The 1,710 km square area of Himalayas and its foothills in the north of Kathmandu is protected as Langtang National Park. The national park is just about 18 km away as the crow flies from Kathmandu. Its proximity with Kathmandu makes it easy to access. However this is less visited making it highly pristine with authentic Tibetan culture. The national park includes high snow peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes and source of two major river systems in Nepal.
Langtang Lirung (7,234 m) , the dominant mountain of the valley, is the 99th highest mountain in the world. There are also many side trips that allow one to climb above 5,000 m within a short trek from Kathmandu. A day hike to Langshisa Kharka gives a glimpse of Mt Shishapangma in Tibet. Shishapangma (8013 m) is the 14th highest mountain in the world.
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| Langtang valley |
Here are some of the highlights which make Langtang Trek special.
- Rebuilding after 2015 Nepal earthquake
The 2015 Nepal earthquake hit the region hard. Series of avalanches and landslides triggered by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake and its strong aftershocks, destroyed the valley. About 300 were killed including 70 foreigners. A village of Langtang was wiped out of the map burying 100 underneath to be never found. After about a year, locals have rebuilt the teahouses and fixed the trekking trail with more safety caution. However it will take over a decade to overcome their loss. Trekking in Langtang aids the locals' struggle in recovery from the earthquake.
- Listed in 52 places to visit by New York Times
Langtang Trek was featured by New York Times as one of the 52 places to visit in the year 2017.
Yak crossing the Langtag village covered in rubble
- Awe-inspiring mountain, valley and glacier view
Langtang valley is wedged between spectacular snow peaks of Dorje Lakpa, Naya Khanga, Langtang Lirung and many more. The view of Langtang glacier, Langtang Lirung and the sweeping valley providing grazing for Yaks make the landscape picturesque. A day hike to the end of the valley opens up the view of 8,000 m peak Mt Shishapangma in Tibet.
Crossing Suspension bridge with Langtang Lirung in the backdrop
- Adventure of climbing to 5,000 m or above in about a week's trek
Langtang trek offers several climbs to high latitude view points. The most popular are Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m), Tserko Ri (4,994 m) and Yala Peak (5,700 m). While Kyanjin Ri and Tserko Ri could be climbed as a day hike from the teahouse town of Kyanjin Gompa , Yala peak needs one extra day in a tent at the base of the peak.
Langtang valley view from hike to Kyanjin Ri (4,770 m)
- Pristine forest, meadows and Yak pastures shelters rich wildlife
The vegetation of Langtang makes an untouched spectrum of the alpine ecosystem for researchers. The existence of rare Red Panda and Snow Leopard is proof of the healthy ecosystem. Other animals like Himalayan black bear, Ghoral, Langur monkey and Leopards are also found in the park. Rare Himalayan Honey Guide and Larch have also been recorded in the national park along with the 250 species of birds.
- Intact Tibetan Buddhism and Himalayan culture
Langtang valley is just next to Kyirong, Tibet which was an trans-Himalayan trade route. Tamangs and Sherpas of the region had less influence from the outside world until recently keeping the Tibetan Buddhism symbolism and culture more intact. Mani walls, traditional cantilever bridges, stone houses, carved wooden porches, their dresses and monasteries reflect the rich culture.
Buddhist flags and Chorten in Langtang valley
- Easy access from Kathmandu
With adjoining Shivapuri National park, trekking in Langtang could be started right from the outskirt of Kathmandu. It is just 18 km from the capital Kathmandu. The easy access makes the region third popular trekking area. Langtang valley is about 65 km from Kathmandu and could be reached by private 4WD.
The 2015 Nepal earthquake hit the region hard. Series of avalanches and landslides triggered by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake and its strong aftershocks, destroyed the valley. About 300 were killed including 70 foreigners. A village of Langtang was wiped out of the map burying 100 underneath to be never found. After about a year, locals have rebuilt the teahouses and fixed the trekking trail with more safety caution. However it will take over a decade to overcome their loss. Trekking in Langtang aids the locals' struggle in recovery from the earthquake.
Langtang Trek was featured by New York Times as one of the 52 places to visit in the year 2017.
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| Yak crossing the Langtag village covered in rubble |
Langtang valley is wedged between spectacular snow peaks of Dorje Lakpa, Naya Khanga, Langtang Lirung and many more. The view of Langtang glacier, Langtang Lirung and the sweeping valley providing grazing for Yaks make the landscape picturesque. A day hike to the end of the valley opens up the view of 8,000 m peak Mt Shishapangma in Tibet.
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| Crossing Suspension bridge with Langtang Lirung in the backdrop |
Langtang trek offers several climbs to high latitude view points. The most popular are Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m), Tserko Ri (4,994 m) and Yala Peak (5,700 m). While Kyanjin Ri and Tserko Ri could be climbed as a day hike from the teahouse town of Kyanjin Gompa , Yala peak needs one extra day in a tent at the base of the peak.
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| Langtang valley view from hike to Kyanjin Ri (4,770 m) |
The vegetation of Langtang makes an untouched spectrum of the alpine ecosystem for researchers. The existence of rare Red Panda and Snow Leopard is proof of the healthy ecosystem. Other animals like Himalayan black bear, Ghoral, Langur monkey and Leopards are also found in the park. Rare Himalayan Honey Guide and Larch have also been recorded in the national park along with the 250 species of birds.
Langtang valley is just next to Kyirong, Tibet which was an trans-Himalayan trade route. Tamangs and Sherpas of the region had less influence from the outside world until recently keeping the Tibetan Buddhism symbolism and culture more intact. Mani walls, traditional cantilever bridges, stone houses, carved wooden porches, their dresses and monasteries reflect the rich culture.
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| Buddhist flags and Chorten in Langtang valley |
With adjoining Shivapuri National park, trekking in Langtang could be started right from the outskirt of Kathmandu. It is just 18 km from the capital Kathmandu. The easy access makes the region third popular trekking area. Langtang valley is about 65 km from Kathmandu and could be reached by private 4WD.
Langtang trek could be planned within a week in Nepal. This trek is moderate in difficulty but experienced trekkers can climb to more challenging Tserko Ri (4,985 m) and Yala (5,700 m) peak. I have been leading the trek for 'i Tour Nepal P Ltd' . Visit our page Short trek in Nepal for the most rewarding treks in Nepal.
