Langtang Region Climbing

Langtang Region Highlights

• Climb beautiful peaks like Yala (5,500 m) and Naya Kanga (5,844 m).
• Explore the valley of glaciers in Langtang.
• Wonderful view of sunrise from Tserko Ri (5,000 m).
• Panoramic view of mountains like Langtang Lirung (7,245 m), Dorje Lakpa (6,990 m), Ganchepo (6,387 m), Pemthang Karpo Ri (6,830 m) and Yala Peak (5,520 m).
• Trek to the holy Gosaikunda Lake (4,300 m).
• Venture into the Helambu valley, home of the Hylmos or the Helambu Valley Sherpas.

Langtang Region is located in the northern part of Kathmandu Valley. It borders the Tibetan plateau in the north and is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Langtang region offers the best short option for trekking and climbing in Nepal. The main reason for this is its proximity to the capital city Kathmandu. The trek to Langtang starts from either Dhunche or Syabrubesi. Both of these places are 8-10 hours drive from Kathmandu.

Climbers to Langtang region have an array of mountains to choose from for their summit goals. Some standout mountains in Langtang region include Langtang Lirung (7,245 m), Dorje Lakpa (6,990 m), Ganchepo (6,387 m), Pemthang Karpo Ri (6,830 m), Yala Peak (5,520 m) etc. The trek to Langtang Valley can be completed in 8-10 days. If you are also interested in peak climbing you will need to add 4-5 days in your itinerary This estimate also includes reserve days for acclimatization. 

Nepal Guide Trek offers two climbing options in the Langtang Region. The first one is Naya Kanga Peak (5,844 m). The second peak climbing option offered by us in the Langtang Region is Yala Peak (5,500 m).

Langtang is a valley surrounded by the Himalayan range in the north and the Mahabharata range in the south. The plain part of the valley is full of crystal blue lakes and thundering rivers. 

The mythical Gosaikunda Lake also lies inside Langtang valley. The lake is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindus believe that the lake was formed when Lord Shiva carved open the ground with his trident in search of water. The scriptures say he did so after his throat burned when he consumed the celestial poison named Kalkut. Many Buddhist monks had also practiced and preached in the Gosaikunda region. Therefore the lake draws huge amount of devotees every year, especially during the festival of Janai Purnima. Gosaikunda lake is also the mouth of the Trishuli  river, which is one of the largest rivers in central Nepal.

There are more than 100 other lakes in the Langtang Valley alone. The region is also famous for its glorious red rhododendron forests. The whole forest in the region turns red during spring because of blooming rhododendrons.

The namesake Langtang Village lies deep in the Langtang Valley. The village was badly destroyed by the 2015 earthquake but has now bounced back to its original best. Climbers to the mountains of Langtang region have to venture further northwards from Langtang village  and towards the Kyanjin Gompa for peak climbing purposes. The wonderful grazing pasture known as Langshisha Kharka lies nearby Kyanjin Gompa. The region beyond Kyanjin Gompa is characterised by waterfalls, glaciers and deep moraines.

We will head eastwards towards the Gosaikunda lake once you have completed your climbing/trekking and are back to Langtang village. We will have two options from here – either return back to Kathmandu the same way or walk further eastwards towards the adjacent Helambu Valley. The Helambu Valley is the home of the Hyolmo people – also known as the Helambu Valley Sherpas.

We will enjoy a few days of trekking in the Helambu Valley supplemented by the warm hospitality and the wonderful culture of the Hyolmos. We will return back to Kathmandu from Melamchi at the end of our tour.