before reaching the pass. This trek can be the best destination for adventure for experienced trekkers.
FAQs
Yes, a Langtang Valley solo trek is possible. Langtang Vally trek is easy, reaching an altitude of around 4000 meters. With proper preparation, decent physical condition, stamina, and determination, it can be completed successfully.
However, without a guide, navigating and booking teahouses and vehicles might be challenging, as communicating with the locals. So, we recommend that you hire a professional, experienced guide.
The Langtang trek itinerary is normally an 8-day trek. However, it can be customized and extended or shortened as per your time and convenience.
A very short 3-day Langtang trek to Kyanjin Gompa is possible. However, you would not be able to experience all the fruits of your journey, as you would be only focused on reaching the monastery in Kyanjin Gompa and a few nearby viewpoints. Not to forget, the physical burden is going to be significantly high.
Definitely, Langtang trek is a budget friendly trek in Nepal. Especially, for solo travelers, you can save costs for guide and porter. Food and accommodation are also relatively cheaper compared to other famous high-altitude treks.
Like many other treks in Nepal, autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the best times to trek Langtang since the climate and view will be stable and clear. However, for those who want to see snow-covered tinkling mountains, a winter trek could be the best option. Likewise, the monsoon is the perfect season to see lush rhododendron forests.
Kyanjin Ri (4773 m) and Tserko Ri (4983 m) are some of the highest points of the Langtang trek.
The treks in Langtang Nepal can normally cost around $700-$800 depending on the itinerary, travel agency, trek customization, trekking season, etc. However, with Travel Diary Nepal, you can complete the trek at the most affordable and comfortable price.
Yes, trekking in Langtang Valley without a guide is possible. However, you need to be well prepared and know all the details about the route, permits, etc.
Tserko Ri, one of the highest viewpoints, is regarded as the best Langtang trek viewpoint for its mesmerizing sunrise views. Likewise, Kyanjin Ri is equally popular for its stunning panoramic mountain range views.
Langtang Valley Trek Map
Langtang Valley Trek Cost
- Food: The food during the trek can cost around $6-$8 per meal.
- Accommodation: The teahouses have rooms shared among 2-3 individuals, and they cost around $5-$8 per person.
- Transport: The public bus to Syabrubesi from Gongabu, Kathmandu, costs around $5, while the private shared jeep can cost around $20 per person, and around $150-$200 to book a jeep.
- Guide and Porter: The normal cost for hiring the guide is about $25 per day and $20 per porter.
- Insurance: Travel insurance is not compulsory for the trek. However, we recommend that you have travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation and other medical expenses.
- Additional Expenses: The additional expenses include snacks, drinks in between meals, souvenirs, and tips for the guides and porters. You might also have to pay an extra $2-$4 to charge your electronics and $1-$2 for Wi-Fi in some of the teahouses.
ATMs en route to Langtang Valley Trek
The ATM service is available until Syabrubesi and Trishuli. But we recommend that you get your money exchanged into Nepali currency cash here in Kathmandu. It is not wise to make a transaction through an ATM, as you will be charged an extra 3.5% charge.
*Note: You can pay us by ATM, cash (any currency), or bank transfer. - Langtang Trek Permit:
To travel around the Langtang region, you need to obtain a Langtang National Park Entry permit. The cost for foreign citizens is NPR 3,000, and for SAARC nationalities, it is NPR 1,500. Children under the age of 10 do not need a permit.
However, you might need to acquire a Nepalese visa, which costs $30, $50, and $125 for 15, 30, and 90 days, respectively. Further, you might need to obtain a few local areas permits, which cost around $10 to $20.
Additionally, if you want to take an alternative trek route via the Gosaikunda—Helambu route, you must issue a Shivapuri-Nagarjung National Park Entry permit. It costs NPR 1,000 for foreigners, NPR 600 for SAARC countries, and NPR 50 for Nepalese.
You can obtain these permits from the Nepal Tourism Board or the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) in Kathmandu. But you need not worry about these permits; we will arrange them for you.
*Note: According to new update in requirement for permits, Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card is not required.
Langtang Valley Trek Distance
- Kathmandu to Syabrubesi: 145 km/90 miles (Drive)
- Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel: 10.9 km/6.7 miles (Trek)
- Lama Hotel to Langtang Village: 14.8 km/9.1 miles (Trek)
- Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa: 6.8 km/4.2 miles (Trek)
- Kyanjin Gompa to Tserko Ri: 10 km/6.2 miles (Trek)
- Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel: 21.6 km/13.4 miles (Trek)
