Langtang Circuit Trek

Overview

The Langtang Circuit Trek is a fabulous 17-day trek that lets trekkers explore the Langtang Valley, which is well known as one of the most beautiful and culturally enhanced trekking destinations in Nepal. The trek starts from Syabrubesi and takes one through various terrains that range from subtropical, rhododendron, and bamboo forests to alpine pastures and moraines. The trail affords fascinating looks at the Langtang Lirung, Gang Chhenpo, and Dorje Lakpa peaks; hence, it is a trekker’s delight for nature and adventure lovers.

While on the trek through the valley, trekkers come across the typical Tamang /Sherpa lodges and houses, which offer a warm reception and create an interesting touch from an ethnographic point of view. The central attraction of the trek is the Kyanjin Gompa, a monastery that resides on the mountain ridge and provides one with spiritual wisdom and a majestic view. It also takes to some beautiful vantage points like the viewpoints of Langshisa Kharka and Tserko Ri, which offer a panoramic view of the Great Himalayas.

However, hiking enthusiasts and wildlife buffs can be a part of the Langtang Circuit Trek, which offers a bird’s eye view of Langtang National Park. The trekkers can see wildlife, including red pandas, Himalayan tahr, and birds of various forms. Thus, the Langtang Circuit Trek, incorporating the aspects of culture, scenery, and relatively smaller crowds for trekking compared to other famous treks in Nepal, gives life satisfaction to all travelers who wish to explore it.

What can you expect from the Langtang Circuit Trek?

The Langtang Circuit Trek offers a diverse and rewarding experience through one of Nepal’s prettiest and culturally vibrant zones. The trekkers will get cool and moist temperate forests with rhododendrons and bamboo, then alpine meadows, and finally rocky and moraine sparsely covered terrains of glaciers. The route has spectacular mountains, including LangtangLirung, Gang Chhenpo, and Dorje Lakpa; therefore, there is a lot of scenic beauty to capture and enjoy.

During the trek, there shall be an opportunity to discover the sociocultural richness of the regions inhabited by the Tamang and Sherpa ethnicities. Huts of the conventional black and white are put up along the trail, with the shepherds of the villages extending a cordial hospitality. Some attractive aspects these people would like to see include Kyanjin Gompa Monastery, Tserko Ri, and other excellent vantage points. Tourists interested in wildlife will appreciate the opportunity to meet animals such as red pandas and Himalayan tahr within Langtang National Park. Altogether, Langtang Circuit Trek is one of the most appealing combinations of nature and culture, and it is a gentle hike throughout the heart of Nepal that gives travelers insight into this fascinating region.

Is Langtang Circuit Trek the best option for you?

Deciding whether the Langtang Circuit Trek is for you means considering whether this trip is the best, depending on the hiker. This trek is suitable for those who want both nature and interaction with the local people without encountering the large number of trekkers seen in some of the famous trekking destinations in Nepal. The landscape of the Langtang area includes beautiful forests, green meadows, and stunning views of enormous peaks of the great Himalayas chain; thus, the area is excellent for nature lovers and photographers.

Besides, there is cultural interaction on the Langtang Circuit – trekkers can visit such villages as Tamang and Sherpa and familiarize themselves with the peculiarities of their lives. The welcome of the people is friendly and colorful, and their makeover to the most beautiful places, such as the Kyanjin Gompa Monastery, takes the trekking to another level of spirituality. Furthermore, the trail goes through Langtang National Park, the designated habitat of the shy red panda, other wildlife, and hundreds of species of plants, thus providing an opportunity to explore Nepalese bio-diversity.

But it’s worth noting that this trek is not for the faint-hearted and those who do not have a good physical fitness level. The Langtang Circuit offers fewer tourists and is likely easier than the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit treks; however, there is still a certain amount of vertical gain and distance to be covered in a day. For a shade more experienced hiker seeking a trail that is equally picturesque and gives an insight into the Nepalese ethnic Nepalis in addition to presenting the natural beauty, then the Langtang Circuit Trek might just be the one that you are looking for.

Highlights
  • Explore a picturesque and one of Nepal's most beautiful Langtang National Park.
  • A view of some of the highest mountains of Langtang Lirung and other similar peaks can be seen here.
  • Visit the Tamang and Sherpa settlement areas, which retain their cultural essence.
  • Taste a variety of plant and animal life, such as red panda and Himalayan tahr.
  • Trek to the religious Kyanjin Gompa Monastery
  • Nontechnical adventure through the ability to tackle the rhododendron and bamboo forests.
  • Glacial moraines across alpine meadow landscapes
  • Get up to the beautiful Langshisa Kharka and the Tserko Ri vantage points
  • Experience and learn more about the history and culture of the people of those regions.
  • It is also a place to comfortably spend a few days relaxing in the natural hot springs of Tatopani.
  • Enjoy the friendliness of the local people of the teahouse along the areas of the route.
  • Visit the less explored compared to the popular trekking destinations of Nepal, which are therefore less crowded.

Itinerary

When you arrive in Kathmandu via Tribhuvan International Airport, an Aura Vacation representative will be waiting to escort you to your Hotel in Thamel, the touristic part of the capital city. Optionally, if you are tired after the flight and want to fight the jet lag, we will take you to a welcome dinner at a local Nepalese restaurant with a folk cultural entertainment program.

    We devote this day to the preparation of the whole trip. All the trekking plans shall be explained to you, and you will be provided with packing checklists, tips on what to expect, and how to enhance the experience, making it easier, more fun, and more comfortable. This preparation day is usually for most people before the actual journey. A sightseeing tour in Kathmandu is not compulsory; however, if the group is interested, the Aura Vacation Team will assist in visiting a few World Heritage sites in Kathmandu.

      Starting the tour, we go north and traverse through several towns and farm villages, including Kakani, Trisuli, and Ramche. While moving higher up the altitude, the climate is much colder, and we arrive at the town of Dhunche, which is the gateway to Langtang National Park at 1,965 meters. The catering shops and stores are available in Dhunche, a major town in both the Langtang and Rasuwa districts, and it would probably be the last market to be around on that course. But the downhill again starts, and after having a brief stop and rest after about an hour's ride, we stop at Syabrubesi, a small village on the bank of a river where we have our first overnight stop.

        On the first day of our trek, we climb for a few hours'hours followed by a gradient descent through terrace farms and a few villages. As we earlier agreed, we need to take a breather at Bamboo. Our walk resumes by ascending to a ridge amidst cool forests of Rhododendron, Oak, and pine trees along the gorge of the Trisuli River, which originates from the glaciers of the Langtang Himals. Thus, we arrive at Lama Hotel for our halt for the night.

          When we traverse without interruption, and the sun appears to move to the midday point, we arrive at Ghoretabla. After the lunch break, our practice continued in the afternoon, moving towards our LP Langtang Village. This moderate-sized village is also in the area of the more ancient inhabitants of the Tamang and Bhotia tribes of the Langtang province. The village of Langtang offers people not only to have a closer acquaintance with nature but also to learn many interesting things about the ethnic pattern of living.

            Our journey goes up a hill which is quite steep these days; the trees become fewer, and the available vegetation, forming shrubs, is only as high as our knees. Slowly, we descend into a lush Phudedding glacial valley with an extensive panorama of Dorji Lakpa, Langtang Lirung, Tsego Ri Ri, Langshisha, and Naya Kanga around. Later in the day, more walking and stunning views take us to Kyanjin Gompa, where we spend the night. This great location has a large Greenacre for grazing yaks and other large cattle throughout, enhancing the beauty of the place.

              This is followed by a much-needed rested day at Kyanjin Gompa, though the adventurous may climb the hilltop of Tsergo Ri at 5,033 meters. Climbing to Tsergo Ri is quite challenging because of the steep climb involved, and people must be fit to attempt it. Nonetheless, the task is compensated by the magnificent scenery of high mountains in the height of Rason. After lunch, we have a spectacular view of the towering peaks, walk around the area, and return to Kyanjin for a warm night in the beautiful and cozy tea houses.

                Following an inspired stay at Kyanjin in Langtang Valley, we will be starting a very long day of trekking. The down trail makes the walking part much easier. I would like to spend a night at Lama Hotel, crossing through Langtang Village and next to the bridge at Ghoretabla, following the Langtang River. Generally, we walk more on the descending part of the trekking, so today, we will walk slightly more.

                  We proceed our walking tour over millets, corn, and wheat fields depending on the season. We leave the farmland and start ascending this area, which experienced a landslide in the past year. Going along a zigzag trail upwards, we arrive at Thulo Syabru, or Upper Syabru, where we spend the night. It is indicated that in Thulo Syabru village, most of the houses are neatly arranged, one after the other, like a train.

                    From Thulo Syabru, our route split with the Langtang Valley trek as we climb to Shing Gompa instead of Syabrubesti. We climb steeply through the beautiful forests of rhododendrons, pines, and hemlocks, and coy glimpses of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Langtang Lirung. After several hours of climbing the slopes, a comparatively flat trail emerges to Shing Gompa, also called Chandanbari, where we will spend the night. It has a few lodges and a small cheese processing facility in this small settlement. Evergreen forests, snow-capped mountains, hills, and valleys are some of the place's attractions if the sky is clear.

                      From Shing Gompa, the trek resumes and passes through pine and rhododendron forests. On top of that ascending, we find ourselves in the small village known as Lauri Binayak. If you can start your walk early in the morning or in the evening, you can see clouds beneath the hills, which is alluring at sunrise or on a clear evening. Lauri Binayak is famous for capturing /photographing/catching the mystical and nearly extinct Red Panda. Walking east for one hour from Lauri Binayak takes one to the top of another hill, where one can see mountain ranges, valleys, villages, and forests.

                      From here, the path to Gosaikunda Lake is relatively winding and less steep than the initial one. On our way, we also meet many small ponds and waterfalls. From here, we enter a much narrower track snaking its way through some sharp, rocky hills, and we get to the mesmerizing Gosaikunda Lake. This area has spiritual value for Hindus, as the scriptures describe how the lake was created when Shiva's Trishul struck the earth. Thus, from August to September annually, thousands of pilgrims from India and Nepal throng to Gosaikunda.

                        This trek day is usually considered one of the toughest, as you cross the Laurabina eastern pass at 4609m. After crossing the pass, the trail generally descends with some minor ascends and descends, but it eventually arrives at Gopte Odar. Gopte Odar is a small settlement located in the midst of juniper, Rhododendron, and pin forests between the Langtang and Helambu trekking regions. The next day will be spent at Gopte Odar only, and we will camp here at night.

                          From Gopte, there is a steep climb to Thadepati, also known as Tharpu. This is a higher ridge with a joining point for trekking from Helambu and Kathmandu. Thadepati offers splendid views of spectacular snow-clad peaks, hills, and valleys. Having enjoyed the scenery, we proceeded on a more decent track most of the day to Kutumsang, our halt for the night in a local village house.

                            In the morning, our walk takes us on a ridge trail that is steep in some parts, has a fair amount of ups and downs, and passes through farm fields, terraces, and villages. We find ourselves in the middle of the forest as the path widens and gives the first glance of the landscapes and mountains from Ganesh, Langtang, to Jugal Himal. This pleasant walk ends for the day at Gul—Bhanjyang, a small village.

                              The route passes through farmlands, small villages, and forests and has a moderate uphill climb to Patibanjayang village. From there, an ascending trail runs for nearly an hour to reach Chisopani. Chisopani village is situated at a ridge and is actually between Kathmandu, Langtang, Helambu, and Nagarkot. This beautiful place offers a small but stunning sunrise over the Langtang-Jugal Himal Range, Ganesh-Manaslu Range, and Annapurna Range. Trek to Sundarijal 1380m, an hour's drive back to Kathmandu.

                              This day also offers a good sunrise view of the snow-capped mountains. After that, we embark on a fairly easy and enjoyable, mostly downhill walk through the forest and farmland with occasional vertical movements through a flight of stairs. The walking trail to Sundarijal covers a large, excellent view of the Kathmandu Valley. Sundarijal is a beautiful waterway famous for its small forests, freshwater streams, waterfalls, and small caves. It is likewise a common area for people of Kathmandu to have a picnic on a regular weekend.

                                This day also offers a good sunrise view of the snow-capped mountains. After that, we embark on a fairly easy and enjoyable, mostly downhill walk through the forest and farmland with occasional vertical movements through a flight of stairs. The walking trail to Sundarijal covers a large, excellent view of the Kathmandu Valley. Sundarijal is a beautiful waterway famous for its small forests, freshwater streams, waterfalls, and small caves. It is likewise a common area for people of Kathmandu to have a picnic on a regular weekend.

                                A short drive from Sundarijal brings us back to Kathmandu, concluding our memorable trekking adventure.

                                  Depending on the flight timetable, our employees will drive you to the international airport for your flight to your hometown or further destinations. Upon the successful completion of the marvellous Langtang Circuit Trek, which covers Langtang Valley and the spiritual Gosaikunda Lake, Aura Vacation wishes you a goodbye for the next good chance of serving your holidays in Nepal or in the neighboring areas. Safe travels!

                                    Travel Nepal with Aura Vacation and see for yourself the grandeur of the Langtang Circuit Trek. The initial days of the trip involve a warm welcome in Kathmandu with sightseeing and preparation for the trek. Start the trek at Syabrubesi followed by langtang village and Kyanjin Gompa. Spend the day in Kyanjin Gompa or for the more adventurous, climb Tsergo Ri. Continue your trek and witness the picturesque beauty and cultural tour of the Langtang region and Gosaikunda Lake. Cross through some of the tougher trails, opt to visit few beautiful villages like Thulo Syabru and Chandanbari; reach Laurabina pass. The final day would include a tour to Chisopani to watch the sun rise before getting down to Sundarijal. Proceed to Kathmandu to fly out, to meet again in yet another exciting adventure plan.

                                    Cost Details

                                    Includes
                                    • All transportation includes private car or jeep for airport pickup and drop-off.
                                    • Enjoy a welcome and farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant.
                                    • Accommodation for one night in Kathmandu on a Bed and Breakfast basis.
                                    • Transport from Kathmandu to Shyabru Bensi by local bus (private vehicle available upon request).
                                    • Thirteen nights of accommodation in tea houses along the mountainside.
                                    • Fourteen days of trekking with all meals provided: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea/coffee.
                                    • An experienced, English-speaking guide with provisions for their food, salary, travel, equipment, and insurance.
                                    • Strong porters, with two people sharing one, inclusive of their food, salary, travel, equipment, and insurance.
                                    • Car pickup from Sundarijal.
                                    • All necessary entrance fees and permits for the entire trek.
                                    • A Nepal Adventure Team T-shirt as a souvenir.
                                    • Comprehensive First Aid Medical Kit.
                                    • Inclusive of all government VAT and taxes, including local charges.
                                    Excludes
                                    • Nepal visa fee
                                    • International flight (airfare)
                                    • Extra drinks such as alcoholic and non-alcoholic
                                    • Personal expenses such as phone bill, chocolate, bakery, battery charge, laundry, and extra porter
                                    • Travel and rescue insurance
                                    • Tips to guide and porters
                                    Useful Information

                                    Best time and season

                                    The most favorable conditions for the Langtang Circuit Trek would be the pre-monsoon (spring) and the post-monsoon (autumn), which is springtime from March up to May and the autumn season from September up to November. Spring is marked by its relatively warm and stable weather as the wildflowers, including the rhododendrons, are already in full bloom. This season also proves to be good for the view of mountains and favorable for trekking. Autumn also has its pleasant days because monsoon rains are over, and the sky is clear to view the Himalayas range of mountains. These months are cool for trekking, and the trails are not as muddy or slippery as during the monsoon season. The two seasons have the best climatic conditions, visibility of mountains, and beautiful flavors of nature in the Himalayas, which make both seasons ideal for the Langtang Circuit Trek attempt.

                                    Permits

                                    TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) is an official regulation by the government of Nepal that registers all trekkers in Nepal regardless of the route they plan to trek, including Langtang National Park. The TIMS card costs 200 USD (Nrs 2600) for each person, an important document required for trekking in Nepal. Furthermore, one needs an entrypermit to the Langtang National Park, which costs USD 30 (Nrs. 3000) for each person. These permits can be easily renewed at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu before the trekking and through the travel agencies. It is wise to acquire these permits to enable you to access the region for Langtang trekking and meet the legal requirements that must be met before entering a particular region.

                                    Food and Accommodation

                                    There are tea houses, often called mountain lodges, providing guests with the features of a guest house, a restaurant where you can have meals and feel like you belong to a community. The bedrooms are normally small and usually equipped with two single beds, including bedside tables or chairs. Blankets are usually available, but if you have your sleeping bags, you should bring them along to ensure you are warm at night. As for the washrooms, most tea houses have common washrooms, and they can have Asian designer toilets where users squat and sit. Drinking water is generally on tap, and hot water for showers is normally supplied at extra cost. Meanwhile during your stay in Kathmandu you will be staying in a three star hotel.

                                    Regarding your meals,you will be greeted with an authentic Nepali cuisine upon your arrival. And throughout the trek we also make arrangements for your full board meals in your trek, which include breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on the Langtang Circuit Trek. Food is obtained from the local tea houses or lodges, and the options must be ordered from their menus. Both breakfast and dinner are taken where you spend the night in the lodge, while lunch is at the top of the hike. The staple food of Nepali foods, such as Dal Bhat, is available; further options of rice, vegetables and fruits, noodles, potato items, and soup accompany rice and lentils. Most lodges also have Western Foods such as pizzas, pasta, and fries. Tea house restaurants provide various beverages, mostly soft drinks, snacks, and beers. Breakfast can range from cereals and breads to eggs in the morning to offer a healthy beginning to a day.

                                    Health and Fitness required for the trek

                                    Physical and health fitness play a vital role in trances and hikes. We would like to advise anyone who has not had prior trekking experience to engage in normal morning walks or cycling for several weeks or even months before he or she can consider a tour with us. For those who have experience in trekking and climbing, this will be of great benefit, depending on the trek of your choice. Many treks are recognized as non-technical walking but still demand some physical activity.

                                    The maximum altitude you will attain on this trip is Lauribinaya Pass, which is 4600 meters above sea level. It also has steep climbs and descents, mainly through villages, farmlands, fields with terracing, and sometimes along river banks. Expect to walk between 4 and 6 hours a day, so ensure that you are ready for this. Anyone in moderate health and Fitness can do the trek, but getting a fitness clearance for the trek is recommended.

                                    In this regard, we recommend that travelers get checked by their medical doctor and ensure they get a clean bill of health before the journey. It is mandatory that you present the treks with your medical report upon making a booking. This will be a preventative measure that will enable you to have fun and be safe throughout the adventure.

                                    Porters and Guides

                                    When you are with us for the Langtang Circuit Trek, skilled local porters and experienced guides are always with you to make your trek as nice as possible. This must be acceptable, and our local porters are in a position to carry up to 25 kilos of luggage so that your items can be transferred safely and securely while you enjoy your trekking. They are vital to ensure that you make a comfortable and efficient trek. Further, our guides’ primary tasks involve helping trekkers with assistance, directions, and information about the culture and natural conditions of the area during the trek. They are well-skilled personnel who guarantee your safety and ensure your experience on the trail, particularly at certain spots such as the viewpoint and the cultural sites, is worthwhile. We provide you with professional porters and guides who will ensure that you just relax and enjoy the outstanding views of the natural and cultural heritage of the Langtang region without straining, be it physically or otherwise, to find your way in the region.

                                    Altitude sickness

                                    Another relatively frequent problem among those who go trekking and climbing is mountain sickness, which occurs at a height of approximately 3000 meters or higher, as the oxygen level. Activities like Trekking in areas such as the Langtang Valley cascade present some difficulties owing to the steep rise in the altitude level. Nevertheless, if well understood and appropriate preventive measures are taken, altitude sickness poses no serious threat and is often not fatal if well dealt with.

                                    Some possible manifestations that will be observed include cold, headache, dizziness, tiredness, lack of appetite, and a small pulse rate increase. These symptoms should be tackled as soon as they appear by reducing just the rate of activity and letting the body acclimatize to the altitude. Another measure you can take will be to prepare medicinal supplies such as ginger, garlic, and any other herbs that have been acknowledged to have health benefits in regions of high altitude. Some factors that can be deemed beneficial for physical health include taking adequate amounts of clean water, refraining from vices such as smoking and taking alcohol, and eating food that contains calories to fuel the body.

                                    Also, gradually extending the trip and giving the body ample time to adapt to the change in altitude greatly enhances the prevention of altitude sickness. If symptoms appear or progress, it is necessary to go down to a lower level of stay and take a break. This helps reduce the impact of altitude sickness so that trekkers can safely pass through wonderful views of the Langtang region.

                                    Trek difficulty

                                    The Langtang Valley Trek may pose some difficulty because of steep rises in altitude and a rigorous trekking surface. The initial two days of trekking are characterized by gaining more than 2000m in altitude and sharp ups and steep long climbs. The first two days of the track go through beautiful foresty terrains with an average gradient until the third day. By day four, you will climb to an altitude of 3,870 meters, which may be tiring for many people, especially first-timers. The day five activity that is optional but very exciting is a hike to Kyanjin Ri; however, this must only be done by those adequately prepared and in good physical health.

                                    Daily, there is hiking for 6-7 hours carrying small amounts of equipment and facilities; the altitude is approximately 5,000 meters, which becomes problematic to many hikers since there will be issues with altitude sickness. That is why the daily ascends of more than a thousand meters in some days tell of the need for proper acclimatization and a gradual approach to the trek. Although it is a nice starting point for treks in Nepal, the Langtang Valley Trek should not be taken lightly. It is generally assessed as moderate in terms of the level of hardness, and it is noted that one should drink a lot of water, eat good food, and prevent mountain sickness throughout the trip.

                                    Packing list

                                    Clothing:

                                    • Moisture-wicking base layers: Tops and bottoms
                                    • Insulating layers: Fleece jacket or down jacket
                                    • Waterproof and windproof jacket: Gore-Tex or similar
                                    • Trekking pants: Lightweight and quick-drying
                                    • Hiking shorts
                                    • Long-sleeve shirts: Lightweight and breathable
                                    • Underwear and socks: Moisture-wicking and comfortable
                                    • Warm hat and gloves: Thermal or fleece material
                                    • Sun hat or cap: Wide-brimmed for sun protection

                                    Footwear:

                                    • Trekking boots: Sturdy, waterproof, and broken-in
                                    • Camp shoes or sandals: Comfortable for resting feet at tea houses

                                    Gear:

                                    • Backpack: Daypack (25-35 liters) for daily essentials
                                    • Sleeping bag: 3-season, suitable for cold nights
                                    • Trekking poles: Adjustable and sturdy
                                    • Headlamp or flashlight: With extra batteries
                                    • Sunglasses: UV protection with side shields
                                    • Water bottles or hydration system: Capacity for at least 2 liters

                                    Personal Items:

                                    • Sunscreen: High SPF
                                    • Lip balm: With SPF protection
                                    • Personal hygiene items: Wet wipes, toilet paper, hand sanitizer
                                    • Towel: Quick-drying and compact
                                    • Personal medications: Including altitude sickness medication if prescribed
                                    • First aid kit: Bandages, blister treatment, pain relievers, etc.

                                    Miscellaneous:

                                    • Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix, chocolate
                                    • Camera: With extra batteries and memory cards
                                    • Notebook and pen: For journaling or notes
                                    • Trekking map or guidebook: Waterproof if possible
                                    • Travel documents: Passport, TIMS card, permits, and insurance details

                                    Important Notes:

                                    • Pack light, but be prepared for varying weather conditions.
                                    • Layering clothing helps adjust to changing temperatures.
                                    • Consider renting or purchasing gear locally if needed.
                                    • Ensure your backpack is comfortable for extended hikes.

                                    Responsible tourism

                                    Environmental conservation is one of the greatest policies that Aura Vacation has embraced regarding tourism. Environmental considerations and respect for local populations are the leading values that we follow in our business. Responsible involvement of local people is maintained through the engagement of certified local guides or porters for the job at fair prices. Our trekking possibilities are created so that there is interaction with local populations; however, they are done in a culturally sensitive manner. For instance, we encourage our clients to adopt responsible traveler’s behavior that entails avoiding wastage of resources, efficient energy use, and using environmentally friendly products. Through these programs, we want to maintain the landscape in areas such as Langtang Valley and the sites that represent the country's culture for the sake of tourists from now and in the future.

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