Best Time to do the Langtang Circuit Trek
Considering the combined trail of the standard Langtang Valley, Gosainkunda Lake, and Helambu Trail, which encircles the Langtang region as a whole, the ideal seasons for the Langtang Circuit Trek stand out to be Spring, starting from March to May, and Autumn, which begins from mid-September till November. During this timeframe, the weather and climatic conditions remain stable, and the humidity also tends to be mild (moderate), with a lower chance of precipitation, making it an ideal time to venture out. With the favourable atmospheric patterns, the sky becomes clearer, with a more prominent vista of the Himalayan peaks and dry terrains, which makes the trailhead easy and smooth to proceed.
On the other hand, the seasons of monsoon (June to August) and winter (December, January, and February) are not considered as a doable time, as it is a circuit trail, which passes through varied terrains and routes, with a very high level of rainfall and snowfall, making the trail hard (challenging) to proceed and quite challenging. However, those who have prior experience and are properly prepared physically and pack the gear accordingly can surely undertake this hike even in the monsoon and winter time.
Spring Season (March - May)
The months of March, April, and May, which fall under Spring, are considered one of the peak ideal times to trek the Langtang Circuit, as during this timeframe, the nature blooms in the colorful pattern, with the thriving rhododendron flowers - nepal national's flower, with other himalayan flora like, orchids, pines and oaks, making the trail, truly intriguing. As this season comes after the end of the wintertime, the air becomes cool, with the temperature ranging from 6 to 12 degrees Celsius, perfect for long hour duration hike, without draining out physically and mentally. Apart from that, the sunny days also tend to last for a longer time, where one can enjoy the hike, covering every highlighted aspect, in chill, without having to rush the pace and itinerary, making this timeframe truly intriguing for first-time trekkers (beginners) as well.
Autumn Season (Mid-September to November)
The season of fall, also known as autumn, is known as another best and most crowded time of the year, which comes right after the conclusion of the monsoon season, washing away the chance of cloudburst, making it a peak time to trail along. As the monsoon ends, it clears off the dust, which makes the view of the mountains and landscapes from the vantage points of Kyanjin Ri and Tsergo Ri insanely clear, as they accompany you in each stride you undertake. The temperature only ranges between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius, at daytime in high altitude, and only drops to 5 to -5 degrees Celsius, which means mild humidity during the day, and cozy nights to settle in at the night time.
However, as the season proceeds and touches the month of November, the temperature drops and becomes colder day by day, as winter is just ahead of time, meanwhile, it is still preferrable by some, due to less crowded trail, and cool day humidity, due to which it attracts some hikers, with the stunning view of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, and many others thundering the clear sky. Apart from that, it is also a perfect time for those who want an accompaniment of other hikers, to trail, meeting new trekkers all across the globe, and celebrate the local cultures and festivals, and the major festivals, Dashain and Tihar, fall within this timeframe, making it the best season to trek in the himalayas.
Langtang Circuit Trek Difficulty Level
Even though it is a combined adventure, or you can say the trekking trail that encircles the Langtang, covering varied altitudes, terrains, an altitude lake, and crosses the pass rejoining the Helambu Trail, with so much going on, this 13-day Langtang Circuit Trekking is still considered an easy to moderate adventure in Nepal.
Compared to other circuit treks in the Himalayas, it reaches a significantly low altitude, where the highest point of this trek is only 4984 meters at Tserko Ri, having a high level of success rate, without any issue like altitude sickness, if the safety measures are followed from the very beginning.
This trek is also doable by beginners or those having no high-altitude trekking experience, and can be smoothly undertaken, with proper preparedness, opening the gateway to every kind of hikers and any age category as well. The trail doesn't include any technical sections or any thrilling high passes that demand any kind of specific gears or knowledge; however, the trail does navigate via different kinds of terrains, from forested area, to steep, rugged and remote section, alpine sections, and even cross the Lauribinayak pass, which is still not challenging, yet demands a basic level of physical fitness, as regardless, how easy the route is, daily, it covers a hiking pace of 5 to 6 hours of timeframe, with multiple ascends and descends for 13 days which is no joke.
Covering the total trekking distance of 180 kilometres (110 miles), the hike begins from Syabrubesu at 1506 meters, and navigates further, above 3000 meters, every day, with thinning air; thus, one must follow the preventive measures and trail along with the trekking guide, who will assist you throughout without being influenced by others.
Those who are beginners and completely unaware about how himalayan, remote, and isolated trailhead is supposed to be, might find the limited amenities, bare minimum logistics, frustrating, so it is better if you engage in research before opting for this trek. Besides, be mentally prepared for any kind of unexpected challenges like unpredictable weather, and be trained physically as well, to commence on a wide variation of routes, such as rugged, slippery, and multiple uphill and downhill walks, as the trip may require. With proper preparedness, comprehensive planning, and the assistance of our experienced, medically equipped, and trained local guide, this trek to Langtang Circuit is easy and safe to commence, for sure.
Preparations required for Langtang Circuit Trekking: How to be Trained and Mentally Prepared?
Being considered as an easy-going adventure, you do not have to go over the top, for the Langtang adventure, as it can be commenced with basic preparedness and training, with proper planning and going in depth overview of the trip. Meanwhile, you might question, it is not a strenuous or long-duration hike, so why do I have to engage in training? Just take it as a way to stretch your body, and let your body stay in form, so that along the trail, the hike on the very first day won't strain your legs or fatigue your body completely. Thus, before undertaking this hike to the Langtang Circuit, consider that physical training and mental readiness are a must.
Physical Readiness: Make your Muscle Active
Please, take note that, even though this trek is easy and includes no technical sections along the trail, still have to engage in a 5-6 hours of daily hike, covering at least 8-10 kilometres of distance with several uphill and downhill walks, via rugged and some rough steep patterns as well. It is surely not wandering around Disneyland, or Wembley Stadium, where every day, surprises you with varied terrains and higher altitude, hence, training your body is a must. Make sure that you engage in cardiovascular exercises, such as running, walking, or just engaging in multiple ups and downs via a staircase. If you are not an outgoing person, then you can also do home workouts, engage in dances; however, it is best if you opt for cardio or aerobic training, and also, do leg workouts like lunges, squats, leg press, so that the continuous ascend or descend won't bother yoy along the route
After one week or 2-4 weeks, after you become physically more ready, you can carry a backpack with 3-6 kgs of stuff on your bag, and do multiple up and down via the house staircase, to just activate your back muscle, or just engage in back workouts at the gym. Being physically ready doesn't only mean by building abs, or creating muscle, or getting strong, but it also creates a discipline and persistent mindset against all hurdles, keeping you motivated throughout the journey.
Mental Preparedness: Creating a Positive, Disciplined, and Consistent Mindset
While many might only consider the physical training for any kind of adventure and think they are good to go, it is very crucial to have a positive, calm, and enthusiastic mindset to tackle any kind of hurdles that you might face along the trail. Take a very good note that Langtang Trekking marks to be a tea house, and cultural adventure more focused, on authenticity and traditional lifestyle of locals; however, those who are unaware about how the tea houses, lodges, and logistics are along the route, or you can say how drastically the weather and climate changes en route, some might find it mentally frustrating, so ensure that, you do complete research on what to expect, by watching vlogs, reading books, or also, get a complete overview on our package article, so that you are mentally ready accordingly.
To have a calm, composed mind along the trail, you can practice learning yoga, read books, listen to podcasts related to mountains, himalayas, and a remote lifestyle, and for the trail, you can download some calming, soothing music, you can bring notes (write journals, how your trip was), whatever, that keeps, you very calm, despite any challenges (even though hurdles are rare at this adventure).
Acclimatise Properly: Know your Pace Level and Craft the Itinerary Accordingly
Langtang Circuit is a high altitude adventure that involves a hike, with a significant altitude gain every day over 3000 meters, where the air gets thinner and thinner, and attains the highest point at 4773 or almost 4984 meters, the highest level, having a high possibility of altitude sickness, if proper preventive guidelines and acclimatisation days are not set accordingly. Throughout the trip, make sure to take a gradual ascent, letting your body adapt to the rising high altitude, and following safety preventive measures like hydrating your body well, fueling your body with nutritious meals, avoiding any sort of caffeine, nicotine (smoking), or alcohol beverages, and only taking a significant altitude gain.
Please take note that everyone has their own pace, high altitude experiences, and so on. If you are a beginner and are thinking about excluding one of the trails, like Helambu or Gosaikunda Lake, and only follow the standard trail of Langtang, then you can craft the package accordingly, with the help of our expert teams. Well, it's all upto you.
However, our 13-day Langtang Circuit Trekking itinerary includes a gradual pace of hiking, with only 300-400 meters altitude gain, with acclimatization days, so that any kind of hikers (beginners or senior citizens) can easily proceed, it's just that you have to be ready and follow the safety guidelines from the very beginning till the end, so the risk of AMS becomes very rare, or minimal.
Packing Essentials: Smartly Pack Your Gears and Equipments
To undertake this journey to Langtang Circuit Trail, packing the right gear and essentials becomes a mandatory requirement and a crucial aspect of this adventure, as despite hiking at the seasonal peak time, the weather and climatic conditions become very uncertain and fluctuate massively, demanding proper packing, so that you become ready for any uncertainties, especially the massive changes of the atmosphere at high altitude won't bother you. While many people might take it as a whoa, wild adventure, and tend to pack over the moon, including everything that's not even important, and make the weight more and more, which influences the trip to become more strenuous. Thus, to help you make the packing gear and essentials that are only required, here are some of the suggestions
Clothing: Must-Have Layerings
- Thermal Moisture Wicking Tops and Bottoms - (minus degree rated)
- Moisture Wicking T-shirts (Long-sleeved ones) and Hiking Breathable Pants, Shorts (Adjustable ones)
- Windproof and Water Proof Jackets, with a hat attached (head covered if possible)
- Fleece inside Jackets, or Fur ones, are best considered a down jacket or a puffer jacket
- Warm Hat, Brimmed Hat, 1 pair of gloves, and neck gaiter
Footwear: Hike In Ease and Comfort
- Trekking socks (4-6 pairs)
- Hiking Boots with a proper grip
- Comfortable Sport Shoes
- 1 pair of slippers for the tea house
Essentials: Not to Miss Out
- 1 Pair of Trekking Poles (Adjustable Ones)
- UV Protected Sun Glasses and sunscreen (SPF 45+)
- Extra Batteries, Head Lamp, and Power Bank
- Toiletries - biodegradable soaps, towels, shampoos, Hand sanitizers, etc.
- Basic First Aid Kit - Oximeter, to measure the pulse rate, and water purification tablet - to purify the water
Foods and Accommodations during the trek
The Langtang Circuit Trail via Gosaikunda Lake and Helambu Trail features very basic accommodation, run by the locals themselves, including limited amenities yet standard ones, that caters for the preferences and requirements of every hiker. Unlike other popular trails that accommodate luxury lodges and hotels at high altitude, the Langtang region is more focused on providing an authentic variation of tea houses, yet stands out for being hygienically maintained and well looked after by the locals.
While at the lower trails, especially at the beginning part of the trip, upto kyanjin gompa, the lodges are well featured, more standard with private washrooms included, whereas, while covering the Gosaikunda and Helambu route, the amenities get simpler with shared washrooms, with only a few settlements available up there as it is more remote. The room features a warm and cosy bedding configuration, with a pillow and blanket, being shared and eastern-style basis, and includes every essential, like a hot shower, laundry, wifi, charging sockets, but charges you extra, which falls under the personal expenses, where the trekkers must bear personal expenses by themselves.
On the other hand, every lodges, have a wide variety of food options, from continental, western, indian, to local Tibetan cuisines, with veg, vegan and non-veg options, that are focused on catering for the taste of every hiker, and served in the warm dining area. However, we suggest you to taste local meals like Thukpa, Syaphale, Thenduk, Tibean breads, and a significant trekking dish - Nepali Dal Bhat, that includes 4-5 side dishes (Rice, Lentil Soup, Pickle, any kind of curry, ghee), that keeps you energized, and tends to be quite fulfilling and can be refilled time to time. While ordering the meals, make sure to state (mention) to the tea house if you are allergic to some food items, or how you want your meals to be cooked, as they are originally cooked soon after you order, and are fresh.
Our Langtang Circuit Trek package includes all the accommodations and standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner), hence, you do not have to worry about the logistics, as it will be taken care of by us. To enhance your trip, 2 nights in a standard hotel in Kathmandu will be provided by us as a complimentary stay before and after the trip concludes, which are not included in the cost; however, just a return, thanks to you for trusting us.
Guides and Porters for this Trip
The trek to Langtang without a guide is impossible, as the Government of Nepal has compulsorily mandated the law to undertake the journey with the assistance of a local registered experienced guide, via a travel agency, where one must navigate along with the guide, to ensure safety and a hassle-free adventure. However, if you are hiking along with us, at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition, then, you do not have to worry about the trekking guide, as throughout the journey, one government licensed guide, will lead the journey, who is local, medically trained and equipped, and knows, every corners of the trailhead, as till date our every guides have accompanied, thousands of hikers in the Himalayas.
Our guides are culturally connected with locals, as well, letting you interact and get an in-depth overview of their cultures, traditions and lifestyles, and covering every highlighted corner without missing out on anything. They are experienced and care about every detail, ensuring your comfort, ease and safety. Besides, as they are medically trained and certified, in case any uncertain situations occur, by any chance, they act promptly for medical assistance and take care of you throughout, as the medical health posts are very far from each other and limited, so until then, they will take care of you.
On the other hand, if you are a beginner or do not want to hurt your back by carrying a loaded backpack, then you can hire one strong porter from us, who can carry upto 22 kgs of a duffle bag (provided by us), which also can be shared between two hikes, however, even though a licensed trekking guide is included in the package, the porter are not included, where you have to hire one at just USD 250 per porter, if required for 13 days.
What permits are required for the Langtang Circuit Trail?
For this combined trip of Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trekking, three permits must be obtained to trek along the trailhead, which can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board Office at Kathmandu, or the starting point - Dhunche or Syabrubesi via local based travel agency, as it cannot be independently obtained on your own.
Firstly, the Langtang National Park Permit, which serves as an entry pass, allows hikers to trail along the Langtang region, which is checked at Syabrubesi, before entering the trekking trail, which costs only USD 30 per person (NPR 3200) per head; however, it tends to be more budget-friendly for Nepalese hikers, costing only NPR 100 per person.
Second permit marks to be the Shivapuri Nagrajun National Park Permit, as after covering the Helambu Trail, it connects the route of Chisapani, the exit point, which falls under this territory, that costs only USD 12 per head (NPR 1500 per hiker) and almost NPR 100 per head for Nepalese hikers.. Last but most important one is the TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System Card), which is registered, for safe high altitude adventure, that keeps your track, which is mostly important, during nature hazards time like landslides or floods, for rescue operation, to strengthen the hikers safety, especially, foregin trekkers, that cost only USD 15 (NPR 1700 per hiker)
Note: After your booking is confirmed with us, these required permits will be arranged by us at Destination Himalaya Treks and included in our package cost.
Booking Procedure
We at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition stand out as a registered local-based trekking and travel agency in Nepal, that has been serving many hikers (above 1000+) along the trailhead, from all across the world. Being affiliated with TAAN (Trekking Agency Association of Nepal) and NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association), you can safely and securely make bookings with us; thus, you can safely book with us, being fully confident. For the confirmation of your Langtang Circuit Trekking for 13 days, we require only 10% advance payment after the reservation is made. Please send us your necessary documents, such as a copy of your passport, passport-sized photos, and arrival flight information (if available) within a few days. You can send booking amounts through bank transfer and online from our websites. After your booking is done, we’ll arrange everything for you that is necessary for the trip.
