Solo Trek to Langtang Valley

Located few kilometers away from the bustling Kathmandu city is the valley of Glacial Masses, Langtang. The Langtang Valley Trek is relatively the shortest and cheapest classic treks of Nepal that is a perfect escape for adrenaline junkies or a novice travel enthusiastic into the lap of tranquil Himalayas. The best thing about the Langtang valley trek is that, it always serves you with best views and wonderful moments whether you are in a group or a solo trek.The Solo trek to Langtang valley is the best option, if you are looking for some thrilling yet memorable moments in the Himalayas.

Experiencing Nature's Splendor on the Langtang Valley Trek:

The serene walk into the nature through the first ever Himalayan National Park, Langtang National park is sure to give you the most amazing feeling with the chirping sound of birds and blossoming rhododendron flowers all along the journey. Adding the beauty to the rich landscape and trekking trail is looming views of Himalayan ranges playing hide and seek with you until you reach Kyanjin Gompa, dominated by the glorious views of Langtang Lirung. 

Since a solo trekking is much more challenging in comparison to a group trek, you are bound to have second thoughts about the trek. No matter where you are trekking, be it in the Annapurna, Everest, or Langtang region, there is a list of things that you need to keep on your mind before joining for the trek. From arranging trekking gears to obtaining permits of the National park, the real struggle starts when you don't have enough Nepali Rupees on your cash bag. Apart from money and trekking gears, the most important thing to keep on your mind is about your health condition. Although the Langtang valley trek is an average trek, you should always keep yourself hydrated and mentally prepared for everything that you can face during the journey.

To give you an overview of what a solo trek to Langtang valley looks like, we have included almost everything you need to keep on your mind before planning for your solo trip.

8 Days Langtang Valley Trek Itinerary:

Day 1: Drive to Syabru besi (1450m)

The bus to Syabrubesi leaves from Machhapokhari at around 8:30 am and takes approximately 7 hours. The journey to Syabrubesi passes through the woodlands, highway shops, meadows, countryside along with the scenic views of tranquil flowing Trishuli River and high hills. After checking in one of the Hotels, go for some sightseeing around the area. Located 30 min away from the town in a hilltop is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Hike up to the hill and enjoy the dramatic views of the city. After getting down the hill, get some rest for the next day trek.

• Distance: 122 km
• Duration: 7 hours

Day 2: Syabru besi to Lama Hotel (2480m)

The trekking officially starts today. With an early morning breakfast session, head on a journey to Lama Hotel.  Crossing the suspension bridge over the gushing Bhote Koshi River, you will ascend your way to Thulo Syabru before crossing another bridge over Langtang Khola. Interacting with locals on your way, admiring the unadulterated natural beauty walk past small villages as long as you can, until you reach Rimche (2400m). Lama hotel is approximately 30 minutes from Rimche. Check-in on one of the hotel and rest for a while. You can also opt for some sightseeing around the Langtang River. Enjoying the relaxing views, make some stone towers and click hundreds of photos. Interact with the hotel owner and end your day in the cozy room.

• Distance: 10.9 km
• Duration: 6-7 hours

Day 3: Lama Hotel to Langtang Village

With an early morning breakfast, continue your walk towards Langtang village. Climbing steeply to the lush woodlands, you will enjoy the most captivating views of Langtang Lirung. Crossing the meadows of Ghoda Tabela (3000m), you will witness a wide valley of yak pastures and beautifully scattered Tamang Village adorned in prayer flags and prayer wheels. The headquarters of Langtang National park; Langtang village is a stream away from the Tamang village. The Langtang village has exotic Tibetan influenced house and widely cultivated lands. The major crops of the region include wheat, potatoes, barley and many more. Interact with locals and hear stories of the devastating earthquake.

• Distance: 14.8 km
• Duration: 4-5 hours 

Day 4: Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa:

Today's walk is relatively short in comparison to the previous days. The walk from Langtang village to Kyanjin Gompa passes through small villages, Chortens, Mani walls to finally into the beautiful village of the Langtang valley, Kyanjin Gompa. Kyanjin Gompa is overshadowed by the sky dominating views of Langtang Lirung and has a traditional cheese factory amid the soaring Himalayas. Visit the cheese factory and savor some local cheese. Interact with locals and pay a visit to the monastery.

• Distance: 6.8 km
• Duration: 2-3 hours 

Day 5: Hike to Kyanjin Ri (4500m)

Hike to the vantage point, Kyanjin Ri early in the morning and witness the dramatic panorama of Langtang Lirung, Langtang II, Dorje Lakpa, Laure Binayak and many more. After enjoying the marvelous views, get down the hill to Kyanjin Gompa. Enjoying the rest day on your own, you will stay in Kyanjin Gompa for overnight.

Day 6: Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel

Biding goodbye to the mighty mountains follow the same trail passing through Ghoda Tabela along the Langtang River until you reach Lama Hotel for overnight. The descending trail to Lama Hotel is not very demanding and can be completed with ease. Overnight in Lama Hotel.

• Distance: 21.6 km
• Duration: 6 hours

Day 7: Trek to Syabrubesi

Tracing the way back of the first day trek, you will pass through the same rhododendron and bamboo forest. The 4-5 hours walk is a complete walk into the nature with wonderful sights. After arriving at the hotel, you can spend the remaining time strolling down the town or interacting with the local.

• Distance: 10.9 km
• Duration: 4-5 hours

Day 8: Drive to Kathmandu

With an early morning breakfast, hop up in the ride to Kathmandu. Enjoy the views and admire the beauty of the Langtang region till the next time. Upon your Kathmandu arrival you can visit local market or join for some cultural dinner at Thamel.

• Duration: 7-8 hours

Permits Required for Langtang Valley Trek:

The langtang valley trek requires two permits; one is the Langtang National Park entry permit whereas the other one is Trekking Information Management System (TIMS).

Both of the Permits can be acquired from Nepal Tourism Board or Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) on your Kathmandu arrival. The Langtang National Park entry permit can also be acquired from the entry gate at Dunche.

You will need your passport, four passport size photos, insurance details and contact details while issuing the TIMS card.

Langtang Valley Trek Cost:

The Langtang valley trek comes under different budget depending on the days you spend in the Himalayas. The 7-8 days langtang valley trek costs you approximately 500-700 USD. However, the most of the costs can be maintained through the expenses you make during the trip.

What to Pack for the trip?

No matter how much you plan for the trek, at the end of the day you always forget to pack something very important for your trip. To decrease the mishaps, we have made a list of things you should pack for your Solo Langtang Trek.

Bags

• Duffle bags
• Trekking bags

Clothing

• Trekking shirts and trousers
• Base layer
• Insulation layer
• Outer layer
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Raincoat
• Breathable underwear

Foot wears and Hand wears

• Waterproof hiking boots
• Hiking and Thermal socks
• Outer and inner gloves

Head wears

• Cap/ Hats
• Scarfs
• Beanie

Other important accessories

• Map and compass
• Passport
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen with UV protection
• Sleeping bag
• First aid kit
• Water bottle
• Water purification tablet
• Hand sanitizer
• Toiletries
• Portable charger
• Protein bars/ Granolas
• Tea bags/ Coffee

Tips for Solo Trek to Langtang Valley:

• Start from getting TIMS and Langtang National Park Entry Permit upon you Kathmandu arrival.
• Rent your trekking gears instead of buying them.
• Although the Langtang valley trek is a relatively moderate trek in Nepal and does not require any particular physical fitness, there is a constant chance that you can get mountain sickness. So stay hydrated and taking preventive measures before starting the trip.
• Get your travel insurance to cover any medical costs during the trek.
• Get comfortable and waterproof trekking boots.
• Keep enough Nepali rupees on your pocket safely; ATMs are not available on the trail.
• Use water purification tablet and avoid buying mineral water bottles.

FAQ's in Langtang Valley Trekking:

1. How difficult is Langtang valley trek

✔ Langtang valley trek is one of the moderate treks of Nepal that does not require any previous mountaineering experience or rock climbing techniques. The summit day to Kyanjin Ri (4500m) is the most challenging part of the trek. However, the views from the vantage point make it worth. Being close to the capital city, the Langtang region has comfortable teahouses, fresh foods, and good views.

2. When is the best time for the Langtang Trek?

✔ The month September to November (Autumn) and March to May (Spring) is best suited for the trek as you can witness clear views of Langtang mountains during the season.

3. What is other Popular Treks of Langtang region?

✔ The popular treks of Langtang region includes:

• Helambu Cultural Trek
• Ganesh Himal Trek
• Gosaikunda Trek
• Langtang Gunja La Pass Trek
• Langtang Valley Trek

4. Can we trek to Langtang without a guide?

✔ The Langtang valley trek can be done without a guide too, if you can arrange everything for the trek by yourself. Having a guide by your side will help you to book room during the trek, you will not get lost in the woods and you don’t have to worry about your permits and all.

5. Do we need Travel Insurance?

✔ Having a travel insurance of your own will help you recover or overcome unavoidable circumstances regarding your health, or any accident during the trek.

6. What is the maximum altitude that we can reach in Langtang Trek?

✔ The highest point of the Langtang valet trek is Kyanjin Ri (4500m). Nevertheless, if you choose to hike to Tserko Ri by adding one more day to the trek, you will attain a height of 5000m.

"Planning something thrilling yet memorable? We have the best customizable packages for you to relish in the beauty of the incredible Langtang region".

The Final Say:

The Short Langtang Valley Trek is a perfect getaway trip into the wilderness of the Langtang region passing through the blossoming rhododendron and rich woodlands of pine and juniper. The trek is also known to introduce you to the Buddhist Culture of the ethnic Tamang and Sherpa community as you stay in teahouses and pay a visit to the oldest monastery of the region, Kyanjin Gompa. 

The Solo trek to Langtang valley is the cheapest yet the most wonderful trek to the pristine nature of the isolated Langtang region. So pack your bags and plan for your next trip to Langtang, the valley of Glacial masses.