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Langtang Valley Trekking

Madhav Nepal
Posted On: November - 10

Trekking in the Langtang Valley combines the remote and spectacular valley of Langtang, with the high mountain lakes at Gosainkund and the beautiful Helambu Valley. Trail of Langtang valley trekking is in the most unspoiled national parks of Nepal, which is perhaps why there is such a high appeal of this trekking route. Situated at North of Kathmandu near the Tibetan border, it is the most easily accessible highland sanctuary from the capital. This remote Langtang valley is enclosed by snow-capped mountains which culminate in the peak of Langtang Lirung (7246m). Kyangin Gompa trekking starts from the lower Langtang Valley which takes you through forests and among the villages and farmlands of many who are of Tibetan origin. The deep gorges of Bhote Koshi and Langtang Khola are thickly forested with rhododendron, oak, maple and alder. The stretch of forest around Ghoda Tabela in the lower Langtang Valley and below Gosainkunda is inhabited by the red panda, a rare and threatened symbol of a healthy Himalayan ecosystem. As you make your way through the Langtang, there is a high possibility of seeing many interesting wildlife. Common to these forests are the wild boar, Himalayan black bear, ghoral, grey langur monkey and leopard. Larch, a rare deciduous conifer, is also found in the forest of lower Langtang Valley. Further up, Himalayan thahr, musk deer and snow leopard can be found. The upper Langtang Valley is one of the few known breeding grounds of the ibils bills besides the Tibetan snow cock and snow partridge.

Like other Himalayan nature parks, Langtang typically is explored on foot. There are several possible trails to choose from depending on preference and time availability. The Langtang Valley trek is easily approached from Dhunche, the main trading post of the area, which takes only a day’s drive from Kathmandu. The upper reaches of Langtang can be reached in four days by walk. However, it is advisable to spend a few days around the forest at Ghoda Tabela to watch for the red panda. Once above the Langtang village, visitors can explore the high valley of Langshisa, Yala peak and Tsero, Ri. These and other villages of upper Langtang are inhabited by people of Tibetan descent whereas the villagers of Dhunche, Bharkhu and Syabru. Further down are home to the Tamangs of Nepal’s middle hills, who inhabit the area and continue to practice their local religion of Buddhism and to earn their livelihood herding yak and sheep.

From Langtang village, the track leads to Kyangjin, a summer settlement, with its small gompa and cheese factory. (3,740 m). This is the site of the Yala Cheese Factory. There is a STOL airstrip at Chhaldang, a short distance east of Kyangjin. Visiting to the Yala Cheese Factory (4.633 m) and the small lakes beyond Yala are a worthwhile sight. Yala can be reached within half a day from Kyangjin Gompa. From Kyangjin Gompa, a continuation to the pastures of Langsisa (4.084 m) provides amazing views of numerous glaciers. There are some huts in Langsisa that can be reached within a one day’s walk from Kyangjin Gompa. You’ll have enough time to explore the head of the valley as you get closer to the glacier system or climbing a nearby peak for stupendous mountain views. From there, you can ascend past the holy lakes of Gosaikunda to enter Helambu via the Laurebina Pass (4610m).