Langtang Valley Trek – 11 Days

Langtang Valley trek is the third most popular trekking destination and closet to the valley of Kathmandu, nestled in the heart of the greater Himalayas and dissected into various parts by a river system, consisting of high altitude glaciers and glacial lakes, Himalayan valleys, high pasture lands, lush forests, raging rivers and inevitably of biodiversity. The Langtang valley is heaven on its own term, clinging to the mountainside in the frozen peaks of the Himalayas. The Langtang valley falls under Langtang National Park and is the country’s first Himalayan National Park, the boundary on the northern part is Tibet on the western Bothe Koshi and Trishuli river covering an area of 1710 sq km of the three districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Sindupalchowk.

Starting of Langtang Valley Trek

The 11-day Langtang Valley Trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu to the bustling settlement of the Syabrubesi following the winding roads on the banks of the mighty Trishuli river passing various bustling settlements and endless rows of hills of central Nepal. Syabrubesi is the starting point of your trek, once you reach Syabrubesi head into the trail and follow the river for the most section of the entire trek you’ll be traversing by the banks of the river. From Syabrubesi head towards Bamboo traversing alongside a series of waterfalls across the hills and crossing sub-tropical wet hill forest of oaks, mixture of confers from Bamboo head towards the settlement of Changtang, popularly known as Lama Hotel.

Towards Langtang Valley

Next, you’ll be heading towards Langtang Valley, a board U-shaped valley with little vegetation and surrounded by rings of snowcapped mountains. Langtang Valley offers an opportunity to explore villages learn about the cultural lifestyle and traditions of the mountain people, explore mountain peaks, and visit glaciers at a comfortably low elevation. From Langtang valley head towards Kyanjin Gompa traversing across alpine meadows and high pasture lands. Kyanjin Gompa is the highest village in the valley and a perfect base for several rewarding day trips. Explore the settlement and head towards the iconic Tsergo Ri a Himalayan vantage point with outstanding views of mighty Langtang Lirung (7246m) to the north, Gang Chhenpo (6388m), and the peak of Naya Kangri (5846m) in the south, and Dorje Lakpa in the east and witness views of Tibet.

The 11 days Langtang Valley Trek is a perfect opportunity to explore the cultures and traditions of the indigenous Himalayan people who speak the Tibeto-Burman language and trace their roots back to Tibet practicing a form of Tibetan Buddhism and Lamaism. Crossing lush forests, gazing rivers, snowcapped mountain ranges, alpine meadows where tattered prayer flags dance in the wind on hillsides, and high mountains scattering prayers to the heavens. Be a part of Langtang Valley Trek with The Alpine Club of Himalayas.

Meals and drinking water:

Along the Langtang Region Trek, you’ll be provided with various Nepali, and Tibetan ethnic cuisines and varieties of western meals to choose from. The region has a number of tea-house every hour so typically run by local inhabitants providing basic and minimal facilities. Try various traditional cuisine and popular snacks including locally made dairy items such as cheese, Churpi, and milk-based delicacies and baked items. Also try Sea buckthorn juice, a Himalayan delicacy.

Similarly, drinking water taps are accessible with natural water supplies which are untreated, so direct use of the water is not recommended, you may refill boiling water or cold filter water from any of the teahouses. However, if you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.

Accommodation:

Local accommodations are available in trekking lodges and teahouses which are located all along the trail every hour or so, providing basic accommodation, food, and electricity. The room mostly includes twin sharing beds as well as a single bed, with a hygienic and clean atmosphere and good mattresses which reduce your backpack weight. The accommodation usually has a central heating system used by firewood located at dining rooms, providing heat and space for travelers to rest and exchange their stories. Campsites are also available along the trail providing a special opportunity for the campers.

Best time to visit? 

The best season for trekking in the Langtang region is during the season of autumn and spring.

The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions providing good conditions for exploring the high mountain terrains.

During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November bring clear weather with great visibility and warm temperatures providing a perfect opportunity to trek on high Himalayan terrains.

The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit Langtang valley, the end of winter brings a change in the topography of the region with varieties of lush blooming trees of Rhododendron, a mixture of Confers, Oaks with Orchids and ferns with high pasture lands covered with colorful wildflowers with mild temperatures and clear weather.

Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the country, so the monsoon season is mostly avoided by trekkers.

In the winter season, the area receives high snowfall, covering most of the trail, and access is denied to most of the regions of the Langtang region making it quite impossible to trek to higher grounds.