The common question that comes first in the mind of adventurers trying to go trekking in the Langtang region is- How difficult is Langtang Trek? Langtang valley trek is an easily accessible trek due to its proximity to Kathmandu. Does that mean it’s easy? The trekking route of this trek is teeming with mountain scenery and an enticing environment throughout the entire trek. Does this mean it’s difficult? Don’t worry Info Trekking Nepal is here to clear the dilemma and answer you. The short answer is Langtang trek is a moderate trek when it comes to difficulty.

Langtang trek happens to be the ideal trek for people with a short time break. This classic trek leads people to the Langtang valley which is regarded as the best valley in Nepal by many travelers. To explore the beautiful valley of Langtang, people pass across uneven terrains/ steep trails. This is not an easy task, but the spectacular views of nature at its best make up for it.

Langtang Trek Difficulty

Langtang Trekking

The trek difficulty of any trek is dependent on the altitude, terrains, weather conditions, availability of teahouses and lodges during the trek and many more. Thus, to be more familiar with the Langtang Trek Difficulty and answer the question “How difficult is Langtang Trek?” convincingly, we will have to know all these attributes closely binding it to Langtang Trek.

The trekking trail of Langtang is quite a remarkable combination of uphill and downhill. It even comprises a steep trail with more slope than the others. Despite the uneven and rocky terrains, people are very passionate about trekking in this region. One of the reasons for this is the abundance of wildlife, even the rare ones like Himalayan deer, Red Panda, snow leopard etcetera. The other reasons are the perennial rivers, thriving forests, diverse culture and many more.

If you want a trek that maintains an amazing balance between the Himalayas, diverse vegetation, rich culture, and a short time span, Langtang Valley Trek is an almost ideal trek for you. On one hand, there is the challenge of high altitude, cold weather, and uneven terrains, but to reward that there is inexplicable beauty of nature that will give you one hell of trekking experience to treasure life-long. The best part is you need not be a mountaineer, professional athlete, or even an experienced trekker to go for this trek as long as you are physically and mentally ready for it.

Why Langtang Trek despite the trek difficulty?

Words will fall short when a trekking enthusiast describes the reason for Langtang Trek. Here we attempt to provide you a gist of why this trek?

• A felicitous trek themed with culture, accessibility, vegetation, and the Himalayas.
• Langtang National Park- home of rare plants and animals making this trek further lovely.
• Rich and intriguing Tamang Culture and hospitable Tamang people.
• Lush rhododendron forest makes the uneven trekking trails worth the hurdle.
• Beautiful village amidst the rich nature.
• Spectacular views of sunrise and sunset from the highest point of the trek.

Langtang Trek Difficulty: 4 Aspects

Langtang trek is a short trek that can be completed in a duration of 7 days. This is a moderate trek with the ability to be fairly challenging. In a positive light, this trek doesn’t require previous trekking experience. With a bit of physical exercise, novice trekkers can undergo this trek without an issue. Here, we will describe some of the key attributes that determine the difficulty of Langtang Valley Trek.

• Altitude and uneven terrains
• Altitude sickness
• Weather conditions
• No training or physical exercises

Altitude and uneven terrains

Langtang Trekking is comprised of uphill and downhill terrains. This often makes the illusion of the distance appear to be more than it actually is. Furthermore, if you decide the season wrongly, the terrains might be slippery, making it more viable for accidents during the trek. The rugged terrains definitely don’t make the Langtang Trek easier.

You might have to walk for quite a few days in progressively increasing elevation during Langtang Trek. Trekkers will have to trek for even 7-8 hours while gaining the elevation. Ascending up, you will have overcome the Lama Hotel located at an altitude of 2560 meters in one day. Similarly, you will have to reach an elevation of 3430 meters to arrive at the next destination that is Langtang Village.

The challenge of Langtang Valley trek doesn’t end here. You have to climb higher up to more than 4000 meters of altitude as almost all general Langtang Trek packages have a maximum elevation greater than 4000 meters. The other destinations of this trek are Kyangjin Gompa at 3900 meters, Tserko Ri at 5000 meters.

Make sure that you practice some basic exercises a few days prior to the trek so that your body can put up with the physical work without extreme pain or difficulty. Trekking at High altitudes further brings the issue of altitude Sickness which is our next point.

Altitude Sickness

This is one of the crucial factors that soars up the difficulty of Langtang Trek or any other high-altitude trek. Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is forthcoming in almost all high-altitude trek to amateur as well as seasoned trekkers as a result of Elevation gain.

Here, we provide some indications of Altitude Sickness. Do lookout for these symptoms-

• Difficulty in Breathing i.e. Respiratory problems
• Sleep deficiency
• Headache and vomiting
• Dizziness and nausea
• Loss in Appetite

Altitude sickness can cause a problem for experienced trekkers as well. We recommend you to follow the following prevention cues against it.

• Walk slowly as you let your body adapt your body to a higher altitude.
• Drink plenty of water and be hydrated throughout the trek
• Carry some carbs as carbs help against Altitude Sickness
• Try to keep calm physically as well as mentally.

Weather conditions

This is another crucial factor to decide the difficulty level of the Langtang trek. With changes in seasons, you will witness different weather and temperature. Hence, decide the best time to go on this trek.

Summer

• The possibility of rain during this season makes trekking difficult.
• The slippery and extremely wet trails might result in an accident.
• Unfortunate view due to unclear sky.
• Before coming to the Langtang trek during this season, keep in mind to bring trekking or hiking boots with a strong grip.

Spring

Winter

• Your bag (with clothing to get you through the extreme cold) might be too heavy to carry thus making the trek more difficult.
• Further increasing the difficulty, the lodges, teahouses and even some trails might be closed.
• Harsh cold is likely to increase the difficulty level.

Autumn

• Another best time safety-wise.
• Glowing views of the Himalayas make your trek worth it.
• Stable or predictable weather conditions make the trek further easy.

No training or physical exercises

Trekking at a height of around 4000 meters is not a Child's play. So, we highly recommend you practice some exercises so that the Langtang Trekking experience will be a pleasurable one for you. Walking over the uneven rocky terrains for about 7 hours a day for a week is a difficult thing if you aren’t used to exercising at all.

Jogging, swimming, and walking on uneven terrains are some of the physical activities we recommend for you.