Langtang Valley Trek is graded as a moderate trek and is the easiest among the available treks of Nepal. However, it still requires commitment as you are about to travel an altitude of nearly 3,600 m/ 11,811 ft. Acclimatization must be maximized, and physical conditioning with proper exercise must be achieved.
How difficult is Langtang Trek?
The Langtang Trek is fairly short and easy. There are no steep climbs, but the climb is continuous. The trail is narrow at some points. You may encounter caravans of donkeys and yaks. When you do, always stay on the uphill side of a trail. This is to prevent the animals from kicking you off the trail. Altitude sickness is also a risk, although the height to climb is less compared to other treks. Altitude sickness is a mystery, and anyone may be sick. It is known that caffeine and alcohol make you vulnerable, so avoid them.
How do you plan Langtang Valley Trek?
The Langtang Valley Trek is well documented, and you can research many alternative itineraries. Try to plan your trek with a group. A guide may seem unnecessary, but it can help you reach your destination safely and sound. They will also deal with all the paperwork. It is highly recommended if it is the first time for your group. You must always try to maximize acclimation to prevent altitude sickness. Always be honest about your condition to your guide or group. Carrying toiletries and water purifiers is highly recommended. You might also want to carry a power bank or solar charger.
What should I bring to Langtang Valley Trek?
- Documents and Money
- A valid passport and a few passport-sized photographs
- Nepalese visa
- Travel insurance
- Cash/Credit card (cash is recommended in the trek)
Clothing
- Warm hat, sunhat/bandana, scarf, sunglass, gloves - wool or fleeced and Gore-Tex
- 3-4 Long and short sleeve t-shirts
- Heavy fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof jacket with hood
- Wind and waterproof jacket & pants
- Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes (often worn before departure)
- Running shoes or evening sandals
- Hiking socks (ensure boots fit socks combination)
- Wool jumper/sweater/fleece (1 lightweight during summer and one heavyweight or two
- lightweights during winter)
- Long sleeve shirts
- Top and bottom thermals
- Extra warm clothes during winter (December to March)
- Underwear
Trekking Gear & Supplies
- A duffel bag (provided to each trekker for trekking by Himalaya Land Treks in Kathmandu)
- Waterproof day pack (25-30 liter) to carry your personal belongings during the day
- Minimum 1-liter refillable aluminum or Nalgene polypropylene water bottle
- Down (rated for -18 °C) sleeping bag (provided by Himalaya Land Treks in Kathmandu)
- Trekking poles
- Torch/flashlight - headlamp style is ideal
Health Care
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, and lip balm
- Wet wipes, toilet paper (as necessary)
- The first-aid kit; should contain lip balm, aspirin, bandages, anti-histamine, Imodium, or
- similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea.
- Diamox (in case of altitude sickness)
- Personal medical prescriptions
- Soap, toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, hairbrush, face lotion
- Mask, hand sanitizer
- Rehydration powder
As per your interest
- Book
- Writing pad
- Boards games or playing cards
- Power bank
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
How do I train to Langtang Valley Trek?
Aerobic conditioning, elevation, and strength endurance training are a must. Exercises including jump squats, hip roll, step up, heel down, and hip clock must be done for this. Likewise, some aerobic exercises are swimming, running, cycling, and fast-paced walking.
No amount of training can reduce the chances of getting altitude sickness to zero. However, aerobic training adapts your body to work harder when oxygen is low. This will reduce the chances of getting altitude sickness.
Strength endurance training means training with low weights but more repetitions. You need to train specific muscles to help in hiking. As you will be walking for the whole trek, legs and core muscles must be trained. This will not only help you to hike but also in carrying your gear. You will also need to build better endurance in those areas. Endurance should be built in the shoulders and lower back muscles. This is so that you can support your body and gear. As you need to cover a lot of uneven terrains, improving your balance is also a must.
You can always watch the correct way to exercise from the internet. Do not hasten your progress, as the trek will always wait for you. Elevation training is also recommended. This means training at higher altitudes. This training is done at an elevation of over 2,400 m/ 8,000 ft. You can achieve these altitudes at the Shivapuri hill in Kathmandu. It also serves as a short hike and an introduction to trekking.