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Langtang valley
Also known as: Valley of Glaciers
The Langtang Valley Trek is a mesmerizing journey that takes you through the picturesque landscapes of the Langtang region in Nepal. The trek starts from the vibrant city of Kathmandu and leads you to the lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, glacial moraines, and the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. The unique feature of this trek is the diverse cultural and natural experiences you encounter on the way. You get to witness the traditional lifestyle of the Tamang and Sherpa communities, explore the sacred Kyanjin Gompa monastery, and indulge in the scrumptious local delicacies. Moreover, the trail passes through the Langtang National Park, which is home to several rare species of flora and fauna. The Langtang Valley Trek is an unforgettable adventure that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural insights, and thrilling experiences, making it a must-visit destination for every avid trekker.
Table of contents
GuidesPictures
Itinerary
Route
Difficulty
Weather
Gear
Services
Accommodation
Permits
Access
Videos
Variations
FAQs
Links
Similar
Distances
- 8 - 10 days, 66 km, +4,200 m, 4,984 m high point
- daily: 5 - 7 hours, 6 - 10 km, +400 - 900 m gain
Route
- Out and back
- Starting and ending in Syabrubesi
Cost
- $500 solo
- $485 - $930 guided
When to go
- March to May
- September to November
Permits
- 1 permit is needed
- costing around $25 total
Guide mandatory?
- no
Accommodation
Teahouses, Lodges, GuesthousesGuide links
| Guide | Info | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal Trek Hub | more info | $485 |
| Himalayan Frozen Adventure | more info | $650 |
| Great Himalaya Trail | more info | $930 |
| Marvel Adventure | more info | $675 |
| Himalayan Masters Adventure and Travel | more info | $800 |
| Global Adventure Trekking | more info | $599 |
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a spectacular and remote trek that takes you to the base camp of the world's third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga. This itinerary covers the route from Taplejung to Kanchenjunga Base Camp, offering breathtaking mountain views, diverse landscapes, and cultural encounters with local communities.
Day 1
Fly to Suketar, Trek to Mitlung (920 m)
Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Suketar and start the trek. Descend through terraced fields and forests to reach the village of Mitlung.
Day 2
Trek to Chirwa (1,270 m)
Distance: 9 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +350 m
Continue the trek along the Tamor River, passing through villages and lush forests. Reach Chirwa, a small settlement inhabited by the Limbu community.
Day 3
Trek to Sekathum (1,640 m)
Distance: 8 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hoursElevation change: +370 m
Cross several suspension bridges and trek through beautiful landscapes. Pass by the village of Taplethok and descend to Sekathum.
Day 4
Trek to Amjilosa (2,510 m)
Distance: 10 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +870 m
Follow the trail along the Ghunsa River, crossing a mix of dense forests and bamboo groves. Reach Amjilosa, a small Tibetan settlement.
Day 5
Trek to Gyabla (2,730 m)
Distance: 7 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hoursElevation change: +220 m
Continue the trek, passing through rhododendron and pine forests. Enjoy the scenic views of waterfalls and reach Gyabla, a Sherpa village.
Day 6
Trek to Ghunsa (3,595 m)
Distance: 10 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hoursElevation change: +865 m
Trek through a dense forest of juniper and rhododendron. Reach the village of Ghunsa, inhabited by the Tibetan-speaking Sherpa community.
Day 7
Acclimatization Day in Ghunsa
Take a day to acclimatize and explore the surroundings of Ghunsa. You can visit the monastery and enjoy the beautiful mountain views.
Day 8
Trek to Kambachen (4,040 m)
Distance: 11 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +445 m
Resume the trek, ascending through alpine meadows and crossing the Lhonak Glacier. Reach Kambachen, a remote village with stunning mountain vistas.
Day 9
Trek to Lhonak (4,785 m)
Distance: 9 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hoursElevation change: +745 m
Continue the trek along the Kanchenjunga Glacier, surrounded by towering peaks. Arrive at Lhonak, a high-altitude campsite near the base of Kanchenjunga.
Day 10
Trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (Pangpema) (5,140 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 8 hoursElevation change: +355 m
Embark on an adventurous trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (Pangpema). Enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the Kanchenjunga massif and glaciers. Return to Lhonak for overnight stay.
Day 11
Trek to Ghunsa (3,595 m)
Distance: 21 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: -1,545 m
Retrace your steps and trek back to Ghunsa, descending through forests and enjoying the scenic beauty of the region.
Day 12
Trek to Sele La (4,290 m)
Distance: 14 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: +695 m
Resume the trek, crossing several streams and ascending towards Sele La Pass. Camp near Sele La, surrounded by the stunning Himalayan landscape.
Day 13
Trek to Cheram (3,870 m)
Distance: 10 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: -420 m
Cross Sele La Pass (4,290m) and descend through rhododendron forests. Reach Cheram, a small village located in a valley surrounded by peaks.
Day 14
Trek to Ramche (Kanchenjunga South Base Camp) (4,580 m)
Distance: 14 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: +710 m
Trek through yak pastures and enjoy panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga massif. Reach Ramche, the South Base Camp of Kanchenjunga.
Day 15
Trek to Tortong (2,995 m)
Distance: 17 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: -1,585 m
Descend along the Simbuwa Khola, passing through forests and small settlements. Reach Tortong, a village surrounded by terraced fields.
Day 16
Trek to Yamphudin (2,080 m)
Distance: 14 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: -915 m
Continue the descent, trekking through villages inhabited by the Limbu community. Reach Yamphudin, a beautiful village with traditional houses.
Day 17
Trek to Khebang (1,910 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: -170 m
Trek through terraced fields, cardamom plantations, and dense forests. Reach Khebang, a village known for its cultural significance.
Day 18
Trek to Suketar (2,420 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +510 m
Conclude the trek by descending to Suketar. Celebrate the successful completion of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek.
Day 19
Fly to Kathmandu
Take a flight from Suketar back to Kathmandu. Rest and relax in the capital city, and reflect on the incredible journey.
The trek is 4 / 10, based on the below factors:
Terrain & route condition 4 / 10
Treks that involve rugged or uneven terrain, such as rocky paths, scree slopes, or dense forests, may require more technical skills or physical effort.
Altitude / Elevation 7 / 10
Considering the maximum altitude reached during the trek. Higher altitudes can present challenges like thin air, low oxygen levels, and potential altitude sickness.
Distance 5 / 10
The total distance of the trek. Longer treks generally require more endurance and physical fitness.
Elevation gain 6 / 10
Total elevation gain throughout the trek. Treks with significant altitude changes can be more challenging, especially if they involve steep ascents or descents.
Technical difficulty 3 / 10
Some treks may require basic technical skills like river crossings, using ropes, or scrambling over rocks.
Access to facilities / Remoteness 2 / 10
Based on the availability of support facilities such as accommodation, food, water sources, and emergency services. Treks with limited infrastructure or remote areas can be more challenging due to self-sufficiency requirements. The less support facilities there are the harder the trek.
Climate & weather 6 / 10
How tough are the prevailing weather and climate conditions during the trek. Harsh weather, extreme temperatures, or unpredictable conditions can add to the difficulty.
Langtang valley weather
How is the weather on Langtang valley, and when is the best time to go.
Langtang Valley's climate is characterized by four distinct seasons - winter, spring, summer, and autumn. The best time to trek the valley is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is relatively stable and dry.
The best time to trek Langtang valley is in these months:
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
Langtang valley Services
Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation
The Langtang valley trek is a well-serviced route with numerous options available for accommodation, food, guides, porters, medical facilities, gear rentals, and transport services.
Accommodation
Accommodation options include tea houses and lodges which offer basic amenities and a bed for the night.Food
Food is available along the route, with menus featuring mostly Nepali and Tibetan cuisine, as well as some international dishes.Guides
Local guides can be hired for the trek, with prices varying depending on experience and services offered.Porters
Porters can also be hired to help carry gear during the trek, with rates based on weight and distance.Medical facilities
Medical facilities are limited along the trekking route, with basic clinics and pharmacies available in some of the larger villages.Gear rental
Gear can be rented in Kathmandu or at some of the larger villages along the route. It is recommended to bring your own personal gear such as sleeping bags and hiking boots.Transport
Transport options to and from the starting point of the trek include public buses or private taxis. Optional transport methods between places on the route include horse or mule rental.Internet / Phone
There is limited mobile phone signal and wifi connectivity along the route, and internet cafes are only available in the larger villages.ATMs
There are no ATMs along the trekking route, so it is advised to bring enough cash for the duration of the trek.Shops
Shops are available in some of the larger villages, selling basic supplies such as snacks, water, and hiking gear.Langtang valley Accomodation
What is the accommodation like treking Langtang valley
Accommodation options on the Langtang valley trek are basic but plentiful. Trekkers can expect to find teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses along the route, providing a bed for the night and sometimes food and drink. Prices vary depending on location and level of comfort, but most options are affordable.
- Teahouses: These are basic guesthouses that provide a bed and some meals. They are the most common type of accommodation along the route and can cost anywhere from 500 to 2000 NPR per night.
- Lodges: Lodges are slightly more upscale than teahouses and may offer additional amenities such as hot showers and attached bathrooms. Prices for lodges range from 1000 to 3000 NPR per night.
- Guesthouses: Guesthouses are similar to lodges and may offer more amenities. They can cost anywhere from 1500 to 5000 NPR per night.
Langtang valley permits
What permits are needed for treking Langtang valley
Trekking in Langtang valley requires certain permits. Here is a summary of the permits you'll need and where to get them.
1. Langtang National Park Permit
- $25 (~3,000 in the local currency)
- This permit is mandatory for entering Langtang National Park, and covers park conservation, entrance and trekking fees.
- Can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board office or at the entrance of the park.
Langtang valley access - getting there
How to get to Langtang valley
- Private Car: It is possible to hire a private car from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, which is the starting point of the Langtang valley trek. The journey takes around 8-9 hours, and the cost varies depending on the type of car and bargaining skills.
- Public Bus: Public buses leave daily from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, but the journey can take up to 10-12 hours due to road conditions and traffic. The cost is relatively cheap, but comfort is not guaranteed.
- Jeep: Shared jeeps are available from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, and are a faster option than the public bus, taking around 7-8 hours. However, the ride can be bumpy and uncomfortable.
- Helicopter: For a more luxurious and efficient option, a helicopter can be chartered from Kathmandu to Lama Hotel, which is further up the trekking route. This option is more expensive, but allows for a quicker journey and more comfortable travel.
- Return: To return from Langtang valley, the same options as above apply, but there are also options to walk to another town and catch a bus or jeep from there. For example, from Kyanjin Gompa, trekkers can walk to Syabrubesi or hire a jeep to take them to Kathmandu.
These are variations on the typical route. Which could be added on; either part way along or at the start / end to extend the trek.
Ganja La Pass
add 2 - 3 extra days
This trek takes you over the high mountain pass of Ganja La, which offers stunning views of the Langtang range. You'll need to be prepared for some challenging hiking and high altitude, but the rewards are well worth it.
Helambu Trek
add 3 - 4 extra days
If you're looking for a longer trek, you can extend your Langtang Valley trek to include the nearby Helambu region. This trek takes you through scenic Sherpa villages, rhododendron forests, and high mountain passes.
Langtang valley questions
What to know about trekking Langtang valley
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
Langtang valley Links
useful websites, Groups and communities
Groups / links with more info on the Langtang valley route.
Use facebook groups to find up to date info, plan trips and find trekking buddies.
These treks are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Langtang valley trek and provide beautiful landscapes, cultural experiences, and a sense of adventure.
