To receive clear information on Why to trek Langtang Valley, you should check some facts about the trekking destination. Langtang, “The Valley of Glacier” is a standout amongst the most well-known natural heavens of Nepal. The valley is among the top third-best trekking terminus of Nepal.
Engulfed within the Langtang National Park territory, it is the home to different extraordinary fledglings and untamed life. The region preserves valuable wildlife like Red Panda and musk dears, among the Panthers, Jackals, mountain Thar, Himalayan dark beer, and numerous animals including sub-alpine and alpine vegetation.
The sacred lake of Gosaikunda is the jewel of the region which attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims each year. Alongside the spectacular mountain views of Mt. Ganesh Himal, Dorji Lakpa, Langshisha Ri, Gangchhenpo, Yala peak, and Naya Kanga dominated by Langtang Ri persuade every trekker. Due to its diverse attractions, many tourists fly the valley from Kathmandu with a Langtang Helicopter tour.
Reasons to choose the trail
Experience Off the beaten path trek
Despite its popularity and diverse attractions, the Langtang region receives less than twenty thousand trekkers a year. As a result, it preserves its vegetation and organic nature is its original state. There is more to offer the visitor in its organic form. Trekkers enjoy the local hospitality in a less crowded zone of Langtang National Park and within a peaceful journey. Trekker who loves to walk on a natural trail experiencing the rural lifestyle, diverse culture, and a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Budget Destination
Compared to other destinations, Langtang Valley is easy to access from the capital city of Kathmandu. Travelers can enjoy wonderful hiking in the Langtang region on a cheaper budget than in the Everest and Annapurna region. One can access the trailhead easily by car or bus within 6-7 hours of a comfortable drive.
Highly affected by the Mega Earthquake of 2020
The region was highly affected during the mega earthquake in 2015. It has completed the restoration but still need more tourist to grow the business. It will help them to revive completely. So, visiting the region helps them to heal. The entire Langtang village was buried under the deposit from Avalance just at the time of the mega-earthquake. It killed around 310 people including a big number of tourists.
Low-Risk Factors
Trekking on the higher altitude Himalayan region consists of severe risk and possesses high threats to one’s life. The trail of trekking to the higher altitude region has a slippery trail and narrow paths due to which a trekker may endure several unseen and unexpected hindrances. Trekking in the Langtang Region is relatively much safer despite being less adventurous and with a lower elevation hike than Annapurna and Everest Region. The trail path of this trekking is wide and is much safer than higher altitude trekking because there is no risk of getting hit by a falling rock along the path and also the path is dry. Moreover, there is no chance of getting AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), as most of the trekking path passes around the tree line area and the destination itself is at a low altitude.
Culturally rich
The trekking trail to the Langtang Valley crosses various local villages en route. The villages give us the chance to experience the rural life of Nepalese people. You will be overpowered by the social execution of the Tamang, Sherpa, and Hyolmo indigenous neighborhood, their warm neighborliness, special lifestyles, customs, and customary houses with thatched, and stone roofs. The ethnic and typical village of Langtang valley offers a differing social and cultural flavor with various ceremonies and conventions based on Buddhism. The culture these people practice is ancient and has been transferred from generation to generation and is still intact despite the influence of the modern phenomenon of globalization. The incredible Himalayan landscape, magnificent sceneries, and rich greenery are the essence of the trek. Besides that the local custom, traditions, and culture, as well as the living style of the people living in this region, are things to experience here.
Alluring Views of Mountains
As the Valley is the third most popular trekking destination, it still has more to offer than generally expected. The Langtang Region includes one of the most wonderful Langtang valleys. The valley is rich and impressive with magnificent snowcap mountain vistas. A significant fascination of Langtang Trekking is the surrounding Himalayan perspective of snow-topped mountains, such as Langtang Lirung, Tibet Himalayas, Gang Chhenpo, Naya Kanga, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Dorje Lakpa as well as Gaurisankar Himal.
The religious significance of the Gosaikunda lake in the southern part and Kyanjin Gompa in the eastern end have made the region a pilgrimage valley. Gosainkunda also known as a solidified lake, is a holy pilgrimage site for the Hindus and has a beautiful sight to behold. The Gosaikunda area is a cluster of several lakes in which holy Gosainkunda – the third one amongst them, has more significance. This lake is situated at a height of 4,380m from sea level. The other attraction of Langtang valley is Kyanjin Gompa- a monastery of Buddhists, which is supposed to be 400 years old. Kyanjin Gompa is one of the most important spiritual sites in the Langtang region. These sites are worth exploring.
Warm Accommodation
The entire route of Langtang valley has basic teahouse lodges for trekkers’ accommodation. They have warm rooms with twins sharing warm beds. Some of them have attached bathrooms.
Hospitable people
Similar to other trekking destinations the locals run the lodges and shops in the region. The people are in hospitals and let feel you a warm and safe environment.
Final Thoughts to trek Langtang Valley
Langtang region is a closer destination to Kathmandu and has more to offer its visitor. A variety of attractions ranging from Cultural products to Natural gifts is a rich hiking destination. Trekkers can enjoy a short and easy hike to a tough and challenging expedition in the Langtang area. Make equity for a customized trip to the Langtang region. We assure to design a tailored made trekking itinerary to meet your requirement.
Phikuri Trek in Nuwakot, near Kathmandu capital, has come as a new trekking destination. The trail is the best destination to enjoy the view of mountains like Langtang, Gosaikunda, Manaslu, Annapurna, and Ganesh Himal including the bordering mountain with Tibet.
This trail has come as a combined package of history, nature, and culture. The trail passes through several ethnic settlements. It will also let you experience the tastes of the traditional farming system, the isolated mountainous view, and the rural life. The trailhead is easy to access from Kathmandu and the Phikuri hill itself is just 90 km away from Kathmandu in the northwest direction. Trekkers can combine the trail with Ruby Valley trek leading to Ganesh Himal area and with other popular trekking trails of Langtang valley like Tamang Heritage Trail and Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Trek.
Phikuri Peak Trekking trail is one of the newest trekking trails in Nepal. The trekking trail is named after the picturesque Phikuri peak (3800). Visitors can observe the breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas including Ganesh Himal, Mt. Langtang, and Mt. Dorje Lakpa from the top of Phikuri peak. Tamang and Gurung communities are the main inhabitants of the region. The community successfully preserves the rich local culture. Visitors can observe typical Nepali village life. En-route visiting the medieval Nuwakot Durbar and sheep farm are essential attractions.
The accommodation includes both the homestay and camping experience. Furthermore, the trekkers will also have the opportunity for Trishuli rafting and zipline rides. The Phikuri trek itineraries are customizable from 5 days to 7 days. The shorter 5 days trek and the longer 7 days versions of the Phikuri Peak Trekking trail depending upon the available time and interest of the visitors.
There are several Major Places to Visit around Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu being the capital city of Nepal preserves many ancient and heritage sites. Out of hundreds of monument sites, 7 sites are listed under the UNESCO World Heritage site. Besides the main cultural heritage sites of the valley, there is much to see inside the city. Some monuments lie inside the core areas of the city, whereas others remain on the outskirts of the valley.
1. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhairabnath Temple of Bhaktapur
Boudhanath Stupa (Khasti Chaitya)
Chandragiri Hill
Bhaleshwor Temple at the top of Chandragiri Hills
Changunarayan Temple
The historical landmark of Nepal, Changu Narayan Temple lies just 4 kilometers north of Bhaktapur. Situated at the top of a small hillock, the temple is one of the oldest monuments in Kathmandu Valley. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The place is sacred and witnesses the rich craftsmanship of the valley people of different times. Changu Narayan Temple is among the four Vishnu temples guarding the four different directions of the valley. Established around 325 AD, the premises preserve the first written history of Nepal carved in the stone pillar that holds Garuda. The monument is a standout amongst the country’s most wonderful and truly imperative structures.
Changu Narayan Temple
The temple has undergone reconstruction at different times in its history. In 1702 AD it was reconstructed after it caught fire. The main temple is a two-storied sanctuary witnessing the numerous carvings of the ten incarnations of Vishnu. Similarly, the multi-armed Tantric goddesses and unique Tri-Bikram Bamana Avatar idols are the actual jewels of Changu Narayan. The premise is a live museum for the stone, wood, and metal carvings of the Lichhavi time frame. The artifacts decorate the courtyard surrounding the main temple. The temple is famous for its extraordinary carvings. It is among the 7 monuments referred to by UNESCO World Heritage inside the cultural heritage site of Kathmandu Valley. Every day a good number of domestic tourists, Hindu pilgrims, and foreign visitors see the temple.
Chovar
Dakshinkali Temple
Dakshinkali Temple
Dhulikhel
Mountain Panaroma From Dhulikhel
Godavari Botanical Garden
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kritipur
Uma Maheshwar Temple of Kirtipur
Nagarkot Hill Station /View Point
Namo Buddha
Namobuddha – Memorable Nepal Tour
Pashupatinath Temple
Kathmandu Heritage Tour – Pashupatinath Temple
Patan Durbar Square
Krishna Mandir of Patan DurbarSquare
Patan-Lalitpur was formerly an autonomous city-state with its own position, and it still has a unique character. This is a creative city at heart, and the moniker Lalitpur – ‘City of Beauty’ – is well merited. This is the source of most of Nepal’s acclaimed fine craftsmanship, and the architecture – mainly extravagant temples and great palaces – is among the most stunning in the nation. The major monument of Patan Durbar, now a museum abodes many other temples with prominent architecture.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath Stupa, a golden spire atop a conical forested hill, is the most ancient and mystical of all the sacred monuments in Kathmandu valley. Its soaring white dome and gleaming golden spire may be seen for miles and from all sides of the valley. Swayambhu, which means “self-created or self-existent.” Saints, sages, and divinities flocked to the lake to worship this amazing light for its ability to bestow wisdom.
The region around the stupa is densely packed with chaityas, temples, painted pictures of deities, and a plethora of other religious artifacts. Many modest shrines contain sculptures of Tantric and shamanistic deities, Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheels, Shiva lingams, and a prominent Hindu temple devoted to Harati.
Another intriguing, but smaller and less frequented, temple over Swayambhunath hill. This is Shantipur, the ‘Place of Peace,’ within which the 8th century Tantric guru Shantikar Acharya resides in a hidden, constantly sealed isolation chamber. He is a powerful esoteric magician with perfect control over the weather who practices meditation techniques that have protected his life for numberless millennia.
Four Ashokan Stupa of Patan
THURA LAGAN (SOUTHERN STUPA):
The southern mound of Patan’s four stupas is known as Lagan Thura Stupa. It is the biggest of the four stupas, with a diameter of 47.40 meters and a height of 11.80 meters. A recently erected building, a small cenotaph, crowns the mound. Tathagata (Buddha) shrines are said to have been added around 1878. Just south of the Lagankhel bus terminal, on a hilltop with great views of southern Patan.
EASTERN STUPA TETA THURA:
This Stupa is located around 200 meters east of Patan’s Tyagal Tole, along the Ring Road. This stupa is somewhat larger in terms of perimeter than the other two stupas. This Stupa has a radius of 75.83 meters and a height of 10.4 meters. It also features a 1.6-meter-high fire Vedica (railing) with one Tathagata in each direction. The 4.5m-high dome is paved with firebricks and topped with a square Harmika. In addition, there are three inscriptions that are extremely difficult to read. As a result, the eastern stupa is well-known for visitors interested in learning about Patan’s art and skill.
WESTERN STUPA – PUCHO THURA:
The Stupa is located near the bustling Pulchowk crossroads at Patan’s western end. This Stupa has a radius of 75.52 meters and stands 12 meters tall. It also contains a 1.2-meter-tall Vedika with one Tathagata in each direction. The 6.5-meter-tall dome is paved with firebrick. It, like the Eastern Stupas, lacks Harmika. The thirteen-ring Cakravalis, on the other hand, is built immediately over the dome in a square-shaped pyramid construction in this western stupa. A Yasti completes the picture. It is surrounded by grass alongside the main road in Pulchowk. The Aksheshwar Mahavihar, a courtyard-style Buddhist monastery on the hilltop, is reached via a set of steps.
THURA IBAHI – NORTHERN STUPA
This Stupa is more intricate and smaller than the other three. It resembles the Swoyambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu. It has a circumference of 60.62 meters and five Buddhas in the Vedika with their consorts, with the exception of the Tathagata Vairocana. The Vedika is 1.5 meters tall, while the dome is 5.5 meters tall. On top of the dome is a square Harmika. A 13-step Cakravali with a Yasti on top of the Harmika may be seen. On the road to the Sankhamul Ghats, just beyond the Kumbeshwar Temple.
A culturally rich and ethnically diverse country Nepal celebrates hundreds of different festivals. Kathmandu is not only the political center of the nation but also the cultural pivot. 123 different ethnic groups living to follow unique traditions and cultures celebrating their major festivals in a fun-filled mood. Almost every day of the year, there falls a festival in some parts of the country. Unique decorations, fashions, and rituals make each festival interesting. Worshipping the different deities for well-being, power, or wish fulfillment is the uniqueness of each festival.
Besides that, personal celebrations and ceremonies like marriage, Upanayana, Name giving ceremonies, and death rituals follow specific rituals and traditional practices. Except for the death rituals, other celebrations include music, dance, and songs. Nepali people celebrate every festival as a fun-filled cultural event. Here are some of the major festivals in Nepal
1. Indra Jatra
The eight-day-long Indra Jatra festival falls in September and is one of the most exciting and revered festivals of the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley. This also marks the beginning of a month-long festival season of autumn. It begins with the erection of a wooden pole made of pine at Basantapur Square in front of the old Hanuman Dhoka Palace.
For the pole-raising ceremony, hundreds of spectators gather at the Palace Square and in the surrounding temples. The chariot of Kumari, the Living Goddess, comes out in a procession through the main streets of Kathmandu.
A perfect example of religious harmony
Lakhey are the masked dancers and they take to the streets almost every evening. A musical team with load drums accompanies the Lakhey. The festival commemorates the time when Indra came down from heaven in human form to look for a herb.
Each night of Indra Jatra the shrines and ancient palace buildings around Kathmandu Durbar Square are aglow with oil wicks. Each night on the platform in front of the temple of the Living Goddess, there is an enactment depicting the ten earthly incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The large image of Akash Bhairab’s head is put on display out in the open directly facing his temple at Indra Chowk.
In the afternoon of the day before the full moon, ecstatic mobs gather near Hanuman Dhoka Palace for the long-awaited Living Goddess’ chariot procession to catch a glimpse of the revered little Newar girl who has been deified as Kumari representing Goddess Taleju.
The chariot of the Kumari followed by two other smaller chariots carrying a representative of Ganesh and Bhairav is taken to different parts of the old Kathmandu through the narrow alleys where people gather to watch and pay homage. The festival of Indra Jatra ends with the lowering of the (lingam) pole bearing Indra’s flag amidst religious ceremonies.
2. Dashain
Dashain festival is the most widely celebrated best Hindu festival in Nepal. The celebrations last up to 15 days. Dashain festival is a time of family, friends, and relatives reunion, exchange of blessings, and enjoy the holiday.
People worship nine avatars of the goddess Durga. From the first day of Ghatasthapana to the 7th day of Phool Pati, the 8th day of Mahaastami, the 9th-day Navami, the 10th day of Vijaya Dashami and the 15th day of Purnima Dashain will be celebrated. On which 10th day Vijaya Dashami is considered the main day to celebrate. Those who are busier also took a holiday for this at least one day to celebrate Dashain.
A biggest social festival
Nepalese Hindu people around the world will celebrate the Dashain festival no matter where they are. During Dashain, men and women visit their relatives, and elder’s to seek tika, Jamara, and blessings. During Dashain, there will be a public holiday in Nepal. Schools and colleges will remain closed for 15 days for full festivals to enjoy.
Children and also younger peoples buy new clothes and eat delicious foods, especially meat during Dashain in Nepal. Kite flying is also one of the main events of this festival.
Most foreigners visit Nepal in the Autumn season of Nepal for trek in the Himalayas. Autumn is considered the favorable and best time to visit Nepal also because of being the month of the most celebrated festivals of Nepal such as Dashain and Tihar.
3. Tihar
The shining festival of Tihar is one of the most significant occasions in Nepal. The decoration of bright lights and colors are the special features of the festival. Householders lit candles, lanterns, and nowadays, decorative electric lights. Many candles and lanterns are lit inside and in front of houses. It is the second biggest festival in Nepal after Dashain. After around a month of the Dashain Tihar festival will be celebrated.
The festival is a beautiful celebration for five days. People worship Goddess Lakshmi with joy and enthusiasm. They also worship cows, crows, and dogs and decorate houses and temples with Diyas, electric lights, colorful paper crafts, etc. Kids come to visit neighbors in small groups and sing Tihar songs also called “Dheusire” for blessings, and to enjoy with friends.
Laxmi Puja, Gai Tihar, Kukur Tihar, Kag Tihar, and Bhai Tika are the days of the Tihar festival in Nepal. Among these Bhai Tika is the main day to celebrate. Brothers and sisters accept tika and blessings from each other.
During the Tihar festival, tika is not the same as in Dashain. The seven different colors Tika will use in Tihar. And sisters give some food, and clothes to brothers and brothers also do the same or give money, clothes, some other valuable gifts, etc. Brothers and sisters honor each other, and the sisters pray to Yama (the god of death), for their brother’s long life, and progress in life. Read more…
3. Teej
Teej is the festival celebrated by Hindu women in August or September. Both married and unmarried women celebrate this festival by worshipping Lord Shiva. This festival is celebrated for three days through prayer, songs, and dance.
Women are dressed in red saree, red tika on their heads, and various ornaments. In Teej, women sit for 24-hour prolonged fasting, without any food, and even without drinking water to ask for special blessings from Lord Shiva. Unmarried girls do fasting to get a good husband in their life, and married women pray for the husband’s long life, success, and prosperity is on fasting during the Teej festival.
4. Maghe Sankranti
Maghe Sankranti is a festival celebrated in January. Since the Sun enter the Makar horoscope, people worship the occasion as Makar Sankranti. The Nepali month Magh begins with the day. People take a holy bath in different sacred ponds and river confluences. Sweet potato, sweets, Yam with Ghee, and Solid Molasses are special food for the festival. The Tharu community of plains celebrates the same day as the Maghi festival. It also marks the new year for Tharu and the day is also famous as Maghi larva.
5. Gai Jatra
Gai Jatra is a festival of cows. Especially, the people of Kathmandu valley celebrate the festival in memory of their deceased family members. Initially, the local Newar community celebrates it by participating in the Gai Jatra procession. Now, a day the valley people have moved to different parts of the county. They carry on their tradition wherever they go. In the same way, The people all over Nepal, especially, in local towns celebrate the Gai Jatra performance. This is one of the unique festivals of Nepal. The festival dedicates to diminishing the sadness from the death of family members. At this festival, kids get dressed as cows and take part in cultural events.
Newari people show their cultural dances, sing, and do fun on the streets of Kathmandu Valley. The performers participate in the procession from their homes to the Kathmandu Durbar Square at Basantapur. Similarly, all the Gai Jatra processions starting from the villages are ultimately completed at the respective Durbar Square of Bhaktapur and Lalitpur. All the participants in the performance gather at the lawn of Royal Palace Squares and get offerings from the local people. The local deceased family gives away all the offerings to these participants as a sacred donation “Daana”. The activity carries a spiritual feeling.
6. Lhosar
Lhosar means new year. When Tharu celebrates Magi as a new year, Sherpa celebrates Lhosar as their new year. Lhosar is one of the most popular festivals in Nepal. The new year festival is celebrated by dance, song, and by exchanging gifts. During this period, the major Buddhist monasteries and stupas like Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath are decorated with prayer flags. Devotees pray together to cook exceptional food and People consume changkol, a local Tibetan drink.
Buddhist religious follower communities like Tamang, Sherpa, Gurung, and Thakali will mostly celebrate the Loshar festival in Nepal. The three major popular Losar are Sonam Losar, Tamu Losar & Gyalpo Losar and it has been celebrated at different times.
7. Janai Purnima
Janai Purnima is a festival of love and purity. People celebrate this festival in the Nepali month of Shrawan. On this occasion, people share gifts and greetings among brothers and sisters. Like other festivals, people eat unique dishes during the day. Kwasi (sprouted beans) is one of the main dishes prepared during the festival.
The main attraction of the Janai Purnima festival is that sisters tie the sacred thread to their brothers and pray for good health in the lower plains of the country to mark the festival. But in Nepal, people tie a sacred thread on their hands from their elders, especially from their family priests. And young male guys will tie a holy ribbon on their body and the man (matured after doing Bratabandha) wear Janai, the sacred thread during the day for the purity
8. Buddha Jayanti
Buddha Jayanti is a Buddhist national festival in Nepal. There will be no public holiday for all, but Buddhist religious people will get a leave on this day. On the full moon day which is in May, Buddhists will celebrate Buddha Jayanti in Nepal.
Buddha Jayanti is the sacred birthday of Lord Buddha. Hence, Buddhists from all over the world visit Nepal to celebrate this festival. Temple management committees and devotees decorate the Buddhist temples like Swyambhunath, Boudhanath, and other temples all over Nepal with butter lamps on the day.
9. Holi – Fagu Purnima
Holi or Fagu Purnima is an annual festival in Nepal. The festival falls on the full moon day of the month of Falgun. People celebrate the festival for two days. Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is one of Nepal’s most celebrated celebrations. The festival falls on Nepali Falgun month (February to March in the Solar Calendar). Holi, like Dashain and Tihar, celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring.
During this beautiful event, Nepalese and international tourists will toss dry powder and colored water at each other to offer their heartfelt blessings and well wishes. The people of the hilly region of Nepal mark the festival on the first day. Whereas the Terai plains of southern Nepal celebrate the festival on the second day. To make it more clear, a famous city like Kathmandu will celebrate Holi on the first day, and another renowned city of Nepal- Chitwan will celebrate this festival on the next day.
Holi, one of the most important Hindu festivals, is mostly observed in India, Nepal, and other Indian immigrant communities across the world. However, when it comes to the greatest venue to celebrate Holi, Kathmandu will never disappoint!
The majority of stores close their service on the day. The entire Kathmandu valley engulfs in a carnival atmosphere. People douse with Holi powder and colored water whether they know each other or not. Some will be gently touched, some will be splattered, and yet others will be pursued by colorful water balloons. Please don’t be upset in any circumstance. This is a type of holiday benediction.
10. Mahashivaratri
Getting heat from the burning firewood during the festival of Shivaratri
Mahashivaratri is one of the major celebrated Hindu festivals in Nepal. This festival basically worships Lord Shiva. All the monks gather at various Shiva temples and worship. Devotees fast for the whole day and stay in a long queue to see the temple. The decorating lamps glorify the entire temple premises. The Idols are taken to the bath in Holy water. All the devotees of Nepal and India will visit the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu. Devotees chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ all night. And there will be a huge crowd and celebration on this day.
11. Chhat Parva
Nepal marks the festival all over the Hilly and Terai regions of the country for four days. People take a ritual bath in the river. Devotees fast on the first day of the festival and worship the sun and offer prayers. They lit lamps and sing. People gather in the evening to perform cultural activities. Mainly people of Kathmandu valley and the lower plains of the Terai region including other hilly regions of Nepal. celebrate the festival
12. Tiji
Tiji is a unique celebration among the major festivals of Nepal. The festival is celebrated for almost three days in Lo-Manthang of Upper Mustang. This festival usually takes place in May. It’s a purification festival that takes place at the beginning of every harvest year. People perform ritual dances during this festival. Locals of Lo Manthan of Upper Mustang celebrate Tiji for World Peace.
Trekkers plan a trip to the Upper Mustang trek during this festival time to witness the beauty of the Tibetan people of Nepal and their cultural activities and rituals.
13. Shree Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami falls in August, on the day of Bhadra Krishna Ashtami. People worship Lord Krishna on the day, celebrating his birthday. Krishna Janmashtami includes traditional singing and dancing. Many devotees keep on fasting and worship Lord Krishna. Visitors offer flowers and food to Lord Krishna. Temples are bright with the offerings.
14. Chaite Dashain
Chaite Dashain or small Dashain is a famous religious festival. It falls in the last month, Chitra of the Nepali lunar calendar. Devotees fast on this day and visit temples to devote gods. They also worship the goddess Durga. At Chaite Dashain, people will eat delicious foods and enjoy themselves with their family, friends, and relatives, and also seniors offer tika to the juniors with all their blessings.
A beautiful and fantastic journey of Rara Trek offers several things to try. Hiking the pristine trail to Rara is a lifetime experience in itself. The real taste of Rara does not complete without trying some distinct requisites of the area. We recommend the visitor some things to try while you are in the Rara region.
1. Go on a boating escapade
The only boat here is an inflatable raft, so you would possibly need to line up for a ride. It’ll be well worth the wait because the colors beneath you’ll be unlike anything – from surreal reminder turquoise along the shore to dark blue within the middle. Clouds and trees get reflected on the crystal clear waters, making a leisurely boat ride a savory experience.
2. Trek to Murma top
A challenging 4-hour hike north of the lake brings us to the hilltop of Murma village. It’s not difficult to ascertain why at 3,600m this is often a favorite viewpoint to ascertain Rara from. contribute a sunrise and a sunset at distant horizons, and erratic clouds swimming at eye-level, and you get an otherworldly feel to what’s already an awe-inspiring vista. the sole facility here may be a telecom tower, so pitch a tent if you propose to spend the night at Murma Top.
3. Try Rhododendron extracts
Locally harvested and processed, rhododendron concentrate has a quite interesting taste and goes well with many snacks Danphe Hotel offers. They serve delicious snacks and even local spirits to concoct, a well-liked mix that includes Sprite and native moonshine.
4. Hike around the lake
It’s a classic one. Take enough food and hydration for a full-day hike around the lake on mostly flat trails. Some stretches go far through jungles also as a grazing pasture where you’ll expect to encounter water buffaloes, well-fed horses, and motionless cows, or maybe elusive red pandas if it’s your lucky day.
5. Relax and unwind
Kick back on the shores and relax after an extended trek. Watch the water ripple silently with the breeze and listen to the waves crash on the shores with stronger gusts. Watch gulls dive into the water and remain submerged for several seconds before resurfacing with predatory exploits between its bill. Heads up: The wooden machans by the lake are rather worn down and may sway albeit gently with any movement.
Alternative Routes to Rara Lake
Via Jumla
Travelers strapped with time have an expensive option that will get them to Rara and back range in just over every week. Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj then onwards to Jumla, whence two days of driving and trekking will get you to Rara. (You also can prefer to trek the whole way, which might require three additional days and involve climbing a few of passes over 3,000m in altitude.) While you don’t need to be ripped for this trek, do confirm to urge some exercise in weeks leading up to the trek. A day’s exploration later, we head to Talcha Airport within the morning, a mere two-hour trek, and fly back to Nepalgunj.
Itinerary
01 Day: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
02 Day: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla
03 Day: Drive from Jumla to Jhyari
04 Day: Trek from Jhyari to Rara
05 Day: Explore Rara and hike up to Murma Top
06 Day: Trek from Murma Top to Rara
07 Day: Trek from Rara to Talcha, and fly to Nepalgunj
08 Day: Fly from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
Via Talcha
This short Rara trekking itinerary requires little fitness as you’ll be flying straight to Talcha from Nepalgunj, followed by a few hours trek to Rara. After having explored the world for each day or two, we walk back to Talcha and catch a plane to Nepalgunj. Short and sweet (and quite lazy, frankly speaking)!
Itinerary
01 Day: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
02 Day: Fly from Nepalgunj to Talcha and hike to Rara
03 Day: Explore Rara
04 Day: Hike from Rara to Talcha and fly to Nepalgunj
05 Day: Fly from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
Langtang is a beautiful village in Langtang Valley. It is one of the old villages of the valley. It falls under Gosaikunda Rural Municipality. The village is an important settlement of Langtang National Park. The village just before the Kyajin Gompa, the last camp of Langtang Valley trek. The valley is named after the name of the village.
Medical Facilities:
Before the Mega Earthquake of 2015, there was a clinic at Langtang village. It basically, served the local villagers including the trekkers.
2015 Nepal earthquake
The collapsed Langtang village after the mega earthquake of April 2015
A massive landslide resulting from an Avalance of Mega earthquake on 25 April 2015 destroyed the entire village. Only one structure was remaining with partial damage. And every buried under the landslide brought by the avalanche. The government took the initiative to rescue and evacuated the entire valley. The village suffered an estimated 310 deaths. The number includes 176 Langtang residents, 80 foreign tourists, and 10 army personnel. More than 100 bodies are still missing and could never be recovered.
After Earthquake, the Nepal Government including tourism stakeholders like the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and other INGOs worked in the valley for trail restoration and rebuilding. Bridges have been constructed on the trail to Langtang Valley and everything is revived now.
Accommodation / Lodges in Langtang Village
All the hotels have been reconstructed in Langtang village. The local lodges are relocated just behind the old village. The village has built many new Teahouses now and in operation. The teahouses in the new village are basic but comfortable.
We can name some of the lodges of Lantang village Peaceful Guest House, Hotel Red Panda, Himalayan Guest House, Sunrise Guest House, Eco Guest House, Tashi Delek Guest House, Tibetan Guest House, Lucky Guest House, Shangri La Hotel, Everest Guest House, Hotel Moonlight, Buddha Guest House, Village View Hotel, etc.
Getting the Langtang village
A day’s drive from Kathmandu takes you to Syabrubensi, the trailhead of the Langtang Valley trek. It is a 10-12 hour walk from Syabrubensi to reach the village. The trekkers, generally take a night halt before Langtang. So, it is a two-camp distance from Syabrubensi.
What to expect at Langtang?
Langtang valley receives the name from the same village. It is the densest settlement of Langtang valley before the mega Earthquake of 2015. The earthquake completely buried the Langtang Village under the debris. The beautiful waterfall coming from the side of Langtang Lirung beautifies the surrounding. You will witness the debris over the old Langtang village that had resulted in massive death and a huge loss. The memorial wall just before the new Langtang village record the names of people who lost their lives during the mega earthquake. Furthermore, visitors can often spot wild animals like Himalayan goats, Ghoral nearby the waterfall areas.
