Langtang trek, the best short and easy trek in Nepal

Trekking routes in Langtang National park are the closest multi-day teahouse trekking from Kathmandu. The national park is just about 18 km away from Kathmandu as the crow flies. As there are options of driving closer to the trail heads, we can shorten the trek without cutting off the scenic walks at higher elevations.

Langtang is as scenic and culturally rich as Everest and Annapurna

Covering an expanse of 1,710 square kilometers, Langtang National Park extends from close proximity of Kathmandu to the Tibetan border in the north. The diverse elevation, which ranges from valley floors at 1,000 meters to the towering snow-capped peaks of 7,245 meters (Langtang Lirung), fosters a unique blend of nature, culture, and biodiversity. Trekking within this national park offers an enriching experience, characterized by vibrant cultural elements, tranquil paths, and breathtaking vistas of the snow-covered mountains.

Here are three short and easy treks in Langtang National Park

1Easy trek to Kyanjin Gonpa

A trek to Kyanjin Gonpa is a relatively easy and short trek in Nepal. Kyanjin Gonpa is only at the altitude of 3,800 m which trekkers can reach on the fourth day of trekking from Kathmandu. From the little town of Syabrubesi (1,460 m), the trail follows the valley basin upstream the Langtang Khola (River), gaining altitude gradually. While the trail mostly menders along the river, expect some sections with steep ups and downs of about 100 m. The steepest climb is about 300 m on the second day to Ghore Tabala. The valley opens wide at this altitude and the trail basically follows the pastures climbing gradually to Langtang village and then to Kyanjin Gonpa. We trek back on the same trail to Syabrubesi and drive back to Kathmandu.

2Short trek to Gosaikunda Lake

The trek to Gosaikunda Lake is another short trek from Kathmandu. The trek could be done in as less as 5 days. However it involves climbing to the altitude of 4,380 m within the 3rd day from Kathmandu. (1,350 m) and two days of steep downhill walking. This makes it difficult in grade, suitable only for avid trekkers. It is safe against altitude sickness as we keep the itinerary flexible. In case you start to develop symptoms of altitude sickness, it is also possible to stay in Cholang Pati (3,660 m) and Lauribana(3,910 m). From there a day visit to Gosaikunda Lake and then start heading down to the trail head.

3Trek to Ama Yangri in Helambu

Ama Yangri peak with altitude of 3,800 is the scenic viewpoint which could be visited within a 3 days trip from Kathmandu. Ama Yangri is the holy peak in the hidden valley of Helambu which lies in the southern side of Langtang National Park. The trek starting point of Tarkeyghyang is only about 80 km from Kathmandu. After spending the first night at Chyomuthang at 3,200 m one can climb Ama Yangri peak and get back down to Tarkeyghyang or Sermathang.

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How easy is the Langtang trek ?

  First of all, trekking in the Himalayas is more challenging than hiking back home. Weather, altitude, beaten trails with sudden ups and downs and distance determine a trek's difficulty level in the Himalayas. While Langtang national park has several trekking routes with moderate to strenuous difficulty level, the trek to Kyanjin Gonpa in Langtang is considered as a relatively easy trek in Nepal.

Here are some factors which make Langtang trek easier than Annapurna and Everest.

  

Altitude :

 The Langtang trek to Kyanjin Gompa starts from the altitude of 1,450 m (4,790 ft) and reaches the Kyanjin Gompa village at 3,830 m (12,565 ft) on the third day following the Langtang River valley basin. Altitude wise it is the safest trek as we spent a couple of nights respectively at 2,480 m (Lama Hotel) and 3,430 m (Langtang village) before arriving at Kyanjin Gompa. An eight days trek in Annapurna goes to Annapurna base camp (4,200 m) and to Tengboche monastery (3,867 m) in Everest. 

Trail difficulty

The trail to Kyanjin Gompa climbs more gradually gaining altitude over time. Similar trek in Annapurna and Everest starts with lots of ups and downs at the beginning making it more tiring. All of these trails are bitten trails built and maintained over hundreds of years. Expect all of them to climb steeply (about 100 - 150 m). 

Distance :

 The Langtang Trek from Syabrubesi to Kyanjin Gompa and back is about 65 km. A week's Annapurna Base camp trek is also about 70 km round trip. A trek to Tengboche monastery in Everest national park is about 50 km round trip from Lukla. 

Weather :

 Both Annapurna and Everest will be colder by a few degrees because of a narrow valley wedged between high Himalayan peaks and glaciers. The southern slopes of Annapurna South is also the most rainy place of Nepal. Since Annapurna and Everest have more steep ups and downs, the trails become more slippery with snow or rain. Langtang trek leads to a much wider and bright valley with Yak pastures from the second day of the trek. So it is mostly a wide path traversing the pastures most of the time. A trekking in Everest also depends upon the Kathmandu Lukla flight, which may get cancelled in case of bad weather.  

Duration :

 Langtang trek is also much easier to plan as it could be done in as less as 7 days from Kathmandu and back. You need some extra days in Kathmandu for Everest trek and also in Pokhara for Annapurna Base camp trek. 

What makes Langtang trek the best short and easy trek in Nepal ?

Despite being relatively easy, Langtang trek is as scenic as other popular treks in the Himalayas. Langtang Lirung (7,234 m) , the dominant mountain of the valley, is the 99th highest mountain in the world. There are also many side trips that allow one to climb above 5,000 m within a short trek from Kathmandu. A day hike to Langshisa Kharka gives a glimpse of Mt Shishapangma in Tibet. Shishapangma (8013 m) is the 14th highest mountain in the world.

Here are some highlights which make Langtang the best short and easy trek in Nepal.

Easy access from Kathmandu

Langtang national park is the closest national park from Kathmandu. With adjoining Shivapuri national park, One can easily plan a short trek from two days to a week in the park from the first day of their arrival at Kathmandu.

Customizable easy trekking routes

  Langtang national park has several easy to strenuous trekking routes which could be customized from 2 days to two weeks. The trek to Kyanjin Gompa is the most popular and relatively easy trek in Nepal. The route to Kyanjin Gompa (3,800 m) basically follows the Langtang River, gaining altitude more gradually. It is also the closest Himalayan valley from Kathmandu to fly by helicopter and just do a short, scenic and easiest version of this trek.

Awe-inspiring mountain, valley and glacier view

Langtang valley is wedged between spectacular snow peaks of Dorje Lakpa, Naya Khanga, Langtang Lirung and many more. The view of Langtang glacier, Langtang Lirung and the sweeping valley providing grazing for Yaks make the landscape picturesque. A day hike to the end of the valley opens up the view of 8,000 m peak Mt Shishapangma in Tibet.

Adventure of climbing to 5,000 m or above in about a week's trek

Langtang trek also provides an opportunity to climb to view points and peaks like Kyanjin Ri (4,773m), Tserko Ri (5,000 m) and Yala Peak (5,550 m). While Kyanjin Ri and Tserko Ri could be climbed as a day hike from the teahouse town of Kyanjin Gompa , Yala peak needs one extra day in a tent at the base of the peak.
An extended trek in Langtang also provides an opportunity to cross the technical passes of Ganja La Pass (5130m) and Tilman Pass (5,320 m) to the neighboring valley.  

Pristine forest, meadows and Yak pastures shelters rich wildlife

The vegetation of Langtang makes an untouched spectrum of the alpine ecosystem for researchers. The existence of rare Red Panda and Snow Leopard is proof of the healthy ecosystem. Other animals like Himalayan black bear, Ghoral, Langur monkey and Leopards are also found in the park. Rare Himalayan Honey Guide and Larch have also been recorded in the national park along with the 250 species of birds.

Intact Tibetan Buddhist Himalayan culture

Langtang valley is just next to Kyirong, Tibet which was an trans-Himalayan trade route. Tamangs and Sherpas of the region had less influence from the outside world until recently keeping the Tibetan Buddhism symbolism and culture more intact. Mani walls, traditional cantilever bridges, stone houses, carved wooden porches, their dresses and monasteries reflect the rich culture.

Customize Langtang Trek