Is the Langtang Valley Trek Right for You? Find Out Here!

The Langtang Trek is a 77 km/48 mi trek in Langtang National Park, allowing views of the Langtang Himalayan range. It is one of the finest short treks to the settlements of the Tamang ethnic group in Nepal. There are 4 different trekking routes to explore the Langtang region, with the one from Syabrubesi to Kyanjin Gompa, being the standard one. 

What is the highest point of the Langtang Trek?

Kyangjin Gompa is a famous Buddhist monastery situated in the Langtang Valley region at an altitude of 3,870 meters (12,697 feet). It is considered the principal monastery of the Langtang region and holds great cultural and religious significance.

It is located in the village of Kyangjin, which lies at the end of the main Langtang trekking trail, about a 6-7 day walk from Syabrubesi, the starting point of the trek. This Buddhist monastery belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

The classic Tibetan-style Kyangjin Gompa is decorated with the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It has separate living quarters for monks and nuns, and its high altitude and serene destination among the local Tamang people just blend perfectly. The mani walls, decorated statues, and murals depicting the Buddhist deities add more nostalgia to the Langtang trek.

The trek circuit around the Langtang Lirung Himal rises above 7,234 m (23,734 ft) and is ranked 99th highest in the world. Do you know the trekking region also features Langtang Glacier, a short glacier in Nepal?

Langtang Glacier has a length of 18 km and covers an area of 46.5 km². The highest and lowest altitudes of the glacier are 5749 and 5128 m, respectively. The Langtang region is called the “Valley of Glaciers” as it has numerous glacial masses, one of which is the Langtang Glacier.

Spectacular mountain views from the Langtang Valley trek

Langtang Lirung Himal dominates the eastern vistas on your Langtang Valley trek, making the sunrise more beautiful. Besides, there are other spectacular mountain views from the trek that just enhance your overall experience.

The Langtang Valley Trek offers you magnificent vistas of towering Himalayan giants, like Shishapangma (8,027m), Ganchhenpo (6,388m), and Naya Kanga (5,846m) in the Langtang region. The South Face of Everest is also visible from the Langtang region.

1. Mt. Gaurishankar (7,134m/23,406ft):

Mt. Gaurishankar is located in the mountain range of the Nepal Himalayas; it is the second-highest peak of the Rolwaling Himal, behind Melungtse (7,181 m). The mountain is visible only after you gain higher elevation on treks like Tserko Ri (4,984m) or Cherko Ri (4,766m).

2. Mt. Ganesh Himal (7,422 m/ 24,350 ft):

Ganesh Himal is part of the Mansiri Himal range but its impressive pyramidal shape is even visible in the Langtang region. It is located to the east-southeast of the main Langtang Valley trekking route. Ganesh Himal, with a striking height of 7400 m, lies quite a distance away across the Bhote Koshi valley, separating the Mansiri and Langtang Himal ranges.

3. Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m/22,855 ft):

Dorje Lakpa lies just north of the famous Langtang Lirung massif in the Langtang Himal range. Its rocky east face is seen prominently during the Langtang trek, from the northeast.

4. Langshisha Ri (6,427 m/21,086 ft):

Langshisha Ri is a glaciated peak at an elevation of 6427 m above sea level. It lies directly in the north of Kyanjin Gompa village in the Langtang Valley. From the vantage point of Kyanjin Gompa. The north views of Langshisha Ri get awe-inspiring up-close views of its heavily glaciated flanks and hanging glaciers.

5. Gangchhenpo (6,388m/20,958ft):

Gangchhenpo is a massive glaciated peak that lies just north of the famous Langtang Lirung (7,227m) massif. The mountain vistas are adjacent to Langtang Lirung peaks, which are even higher if viewed from a northeastern angle.

6. Yala Peak (5,500 m/18,044 ft):

Yala Peak is a popular trekking peak in the Langtang region, with an elevation of 5,500m above sea level. Yala Peak lies in a northwesterly direction from the Kyangjin Gompa towards the Mate Khola. This peak gets backdropped by other mountains on the northwest side. That is why most trekkers are unaware of its views, focusing more on the east and northeast directions on the main Langtang trekking route.

7. Naya Kanga (5,844m/19,180ft):

Alternatively known as Ganja La Chuli Peak, it's a short trekking peak in the upper Langtang Valley with a beautiful summit of 5844 m above sea level. You get striking pyramidal peak views of Naya Kanga peak, on the southwest side of the Langtang valley, opposite the Langtang Himal range.

Is Cherkuri Ri different from Tsergo Ri's peak in the Langtang region?

Cherkuri Ri and Tserko Ri are two different viewpoint side treks from Kyanjin Gompa in the Langtang region. Tsergo Ri Peak is located southeast of Tsangbu Ri and northeast of Baden-Powell Peak at 5,033 m (16,512 ft) above sea level. This trail extends from the Kyanjim Gompa. The last village on the Langtang Trek route.

Cherkuri Ri (4984 m/ 16351 ft) is another side trek from Kyanjin Gompa where you can take astonishing views of the Langtang Himalayas. After exploring the Langtang and Kharka Langshisha, one can hike to Cherukuri Ri Peak.

What is the temperature like on the Langtang Trek?

The Langtang Trek during the spring season is one of the finest short treks into the Langtang Himal range. During this season, the long and warm days with chill nights are the perfect time for exploring this region. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) during the spring season, which starts in March and lasts until May. Nights get colder, with temperatures dropping from -10°C to -1°C.

The winter season in Langtang is quite cold and snowy, with temperatures of 4°C to 10°C during the day. But the temperature drops to minus at night, making it quite challenging to camp in the region. Autumn (September, October, and November) is yet another peak season to explore tourism and trekking in Langtang regions.

Besides, spring is the perfect time when the national flower of Nepal, the rhododendron, blooms on the trekking route. Also, magnolia and other wildflowers paint the landscapes with vibrant hues. The average yearly daytime temperature in Langtang Valley is 19 °C. In the rainy season that comes with summer in Nepal, there are 13.86 inches of precipitation, which is quite high. As the climate summary explains, it rains a maximum of 210 days in a year.

Wildlife in Langtang National Park: What to See?

You'll have easy trekking to the Langtang Valley at moderate temperatures. The trail this season is exceptionally beautiful, giving you access to the remote wilderness of the region. The Langtang National Park is home to numerous endangered plant and animal species.

You can see over 250 bird species in the region, while it is a preserved home for red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, wild dogs, ghorals, and serows. The extensive high-altitude meadows in the Langtang region make a suitable habitat for birds and animals.

Which villages can you visit on the Langtang Valley Trek?

Syabrubesi is the starting point for most treks into the Langtang Valley, at an elevation of 1,460 meters (4,790 ft). Once you trek beyond Syabrubesi, head to the Langtang Valley, where you find a quaint village called Bamboo, a good stopover for lunch or a break.

Lama Hotel is a small village lodge you encounter on the way to Langtang Valley. From there, you go to the riverside and Ghoda Tabela (horse stables). Yet another beautiful village in the Langtang region is Khangshar, best known for its cascading waterfalls.

There comes the main Langtang village at an altitude of 3,870 meters (12,690 ft). From there, you can even trek to Kyanjin Gompa, which is best suited for trekkers. Also, the small village of Mundu in Langtang is known for its cheese factory. Besides, other villages in this region are Thyangsyap, Chamki, Bamboo, Rimche, Domen, and Pairo. Let's learn about the teahouses in these villages.

In the main Langtang villages, other popular guest houses available are, House, Eco Guest House, Tashi Delek Guest House, Tibetan Guest House, and Lucky Guest House. You get clean rooms, bathrooms, a traditional dining area, food, and even electrical and wifi connections in the Langtang region.

The menu options may be limited in some teahouses, particularly in more remote areas, but it is freshly prepared. Carry hand sanitizer and water purification tablets for personal hygiene and clean drinking water.

Langtang Trek: Duration and Cost

The standard Langtang Valley trek from Syabrubesi to Kyanjin Gompa and back takes around 5 to 7 days. You can extend the trek by taking side hikes to Kyanjin Ri Peak, Tserko Ri Peak, and Cherku Ri Peak.

Further, the Langtang Valley trek takes you to the Gosainkunda Lakes trek or Helambu Circuit. The basic teahouse trek in the Langtang region costs you $500-800 USD per person. Under this, you get permits, an ethical local guide, accommodation, meals, and transportation to/from Kathmandu.

The relatively short duration, affordability, and incredible mountain scenery in a protected national park make Langtang an enticing option for trekking in Nepal. It costs around Rs 25000 per person for Nepalis to trek in the Langtang region under budget.

The Langtang region is famous for its diverse trekking routes, like the Langtang Valley Trek, the Gosaikunda Lake Trek, the Tamang Heritage Trail, and the Langtang Circuit Trek. The TIMS permit fee for solo trekkers in the Langtang region is USD 20, but for groups, it is USD 10 per person. You may also require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for the Langtang region, which may vary from USD 70 to USD 500 per week.