A Complete Guide to Langtang Valley Trek

Last updated on March 4th, 2024 at 07:57 am

Situated in the Central region, Langtang Valley is around 19 miles ( 30 kilometers) away from Kathmandu. Inclined towards the northern side and near the border with Tibet, it is “one of the world’s most beautiful valleys” as said by the British Mountaineer and Traveller Bill Tilman (1898-1977).

Also Known as, “the valley of Glaciers trek”, It is easy and less explored than other popular treks of Nepal. Langtang Valley is wild, secluded and full of natural wonders, although few miles away from Kathmandu.

Your dream to relax in the valley of glaciers can turn into a reality with Langtang Valley Trek.  

Read here Best time to trek Everest Base Camp

Best Time to Travel

Weather patterns, temperature, panorama views, and several other factors make Autumn (September to mid-December) and Spring (March to May) best time for Langtang Trek.

Trek in Autumn Season

You will find the moderate temperature and stable weather conditions during the trek at the Autumn season. You will experience cold mornings and nights during this season. But, the daytime temperature is bearable and stable. It ranges from 10 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius. 

Trek during this season will make you walk under clear blue skies. You will also witness the beautiful views of the Himalayas. Being peak season, you will encounter a large number of tourists. Tea houses are full of laughter and enthusiasm of the trekkers. Your trip will more be relaxing with the company of fellow travelers. 

Trek in Spring Season

March to May is the second best preferred season to go for trekking after Autumn. You will find pleasant and stable climatic conditions during this season. The daytime temperature during this season ranges from 10 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. You will enjoy the long and warm days in this season. 

The blooming of Rhododendrons is the main highlight of this season. The dense and lush forests will accompany you during the trek. During this season, you will walk in the exceptionally beautiful trial without any worries of rainfall.

Trek in Monsoon Season

June marks the beginning of Monsoon/Summer Season in Nepal. Along with the rainfalls, you will also face hot sunny days during this season. In the lower region, the daytime temperature remains at 30 degrees Celsius. The temperature drops around 10.2 degrees Celsius in the upper region in the month of July.

You will encounter frequent yet short rainfalls during the trek at this season. Such rainfall makes the trail wet and slippery. Be aware of the slippery trials. Never forget to carry an extra pair of trekking boots. Leeches and bugs may trouble you during the trek.

Monsoon marks the working and planting season in Langtang. You will notice the workings of locals in the terraced farm during the trek at Monsoon Season.

Trek in Winter Season

Winter in Langtang begins from December and extends till February. The daytime temperature ranges from 6 to 9 degrees Celsius. You will experience much colder nights as the temperature drops to – degree Celsius.

Trekking during the winter season is quite difficult. Heavy snowfalls, harsh winds, and unstable weather patterns will make your trek journey challenging. If you are an adventure- junkie, you can opt for trekking at this season. 

The best aspect of trekking in Winter Season is you can explore the magnificent view of the snow-capped Langtang Valley. You will also get the chance to walk beneath the clear blue skies. If you love to trek in seclusion, trek in Winter Season is best as you will find less number of trekkers.

Trekking Permits for Langtang Valley Trek

Trekking in the Langtang region requires specific permits and permission. You can get the permit from Nepal Tourism Board Office and local level authority.

Permit Fee for Langtang National Park and Langtang Region

Langtang National Park Entry Permit

(USD 30 per person + 13% VAT) – Foreigners

(USD 15 per person + 13% VAT) – SAARC nationals

Local Authority Permit

USD 20 for Individual foreigner 

USD 10, If traveling in a group

USD 6, if SAARC nationals

Both of these permits are available in Tourism Board Kathmandu If you do not have enough time to take the permits from Kathmandu, You can get them from the trailhead. Trekking without the necessary permits will make you liable for the breach of law. You need to pay extra charges at the checkpoints during such conditions.   

Itinerary for Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley Trek is a mediocre trek. It takes 7 days to complete the trek. The standard itinerary for Langtang Valley Trek is;

Day 1: Kathmandu to Syabrubeshi (1,460 meters)

Maximum elevation:1,460 meters

Trek hours: 6-7 hours

It takes 6-7 hours to drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, the starting point of the trek. It is the main entrance to the Langtang valley. You can either choose public vehicles or hire a private jeep to reach Syabrubeshi. Your choice of vehicle determines your travel costs.

En route, you will pass through several places like Galchi, drive along the bank of the Trishuli river. You have to show your permits at Dhunche. Such permits allow you to proceed further towards the National Park region. 

On further proceeding to the north, you can catch a glimpse of Ganesh Himal and Langtang region. On ascending forward, you will reach the town of Syabrubeshi where you will find a number of tea houses and small shops for food and accommodation.

At Syabrubeshi, you can make a visit to the Bhote Koshi river ( around 15 minutes down the road) and Shiva temple.

Day 2: Syabrubeshi to Lama Hotel 

Maximum elevation: 2,560 meters

Trek hours: 6-7 hour

Your trek for the second day begins from Lama hotel. You will walk along with the subtropical forests with a variety of plant species like oaks, maple, alder, etc. After one hour of walk from the forest area, you will reach the place, called Bamboo (1850 meters).

You will enjoy your lunch at Bamboo. Your way further will be steeper and will finally reach Lama Hotel, the final destination of the second day.

Day 3: Lama Hotel to Langtang Village 

Maximum elevation: 3430 meters

Trek hours :6-7 hours

Your third-day trek begins from the Lama Hotel. You will enjoy your breakfast and ascend upward towards the Langtang Village. As you begin the Journey, the glimpses of the Himalayas like Langtang Lirung will begin to appear. The view of Snow-capped mountain will make your trek more exciting. 

You will find the trail more stepper as you walk further. Pine forests and Rhododendron will follow you till you reach Ghoda Tabela. You have to make around three hours walk to reach Ghoda Tabela (3000 meters) where you can enjoy your lunch. People will ask to try local “Yak curd” in this area. 

While impending the Langtang village, you will come across 400 years old Buddhist monastery (gompa). You will witness the Pasturelands, beautiful Tamang and Sherpa villages, water mills and prayer flags as you reach the village. 

Day 4: Langtang village to Kang Jing Gompa

Maximum elevation: 3900 meters

Trek hours:3-4 hours

You will find the way to Kang Jing Gompa less difficult as there is a plain trial. You will reach the beautiful village of Kang Jing Gompa after 3-4 hours of walk. You can make a visit to Kang Jin Monastery, local villages, and Cheese factory. Kang Jing Gompa makes you witness the spectacular view of Mt Ganchempo and Langtang Lirung.

Day 5: Explore Kang Jing Gompa

Kang Jing Gompa, although regarded as the last checkpoint of the Trek, you can climb further to explore scenic views from the highest point of Langtang Village Trek; Tsergo Ri (5150 meters/ 19, 600 feet altitude). 

Proceed upward only if you do not experience any symptoms of altitude sickness. Once you reach the vantage point of Tsergo Ri, you will witness a panorama view of Langtang Lirung, Kyanjin Ri I and Kyanjin Ri Ii.

Day 6: Kang Jing Gompa – Lama Hotel

Trek details

Max elevation:2560 meters

Trek hours: 6-7 hours

After exploring the marvelous village of Kang Jing Gompa, you will trek back to the Lama hotel. The dense forest and wildlife escort you as you descend towards Lama Hotel. 6-7 hours of the walk will take you to the Lama Hotel. 

Day 7: Lama hotel – Syabrubeshi

Trek details

Max elevation: 1460 meters

Trek hours: 5-6 hours

Next day, you will be moving down to Syabrubeshi, the starting point of the trek. It will take around 5-6 hours to reach the Syabrubeshi. While descending down, you’ll enjoy beautiful sceneries. 

Day 8: Syabrubeshi – Kathmandu

Trek details

Max elevation:1400 meters.

Trek hours:6-7 hours.

It will take 6-7 hours to drive back to Kathmandu.

Total Costs During Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang trek is one of the most affordable treks in Nepal. You’ll get the opportunity to explore the mountains and the beautiful village of Langtang. Your cost during the trek depends on various factors like;

• Trekking Permits
• Your choice of transportation
• Accommodation
• Your preferred foods 
• Season of trek
• Porters and Guides
• Insurance costs

Transportation Costs

You can reach the starting point of Langtang valley trek in private jeeps or tourist buses or public/local buses.

If you hire a private Jeep, you have to pay around $150. If you prefer the tourist bus, it will incur the cost of $300-$500 and it will pick you at Machha Pokhari Bus Station. If you choose local buses, your costs will be much less; around $10.

Take tourist buses or private jeeps if you want a more comfortable and relaxing Journey.

Accommodation Costs

You will find ample of accommodating centers at Kathmandu and Syabrubeshi. Your lodging costs vary depending upon your choice of hotels. 

During your trek, you will find different hotels in the lower region. Once you reach, at higher altitudes, your choice will be narrower. But, we assure you that you will find comfortable rooms.

If you choose peak season, you’ll have to bear the cost from $12-$15. There will be the possibility of sharing the rooms with fellow trekkers.

If you prefer trekking at Off-seasons, Your accommodation costs will be minimal. It drops to $3-$5. 

Food and Drink Cost

You will find the difference in the price of the same food and drinks as you move towards the higher altitude. 

In the lower region, you have to pay $2-$3 per plate for an ordinary meal. In the upper region, you have to pay $5-$6 for the same meal.

You will find a variety of drinks with varying prices with the change in altitude. 

Guide and Porter Cost

You have to pay around $30 to a guide and around $25 to a porter. Your journey will be more relaxing with their company. 

Insurance costs

We suggest you do insurance while trekking in the Langtang region. Insurance costs will vary as per the companies. Insurance will cover usually up to 30 days and costs $150.

Foods during the Langtang Valley Trek

You will find enough number of tea houses and lodges during Langtang Valley Trek. You will enjoy nutritious foods. You can also enjoy the authentic taste of Nepali food- Dal, Bhat Tarkari. 

You will also find a variety of drinks at Langtang Valley Trek. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available. It is better not to consume alcohol during the trek as you may face the problems of Altitude Sickness.

Accommodation during Langtang Valley Trek

Accommodative centers during Langtang Valley Trek is basic. In Sybarubeshi, you will find single rooms with attached bathrooms. You have to pay high money than basic rooms. In the lower region, you will find rooms with comfortable beds. You may have to share common toilets. Toilets may be “Squat or Western types” depending upon the tea houses.

As you descend higher, the accommodation centers will be lesser in number. You will hardly find the single rooms even if you offer to pay a higher amount. You will find the “Squat Type” toilets in higher altitude regions. You will have to carry water in a bucket; toilet paper may not be available. It will be better if you bring toiletries.

You will find the dining rooms in almost all tea houses, where you will enjoy your meal. The indoor heating system in the dining room is more relaxing. 

Altitude Sickness in Langtang Valley Trek

There is a minimal possibility of altitude sickness at Langtang Valley Trek. If you receive any symptoms of altitude sickness, do inform your guide or other trek members.

If you are on a solo trek, stop immediately and do not proceed forward. Take a rest for a day or few days depending upon your situation.

Tips you need to follow to avoid problems of altitude sickness;

• Climb at your own pace
• Stay hydrated
• Stay away from alcoholic drinks.
• Increase carbohydrate intake.
• Walk at your own pace.
• Medication

Is it possible to Trek at Langtang Valley without a guide or not?

Langtang trek is a mediocre trek. You can easily arrange for this trek with or without a guide or porter.

If you are a novice in the field of trekking, you can go along with a guide and porter. They will communicate you about the trails and cultures and lifestyles of local people. A good guide will make proper arrangements for your accommodation. They will suggest you the best way to explore the valley. You’ll not be bored throughout your trekking journey.

Solo traveling in the Langtang region does not create any difficulties. During your trekking, you will also find other travelers doing solo trekking in this region. If you have a simple knowledge and understanding of the Nepali language, your trek will be more delightful.

YES, Langtang Valley Trek is possible without a guide and porter. But we suggest you hire them. They will communicate and assist you in every minute of your journey. Porter will carry out your big luggage reliving you from every possible stress. You can enjoy the long walks in the Langtang valley, with the support of porter.  

NOTE: Make sure that the guide you hired has a license.

Essentials Trekking Gears for Langtang Valley Trek 

Never forget to carry the following essentials before trekking at Langtang Valley. 

Trekking equipment

• Trekking Pants
• Traveling bags
• Trekking Boots
• Camera
• Extra Charger/ Power Bank

Personal necessaries

• First Aid Box
• Moisturiser
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hand Sanitiser
• Wet wipes
• Scarf
• Lip Balm  
• Water Bottles
• Water Purifier
• Toiletries

Trekking in winter

• Down Jackets
• Thermal wears
• Thick woolen socks
• Heavy pants
• Winter gloves 

We propose you following tips to make Langtang trek less difficult and more gratifying;

• Wear Comfortable shoes
• Carry out extra shoes
• Do minimal exercises or warm up.
• Hydrate yourself
• Do not drink
• Carry medicines 
• Walk on the trekking trail
• Carry suitable clothes.
• Carry the map.

Is it safe to trek at Langtang Village post-earthquake?

You will experience, the Langtang Valley stronger and alluring, despite the devastating earthquake of April 25, 2015. Langtang village is as beautiful as it was prior to the earthquake. 

Yes,, it is safe to trek at Langtang Village. You will find the new Langtang Village 100m above the old one. You can see the name of 243 people who lost their lives. Your trek to Langtang Valley, post-earthquake, will be in new trials.

En route, you will find many new tea houses. These tea houses are more luxurious and facilitative than previous ones. Despite the difficulties in the lives of people, you will experience smiles and hope in their faces.

Langtang Valley has re-opened for trekking. Trekking trials are safe and easy. Trekking at Winter and Autumn may be difficult but physical and mental preparedness makes it much easy.