Langtang trek is the most sought out destination after the Annapurna and Everest circuit. Langtang lies near the Tibetan border to the north of Kathmandu. The valley of Langtang is 19 miles north from the capital, and you can reach the destination in a matter of days. If you want to view snow-capped mountains and experience the unique Tibetan culture and traditions and would like to avoid huge crowds as in Everest and Annapurna base camp trek, then Langtang trek is best suited for you.

Langtang is the shortest trip you can take to see the majestic mountains of the Himalayas. Langtang valley is called “The Valley of Mountains” because snow-capped mountains surround Langtang. The Langtang Lirung (7,246 meters) lies directly north of the Langtang village, Gang Chhenpo (6,388 meters) and Naya Kanga Ri (5,846) on the south and Dorje Lakpa (6,966 meters) towers on the east of the valley.

Tibetans crossed the Himalayas and had resided in the northern region of Nepal since ancient times. According to legend, a Tibetan lama, a Buddhist teacher, first found the valley.

The lama was pursuing a Yak. This legend gave the name of the place as Langtang. In Tibetan, “Lang” means yak and “Tang” means to follow.

Why Trek to Langtang Now

Langtang Trek is a short trek that offers as much as possible. Many tourists opt the Langtang trek to get a complete feel of the Himalayas and the culture, customs and lifestyle of people living in the high altitudes. Tourists who have limited time consider choosing the Langtang trek trails rather than longer treks in Annapurna and Everest trek.

Langtang region is one of the most beautiful destinations of Nepal. The trek is well mapped, the people are very welcoming and friendly, and there are well-structured guesthouses to accommodate with ease. However, after the earthquake of 2015, Langtang region suffered heavily because of a massive landslide.

The people of the valley have started to rebuild homes and establish their farms. Many teahouses and lodges have reopened and waiting to serve the trekkers.

There isn’t a better time than now to visit Langtang valley. The trek route has all been checked and cleared for trekking. The development of Langtang and the people’s lives depend on the income from tourism. Trekking in the Langtang region now will give the local inhabitants with that added income and hope of a better future. You will be trekking for your benefits and also will be helping for a social cause.

Langtang Trekking Route

Established as an admired destination for traveling by tourists, Langtang has several routes you can trek. You can choose the trek route as per the destinations you want to visit in the vicinity of Langtang. Some popular trekking routes for Langtang are:

• Syabrubesi-Langtang-Kyangjin Gompa-Syabrubesi: This is the shortest version of the Langtang trek. The seven-day trip starts from a 5-hour drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. You trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel. Then you reach Langtang valley and to Mundu. The next stop is Kyangjin Gompa. You can also climb Kyangjin Ri and return the same route to Syabru Besi. You can choose to visit Sherpa Gaon on the return from Mundu.
• Syabrubesi-Langtang-Gosaikunda-Syabrubesi: This is an extended Langtang Trek. You will reach Langtang at first and trace back to Syabrubesi to trek to the sacred lake Gosaikunda. You can further trek from Gosaikunda to Sundarijal and reach Kathmandu or drive back from Dhunche to Kathmandu.
• Tamang Heritage-Langtang- Syabrubesi: This is also an option for the Langtang Trek. You start from Syabrubesi then follow the Tamang heritage trail through Gatlang, Nagthali, and Bridim. Then you join in the Langtang trail at Lama Hotel and follow to Langtang valley. You can then trace back to Syabrubesi through Sherpa Gaon or trek to Kathmandu through Ganja La pass.

Snow-capped Mountains in Langtang Region

Mountains on View in the Langtang Trek

The trek to Langtang is an excellent opportunity to witness the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The paramount attraction of the trek is Langtang Lirung that stands at an elevation of 7,234 meters and sits immediate north of Langtang valley. Other magnificent peaks on display in the Langtang Valley trek are Langtang Himal (6,475 meters), Mt. Gangchhempo (7246m), Lakpha Dorje, Kimsung (6745m), Ganesh Himal 1 (7406m), Ganesh II (7150m), Ganesh III (7130m), Yala Peak (5560m), Ganjala Chuli (5844m), Langshisa (Ri 6310m), Morimoto peak (6750m), Pongen Dooku (5930m), Tembthang (5702m), Salbachum (6707m), Kyungka Ri (6979m), Chusmodo (6508m), and Manaslu (8163).

Animals and Vegetation in the Langtang Trek

Langtang region lies in the Langtang National Park. The park has a high diversity of vegetation and ecosystems ranging from upper tropical forests to alpine scrub and perennial ice. The park is covered with Oak, Chir pine, Hemlock and Maple fir trees. The lower hills are covered with Rhododendron forests that bloom spectacularly in the spring season.

Langtang National Park is widely famous for the Red Panda and the Musk Deer. Some other rare animals protected inside the park are Himalayan Tahr, Rhesus Monkey, Clouded leopards and Snow leopards.

Gosaikunda is in the proximity of Langtang and falls inside the national park. The site of Gosaikunda is listed under Ramsar Wetland Conservation site of the world.

Season for Langtang Trek

The best season for trekking in the Langtang area is in Spring and Autumn season. In spring, the sky remains clear, and you can view the surrounding mountains without any blockage of clouds and fogs. A bonus in traveling in the spring season is the colorful bloom of Rhododendron forests and wildflowers in the forests.

Autumn season is best for trekking activities in Nepal. The autumn has dry air and a clear sky. There are less to none disturbances of fogs and clouds in the mountains.  You can also travel to Langtang in the winter season. If you love cold weather and like to play snowballs or make a snowman, you can opt to travel in the winter season.

Anyhow, refrain from traveling in the monsoon season to Langtang. Monsoon is typically the worst season for traveling and trekking in Nepal. The trail becomes slippery, and the forests filled with leeches and other insects. The mountains are always covered with fogs and clouds. All in all, the monsoon is not the season to trek and sightsee in Nepal.

Physical Condition and Technical Experience

The Langtang trek is a moderate difficulty trek suitable for trekkers and non-trekkers alike. You don’t need any expertise of climbing skills to trek in the Langtang region. Pack up your hiking boots, some warm clothes and you can complete the trek without any difficulty. You do need to be in a good physical condition to complete the trek with ease. If you have any discomforts and medical issues of brain, heart, lungs, and legs, contact your doctor before trekking to Langtang.

You can opt for light jogging and hiking for a couple of weeks before attempting the Langtang trek. The more your body is accustomed to regular hiking and trekking, the more comfortable will be your trek to Langtang.

The trek route is a standard route with frequent ups and downs. You don’t need any technical climbing and mountaineering skills in any part of the trek. If you wish to climb up the Langtang Ri, then it might be beneficial to acquire technical climbing skills, other than that, you don’t need technical skills and expertise.

Warming in the first rays

Highest Elevation and Altitude Sickness

The highest elevation you reach in the Langtang trek is the Kyangjin Gompa at the height of 3,870 meters.  If you hike to Kyangjin Ri, you will climb up to 4,250 meters. The elevations at Langtang is much lower than you scale in the Everest and Annapurna region. You won’t be a risk of instant altitude sickness in heights of 4,000 meters.

You will acclimate to places like Mundu and Langtang village to adjust to altitude changes. There mostly isn’t a threat of altitude sickness while trekking in the Langtang region. In case of any discomforts, our experienced medical staff and guide will tend to your issues. If further needed, you will be escorted to the nearest district hospital and health post for detailed medical examinations. Your health and safety is our priority.

Trekking Essentials for Langtang Trek

Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Bag Liner: When sleeping in tea houses with night temperature around -10°Celcius, Sleeping Bag will provide the warmth you need to survive.

Rucksack: Ruckpack holds your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, cloths, and jacket. Carry Duffle Bags is your luggage is carried by porters.

Quality Boots and Socks: Warmth is rare in the Himalayas, and you need to bring enough materials to keep yourself from catching severe hypothermia.

Warm Cloth: Take a warm inner layer and outer layer trekking cloth for higher altitudes.

Windproof/ Rainproof Jacket and Down jacket

Warm Pair of Muffler, Gloves, and Caps

Sunglasses and Buff Headwear

General First Aid Kit

Carry only essential items for your trek. Unnecessary items slow your trekking pace and cause an extra burden for you as well as your porter.

All the equipment needed for the trek is available in nearby stores to purchase and for hire in Kathmandu.

For further information regarding Langtang Trek, Langtang Valley, Langtang trekking routes and any other details, leave us a message on our contact page.

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