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Machhendra Tamang

 

Typical Itinerary:

Lantang Valley Trek

 
         

Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang is one of the lesser spoiled national parks of Nepal. Situated North of Kathmandu valley near the Tibetan border, it is the most easily accessible highland sanctuary from the capital. Langtang Natioanl park covers 1,710 sq. km. forming the upper catchments areas of two of Nepal's largest river systems - the Trishuli and Koshi. There is great latitudinal variation, starting at 1,500 m. and ascending to the top of Mt. Langtang Lirung at 7,234 m . As a result the park has immense ecological diversity. Some of the most attractive areas of the park include the Langtang Valley , the holy lakes at Gosainkund , and the forested hillsides above the village of Helambu.

The Beautiful Langtang Valley

The deep gorges of Bhote Koshi and Langtang Khola are thickly forested with rhododendron, oak, maple and alder trees. The stretch of forest around Ghode Tabela in the lower Langtang Valley and below the Gosainkund Lake s is inhabited by the very shy red panda, a rare and threatened symbol of a healthy Himalayan ecosystem. Other animals, common to these forests are yellow throated martens, wild boar, Himalayan black bear, Ghorel (Mountain Goat), grey langur monkey and leopard. The rare Himalayan honey guide has been sighted here and the park is also the home for impeyan (National Bird), Tragopan and kalij pheasants among others. Larch, a rare deciduous conifer, is also found in the forest of lower Langtang Valley . Further up in the higher valleys, Himalayan tahr, musk deer and snow leopard can be found. The upper Langtang Valley is one of the few known breeding grounds of the ibis bills besides the Tibetan snow cock and snow partridge.




Like other Himalayan nature parks, Langtang has to be explored on foot. There are several possible trails to choose from depending on preference and time available. The Langtang Valley is easily approached from Dhunche town and park office, which is a day's drive from Kathmandu. The upper reaches of Langtang can be reached in four days of easy walking; however, it is advisable to spend a few days around the forest at Ghoda Tabela to watch for the red panda. Once above Langtang village and the monastery at Kyangjin, visitors can explore the high valley of Langshisa Yala peak and Tsergo, 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.

It includes peaks such as the Langtang Himal , Dorje Lakpa, Langshisa, and Ganja La pass. Yala peak stands out and Tibetan ranges can be seen from its summit. Most trekkers enjoy the panoramic views of the northern Himalayas. Ganja La pass or Gosainkund pass lead to the Helambu region. The scenic and holy village of Tarkegyang is famous. Yangri peak is prominent and the northern mountains extend from there.

Day to Day Itinerary (15 days)

Day 1:  

Kathmandu (1330 metres)
Arrive Kathmandu. Flying into Kathmandu along the northern border of Nepal on a clear day is in itself an unforgettable experience, with the entire Nepalese Himalaya sprawling out below you. After customs, you will pass out of the restricted area and into the passenger pick-up area outside the building. You will see a Responsible Adventures and your trek leader will be waiting to welcome you to Nepal. After transferring to your Hotel, you will be given a chance to catch your breath and then be given a briefing. Your air ticket will be collected to reconfirm your onward travel. Overnight hotel.

     
Day 2 :   Kathmandu
A day in Kathmandu. Morning guided sightseeing to the Buddhist and Hindu sights in Kathmandu, probably to Kathmandus Durbar Square, Swayambunath - the Buddhist monkey temple and Pashupatinath a sacred Hindu temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River. Three major towns are located in the valley, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, each having a great artistic and architectural tradition. Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city in the country. Patan, the second largest is separated from Kathmandu by a river. Bhaktapur, the third largest, is towards the eastern end of the valley and its relative isolation is reflected in its slower pace and more distinctly mediaeval atmosphere. In the Valley the landscape is dramatically sculpted by the contours of the paddy fields. The towns and villages are alive with the colours of farm produce, ranging from pyramids of golden grain to the vivid reds of chilli peppers laid out on mats to dry in the sun. In the streets and towns there is a constant bustle of activity, especially in the bazaars and markets where the farmers sell their vegetables and fruit. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city further and pack bags ready for the start of the trek the following morning. You can leave a bag at the hotel with items you will not need on the trek. Overnight hotel.
     
Day 3 :   Drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi (1400m.) which takes about 9/10 hours.
You will depart early for the nine/ten hours drive to your starting point at the foot of the Langtang Valley. The drive is spectacular, climbing high over the ridges to get out of the Kathmandu Valley amidst superb panoramic views of the Himalaya, including the Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and the peaks of the Langtang region that you are soon to become acquainted with.
     
Day 4 :   Syabru Besi (1400m) - Lama Hotel (2450m) 4-5 hours.
The trail initially crosses the Bhote Koshi River, flowing down from Tibet, only a few kilometers away, and then gradually climbs up through the sub-tropical forests, teeming with bird-life, to join the trail from Thulo Syabru. You then follow the river by passing Bamboo & climbing though uninhabited forest of oak and rhododendron and perhaps catching a glimpse or two of the langur monkeys up in the trees. You might see the Red Panda & Himalayan Black Bears, if you are lucky enough. You climb along a steep trail to your lodge in the forest. There are few lodges and teashops around this place.
     
Day 5 :   Lama Hotel (2450m.) - Langtang village (3670m.) 5 hours, 1120m.
As you continue climbing you get occasional glimpses of Langtang Lirung (7245m.) between the trees. At Ghore Tabela (3000m) the trail emerges from the forest. Once there was a Tibetan resettlement project here, but now there is a Nepalese army post though it has no permanent inhabited. The trail continues to climb gently and the valley widens, passing a few temporary settlements used by herders who bring their livestock to graze in the high pastures during the summer months. There is a monastery which you can visit shortly before arriving at the village of Langtang, the headquarters of the Langtang National Park. The houses of Langtang and its neighboring villages are of the flat-roofed Tibetan style, surrounded by stone walls enclosing fields where buckwheat, potatoes, wheat, turnips and barley are planted.
     
Day 6 :   Langtang village (3670m.) Kyangjin Gompa (3900m.) 2 2 hours.
The trail climbs gradually through small villages and yak pastures as the valley opens out further and the views become more extensive. After crossing several small streams and moraines, the trail reaches the settlement at Kyangjin. There is a small monastery and a government-operated cheese factory here. You should arrive at Kyangjin by lunch time allowing time to acclimatize and explore the area. It is a dramatic setting with snowy peaks surrounding you in all directions. You can enjoy panoramic views of Kyangjin Ri (4750m.), Tsergo Ri (5000m.), Ganja la (5160m.), Langshisa- Ri (6427m.), Dorje Lhakpa (6430m.), Naya Kang (5844m.), Yala peak (5500m.) and so on.
     
Day 7 :   Exploration day in Kyangjin.
It is a day to explore the area. You can visit the monastery and the cheese factory, walk up the moraine to see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung or ascend Kyangjin Ri [4350m], directly behind the village, for a breath-taking panorama of the Langtang peaks.

Note: There is an alternative option to do a side trip to Langshisa Kharka (4,130m.) from Kyangjin Gompa which takes about 7-8 Hours & it covers about 24 Kilometers in Distance.
     
Day 8 :   Kyangjin Gompa (3900m.)- Lama Hotel (2450m.) 5 hours.
From Kyangjin you retrace your steps, following the Langtang Khola to Langtang village and on to Ghore Tabela. After lunch you continue the steep Descend to Lama Hotel.
     
Day 9 :   Lama Hotel (2450m.) - Thulo Syabru (2350m.) 5 hours.
You continue retracing your steps part of the way to Thulo Syabru, but it branches off to the left up a steep path through forest to when suddenly a view of Syabru and its extensive area of terraced fields become visible. An undulating path brings you to this fascinating village where each house is set above its neighbor, in a long line up to the very crest of the ridge. It's a great place to wander about, observing the Tamang way of life, admiring the beautifully carved wooden windows or simply relaxing in the sun.
     
Day 10 :   Thulo Syabru (2350m.) Sing Gompa (3330m) 5 hours.
From Thulo Syabru it is a steep climb through forests of oak, fir and rhododendron to the top of a ridge. From here it is only a short Descend to Sing Gompa. There is a Buddhist monastery and a small cheese factory here.
     
Day 11 :   Sing Gompa (3330m) Gosainkund (4320m) 4 - 5 hours.
From Sing Gompa you climb a ridge to the main Gosainkund trail. There are good views across Langtang valley to Langtang Lirung. To the west there are spectacular views of the Ganesh Himal and Manaslu. Eventually, the trail descends from the ridge to the first of three lakes, Saraswati Kund. The second lake in the chain is named Bhairab Kund, and the third, Gosainkund. This lake is particularly sacred and a place of pilgrimage in the summer. According to legend, this lake was created by Shiva when he pierced a glacier with his trident to obtain water, quenching his thirst after taking some poison.
     
Day 12 :   Gosainkund (4320m) Chandanbari (Sing Gompa) at 3300m. 4 4 hours.
The trail gently ascends for a short through different chortens and small Shiva temples. The trail then descends to Laure Binayak to Sing Gompa. The Gompa, which houses a statue of the Green Tara, is one of the famous destinations for the trekkers. You can witness small cheese factories and several lodges here. The trail now will go through the forest and reach Chandanbari.
     
Day 13 :   Chandanbari (Sing Gompa) at 3300m. Dhunche (1960m) 4 4 hours
The first part of the trails descend through pine, silver oak and rhododendrons forests with marijuana plants up to you cross suspension bridge over the Sing Gompa Stream. Now the path stretches at flat level through some human settlements and mineral water factories up to Dhunche. It is a small town and headquarters of Rasuwa district.
     
Day 14 :   Drive from Dhunche to Kathmandu by bus and it takes about eight to nine hours. It is a pleasant drive back to Kathmandu.
     
Day 15 :   International Departure.

See other treks: Everest Region, Annapurna Region

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