The 5-day Langtang Valley Short Trek begins at Syabru Bensi after a 5- to 6-hour scenic bus ride from Kathmandu. The trail goes through the forest of pine, juniper, rhododendron, bamboo, and other rare vegetation, with swift mountain streams, rugged rock, and snow-capped peaks at the beginning. The Langtang Valley Short Trek trail follows the Langtang River most of the time when you are at Ghoretabela. The valley becomes wider with the majestic view of the Langtang Himal range toward a settlement of the Langtang and Kyanging Gumba. If you visit Lang Tang Trekking during the spring, the jungle can be seen as colorful, with rhododendrons, orchids, and magnolias blooming at the surface, and the high mountains seem to welcome you with a charming white face.
Most of the time, you will walk through Langtang National Park. Inside the park, you may see rare wildlife, including red pandas, Himalayan black bears, wild boars, and langur monkeys. Tamang ethnic groups are the principal inhabitants in this area; they have been following culture, tradition, and cultivation from their old generation to now. Some people are following animal husbandry in a nomadic way. If you have already been to Tibet, the Langtang Short Trek will remind you of Tibet. The culture, livelihood, and religious beliefs are similar to Tibetan.
In ancient times, Langtang Valley, known as "Namgodagam," meant hidden land, the heavenly gate of half-moon form. This hidden land lies in the Langtang Valley of the Rasuwa district. The Teton Golden Chen reveals this place, and later Guru Thetan Glachen opens it for meditation. When this place, Namgodagam, was opened, it carried the myth-associated name Langtang. "Lang" means ox (male yak), and "Thang" is Khet in Nepali (farm). The ox with two hornsturns flat on its back once the owner follows it. Thus, the name Langtang came from this incident. The name of the town where the ox died, Lansiya, "Langshisa," further demonstrates this. And even today, the people in this place perform the annual ritual of the dead bull. Tibetans came to the southern part of the hidden land and started living there in the settlement; the head is Kyanjin Gumba, where pilgrims visit for meditation. There are several caves around this place as well. The most important cave is Padmasambhava, on the edge of the eastern base camp of Langtang Lirung. Pilgrims can reach this holy place in a two-hour walk from Kyanjin Monastery (Gumba). Locals who are from Tibet live here.
The summer settlement of Kyanjin Gumba, with its small old monastery, is located beyond Langtang village. This location goes by the name of Kyanjin Gumba, a monastery. Although Mingyur Dorje Dhomas constructed the Kyanjin Gumba approximately 330 years ago, the Buddha and Guru Rinpoche statue dates from the eighth century. Visitors can also enjoy the airport and yak cheese factory, in addition to the captivating mountain scenery. The fluted northwest face of Kangchenpo dominates the small settlement of 20 to 25 teahouses and yak pastures. The ideal place to stay is Kyanjin Gumba, which can be explored over three to four nights. Stunning views can be found at Kyangjin Ri (4772 m) and Cherko Ri/Tserko Ri (4984 m). Views include the magnificent Pemthang Ri, Langshisha Ri, Dorje Lakpa, Kangchenpo, Tilman's fluted peak, and Langtang Lirung. Panoramic scenery is visible at 360 degrees from here, which is the best anywhere in the Himalayas.
The short Langtang Trek can be done in a minimum of 5 to 7 days from Kathmandu in a reasonable amount of time. Reach the highest points at Cherko Ri (4984 meters), Kyangjin Ri (4772 meters), and Glacier in the shortest amount of time. If you can extend your holiday, then it is best to go hiking at Langshisa Kharka (4285) and Langtang Lirung base camp for the glacier moraine and icefall and visit five holy lakes below the settlement. You can have a slice of fresh yak cheese at the Kyanging Gumba factory. After collecting a bunch of unforgettable memories on your Langtang Short Trek journey, you will descend from Kyanjin Gumba, retrace your steps along the river back to Syabru Bensi, and drive back to Kathmandu.
While hiking to the beautiful Langtang Valley, you will be a great support for the locals who lost their homes and their families during the mega earthquake on April 25, 2015. The teahouses have been rebuilt, and the trekking trail is ready to walk. It is safe to trek in Langtang Valley now. Why don't you visit Langtang Valley to look after the earth quickly?
The Langtang Valley Short Trek is highly recommended as a short holiday visit to Nepal, but if you still want to see mountain scenery and unique Nepalese culture, this can be arranged for the whole year. Among many treks in Langtang National Park, the Langtang Short Trek is an ideal short and easy trek—a chance to see the high Himalayan atmosphere. It would be our great pleasure to make your holidays as relaxing and comfortable as you wish through our life experience as local guides and porters. Nepal Motherhouse Treks organizes a Langtang Trek 5-day itinerary according to your holiday schedule and interests. The Langtang Short Trek can be done year-round, even in winter (December, January, and February). You need to bring warm clothes and good hiking equipment. For more detailed information about the Langtang Valley Trek Guide, contact us anytime.
Langtang Valley Short Trek Route: A Scenic Trekking Adventure in Nepal
The Langtang Valley Trek is another popular trekking route in the Himalayas. The trek goes mostly to Langtang National Park, with its spectacular scenery, picturesque villages, and cultural experiences. Normally, it takes about 5 days in its shortest form and can extend to more than 13 days combined with the Tamanag Heritage Trail Homestay Trek, Gosaikunda Lake, and crossing the pass to the Helalmbu Valley. Generally, the trek starts from Syabrubesi after a 5- to 6-hour drive from Kathmandu, then ascends the Langtang Valley, following the Langtang River bank via Bambo Lodge, Rimche, Lama Hotel,Ghode Tabela, and Langtang Village, and finally getting into the wonderful valley of Kyanjin Gompa. You have wonderful mountain view scenery, glaciers, Kyanjin Gompa itself, a yak cheese factory, and many more. Then climb to Kyanjin Ri (4,772 m) for the trip destination. If you have the time, it is worth visiting Cherko Ri (4984 m) and Langshisa Kharka (4285 m). Then you will travel back to Syabrubesi and drive back to Kathmandu.
You need to know the Langtang Valley Trek difficulty level.
The Langtang Valley Short Trek is a popular trekking destination in Nepal, well-known for its spectacular natural beauty, amusing cultural heritage, and relatively moderate difficulty level trail. As the trail goes inside the Langtang National Park, you have a fantastic opportunity to experience the Himalayan wilderness without the extreme altitudes and technical challenges of some other treks in the region. It is suitable for first-time trekkers without previous trekking experience due to its easy access. However, it is recommended that you do regular physical exercises like jogging, hiking, yoga, cardio exercise, and Zumba dance at least two or three months before departure. Definitely, your good preparation with physical fitness, proper acclimatization, and proper trekking gear makes your trip enjoyable. You need to be physically fit to walk 6 to 7 hours every day on the mountain trail at such a high elevation, which is sometimes steep and has steep descents.
Langtang Trek Best Season: When to Embark on Your Himalayan Adventure
There are two main seasons for the Langtang Trek: spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November). These times have ideal weather conditions and spectacular scenery; the weather is neither hot nor cold. However, it depends on your interest and holiday schedule, as the Langtang Valley Short trek is easy to moderate The Langtang Short trek can be done even during winter and monsoon. The trail doesn’t disturb the snowfall during winter and is good to walk in the monsoon too. Likewise, if you are looking for flower blooming time, then spring is the best time to cover the jungle with Rhododendron flowers and wonderful weather. Autumn is one of the best trekking seasons of the year, with perfect weather and mountain views, and the locals celebrate various festivals like Dashain and Tihar/Dipawali.
Why is the Langtang Valley Trek the Best Option in the Winter Season?
The Langtang Valley trek is not from Kathmandu and is difficult because of its geographical structure. Mostly, the trail follows the riverbank of Langtang Khola (river), gradually gaining elevation through cultural sites and natural beauty. The Langtang Valley Short Trek is listed among the top seven best winter treks in Nepal, and it is suitable for families with kids and trekking beginners. There are not any high passes you have to cross or need to walk through the glacier; however, you will have experience with highlander glacier marine and a test of adventure.
This trek can be a good choice throughout the winter period for those who are looking for amazing mountain views and people's unique culture in the shortest time, but you need to be well-prepared with warm clothes and trekking equipment. While trekking in December,January, and February, you will first escape the crowd of trekkers and enjoy the scenic winter wonderland, more choices of affordable accommodation, and photographic opportunities of flora and fauna in a quiet environment. Likewise, you have a chance to interact with locals and learn about their culture, customs, and beliefs.
Transportation during the Langtang Valley Short Trek
There are regular bus services available to Syabrubesi, a 5- to 6-hour drive from Kathmandu, 122 kilometers. The buses leave in the morning from six to eight o’clock from the new bus station at Gangabu, Balaju. If this is your first time in Nepal, it is sure that the bus drive to Syabrubesi will be a lifetime experience for local people. The bus stops for lunch on the way and stops for the toilet break. For a comfortable drive, you may hire a private jeep to Syabrubesi; this makes the journey comfortable and flexible enough to stop on the way without being crowded. The road is far better now, with most of it blacked out except for some landslide areas. It depends on your choice and requirements: either hire a private Jeep or take the regular public bus for a lifetime experience.
Trekking Permits for Langtang Valley Trek
The dangerous red pandas and snow leopards are among the many plants and animals that live in Langtang National Park, which is where the Langtang Valley Trek takes place. For the trip, you need two different permits, one from the national park and the other from the TIMS card. The Langtang National Park Trekking Permits can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board's office in Kathmandu or directly at the entrance gate of the national park at Dhunche with your name details and NPR 3000. Likewise, the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card is obtained only through the government register trekking company with name details according to your passport details and one PP-size photo for NPR 2000 per person.
