One of the shortest high-altitude treks in Nepal, which can be easily accessed from the Kathmandu Valley, is the Langtang Valley Trek. It is just 80 kilometers from Kathmandu and can be completed in 8- 10 days, starting from Kathmandu and ending at Kathmandu. Our comprehensive travel guide to Langtang will help you to learn about the valley, the people’s lifestyle here, as well as the best time to visit, along with the foods and accommodations in the region. Mountains like Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Gang Cheenpo, Naya Kangri, Yala Peak, Dorje Lakpa, Loenpo Gang, and other small peaks surround the valley. Within very short days of trekking, the trekkers can see these beautiful mountains and have 360 views of the magnificent mountains from the Tserko-Ri altitude of 5033 m.
Buddhism mainly influences the valley, and the trekker will witness a few monasteries on their journey. The people of this village have great faith in Buddhism, and monasteries are like the gods’ home. Kyangin Gompa is the top attraction here which is one of the oldest gumba in Nepal.
Kyangin Ri and Tserko Ri are the ultimate destinations of this trek. If you are trekking for the first time, then Kyangin Ri is the ideal choice. However, experienced trekkers will find Tserko Ri more rewarding. If time allows, you can first hike to Kyangin Ri to acclimatize before taking on Tserko Ri. Finally, if you want to extend the trek, you can combine it with the Tamang Heritage Trek or the Gosaikunda Trek or even combine all three for a truly immersive experience.
Top Reasons to Trek to Langtang Valley
- 360-degree view of the massive Himalayas.
- People, Culture and Arts of the Valley.
- Trekking inside the Langtang National Park.
- Short distance trek from Kathmandu.
360-degree view of massive Himalayas
Langtang Valley offers the most beautiful views of the mountains. Mountains like Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Gang Cheenpo, Naya Kangri, Yala Peak, Dorje Lakpa, Loenpo Gang, and other small peaks surround the valley. Within short days of trekking, the trekkers can see these beautiful mountains, and they will also see the magnificent 360 views of the Himalayas.
People, Culture and Arts of the Valley
Buddhism mainly influences this place; the trekker will witness many monasteries on their journey. Monasteries are a spiritual haven for Buddhists. It is a holy place where monks and nuns recite their spiritual texts and continue their spiritual journey. The people of this region have great faith in Buddhism, and monasteries are like the gods’ home. Inside the monasteries, you may witness many holy monks reciting the hymns, playing their traditional instruments, and meditating for the world’s goodwill. You can also visit the monastery if you wish to; it’s a great place to calm your mind and learn meditation.
The Kyangin Gompa gumba is the top attraction and one of the oldest gumba in Nepal. It is located at an altitude of 3870 meters in the lap of the Mountains and is the most beautiful gumbas in Nepal. The trekkers are heartily welcomed inside the gumba to see the daily life of the monks. They can also contribute to the welfare of the gumba and the local people.
This valley has its own unique identity, dominated by the majority of Tamang people, who are very kind and hospitable. They have successfully run the Tea houses and offered the trekkers their kind hospitality. Buddhism and Guru Rinpoche also influenced the Tamang people; the Dalai Lama and Buddha are considered their main Gods. Tamang people are very friendly, kind, and open to foreigners.
While trekking through the valley, you may witness unique arts and artifacts like the mani walls, chortens, Tibetan paintings, and prayer flags. All these Arts have their own unique story. You will be amazed by the ancient arts and wonder how they constructed such beautiful masterpieces in those times.
Trekking Inside the Langtang National Park
Langtang Valley itself has been known as a paradise for bird watchers since the start of the trek; you can witness the beautiful birds in their natural environment. However, it would be best if you were silent to listen to their songs. There are more than 150 different species of birds found in this place.
Some of the birds migrate from Siberia. Also, birds like cuckoos, barbets, owls, nightjars, red-billed, parakeets, and hoopoes are found inside this big National Park. If you are lucky, you can also see them dancing.
Short distance trek from Kathmandu.
The trek to Langtang is one of the shortest treks of Nepal and can be easily accessed from the Kathmandu valley; it is just 80 kilometers from Kathmandu. Trekkers can complete this trek in as few as 10 days, starting from Kathmandu. The ten-day itinerary will be enough for the trekker to fully enjoy the Himalayan views, mountains, and culture of the valley.
Langtang Valley Trek Map
Best Time to Explore This Scenic Trekking Route
The Langtang trekking route is one of Nepal’s most scenic and accessible Himalayan adventures, offering a rich mix of natural beauty, culture, and panoramic mountain views. To make the most of this journey, it’s important to understand the weather patterns and the ideal time to visit Langtang.
Springtime in the Valley
The spring season (March, April, and May) is one of the favorable weather conditions for the Langtang trek. The temperature is between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius during the daytime. During this time, lower zones of trails will be filled with colorful flowers and lush green forest. The weather remains clear most of the time, offering mind-blowing views of the mountains.
The mornings and nights are pretty chilly as spring comes after the winter season in Nepal. You must pack some warm clothing if you are trekking in early spring. During this season, the trails and tea houses will also be crowded with tourists and guides because spring is one of the high trekking seasons in Nepal.
Trekking in Langtang in the Summer season
June, July, and August are the summer and monsoon seasons in Nepal. During these months, the climate will be hot with a temperature higher than 30°C (86°F). Since you might experience heavy rainfall in the Langtang region during this time, this season is the least recommended season for trekking. The walking trails will be slippery, which will make the walk quite challenging and have lots of bugs and leeches. During this time, the view will also not be clear. The heat from the scorching sun will also add difficulty to this trek.
But if you do not have other free time around the year and want to trek in this season, make sure you are well-prepared both mentally and physically. You need to carry raincoats, insect repellents, and don’t forget hats and sunglasses to avoid sunburns from the scorching sun. Also, since the trekking routes are pretty slippery due to rain, bring shoes with a good grip.
Autumn Weather in Langtang
Autumn (September, October, and November) is another good time for trekking since the monsoon season will be over, the weather will remain clear, and the trails and roads will not be muddy. Furthermore, the temperature is moderate during the day, i.e., 10- 20 degrees Celsius, and the night is cold, around 5 degrees Celsius. During this season, the greenery flourishes, and you will witness colorful flora and fauna. You will witness the beauty of nature in its most beautiful form during this time of the season. The weather is clear, and you will see the stunning Himalayan ranges.
If you plan your trekking during this season, make sure you book it in advance to get accommodation in the tea houses and lodges. Since this is also the peak season, there might be a chance of not getting the accommodation at that very moment.
Winter weather conditions in the valley
December to February are the coldest months, and the temperature will be freezing at night. The temperature during the day will be 6- 9 degrees Celsius and drop below 0 degrees Celsius at night. There will be harsh wind and sometimes 24/7 snowfall, making the trip a challenging one. The skies are clear and blue, and the view is mesmerizing during this time of the year. Yet the trail is challenging because of the high inches of snow on the route. As a result, most guesthouses will be closed as there will be very few tourists trekking in that area.
If you plan to trek during this season, you must be well prepared and take care of certain things. Crampons are a must to carry during this time to have a good grip on your shoes.
Accommodation during the Langtang Trek
Tea houses or guesthouses are available for accommodation in Langtang, where trekkers can take rest after a long day of trekking. Although many tea houses were destroyed in the 2015 earthquake, the resilient people of Langtang quickly rebuilt, and today, the valley boasts even more beautiful tea houses than ever before. These tea houses offer trekkers a warm, welcoming environment and a chance to experience the local culture.
Rooms at Teahouses
The room may not be as luxurious as in Kathmandu, and it is relatively small. Most of the rooms have double beds where the trekker can share their rooms with trekking partners. The beds are made up of wood with comfortable mattresses. Usually, the room has a small window right next to the bed so the trekker can enjoy the beautiful landscapes. While solo travelers can opt for private rooms, sharing is common. Tea houses provide blankets, pillows, and bed sheets, but the blankets may not be warm enough for the cold weather. It’s advisable to bring your own sleeping bag for extra warmth and comfort.
Toilet and Showers
Some rooms have attached toilets to make the trekker’s journey more comfortable, and some tea houses have shared facilities. The attached toilets are pretty small, with a squat Asian toilet or a Western toilet. You should never put your used toilet paper or sanitary pads in the sink; instead, throw them in the dustbin. It is also recommended that you bring personal toilet paper, soap, and a towel.
Most Tea houses have a hot shower facility, and if they don’t have a hot shower, you have to buy a hot water bucket that will cost around 2 to 3 USD per bucket. One bucket is usually enough for one person. In the lower zones, showers are readily available. However, getting a hot shower at higher altitudes can be difficult.
Dining or a communal area
All the Tea houses have one large dining area where 15 to 20 trekkers can easily sit. The dining area is the most common area where the trekker spends their free time. Dining halls are very friendly, and you can pass the time by playing cards, exchanging stories, or just sipping the warm tea with the fantastic views of the mountains. Most dining halls have a wood stove to warm up the room.
Electricity, charging, and WIFI Facility in Langtang Trek
All the rooms are equipped with bright lights for the room. However, since the lights in tea houses are low in voltage, only some rooms have charging sockets. If the room does not have them, then you can charge your items in the dining hall. The trekkers might need to pay to get the facility; usually, it costs USD 2 to USD 5. Therefore, you could carry a power bank with you.
All the Tea houses have Wi-Fi, but you must pay to use it. It costs about USD 2 or USD 3. The Wi-Fi is not as great as the city and is very slow, like dial-up internet. But you can give it a try.
Food Options on the Langtang Valley Trek
The foods are very similar to those of any other trekking region of Nepal. The tea houses have a combined Western, Chinese, Indian, and Nepali food menu. Usually, the trekkers are offered four meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner, which are very common throughout the trek. Sukuti, which is also known as a traditional Himalayan dish, is very popular. It is dried meat of Goat, buffalo, lamb, or yak. Besides Sukuti, many trekkers also prefer local potatoes and Tibetan bread.
For breakfast
The teahouses open their kitchen pretty early in the morning so that the trekkers can have their breakfast and leave early for their trek. Usually, the tea house serves breakfast from 6 to 9 am. The most common breakfast that you can get at the Tea house is:
- Eggs (any style)
- Porridge
- Bread and toast with jam/butter/honey
- Pancakes
- Museli
- Hash brown potatoes
- Snickers/Mars rolls
Lunch and dinner
After the long hours of trekking, lunch and dinner are the most awaited meals of the day. The tea houses prepare lunch and dinner as per the customer’s request. Some of the standard options are:
- Momos
- Pizza
- Sandwiches
- Pasta and noodles
- Dal Bhat
- Pakauda
- Spring rolls
- Puddings
- Macaroni
Snacks and Beverages Options for the Trek
The Tea houses have a small shop where the trekker can buy snacks. The shops have chocolate, biscuits, chips, candy, choco bars, and drinks. You may also find many shops on the trekking route. However, the shops may not have your favorite snacks, and the products are minimal, so we recommend you pack your favorite snack for the trek.
When you reach the tea house, the first thing that welcomes you is the warm tea. The tea house has a good culture of greeting its customers with a warm cup of black tea. The warm tea makes the trekkers more relaxed, and the people’s hospitality takes away their tiredness. The tea house serves both hot and cold beverages, including alcoholic drinks. Some of the standard drinks are
- Black tea
- Milk Tea
- Masala tea
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Juice
- Red bulls
- Ginger Tea
- Mint Tea
- Hot Water
- Pepsi/Coke/Fanta/Mountain Dew
How difficult is the Langtang Valley trek?
The trek to Langtang Valley is regarded as one of the easiest treks in Nepal. This ten-day trek is easily accessible from the Kathmandu valley. Langtang valley trekking can be done by any age group and can also be done with family. We have divided the Langtang trek difficulties into three parts:
- The Road and Trails
- Personal Fitness
- Technicality and Altitude
The Road and Trails
The road from Kathmandu to Syafru Besi is quite nasty; the ride may not be comfortable as the roads are paved with gravel, and there are many potholes on the road, making the ride very bumpy and uncomfortable. The seats on the bus are also very uncomfortable, and for a tourist, it may be really small, and you need to find a good place to stretch your legs. But it is not so bad, as you will have good views of the white rivers and green forest, and you will also get to know the Nepali style of traveling. Once you reach Syafru Besi, your actual trekking will start, and the trails from Syafru Besi are well-maintained and not so steep, making walking easier. There are many tea houses throughout the trekking region so that you can walk at your own pace. The condition of trails also depends upon the season of trekking. It might not be the same during the monsoon and winter, as landslides and snow are unpredictable.
Personal Fitness
Fitness is a crucial part of trekking. Trekkers need to be fit to complete the trek. However, the trekkers do not necessarily need to run or climb. People of any age group can do this trek. However, a little exercise before the trek is always found to be beneficial as it keeps the heart and body in good shape. The Langtang valley trek is not as difficult as the Everest base camp trek and other trekking regions of Nepal. You can walk at your own pace and take as many breaks as you want. If you are athletic and super fit, this trek will be easy for you. Even though you are not fit and do not have athletic performance, you can still complete this trek comfortably. So do not worry about your physical fitness for this trek.
Technicality and Altitude
This trekking route is a softcore adventure that does not require any skills, as the trekkers will rarely use the technical gear. In spring and autumn, trekkers do not need any technical gear, but in the case of winter, the trekker might need crampons, trekking poles, and a good pair of shoes.
Like any other high-altitude trekking, getting altitude sickness is a severe case; however, the trekkers will not cross any high passes in the Langtang valley trek. They will only be traveling up to 5000 meters in altitude. The Tsergo Ri viewpoint is the highest altitude of this trek, and you will only be trekking there with proper acclimatization, the right diet, and a good amount of water. After acclimatization, the risk of altitude sickness is minimal, so the trekkers will not need to worry about altitude sickness on the trek.
Essential Permits and Fees: What You Need Before Embarking on This Trekking Adventure
The Langtang region lies inside the Langtang National Park, and to enter the park, the trekker needs to have two different permits:
- Langtang National Park permit
- TIMS Card
Langtang National Park Permit
The cost of a national park permit is NPR 3000, which you can also pay in American dollars. You can obtain a National Park permit from the Nepal Tourism Board. To get the Langtang National Park’s permit, you need your original passport.
TIMS card
The cost of a TIMS card permit is NPR 2000, which you can also pay in American dollars. Nepal Tourism Board distributes the permit for the trekker. To get a TIMS card, you must have your original passport and two passport-size photos.
You will be required to show your permits at different checkpoints throughout the trek; you will be penalized if you fail to show these permits. However, our company and guides will help you obtain these permits for a comfortable journey.
Guided vs. Independent Trekking: What’s Best for Langtang Valley?
Trekking in the Langtang region with a guide is not compulsory, as the Langtang region is not a restricted region; you can get the permits on your own. However, if you are not an experienced trekker and have no idea of high-altitude trekking, elevations, geography, and the local lodges, trekking alone can become very difficult. Therefore, if you are new to trekking and planning to start your adventure in the Langtang Valley, hiring a guide is highly recommended, as the Langtang Valley trek without a guide can be hectic to arrange on your own. For inexperienced trekkers, trekking independently can turn out to be a disaster. Even basic problems can ruin your whole trek, like getting the permits, booking the ticket, getting into the Tea house, forecasting the weather and temperature of Langtang, and knowing the trail’s condition. All these things are crucial while trekking, which might make your trip bizarre.
If you trek with a guide and porter, you will never have to worry about these things. Your guide will arrange all the necessary logistics and transportation and help you with all the permits. They make sure you get comfortable accommodation and hygienic food. They will inform you about the culture, people, and trails and update you about the trail’s weather, temperature, and condition. The guide will also arrange for you, the porter, to carry your backpacks to make your journey easy. The porter will carry your backpack up to 25-30 kilograms.
Packing Smart for Langtang Valley
While trekking in Langtang Valley, you may not need to take loads of stuff, and you don’t need any technical gear. For experienced trekkers, packing can be no big deal, but it can be big trouble for beginners, as they might get confused about what to pack. At first, you may think that you could easily carry all that heavy stuff, but once you are on the trail, you may regret that you shouldn’t have brought all that stuff. If you are with a guide and porter, you may not have to worry about carrying your backpack as they will carry it for you. But if you are trekking alone, you should make it light. To make it easier for the ten-day trek, the following are the essential items that you need to pack:
TrekkingClothes
- Hiking shirts: 2-3 pairs of hiking shirts (a quick-dry shirt will be best for you).
- Hiking pants: 2 pairs of hiking pants will be enough for this trek.
- Warm fleece: A fleece will keep you warm on chilly nights.
- Down jacket: A synthetic or down jacket will be perfect. You don’t need the North Face Summit Series; a normal one will be just perfect for the Langtang trek.
- Warm thermal set: 1 pair
- Trekking boots: You may want to get a good pair of trekking shoes and invest in quality shoes, as cheap shoes are not comfortable and do not last long, which might also break in the middle of trekking.
- Trekking socks: Two to four pairs of socks for walking and one extra pair for the night.
- Rain jacket: no matter what season you trek, you should always pack a rain jacket.
- Cap/Hats/ Beanie: While trekking in the sun, caps/hats are very important. A beanie will keep you warm at night.
- Buff: If there is a strong wind, a buff will protect your skin.
- Undergarments and sports bra
Trekking Gears
- Rucksack 40 liters
- Trekking poles
- Head torch
- Lifestraw
- Sleeping bag (-10)
- Other items
- Sunscreen
- Lipbalm
- First aid kit
- Toothbrush
- Soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Tissues
- Wet wipes
- Sunglass
- Books or Kindle
- Extra batteries
- Chargers and cables
