Langtang Valley Trek 2022/23

The valley of Lantang is a virgin region that can be found almost due north of Kathmandu in the district that is located in the middle of the Himalayas.

The region is home to a number of notable hikes, including as the Lantang Valley Trek, the Gosainkunda Lake Trek, the Helambu Trek, and a number of other sports, such as peak climbing on the Yala Peak. The hike across the Lantang Valley takes a total of seven days to complete, however only five of those days are spent walking. 

The Lantang Valley Trek is widely regarded as one of the most enjoyable hikes in the Lantang region because of the unspoiled natural splendor it offers. The trek starts in Syaprubesi, located around 140km from Kathmandu which we reach via bus or jeep. A significant portion of the Lantang valley Trek is located within the boundaries of the Lantang National Park, which is home to a wide variety of animals, such as monkeys, wild pheasants, Thar, and elusive species such as the red panda and the snow leopard.

The pristine panoramas of surrounding peaks, such as Lantang Lirung, Tsanbu Ri, and Gangchenpo, are among the most alluring aspects of the trip through the Lantang valley. In addition, you will have the opportunity to discover a large number of glaciers, the villages of Lantang and Kyanjin Gompa, an ancient monastery in Kyanjin Gompa, an actual Yak Cheese Factory in Kyanjin Gompa, and a great deal more. The beautiful meadows, as well as the yaks and horses grazing in the grass and drinking water from the streams, provide a sense of tranquility and enjoyment during the trip.  The highlight of the excursion is reaching the breathtaking vantage point of Tserko Ri, which is situated at an astounding elevation of 4984 meters.

The Langtang valley is inhabited mostly by indegenious Tamang people. The Tamang people speak a tibeto-burmese lannguage and have been inhabiting this region of Nepal since ancient times. Their religion is mostly Buddhist which can be seen in the prayer flags, shrines and thangka paintings that they decorate their houses with. Exploration of the Tamang people’s lifestyle, culture and religion is an integral part of the Lantang valley trek.

After the climb of Tserko Ri, we descend in two days to Syaprubesi where the trek had started. From Syapribesi we take a bus or jeep back to Kathmandu, the same way we reached before, concluding the trip in Kathmandu. 

Highlights of Langtang Valley Trek 

• Trek through the "Valley of glaciers," also known as the Langtang Valley.
• Climb Tserko Ri for the breathtaking scenery  and 360 degree mountain views
• Experience a view of the snow-covered Langtang Ri, Langtang, Langsisa, and Ganjala Peak mountains
• Experience  Tibetan Buddhist culture and life while staying in Tamang guesthouses 
• Explore breathtaking rhododendron forest.
• Gather blessings at historic Buddhist temples like Kyanjing Gompa and Langtang Gompa.
• See numerous waterfalls and meadows with yaks and horses grazing
• Get excellent views of the hilly valley wurrounded by snow capped peaks 

Location and history

Located in the Himalayas in north central Nepal, the Langtang valley is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. Most treks into the Langtang valley begin in Syaprubesi, the closest motorable roadhead to the valley. Syaprubesi is 80 kilometers from the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu. However, due to the poor state of the roads, the journey from Kathmandu to Syaprubesi might take anywhere from six to eight hours.

The Lantang National Park protects a sizable chunk of the valley.

Locations of important villages and rest stops along the Lantang Valley Trek are shown on the map below.

The Lantang valley has been inhabited by the local Tamangs since time immemorial, most old structures however have been lost due to numerous landslides and earthquakes that happened in the region’s ancient and recent history.The oldest structure located in Kyanjin Gompa is the Kyanjin Monastary, While traditionally thought to be over 700 years old, the current monastery building is only about 300 years old. Many Thangkas inside the Gompa are thought to have been brought from tibet centuries ago. 

According to a local legend, the Kyanjin Gompa (monastery) was built on a rock that resembled camel ribs. Kyan translates as "camel" and jin as "ribs." The Langtangpas consider the mountain Langtang Lirung to be their "yu-lha," or local deity. Langtang valley is said to be Beyul Dagam Namgo, one of Guru Padmasambhava's many hidden valleys.

In 2015, a devastating earthquake ravaged the region. A large avalanche nearly obliterated the settlement of Langtang, with the save of one structure. Approximately 364 locals and foreigners perish in the village, and many of their bodies are never discovered. Also severely damaged by the earthquake was the Kyanjin monastery.

Weather and climate during Langtang Valley Trek

The climate in Lantang generally follows the usual climatic cycle of Nepal. Spring starts from around Late March and goes on till May. Summer follows after that till July. From July, the monsoon rains begin and much of the valley experiences the rain or, higher up, snow. 

Until Ghodatabela, the route on the trek is usually a deciduous forest of Rhododenderon and Oak. After Ghodatabela, one sees pine and other coniferous trees also with shrubs and Seabackthorn plants which the locals make juice out of. 

The weather on your Langtang trek will vary depending on the time of year you choose to go. Here are the key seasonal weather details you need to know.

During the most popular trekking seasons of Spring and Autumn, temperatures range from 25 degrees in the day to as little as 2 degrees at night. The temperature is highly dependent on local weather and how much direct sunlight the area gets. While walking in direct sunlight you might even get hot and sweat a bunch!

During winter, many places are frozen over and snowfall is seen higher up on the trail. Most temperatures during this time are sub-zero, thus requiring better clothing. Despite the fact that the valley is breathtaking during this season, the chilly weather is difficult. Few tourists and harsh living circumstances cause the majority of teahouses to close.

Langtang Trek Elevation Map

Lantang Trek follows quite steep altitude gains. The first day at Syapribesi you will be located at a meager 1490m above sea level. The first two days on the trail you can expect to gain around 900-1000m a day. The third hike to Kyanjin gompa is a short one, however you will still gain around 300m altitude. 

The highest altitude on the trip will be at Tserko Ri which is located at a massive 49884m. 

Tha map below shows the Elevation on this trip .

Langtang valley trek Difficulty Level

Lantang is classified as a moderate trek. The altitude gains and the rough trail make the trip more difficult however, as the sleeping altitudes, duration of the trip, and time spent walking are low, the trek is excellent as an introductory trek in the Himalayas. Since there are no flights required like those in the Everest region, you do not need to worry about flight cancellations. The hike can be completed by anyone in a reasonable fit condition who is determined enough. 

Numerous rockfall areas are slippery and you will have to walk through hard stone steps and rough terrain for almost the entire duration of the trek. Good shoes and walking sticks are definitely highly recommended on the trail. 

Safety and Security for Langtang Valley Trek

Lantang valley, since it is very close to the Kathmandu valley sees very quick rescue timings via helicopter. Even though the trek is relatively straightforward, physical mishaps and sicknesses can take place. Health posts are located in Lantang Village however tehy are very basic. 

Since the altitude that you will be sleeping in along the trail is not that high, the trek is considered very safe. Numerous slippery areas on the trail do exist with rockfalls and trekking in the winter might make it more slippery due to ice. 

The main altitude gain will be when climbing Tserko Ri, however since it is a day hike, you can just return to Kyanjin Gompa if you have trouble with the altitude when climbing. 

Police stations and checkposts also exist ni the Lantang village, which will make teh trip more secure for you. The trail is straightforward without divergence and as such getting lost is extremely unlikely. 

Regarding the Langtang Valley Trek

Itinerary

You can modify your Lantang Valley trek to include other side treks like the Gosain Kunda Trek, Ganjala Pass, Yala Peak climbing, and others. Please discuss with our representatives for modifications to the standard Lantang Valley Trek Itinerary 

COVID Update for Langtang Valley Trek

Covid has not affected the Lantang Valley Trek as the area is relatively secluded. The trek can proceed without issue due to Covid. 

Things not to do during Langtang Valley Trek

Here are some of the main things to keep in mind during the Lantang Trek: 

• Place your food and sturdy your ankle and knees on rockfalls and slippery routes 
• Leave ample space on  trails for Yaks, Mules and Horses 
• Don’t tease the animals on the trail 
• Drink and eat healthy local food on your way up the trail, the time to try exotic stuff is on the way down. 
• Don’t drink unheated and thoroughly boiled Yak milk. 
• Since the amenities are basic, be prepared for this, do not blame the locals or the guide 

Best Langtang Valley Trek Package

Accessible Adventure’s Lantang Valley Trek Package along with other treks in the Lantang region are the best and most well-thought-out trips in Nepal.

Best time to visit 

Autumn is considered the optimal time to trek in Langtang valley. During this season, the weather is clear and conducive to hiking. The clear weather also affords you the opportunity to observe the breathtaking grandeur of Langtang valley. During the autumn Langtang valley trip, you may enjoy the majesty of snow-capped mountain ranges, lush vegetation, and pristine nature with a view of the blue sky.

Spring is also regarded the second-best time to walk to Langtang valley, after fall. During trekking in this season, you can observe magnificent rhododendron forests, verdant woods, and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Foods found during Langtang Valley Trek

Almost all food found in the Lantang Valley is very basic. Most shops offer tea, coffee, bread and jam. Favourites like Ginger Tea, Lemon tea and others are fairly common everywhere also. 

The traditional Nepali power-meal Dal Bhat is found throughout the trek. 

Due to the fact that the raw cooking materials have to be carried and brought to the many lodgings on the trip, the food will be basic. Thukpa, Noodle soup, are common as well as Momo’s.

Some places also offer pizza and other western meals but these are very basic. It is recommended to eat the local Dal Bhat, Porridge, Thukpa and other basic but powerful foods on the trip. 

Lantang lacks in diversity of vegetables. Cabbage, Carrots, and Potatoes are common everywhere and are the most cooked. Cheese delicacies liek Cheese momo are also common everywhere on the trail.

Interesting delicacies include Yak Milk, Yak Cheese and Curd, and Seabackthorn Juice. 

Accommodation during Langtang Valley Trek

The Trek inside the Lantang National Park has very basic amenities. Places like Bamboo, Pairo, Riverside, Ghodatabela, and Lama Hotel are isolated areas with very few rooms. Many of these places only have one common bathroom and toilet outside the sleeping areas. 

Once we reach Lantang village, however, the accommodations become more luxurious. Hot water showers are common along with rooms with attached bathrooms and other amenities. Kyanjin Gompa also has excellent accommodations where you should not face any difficulty.

Due to the cold and the chance of pipes bursting however many hotels will shut off the water supply at night, so you will have to plan accordingly and fill up the buckets provided with water. 

What you can experience in Lantang Valley Trek

•  Visit: Nearby glaciers and see the amazing grandeur of them
• Kyanjin Cheese Factory: get to see yak cheese being made in real time and buy authentic yak cheese
• Kyanjin Gumba: Visit one of the oldest monasteries in the region 
• Forest and wildlife: Walk through the Lantang National Park with amazing flora and fauna. See Yaks and Horses grazing in the beautiful meadows. 
• Climb: Tserko Ri and Kyanjin Ri
• Eat and Drink: Yak cheese, milk, curd, Seabackthorn Juice
• Witness: Glacial rivers, mountains, and more 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lantang Valley Trek is a beginner-friendly trek in the central Himalayas. You will not need a flight to go to this trek. You will see waterfalls and glaciers, meadows and mountains, yaks and horses, and beautiful views in the forests amid Buddhist shrines and chortens. This trek is one of the most scenic treks in Nepal and one that should definitely be on your bucket list if you are an adventurer. Join Accessible Adventure’s Lantang Valley Trek to experience what you have read just now in real life.