Langtang is another popular trekking destination in Nepal. It’s the laid-back trekking region with pristine natural beauty. It is also the closest trekking spot closer to Kathmandu City which borders Tibet. The area of Langtang is protected under Langtang National Park. The park has a wide variety of flora and faunas including climate from subtropical to alpine. The large section of the park is a forested area and has several endangered wildlife. There are several beautiful Himalayas in the Langtang region like Langtang Lirung (7246m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m). The ethnic community residing in the Langtang region are Tamang and Sherpa whose culture and traditions resembles the Tibetan society.
10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Langtang Nepal
Easy accessible and off-the-beaten tracks
The region of Langtang is located north of the Kathmandu Valley and is the nearest and easily accessible from Kathmandu. The drive from Kathmandu to Langtang is just 7-8 hours and you will reach the trek-start point. You can take either the local bus or private vehicle from Kathmandu City. Langtang valley trek route entrance point is a small town ‘Dhunche’ from where the trek starts. From there on is an easy off-the-beaten trail that goes up to the highest human settlements like Kyanjin Gompa (3,803m/12,556ft). Since most of the Langtang valley trek itinerary goes below 4,500 meters so there are low chances of getting altitude sickness. trek to Langtang valley is the best alternative to Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Base Camp trek
Majestic Himalayan panoramas & peak climbing
Langtang valley view trekking is an incomparable hike with spectacular views of the Himalayas starting from day 1 of the trek till the trek ends. One of the prime attractions of the Langtang region is the peak Langtang Lirung (7246m) standing tall which is just astonishing to watch from the lower elevations. Other great Himalayas to watch during the Langtang valley trek tour are Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and Sisha Pangma. The trial of the Langtang trek gets as high as the highest Ganja La Pass at 5,122 meters. Langtang region is also popular among mountaineers from peak climbing. One can climb many peaks in Langtang like Naya Kanga, Yala Peak, Langtang Lirung, Tserko Ri, etc. Since climbing Mt. Everest is very expensive so climbing minor peaks in Langtang like Yala Peak and Naya Kanga Peak is the best alternative.
Glacier Valleys & scared lakes
While trekking the Langtang region you will cross over many glacial rivers and lakes in this region. In fact, the Lantang Valley is the valley of the glacier with the world’s longest ‘Langtang glacier’. Langtang region is also home to many sacred lakes like Gosaikunda lake (4,830m), Bhairabkunda. There are around 50-70 icy glacier lakes that originated from the mighty Himalayas in this region. Gosaikunda lake is one of the popular and sacred lakes in Langtang which holds religious importance. It’s the pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindus visits Gosaikunda lake each April of the year to have a holy bath in this lake. In late February and early March, the lake is frozen where you can enjoy nice ice skating as well.
Kyanjin Gompa and Tamang Heritage
The Buddhist religion is deeply rooted in the Langtang region. Along the trail, you will find many Mani Walls, prayer flags and ancient Buddhist monasteries. On the lap of Mt. Langtang Lirung is the age-old monastery of Kyanjin Gompa believed to be about 400 years old. It’s the most sacred monastery in Langtang. Tamang community is dominated in the Langtang region so the Langtang trail is also considered as Tamang Heritage Trail. They are the descendants of the Tibetan community who follow Buddhism and Tamang culture. There is also a Tamang museum highlighting Tamang lifestyle, culture, tradition, costume, celebrations, etc. Trekkers will feel the love, care, and hospitality of the people of Langtang.
Langtang National park and wildlife
Langtang National Park is Nepal’s first national park located in the Langtang region. The park is home to many wildlife, endangered species and varied flora and faunas. The trek is through Langtang National Park where one encounters many wild birds and animals like Musk deer, Himalayan Thar, Red Panda, Ghoral, falcon, etc. The region of Langtang is an ecologically balanced and blessed territory.
Multiple side-excursions trips
During the Langtang Valley trek, one can go for side excursion trips like climb Kyanjin Ri and Tserko Ri which provides great spectacular views. You can also hike to the base camp of Langtang Lirung from Kyanjin Gompa if you prefer. Also, the exuberant Langtang Glacier is also closer to Kyanjin. Besides there many popular and interesting trekking programs in the Langtang region. These include Gosainkunda Trek, Ganesh Himal Trek , Langtang Gosainkunda Trekking, Tamang Heritage Trekking, Bhairab Kunda Trekking, Ganja La Pass Trek, Helambu Trek
Short and cost-effective trek
Trekking the Langtang region is up to 9 days to 18 days long hike. For the limited-time travelers, trekking in Langtang can be customized to 6 days or a week-long trek too. Unlike the other popular trekking destinations in Nepal like Everest, trek to Langtang is budget-friendly since you don’t have to purchase air tickets to get into the region. Even the lodges on the Langtang trail are relatively cheaper with the best facilities and friendly hospitality.
Easy Grade Trail
Trekking into Langtang is considered one of the easiest trekking trails in Nepal. Under other conditions, other treks in the Himalayas go through rough trails but Langtang is a different adventure. Trek around here is good for any trekking starters and has low-risk factors here than other treks. Langtang trek goes up to 4,984 meters in altitude at Tserko Ri. Though the trails are off-beaten they are easy to walk. So, anyone with a basic level of fitness can accomplish any treks into the Langtang region. Thus hike to Langtang is suitable for any age, gender, or physical condition.
Experience Re-Birth of Langtang
Langtang region was also hit hard by Nepal earthquake 2015. Travelers will still get to see the debris from the earthquake. But in the present situation, Langtang has stood up well risen up from the rubbles and has opened up for trekkers. Anyone visiting Langtang nowadays will notice the rebirth of Langtang and the new buildings of the village. Now with better engineering, tea-houses and lodges are being built now. Tourism is the crucial aspect of income for the villages of this region so visiting Langtang will greatly help these communities rise up once again.
Tea House and Camping Options
There are two options for trekking in the Langtang region, tea-house or camping trek. Tea-house is simply staying at the lodges readily available on the trek trail. Tea-house trek provides warm hospitality of the people and delicious local delicacies. Bypassing the mainstream tea house trekking is the Camping option. You can conveniently go for a camping trek in Langtang. Camping treks are organized with full camping equipment and a required trek crew which is a very great trekking experience.
