About Langtang Valley Trek - 8 Days
The Langtang Valley Trek is a popular short and easy walking activity in Nepal located near capital-Kathmandu It has long been a favorite trek due to its expansive views, interesting Tamang culture, relatively gentle pace, and accessibility from Kathmandu. The 2015 earthquake and subsequent landslide had an enormous effect on the region, but aid and reconstruction have recently reopened this valley to trekking again. Not only is it still a beautiful trek, but your visit will also provide vital support for local livelihoods.
Trekking to Langtang Valley is an ideal walking holiday destination for all types of people from family-school-collage groups to corporate people including tough trekkers who practice walking before joining a major long and hard trek. The Langtang Valley is one of the most beautiful national parks in Nepal and was once the darling of trekkers seeking stunning landscapes and authentic culture along with heartwarming hospitality in delightful home-stay guest houses, this trek is a trek with real heart and all within easy reach of Kathmandu (Capital of Nepal).
However, the Langtang Valley is almost devoid of visitors these days as the people of Langtang are continuing to rebuild their lives after the 2015 earthquake. Survivors of the landslides caused by the earthquake were forced to leave the valley, but now they have come back to reclaim their homeland, rebuild their homes, and re-establish their farms as well.
Natural beauties are still there, This trek is full of delights and enjoyable walks with daily views of mountains and into the pristine forests of beautiful rhododendrons and magnolia trees with tall bamboos were rare and elusive Red Panda habitats. While you trek to this beautiful valley you can enjoy natural paradise as well as will support the local people of Langtang by providing much-needed income to rebuild in a sustainable and secure way.
This is not charity; it is the business end of sustainable travel, where your travel choices can respectfully support local people while preserving their dignity, their culture, and their way of life. Be wowed by nature, be humbled by the human spirit, and be a part of local solutions when you choose to trek in Langtang Valley.
The trek begins with an exciting and interesting overland drive from Kathmandu leading North on the high hills of beautiful Langtang, After ending the drive walking into the nice farm villages of Tamang Syabru Besi. You will trek a tribe with rich Buddhist culture and ancient Bon traditions through magnificent forests to the high alpine meadows and yak pastures around Kyangjing Gopma ( a Buddhist monastery).
After an (optional) day hike up to the top of Kyangjin Ri/ Tserku-RI, where the 360-degree views of the Himalayan mountain are truly spectacular, you retrace the route to Syabru Besi for a drive back to Kathmandu civilization with an awesome and wonderful time on Langtang Valley Trekking.
Variation
If you have more time, this trek combines well with the nearby Tamang Heritage Trail, which adds an extra 4-6 days of trekking. There you will learn more about the ethnic Tamang people, who originally came from Tibet.
Alternatively, a trekking route is also available: trek over Gosainkunda Lake Pass back to Kathmandu instead of driving, Gosainkund is a beautiful blue high-altitude lake. It is preferable to trek to Gosainkunda on the return from Langtang rather than on the way, as it requires a fairly steep ascent, and by this point you will be better acclimatized, making the height of the lake (4,380 m.) less of a concern. (If trekking this route without a guide, be especially careful with the altitude—numerous people have been caught out by a dangerous error in a commonly available trekking map that incorrectly lists some altitudes. Double-check all altitudes before setting off.
Meals & Accommodation
The Langtang Valley had been very well set up with plenty of comfortable lodges. While the earthquake and landslide destroyed many in certain towns (most dramatically, in Langtang Village), plenty of other settlements were less affected, and good options are still plentiful. The standard here is good, with warm blankets, fireplaces, comfortable beds, the occasional hot shower (for an extra fee), and a variety of food. Don’t forget to try the momos in this region, as they are larger and more pastry-like than those commonly found in the capital.
Permits
When you are ready to do the Langtang trek, the trek route permit is compulsory for all trekkers, you’ll need a TIMS card (US$10) and a Langtang National Park permit (US$25). If you’re trekking with an agency, they will arrange these for you. If you’re arranging the trek yourself, you’ll need to pick up your TIMS permit in Kathmandu and your Langtang National Park permits in Dunche
Getting There
Trek to Langtang Valley through beautiful Langtang National Park, you have to first drive to Syabrubesi, Dunche, or Sano Barkhu to start the trek. Public buses are available from Kathmandu, but slow. A private vehicle or jeep is a much better option. Exit is via the same route unless you trek over Gosainkunda and back through Helambu to Kathmandu.
