Langtang Trek - 12 Days

Langtang Trek is among the nearest trekking adventures through the amazing landscapes and cultural gems of the local ethnic Tamang tribe near the Tibetan border. As you pass through the appealing scenery of terraced fields and lush forests along the traditional villages, the friendly local people residing there, with their friendly demeanour and warm hospitality, will definitely mark the trek as one of your best experiences.

Within a short period, you get to feel the serene breeze coming from the nearby majestic peaks of Langtang Lirung, Gang Chhenpo, Naya Kanga, Dorje Lakpa, Kimsung, Yansa Tsenji, Ganesh Himal, and Yala Peak. Along with that, you get to immerse in the beauty of cultural artefacts of the Tamang Tibetan community living in the region. Many people do not know that Tamang people are descendants of Tibetan horse traders who settled near the Kathmandu Valley centuries ago. The moderate trek is perfect for those who experience the natural and cultural allure away from the crowds and try something different. 

Trek on the Breathtaking Journey Along the Langtang Route

The journey of the Langtang Ultimate Trek starts with the scenic ride from Kathmandu to the countryside, leading to the Syabrubesi. Now starts the official path to trekking following the dense forest, steep ascent, alpine pastures, and scenic villages through Langtang Khola.

Making your way through the rhododendron forest and crossing glacial terrain, you reach the Lama Hotel, yet another highlight of the trek. The next day, you take the ascent through the Langtang National Park, where you encounter endangered species of the region, like musk deer and Himalayan Thar, who reside happily in the region. You end your journey in the Langtang Village for the day. The villages stand as a testament to the community's support for their region to restore its beauty after the devastating earthquake of 2015.

After 6 hours of trek, you will be able to see the marvellous cultural beauty of Kynajin Gompa. It is the place where you can acclimatize for a day, so you are up for exploration day. The architectural beauty of monasteries, flapping chorten, inscribed mani walls, and spinning prayer wheels are some of the beauties of Kyanjin Gompa. Along with that is the cheese factory in the region where you can take part in making cottage cheese and observe the process. Oh, and do not forget to bring some for yourself. 

At the same time, the scenic view of the majestic peaks of Langtang Lirung and Yala Peak shows off its beauty.

After ending the exploration day, you retrace your way back to the Lama Hotel, followed by a trek from Thulo Syabru to Dhunche.  

Itinerary Outline:

1st Day: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
2nd Day: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
3rd Day: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,420m/4,658ft), 8-9 hrs drive
4th Day: Trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2340m/7,675ft), 5-6 hrs walk
5th Day: Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang village (3,480m/11,415ft), 5-6 hrs walks
6th Day: Trek from Langtang village to Kyanjing Gompa (3,870m/12,697ft), 3-4 hrs walk
7th Day: Exploring Day at Kyanjin Gompa
8th Day: Trek from Kyanjin Gumpa to Lama Hotel (2340m/7,675ft), 6-7 hrs walk
9th Day: Trek from Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru Village (1,900m/6,232ft), 5-6 hrs walk
10th Day: Trek from Thulo Syabru to Dhunche (1650m/5,412ft), 4-5 hrs walk
11th Day: Drive back to Kathmandu
12th Day: Departure from Kathmandu

Trip Cost Includes:

✅ All airport and hotel transportation by private vehicle in Kathmandu per the suggested itinerary.
✅ Deluxe twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
✅ Farewell dinner in Kathmandu (Alcoholic beverages are excluded)
✅ Kathmandu to Syabrubesi to Kathmandu by private vehicle
✅ Full board meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) during the trek
✅ Seasonal fruits during the trek are provided
✅ Comfortable & clean accommodation on teahouse/lodge/tent during the trek
✅ Government Registered Trek guide (English speaking, First Aid and eco trained), Sherpa porter (one porter for two trekkers)
✅ All necessary paper works, Entry fees, and permits & TIMS card
✅ Four seasonal sleeping bags, Nepal Vision Treks duffel bag,  and trekking map (sleeping bag  to be returned after trip completion)
✅ First aid exclusive medical kit bag
✅ All government and local taxes

Trip Cost Excludes:

❌ Visa fees (You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu so (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)) International airfare to and from Kathmandu
❌ Lunch and dinner except for welcome & fare well dinner (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled plan)
❌ Any extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary plan
❌ Travel and rescue insurance
 

Permits for the Langtang Trek

When you enter Langtang Trek, you need permits from the government taken with the help of government-registered trekking companies like Nepal Vision Trek. Our trekking packages come with all permit fees included in your package.

• The TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Card costs around NPR 2000 and is taken through the Trekking Agencies only.
• Langtang National Park Entry Permit taken from the Nepal Tourism Board or the park entrance for NPR 3000.

Information About Traveling to Syabrubesi

Langtang Valley is one of the gems to explore nearest to Kathmandu Valley. Syabrubesi is the gateway to the Langtang Valley Trek. The small village is located about 117 km(73 miles) from Kathmandu. The only way to reach the place is by roadway, either by public bus or private transport. 

Travel by Bus

Buses leave early in the morning from Kathmandu. The trip takes 7 to 9 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. Your ride takes you through the scenic views of the countryside along the terraced fields, quaint villages, and glimpses of the Himalayas. Although, public buses may lack comfort because of the crowd. 

For a more comfortable experience, you can also go for the shared or private jeeps. However, these shared or private jeeps come at an extra price than buses. But the price is worth it for a quicker and more convenient ride, usually reducing travel time to about 6-7 hours. 

Tickets 

Bus tickets for the Kathmandu-Syabrubesi route cost around $12 per person. You can get the ticket from the bus station. But in the peak trekking season, you need to book early. 

Meanwhile, the shared jeep costs around $150 per person that accommodates up to six passengers.

Travel Time & Road Conditions

The travel time to Syabrubesi depends on the chosen mode of transport and the condition of the roads. Buses take 7 to 9 hours, while jeeps cut the travel time to about 6-7 hours. 

But the roads are challenging along with rough and winding sections, especially as you ascend into the mountainous terrain. Despite the bumpy ride, the journey is filled with appealing rewards and an introduction to Nepal's rugged beauty.

Travel insurance for Langtang Trekking

Travel insurance is non-negotiable for anyone planning to trek in the lap of the Himalayas in the Langtang Valley. It can be your way to get peace of mind for financial protection against unexpected events in a remote environment. Likewise, it protects against the potential risk of altitude sickness, injuries, or trip disruption. So, reliable travel insurance policies make sure you are prepared. But before you choose the travel insurance, you have to look out for

• Make sure you have at least USD 100,000 for medical emergencies and evacuation.
• Covers treatment, hospitalization, and related costs during the trek.
• Protection against cancellations due to illness or natural disasters.
• Confirm coverage for trekking at altitudes up to 5,000 meters.
• Carry a copy of the policy and emergency contacts, and share details with your group.

Is Langtang Trek Right for You?

Langtang Ultimate Trek falls under the unexplored gems of the Langtang region. But before your trek, there are lots of things you need to prepare for a successful and enjoyable trek. From the best time to logistics, every aspect plays an important role in the planning of the trek. So let us have a quick insight on this. 

Trek Difficulty

The trail puts forward a mix of easy and moderate ways ideal for people of all ages with basic fitness levels. The path winds through the thick forest and picturesque local villages like Lama Hotel and Langtang Village.

Moreover, the path is not overly technical, as it has gradual ascents, steep climbs and easier stretches, bringing out the variety throughout the journey. The highest point you will reach is Tserko Ri at 4984m, where you get after 6 hours of trek involving climbing uphill, river crossing and manageable descents.

Although the trek does not reach the extreme altitudes, the gradual elevation gain is still a challenge. So, you will be acclimatizing at Kyanjin Ri to ensure you adjust to the altitude and prevent altitude sickness. 

Best Time to Trek

To get the best experience of the Langtang Trek and immerse in its beauty, you need to plan your trek at the ideal time. While every season brings out some beauty in the trail, the best and most comfortable times to trek are spring and autumn.

Summer and winter seasons come with a handful of issues like bad trail conditions, unpredictable weather, and blur visibility that contribute to affecting your trekking experience.

Spring and autumn are the best for several reasons.

Spring

The cold breeze of winter fades away, and nature restores its beauty, converting the whole landscape into green beauty. Along with that comes the pleasant weather, clear visibility, and long days that allow you to enjoy every bit of your trekking journey.

Likewise, the season is also known to be active for the flora and fauna, so you are up to enjoy the diversity of Langtang National Park. Do not forget about the festivals of Lhosar and Buddha Jayanti celebrated by the Tamang people. Spring is the time for this festival, so you can immerse in their cultural artefacts and customs preserved for generations.

Since the end of the spring season is nearer to the monsoon season, you can face unpredictable rains. You have to prepare for the weather accordingly.

Autumn 

Similar to the spring season, autumn has yet another magic in nature. The vibrant atmosphere, good trail conditions and clear weather are the characteristic features of the autumn season.

As you make your way to the colourful landscapes standing against the backdrop of majestic peaks, the views are just perfect to watch. Around the year, autumn is one of the peak seasons because it offers natural and cultural charm. It is better to book your trek early or at the end of the season to tackle the crowd.  

Food & Accommodation Options

The trails start from the countryside, so the accommodation is mostly tea houses run by local families, giving a cozy experience and a glimpse of their culture. Room quality can differ according to the altitude. Normally, there are private or shared rooms with attached bathrooms. Heating is generally unavailable, so you have to carry an extra sleeping bag just in case. But some tea houses offer hot showers charging a small price of $2-5.

Aside from that, meals are also served in tea houses where you have access to local food. Dal Bhat, Thukpa, thenduk, Sweet Potato, Tibetan Bread, Fried Rice, and MoMo are some of the foods served. Besides that, you also have access to Western food in some locations. Throughout the trail, you have vegetarian and vegan-friendly options to look out for.  

Phone Charging Options

The good news for all the trekkers is that the region of Langtang has good phone coverage due to its proximity to Kathmandu. Nepal Telecom is recommended for better reception in the region than Ncell. You can get the sim card in Kathmandu after arrival. 

Internet & Wi-Fi Availability

Aside from the better network coverage, Tea House has access to WiFi. But they charge around 2-5$ for the connection. Yet, the connection can be unreliable due to weather or other issues. 

Porter 

For the trek along the higher elevation, a porter is a great help to support your luggage. One porter can carry 20kg of luggage throughout the day, which costs less than 20$. While it is not mandatory, the porter is the help recommended for the trek. If you want to plan to hire them, we are here to help you out.

How to Ensure Safety and Altitude Sickness on the Langtang Trek?

In the Langtang Ultimate Trek, you reach an altitude of more than 4000m, so altitude sickness is an issue. Nausea, Vomiting, Shortness of breath, and headache are some of the common symptoms of the trek. In severe cases, the condition can prolong to High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema and High Altitude Cerebral Edema. 

There are different ways you can implement other measures to prevent this condition in your trekking journey. Here are specific tips from experienced guides on the Nepal Vision trek for managing altitude sickness.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink 3-4 liters of water daily to keep yourself hydrated and combat altitude effects.
• Eat Nutritious Meals: Focus on healthy, balanced meals and avoid junk food to maintain energy levels.
• Pace Yourself: Walk at a steady, comfortable pace and take time to enjoy the journey.
• Take Rest Days: Plan acclimatization days to help your body adjust to higher altitudes.
• Use Medication if Needed: Consider taking Diamox to ease symptoms of altitude sickness.

Seek Medical Help if Necessary: If symptoms worsen or become severe, go for professional medical assistance immediately.

Tips for First Time Langtang Trekkers

While experienced trekkers can find the trail easier to navigate. Although, beginner trekkers can use some tips for an enjoyable trekking experience. Our team has gathered some trekking tips for first-time Langtang trekkers.

Observe the Mountains and Culture

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the landscapes and the vibrant culture along the trail. Enjoy stunning mountain views and engage with the warm and friendly Tamang people to immerse in their appealing traditions and lifestyle.

Train Before Your Trek

Start training at least three months before your trek. During the initial time, start by taking long walks and using a staircase just so the body can adapt to long walks. Later, include cardio and strength training in your routine to build endurance and stamina.

Prepare Your Gear and Equipment

Put the investment in high-quality trekking gear for a comfortable experience. And if you want to go for a budget-friendly option, you can rent equipment in Thamel, Kathmandu costing less than a dollar per day.

Practice Breathing Techniques

Use proper breathing techniques to improve your trekking experience at high altitudes. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth to regulate your breathing for steady oxygen flow.

Avoid Junk Food

Stick to a healthy and balanced diet during your trek. Avoid junk food because it causes energy crashes. Instead, focus on nutritious meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables for sustained energy. 

Pack Light

Keep your backpack light by carrying only the essentials. Go for lightweight trekking gear and clothes. As a general guideline, your pack should weigh no more than 10-15% of your body weight for comfort on the trail.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is necessary at high altitudes because you lose water in the form of sweat in excess amounts. Drink at least 3-4 liters of water daily and carry a reusable water bottle. Similarly, water purification tablets or a filtration system can be used to treat water from natural sources along the trail.

Langtang Trek Extensions and Alternatives

Langtang's ultimate trek is not just one version of exploring the natural and cultural region of Langtang. But the good news for trekkers is there are different extensions for you to wander and immerse in the beauty of the trek. 

Langtang-Gosaikunda Trek

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is among the iconic destinations taking you through the heart of Langtang region across Langtang Valley with the sacred Gosainkunda Lakes for stunning views and spiritual experience

Tamang Heritage Trek

If you are looking to get the raw experience of the Tamang heritage distributed throughout the region. Tamang Heritage Trek is the one where you visit the scenic village and enjoy their warm hospitality and learn about their traditions.

Langtang-Helambu Explorer Trek

There is yet another way to start your trek to Langtang Through Helambu adding an extra allure to the journey. 

Environmental Considerations and Responsible Trekking

Every trekker should understand that their journey to the nature has some impact on the environment. Waste management, and trail management are some of the ways to take care of your impacts. Aside from that you can also follow these tips to support your responsible trekking. 

• You should support artifacts in the local community by hiring local guides who can make your experience better with their cultural and ecological knowledge.
• Try to respect their culture and dress modestly in villages. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people or their property.
• You should support locally-owned lodges and purchase goods from local shops to support the economy of the region. 
• Besides, educate about the environmental challenges of high-altitude areas before trekking. Be mindful of your actions and contribute positively during your journey.