Located in the north of Kathmandu Valley, the Langtang Region Trekking is protected as Langtang National Park, which spreads around 1,710 sq. km. Despite its proximity to the Kathmandu valley, the Langtang region has maintained its rustic beauty well. Further, the province borders Tibet and once was an important trading route. Therefore, one can see the influence of Tibetan culture and practice on the Tamang people in this region. Tamang, Gurung, and Sherpa people in this region follow Tibetan Buddhism. Langtang Valley blends the Tibetan lifestyle with a stunning landscape that makes the Langtang region trek popular among travelers. However, Langtang receives fewer trekkers than the Everest and Annapurna regions.
The less trodden Langtang region trekking trail is blessed with spectacular mountain views and captivating scenic landscapes with diverse flora and fauna. The forest in this region has temperate and subalpine vegetation, and the wildlife of this region includes red panda, Himalayan pheasant, deer, monkey, Thar, Pica, and migratory birds. Trekking along with the Park, one can witness varieties of flora and fauna. The first Himalayan National park of Nepal, Langtang National Park, preserves hundreds of endangered animals and 250 species of birds. Trekking amidst serene nature and traditional settlements, one can enjoy this region's adventure. Langtang Valley Trekking is perfect for nature and adventure lovers.
Langtang region offers you the opportunity to explore the majestic peaks of Langtang Himal(6581m), Langtang Lirung(7235m), Langtang Ri(7246m), Ganesh Himal, Yala peak(5560m), Ganjala Chuli(5844m), Langshisa Ri(6310m), Morimoto peak (6750m), Pongen Dopku(5930m), Tembthang (5702m), Kyungka Ri(6979m), Manaslu and many more. In addition, during trekking in the Langtang region, you will pass through the cascading waterfalls, ethnic villages, oak, bamboo, pine, rhododendron forest, and swift mountain streams, which give you a wonderful and memorable trekking experience.
From the holy lakes of Gosainkunda and Tamang villages to diverse plants and animals, all these make the Langtang region an ideal destination for both nature and culture lovers. Most people in this region are involved in farming and tourism to earn a living. While trekking in the Langtang region, you will witness yak pastures and yak cheese factories.
Langtang Trek combines the holy lakes at Gosainkunda and the spectacular Helamby Valley. The Langtang region is a heavenly paradise for travelers, home to various high-altitude lakes reflecting the surrounding peaks in the crystal clear water. The most popular trekking in the Langtang region are Langtang Valley trekking, Tamang Heritage Trekking, Langtang Gosainkunda Laurebina Pass Trek, Gosainkunda Lake trekking, Helambu Valley Trekking, Ganja la pass trekking, and so on.
Apart from this, if you trek through Shivapuri National park, Shivapuri National Park Trek Entry Permit is required.
If you book Langtang region trekking in Nepal with Local trekking companies in Nepal than they will help you to get all of those permits.
How to get to the Langtang region?
About 9 hrs of drive from Kathmandu, one can reach Syabrubesi, where one can start their trekking journey. Heading north of Katmandu, passing through Trishuli Bazar and Dhunche, one comes Syabrubesi, a Sherpa village. From Syabrubesi, one can continue the Tamang Heritage trek, and you can also have a great time at the Lama Hotel, situated at the altitude of 2480m. Further Trekking from Lama Hotel, you will reach Langtang Valley, a valley of glaciers. If you are interested in trekking higher, you can get to the Kyanjin Gompa monastery, and for a short hike from Kyanjin, you can go to Tserko Ri(5000m). From Tserko Ri, you can have splendid and mesmerizing views of sunrise, mountains, and glaciers.
Retracing the route, you will reach Syabrubesi. If you want to return to Kathmandu, you can take a local bus or private jeep there. However, you can get Gosainkunda lake if you explore more than trekking through Syabrubesi and Sing Gompa. Crossing the Laurebina pass (4610m), you can continue your trekking towards the south. Leaving behind the Langtang Valley, you further continue your travel through the Helambu valley to Gul Bhanjyang. After a few day treks from Gul Bhanjyang, you can return to Kathmandu Valley.
Apart from these two options, if you want more adventure and challenge in your trek, you can trek through Ganja la Pass. Instead of backtracking from Kyanjin Gompa, you can continue your hike by crossing Ganja La Pass(5122m). Reaching the top of the pass, you be rewarded with fascinating views of Langtang Lirung and Shishapangma (8013m). Crossing many Buddhist monasteries and monuments, you then descend your trekking to Sermathang and Melamchi Pul Bazar. Within 2 hours of drive from Melamchi Pul Bazar, you can head back to the Kathmandu valley.
Overall the reminiscing trek to the Langtang region revitalize your mind and soul. So if you want to explore the Tibetian culture and magnificent vistas within a short period, then embark on your journey towards the Langtang region without hesitation.
Some of the major highlights of the Langtang region are
- Syabrubesi
- Tamang Heritage Trail
- Lama hotel
- Langtang Valley
- Kyanjin Gompa
- Tserko Ri
- Ganja La Pass
- Gosainkunda lake
- Laurebina Pass
- Helambu Trek
Syabrubesi
Syabrubesi is the beautiful Sherpa village inside the Langtang National Park. Located at an altitude of 1503m, Syabrubesi is the gateway to popular Langtang Valley trek and other treks in the Langtang region, such as the Tamang Heritage trek Gosainkunda Lake Trek, and so on. The natural beauty, local festivals, culture, and tradition make the village popular among visitors. One of the famous festivals of Hindu followers," Kailash Yatra," is celebrated in this region and attracts several pilgrims worldwide. Located 80km north of Kathmandu, one can reach Syabrubesi within 7 hours of driving in a private jeep. Standard accommodation is available in this lower Langtang region of Nepal.
Tamang Heritage Trail
Tamang Heritage Trail is a fascinating route between two majestic peaks, Lantang(3500m) and Ganesh Himal(7429m). Situated in the Langtang region, the trail takes trekkers closer to the Tibetan border than any other trail. The trail consists of a loop on the western edge of Langtang National Park and some astounding views of Tibet. Tamang Heritage trek takes you to the Tamang Village, where you can experience the authentic Tamang culture similar to Tibetan Buddhism. The heartwarming hospitality of the locals makes your trip unforgettable. Further outstanding views of mountains such as Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, and many more make your trek more exciting and memorable. The hot springs in this region of Nepal were a significant attraction for tourists, but unfortunately, many of the hot springs were destroyed by the earthquake in 2015.
Lama Hotel
The Lama Hotel is not a hotel. Lama Hotel is a small village with 8 to 12 nice-sized hotels. Trekkers stop here for acclimatization. Basic accommodation is available in this location.
Langtang Village
At an altitude of 3400m, Langtang Village is the largest village in the region. The town is very located near the base of Mt. Langtang Lirung. The village used to be a thriving community of teahouses. The city offers a beautiful opportunity to observe picturesque landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and unique culture.
The devasting earthquake on April 15, 2015, destroyed this region badly. However, the sherpas and Tamangs living there are reconstructing the village again. There are teahouses in the new Langtang Village where trekkers can have a great time. These newly opened teahouses are larger and more luxurious than before.
Trekking to this village, you will not only get to enjoy the natural beauty, but you will also be helping the locals in rebuilding the region. The people's charming smile and great hospitality allure visitors to visit this place. Langtang Valley trek is accessible to all visitors. Langtang Valley Trek is one of Nepal's popular short and easy treks.
Kyanjin Gompa
Further climbing up from Langtang Village, Kyanjin Gompa is at 3900m. It is the last stop where you get basic accommodation facilities. Climbing further there, you have to take some basics by yourself. Trekkers take a rest at this location. Trekkers can explore Kyanjin Gompa, its monasteries, and Yak Cheese Factories. You can view magnificent peaks from Kyanjin Ri(4400m).
Tserko Ri
A short hike from Kyanjin Gompa, Tserko Ri, is at an elevation of 5000m. So naturally, one would love an astonishing sunrise view from the Tserko Ri. The sIn addition, spectacular views of Yala Peak, Langtang Lirung, Langtang Ri, and Naya Khang make your Trek to Tsreko Ri worthwhile.
Ganja La Pass
Ganja La Pass is another attraction in the Langtang region. One of the high pass treks in the Langtang region, Lantang Ganja La Pass Trekking, is for adventure lovers. Camping is required from Kyanjin Gompa, heading towards the Ganja La Pass. Situated at an altitude of 5122m, the Ganja La Pass trekking is a challenging trek. However, reaching the top of the pass, you will be rewarded with the breathtaking views of Langtang Lirung and Sishapingma. After crossing Ganja La Pass, you the trail descend to Keldand, Dupku, and Tarke Gyang at beautiful Helambu Valley and then finally to Melamchi Pul Bazar. Ganja La Pass trekking is the best alternative to Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek for those dreaming of a trek in the mountains in a short time and limited budget.
Gosainkunda Lake
Gosainkunda is a beautiful turquoise-colored water lake in Langtang National Park, located at 4380m. Gosainkunda lake was designated as a Ramsar site on 29 September 2007. In the vicinity of Gosainkunda, there are 108 lakes. The lakes melt to form the Trishuli River. The water of Gosainkunda is considered holy, and several pilgrims visit this sacred lake, especially during Janai Purnima and Gangadashahara. In addition, it is the major attraction on the Dhunche and Helambu Trekking routes. According to the legend, Gosainkunda was created by Shiva when he pierced a glacier with his Trishul to extract the water to cool down his thirst after swallowing poison. One can see the reflection of the surrounding snowcapped mountains and trees in the lake's crystal clear water, which is mindblowing.
Laurebina La Pass
The Laurebina La Pass, at an elevation of 4610m, is on the outskirts of Gosainkunda. Crossing the pass, you will reach the Helambu Valley.
Helambu Trek in Langtang region
Helambu trek is one of the best short and easy treks among various hikes in the Langtang region of Nepal. Within this short trek, trekkers can get glimpses of vegetation, wildlife, the lifestyle of the Tamang and Sherpa people, and, of course, spectacular views of mountains. Therefore, this trek is perfect for those who cannot do high-altitude excursions but dream of having stunning mountain views, want to walk the verdant forest and have insight into the lifestyle of people living in the mountains.
Typically Helambu Trek starts from Sundarijal after a short drive from Kathmandu. Within an hour's hike from Sundarijal, you will enter Shivapuri National Park. After that, you will continue your trek toward Chisapani, Kutumsang, and Tharepati. Finally, you can return to Kathmandu by the same route; however, if you want to discover more, you can head towards the Gosainkunda by crossing the Laurebina Pass. Moreover, from Tharepati, you can continue your trek towards Melamchi Gaon, Tarkeghyang, Sermanthang, and then finally to Melamchi Pul Bazar, where you can return to Kathmandu within a short drive.
The trek offers breathtaking views of Gauri Shankar, Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, etc. From the lush green forest and passing through vibrant rhododendron forest to the high views, Helambu Trek provides a fantastic experience. Tamang and Sherpa people's hospitality will undoubtedly make your trek more enthralling and memorable.
Best time to Trek Langtang Region
Trekking to the Langtang region is possible throughout the year. However, the best time to trek this region is Autumn and Spring. During this time, you can enjoy the colorful rhododendron forest, which makes your journey even more blissful.
What type of trekking permit is required while trekking to the Langtang Region of Nepal?
Before commencing the trek to the Langtang region, you should know two different trekking permits required for Langtang Trek. The two various trekking permits required are TIMS (Tourist Information Management System) card and Langtang National Park Entry Permit. You can get a TIMS card from Nepal Tourism Board in Pokhara and Kathmandu. You can obtain a Langtang National Park Entry permit from Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu. You can also get them at the passage point in Dhunche.
