About Langtang Valley Trekking
Langtang Valley Trekking may be the most accessible trekking area in Nepal yet it has remained mostly unnoticed by trekkers until now. On the Langtang Valley Trek the view of the valley and the mountains is constantly changing, but always incredibly beautiful. Glacier fed streams tumble down the nearly vertical rock walls into the river. As we gain altitude we gradually leave the jungle and enter oak and rhododendron forests. If we watch carefully we may see some interesting animals and birds like monkeys, musk deer, pika and the national bird of Nepal, the colourful danphe.The Langtang Valley Trek passes through many quaint villages where Tibetan script on prayer walls and chortens remind us of the Tibetan-Buddhist heritage of the inhabitants. Don’t miss the local yak cheese, it’s delicious!
The Langtang Valley Trek starts with a 130 km road trip from Kathmandu to Suryabrubesi, which takes approx. 8 - 9 hours. Syabru Bensi, 1472m, marks the entry to the Langtang National Park where we register our TIMS and Park Pass and set off on our trek. The Langtang River is our constant companion on the Langtang Valley Trek. The trail starts out on a stone stairway in a deep gorge. On one side of the trail is a jungle, and on the other is the river. We cross back and forth across the river on suspension bridges many times during the trek.
At Langtang, 3430m, the landscape begins to seem surreal. The whole valley is open on all sides and dry as a desert. The magnificent Langtang Lirung, 7246m, dominates the myriad of huge peaks. As we climb the final distance to Kyanjin Gompa, the mountain views seem to become more and more magnificent with each step. A knoll overlooking the village gives a 270 degree panoramic view of glaciers and 5000 meter snowy white peaks. At Kyanjin, 3870m, there is a monastery that is over 600 years old. Imagine the faith and determination it took to build this and survive the harsh winters around the same time Columbus discovered America.
From Kyanjin Gompa there are two equally awesome peaks to climb, depending on your energy levels. The more challenging is Tsergo Ri, 4984m, a 6hr or 7hr round trip; the relatively easy one, Kyanjin Ri, 4773m, is a mere two to three hour excursion from Kyanjin Gompa. We stay one more day in Kyangjin to explore the hills, ridges and glaciers around and then retrace the route back down the valley to Syabru Besi where we started out.
Annapurna Foothills Treks recommends trekking in September and December or in March and May. This trek is also suitable for a winter (Christmas) Trek as the weather in this region is moderate. A summer-time trek can be quite wet and a little slippery, and you need to combat leeches, but as for the views, this trek takes you so close to the Himalaya that even during the rainy season, you get great views of the mountains that would be impossible on any other trek. Get in touch to know more about the trip, itinerary, time, private or group departures. Email us at info@annapurnafoothills.com
