The Langtang Valley trek offers stunning Himalayan views, rich Tamang culture, and diverse landscapes, all within a relatively accessible and less crowded trail.
Langtang Valley Trek
Duration
8 Days
Trip Grade
Medium Hard
Maximum Altitude
3800 Meters
Group Size
Min 2 People
Activities
Trekking
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
Best Time
March-June, September-November
Langtang Valley Trek: A close journey to the Heart of the Himalayas
The Langtang Valley Trek, nestled within the Langtang National Park, presents a compelling alternative to the more crowded trails of the Annapurna and Everest regions. This trek offers a unique blend of stunning Himalayan landscapes, rich cultural immersion within the Tamang community, and a relatively accessible adventure, making it a popular choice for trekkers of varying experience levels.
A Glimpse into the Langtang Region:
Langtang, meaning "where a yak followed," is a region steeped in legend and natural beauty. The valley, dominated by the majestic Langtang Lirung (7,227 m), was tragically affected by the devastating 2015 earthquake. However, the resilient Tamang people have rebuilt their lives and infrastructure, welcoming trekkers with open arms. The trek not only offers breathtaking views but also contributes to the region's economic recovery.
The Attraction of Langtang:
Scenic Splendor: The trek unveils a tapestry of diverse landscapes, from lush rhododendron forests and bamboo groves to alpine meadows and glacial moraines. Snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and turquoise rivers paint a picture of Himalayan grandeur.
Cultural Immersion: The Tamang people, with their distinct culture and traditions, are the primary inhabitants of the Langtang region. Trekkers have the opportunity to experience their warm hospitality, witness their unique way of life, and learn about their spiritual beliefs.
Accessible Adventure: Compared to higher-altitude treks, Langtang offers a relatively moderate challenge, making it suitable for trekkers with basic fitness levels.
Flora and Fauna: Langtang National Park is a haven for biodiversity, home to diverse flora and fauna, including red pandas, Himalayan black bears, snow leopards (though rarely seen), and various species of birds.
Reccomended Side Trips while doing the Langtang Valley Trek:
Tserko Ri (4,995 m): An exciting daylong but truely satisfying hike from Kyanjin Gompa, offering outstanding panoramic views of the Langtang range.
Langshisha Kharka (4,080 m): A less crowded side trip offering a remote and serene experience in Langtang Valley.
Gosaikunda Lake (4,380 m): Extending the trek to include the holy lake of Gosaikunda, known for their spiritual significance and stunning beauty. This would add multiple days to your trek. Check out our Gosaikunda Trek for more detail.
Langtang Valley Trek Cost:
The cost of the Langtang Valley Trek can vary depending on several factors, including the below topics:
- Trekking Style: Budget trekking (tea houses) is the most common and affordable option. Luxury trekking (with porters, guides, and comfortable accommodations) is more expensive.
- Duration: Longer treks will naturally cost more, so the cost depends on the length of your tour.
- Mode of travel: Using a private Jeep rather than a public bus also differs the trip price.
- Season: Peak season (spring and autumn) may have slightly higher prices, while off-season can be slightly cheaper.
- Group Size: The price gets cheaper as the group is bigger, so trekking in a group can help reduce costs.
What trekking permits do you need for the Langtagng Valley Trek?
Permits: You will need a Langtang National Park entry permit and a TIMS (Trakers' Information Management System) card.
Approximate Costs:
Langtang National Park Entry Permit: Around $30 USD
TIMS Card: Around $20 USD
Daily Expenses (food and accommodation): $25 - $40 USD per day per adult
Guide and Porter (optional): $25 - $35 USD per day (guide), $18-$20 per day (porter)
Transportation (Kathmandu to Syabrubesi and back): $15-$20 USD each way.
Therefore, a 7-day Langtang Valley trek can cost anywhere from $400 to $800 USD per person, excluding international flights.
When is the best season for the Langtang Valley Trek?
The best season for the Langtang Valley Trek is during:
- Spring (March to May): This season offers pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and blooming rhododendron flowers along the way, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape.
- Autumn (September to November): This season provides stable weather conditions, clear views, and comfortable temperatures. Trekking in September still offers alpine flowers, producing a landscape that is lively and colorful.
Trekking during the monsoon season (Mid-June to August) is not the best time of trekking due to heavy rainfall, wet trails, and obscured views. Winter (December to February) is also challenging due to cold temperatures and potential snowfall. Those people who would like to avoid crowds choose this season for a peace trek in serenity trail without noise.
Langtang Valley Trek Difficulty:
The Langtang Valley Trek is generally considered a moderate trek. It is suitable for trekkers with basic fitness levels and no prior high-altitude trekking experience.
- Altitude: The highest point of the trek is Kyanjin Ri (approximately 4,773 m) or Tserko Ri (5,000 m), if you take that side trip. Acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness.
- Terrain: The trail involves gradual ascents and descents, with some steep sections.
- Trekking Duration: The average trekking day involves 7 to 9 hours of walking. Experts can complete this trek in 5 to 6 days as well
How long is the Langtang Valley Trek?
The total distance of the Langtang Valley Trek is approximately 65-75 kilometers (39-45 miles), depending on the specific route and side trips you choose to include in the tour.
Brief Packing List:
- Trekking boots and socks
- Warm layers (fleece, down jacket)
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Trekking pants and shirts
- Sleeping bag (suitable for temperatures below freezing)
- Trekking poles and ice spikes, gaiter if trekking in winter
- Water bottle or hydration system
- First-aid kit
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Toiletries, Snacks
For a comprehensive packing list, contact your trip planner in Nepal before traveling to the destination.
Tips for a Successful Langtang Valley Trek:
- Acclimatize properly.
- Stay hydrated.
- Follow safety protocols
- Hire a local guide and porter for a more enriching experience.
- Respect the local culture and traditions.
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Purchase travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.
- Bring cash, as there are limited ATM's.
- Learn basic Nepali phrases.
The Langtang Valley Trek offers an unforgettable Himalayan adventure, combining stunning landscapes, cultural immersion, and a sense of accomplishment. By planning your trek carefully and preparing adequately, you can embark on a journey that will leave you with lasting memories.
Itinerary
Expand allAfter an early breakfast, we drive north from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi. Parts of the road are unsealed, and the condition of the road often depends upon the monsoon season. We will travel via Trisuli Bazaar, where the dam and hydroelectric project was completed by the Indian Technical Mission. Finally we drive on to Syabrubesi. We spend the night there. Stay overnight in lodge.
Our destination for today is Sherpagaun, situated at an altitude of 2500 meters. After a nice breakfast, we cross the Bhotekoshi River at Syabrubesi and head north toward Khanjiim; we will have lunch there probably. We use a new off-beaten route instead that offers a bit of a loop trek experience rather than the same way walking twice. We spend the overnight at Sherpagaun.
The trail first goes down gradually until Rimche and Lama Hotel, then continues through the forests until reaching Gumnachok, which takes about 1 and a half hours. Then you continue your hike to Godatabela which takes about 2 hours. Now you have a glimpse of Langtang Lirung. You have a lunch break here. After lunch, the trail continues passing the yak pasture land and through the forests until reaching Thangshyap, which takes about 2 hours. Overnight in Thangsyap.
Today it will be some 4 hours walking from Thangsyap to Kyanjin Gompa. From Thangsyap, you can see in Langtang Village that the Nepal earthquake of 2015 left a bad impact and most of the houses are resorted now. We continue passing the Yak pasture land until we reach Kyanjin Gompa, which takes about 3 hours to get from Langtang. After lunch, you can visit Kyanjin Gompa and Cheese Factory with your guide and taste yak cheese. Now you have a superb view of Langtang Lirung, Gangchempu, Nayakhang, and other peaks. Stay overnight in the lodge.
Today, we hike to Kyanjin Ri which is 4773 meter high and is lower peak compared to Tsergo Ri peak which can be tough for beginners. If you like more adventure then hike to Tsergo-Ri, 4985m. Both of this day hiking point offers stunning mountain view. We start in the morning after breakfast. First you walk level trail about 30 minutes and you cross small stream. Then the trail continues steep ascending with viewing the panoramic snow capped mountains which takes about 3 and half hours. You have a superb view of Langtang Lirung, Nayakhang, Gangchembu, Ganja-La range, Yala peak, Langshisha Ri and other snowy peaks from Tsergo Ri. If you want to explore more and spend long time on the top, you better to take packed lunch from your lodge. After enjoying, you walk down till to lodge which takes about 2 and half hour. Langshisa Kharka is another day hiking destination from Kyanjin Gompa. Stay overnight in lodge.
The trail descends down passing the yak pasture land until reaching Langtang which takes about 2 hours then continue walk and cross the suspension bridge and climb down till Thangshyap. It takes about 1 hour. Again you continue the trail following through the forests until reaching Godatabela which takes about 1 hour. You have lunch break here. After lunch, the trail keeps descending till Lama Hotel. Stay overnight in lodge.
After breakfast, we trek down to Syabrubensi, about 5 hours walk. Enjoy the easy trail mostly downhill through lush green vegetation. Arriving Syabrubesi, we take our lunch.
After breakfast we drive back to Kathmandu. Arriving Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. Spend the day leisurely or catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any sights you missed during your first day in Kathmandu. In the evening, celebration dinner together.
This is our standard itinerary. It can be customized or slightly changed if required considering your pace and trekking habit that cause a change of day-to-day plan.
Still Confuse?
Download brochure or customize your trip.
Cost Details
Includes
- Registered and experienced local Langtang Valley trekking guide.
- One porter between two trekkers (weight limit 25 kg/porter)
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 7 dinners during the trek.
- Kathmandu-Syabrubesi - Kathmandu by public bus or local shared Jeep (less leg room)
- Accommodation during the trek is on a double-shared basis.
- Guide and porter fees and all their expenses.
- Insurance and trekking gear for your trekking crew.
- Necessary Langtang Valley trekking permits.
- Local taxes.
Excludes
- Transfers, accommodation, and meals in Kathmandu.
- Guided sightseeing and monument entrance fees in Kathmandu.
- Bar bills, beverages such as coke, fanta, and mineral water
- Hot shower and hot water, laundry, and toiletries.
- Personal travel insurance, internet, phone calls
- Rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
- Tips for your guide and porter.
Dates & Availability
Select Departure Dates
Apr 2025
May 2025
Check our dates published to see if it matches your time. We are happy to customize your tour perfectly to match your interests and needs, creating a unique travel experience just for you
What Our Clients are Saying?
based on 4 reviews
Worth a trek (and more than one)
We chose Wilderness Excursion among the millions of trekking agency in Kathmandu mainly because of the kindness and, precision and good spirit of Pradip. Since the beginning he was quick and accurate in his answers to our maaaaany doubts and...
A
Anna Masetti- Italy
May 21, 2019Langtang Valley Trek Review
We were seven expat women taking a week out of busy Kathmandu life to trek the Langtang valley. We had a fabulous time. Pradip arranged everything efficiently and helpfully. Our guide, Rahul, was so cheerful, kind and knowledgeable. I would...
D
Debbie D- United Kingdom
December 02, 2018Wonderful Experience
I did Langtang Valley Trek with my husband which was life-long desire to travel to Nepal was the trip of a lifetime thanks to the professional support of Wilderness Excursion. Pre-trip planning was very easy with every query fully answered...
O
Oga Carsten- United States
March 20, 2015Need Help? Call Us+977 9851042153