Langtang Region

Introduction

The great Langtang region lies in the Himalayan region of Nepal, north of Kathmandu Valley and touches the Tibet border. Langtang is one of the best trekking areas in Nepal, with massive trekking destinations. Planning a trek in this region may be one of the best adventure experiences for you, with a peaceful and unique route. Though the Langtang region was struck by an earthquake in 2015, it got back up and running. The major areas in the Langtang region are Langtang village, Gosainkunda Lake, Helambu, Panch Pokhari, Tamang heritage trail and many more mighty mountains. The place has been built back again with more settlements and facilities. It’s hard to beat the Langtang region on viewing high mountains, glaciers and peak climbing. Furthermore, in the high areas, dozens of holy mountains and mountain passes of the Gosainkunda region in the south offer you the best panoramic views of the mountains and lakes. The Langtang and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges, including Langtang Lirung (7246m), Gang Chhenpo (6388m), Naya Kangri (5846m), Yala peak (5700m) and Dorje Lhakpa (6966m) are the mighty mountains of this region.

Trekking through this region provides a more fantastic experience to explore than any other region can provide. You can get one of the finest opportunities to explore the varieties of natural and cultural diversities. This region has over 70 glaciers of varying sizes with holy lakes. Another big thing about this region is Langtang National Park, the first Nepal Himalayan National Park, established in 1976. The national park is extended to the elevation of 6450m to a total area of 1710 square km and covered with pine, spruce, and Rhododendron forests bursting the spring color, juniper forests and the habitat for the red panda, different kinds of deer and many species of birds. Different plants, like rhododendrons, larch, wildflowers, gentians, primroses, epiphytic orchids, etc., are found widely in this area. Many species of wild animals, such as Tigers, wild boar, red panda, pica, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan Thar (wild goat), rhesus monkey, common Langur, snow leopard, etc., and 250+ species of rare Himalayan birds, including hawks, hoopoe, cuckoos, barbets, owls, nightjars, laughing thrushes, black-capped sibias, Red-billed, parakeets, etc., are the main attractions of the Langtang Trekking region. These diverse animals and birds are seen more often during the trek. This region is also rich in Tamang culture and arts, with many ancient Buddhist monasteries. Tatopani (natural hot spring) is also famous in this region. The walk mainly involves long, steep climbs and descents, often through deep forests or across glacier mountain views. Langtang has so many beautiful places with well-established lodges.

Indeed, the Langtang region is one of the best destinations for those who admire trekking through natural landscapes, different cultural practices and varied biodiversity. The area is famous for its culture, religion, Himalayan ranges, beautiful green forests and waterfalls.

Why should you go trekking in Langtang Region?

Langtang Valley

It is known as the valley of the glaciers, which lies in between the main Himalayan range to the north bordering Tibet. The trek through this valley offers you to visit and explore typical villages, small mountains and glaciers at low elevations. Trekking through the valley offers you to explore varieties of rhododendron, pine and bamboo forests, beautiful waterfalls, Swift Mountain, streams, snow-capped peaks and wild animals, making the trek more exciting and enjoyable. Trek through the valley passes through the ever-changing climate and the villages of Sherpas and Tamangs with different religious practices, cultures and unique dresses, which are worth enjoying along with a variety of Buddhist Monasteries, cheese factories and Yaks.

Tamang Heritage

The different and unique religious practices of the Tamang people of this region are worth observing. The delicious foods, traditional dances, unique culture and dresses and warm hospitality of these people will make you fall in love with this place and its people. The trekking route of this region was the path to trade salts from Tibet in ancient times. So, you get your best opportunity to explore exceptional Tamang rituals located at the border of Tibet. The spectacular scenes of the mountains, terraces, forests and the biodiversities of this place make it even more exciting and beautiful.

Langtang Gosainkunda

Langtang Gosainkunda is located at the top region of Langtang National Park at an elevation of 4380m with alpine freshwater. Gosainkunda is one of the holy mountain lakes of Nepal, believed to be created by lord Shiva himself. The lake remains frozen for six months in winter and melts later to form Trishuli River. Exploring traditionally-built stone houses of the Gosainkunda region takes you hundreds of years back. Langtang Gosainkunda trek is the best trek for people who has less time but wishes to experience a combination of local traditional religions and cultures, landscapes, stunning views of mountains and diverse vegetation and wildlife.

Kyanjin Gompa

The Kyanjin Gompa is also another beautiful destination in this region to trek. The trek goes through the beautiful village of Langtang, proceeding to Kyanjin Gompa. The spectacular views of Kyanjin Gompa with the icefall from the Langtang Lirung are just unbelievably stunning. The colorful fluttering prayer flags in the Buddhist Monasteries welcome you to the beautiful village of Kyanjin Gompa, influenced heavily by Tibetan Buddhist culture. You get to encounter this region's cultural and religious faces as the valley has developed itself as a religious and spiritual sanctuary. The majority of the people living around this area are Tamang.

Langtang National Park

Langtang National Park is the first protected National Park established in the Himalayan region, distributed over 1710 km2 (660 sq. mil). The mostly found wild animals in the National Park are Tigers, wild boar, red pandas, pica, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan Tahr (wild goat), rhesus monkeys, common Langur, snow leopards, etc. Also, 250+ bird species, like hawks, hoopoes, cuckoos, barbets, owls, nightjars, black-capped sibias, Red-billed, parakeets, etc., are the main attractions of the National Park. The rain in winter above 3000m converts into the snow, adding beauty to the National Park.

Besides this, any trek in this region is an excellent choice for all explorers, nature lovers and adventurers. You can have magnificent and stunning views of many peaks, such as Langtang Himal (6581m), Langtang Lirung (7234m), Mt. Gangchenpo, Langtang Ri (7246m), Lakpha Dorje, Kimsung (6745m), Ganesh Himal I (7406m), Ganesh II (7150m), Ganesh III (7130m), Yala Peak (5560m), Ganjala Chuli (5844m), Langshisa Ri (6310m), Morimoto peak (6750m), Pongen Dopku (5930m), Tembthang (5702m), Salbachum (6707m), Kyungka Ri (6979m), Chusmodo (6508m), Manaslu (8163) and many more.

Experience the beautiful lush forests, rhododendron blooms in the spring, lovely hospitality in the local villages and spectacular sunrise and sunset views from Lauribinayak. One can choose between easy to moderate to strenuous trekking and peak climbing too. This region also offers you trekking through the passes like Langtang Ganja La Pass and Langtang Tilman Pass.

Best time to trek in the Langtang region

Spring, Autumn, Summer and Winter are four different seasons experienced in this region. With the change of the season, the climate, temperature and nature of the area also change. Autumn is the best season/time to trek in this region as the weather is better with bearable temperatures and better climatic conditions, along with the best crystal clear views of the Himalayas and the Himalayan landscapes. The off-season trek may be slightly tricky with an unfamiliar climate.

Are you up to it?

The hilly/mountain routes aren’t well made at high altitudes, so an average fitness level is required. For people unfamiliar with high altitude, high altitude could be as low as 2,134m and as high as 5,000m plus. Altitude sickness might catch you with symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, lack of appetite, faster heart rate, trouble sleeping, etc. Giving yourself enough time to acclimate in highlands and elevations is the key to conquering such symptoms. You probably should get the right gear, either from home or buy or rent in Nepal. The essential checklist includes hiking/trekking boots, wool socks, campground shoes, thermal layers, a windbreaker, waterproof jacket, hiking pants, a snuggly down vest or jacket, thermal gloves/hat, UV-protection sunglasses, a headlamp, etc. Without these items, trekking is nearly impossible. The porters or mules available locally during the trek will support you in carrying your bags and others.

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Permits

Check with your nearest Embassy or Consulate of Nepal for a visa. They may also have an online smart traveler registration portal for you to lodge your trip details {Please note that most travelers from different countries can get visas on arrival}. Once you have your Nepal visa, then to trek Langtang, you will need your trekking permit plus registration, the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System). Try your luck and get your TIMS from the tourist information office in Kathmandu the day before you start your trek, or let your trip organizer do those hectic work. Buy your TIMS card from an authorized trekking company, TAAN offices in Kathmandu, Pokhara or the Nepal Tourism Board office.

Please find all of the packages of the whole Langtang region right down below:

1. Langtang Circuit Trekking

2. Tamang Heritage Trail Trekking

3. Langtang Helambu Trekking

4. Langtang Valley Trek

5. Langtang Ganja La Pass Trekking

6. Langtang Tilman Pass Trekking

7. Bhairav Kunda Trekking

8. Jugal Himal Trekking

9. Short Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

10. Short Langtang Circuit Trek