Short And Easy Trek In Nepal

By Author: Rabi AC
Total Articles: 28
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A trek in Langtang national park is considered as the short and easy trek in the Nepalese Himalayas. First of all Langtang trek is moderate in altitude and difficulty level. It is also in easy access from the capital Kathmandu. Langtang trek is only about a week long with a drive to and back from the trailhead. The trails are well marked and have well established teahouses. It gains altitude more gradually with sections of moderately steep uphills.

Langtang Trek compared with Annapurna

A week's trek in Annapurna involves higher altitude and lots of ups and downs with extra days to fly or drive to the trailhead and back. Annapurna trek starts from Pokhara which is about 200 km from Kathmandu. Short trek in Annapurna dwells in the foothills climbing steeply to its ridgetop and then back down just to climb to another view point. While Langtang simply follows the Langtang River valley which menders more gradually to 3,800 m. Being close to Tibet, Langtang has a strong Tibetan Buddhist cultural influence. While the foothills of Annapurna are resided by ethnic groups from the middle hills with both Hindu and ...
... Buddhist influence. Langtang is also less disturbed by haphazard road expansion and the number of trekkers are fewer compared to Annapurna.

Langtang Trek compared with Everest
Everest trek is the most crowded trek in Nepal. It is also more remote as it could be only accessed by small Twin Otter flights which also makes it more expensive. Flight cancellation or delay may cause trekkers with limited time to totally change their trekking region. While you fly right into the alpine valley surrounded by spectacular peaks in Everest trek, it takes about two weeks to get a close view of Mt Everest. So for those looking for a week-long trek, Langtang offers a similar experience with opportunities to climb viewpoints like Kyanjin Ri (4,700m), Tserko Ri (5,000m) and even Yala Peak (5,550 m).

Moreover, Everest trek is more difficult than Langtang as trekkers directly fly to high altitude and then the trail further climbs steep ups and downs.

Here are some highlights of Langtang Trek which make it the best
short and easy trek in Nepal

Trek in one week or less

Langtang trek could be planned within a week's holiday in Nepal. It is in easy access from the capital Kathmandu. Trekkers can directly drive to the trail head as soon as they land at the Kathmandu airport. There are also option of starting the trek from the outskirt of Kathmandu for those who don't like driving. With adjoining Shivapuri national park, One can easily plan a short trek from two days to a week in Langtang.

Moderate in difficulty
Langtang is moderate in grading. There is no easy hikes in Nepal if we compare it with hikes in Europe. But this is easier than treks in Annapurna and Everest. You have to walk for many days with gradually increasing altitudes. Each day walking is about 6 hours. The trail climbs up and down about 100 m on a rugged trails along the the Langtang River valley. It climbs steeply at some points for about 3,00 m but for most of the trek it climbs gradually. If you are planning to do your first trek in Nepal, Langtang trek would be a perfect choice. Because you can hike on the terrains of the Langtang valley even without prior experiences.

Customizable easy trekking routes

A trek to Kyanjin Gompa (3,800 m) is the most popular trekking route in Langtang National park. Langtang is also the closest Himalayan range from the capital Kathmandu. This make it the most popular Heli-Trek destination. Trekkers with limited time or those looking for easy walk in the Himalayas also take helicopter to the valley and just do a short, scenic and easiest version of this trek.

Awe-inspiring mountain, valley and glacier view
Langtang valley is wedged between spectacular snow peaks of Dorje Lakpa, Naya Khanga, Langtang Lirung and many more. The view of Langtang glacier, Langtang Lirung and the sweeping valley providing grazing for Yaks make the landscape picturesque. A day hike to the end of the valley opens up the view of 8,000 m peak Mt Shishapangma in Tibet.

Adventure of climbing to 5,000 m or above in about a week's trek
Langtang trek also provides an opportunity to climb to view points and peaks like Kyanjin Ri (4,773m), Tserko Ri (5,000 m) and Yala Peak (5,550 m). While Kyanjin Ri and Tserko Ri could be climbed as a day hike from the teahouse town of Kyanjin Gompa , Yala peak needs one extra day in a tent at the base of the peak.

An extended trek in Langtang also provides an opportunity to cross the technical passes of Ganja La Pass (5130m) and Tilman Pass (5,320 m) to the neighboring valley.

Intact Tibetan Buddhist Himalayan culture
Langtang valley is just next to Kyirong, Tibet which was an trans-Himalayan trade route. Tamangs and Sherpas of the region had less influence from the outside world until recently keeping the Tibetan Buddhism symbolism and culture more intact. Mani walls, traditional cantilever bridges, stone houses, carved wooden porches, their dresses and monasteries reflect the rich culture.

I am an adventurer from the Himalayas of Nepal. I like trekking and discovering new places. I have a degree in culture and love to read non fiction books. I also write travel journals and blogs.