In this video we'll outline the main trekking options in the Langtang region just north of Kathmandu.
The Langtang National Park was created in 1976 and was the first National Park in Nepal. It extends over 1700 square kilometres and protects fantastic Himalayan peaks and valleys, over 40 villages, extremely bio-diverse flora and fauna and some very important religious landmarks and temples. It is a fantastic place to trek for a few days or an extended trek
Access is easy, just a 2 hour drive from Kathmandu.
While there are many different trekking route options in the Langtang National Park, the three most frequent and spectacular treks are:
• To Langtang village and on to Kyangjin Gompa and often further up to Tserko Ri for fantastic Himalayan mountain views
• The high pass trek across the Ganja La pass -- also with fantastic Himalayan mountain views
• And the beautiful trek to Gosainkunda Lake -- sacred to millions of Hindus.
The most frequented route is to Langtang village and on to Kyangjin Gompa -- usually about a 7 day trek. This is a fantastic trek for its combination of relatively easy walking, beautiful high mountain scenery with some peaks well over 7,000m , and the opportunity to experience some Nepali rural village culture and the Buddhist monastery Kyanjin Gompa. The highest point of the trek is the Tserko Ri ridge at about 4,490m altitude. The views from Tserko Ri to Yala and Langtang mountain summits and the string of peaks along the border with Tibet are some of the most spectacular in Nepal.
The initial Langtang trek can be converted and extended into a high pass trek requiring a few challenging days in the high mountains and some camping. This route is the Ganja La pass.
The Ganja La pass is normally attempted from north to south and involves a challenging walk up the valley wall to a snow covered pass over the range at an altitude of 5,100m. There are no villages or tea house accommodation on this part of the trek so a night or two of camping is required. The reward is spectacular views across the Himalaya range. The trek then continues southward toward Kathmandu.
Another option is to traverse the lower end of the range at the western end of the Langtang Valley. This is a trek through the Gosainkunda Lake region. The Gosaikunda area has been designated as a religious site. Hindus say Gosaikunda as the abode of Lord Shiva . There is a temple located at the lake and a large festival is held there each year. The trek may be added to the return leg of a Langtang trek or conducted specifically to the lakes. Some treks continue southward toward Kathmandu while other options return to the Kathmandu valley.
Probably best to plan your Langtang treks for Spring or Autumn. This avoids the mid-summer monsoon season rain and low cloud. While it will be cold in February and November, these are still good times to trek the valley if you have the right clothing, equipment, accommodation planned and a good guide with you.
