Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang was one of the most unfortunate sites triggered by devastating earthquake last year on April 28, 2015. Many lives were lost; landslides and tremors just worsened the case. Trekking was the only source of their income that was greatly affected since natural disaster took place. It was most popular destination after Everest and Annapurna.

Many reputed media highlighted only the negative part of the story only, the devastation caused. But there is the positive side of the story too, with local efforts, the trekking route is now open and Langtang valley trek is 100% open for business. Local people are literally begging and looking forward to welcome the tourist from all over the world. They anticipate that good days will come after tourist starts to arrive. So, if you wish to support local communities, please take a note that Langtang is absolutely SAFE after earthquake then now is the best time for Langtang Valley Trek.

You can make an positive impact on poor local inhabitants by volunteering in local projects ( let us know of you are interested, we can arrange), you can also buy local products, items as souvenir, avoid buying products built from wildlife parts, and by recommending your friends that Langtang is open for business. By choosing Icicles as you trekking partner, you will be creating local jobs for porters. In this way there are many ways you can help and support, the main thing is are you willing to?

Basically there are two season spring and autumn as the best season for trekking in Nepal. During the spring season in the months of March, April and May days start to become warmer with blossoming rhododendron and other trees while during the autumn months of September, October and November enjoy crystal clear views of Langtang range that will strike in your memories forever. But remember that it is always best time to plan and book Langtang Valley Hike.

Langtang Valley is different in many terms compared to Everest and Annapurna treks. The major difference is, it is less crowded that other popular ones but still blessed with extremely beautiful Himalayan views like from no other. Culturally rich places, with more of flora and fauna, where we can see blooming rhododendron flowers during spring. Langtang is also nearby Kathmandu making the trekking days shorter and is at less altitude at 4350m at Kyangin ri. If you have been to Everest and/or Annapurna, then Langtang is must for you.

You will be traveling through wilderness, rough terrains trekking across the valleys. Trekking with guide will not only make you feel safe, but it will also make your trip more enjoyable. Our guides are expert, and have good knowledge about local flora fauna, cultures and traditions. Also only few local people speak English. No matter how much you feel confident on traveling solo; our guides can only enhance your experience.

Of course you can. Langtang trek is also highly recommended trip for first timer trekkers as the maximum height attained during the trek is 4350m at Kyangin ri which is not considered as high altitude trek like Everest base camp and Annapurna circuit. Therefore, the chances of AMS is also very less with less average day walking activity. Therefore, if you have no prior trekking experience, Langtang valley trek would be the perfect way to turn on your adventure button.

Everyone have their own traveling style and we respect that thing. If you prefer group travel with other like minded members, then contact us send an enquiry, if there are other similar people looking forward to embark in for group travel, then we will definitely inform you. Also you can book via our fixed departure dates, when the same date is suitable for two or more people; your Langtang valley group trek is 100% on.

In the similar way, we do run private group departures, where you will be joining with your own group members only, no strangers. So, kindly send us a quick enquiry, let’s see how we can assist.

We say YES to travel solo also. Traveling solo with our guide is an excellent way to explore the site that gives full control on your hands. You have the authority. Authority means, you can choose your own transportation style (private jeep or local bus), stop at the beautiful site you just see, take a perfect picture, stroll around for a while, you don’t have to follow other members, you will be walking at your own pace enjoying the natural and cultural highlights, you choose the menu and above all, you will be more than friend, i.e. best friend with our guide. He will also take special care of you and provide exclusive attention and guide you through Langtang valley.

Preparations are vital for Langtang Valley Trek too. Even though you won’t encounter alluring altitudes, you need to be physically and mentally fit. For preparations, do you workout on gym? If yes, then you must be familiar with cardio exercises, take or sweat out on inclined treadmills , step staircases, keep your speed above 30 kmph in cycling and do make a specific exercise routine that you follow daily. Also, during the weekends, go for a day hike to nearby hill with backpack and your trekking boots on. It will give you an idea about your stamina, how much you can walk and what it would be during the trekking days.

We have prepared a standard 11-day itinerary of trekking Langtang Valley suitable for most travelers. However, there is also an option to go eastwards towards Gosaikunda Lake, a famous religious site with multiple high-altitude lakes and many cultural exploring opportunities. So if you wish to opt-in for Gosaikunda, Helambu regions, you are requested to allocate an extra 4 to 5 days more.

You must have known that getting insurance policy from your home country is mandatory before joining any of our Nepal trips. For Langtang valley trek, your insurance policy needs to cover the helicopter rescue operation from Langtang region to Kathmandu. In case of medical emergencies, our professional guide will call helicopter that will airlift you rescue to hospital in Kathmandu.

If you have your own sleeping bag, sleeping mat, air bag, down jackets and trekking boots, we recommend packing and using your own items during the trek. However, we provide full gears and equipments required for Langtang valley trek. We will hire at store in Thamel, Kathmandu. For extensive trekking in Nepal packing list, we have made a separate packing list page with detail information included.

Every trekkers need to acquire TIMS card and Langtang National Park permits from Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. You need to bring couple of pp size photographs for those. All of these permits and documents will be arranged by our company. You just need to focus on enjoying the trip while we focus on making it worthwhile experience.

For Langtang valley trek, you need to be able to walk average 5 to 6 hours a day with light backpack that contains few cash, dried fruits like cashew nuts, raisins, chocolate energy bars, water bladder and few layers of clothing. There are very less or negligible chances of high altitude sickness. Still you need to be fit and have that passion towards completing the trip successfully. If you have any illness regarding respiratory, cardiac or other let us know beforehand.

There are two options available while taking a drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. Either you take a local bus or we arrange the private jeep. We recommend private jeep as it will be quite an off road journey and it will be more comfortable in jeep than in private bus. However the choice is yours; let us know what you prefer. It will be approximately 7 hours road trip from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. You will return the same way unless you take excursion to Gosaikunda and Shivapuri National Park that takes you to Sundarijal from where it’s only an hour drive to Thamel, Kathmandu.

We use our temporary porter staff from local community that creates local job opportunities which is one of our company’s responsible tourism policies. And of course while driving; your vehicle carries the load.

Langtang valley trek is a full tea house trekking where you will be staying at different tea houses (locally owned lodges) at end of the every trekking day. You see earthquake impact turning the houses into rubble. But there are still quite a number of tea houses that can accommodate you. Tea houses are rather basic compared to Everest and Annapurna regions. If you are on for an adventure, support local community and enjoy the best of nature and culture rather than luxury, then Langtang is definitely for you.

Langtang region is close to Nepal- Tibet border. So, local culture including food and meals and Tibetan influenced. Usually you will see Tibetan menu with giant momo, syabale, yak cheese, butter milk, soup, noodles, Dal Bhat Tarkari (rice, lentil & veggies) along with tea and other local drinks. Cheese is the specialty over there.

Kyangin RI at 4350 meters above the sea level is the highest point of Langtang valley trek. Or if you put an extra day effort then you can go high up to Cherkuri above 5000m. Both of these viewpoints offer excellent views of Langtang Lirung, Yala Peak, Langtang II and other neighboring snow capped Himalayas.

There are negligible chances of injury and AMS during Langtang Valley Trek. However during the contingency situations and medical emergencies, you will be airlifted by rescue helicopter to Kathmandu. Our professional experienced and trained trekking guides take the best decision for you and ensure you are safe during entire period of Langtang trek.

Yes this trek can be tailor made as per your need and requirement.  Kathmandu sightseeing, Kathmandu hotel, transportation and other factors determine the cost which can be customized to meet your budget and style.