Nepal is known for its amazing mountainous hiking spots which feature expansive views of the natural resources the country is blessed with. Thus, trekking in Nepal is one of the best activities to do when visiting. There are hiking areas aplenty, but the Langtang trek, located in Langtang National Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful that is far from over tourism. It was severely affected during the powerful earthquake that ravaged the country in 2015. This led to the trails being destroyed, along with the loss of infrastructure and human life.

Since then, the beautiful valley has been almost restored to its former glory. The surrounding buildings and accommodations have been rebuilt and some are still being constructed. Langtang Valley thus continues to be an amazing place to visit till this very day – and one frequently acclaimed by travelers.

Of course, the success of Langtang as a tourist destination is no surprise. The valley is relatively easy to access from the country’s capital, Kathmandu, making the travel costs much cheaper especially when compared to other hiking spots in Nepal. In addition, Langtang offers superb sights and experiences: views of ice-capped mountains and earthy forest landscapes, a wide variety of different indigenous flora and fauna, as well as a chance to meet the local Tamang and Sherpa peoples residing in the area.

Given all of this, we went on our very own trek to the valley to see for ourselves.

Langtang Itinerary

Trekking in Nepal is something which can be done at your own pace – whether you want it finished as quick as possible or you prefer to take your time. Customizing an itinerary suited to your needs is extremely easy, especially with the help from a plethora of different Nepal travel agencies. Typically, however, it takes around 7 – 12 days on average to complete the trek.

Our booking personally consisted of 10 days total – inclusive of a short tour through Kathmandu, and the travel time from the capital to Langtang Valley (and vice versa).

Day 1: Kathmandu

Day 2: Explore Kathmandu

Day 3 : The Drive to Syabrubesi

Day 4: Trek to Lama Village

Day 5: Trek to Langtang Village

Day 6: Trek to Kyanjin Gumpa

Day. 7: Excursion. To Kyanjin Ri

Day 8: Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Village (18 km – but mostly downhill)

Day 9 : Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi

Day. 10: Depart for Kathmandu

How to get to Langtang Valley

There are two different ways you can get to Syabrubesi (the start of the Langtang Valley trail) from Kathmandu. First is by jeep or car, and the second is via the bus.

–   By Private Van/ Car

This was our chosen mode of transportation. It’s a great option. We hired a private van since we were a group of 10 people, not yet including our hired porters. You can easily book a private van by either asking around locally or, for more convenience, booking one with a reputable tour agency before your Langtang trek.

The road from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi isn’t that far, but the trip can still take you the entire day. Expect around 7-8 hours on the road because the trail is bumpy, long, windy and slow – not to mention the terrible traffic sometimes. However, it isn’t all bad: you might come across some scenic views of cliffs and the local landscape.

We left Kathmandu at 8 AM and arrived at our destination by 5 PM.

For one van going on a one-way trip, expect to pay around 30,000NPR

If you’re travelling solo, the typical price per person when sharing with others in a jeep is 10 USD or 1000 NPR.

By Bus

You can catch a bus heading to Syabrubesi from the Macha Pokari bus stand in Kathmandu. A ride via bus will take longer than a private vehicle due to its route – it passes by the more traffic congested areas upping your total travel time to 9-11 hours depending on the traffic and road quality of the day. The ride can get rather bumpy and dizzying, so as much as possible sit at the front of the bus for a smoother ride. Be prepared as well because public transportation like buses can get very crowded and uncomfortable.

The advantage of this option is its budget-friendly price: a bus ticket for one costs around 660 NPR or 6 USD.

What to expect from a road trip in Nepal:

I’ve said this in the past about India – and my point still stands for a country like Nepal. When you go to popular tourist areas and saturated areas like these, you really do have to manage your expectations – don’t think that the travel time is comparable to that of the decongested provinces just because it seems like a provincial road. Even short distances can mean a full day of travelling because seriously – their roads aren’t that well-maintained and the driving can get a little bit crazy.

So, expect lots of honking, bumpy paths, and even experiences like cows crossing the road!

Like I said, just with India, have patience and take all of these seemingly inconvenient happenings as a part of your journey. In our case, our ride wasn’t air-conditioned. This meant open windows…which means exposure to the dusty roads – so bring a scarf or some other coverage to protect you from that, especially if you’re sensitive to particles in the air.

In the end, despite the quality of the road trip – we had fun. We sang, we talked and shared stories with one another, and we just appreciated the view towards Syabrubesi, making the most of our situation.

Permits and Regulations

Before going on your very own Langtang Trek, there are three important requirements: the Langtang Regional Area Permit and the Langtang National Park Entry Permit and TIMS. You will be searched for these at designated checkpoints throughout your trek, so it’s best to ready them before your trail begins for as little hassle as possible. Before trekking, you will need to secure your TIMS, this will cost you around 5000NPR or 45-50USD

These permits are not only applicable to the Langtang Valley, but all treks in the entire Langtang Region – so you’re hitting a lot of birds with one stone if you’re planning to do multiple hikes in the area during your visit.

–        Langtang Regional Area Permit

You can purchase a Langtang Regional Area Permit, also known as a Local Area Permit, for 20 USD or 2000 NPR. This can also be availed at the start of the trail.

–        Langtang National Park Entry Permit

In order to acquire permission to trek in the entire Langtang National Park, this permit is needed. It costs 30 USD or 3000 NPR. (Excluding tax). For citizens of countries involved in SAARC, the permit costs 15 USD or 1500 NPR excluding tax.

You can purchase the Langtang National Park Entry Permit at the Nepal Tourism Board which has branches in Kathmandu and Pokhara, or at the Dhunche entry point on the Langtang trail.

These permits are necessary for traveler safety – in order to identify personal information in the case of medical or natural emergencies. In addition to security, a portion of permit proceeds also goes into helping maintain and further develop the Langtang National Park – a huge help to the local residents considering there are still some portions of the valley which have yet to be fully rebuilt after the 2015 earthquakes.

If you don’t have your required permits during the trek and are caught by a police or park officer, there will typically be a penalty fine double the cost of the permits and the cards themselves alongside having to purchase the permits on the spot.

TIPS:

–        Make sure to have your passport on you at all times, especially when buying the permits

–        Do not bring drones – they are not allowed on the trail. You cannot sneak them in, either, as there will be a security check.

Best Season to Trek Langtang Valley

The best time to trek the Langtang Valley, as well as go trekking in Nepal in general, is during the months of October and November. These are the golden months – just after the rainy monsoon season and before the cold winters when the sky is generally clear and there is little erosion and slippery slopes.

Another great time is during the Spring months from March to June, just before the summer monsoon season when the unique flora of the valley will be blooming and picturesque.

Difficulty Level of Langtang Valley

The Langtang Trekking experience consists of a variety of different paths – uphill, downhill, and continuous flatlands all combined. Like many mountainous treks, there are some steep areas, but all in all there are a variety of different factors that contribute to the difficulty of the trek.

One of those factors is the season. Going during the winter and monsoon season will make your trek harder due to harsh weather conditions such as extreme cold and muddy, eroded soil. So, if you are a beginner, it’s best to go during more favorable weather conditions – these tend to be during the peak season where tourism is the most booming.

Overall, however, Langtang Valley trek can be considered of moderate difficulty. The issues that hikers will have to deal with include the thin air at high altitude and dehydration from the length of the trail. Most people of normal fitness will be able to achieve this so long as they are physically and mentally ready, and equipped with all the necessary supplies to complete the trip.

What to expect from accommodations and food from Langtang:

1. Accommodations are usually basic. You get a simple room with two beds. Not all rooms have ensuite bathrooms so do expect a lot of shared toilets and squat toilets.
2. There are a sufficient number of lodges and tea houses available along the trail, so you don’t really need to worry about pre-booking or reservation.
3. Don’t expect the accommodation to have toilet paper, so BRING. Don’t worry if your supply is running low, You can usually buy more on the trail, just with a pricier tag.
4. Accommodations cost around 5 USD/person or 10 USD for a room for 2.
5. The higher up the trail you get, the more expensive things are. This is because it’s harder to bring stock up to higher altitudes, and the labor is added to the goods.
6. Food cost can vary. It ranges from as little as 2 USD to 25 USD.
7. You may have to pay for hot showers. Ranging from 1.5 USD to 3.5 USD.
8. You may have to pay a fee for charging, around 1.5 USD to 2.5 USD per device. Not all accommodations will have charging sockets, and when they do it’s usually in the common areas – and they can be limited, at that. We ended up taking turns charging our devices.
9. Wifi also usually has a charge. 2 USD to 4 USD range. Take note that the connection can be quite slow, especially as you get higher and higher up the trail.
10. Expect to eat a lot of Dal Bhat on the trail. The menu of most places are the same and it might get a little repetitive, but eventually you get used to it. We ate a lot of momos, Dal Bhat, omelette, garlic soup, and fried rice. We also tried some snicker momos and whatnot.
11. Have tea breaks! They’re fun and an important way to regroup and chat – also a great way to help out and give back to the local communities, as well as enjoy the view from the teahouses. We had lots of masala tea and honey lemon ginger tea during the trail.
12. Even beverages like beer get more expensive as the altitude heightens. We paid around 6-8 USD for a 650ml thing of beer.
13. Most, if not all teahouses and accommodations in Langtang accept Nepali currency only. Be sure to have adequate cash in stock because there are no ATMs on the route.

This wasn’t my first time in Nepal – I had already been as recently as last January. During my stay I experienced the richness of Nepali culture, as well as the kindness and hospitality of the local homestay families. It was a wonderful first impression. So when I received the invite to travel to Nepal again, my answer was without a doubt – a hard yes. I ended up shaking things up from my last visit and chose the Langtang Trek adventure.

At first, I was a little scared. The height of the trail was a pretty daunting, totaling 4770m – meaning that it was going to be my highest mountain climb yet! Thankfully, my brother Benj gave me some much-needed words of encouragement and even supplied me with all of the equipment I needed for the hike. He also made sure I had adequate meds.

My fear never stopped me, only ever pushed me to go further.

This is a summary of our trekking days in the Langtang Valley, not including the explorations in Kathmandu and travel from the capital to Langtang and back.

DAY 1: First day trekking: Syabrubesi to Lama Village

And so, we finally began our Langtang Valley trek. Day one consisted of travelling from Syabrubesi to the Lama Village (specifically, the Lama hotel) and it worked out pretty chill. We were quickly greeted with the wonderful sights of rolling hills and the gorge which encases the smooth flowing waters of the Bhote Kosi river, surrounded by dense forests teeming with wildlife and aviary species unique to Nepal. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the danphe, the colorful national bird so beautiful and truly a fitting representation of its country.

We followed the river, continuously mesmerized by the forest families filled with strong, tall trees, and monkeys sneaking through their branches.

After a while of walking, we stopped for lunch at a nearby tea house. The break was more than just an opportunity to relax and replenish ourselves physically – the epic views we received here enriches one spiritually as well.

Once we finished our lunch, the actual action finally began. First, it was a steady uphill climb through steep stairs where everybody climbed at their own pace. And there went my giant friends already at the front of the pack while I remained steady in the middle.

I’m not going to lie – it was a struggle. There used to be a time where I would hike every single weekend, but it’s been a long while since then. But it wasn’t so bad. I ended up trying to motivate my newfound friend wish phrases like, “We got this!”.

But because I felt as if I was delaying the rest of the group sometimes, I would occasionally say sorry to everyone. But a friend told me, “Karla. It doesn’t matter if you go slower. What matters is that you enjoy what you’re doing, and make sure that you’re taking in the views.”

And you know what? That’s exactly what I did.

Yes, I was constantly in the middle of the group. And yes, I did struggle a little bit. But in the end…what’s the rush?

The fact of the matter is that we were surrounded by such amazing sights, coming across wonders like the Tibet River and various sub-tropical forests filled to the brim with indigenous wildlife. We were surrounded by endless greenery and the towering mountains. We were surrounded by the beauties of nature. Such things shouldn’t be looked over so easily. It’s important to take a deep breath, take your time, and take in everything around you to truly absorb what Nepal has to offer.

And then, we finally got to Lama Village. We immediately smashed, had our Dhal Bat, and gathered around the fire for some much-needed warmth and bonding time with the awesome Langtang Gang after an 8 – 5 trek. Yep, you read that right! We walked from 8 to 5 and the next day was going to be the same.

DAY 2:  Trek to Langtang Village

Our second day on the trail consisted of a trek from our lodge in the Lama Village all the way to the Langtang Village.

This day was not exactly the best experience for me. A few of us ended up with a case of the stomach bug and this made hiking uphill quite the struggle! This is really something potential hikers have to take note of – be ready with medicines like Pepto-Bismol just in case.

It certainly wasn’t a good way to start the day. But you know what really lifted the heavy spirits? My teammates! It was really nice, having people constantly spotting and looking out for you, reminding you to keep on going, replenish your thirst with water because let’s face it: there’s no way you’re getting through the trek dehydrated.

Despite the rocky start…in the end, I managed.

All in all, it ended up being quite a productive hike. The duration was similar to the first day, walking from 8 – 5 yet again. This part of the hike was less steep when compared to the day before, but still really tiring nevertheless.

Expect to initially hike through the forests, where you’ll find lots of plants native to the mountainous area. Eventually, you’ll arrive at a couple of temporary settlements where the locals like to bring their animals for feeding and grazing – expect to see some farm animals and yaks if you haven’t already.

It might seem a little daunting at first, hiking through such a variety of terrain, but it’s fine; all you have to do is follow the sound of the rushing river and you’re good to go.

The path was really somber as well, at times. You’ll come across some ruins of buildings and homes from when 2015  earthquake occurred, a grim reminder of how much the Nepali people lost during the calamity.

In the end, we made it. I wasn’t the only one struggling during that day – there were a few others who the bug had gotten down as well. But, despite all our predicaments, we hiked up the trail as one happy family, cheering each other on. Eventually, we were able to reach a scenic tea house where we unwound, chilled, and caught our breath after the tiring events that day.

DAY 3: Easiest hike to Kyanjin Gompa

The third day of our trek consisted of hiking from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa. This was a lot easier than our previous treks! The past two days we were walking full days, from 8 in the morning to 5 in the late afternoon. This hike only took us four hours – and that’s with tea breaks and a lot of stops.

This was also the day we considered to be the most scenic. I was constantly in awe with the views!

This was also the day which we considered the most scenic. I was constantly in awe with the views! They affirmed my reason for being there, why I even wanted to hike the Langtang Valley in the first place. You could visibly notice the childlike wonder on my happy face as I appreciated the sights around me.

Often, in life, you need to go through all the hard stuff and then things will eventually get better. Seeing all this only made me push myself to do more! It gave me the affirmation that yes, I am in fact happy to be here. I was experiencing a traveler’s high! And I appreciated the fact that I had a good group along with me. We had rough days, hardly any luxurious comforts – and yet everybody stayed strong, motivating one another despite it all.

The scenery continued opening up to snow-capped mountains, valleys, and rivers galore. All I could say the entire time was how thankful I am to be there. The journey was difficult, but the mental and physical challenge is worthwhile. Throughout the trek I was able to reflect – once you come across the magnificent sights you feel so, so grateful – in complete and utter awe. You realize that compared to the vast rocky fields and towering mountaintops that you are truly so small amidst everything.

Even though Day 3 is quite the chill hike, it’s also the day where the altitude might take a toll on your body and you need to adjust. After all, at this point, you’ll already by over 12,000 feet above sea level. The headaches begin, and the appetite is lost – at least in my case. This is also the coldest part of the hike when compared to the first two! If we’re talking strictly in terms of weather, then this day is the hardest. Make sure to bring along lots of layers, especially if you’re sensitive to the cold.

When we got to Kyanjin Gompa, it was a lot colder. Add that to the fact that our bodies were still adjusting to the intense altitude. Aside from the headaches, I felt my heart pumping hard in my chest due to the 65 percent oxygen combined with the height and there were a few other people who felt ill as well. It won’t last forever, so try not to worry – your body will eventually be able to adjust.

Yet again, our little community was able to make the best of the situation by sharing what we had with one another so we wouldn’t feel so ill. I personally had hydrites packed so I shared some with the rest – that’s what it was. Everyone had something and everyone shared. Everyone cared.

Our guide Ashok was also very reassuring. He reminded us that the things we were feeling, albeit uncomfortable, were perfectly normal and okay. He also told us to check out some symptoms to watch out for to know if the altitude sickness really is getting serious. He also mentioned that you might get some weird dreams – something a few of my friends ended up experiencing. Ashok also said it might be slightly harder to get to sleep, or something to that effect.

Of course, much like the rest of the trail, Kyanjin Gompa boasted lovely sights such as stunning views of Langtang Lirung. If you’re not feeling too tuckered out by the altitude, climb higher up the valley Langshisha Kharka for even more breathtaking views.

DAY 4: Excursion to Kyanjin Ri

Haley and I woke up from a super cold night’s sleep feeling like we couldn’t even move. Everything hurt – but today was going to be the day! I remember thinking, ‘Lord, please make the skies clear’.

You can choose to explore Kyanjin Gompa even more, perhaps even check out the local monastery and cheese factory for some delicious snacks. We opted for another activity – an excursion up to the Kyanjin Ri to garner a view of the Langtang Valley peaks.

We spent 2.5 hours working our way up the trail to 4300m and another 1.5 hours steep trek to 4800ml…it wasn’t the easiest! Literally we climbed up a steep uphill mountain wherein every step you take, you want to catch your breath. Adding to that, the air was increasingly thinning as we got higher. But in the end, we were spoiled by the views. We did have a good day – a very clear day in fact! Step by step, you get there. You just have to power through it.

My friends gave me a congratulatory high-5 for making it up there, and I opened a bar of Snickers just as a reward, and for further motivation.

I’m here sitting at 4300m.

This is really the time where you just sit and appreciate everything around you. At the peak of Kyanjin Ri, you are spoiled with a 360 degree panoramic view of the Langtang peaks that are so breathtaking they’re almost surreal. You feel like you’re on top of the world – the glaciers, the forests, the rivers…in that moment, they are yours.

Another friend of mine, Jord,  said that the one good thing about the hike is that even if you feel like crap – you know when you get down a few meters you immediately feel better, so you do it anyway.

Of course, altitude affects you – but hey, part of the journey is the struggle, right? Power through it and you’ll get there eventually. The way down was also difficult, considering it was a steep descent therefore a semi-slippery way down. Maybe a walking stick would help you out here. I was lucky enough to climb down with the porters so they helped me a lot! Felt like a princess being escorted so I won’t fall. Despite being a strong, independent woman, I do know when to ask for help and when they offered, I said yes. At this point, my legs were really shaky already and I could use someone with more grip and steady legs to help me. I would have slipped otherwise.

All in all, we had a good day.

If it’s cloudy during your visit, just sit for a while and pray for a clearing. We did have that.

Days 5 – 18KM from Kyanjin Gumpa to Lama Village

To be honest, I was a bit worried since…18 KM? Really? We were going to cover what took as an entire two days to do! But in the end, it was easy for me. I was storming down the mountain – mostly flat and downhill so it all worked out fine. This time around, I also had more chances to take some pictures since I was a little busy struggling on our way up the days prior. I was also able to appreciate the views a lot more on our way down.  We were doing it in good speed that we even stopped by one of the tea houses by the river and drank 2 bottles of 650mL beers each.  I guess for us, it was a way to chill, take in the views and enjoy it. What’s the rush? Part of being here is taking it all in right? at this point we were really bonded like a family so we were cherishing our last few days in the mountains before we got back to civilization.

Day 6: Lama Village to Syabrubesi

This day was slightly harder than the one before since we had to experience the rolling hills all over again. Still, it wasn’t as bad as the first two days since it was mostly downhill trek.

This was another 8 – 5 PM trekking day but thankfully it included lots of stops. Eventually, we finally arrived at our starting point – Syabrubesi. This meant access to wifi and a proper shower! We were all mostly looking forward to that sweet shower – reasonably so since at this point it’s been like 3 days. Don’t get me wrong, there are showers up in the mountain but it was just super cold. So getting back to the starting point meant just a little bit more comfort, plus we could be semi-girls again! Either way, this part of the trek was us heading back into civilization and reminiscing about our wonderful experience.

The people we met while trekking in Nepal were so helpful and kind! They might not speak a lot of English (especially the villagers), so having porters and guides along with us to translate really helped a lot. Also, completing that entire hike all while having to carry a huge backpack would have been quite the challenge! I was glad they were there to help so that I only had to worry about me. We had the best team too.

But all in all, what you gain from this trek is really a large change in perspective. We, in our fast-paced lives, are always worried. We concern ourselves with menial problems that when placed into the bigger picture do not matter at all. Life is more than stressing yourself out, mulling over aspects of the world you cannot control. Our visit to Langtang gave as a powerful message on the redefinition of life.

Life doesn’t have to be sitting at a screen for 10 hours a day. It doesn’t have to be about petty arguments which could easily be resolved with a proper talk. And it doesn’t have to be about meticulously planning for tomorrow – life can be about today. Life can be observing the beauty around us, the comforting rush of the river waters against boulders, the stunning natural architecture of snow-tipped mountains, watching the donkeys and yaks graze without a care in the world…and interacting with people you’ve never met – with the local Nepalese people who are so kind, so welcoming despite being complete strangers. Life, while it might seem like a cliche thing to say – it truly what you make of it.

Our journey was certainly not all rainbows and butterflies – but we pushed through and made the best of it. It wasn’t a “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow” experience. Instead, we were able to learn valuable things, about Nepal and about ourselves, every single step of the way until we reached the end. We were stripped of our everyday luxuries, but in that we found our comfort. The convenience of social media and instant messaging was taken away and yet we were able to craft genuine close connections free from the artificial nature of hiding behind a smartphone screen. Our conversations were no longer shallow and curt – they were deeper, more meaningful. Because we had nobody else but each other – every single day, we talked, we laughed, we ate, we hiked, and we encouraged. In a matter of several days, a group of strangers turned into friends, and quickly evolved into family stringed together by the magical essence of Langtang.

It goes to show that disconnecting from the correct things, will only help you connect with what truly matters. That is something you will be able to learn in the Langtang Valley, and hold in your hearts even for years to come.

How to Hire a Guide and a Porter:

While the Langtang Valley Trek is easier than most other trails in Nepal and can be attempted without a guide and porter, it is still a good idea to hire them – especially for first timers in Langtang. They’re much bigger of a help than you think!

First and foremost, however, it is important to know the difference between a guide and a porter.

–        Guide: Directs you to the different spots and sounds in the valley, gives you stories and information about the sights you come across during your hike. Makes sure the group follows safety procedures and overall makes you trip more fun and personal with their local knowledge. A guide usually speaks different languages to cater to foreigners, especially English. A guide will not carry your things for you.

–        Porter: The air up in the mountains is thin and hard to breathe, but the porters are experienced are more than able to handle the altitude – even carrying heavy objects. Also known as Sherpas, the Porters help you carry your hiking and camping gear throughout the trail. Porters typically aren’t as well-versed in other languages like English like the guides are – but they can be.

You can book a guide and porter via a tour company or at the head of the trail where there are tour services for hire. The price ranges from 20 – 25 USD per day, and in addition to that (if you haven’t booked a pre-planned tour) you will also have to pay for their food and lodging.

Tipping: It’s typically good practice to tip your porters and guides! After all, the help they give during the trek as well as the knowledge and fun facts they bestow is priceless.

What to Pack for Nepal/ Nepal Trekking Packing List

1. Tissue Paper-  You will need a lot of this. I had 3 rolls. 

2. Wipes- For cleaning up 

3. Deodorant

4. Walking Sticks

5. Day Bag with rain cover 

This is where you will put your supplies needed for the hike likef water, trail food, extra sweater, toilet paper and all while you send the rest of your things with the porter. Note that the porter will not be walking with you so it’s best to have what you need for the day with you.

6. Hiking bag with waterproof covers – It may be raining during the trail so it’s best that you have rain covers for your bag. 

7. Trail Food

Tom and I bought a lot from Kathmandu that we shared with the others. I got peanut butter trail bars, chocolate digestive cookies, snickers, and more cookies. Honestly, this helped me a lot. Some days, lunch was late – around 1 or 2 pm. This helped me get through it. Also when I’m exhausted, chocolate can give me a boost or motivation to go on so make sure to bring trail food.

8. Hiking shoes 

There is nowhere in the trek where you can buy shoes so make sure that you have good shoes that will have a good grip. Check out your shoes that they are in good condition before leaving.

9. Sunglasses

Up there you will be a lot closer to the sun so sunglasses will  help you a lot

10. Sunscreen

You will constantly be exposed in the sun so its best to protect yourself. Also have this in your day pack cause you will need to re-apply.

11. Water bottle and/or water purifier

12. Powerbank

This helped me a lot since most of the charging areas are limited and they were in the common areas. 

12. Head Torch

For when you move around late at night

13. Hand Sanitizer

14. Towel

15.  Medicines

Medicines to Bring:

1. Diamox (Reducing altitude sickness symptoms)
2. Hydrite (For rehydration)
3. Diarrhea Tabs
4. Vitamin C (To help keep your immune system strong) , most of us got cough and colds
5. Paracetamol – some of us got sick, better to have it handy
6. Painkillers – you will have sore a sore body so just in case you need
7. Band-aid
8. Betadine

Clothing

1. Waterproof Jacket
2. Light Jacket/ Hoodie
3. Fleece Jacket
4. Socks- Hiking socks and wool socks for sleeping perhaps
5. Flip flops- For when you are in the tea house and you want to rest your feet
6. Hiking pants – Best if you can get the one that  can turn into shorts. There were parts of the trek where we felt really hot and it would be good to delayer
7. Lightweight thermal tops
8. Sports Bra
9. Cap – for when hiking under the sun, I tanned
10. Wool Cap- For when it’s cold in the mountains
11. Bandana or Scarf
12. Sleeping Bag

Health Concerns

While the Langtang Valley trek is certainly suitable even for beginners, it helps to watch out for the common health concerns during high-altitude treks like these and prepare for them accordingly – as well as know the symptoms if ever they arise.

–        Altitude Sickness

High altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness, occurs at high elevations. Some symptoms of this include shortness of breath, headaches, loss of appetite, dizziness, difficulty sleeping and stomach aches. These symptoms are typically worse come evening due to the sudden drop in temperatures.

In order to relieve altitude sickness, be sure to do the following:

–        Take deep breaths

–        Slow down your pace

–        Relax your body

–        Take medicine such as Acetazolamide to reduce symptoms

Overall, just be sure not to overexert your body and take your time – go at your own pace. If you push yourself, it could lead to worse results like fainting.

–        Dehydration

When going on a long trek like the Langtang Valley, dehydration can be a major concern. You’re going to be doing a lot of physical activity and will be sweating a lot – even if it might not seem like you are, but that’s just because sweat evaporates much faster in cold weather and you don’t feel so hot. Because of the temperature, you might not even realize how much water you’re losing, or even that your body is thirsty!

In order to avoid dehydration, make sure to drink water voluntarily and at regular intervals throughout the hike even though you aren’t feeling particularly thirsty.

Some symptoms of dehydration include headaches, nausea, and dizziness – so if you experience any one of these, take a little break and grab your water bottle immediately.

In Conclusion

And that is our Langtang Valley trek experience! It’s definitely one which requires a lot of hard work, determination, and most of all – motivation. It might seem a little bit nerve-wracking but even first timers can do it. It’s best if you book this trek with a good group or a tight-knit family to help everybody keep motivated and smiling all throughout the trek. But even if you’re traveling alone, the breath-taking views are a definite inspiration in and of themselves. Plus, what’s the harm of making some new friends along the way? You’ll learn lots about Langtang Valley, Nepal, and even yourself. Do these pictures of stellar sceneries make you want to book a plane ticket to Nepal? Don’t hesitate – see for yourself the wonderful sights and sounds in nature and be prepared to gain a whole new appreciation and perspective for the beautiful things life and travel to offer