Langtang Valley

Langtang Valley, located at the north of capital city and bordering Tibet is protected as Langtang National Park. This is regarded as the closest and easily accessible yet magnificent trekking destination in Nepal. It has a number of high peaks including Langtang Lirung (7246m). The ultimate destination of this region is Cross Lauribinayak Pass (46100m). Amazingly, you get to see almost all of the major Himalayas in Nepal ranging from Makalu in the East to Annapurna in the West. Ganesh Himal and Manaslu can also be viewed from this region. Therefore, after Everest and Annapurna regions, Langtang is the most preferred destination of the trekkers coming to Nepal.

The Langtang Valley can be reached by an easy day’s drive from the Kathmandu. Langtang Lirung, the highest in the area, dominates the skyline from Kyanjin Gompa village. One can see snowcapped peaks from the first day of the trek, and you will see glaciers up close too.

If you are an experienced mountaineer, there are a few peaks you can attempt too: Yala Peak (5500 metres) that can be climbed in two days with one night camping, or Naya Kanga (which is more technical and requires a permit), are just two of the most common ones.

Langtang national park where you can see many animals. I saw a lot of monkeys as well as wild deer, dzo, huge falcons and colorful lizards. I didn’t see so much wildlife on any of the other treks I did in Nepal. It’s said that you can also spot red panda in the Langtang Valley, but I wasn’t so lucky.

The route through the Langtang Valley makes a near perfect introduction to the Himalayan trekking experience.

▼ TO DO IN ANNAPURNA REGION