Langtang Valley Trek: Hidden Gem of the Himalayas

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 12-day Langtang Valley Trek adventure
    • Hotel accommodation for 4 nights in Kathmandu
    • Hotel breakfast for 4 days in Kathmandu
    • All lodging (teahouses) and meals during the trek
    • Transportation from airport to your hotel and back to the airport
    • All ground transportation
    • TIMS card
    • Entry fee for restricted areas in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur
    • Guide and porter (1 porter for every two trekkers)
    • Guide and porter accommodation and daily wages
    • Nepali staff transportation fee
    • Nepali staff accident insurance
    • Conservation area fee
    • Taxes

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to Kathmandu
    • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
    • Cold drinks, mineral water, alcoholic beverages etc.
    • Extra charge for internet and other communications
    • Rescue helicopter in case of emergency (medical/rescue insurance is mandatory)
    • Travel insurance
    • Guide and porter gratuities — customary
• How fit do I need to be?

  Hiking the Langtang Valley Trek requires very good physical fitness.

  If you want to fully enjoy your hiking trip to Nepal, you should be able to hike distances exceeding 10 miles (16 km) for multiple consecutive days on steep, rocky, and slippery terrain with over 3,200 ft (1,000 m) of daily elevation gain. This requires extensive hiking experience from all participants. A lot of the hiking will be done in high altitudes (maximum altitude during the trek is 3,870 m / 12,695 ft), so some experience dealing with high elevation is recommended. Keep in mind that you’ll also be carrying a loaded daypack for the entirety of the trek and that the weather during the Langtang Valley hiking tour can be unpredictable.

  That being said, rest assured that throughout your journey, a guide will be there every step of the way to motivate you, set a suitable pace, arrange breaks, and ensure the adventure remains fun and safe. It’s worth noting that the Langtang Valley Trek is comparatively less challenging than other renowned Himalayan treks such as the Annapurna Circuit or the Everest Base Camp Trek, and it doesn’t entail extremely steep sections. With proper preparation and the excellent logistical support provided by your guide, most seasoned hikers can successfully complete the Langtang Valley Trek hiking tour.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of personal equipment you need to bring:

  • • Backpack or duffle bag (50-70 L)
    • A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
    • Large duffle bag — optional
    • Valid passport & passport scanned photocopies
    • Visa (easy to obtain on arrival)
    • 2 passport-sized photos for your permits
    • Sleeping bag with comfort temperature of -15°C to -20°C / 5°F to -4°F
    • Waterproof bag for your clothes
    • Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
    • Sunglasses with UV protection
    • Sunscreen
    • Personal toiletries
    • Camera — optional
    • Power bank
    • Watch or alarm clock
    • Water bottle and thermos
    • Large Ziplocs
    • Ear plugs
    • Small personal first-aid kit (simple and light) — first-aid tape, Band-Aids, alcohol-free wipes for cuts, personal medications, etc.
    • Tissue /toilet roll
    • One small bottle of water purification tablets (needs to contain silver-ions & chlorine) or a water filter or UV sterilizer
    • Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies
    • Medium-sized quick drying towel

  Here’s a list of clothing you need to bring:

  • • Waterproof hiking boots with a sturdy sole
    • Waterproof jacket & pants (GoreTex recommended)
    • Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
    • Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
    • Light and expedition weight thermal tops
    • Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
    • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket and pants
    • Down vest and/or jacket — optional
    • Hiking pants (1-2)
    • Short sleeve t-shirts (3-5)
    • Long sleeve t-shirts (1-2)
    • Hiking shorts (1)
    • Hiking pants (1)
    • Lightweight thermal bottoms (1)
    • Non-cotton underwear briefs
    • Heavy poly or wool socks
    • Trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
    • Lightweight poly-liner gloves
    • Lightweight wool or fleece gloves

  Please do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant. Your guide will contact you about any additional equipment at the time of contracting the trip and give you suggestions. Keep in mind that the exact packing list depends on the season, but that you will need to be prepared for different weather conditions.

• What will the accommodation and meals be like?

  During the Langtang Valley Trek, your accommodation and meals are carefully arranged to ensure comfort and sustenance throughout your journey. In Kathmandu (before and after the trek), you’ll enjoy a total of four nights of accommodation in a hotel (breakfast included). Then, as you embark on the trek, you’ll spend a total of 7 nights in teahouses and lodges situated along the trail. Teahouses serve as a combination of guesthouses, restaurants, and social hubs, offering not only a place to rest but also an opportunity to connect with fellow trekkers and locals.

  Teahouses are selected based on years of experience in the trekking field, prioritizing cleanliness, hygiene, and a friendly atmosphere. Most tea houses have running water, and many provide hot water for bathing, although the use of wood-heated water is discouraged due to environmental concerns. While private rooms are available in most teahouses, it’s important to note that at higher altitudes, shared bathrooms are more common.

  During the trek, breakfasts and dinners will be served in the tea house, lunch will be eaten at one of the trail side restaurants. Teahouses offer a variety of options to satisfy your appetite. You can expect traditional Nepali dishes such as Dal Bhat (rice and lentil soup), as well as other staples like rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes, and soup. Many tea houses also include Western food options on their menus to cater to diverse preferences. Additionally, you’ll find soft drinks, snacks, and beer available at most teahouses and trailside restaurants.

  To ensure your hydration needs are met, boiled water is provided for drinking at all teahouses. Your guide will also oversee the safety of the water throughout the trek, ensuring it’s suitable for consumption. With these arrangements in place, you can focus on enjoying the breathtaking scenery and immersive experience of the Langtang Valley Trek without worrying about accommodation or meals.

• Do I need a visa for this adventure?

  Yes, you will need a tourist visa to participate in the Langtang Valley Trek guided adventure in Nepal. The tourist visa is granted to foreign nationals visiting Nepal and is valid for a maximum of 150 days in a visa year. The fee for a single-entry tourist visa for 60 days is US $60, with an additional $50 for multiple-entry visas. Extensions for tourist visas can be obtained for a maximum of 150 days.

• How can I prepare for altitude changes?

  Every 1000 m/3,200 ft you travel above sea level makes aerobic exercise 10% harder and you will hike at elevations between 1,440 and 3,870 meters (4,725-12,700 ft) during the Langtang Valley Trek.

  Here are a few tips on do’s and don’ts for adapting to high altitude and avoiding altitude sickness:

  Do not eat heavy food the day before traveling to Kathmandu. Make sure you drink between 6-8 glasses of water the days before your trip and during your hike along the Langtang Valley Trek. Once you arrive at your accommodation, lie down a few minutes before going out to explore the area. Once you are ready to go out and explore the area, try not to become agitated climbing stairs or walking fast. The best thing is to enjoy every corner of Kathmandu with calm and respect.

  You should also try to include cardio and strength training in your schedule. Cardio means getting your heart rate up by doing things like running, cycling, skipping and burpees. Strength training means using resistance, weights or your body weight to grow your muscles. The fitter you are, the less oxygen your muscles need to move — something invaluable in a low-oxygen environment.

  If possible, do some training hikes at high altitudes before heading to Nepal. This will prepare you for the increased strain placed on your body when engaging in high-altitude trekking.

• Why should I travel with a guide?

  In Nepal it is mandatory to travel with a local certified guide. Langtang Valley guides from Bright Way Trek boast extensive guiding experience in Nepal and Tibet, with many years spent exploring the region. Trained in first aid and equipped to handle any situation, our Langtang Valley Trek guides are fluent in English and eager to share their profound knowledge and passion for Nepal’s beauty with you. We adhere to the principle that simply showing visitors special places or cultures isn’t sufficient; our guides aim to deeply engage participants, providing thorough explanations and ensuring an entertaining experience throughout.

• How much weight will I have to carry?

  Your guides will provide 1 porter per 2 participants to help with the load, so you needn’t worry too much about the weight you’ll have to carry while hiking. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 15 kg. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter but you are required to carry a day-pack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We suggest that you pack only what is necessary.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and pricing

  • • For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1, with one assistant guide as well.
    • The maximum number of participants for this tour is 20.
    • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate.
    • The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!

  Hiking the Langtang Valley Trek can be arranged for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements

  • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  Your Langtang Valley Trek adventure starts in Kathmandu, Nepal. To get there, most people fly into Tribhuvan International Airport.
  Once you and your Langtang Valley guide agree on the details of your itinerary, they will arrange for your pickup at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation in Kathmandu. After that, all you have to do is stay safe and have fun on this Nepal trekking tour!

• Safety measures along the Langtang Trek, Nepal

  It is mandatory for all participants to cover all their bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.

  With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

  We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to.

  If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  A 20% non-refundable deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid either before your departure from your country or upon arrival in Nepal-but definitely before the commencement of the services. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

  • • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to sixty (60) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund, minus the deposit.
    • For cancellations forty-five (45) to fifty-nine (59) calendar days in advance, Client will be charged a cancellation charge in the amount of thirty percent (30%) of the trip price.
    • For cancellations fifteen (15) to forty-four (44) calendar days in advance, Client will be charged a cancellation charge in the amount of forty percent (40%) of the trip price.
    • For cancellations seven (7) to fourteen (14) calendar days in advance, Client will be charged a cancellation charge in the amount of forty-five percent (45%) of the trip price.
    • For cancellations two(2) or more calendar days in advance, Client will be charged a cancellation charge in the amount of seventy percent (70%) of the trip price.
    • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.