Langtang Valley Trek offers many attractions apart from the thrill of getting close to the highest mountain in the world. You get a glimpse of beautiful sceneries, mountains, and wildlife and witness Himalayan festivals. Some of these attractions are:
Langtang Valley
The Langtang Valley is a narrow Valley surrounded by Langtang Lirung (7,234 m/ 23,734 ft) to the north, Ganchenpo (6,387 m/ 20,955 ft) and Naya Kanga (5,846 m/ 19,179 ft) to the south and Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m/ 22,854 ft) to the east. It sits at an elevation of 3,400 m/ 11,154 ft. The valley lies 120 km to the north of the capital, Kathmandu, in Rasuwa district and south of Tibet. Shaped like a bowl, it is also known as the valley of glaciers. The longest glacier of Nepal, the Langtang glacier, is located here. Yala glaciers and Lirung glaciers are some other glaciers.
The name "Langtang" comes from the Tibetan language, where 'Lang' means Yak and 'Teng' means to follow. According to folklore, a Buddhist Lama was traveling from Tibet to Nepal. On the way, one of his yaks ran off into a narrow gorge. After chasing it for some time, he discovered that the gorge opened into a vast plain. He told other people that this plain and the valley had since been populated.
The Langtang Valley Trek was once one of the more popular treks in Nepal, behind only the Everest and Annapurna trek.
Sherpa Gaon
Sherpa Gaon is a picturesque and typical Nepali village. It sits high above the Langtang Valley at an elevation of about 2,500 m/ 8,202 ft and has a nice view of the surrounding area. Many terraced farms line the hill, where you can see local farmers practicing their ancient craft. They mostly grow food crops like corn, wheat, and barley. They also raise animals like cows, goats, mules, and yaks. The ancestors of most of the inhabitants here migrated from Tibet.
What is the meaning of Langtang?
"Langtang" is derived from the Tibetan language and formed by joining the words 'Lang,' which means Yak, and 'Teng,' which means to follow.
Where is Langtang?
Langtang is a region in central Nepal that lies 51 km to the north of Kathmandu, the Rasuwa district, Bagmati zone, Bagmati province.
Kyanjin Gompa
Kyanjin Gompa is the highest and last human settlement in the Langtang Valley. Kyanjin Valley is named after the Kyanjin Gompa, an ancient monastery over 700 years ago. It is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. The monastery is simple but features many interesting painted murals on the walls.
The Langtang Lirung glacier is just above the village. It is surrounded by the peaks of Langtang Lirung (7,234 m/ 23,734 ft), Changbu (6,781 m/ 22,247 ft) and Yubra (6,035 m/ 19,800 ft). It is near to Kyanjin Ri, a spectacular viewpoint.
Nibbling on yak cheese, basking in the warm sun, and admiring the views of the surrounding mountains, you can easily spend a day or two at Kyanjin Gompa. Numerous other trails can also be taken from here. You could do the Helambu Circuit Trek, climb Yala Peak, or Tserko Ri. Tserko Ri is the highest point in Kyanjin.
Kyanjin Ri
Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m/ 15,655 ft) is a small hill about 650 m from the settlement of Kyanjin Gompa. It is a two-hour hike from there. It is about a 1000 m/ 3,200 ft climb from the settlement. It offers a spectacular view of the trail, the settlement, and many magnificent peaks. From the top, you can see the entire face of Langtang Lirung (7,234 m/ 23,734 ft), and the Langtang Lirung glacier can be seen slowly drifting downwards.
Yala Peak (5,520 m/ 18,110 ft) lies to the northeast but is harder to identify without a map. This lies below the Tserko Peak (5,749 m/ 18,861 ft), which is more prominent. Tserko Ri, another viewpoint, and the trail leading to it can also be seen. The south Naya Kanga (5,846 m/ 19,179 ft) can be seen.
Swiss-style Cheese Factory
Organic Yak Cheese Production Centre is the name of the factory that produces Swiss-style Cheese with local yak milk. It was established in 1952 by Swiss dairy specialist Werner Schulthess. Sent by FAO in the 1950s, he found a wonderful idea to find a profitable solution to the surplus milk in mountainous regions.
As Langtang Valley was far from urban centers, the milk could not be transported. To solve this problem, he came up with making "alpine-type hard cheese." He financed the whole factory himself and marketed it to the inhabitants to achieve this. In time, the cheese became popular, and now the supply cannot meet demand.
Langtang National Park
As the first protected area in the Himalayas of Nepal, Langtang National Park has protected the unique biodiversity of the Central Himalayan Region for decades. It is the westernmost part of the Sacred Himalayan Landscape, a transboundary landscape extending to Bhutan's Torsa Strict Nature Reserve. It borders Tibet's Qomolangma National Nature Preserve to the north and east. The southern border is 32 km (20 mi) north of the Kathmandu Valley. Around 25% of the park is forested. There are also claims of the Yeti living in the park. Yetis are mythical abominable snowman popularized by Himalayan folklore.
Key Facts
- Langtang National Park was established in 1976.
- It covers an area of 1,710 sq. km (660 sq. mi).
- In 1998, a buffer zone of 420 sq. km (160 sq. mi) was added.
- It is above an elevation range of 6,450 m.
The National Park covers a wide range from the sub-tropical forests to the alpine meadows. It represents the ecological diversity of Nepal in this. In the southern section, Sal trees are found. These forests gradually give way to hill forests that consist of Chirpine, Rhododendron, and Nepalese alder. Above these hill forests in the temperate zone are covered mainly by oak forests. These slowly fade to the sub-alpine zone, which contains an old-growth forest of silver fir, hemlock, and larch. Different species of Rhododendrons color the forests red during spring. These forests then give way to vast and open grasslands at 4,000 m/ 13,123 ft.
The National Park is also home to many exotic species. It is home to the shy and adorable Red Panda. The word panda itself is believed to come from the Nepali word "ponya," which means "bamboo eater" or "bamboo footed." The expansive meadows of the National Park serve as the summer home for many ungulates, including the musk deer and Himalayan Thar. Apart from these, the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, Assam macaque, ghoral, serow, and more than 250 species of birds are also found.
Where does Langtang National Park lie?
Langtang National Park lies in the Himalayan region of Nepal. Administratively, it lies in Bagmati Zone, Bagmati Province. It encompasses areas from three districts: Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Sindhupalchowk.
For which animal Langtang National Park is famous?
Langtang National Park is famous for the red panda, snow leopards, and musk deer.
How far is Langtang National Park from Kathmandu?
Langtang National Park is 32 km (20 mi) north of Kathmandu. It is a six-hour drive from Kathmandu.
Tserko Ri
Tserko Ri (4,984 m/ 16,352 ft) or Tsergo Ri is a hill about a five to six-hour hike from Kyanjin Gompa. It is not a steep climb, but it is a continuous one. The hike back to Kyanjin Gompa takes about three hours. It is the highest point of this trek. As it is so high, it snows at the topmost of the time. It is difficult to hike here when it snows. There is also a real chance of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). So, trekkers must be careful. It is a longer and harder hike than Kyanjin Ri. However, it provides a closer view of the mountains and a breathtaking view of your progress. It also provides a better view of the magnificent Yala Peak (5,520 m/ 18,110 ft).
The trail you have taken, the village of Kyanjin Gompa, and the hill of Kyanjin Ri can be seen clearly from Tserko Ri. Most of the peaks in the Langtang region can also be seen from the top of this viewpoint. To the northeast, the entire face of the Yala Peak (5,520 m/ 18,110 ft) is visible. To the west, Langtang Lirung (7,234 m/ 23,734 ft) stands tall, and the Langtang Lirung glacier can be seen slowly flowing to the south. Changbu (6,781 m/ 22,247 ft) and Yubra (6,035 m/ 19,800 ft) are the mountains to the right of Langtang Lirung. You will recognize them instantly as a steep glacier separates them from each other. The Ganja La Peak (5,844 m/ 19,173 ft) can be seen in the south. Other mountains that can be seen include Langtang Ri (7,205 m/ 23,638 ft), Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m/ 22,854 ft), Loenpo Gang (6,979 m/ 22,896 ft), Morimoto (6,150 m/ 20,180 ft), Langshisha Ri Peak (6,427 m/ 21,085 ft) and the Ganchenpo (6,387 m/ 20,955 ft). The Ganjala Pass (5132 m/ 16837 ft), your way out of the valley and the next phase of the trek, can also be seen.
Gosainkunda Lake
Gosainkunda Lake is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is located in the Langtang National park in Rasuwa district. It is one of 108 lakes in the area. It is an alpine freshwater lake that remains frozen in the winter months (October to June). It is the mouth of the Trishuli River.
Gosainkunda Lake key facts
- It is located at an elevation of 4,380 m\ 14,370 ft.
- It covers an area of approximately 137,593 sq. m.
- A helicopter tour to Gosainkunda is also available.
According to Hindu mythology, Gosainkunda was formed by Lord Shiva, one of the major Gods of the Hindu religion. It was formed after the Samudra Manthana, which means churning the ocean. Samudra Manthana was a great project undertaken by the Gods and Asuras, a race of immoral superhuman demigods. The project's goal was to produce Amrita, the nectar of immortality. However, before Amrita could be produced, Halāhala, a deadly poison, emerged. Shiva drank this poison as nothing could contain it. This caused him intense pain. So, he struck the Himalayas with his trident and drank the water to ease his pain. Thus, Gosainkunda was formed.
Gosainkunda is a holy site for Hindus as a lake formed by a God. They believe taking a dip in the water cleanses them of their sins. It receives many visitors during two festivals: Janai Purnima and Ganga Dussehra. On Janai Purnima, it is believed all Hindu deities descend to the lake. So, bathing in it on that day is a chance to get closer to the divine. Ganga Dussehra is a festival that marks the Ganges' descent from the Heavens to Earth. Devotees believe going to holy rivers and lakes, bathing in their water, and giving alms destroy their sins.
Where is Gosainkunda lake located?
Gosainkunda lake is located in the Rasuwa district.
How do I get from Kathmandu to Gosainkunda?
You can reach Gosainkunda from Kathmandu from many routes. The fastest route is through Dhunche. Another route is through the Langtang Valley. Alternatively, you can take a helicopter from Kathmandu.
Why is Gosainkunda famous?
- It is a holy site for Hindus, believing a God created it.
- Particularly busy on Janai Purnima, the Hindus believe all their deities descend to the lake.
- It was particularly busy on Ganga Dussehra due to its connection with Lord Shiva, a major God.
- It is a very good introduction to trekking as it is a short one and less chance of altitude sickness.
- It is suited for nature lovers due to the trek's diverse ecological range.
What is the altitude of Gosainkunda?
The altitude of Gosainkunda is 4,380 m\ 14,370 ft.
Is Gosainkunda glacier lake?
Yes, Gosainkunda is a glacier lake.
How many Kunda are in Gosainkunda?
here are 108 Kunda (lake) in the Gosainkunda.
Mount Langtang Lirung
Langtang Lirung (7,234 m/ 23,734 ft), also called Nandanli dominates the geography of the Langtang region. The highest peak of the Langtang sub-range is number 98 on the world's highest peaks list. To its northeast, in Tibet, lies the Shishapangma (8,027 m/ 26,335 ft). It lies in Rasuwa district in Gosainkunda Rural Municipality.
Mount Langtang Lirung key facts
- The climbing route length of Langtang Lirung is 10.1 km/ 6.37 mi.
- It is number 98 on the list of the world's highest peaks.
- Time duration for a climb is 35 Days.
- The nearest human settlement is Kyanjin Gompa.
Langtang Lirung and the many peaks are the western part of the mountains. This chain also contains the Shishapangma and its system of mountains known as the Jugal Himal. The Sun Koshi Valley to the east and the Trishuli Gandaki Valley to the west act as the boundaries to this chain.
Compared to the other peaks in the Nepali Himalayas, Langtang Lirung is not very tall. However, its dramatic rise from its base is a noteworthy feature. For instance, it rises 5,500 m/ 18,000 ft above the Trishul in only 16 km/ 9.9 mi. The south face is very large. Many attempts to climb the peak from that side have failed.
Many attempts to climb it was made through the eastern side in the 1960s. However, none were successful and did not even get close to the summit. The peak was finally climbed in 1978 on 24 October by Seishi Wada and Pemba Tsering Sherpa. They were a Japanese expedition. They climbed the peak from the eastern side. The first winter ascent was made by a Polish expedition comprising of Mikołaj Czyżewski, Kazimierz Kiszka, and Adam Potoczek. They made the ascent on 3 January 1988. In total, 14 ascents of Langtang Lirung have been completed. Most of them were done by the southeast and southwest routes.