About Langtang Valley Trekking
Langtang Valley Trekking may be the most accessible trekking area in Nepal, yet it has remained mostly unnoticed by trekkers. On the Langtang Valley Trek the view of the valley and the mountains is constantly changing, but always incredibly beautiful. Glacier-fed streams tumble down the nearly vertical rock walls into the river. As we gain altitude, we gradually leave the jungle and enter oak and rhododendron forests. If we watch carefully, we may see interesting animals and birds like monkeys, musk deer, pika, and the national bird of Nepal, the colorful danphe. The Langtang Valley Treking passes through many quaint villages where Tibetan script on prayer walls and chortens reminds us of the Tibetan-Buddhist heritage of the inhabitants. Don’t miss the local yak cheese; it’s delicious!
Langtang Valley Trekking starts with a 130 KM road trip from Kathmandu to Syabrubensi, which takes approx. 8 - 9 hours. Syabrubensi, 1472m, marks the entry to the Langtang National Park, where we register our TIMS and Park Pass and set off on our trek. The Langtang River is our constant companion on the Langtang Valley Trek. The trail starts out on a stone stairway in a deep gorge. On one side of the trail is a jungle, and on the other is the river. We cross back and forth across the river on suspension bridges many times during the trek.
The landscape of culturally rich Langtang (3430m) begins to seem surreal. The whole valley is open on all sides and dry as a desert. The magnificent Langtang Lirung, 7246m, dominates the myriad of huge peaks. As we climb the final distance to Kyanjin Gompa, the mountain views seem to become more and more magnificent with each step. A knoll overlooking the village gives a 270-degree panoramic view of glaciers and 5000-meter snowy white peaks. At Kyanjin, 3870m, there is a monastery that is over 600 years old. Imagine the faith and determination it took to build this and survive the harsh winters around the same time Columbus discovered America.
From Kyanjin Gompa, there are two equally awesome peaks to climb, depending on your interests and energy levels. The more challenging is Tsergo Ri, 4984m, a 6hrs - 7hrs round trip; the relatively easy one, Kyanjin Ri, 4773m, is a mere two to three-hour excursion from Kyanjin Gompa. We stay one more day in Kyanjin to explore the hills, ridges and glaciers around and then retrace the route back down the valley to Syabrubensi where we started out.
Annapurna Foothills Treks recommends trekking from September to December or March to May. This trek is also suitable for a winter (Christmas and New Year) period, as the weather in this region is moderate. A summertime trek can be quite wet and a little slippery, and you need to combat leeches, but as for the views, this trek takes you so close to the Himalayas that even during the rainy season, you get great views of the mountains that would be impossible on any other trek. Get in touch to know more about the trip, itinerary, travel guides, and private or group departures.
