A Traveller Guide to Langtang; trekker's paradise to sacred ground!

tourHQ Editorials

28 Oct 2014 | 7 mins read

Langtang has oft been described as a majestic, sacred paradise on earth. Seated in the Rasuwa District just south of Nepal’s border with Tibet, China, and north of the capital city of Kathmandu, this vast region offers a stunning combination of some of the world’s highest snowy peaks, dramatic glaciers, fauna and flora-filled valleys, pilgrimage sites, and ancient cultures. And more famously, it is also home to Langtang National Park, a 710 square-mile park created in 1976 to conserve the natural beauty and tradition of mid-northern Nepal.

Location, Location, Location

Villages in Langtang

Nepal is known around the globe as a mountain climber’s mecca, a trekker’s paradise, and a pilgrim’s sacred ground. The Langtang region, though much less frequented from a tourism standpoint than say, Mt. Everest or the Annapurna region, is easily accessible from Kathmandu International Airport. Then, it is only a few hours by jeep or bus, even by bike, to the towns of Dhunche or Syabrubesi, where lodging, hot showers, Western-style toilets, food and supplies are available before visitors, trekkers and pilgrims venture on foot into the park itself at Langtang Village, altitude 3,500 meters. The currency to have on hand is the Nepalese Rupee.

Local Guides

Bodnath Stupa

A majority of travelers hire experienced Langtang tour guides to accompany them along the region’s mountainous paths. Mainly of Sherpa and Tamang culture, these friendly guides can be invaluable in their assistance with lodging, supplies, directions, unforeseen weather changes and medical needs.

Basic Lodgings, Abundant Beauty

Once beyond these starting points, be prepared to either camp with tents or stay overnight in Langtang’s many tea houses, which serve as social gathering places, lodgings and food stops. Do bear in mind that the accommodations at the teahouses are relatively sparse, with twin beds, cold-water baths (and occasional pails of hot water), Asian “squat-style” toilets shared amongst guests, traditional Nepali meals, and limited electricity. Accepting these simple arrangements are however rewarded with a fantastic local experience, involving close interaction with traditional cultures and peoples, magnificent views, spectacular wildlife, ancient monasteries, and flora beyond compare.

Weather in Langtang

Seasons change dramatically in Nepal. Langtang hosts the monsoons from June to August; so it is prudent to avoid this region during that time of treacherous trekking conditions and views obscured by rain and cloud cover. The absolute best time to visit Langtang is during autumn, mid-September through October, although mid-September through May are also considered dry months. During January and February, the peak winter months, visitors are likely to encounter snow, which may last through April at the higher altitudes.

Things to Do

Gosainkunda Lake Langtang

The most well-known pilgrimage site in Nepal is easily Gosainkunda, a pristine, alpine lake often referred to as the “frozen lake” for its icy cover. According to Hindu mythology, the holy lake of Gosainkunda is the creation of Lord Shiva’s Trishul (three-pointed weapon). Hence the lake is also a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus who usually make the trip in August for Janai Purnima, also known as Raksha Bandhan, during the full moon.

The trek to Gosainkunda, which sits at an elevation of 4,380 meters/14370 feet, takes travelers around two to three days from Dhunche. Visitors need only be at a moderate to good fitness level to make the climb, and should prepare for blazing sun at the higher altitudes. Along the moderate hike, trekkers can look forward to visual treats of breathtaking waterfalls and rivers, jungle terrain and glassy lakes. Rhododendrons in bright colors grow throughout the area, and in spring visitors enjoy a visual bouquet of red, pink and white blooms. For the best view of Gosainkunda and its surroundings, be there at sunrise.

Dhunche One could also consider a moderate level trek 3,870 meters up for a unique visit to the Buddhist monastery, of Kyanjin Gompa, a small temple off the Himalayan Trail. There is a well-known and inexpensive cheese factory, which receives good reviews for its yak’s milk cheese, but basic lodging is said to be expensive. Electricity produced with hydropower is still available at this elevation.

Kyanjin_Ri Viewpoint

Kyanjin Ri, with a peak of 4,779 meters provides trekkers magnificent views of the Langtang Lirung peak and glacier, as well as the Yala Peak. This is a steep trek and its intense elevation may require more time to acclimatize.

Helambu Valley

The Sherpa people consider the Helambu Valley sacred land. Combining Hindu and Buddhist culture, this beautiful region contains quiet villages, diverse wildlife and deeply traditional living and is a must-see in the Langtang region. A sojourn through Helambu Valley can be considered on the way to the peaks of Langtang.

Trishuli River

The Trishuli River runs along the eastern border of the Langtang region. Just a three-hour drive from Kathmandu, the Trishuli River offers the perfect opportunity for adventurous travelers to try a Class III to Class IV+ River rafting trip, depending on the time of year.

A Few Words of Wisdom

Here are the DO’s

DO hydrate with water before traveling to Nepal and while there. Take altitude sickness seriously and allow time to acclimate. Some of the climbs in Langtang National Park take trekkers to higher elevations quickly. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can end a trip.
DO drink filtered water while trekking, or carry chlorine tablets to purify water. Mineral water is also available. Avoid plastic bottles or keep them to a minimum, since there is no way to dispose of them while in the park.
DO bring jerky if meat is desired on the trip. Most meals in this region are vegetarian, largely consisting of, rice, noodles and soups. Some Western snacks, coffee and sodas are available however.
DO take time to look for wildlife in the Langtang region. Endangered red pandas may be found in the Ghoda Tabela Forest, while screeching Langur monkeys climb amongst the trees. The area hosts yaks, wild boars, Himalayan black bears, and varieties of birds. Impeyan Pheasant, the Nepalese national bird, roam here.
DO bring reading materials for long nights in cold, small lodgings lacking electricity. Bring a pen and travel diary, as well, or a deck of cards.
DO bring enough money for food, lodging and tips; tipping is a common practice in Nepal. Prices for basic necessities can get quite high as the altitude increases.

And there are the Don’ts

DON’T come to the Langtang region before April if flora is on the must-see list. Colder weather may keep flowers away until this time.
DON’T trek into Langtang National Park without proper preparation. Signage is scarce, and inexperienced trekkers may put themselves in extreme danger. Several hours of walking each day is common.
DON’T forget to bring health insurance documentation to Nepal, just in case something unexpected happens.

Final Words of Advice

Traveling light makes sense, but travelers also need to prepare for the challenges of a trip to Nepal. Be sure to pack sun block, hats, rain jackets, cameras, warm clothes (layers are necessary in higher altitudes with freezing temperatures at night), plug adaptors (can be purchased in Kathmandu), sleeping bags, and binoculars.

Adventure seekers, lovers of nature and culture, and spiritual travelers will find certainly discover something to love about the Langtang region of Nepal, a road less traveled in the Himalayan Mountains.

A Traveller Guide to Langtang; trekker's paradise to sacred ground!

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