Trekking in Langtang Valley

On the northern part of Kathmandu lies the Langtang National Park established in 1976, a rather underrated tourist destination. It covers an area of 1710 km2 in the Nuwakot Rasuwa and Sindhupalchowk districts of the central Himalayan region. The High altitude sacred lake known as Gosaikunda 4300m is one of the major attractions of the region. The majestic view of the Langtang Lirung 7,227 m, Gangchenpo 6,387 m Loenpo Gang 6,979 m, and other smaller peaks make this region one of the most beautiful places in the country. This region is relatively rural and untouched by urbanization.

The Tibetan Tamang culture is still intact. The way of life in this region is highly influenced by Himalayan Buddhism which is widespread in the Himalayan region of Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Tibet. The flapping of the prayer flags combined with the whistle of the wind blowing will be always pleasant in your ears. the Mani stone walls can be seen throughout the trek as a sign of gratitude towards the souls of the deceased ones. After the tragic event when the whole village was covered by the rubble of the avalanche triggered by the earthquake of 2015, the Valley is once again trying to rise from the past again.

The people have returned with the intention of reestablishing their livelihood in the valley. The pristine natural scenery of the Langtang valley is one of the key features of this region. However this region is visited by comparatively fewer numbers of tourists, therefore it needs some promotion from the public and the governmental sector.

The trek begins from Syafru Besi, a small town on the bank of the Trishuli river. The trek goes through the forest following the bank of the Langtang River. There is some probability of you being able to catch the glimpse of a wild deer or other creatures but less likely to have a glimpse of a Red Panda as they tend to come out only in the dark. As the trek continues the change in the altitude can be noticed clearly by observing the vegetation of the region.

Transitioning from the broad-leaved forests to the pine forests and then the cold desert doesn’t make one fatigue. The trails are much easier and lesser stone steps compared to other treks in Nepal. The Trek feels easier than it seems, as one can experience the view of a lifetime with such little physical stress. The smile on the faces of the local people is also something you will be attached to.

One other major attraction in this region is the availability of the trekking peaks like Yala peak, Kyanjin Ri(4773m), Tserko Ri(4984m). Here you can literally trek on the top of the peaks without expensive gears, a lot of technical climbing skills. The Langtang valley trek is therefore ideal for tourists who desire the mesmerizing experience of this Himalayan land without the maximum effort.