Langtang Region

Langtang Region lies very close to Kathmandu Valley. One can enter the region and get near the Himalayan mountains after only a day or two of travelling from the capital city.

The Langtang National Park protects the region’s rich biodiversity. Several high altitude lakes, glaciers and 7,000 and 6,000 meter Himalayan peaks lie within the park’s perimeter making it an ideal destination for a Himalayan adventure.

As the trekking routes in Langtang Region are located close to Kathmandu, trekkers on a short holiday prefer to trek in this region. Less crowded and peaceful than the popular Everest and Annapurna trails, a trek in this region offers you the best of mountain culture and stunning Himalayan views.

Trekking routes leading to Langtang Valley, Gosainkunda Lake and Ganja La Pass receives the most number of trekkers. Tamang Heritage Trail and Helambu trail, which takes you past ancient Tamang villages are popular among culture buffs.

Langtang Region is home to the Tamangs, an ethnic community which has close ties with the Tibetans. Devout followers of Tibetan Buddhism, Tamangs crossed over from Tibet centuries ago. The word Tamang is derived from Tibetan ‘ta’ meaning horse and ‘mang’, a rider. Their unique culture and lifestyle can be witnessed by taking a walk through the Tamang villages of Gatlang, Briddim, Thuman, Nagthali and Syabrubesi along the Tamang Heritage Trek route.

Langtang National Park, covering an area of 1,710 sq.km protects some of the rare flora and fauna found in the region. The park is also home to 70 glaciers, Langtang Himal and Ganesh Himal ranges.

Langtang River, a tributary of the Trishuli Ganga is the major river that flows across this region.

Himalayan black bear, red panda and Himalayan tahr are some of the endangered wild inhabitants living inside the park.

The sacred lakes of Gosainkunda, Bhairavkunda and Saraswatikunda lie within the park. These lakes, which are mentioned in the holy texts of the Hindus, are major Hindu pilgrimage sites. A religious fair held at Gosainkunda Lake during the full-moon festival of Janai Purnima sees a mass congregation of shamans and locals.

Most of the treks leading to Langtang Region goes via Langtang Village. The village came into spotlight during the devastating earthquake of 2015, when it was completely destroyed by an avalanche triggered by the earthquake. It became the worst affected area among all the trekking regions as 35 teahouses and 60 homes were buried by huge boulders and rocks that came tumbling down the mountainside. Many locals as well as tourists lost their lives in this tragic event. Efforts are on to rebuild the village and local entrepreneurs are busy building teahouses with modern amenities.

Kyangjin Gompa which lies a little ahead of Langtang Village is also another stopover point for treks in the Langtang Valley. Named after an ancient Buddhist monastery which dominates the village, this old settlement offers splendid views of the Langtang Range and Tibetan peaks.

A yak cheese factory that lies at the center of the village attracks many visitors. The factory was established with the help of Swiss cheese specialist Werner Schulthess during the 1950s.

Langtang Region offers a variety of trekking and climbing options especially for beginners. It is a haven for trekkers who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without taking a grueling high altitude hike.

The trekking routes rarely surpass the 3,000 meter mark which makes it easier for your lungs to ascend the hills. Yala Peak (5,700m), a trekking peak located in this region, is a favorite climbing peak among first-time climbers.

Easily accessible from Kathmandu and promising an incredible Himalayan experience, a trek to Langtang Region is ideal for those seeking solitude and are on a short holiday.

If you wish to take a walk along the pristine forests and ancient Tamang villages, then choose one of our Langtang itineraries.