8 Days Langtang Valley Trek
The 8-Day Langtang Valley Trek is one of the awe-inspiring treks in Nepal that brings you a chunk of Himalayan beauty into your plate. From enjoying the beauty of glaciers and snow-capped mountains to the wildlife, culture, and lifestyle, Langtang Trek offers a complete package. This journey starts with a ride from the capital city of Nepal to the countryside town of Syabru Besi.
Following the lush green forests, beautiful Tamang villages, waterfalls, uphill trails, and terraced fields, we will reach Langtang Village. Later, we will stretch our journey to Kyanjin Village, home to the ancient Tibetan Monastery, Kyanjin Gompa.
Not only that but there are numerous activities that you can get involved in. Let’s explore them in detail in the following blog.
Difficulty Level of 8 Days Langtang Valley Trek
The difficulty level of the 8 Days Langtang Valley Trek is moderately difficult. The trail is comprised up of difficult to easy sections, but it needs preparation with your physical abilities. Since the day-to-day itinerary follows up with the average hiking duration of 5 to 7 hours, the physical side of the body needs to be in great shape. Trekkers must have good muscle fitness to walk for such a long duration. So engaging in cardiovascular exercises, jogging, and short treks might strengthen your core.
Langtang Valley Trek takes you to over 3500 meters above sea level. And there is also an optional trek to Kyanjin Ri at 4400 meters and Tesergo Ri at 4984 meters above sea level. These high-altitude destinations are prone to altitude sickness due to high pressure and low oxygen level.
Moreover, the climate conditions might be harsh as they can be very unpredictable in the Himalayan Region. Snowfall, rainfall, and avalanches might be an issue while embarking on the 8 Days Langtang Valley Trek. Similarly, trekking in monsoon can bring flood in the streams and landslides in the uphill landscapes.
Types of Accommodation In Langtang Valley
While we embark on a beautiful trek to Langtang Valley, we must be prepared with the accommodation facilities. There are several types of accommodation facilities in the Langtang Region. Tea Houses, Guest House, and Hotels are three accommodation services you will find during your trek.
Tree houses are found all over the stops around Langtang Valley Trek. They come with a shared bathroom and bedroom, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but still, they have a cozy and clean room. Some tea houses even offer other amenities like internet services and 24/7 electricity.
As of now, there are numerous tea houses in Lantang Village. After the restoration of the village after the 2015’s destructive earthquake, there has been a complete change in the lifestyle of the Langtang Village and the amenities they come with. Staying at a tea house might cost anywhere between $5-$7.
Besides, you can find guest houses at Syabru Besi and Lama Hotel. After riding to Syabru Besi from Kathmandu, you will find several accommodation options to stay at guest houses. Similarly, as you hike ahead from the point, you will reach and stay at a Lama Hotel. Lama Hotel is a popular guest house in the Langtang region.
Required Permits for Langtang Valley Trek
Trekkers must be prepared with their permits and logistics for the 8 Days Langtang Valley Trek. You cannot enter the trekking region without obtaining special permits from the government. There are two mandatory permits that trekkers must acquire for this trek. They are:
– Langtang National Park Entry Permit
– TIMS Card
Langtang Valley Trek is done within the range of Langtang National Park. It is a protected land area in Rasuwa District that is obliged to conserve the Himalayan wildlife and plant species. So to enter the premises of Langtang National Park, we must acquire Langtang National Park Entry Permit. It allows us to enter the protected land and delve into the beauty of nature and wildlife. However, we are not allowed to do anything that goes against the policies of the National Park.
The cost of Langtang National Park Entry Permit is Nrs. 3000 per person. Trekkers from South Asian (SAARC) countries must pay NRs. 1000 per person for this license. Similarly, the cost of this permit is NRs. 100 per person for the Nepalese Trekkers.
Besides the National Park Entry Permit, we also must acquire TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) for this trek. There are two types of TIMS cards: Blue Cards and Pink Cards. The Blue one is for the group trekkers, costing $10 per person. Similarly, the Pink one is for the trekkers from the SAARC Nations, which costs $6 per person.
Previously, there used to be Green TIMS Card, which was designed for solo trekkers. But since the government of Nepal has banned solo trekking in Nepal, the Green TIMS Card has not come into action.
What Documents Should I Submit To Obtain Permits?
– Copies of Nepal Visa
– Copies of original passport
– Passport-sized photographs
– Insurance
– Itinerary details from the Trekking Agency
– Permit Fees
We can obtain these permits from Nepal Tourism Board, Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), or Dhunche Army Check Post.
Besides all these, Langtang Valley Trek also can be done from Shivapuri Side. We must traverse Shivapuri National Park and reach the Langtang Region. To traverse the National Park, we must purchase Shivapuri National Park Entry Permit, which costs NRs. 1000 per person. Trekkers from SAARC Nations and Nepal must pay Nrs. 600 and NRs. 100 per person, respectively.
Detailed Itinerary of 8 Days Langtang Valley Trek
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi
Location: Syabru Besi
Syabru Besi Altitude: 2,380 meters
Elevation Gain: 940 Meters
Drive Time: 6-7 Hours
The 8 Days Langtang Valley Trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi. We will get to Machhapokhari Bus Park in Balaju and then book a local bus to Syabrubesi. The total duration of the ride is around 6 to 7 hours.
As we depart from Kathmandu, we will embark on a scenic road trip via Nuwakot district, passing several towns. We will traverse Trishuli Bazaar, Bandre, Battar, Kalikasthan, and Dhunche before reaching Syabrubesi at 2,380 meters above sea level.
Throughout the trip, we will enjoy the scenic beauty of green fields, the Trishuli River, and the mystic peak of Langtang Lirung (from Dhunche). Upon arriving at Dhunche, we will have to go through some legal formalities, and if you have not purchased Langtang National Park Entry Permit, it is the last stop to obtain it. It takes around 15 to 20 minutes to reach Syabru Besi from Dhunche.
Day 2: Trek from Syabru Besi to Lama Hotel
Location: Lama Hotel
Lama Hotel Altitude: 2240 Meters
Elevation Gain: 780 Meters
Trek Duration: 6 Hours
After staying overnight at Syabru Besi, we will prepare for a trek to the Lama Hotel on the second day of the trip. We must cross the Bhote Koshi River as we depart from the starting point. We will then traverse the remote settlements rich in green vegetation and offer scenic vistas of the snow-capped peaks ahead.
First, we will reach Bamboo at 2200 meters, where we can find the Buddhist imprints on the lifestyle. Similarly, Rimche Village welcomes you aboard in a few hours. After hiking for around a few hours from Rimche, we will ultimately reach Lama Hotel at 2240 Meters above sea level.
Day 3: Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang Village
Location: Langtang Village
Langtang Village Altitude: 3430 Meters
Elevation Gain: 1190 Meters
Trek Duration: 5 Hours
Today, we will leave Lama Hotel early after breakfast and head towards Langtang Village. We will follow the uphill trail through rhododendron and pine forests, where we can have magnificent views of Langtang Lirung.
As we hike through the forested area of the lower Langtang Region, we will reach Ghoda Tabela at 3030 meters after a few hours of trek.
The trail breaks through the woods at Ghoda Tabela (3030 m), where we stop for lunch. It is a small village rich in pasturelands, and we can even see the livestock and Yaks grazing around. From Ghoda Tabela, we will take a steep uphill trail to Langtang Village at 3430 meters above sea level.
Langtang Village is widely known for being fully destroyed by 2015’s massive earthquake. But now, with the help of International and Governmental restoration campaigns, the village has been revived to its peak. We will stay overnight at a tea house in Langtang Village.
Day 4: Trek from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa
Location: Kyanjin Gompa
Kyanjin Gompa Altitude: 3850 Meters
Elevation Gain: 420 Meters
Trek Duration: 4 Hours
On the fourth day of the 8 Days Langtang Valley Trek, we will take a short hike from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa. The ancient Buddhist monastery is centuries old, and it portrays the significance of Buddhism in the Langtang Region.
We will continue our hike from Langtang Village on a steep trail that traverses yak pastures. During the trek, we will also pass across several settlements inhabited by the locals; however, the settlement is sparse. The uphill hike might be challenging, but the views of the mystic Langtang range soothe our journey.
Once we reach Kyanjin Gompa, the Buddhist vibes ring our trekking journey. The huge mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags reflect the inheritance of Buddhism, while the religious scriptures and stone inscriptions are worth visiting the destination. There is also a cheese factory where we can purchase pure and organic Yak cheese in Kyanjin Village.
Day 5: Rest Day at Kyanjin Gompa
Location: Kyanjin Gompa
Kyanjin Gompa Altitude: 3850 Meters
Elevation Gain: 420 Meters
Trek Duration: 4 Hours
We have already been above 3500 meters above sea level. Similarly, the exhausting long trek for three days already burdens our physical health. So now, it’s time to rest and acclimatize at Kyanjin Gompa.
The high altitude locations are prone to altitude sickness and other related issues. The air pressure is high, and the oxygen level is very low, which might create difficulty in breathing. So acclimatization is highly essential at Kyanjin Village. For this, we can climb high daily and rest/sleep at lower altitudes. Similarly, hydration, nutrition, and rest should be prioritized.
In the meantime, we can also explore Kyanjin Village. The Kyanjin Gompa, which is centuries old, is one of the major attractions of this place. It has great religious significance regarding the practice of Buddhism in the Langtang Region. Moreover, the Cheese Factory is another place to visit at Kyanjin Village.
Also, you can take a short hike to Kyanjin Ri at 4400 meters and Tesergo Ri at 4984 meters. The views of the Langtang Lirung, frozen lakes, and pristine glaciers do not need any destination.
Day 6: Trek from Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel
Location: Lama Hotel
Lama Hotel Altitude: 2240 Meters
Elevation Loss: 1610 Meters
Trek Duration: 7-8 Hours
Today, we will descend to Lama Hotel from Kyanjin Gompa. It is one of the longest treks in the 8 Days Langtang Valley Trek, but we can make it worth it with proper preparation and strategic plans. The timely rest and hydration with proper intake of nutritious food retain energy to keep us walking through the remote and rugged trails of Langtang Valley.
We will follow the same trail we walked before to reach Kyanjin Gompa. As we leave Kyanjing Village behind, we will reach Langtang Village and Ghoda Tabela. The amazing views of the snow-capped mountains always cherish our journey to the utmost level. After a few hours of walking from Ghoda Tabela, we will finally reach Lama Hotel, where we will stay overnight.
Day 7: Trek from Lama Hotel to Syabru Besi
Location: Syabru Besi
Syabru Besi Altitude: 2,380 meters
Elevation Gain: 140 Meters
Drive Time: 6-7 Hours
On the seventh day of the 8 Days Langtang Valley Trek, we will return to Syabru Besi, the starting point of this trek. We will descend through the same trail to Rimche Village first. From there, we will reach Bamboo Village, and it takes around a couple of hours to get there. We will walk through the downhill trail from Bamboo to reach Syabru Besi.
Before reaching Syabru Besi, we must cross the Bhote Koshi River. Upon reaching Syabru Besi, we will move to a guest house and stay overnight.
Day 8: Drive from Syabru Besi to Kathmandu
Location: Syabru Besi
Syabru Besi Altitude: 2,380 meters
Elevation Gain: 940 Meters
Drive Time: 6-7 Hours
On the last day of the 8 Days Langtang Valley Trek, we will drive to Kathmandu from Syabru Besi. We will drive through the countryside location of Dhunche Village and settlements in Nuwakot Districts. The green terraced fields, hills, forests, the Trishuli River, and waterfalls along the way add spice to our journey.
After 6 to 7 hours of ride, we will reach Kathmandu. We will move to our respective hotels to stay overnight.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to go for 8 Days Langtang Valley Trek?
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-October) are the best times for 8 Days Langtang Valley Trek. They have favorable weather conditions supporting easy and convenient treks in remote destinations.
Do I need a prior experience for this trek?
Having a prior trekking experience will be best. Since Langtang Valley Trail includes rugged and steep trails in high-altitude locations, your prior experience will help you cope with the environment. It will also mentally prepare you for the trek’s challenges and help you prepare physically and with gear and items.
Do I need guides for this trek?
Yes, guides are an integral part of this trek and must be hired from an organization or the personal side. Nepal Government does not allow hiking to any destinations without certified guides. So they are the must-have part of the trek.
How much does the guide cost?
An experienced guide can cost anywhere from $25 to $35 per person daily. But the average cost depends on their services and how much they become supportive and helpful during the trek. Some guides even charge up to $50 per day.
Do I need to hire porters for Langtang Valley Trek?
Hiring porters might not be essential if you are mighty and determined to carry your luggage during the trek. But if you want to delve more into Langtang Valley’s beauty, we recommend hiring them as they help you carry your heavy loads and spare time for the exploration.
How much do porters cost?
Hiring porters costs you anywhere from $20 to $30 per day. It all depends on the experience and the services of porters during the trek.
What is the chance of suffering from altitude sickness during the trek?
There is an average chance of suffering from Altitude Sickness during the trek. The trek takes you over 3800 meters above sea level, prone to low oxygen levels and high air pressure, which can eventually lead to altitude sickness.
Are there any alternative routes to reach Langtang Valley?
Yes, there are several routes from Shivapuri National Park and Helambu, from where you can reach Langtang Valley.