How hard is Langtang Valley Trek: A Beginner’s guide

For beginners it’s really difficult to choose a trekking route in Nepal, the county’s spine of the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) and there are multiple routes. If you’ve happened to stumble upon Langtang’s route for adventure, the blog is written for you. Whether you’re a highly experienced trekker or a beginner wondering about Langtang Valley Trek Difficulty, we’ve compiled just the right information in this piece. The trek north from Kathmandu has been a beginner choice for long and we aim to provide vital information in a completely beginner friendly approach.

What’s so special about Langtang Valley Trek?

The Langtang Valley Trek is special as it's a moderate level trek with a thrilling challenge which healthy and fit beginners can successfully conquer. Unlike its famous counterparts, the Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna region trails, the trekking in Langtang’s quaint valley does not require weeks of commitment. Additionally, the trails of Lantang offer himalayan vistas from lower elevation and crowd free travel against other popular trekking routes. The winding and blissful travel route here is unique for its blooming rhododendron forests, green bamboo pathways, refreshing tamang settlements and towering mountain views, all in a short 7 to 10 days trip. 

How difficult’s the Langtang Trek in actuality?

We are going to answer you honestly, the difficulty or hardness of trek is completely dependent on the travellers. Highly experienced travel guides and avid trekkers scale Langtang Valley Trek Difficulty to moderate level. The trail is labelled moderately difficult as it includes steep uphill sections, rugged stoney trails, and climbs.  The elevation ascent takes you, the trekker, from 1.550 meter in Syabrubesi to approximately 4,000 meter high viewing spots. However, the ascent is gradual and there aren’t any extreme elevation jumps on this trail, providing a body steady period to adjust.

Why do some people find it difficult?

Fit and young people do not find it challenging at all and consider the trek easy but for adults and seniors it’s a little tougher than Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Let’s look at the list of reasons why some people find trekking to Langtang difficult.

Altitude and Acclimatisation

Trekking in Langtang is not difficult because of the trail distance or its topography, the altitude is the real challenge. As you ascend higher elevations on the trail, the oxygen in air gets thinner and the body needs time to get used to the new environment. Trekkers carry themselves easily until they cross the 3,000 meter mark from sea level. After the mark, altitude sickness kicks-in the form of headaches, confusion, dizziness, and  nausea. Slow ascend of the hill trails,enough water hydration (3 to 4 liters daily), and avoidance of extreme push on trail can easily solve altitude sickness. Expert guides include a rest day in Kyanjin Gompa depending on the trekkers fitness to avoid problems.

Most trekkers easily tackle the altitude and choose to take an additional hike day to Tserko Ri at elevation of 4,984 for panoramic vistas of the mountain range. The day trip to Tserko Ri is a 4 hour to 4.5 hours push from Kyanjin and its view point. 

Challenging Terrain

The topography of terrain here brings challenge and interesting vistas in one combo. The route passes through forest with muddy patches and river crossings bringing in cold winds. Hence, it is essential to rock a wind proof jacket to tackle winds. The trail has a rugged stoney section requiring the aid of walking poles and good trekking shoes for seniors.

Daily walking hours

It’s essential to carry light, when you are trekking anywhere in the world as walking uphill is not a challenge, if you don’t have a load on your back. However, trekking a minimum of 5 to 7 hours uphill with a back pack is a little strenuous to your body as it takes time to adapt. Additionally, with the drop in oxygen and climate every 100 meters uphill makes walking moderately difficult in this trail. However, slowly for 6 - 7 hours can make it easier to complete Langtang Trek.

What’s the best time and Best Weather for Langtang Trek?

Sorry, for the mistake above, the trek difficulty to Langtang also depends on the weather. Changes in the weather can ease or add pain to your trekking experience. It’s advised to choose popular trekking seasons over off season treks to avoid increasing difficulty of the trek. The table below outlines the best time for Lantang Trek.

How should a complete beginner Prepare?

If you’re a traveller wishing to conquer the Langtang Trekking trail on your first attempt or a novice trekker who wants to experience a challenge then take these measures listed in table.

Essential Gear and Trail Options

Understanding what to bring for different sections helps you prepare properly. The table below outlines elevation changes and required gear:

Final Words

Hope, we’ve solved your query on the difficulty level of Langtang Trek, the trek isn’t really hard. The ease and difficulty is dependent on your age, fitness and the weather you choose to visit the region. Hence, follow the suggestions on the blog or Contact Mountain Delights to conquer trails of Langtang easily.