Langtang Valley Trek

Essential Information

Best Time Period for the Langtang Valley Trek

The Langtang Valley trek is open for exploration all year round so it can be undertaken in every season. However, the most favorable season will be the spring beginning from March and ending till the end of May. During this season, the temperature remains pleasant, without yet reaching the intense heat of summer.

Additionally, the Langtang forest paints the entire landscape in unique lush green highlighted by the bright reds and deep crimson colors of rhododendrons and other wildflowers.

Likewise, the autumn season spanning from late September to November is also favorable when the winter cold has not yet arrived and the summer heat is already behind. In addition, the leaves of the autumn trees also give a special aspect to the terrain of Langtang.

On the other hand, July, August, and September, the months of summer bring a lot of monsoon rain with the nuisance of hot temperatures, leeches, and mosquitoes. However, the lodges and trail remain less crowded.

Winter can also be a great option, especially for the intrepid travelers. There will not be a lot of snow and if you are prepared to face the cold, frost, and some snow, then the reward will be a unique landscape, less crowded paths, and clear days with brilliant sun shining over your heads.

How challenging and hard is the Langtang Valley Trek?

The Langtang Valley trekking itinerary is classified as grade B, indicating that it offers a low-difficulty trekking trail. This trek is therefore ideal for those who seek a manageable yet adventurous experience.

The trekking adventure will take place along a relatively simple mountain trail in Nepal that frequently involves some ups and downs along the slopes and ridges.

Over the traveling journey of ten days, you should also be ready for daily walks averaging from 5 to 6 hours. Each day will present diverse terrain, from climbing through lush forests to crossing long, high suspension bridges, and ascending over the Tibetan-like highlands.

You should also note that the three days of this trek will take you above 3,000 m, where altitude sickness could be a concern. The most high altitude we will have during this journey will be at 4773 m elevation of Kyanjin Ri.

The climb to the tip of this summit is not technically complex, but it involves tackling a rocky path for about 1 to 2 hours, with an elevation gain of nearly 1,000 m.

However, when compared to other trekking options in Nepal, this trek offers a relatively easy way to connect with nature.

Attention

Please note that people with heart and lung diseases, even if they have been treated, pregnant women, individuals with high blood pressure, those prone to sleep apnoea, untreated blood coagulation disorders, or anyone with a history of thrombosis should only participate in this trek if they have their doctor’s consent.

Who can participate in the Langtang Valley trek?

Because Langtang Valley has enviable geographical diversity that winds through the lush forest, green to the yellow barren valley, with a climb to impressive Kyanjin Ri, this trip is, therefore, suitable for all tastes and levels. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner looking to prepare for a more challenging experience in Annapurna base camp or Everest base camp, this trip is designed for you.

Since the trails are well-marked and well-maintained, the Langtang Valley trek 10 days journey is also suitable for families, couples, young children, seniors, and solo adventurers.

If you need to watch your budget and wondering where to spend your vacation, this trip again will be an excellent choice as the prices range from US$ 500 to US$ 800 per individual.

However, don’t let the lower price mislead you as a lower budget doesn’t mean compromising on your safety and comfort. We have gone through every detail to ensure your overnight stays are comfortable, no matter where you rest for the night.

After the powerful earthquake, the region has been beautifully restored with modern facilities, so your experience will be as comfortable as in Everest or Annapurna. Just remember, you will be spending three nights above 3,000 meters and climbing Kyanjin Ri, whose altitude exceeds 4,500 m.

This means there is a slight risk of altitude sickness, so it’s important for you to be in decent physical and mental shape and level. Also, you should not be afraid of heights to participate in this trek.

Alternate Approach to the Langtang Valley Trek

The Langtang Valley is an incredible destination that offers a multitude of trekking options and several breathtaking routes. For those wanting to dare themselves with more challenges, you can choose to return from Helambu and overcome the enormous 5130 m high Ganja La Pass.

If Ganja La Pass is a bit of a challenge for you, then you can also connect your Langtang Valley trek with the crossing of 3800 m high Pangsang Pass that will direct you to one of the charming Ruby Valley of Nepal.

Or, you can simply stir away from the dramatic terrains and travel from Lama Hotel towards Thulo Syabru and follow the trail that will lead you towards the holy Gosaikunda and then through the charming Helambu settlements before returning to Kathmandu.

However, if you want to furnish your hiking resume with the climb of a mountain, then you can also take the challenge of reaching the altitude of 5500 m at Yala Peak.

This Peak will offer you a splendid chance to admire the spectacular views of the sparkling peaks of Shishapangma (8,027 meters), Naya Kang, Gangchempo, Langtang Lirung, and Dorje Lhakpa.

Another unique option would be to include the adventure of the Tilman Pass trek into your Langtang Valley trekking itinerary. As part of the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT), Tilman Pass, named after the renowned explorer Major Harold William Bill Tilman, rises to an impressive altitude of 5,320 m.

This captivating journey is long and demanding, so it is less suitable for new hikers who are just beginning their mountain trekking in Nepal. However, it presents an exhilarating challenge for experienced trekkers, who will also have the thrilling opportunity to witness Teen Pokhari and Panch Pokhari.

Altitude Sickness in Langtang Valley Trek

Our Langtang Valley trekking itinerary will guide you through the enchanting mountain villages of Langtang Valley at a gradual pace. Beginning from the lush lowlands, you will steadily gain the elevation each progressing day which will allow your body to acclimatize to the thinner mountain air.

However, you have to prepare yourself for a challenge that stretches from Day 4 to Day 6, when you will be spending three nights above 3,000 m altitude, where altitude sickness can affect some travelers.

Additionally, on Day 6, you will have to face the formidable ascent to Kyanjin Ri, which nearly reaches an altitude of 4800 m. To prepare for this challenge, we have intentionally planned Day 5 with a shorter walking duration of just 3 to 4 hours, giving you ample time to rest.

This thoughtful itinerary aims to reduce the likelihood of altitude sickness, though it cannot eliminate it entirely. After several years of organizing this trek, we have realized that trekkers generally only experience the milder forms of this illness.

The milder symptoms are fatigue, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or vertigo, difficulty sleeping, tachycardia, headache, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath.

If such conditions arise, then it is essential for you to tell our guide and travel down to a lower altitude than the one you were acclimatized to and rest for 24 to 48 hours before getting on with the ascent.

You should also drink plenty of fluids (at least 3 or 4 liters per day), avoid drinking alcohol, and follow a high-carbohydrate diet, rich in sugars and carbohydrates.

To help you adjust quickly, you may think about taking a Diamox (Acetazolamide) pill. However, it’s always a good idea to seek a doctor’s recommendation as the drug can be contraindicated in some health conditions.

How to prepare for Langtang Valley Trek?

Trekking adventure is synonymous with unparalleled natural beauty, picturesque villages, forests, and charming valleys. But you have to remember trekking is also synonymous with unseen and unexpected danger and risks.

Even if the Langtang Valley trek is a moderate journey, there are still challenges of its own level both for beginners and for experienced ones. Therefore, before going on the Langtang Valley trek 10 days adventure, there must be some preparation you need to make it a success.

First, you need to concentrate on leg-based cardio exercises such as swimming and football. It is also worth working on some leg resistance exercises such as leg curls, squats, and lunges, to further develop your muscles. And unless you are in a hurry, always take the stairs.

Consider starting your trekking soon and begin with short and simple journey and work your way up to full-day hikes. If possible, find a terrain that is similar to Langtang Valley. It will be helpful if you wear all the equipment you plan to carry on your hike, including shoes, socks, and a backpack.

It will also be wise on your part if you keep trekking even in bad weather so you can practice for whatever your hiking journey may throw at you.

And, when it comes to mental preparation, it is essential that you adjust your expectations to a comfort level that may differ from what you are used to at home.

Remember, teamwork has a vital role in this adventure, as you will be sharing the journey with fellow travelers, guides, and porters. To let yourself fully immerse in the new culture, landscape, cuisine, and traditions, consider reading the reports and books or watching videos about the Langtang region.

Accommodation and Dining

We have pre-arranged a delightful three-star hotel for your two-night stay in Kathmandu. You will be settled into double rooms equipped with an attached bathroom and hot shower for your comfort. Start your morning with a healthy breakfast and venture out to enjoy the local culinary delights at your own pace.

After you leave Kathmandu, we have organized your overnight stays in standard lodges in the pleasant villages of Tamangs and Sherpas. Most of the rooms in these lodges have basic furnishings including two beds, pretty thick cotton mattresses, warm blankets, and chairs.

Daily three time meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, will be served to you in these charming lodges. It will be worth trying the typical Dal Vat at noon and some thukpa, momos, local pizza, noodles, or pasta in the evening.

Transportation during the Langtang Valley Trek

As you arrive in Kathmandu, our company employee will be waiting for you at TIA, ready to transport you in a private vehicle to your hotel in Kathmandu. On your final day, our staff will again accompany you back to TIA to ensure you arrive in plenty of time for your flight home.

For the road travel between Kathmandu and Syabrubesi, a comfortable bus will be at your service. If you desire, we can also organize private transportation for this journey (please check out our upgrade options).

Travel Insurance

Please keep in mind that travel insurance is a must if you want to obtain one of the essential permits for the Langtang Valley trek. Even if travel insurance had not been mandatory, you must never back out or hesitate to take one as you will be practicing high-mountain hiking in this adventure.

In the mountains, a slip or fall can often result in serious accidents when you may need to be transported by helicopter, which is very expensive. This is why we recommend you take such a policy which grants you extensive medical coverage that includes, among other things, repatriation, medical transfer, search and rescue to the height of up to 5000 m.

Please make sure your comprehensive travel insurance has the following features:

•  Comprehensive medical coverage.
•  Adventure activities insurance with search and rescue.
•  Repatriation and medical transfer.
•  Medical protection, covering at least transfer, assistance, and hospitalization.
•  Trip cancellation guarantee.
•  Free and continuous assistance 24*7 all year round.
•  The best travel insurance cannot have any type of deductible.
•  The policy cannot force you to pay money in advance; the insurer must be responsible for paying all bills for the care received or to be received.
•  The insurance company you contract with must be solvent and efficient, with a great reputation.

Essential Permits for the Langtang Valley Trek

Our Langtang Valley trekking itinerary will take you inside the restricted zone of Langtang National Park, therefore an entry permit to this park is a must for this trek.

This permit can be arranged from the NTB (Nepal Tourism Board office) in either Kathmandu or Dhunche, and it will be carefully reviewed at the entry and exit points of the Park. The Park entry permits will cost around USD 25 per traveler or NPR 3000 to be exact.

Likewise, we will also need to obtain the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card through the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) or the NTB.

This card has detailed records and facts about our travel program which enables the concerned authorities to track our location in case of emergency. The card costs only US$ 20 per individual, not too high for the timely rescue.