Complete Guide to Langtang Trek

Guide to Langtang Trek

Langtang Valley is situated between the Kathmandu Valley and Tibet. It is part of the Langtang National Park of the Langtang Region. The valley offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal. As a Himalayan Valley, it invites thousands of trekkers every year. Langtang Region Treks, including Langtang Valley, have become the most sought-after treks because of the adventure, mountain views, rhododendron forest, and traditional Tamang Village.

If you are thinking about taking on the adventure that the Langtang Valley Trek offers, you may have some questions. Questions like, What is the best time? What is the route like? What permits do I need? What are the difficulties? This comprehensive guide to the Langtang Trek will answer all your questions, helping you prepare for a journey that you will remember for a lifetime.

Where is Langtang Valley Located?

Mountains in Langtang

Langtang Valley is inside the Langtang National Park in the Rasuwa district of Nepal. It is about 120 km north of the Kathmandu Valley, making it one of the closest treks from the capital city of Nepal. Langtang Valley shares its border with Tibet, so the people of Langtang, Langtangpas, follow Tibetan Buddhism. It lies in the Himalayan region and is renowned for its stunning mountain views, including those of Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal. 

You can reach Langtang Valley by road. A public bus from Kathmandu operates daily and takes you to Syabrubesi, the starting point of the Langtang Trek. The fare will be around USD 10 to USD 15. You can also hire a private jeep if you are a group. Depending on your mode of transportation, it will take about 5 to 7 hours to reach Syabrubesi from Kathmandu.

Langtang Valley Trek Route Guide

Langtang Valley Trek Map

The route you follow on your 8-day Langtang Valley Trek starts from Syabrubesi, which is at an elevation of about 1,600 meters above sea level. After arriving at the starting point of the trek, you will rest at a hotel or a lodge. The path you will follow from Syabrubesi is as follows. 

Kathmandu → Syabrubesi → Bamboo → Rimche → Lama Hotel → Gunachowk→ Ghodatabela → Thomna → Thangshyap → Langtang Village → Mundu → Kyangjin Gompa → Tserko Ri

From Tserko Ri, you will follow the same path you used to return to Syabrubesi. Below is the Langtang Valley Trek itinerary, with the distance covered, trek duration, and highest elevation. 

DayItineraryDistance CoveredTrek DurationHighest Elevation
Day 1Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi122 km / 75 miles7-8 hours1,600 meters
Day 2Trek to Lama Hotel10.9 km5-6 hours2,470 meters
Day 3Trek to Langtang or Mundu14.8 km4-5 hours3,430 meters
Day 4Trek to Kyangjin Gompa6.8 km2-3 hours3,870 meters
Day 5Trek to Tserko Ri and Back17 km / 10 miles9-10 hours5,000 meters
Day 6Trek to Lama Hotel21.6 km6 hours3,430 meters
Day 7Trek to Syabrubesi13.1 km6-7 hours2,230 meters
Day 8Drive to Kathmandu122 km / 75 miles7-8 hours1,400 meters

Note: You can also extend your trek to the Ganja La Pass or Gosaikunda. Moreover, you can combine the Langtang Trek with the Tamang Heritage Trail Trek. If you wish to do so, please inform us to customize the itinerary.

Difficulty level of Langtang Trek

Langtang Trek is considered a moderately complex trek. This means that you need to be of a reasonable fitness level, preferably with previous trekking experience. However, it is not as challenging as one might imagine, and a beginner can also do it with proper preparation. But what factors define the difficulty level of the Langtang Trek? Let’s find out: 

Altitude Sickness

Since the Langtang Trek takes you to 5,000 m (Kyanjin Ri), the risks of altitude sickness are significantly higher. Since the trek is shorter, you will have less time to cover the entire distance. The lack of time to reach such a height also adds to the difficulty. You must separate at least a day for acclimatization to adjust to the lower oxygen level at such heights. 

Trail Conditions

Langtang Trek is moderately challenging for a reason. The trails consist of steep ascents and descents with narrow ridges, which makes walking on them physically demanding. The risk of back, knee, and leg injuries is always present. Moreover, the trails can become slippery if you trek in the off-season, increasing the risk of injuries. While walking, please make sure that your pace is not too fast. 

Duration and Distance

To complete the Langtang Valley Trek, you must cover about 70 km in 6 days. Covering such a long distance in such a short time requires walking for about 6 to 8 hours daily, covering at least 11 km daily, which requires good physical fitness. While trekking, your body will be under extreme stress, which can also cause mental stress. 

Perfect time for Langtang Valley Trek

Kyanjin Gompa

The Best time for the Langtang Trek is during the autumn (September to November) and the spring (March to May) seasons. Here is why: 

Spring (March-May)

  • Daytime: 10°C to 22°C (warmer in lower regions)
  • Nighttime: -5°C to 5°C (higher altitudes remain chilly)
  • Blooming rhododendrons and lush green landscapes.
  • Pleasant temperatures with clear skies and occasional short rains.
  • Increased wildlife activity and vibrant natural scenery.

Autumn (September – November)

  • Daytime: 10°C to 20°C (higher altitudes are colder)
  • Nighttime: -3°C to 5°C (colder in higher elevations)
  • Stable weather, clear skies, and excellent mountain views.
  • Major Nepali festivals like Dashain & Tihar for cultural experiences.
  • Comfortable trekking conditions with dry trails.

Permits for Langtang Trek

You need to acquire two kinds of permits for Langtang Valley Trek. They are ) a TIMS Card and 2) a Langtang National Park Permit (LNPP). A TIMS card ensures your safety, and LNPP is because you are trekking in the protected area. 

PermitCost (Foreigners)Cost (SAARC Nationals)Where to Obtain
Langtang National Park Entry PermitNPR 3,000 (~USD 25)NPR 1,500 (~USD 11)Nepal Tourism Board (Kathmandu) or Park Entry Checkpoints (Dhunche, Syabrubesi)
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)NPR 2,000 Per person (~USD 15)NPR 1,000 (~USD 8)Nepal Tourism Board (Kathmandu) or Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) office

Note: Children below 10 years old don’t need to obtain the National Park Permits. 

Langtang Trek Costs

The 8-day Langtang Valley Trek package costs USD 450 at My Everest Trip. It includes three-course meals during the trek, transportation, guide fees, medical (first aid) costs, and permits. It also includes all government taxes and tourist service charges.  

It doesn’t include your meals at Kathmandu, travel insurance, visa fees, tips for the guides, or the expenses of extra food and drinks during the trek. The package also doesn’t include the price of extra charges teahouses take for amenities like hot showers, wifi, and electricity. 

Estimated Cost

The estimated cost per person during the Langtang Valley Trek is as follows: 

ExpenseEstimated Cost (USD)
Transportation (Kathmandu – Syabrubesi)$10 – $25 (local bus)
Guide (per day)$20 – $30
Porter (per day)$15 – $20
Accommodation (per night)$5 – $15
Meals (per day)$15 – $25
Miscellaneous (snacks, drinks, etc.)$5 – $30 per day
Permit$19 – $40

Langtang Trek Packing List

Clothing

  • Moisture-wicking base layers (tops & bottoms)
  • Insulating layer (fleece or down jacket)
  • Waterproof jacket and pants
  • Trekking pants and shirts
  • Thermal gloves, hat, and buff/neck gaiter
  • Warm socks and extra pairs

Footwear

  • Sturdy trekking boots (broken-in)
  • Lightweight camp shoes/sandals

Gear & Accessories

  • Backpack (40-50L) with rain cover
  • Sleeping bag (-10°C to -15°C rating)
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Headlamp with extra batteries

Health & Safety

  • Personal first aid kit (bandages, painkillers, altitude meds)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 50+)
  • Water purification tablets or filter
  • Reusable water bottles (2L capacity)

Documents & Miscellaneous

  • Passport, permits (TIMS & National Park Entry)
  • Cash (ATMs unavailable on the trek)
  • Snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolates)
  • Lightweight towels and toiletries

Essentials Guide to Langtang Trek

Here are some of the guides or tips for Langtang Trek that might be useful to you : 

  • Since you are trekking to high-altitude regions, set aside a day for acclimatization. If not, maintain your pace and increase the trekking days. 
  • If you notice any symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness, talk to your guide and descend immediately. 
  • Drink as much water as you can to prevent water loss. Electrolytes replenish lost minerals. 
  • If you have decided to go on a Langtang Valley Trek, strengthen your heart, lungs, legs, and back. 
  • Always maintain a regular pace. Being too fast will tire you out, and being too slow will delay reaching your resting point. 
  • Carry cash since no ATMs exist in the Langtang Valley, and the teahouse and lodge owners do not keep swiping machines. 
  • Ensure that you pack light but include warm clothing for higher altitudes. 
  • Even though there are internet services, you must be prepared for low connectivity.

Langtang Trek Highlight

  • Location: Langtang National Park, about 120 Km north of Kathmandu, Nepal. 
  • Duration: 8 days
  • Trek Distance: ~70 Km
  • Starting Point: Syabrubesi 
  • Highest Point: Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m) / Tserko Ri (5,000m)
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Best Time to Trek: Spring and Autumn seasons
  • Accommodations: Teahouses and lodges
  • Required Permits: TIMS Card and Langtang National Park Permit

Conclusion

The Langtang Trek is a hidden gem near the Kathmandu Valley. Unlike other treks, it is less crowded and offers an equally enjoyable trekking experience. If you are planning your first trek in Nepal or want a different trekking path, the Langtang Trek can be an excellent choice.

The guide to the Langtang Trek above covers everything from its location, costs, and difficulties to the best time to visit and a recommended packing list. However, feel free to contact us if you have any other queries.

FAQs

Do I need a guide and porter for Langtang Trek?

A guide for Langtang Valley Trek is mandatory as per government regulation. However, whether or not you hire a porter is entirely up to you.

What is the per-day expense for the Langtang Valley Trek?

The per-day expenses for the budget Langtang Trek range from $50 to $80, which includes food, accommodations, guides, porters, and extra costs you do while on the trek.

Is travel insurance necessary for the Langtang Valley Trek?

We highly recommend travel insurance for the trek, as it covers the necessary medical and evacuation costs.

What kind of foods are available during the Langtang Trek?

The foods in the Langtang Trek’s teahouses and lodges are traditional Nepali dishes like Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari (Lentil soup, rice, and curry) and international cuisines like noodles, pancakes, and bread.

Do I need a permit for the Langtang Trek?

Yes, a permit is mandatory for Langtang Trek. You need two permits: 1) a TIMS Card and 2) a Langtang National Park Permit (LNPP).

Puru Founder of My Everest Trip

Puru Thapaliya

My name is Puru (Purushottam Thapaliya). Since completing the Government Guide Training from Nepal’s Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (KEEP and HRA), I have been a specialist in mountain trekking and peak climbing. With specific expertise in the Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan regions, I have now been a trekking guide and tour operator in Nepal, and across the Himalayas, since 2012.