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LANGTANG VALLEY TREK IN NEPAL INTRODUCTION Langtang Valley Trek that can be within a day from Kathmandu, was discovered by a lama known as the teacher of Tibetan Buddhism. Thus, the name Langtang was given in which “Lang” means “lama” and “tang” means “follow.” Due to this specific region, it is estimated that most of the locals here have Tibetan origin.
NATURAL ASPECT Talking about the natural elegance of this region even the famous British mountaineer Bill Tilman has considered this region as one of the world’s most beautiful valleys. Langtang valley trek than can be completed within seven days is generally done within 10 to 12 days’ time. The reason for which it is completed with an extra few days is the fact that trekkers are stunned by the beautiful natural landscapes, authentic culture along with heartwarming hospitality alluring them to spend extra time here.
Langtang Valley River Langtang valley trek is conducted through the path that is decorated with beautiful rhododendron and bamboo forests, thundering waterfalls, stunning snow-capped
mountains, collection of high alpine pastures, glaciers making it seem like that nature itself is excited to have guests in this region.
MOUNTAIN RANGES Though this region does not contain any peaks higher than 8000m, this region contains lots of other majestic peaks that provide spectacular views to the trekkers melting their hearts frozen by the harsh and cold environment. Some of the peaks to be mentioned are Langtang Lirung (7246m), Gang Chhenpo (6388m), Naya Kangri (5846m), Yala peak (5700m), Dorji Lhakpa (6966m) and so on. This trek provides us with a blessing of getting to witness these diverse ornaments of nature in a short period. The Langtang valley trek route takes you to an elevation of 4,000 meters. However, if you have a drive to go higher, you get to see ethereal panoramic sunrise from the Tserko Ri at 5,000m.
CULTURE AND TRADITION Langtang valley trek not only provides you with an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauties. But also paves a path of opportunity to introduce yourself to the diverse cultures, traditions and festivals of Tamangs and Sherpas who are the largest group inhabiting this region. During my trek Langtang valley trek, I was extremely lucky to witness the ancient monastery of Kyanjin Gompa. It is situated near Tserko upholding its tradition as it was a season of their festivals and rituals. This trek also passes through Langtang National Park, pristine natural site, which inhabits diverse flora and fauna, multiple yak pastures, and local cheese factories which is heaven for cheese lovers. Some of the animals found in the Langtang National park are Himalayan pheasants, Himalayan deer, Himalayan bears, monkeys, and so on. This site is also home to rare red pandas that are on the verge of extinction.
Langtang Valley Village
EARTHQUAKE AFTERMATH It is unfortunate to ponder the fact that Langtang Village was extremely devastated during the April 2015 earthquake. Multiple properties of people, including teahouses, local inns, temples, were reckoned due to which the number of visitors had been dwindling in the past few years. However, due to the unyielding spirit, unity, and determination of locals, the reparation work has been conducting at an unimaginable pace. Thus it is our responsibility to help these people by enlisting this place as one of the sites to trek in our bucket list.
THE ROUTE TO LANGTANG VALLEY TREK WELCOME TO KATHMANDU If you are a foreigner, you have to first come to Nepal. Since Nepal is a land full of natural and cultural treasures, so it is natural that visit to Nepal is in the bucket list. You can catch any flight departing from different airports all around the world to the Kathmandu. I assure you that even the flight will not be boring. As you are in the air, you can enjoy the beautiful panoramic view from the high elevation of the different areas of Nepal. Based on the record of the experience of multiple foreigners, it gives an exquisite feeling.
EXPLORE KATHMANDU’S HISTORICAL SITES After your arrival in Kathmandu, you can use the leisure day to visit different sites present in Kathmandu. Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, consists of eight out of ten national heritage of Nepal. Thus it will be worthwhile to visit these places. Some of the places to visit are Changunarayan, Kathmandu durbar square, Pashupatinath
temple, Swyambhunath temple, and so on. You can also visit the Asan market in Kathmandu comprising different items of your interest or you can visit Thamel where you can eat food that is palatable to you.
DRIVE FROM KATHMANDU TO SYABRU BESI To start the trekking, you first need to drive to Langtang Valley. The drive from Kathmandu to Langtang Valley is a seven-hour drive. So please start the journey early in the morning. The road to Syabru Besi village is full of excitement. Since the journey is full of surprises, although it may be good or bad, provides us with a chance to make new memories, gain experience and learn new things in our life. I still remember last year’s drive to Syabru Besi so vividly in my mind. The road takes you over the ridges along the dazzling route which lets you enjoy a panoramic view of the Himalayas which includes Annapurna, Ganesh, Manaslu and so on. As you get near the Syabru village, there is no shortage of monkeys in the forest and if you are extremely lucky, you also get to see Red pandas and Himalayan black bears.
Langtang Valley Wildlife
After reaching the Syabru Besi village, you can book a comfortable teahouse to rest tiresome day. You can also take a stroll around the village as it shows warm hospitality.
TREK FROM SYABRU BESI TO LAMA HOTEL The embarkment of the trekking beings from Syabru Besi village. The trail takes us across the Bhote Kosi river, which exudes from Tibet and adds beauty to nature. After crossing, the trail then takes us through the subtropical forests which inhabit multiple plants and animals. One of the birds found in this forest is Dhanphe. The trail ascends us through the uninhabited oak and rhododendron forests. The beautiful sight of these forests takes away our tiredness and exhaustion. It is highly recommended that you be cautious of Langur monkeys in the trees. They might snatch away your belongings. I still remember the incident last year where a monkey snatched away my snacks, leaving me hungry all night. The pace during the trek determines where you will accommodate at night. If you are fast enough to complete the trek, then you can enjoy the comfy teahouse rooms or else you will have to set up tents in the forest.
TREK FROM LAMA HOTEL TO MUNDU The trail from Lama Hotel to Mundu hotel passes through the forest, mountains, and different villages. On the path, you see yaks, the occasional glimpse of the Langtang and ruins of houses in the valley. There are few traditional houses in Mundu. Most of the houses there is a built-in modern style after the destruction from April 2015 earthquake.
TREK FROM MUNDU TO KYANGJIN The trail from Mundu takes us gradually through yak pastures to Kyagjin village. The cheese factory is the biggest highlight of this valley. It is recommended to set this village as a resting point and stroll around. You can also visit Langshisha Kharka village which is the neighbouring village to know the diverse culture, hospitality from the people and their lifestyle as well as to enjoy views.
Langtang Valley Forest
ACCLIMATIZATION You can enjoy your stay in Kyagjin village, or climb Kyagjin Ri mountain which provides spectacular views of Langtang.
TRACING BACK TO KATHMANDU You can then trace the route back from Kyagjin to Kathmandu. You can explore different places missed out during ascension as well as enjoy views that you did not get to see during rush hour while ascending. After reaching the Syabru Besi, you can then drive slowly to Kathmandu with a relaxed demeanor feeling a sense of great achievement.
DEPART FROM KATHMANDU After visiting different heritage, you can then depart from Kathmandu or you can visit other base camps.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS 1. Stunning forests, high alpine meadows, and yak pastures
You can enjoy the greenery, diverse natural beauty, including forests, meadows and yak pastures as you trek to Langtang valley. 2. Langtang National park Langtang National park inhabits different floras and faunas. You can even see the rare endangered red panda here. 3. Kyagjin RI After reaching Kyagjin village, you can also climb Kyagjin RI mountain which provides us alluring views of mountain ranges and valleys. 4. Diverse culture and hospitality You also get introduced to the culture and lifestyle of Tamang and Sherpas community. These are supposed to be the biggest locals in this region. 5. Support the people rebuild their village Your visit helps people earn money to rebuild the village destroyed by the earthquake and restore its former glory. You can also donate money to the local charity if you want.
BEST TIME TO TREK Based on the consideration of different factors such as temperatures, climate, state of view spring and autumn months are taken as the best time for trekking.
Langtang Valley Mountains Autumn that lies in September to mid-December provides us with a warm and moderate climate along with clear, beautiful skies and clean, fresh air. Thus, it is the best season for trekking to Langtang valley. Spring that lies in March to May is considered the second-best season to trek to the Langtang region. The fact that the climate is warm and stable, the trail is paved with greenery, all types of wildflowers blossom cannot be overlooked. The region experiences hot summer months in June, July and August in which the climate is hot. And there is frequent rainfall causing the trail to be slippery along with problems of leeches, bugs and earthworms. However, if you look at bright sight, the surrounding is rainwashed and offering the clearest views to mountain ranges. The Langtang region experience winter from December to February. It is highly not recommended to trek during this season as the temperature is extremely cold and vision is obstructed by foggy weather. However, it is suitable for those trekkers who enjoy trekking in solitude.