Langtang valley trek (10603)

Tour itinerary: Kathmandu → Langtang National Park → Kathmandu

 Overview- Langtang valley is a short yet very beautiful trekking destination that lies just north of Kathmandu, close to the border of Tibet. The maximum altitude in this place is 4773m (Kyanjin Ri). Langtang valley is highly protected by Langtang National Park where you can witness majestic flora and fauna, Yak Pastures, Local cheese factories, thundering waterfalls, and animals like Red pandas, Himalayan bears, musk deer, etc. This diverse trek also introduces you to the Buddhist culture of Tamang, Sherpa, the ancient Monastery of Kynajin Gompa, and spectacular views of mountains like Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Ri, and Langtang Lirung. There is no doubt why Langtang valley is one of the favorite treks of the Nepalese. Langtang valley after it was utterly destroyed by the earthquake of 2015, has stood up again to rebuild its charm. It’s our turn to continue visiting this place and help them in every possible way for growth and development. 

                         Temperature and weather

The average temperature in the spring season can be around 10-20 degrees Celsius which is quite warm. Similarly, the temperature in autumn can be around 10-20 degrees Celsius but fall to 5 degrees Celsius at night. Summer is the hottest season the temperature rises over 30 degrees Celsius in the daytime. It slightly drops when there is rainfall. The temperature in the winter season ranges from 6-9 degrees Celsius in the daytime while it can fall to zero or below zero at night. The lowest temperature in the winter season is -3 degrees Celsius, especially in January. 

     Best season to visit

Langtang valley trek can be done in any month throughout the year. However, the best season to go is spring, (March to May) and September to November. December- February is also possible and offers you beautiful views of the Rhododendrons forest and views of mountains. Monsoon season (July and August) also known as summer receives a lot of rainfall and the trails are slippery and muddy also with low chances of floods and landslides. With the necessary precautions, you can still trek Langtang valley. 

                        Food and accommodation

Langtang Valley has been very well set up in terms of food and accommodation. Even though the earthquake of 2015 destroyed many houses in this place, some nice houses are still there which offer you warm comfortable rooms to spend your night in. They have fireplaces, comfortable beds, a hot shower (optional), and warm blankets. Some teahouses also have attached bathrooms. You can also get a private room easily. The price for tea houses is normally 6-7$ (600-700 NRS) per night. 

Foods- you will have more than enough options for food in this place. The most common food served is our traditional food which is Dal, Bhat, Lentils, and fresh vegetables. Besides this, you will also get tea, coffee, juice, pancakes, eggs, potatoes, bread, momos, fried rice, hot soup, and many more. The basic price for lunch and dinner is 4-5$ (400-500NRS). Water, tea, and coffee might cost you 1-3$ (100-300 NRS).

                                            Transportation

Bus- there is a bus available from Kathmandu to Shyabru Besi which takes around 8-11 hours and costs you around 600-800 NRS. You can also go by jeep or car which is more comforting and expensive. If you wish to go by jeep it cost you around 1500 per person. Once you reach Shyabrubesi you need to start a tour trek.

   Road transportation plus hiking is the only way to reach Langtang valley. 

                                Permit/fees

Langtang National Park Permit- This permit is mandatory for everyone coming to visit Langtang Valley. This permit costs you 34$ (34000 NRS) for every foreigner besides SAARC countries. It cost only 15$ (1500) to SAARC countries 

TIMs- this permit is too necessary for every trekker in Nepal. This costs 10$ (1000 NRS) for every foreigner besides SAARC countries. It cost only 5$ (500NRS) to them. 

                                     Guides/porters

Guides and porters are merely an option in this trek. The place is well known for trekking and they have signboards, and many teahouses on your way to know about directions and places. People there are more than happy to guide you and offer you an overnight stay. If you are physically fit enough to carry your belongings, there is also no need for a porter. Since this is a short and easy trek it shouldn’t be difficult to walk around with your bags. 

                        Communication and electronics

There is internet available only in a few places like Shyabrubesi, Dhunche, and Langtang valley itself. Mobile coverages of NTC and NCELL are available so you can be connected to your friends and families. Electricity is available in every teahouse so you can charge your phones and other electronics. You might have to pay extra money for this. 

Safety/fitness- Langtang valley trek is a mild to moderately difficult trek. The average walking hour is 4-5 hours per day which is not difficult. However, having stable physical health is necessary. You can practice light exercise, running, and jogging before your trek starts. The maximum height here can be nearly 5000m so yes there is still a risk of mountain sickness. You need to stay hydrated and eat nutritional food throughout your journey.

                             Other requirements

Insurance- travel insurance is kind of a mandatory thing before traveling anywhere. You can always purchase your travel insurance from your travel agencies. It usually costs around 150$(15000 NRS) good for 30 days. You need to give them complete details about the places and altitudes you will be reaching because your insurance depends on the details you have given earlier. 

 Nepal visas/passports - foreigners other than Indians need to have valid visas and passports before visiting Nepal. The passport must hold a minimum of 6 months of visa validity from the date of arrival. They can have a Nepalese visa at Kathmandu Tribhuwan International airport.

                              Clothing and equipment

                                    Route and duration

This route might take you 10-11 days if you take proper rest and take some days off.