Can we do the Langtang valley trek without a guide?
Hiring a trekking guide is not mandatory when you are planning for the Langtang Valley trek. However, accompanying a guide and porter will always make your trip safe, easy, informative, and memorable.
A well-experienced guide has tons of knowledge and this is a massive asset during trekking. A guide has an idea about the changing weather and temperature and he will land you in the safest place as soon as possible.
The trekking guides are from the mountain areas of Nepal. They are local people and keep a deep knowledge of the local aspects. Their in-depth knowledge lets travelers make their journeys worthwhile. Additionally, the trekking guides are experienced and professional to work in any probable difficult situations in the mountain.
Guides are closely familiar with the circumstances in the mountain region. He will be your best friend and safely land you during the hard times.
Furthermore, he is the most important person for motivating you to accomplish your journey. Since Langtang is a remote place with the least or no facilities in terms of medicine and transportation, taking an experienced guide would be a better choice. Oriental Journeys always recommend all its travelers accompany the guide while trekking for the safest journey ever in the Himalayan region because you never know when misfortune comes and what leads you to the next!
Misfortune with solo travelers
It is safe to travel alone in most of the tourist destinations of Nepal. Some misfortune has happened to Solo Trekkers while trekking in the Nepal mountains. However, the threats are not always human-caused. The difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions sometimes become life-threatening. The mountain trails pass along the side of glacial rivers. The rivers flow with a high current. If somebody slips from the trail and falls, there will chance of getting help from a solo trekker. A volunteer website that records the missing trekker in Nepal. The misfortune happened with solo trekkers.
Missing in Langtang region Since April 21st, 2010
Langtang still seems to be a calm trekking destination. Relatively, a very low number of tourists visit the area resulting in less traffic on the trail. Especially, during the winter numbers are often lower and you may feel like traveling alone. The risk factors are not humans all the time. Altitude sickness may cause a terrible effect on solo travelers. Besides, the trekker going to the Tsergo Ri area have lost their way back to Kyanjin valley. Some even lost their life.
What does the record show?
According to the official report of the Nepal government, one female solo trekker was killed in the Langtang area. The government also has a record of trekkers being vanished or attacked. Across the country, 2-3 solo trekkers disappear. The reason is unknown and not specific. It might be due to bad weather, or without the proper knowledge of trails, or doing some risky activity while hiking from one place to another. The reported cases are usually that of solo male trekkers and trekkers traveling without a guide.
Hence, it is always advisable that you hire a guide through a registered operator. Those guides or porters are bound to be responsible for their job. They will brief you about your itinerary and are better familiar with the local area and topography.
Access the risks
While preparing for the trek go through the details of risks associated with your trekking trail. If you are sure to go for a solo trek, keep all the necessary cautions. Train yourself for a high-altitude walk. Assure yourself about your physical and mental preparedness. Choose the best season to travel so that you will meet the maximum number of other groups on the way. Do not choose off-the-beaten paths that restrict you from getting any support while in a problem. Hiring a licensed guide through a legally registered trekking company assures your safety.
Getting permits for the Langtang Valley trek without a guide
Take at least a day to get the issue of the permit for the Langtang Valley trek without a guide. There are two types of permits you should issue for Langtang Valley Trek. TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card and Langtang National Park Entry permits are the two necessary permits to trek the valley. Nepal Tourism Board in Kathamndu issues TIMS cards for FIT and solo trekkers. Apply there with a copy of your passport with a valid visa and two copies of recent photographs. For the National Park Entry Permit, apply directly at the National Park check post office just before Dhunche.
Extend your trip to Gosaikunda
The Langtang Valley Trek route shares the first section of its route with the Gosaikunda Lake trekking trail. One can extend the trekking itinerary to the Gosaikunda Lake trail after completing the Langtang valley trek. The trekking program is called Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. The same permits work for a single entry into the national park. A solo trekker or trekker without a guide can do the Gosaikunda Lake trail extension. However, one should consider the risks associated with traveling without a guide. Ascending the Gosainkunda Lake includes a steep climb which is highly prone to High altitude sickness. A rapid climb without acclimatization increases the risk level for high altitude-related health issues. It is advisable to extend their trip to Gosaikunda Lake while doing the Langtang Valley trek.
Final Thoughts
Safety and security should always be the main concern. We travel to enjoy and enrich our travel experiences. So, accommodate, accompany, and prepare to experience the best. Weather and strange terrain should not be challenged. We want to see Nepal as a safe travel destination for all kinds of travelers. Wish you all the best for your Langtang Valley trek.