Langtang Valley Trek
Nepal: Kathmandu, Syabrubesi, Lama hotel, Langtang Valley, Kyanjing, Gompa, Lama Hotel, Syabrubesi, Kathmandu
Nepal Hiking-From $985 AUD pp (2 pax)
Langtang valley Trekking (Nepal hiking) is aptly called ‘the valley of glaciers.’ Here, mountains rise soaring towards the sky. The valley offers pine forest, swift mountain streams, rugged rock and snow-capped peaks, grassy downs and meadows strewn with daisies and wild primulas. In the upper part of the valley there are snow ridges spanning angry torrents, high passes enveloped in mist, tiny lakes of crystalline brightness and glaciated mountain giants.The Langtang valley is surrounded by high peaks of great appeal. It has become famous ever since the British mountaineer Bill Tilman described it as the most beautiful valley in the world. The highest peak in this area is Shisapangma or Gosaithan in Tibet.The course/ Nepal hiking from the Langtang valley to Gosaikund is full of diversity and it is attracting many tourists. The Langtang valley is also known as the treasure house of Alpine plants. The whole valley is covered with flowers during the summer. This high and isolated region is inhabited by Tamangs whose religious practices, language and dress are much more similar to Tibetan.
Highlights:Wildlife such as red panda, monkeys by the trail, stunning views of glaciers, lakes and mountains, amazing photogenic sunsets, cheese made from cow milk, possibility of peak climbing, dense forests. Langtang is a culturally rich and diverse national park.
After breakfast, an interesting tour around Kathmandu. Escorted by an English speaking guide, a full taste of a vivid culture and the enchanting manner of the people. In our sightseeing tour we go to Monkey temple Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Kathmandu Durbar square.
Durbar Square This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar square, protected as an UNESCO world Heritage site, is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also museums inside the palace building. Your ticket to the Square entitles you to visit all the museums.
Swayambhunath, 6.5 kilometers west of Kathmandu, situated on a hillock, this 2000 years old Stupa is the world’s most glorious Buddhist shrine and is surrounded by several small pagodas. The main temple is capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt and is painted on the four sides with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.
Pashupatinath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the holiest and most famous Nepalese temple. Situated 5 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, it is an impressive pagoda style structure with gilt roof and richly carved silver doors. It has bathing and cremation ghats, which are of absorbing interest to the tourist, particularly in the mornings and on festival days.
Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi via Trishuli (Nuwakot) which takes about eight hours. You stay overnight at hotel in Syabrubesi. You head north out of Kathmandu driving through scenic foothills and ridgeline vistas to Syabru Besi passing through Dhunche. While passing along the road at the bank of Trishuli river you catch a glimpse of Ganesh Himal, terraces and green hills. As you pass through Dhunche you feel as if you are heading towards deep land. At the same time, you notice that the road after Betrawati is still under construction.
Trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel, it takes about six hours. You walk through Jungle & the bank of the Langtang Khola . Later on during Nepal hiking you find that the settlement of Lama Hotel is located on the banks of Langtang River and surrounded by lush forests and mountains.
Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang, takes about five hours. En route you are quite mesmerized by the beautiful views of the Langtang range. You can also experience and make observation of Tibetan settlements.
Trek from Langtang to Kyangjin, it takes about three hours. This day you can see the glaciated valley of Kyangjin on the lap of Langtang Lirung and surrounded by snowy mountains which is also the world’s nearest settlements to glacier. If you happen to visit during monsoon you can find various wild Himalayan flowers.
Rest day at Kyangjin Gompa. This is day to rest from trekking so you can explore the area. You can visit the monastery and the cheese factory, walk up the Tserko-Ri or ascend Kyangjin Ri, directly behind the village, for a breath-taking panorama of the Langtang Himal Range.
Trek from Kyangjin to Lama Hotel which takes about six hours. From Kyangjin you retrace your route, following the Langtang Khola to Langtang village and on to Ghora Tabela. After lunch you continue the steep descent to Lama Hotel.
Trek from Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi and it takes about five hours. The upper part of the trail is more beautiful for the panoramic view of mountains and green hill views. This path is broader and remains sunny through the different Shepra and Tamang villages. The first half part of the trail is gradually down and then the trail does steeply descent to the Syabru Besi. The main inhabitants belong to Tamang community and they have adopted Tibetan lifestyle.
Drive from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu and it takes about eight hours. It is a pleasant drive back to Kathmandu with splendid views of hills, mountains, terraces and villages. You drive along the unpaved road till Betrawati and you begin to follow narrow well paved road.
All too soon it’s time to bid Nepal farewell and one realizes that we can never be intimate, only acquainted with this amazing adventure kingdom.
Trip Fact
Langtang Valley Trekkking-Nepal hiking
Grade: Moderate
Trip Duration: 11 days
Max. Altitude: 4700m
Trekking: Tea house
Accommodation: 3 nights in Kathmandu & 7 nights in trekking lodge
Transportation: Local Bus / Private Jeep Extra $ 300 per person for 2 pax.
Group Size: Minimum 2 pax
This trek has the grade moderate, you are likely to walk for 6-7 hours each day over steep hilly terrain on usually rough trails during Nepal hiking but no real extremes of weather. Moderate trails entail reaching up to 5500m with daily ascends of around 400-700m. You will also be facing high altitude air with low level of oxygen on some days and therefore required to have a positive attitude and be physically fit. Previous hiking or camping experience is preferable.
Also read about “Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek”
