Langtang Trek - Overview
The name Langtang stems from the legend of a Buddhist lama following a runaway yak into the valley. ‘Lang’ is Tibetan for Yak and ‘teng’ means to follow. Today, the valley is still inhabited by yaks. Langtang lies within Langtang National Park, which is considered to be the first Himalayan national park. Mighty Langtang Lirung (7,246 m) dominates the valley, but there are other peaks visible during the trek. The area is inhabited by the Tamang ethnic group in the hilly areas and the Sherpas in the upper elevations.
The final resting point for the Langtang trek is Kyanjing Gompa (3,870 m), an idyllic mountain village rich in Sherpa culture and traditions. A moderately difficult hike up the Kyanjing Ri (4,980 m) or Tserko Ri (5,033 m) reveals awesome mountain views including Ganesh Himal (7,600 m), Mount Langtang II (7,227 m), Mount Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m), Mount Gang Chhenpo (6,388 m) and of course the tallest of them all - Langtang Lirung.
| Langtang - Trek Facts | |
|---|---|
| Trek Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Trek Duration: | 7 to 8 days |
| Popularity | The third most popular trek in Nepal but more remote. |
| Max Altitude: | 4773 m at Kyanjing Ri peak or 5033 m at Tserko Ri |
| Accommodation: | Basic teahouses and moderately priced guesthouses and lodges. |
| Best Season: | March to May and September |
| Transport To/From trek: | Bus to Syabrubesi, approx. 8 hrs from Kathmandu. |
| Required permits: |
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Langtang Trek - Itinerary
The below is a standard itinerary for the Langtang trek, although some itineraries are also 10-11 days. The itinerary may vary depending on the final trekking agency you choose to go with:
| Day 1 | Bus ride from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,550 m) |
| Day 2 | Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2,380 m) |
| Day 3 | Lama hotel to Langtang village (3,430 m) |
| Day 4 | Langtang village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m) |
| Day 5 | Climb Kyanjing Ri (4,980 m) or Tserko Ri (5,033 m) back to Kyanjin Gompa |
| Day 6 | Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel (2,380 m) |
| Day 7 | Lama hotel to Syabrubesi (1,550 m) |
| Day 8 | Bus ride from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu |
How to Get to Langtang Trek
The trek starts from the small town of Syabrubesi (1550 m) which can be reached by road from Kathmandu in 8 to 9 hours. The bus ride itself is half the fun of this trekking trip as the road winds up and down through the beautiful high-hills region of Nepal. Occasional sights of blossoming rhododendron flowers is not uncommon and you can see dozens of beautiful waterfalls falling from the top of the hills. The mountainous road takes you through local villages where you can see real rural Nepali life. The bus-ride is somewhat bumpy but it makes up for it with an extremely scenic drive through the countryside of Nepal.
Best time to go to Langtang Trek
March to April and October to November are the best times for Langtang Valley trekking. The skies are clear, and you won’t encounter much rain or snow. Also, the tea houses are open. June to August are the rainy months and it’s best to avoid trekking during this period. From December to February, the higher reaches on the Langtang trek map will be covered with snow and the tea houses will be closed. For more information, check out our guide on trekking seasons in Nepal.
Langtang Trek - Highlights
- Compared to treks like the trek to Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp hike, the Langtang trek is not crowded and is physically less demanding.
- Pass through beautiful oak and rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, waterfalls and yak pastures, and see the stunning glaciers of Langtang Lirung.
- The trek takes you through Langtang National Park, where you can spot red pandas, Himalayan tahr, and various species of birds.
- Climb Kyanjin Ri for panoramic views of the Langtang peaks. The views extend to Tibet and Ganchenpo (Fluted Mountain) to the south.
- Hike up to Kyanjin Ri and Tserko Ri to admire the view of snow-capped mountains.
Langtang Trek - Safety Considerations
Safety is always a primary concern here at Bookmundi, and we take the well-being of our trekkers very seriously, which is why we put emphasis on the following:
- Hiring a guide who can manage logistics, medical issues, and other emergencies is a good idea.
- Carry a portable water purifier to make sure you are drinking clean water on the way.
- Keep cash handy to pay for food and accommodation at tea houses.
- Though this is not considered a challenging trek, you’ll need to get acclimatized to the altitude, irrespective of your fitness levels.
- Expect a simple menu at tea houses. They typically serve eggs, porridge, chapati, dal bhat, curry, noodles, pasta, fried rice and momos, along with hot and cold beverages.