Langtang is a village located in the Rasuwa district that lies on the northern side of Nepal.
Langtang is deemed as one of the most beautiful villages in the world. For nature lovers, trekking Langtang is the best activity.
You will be staying at the homestays and guesthouses of Langtang village. The views of the stunning landscapes, the culture, and the heartwarming hospitality make every trekker feel welcome here.
In April 2015, the village was completely devastated by a massive avalanche followed by an earthquake. Today, Langtang has revived.
The trekking trails are open again, and the lodges have been rebuilt. It still serves as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nepal.
By trekking in the valley, you will also financially support the locals affected by the massive earthquake of 2015.
Langtang is best known for housing the Langtang National Park. The national park borders the autonomous Tibet region of China. Many tourists come to this region to trek the national park.
You will start your trek from Syabru Besi- a small town in Langtang and walk through dense forests, alpine meadows, and yak pastures.
The major highlights of the trek will be your visit to a Buddhist monastery named Kyangjin Gompa and your hike to the top of the Kyanjin Ri peak. From Kyanjin Ri, you will see 360-degree views of the mountains of the region.
If you do not want to trek, you can go on a helicopter ride from Kyanjin and observe these magnificent views.
Best season to visit Langtang
The best time to visit Langtang’s vicinity is from September to mid-December, then March-May.
These are the times when the weather is warm and stable. As a result, your walk becomes pleasant due to the blue skies and clear mountain views.
Read more about the best season to travel in Nepal here
How to reach Langtang?
There are three ways to get to Langtang, but it does not include airplanes. Because of the geography, it is challenging to construct a runway in that region.
However, here are some of the other means to reach Langtang:
By bus
Buses are the easiest and cheapest means to travel to Langtang. You can catch a bus from Kathmandu’s Macha Pokhari bus stand (north of Thamel).
It takes around 8-11 hours to reach Langtang. The ride will be bumpy, but the beautiful scenery throughout the way will make your struggles worth it. Bus tickets cost somewhere around $4-$5.
By car/jeep
If you want to have the luxury of stopping wherever you want and not having to deal with other passengers, opt for hiring a car/jeep. Your tour agency can arrange these for you.
Traveling to Langtang in a private car/jeep will only take 7-8 hours. It costs around $150 to hire a jeep for a one-way trip to Langtang. It will be best if you’re traveling in a group so that you can split the cost.
By foot
People have also hiked from Kathmandu’s Helambu and past the Gosaikunda lakes to reach Langtang. If this sounds too much, you can trek to Shyaphru Besi from Dhunche.
By chartering a Helicopter
If budget is no issue for you, you can hire a chopper from Kathmandu to Kianjin Gompa or vice versa. It costs about $2000 for a one-way ride.
Langtang mountain peaks
The village is known for the Langtang Himal, which is a Himalayan mountain range that consists of the following peaks:
- Langatng Lirung (7,234m)
- Langtang Ri (7,205m)
- Dorje Lakpa (6,966m)
- Loenpo Gang (6,979m)
- Chngbu (6,781m)
- Yansa Tsenji (6,690m)
- Kyunga Ri (6,601m)
- Dogpache (6,562m)
- Langshisha Ri (6,427m)
- Gangchenpo (6,387m)
- Morimoto (6,150m)
- Tsogaka (5,846m)
- Yala Peak (5,520m)
Major attractions in Langtang
Langtang National Park
In addition to trekking the Langtang Valley, it is also a good idea to visit its national park. Langtang National Park was Nepal’s first Himalayan national park, established in 1976.
It is a beautiful park bisected by the Dorje Lakpa range (6,988 m) from west-east to south-east.
The national park has a high diversity with 14 types and 18 ecosystems (upper tropical forests to alpine scrub and perennial ice). Moreover, it houses rare wildlife species like red panda and musk deer.
Not to mention, Langtang National Park is also an excellent spot for bird and butterfly watching.
Trekking in the national park will give you the chance to see majestic mountains and rhododendron forests.
Gosaikunda Lake
The Langtang National Park houses the Gosaikunda lake. It is an alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake that is also Nepal’s fourth protected area. The lake has 108 ponds around its areas like Bhairavkunda, Saraswati Kunda, Chandrakund, Suryakunda, and Sudhkunda, to name some of them.
Situated at an elevation of 4,380 m, the Gosaikunda Lake has spiritual as well as natural importance.
According to Hindu belief, Gosaikunda was home to Lord Shiva and his wife, Parvati. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva used his trident to extract water from a mountain to calm his burning throat to form Gosaikunda. Buddhists have equal importance to this lake.
Besides this, Gosaikunda has a magnificent scenic view. The blue lake becomes an ice ring in winter and looks equally beautiful.
Panch Pokhari
Another place to check out in Langtang is Panch Pokhari which translates to “Five Lakes.” Yes, there are literally five lakes in one region.
It has a breathtaking scenic beauty. You will see the views of Jugal Himal Range, Gosaikunda, Kanchanjunga, Rolwaling Range and Makalu mountain from here.
Panch Pokhari also carries religious importance. Many pilgrims visit the lakes during Janai Purnima.
Kyanjin Gompa
Kyanjin Gompa is a beautiful Buddhist pilgrimage site that is located at 3800m above sea level.
It is a famous monastery that is surrounded by the Langtang mountain ranges. Therefore, you will see splendid vistas of landscapes and mountains. Besides, there are also many good places to stay nearby.
While you’re here, I suggest you try the tasty yak cheese as well.
Things to do in Langtang
Langtang Valley Trek
The most famous activity that lures many tourists is the Langtang Valley trek. This trek is trekkers-favorite due to its stunning views and the exciting culture of the Tamang people that inhabit the area.
Trekking in Langtang is not only a beautiful experience but a way to support the locals’ livelihood.
We provide a 9-days trekking tour that takes you through the stunning forests, alpine meadows, and yak pastures of Langtang. This trek is rated “easy to moderate” and can be done by beginners as well.
If you are interested in doing the Langtang Valley trek, you can book with us by clicking here.
Here’s a brief itinerary of the Langtang Valley trek:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to a hotel
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
Day 3: Trek to Sherpa Gaon
Day 4: Hike to Langtang Village
Day 5: Trek to Kyanjin Gompa
Day 6: Hike to Tserko Ri
Day 7: Trek back to Langtang Valley
Day 8: Descend to Syabrubesi
Day 9: Head back to Kathmandu
Experience the Tamang culture
The Tamang people primarily inhabit Langtang, and thus, the region boasts Tamang culture and heritage. You will experience rich Buddhist culture and traditions that are similar to the one in Tibet.
It would be splendid if you visited Langtang in January as the people celebrate Sonam Lhosar that falls on that month. There will be colorful prayer flags, and everyone will be dressed up in their ethnic wear. You will have fun as there will be food, singing, and dancing.
Accommodation in Langtang
Langtang has lots of lodges and teahouses. After the 2015 earthquake, the locals have worked hard and rebuilt the lodges.
The lodges provide warm blankets, fireplaces, beds, and, if you’re lucky, even hot showers (for an extra charge).
You can separate no more than $10 per day for accommodation in Langtang.
Food in Langtang
You will mostly be eating at the local restaurants and lodges on your trip to Langtang.
The food consists of Dal Bhat (rice with lentils soup), vegetable curry, chicken curry, pickles, and fried poppadums. Your breakfast will consist of bread, egg, jam, tea/coffee or Chapati, and curry.
I suggest you eat momos for lunch. They are Nepali-style dumplings made of minced meat/vegetables. Locals and tourists alike enjoy them.
Ideally, it would be best to spend about $30-$35 per day on food and drink.
Permits and regulations for Langtang
You will require a TIMS card ($10) and a Langtang National Park permit ($34). An agency will take care of these for you if you trek with them.
Citizens of SAARC nations need to pay only $6 for the TIMS card.
However, if you are trekking solo, you need to get the TIMS card from Kathmandu, and the Langtang National Park permit from Dhunche.
Guides and Porters
It is best if you book a trip with an agency than doing it independently. This way, you can focus on your trek rather than managing everything on your own.
Make sure to ask your agency if the guides and porters have got porter insurance or not.
Money and ATMs in Langtang
Please exchange your money while in Kathmandu, as Langtang has little infrastructure and technological development.
Communication
You can buy SIM cards right after you touch down at Tribhuvan International Airport. You won’t get much reception beyond trailheads, so it’s an excellent way to unwind in nature.
Some lodges offer Satellite-phone connections in case you really need to call someone.
Things to remember
- 1. You need to acclimatize while trekking to save yourself from altitude sickness compulsorily.
- 2. Be cautious of wildlife while walking on the trails. Do not irritate or harm them.
- 3. You are prohibited from making a fire inside the Langtang National Park area.
- 4. Don’t use plastic and always carry a garbage bag. Throw the garbage once you reach the teahouses.
- 5. Never drink water straight from the taps, lakes, or glaciers. Carry a water purifier just in case.
- 6. Always carry the permits while traveling in the park area.
- 7. Respect the culture of the locals.
- 8. Don’t trek alone, as it can be life-threatening. Instead, hire a guide or trek in a group.
- 9. If you plan to film a documentary, you need to pay $1500 at DNPWC. In addition, you need to pay an additional 25% if you want to fly a drone for filming.
Langtang is truly spectacular and holds so much history. Visit the village to spend time with the people and learn more about the culture.
Soak in the beautiful vistas of the great snow mountains of Langtang and the spirituality of the majestic Gosaikunda lakes. I’m sure a tour of Langtang will be an experience you’ll never forget in your life.
