When planning a trek to Langtang Valley, it is important to consider the weather and the time of year. You can take this trek in the summer or in the monsoon season, and you will find fewer tourists, and therefore, an authentic Nepali experience. You can even opt for a solo trek, which is a fantastic way to experience the culture of the locals.
TIMS Card
If you’re considering taking a Langtang Valley Trek, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. The first is that you will need a TIMS card for the trek. This card will be used to get your hiking permit and is required to enter the national park. It costs $30, excluding 13% VAT. This card will give you access to the park for one day. You should also have your travel insurance to cover any eventuality.
The TIMS card will help you navigate the mountain safely, and it’s also good to have in case you get lost in a storm or a high-altitude region. This card is part of your permit, and you will need to show it at checkpoints. Having a TIMS card will protect you from weather conditions, and also help you find other trekkers if you get lost. While there are some benefits to having a TIMS card, it will only be beneficial if you’re a part of a large group with a guide.
Permits
If you are planning to trek in the Langtang Valley, you should prepare to pay two types of permits before you begin your journey. These are the TIMS card and the Langtang National Park entry permit. The cost of the TIMS card is around $20 US and the Langtang National Park entry permit is about $30 US. The permits are required to enter the park and trek through its protected areas.
You will also need to purchase travel insurance for your trip. This type of coverage is necessary in case you become sick or injured during your trek and cannot continue without medical care. You should make sure that your policy covers rescue and evacuation costs.
Itinerary
There are various routes available in Langtang Valley, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The trek can be done with the minimum of two trekkers. Moreover, it can be arranged to have shorter days for relaxing or longer days for challenging treks. Hence, you can easily customize your Langtang valley trek itinerary according to your interest.
The first day of your trek will be spent in driving through the picturesque countryside of the Langtang valley. On the way, you will encounter the indigenous Tamang people of the region. These people are Buddhists, and you can see their daily lives in traditional farm villages. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Kyanging Gompa, which is located amidst the high peaks.
Cost
The Langtang Valley Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. This trek is famous for its spectacular views and natural beauty. It is best to take this trek in the fall season to avoid monsoon season and slippery trails. The trek can cost up to $4,800 per person.
Food and drinks are relatively inexpensive but the cost of these items increase with altitude. A bottle of water costs about $1 or $2 in lower regions, but can run up to $5 or more in higher regions. Alternatively, you can carry water purifying tablets to make water safe for drinking. A typical Langtang trek can last eight to 11 days. The longer the trek, the more money you’ll need to spend on food and porters.
Internet access
If you are planning to stay in touch with your family and friends, you should consider Internet access during your trek. There are many tea houses along the trail that offer Wi-Fi, but you must be aware that the speed may be slow because of the high altitude. In addition, there is a limited amount of Wi-Fi in tea houses and the speed may slow down if many people are using it at once. To stay connected, consider buying a SIM card that allows unlimited roaming, and use 3G internet to stay in touch with other trekkers and your guide.
Internet access is not a luxury in Nepal, but it is a necessary convenience for the modern traveler. Most of the touristic centers and major trekking trails have internet access available. Most hotels and guesthouses along the route also have free wifi.
Impact of 2015 Nepal earthquake on Langtang Valley trek
The 2015 earthquake in Nepal has changed the way people travel to the Langtang Valley trek in Nepal. Hundreds of villagers, guides, and foreign trekkers died, and the region is in ruins. Before the earthquake, people relied on farming to make a living. But in the 1970s, the natural beauty of the Langtang region started attracting trekkers from all over the world. As a result, locals began to earn money by working as porters, guides, and tea houses. Luxury lodges were also built for trekkers.
The earthquake also affected the region’s landslides. The Langtang Trek is located about 60 km north of Kathmandu and is situated at 3000 meters above sea level. Langtang’s highest peak, Langtang Lirung, is 7227 m high. Because of its extreme altitude, the valley’s steep slopes and heavy rainfall contribute to the risk of landslides. Landslides are a major cause of accidents, causing over 80 fatalities every year in Nepal.
