Langtang Valley Trek is one of the underrated treks in Nepal. Often called the hidden gem of the trek, it is not as popular as the Everest or Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Since the region is remote, you often stay at the teahouses during your trek. In this guide, you will learn about the foods and accommodations you may find in your Langtang region.
Langtang Valley Trek is one of the nearest treks north of Kathmandu. Many trekkers consider Langtang Valley among the shortest treks in the world. Langtang region is famous for its outstanding natural beauty, pristine mountain views, and majestic trails. Among the trails, you will find your means of accommodation. In towns and cities, you might stay in hotels and lodges, but as you move to a high altitude, you will find plenty of teahouses where you will stay. So let’s get into more details.
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Here’s an overview of the foods and accommodations you can expect in the Langtang Valley trek.
Accommodations on the Langtang Valley Trek
Accommodation in the Langtang Valley Trek often consists of small but cozy teahouses that offer basic and comfortable lodging. Every room has twin separate beds and shared toilets, bathrooms, and sinks. The teahouses on the ridge of the high-altitude village, with the majestic view of the mountains from their compounds, naturally attract many tourists and trekkers. The teahouses are operated by local people who are very friendly and welcoming. So, let’s look at some of the accommodations in this trek in some of the essential places of the Langtang Valley Trek.
Syabrubesi:
Syabrubesi is the starting point of the Langtang Valley Trek. This town is more developed than other villages during the trek. Hence, you will get to stay in budgeted hotels and lodges. Guesthouses are also quite standard and are cheaper than hotels. In guesthouses, the rooms are cozy and clean, and you will get single-bed rooms. However, there might be only a single toilet on each floor, which you may have to share. You will encounter the authentic rustic atmosphere of the Langtang Valley Trek in the guesthouse area, providing you with an unparalleled experience.
Lama Hotel
One of the iconic places to stay during your trek is the Lama Hotel. This popular hotel is known to everyone from local to foreign trekkers. Although the rooms are essential, they are more developed than other guesthouses or teahouses in the region. If you are trekking in the off-season, you can either get a private room or a shared room with a twin bed, like in other teahouses. VIP rooms have attached toilets, while standard rooms require sharing.
Langtang Village
The Langtang Village was once a busy place with many guesthouses. However, the earthquake in 2015 caused extensive damage. Now, the locals have built new teahouses in the village’s new location to accommodate trekkers. The new teahouses are simple but comfortable and provide essential amenities like hot meals, clean rooms, and friendly service. Even though the village was devastated, the Langtang community’s spirit is still alive in the new cozy lodgings. Trekkers can once again stay overnight in the peaceful town surrounded by tall mountains before continuing their journey up the valley. Langtang Village, though essential, has been renewed and offers a friendly place to stay in the stunning Himalayan scenery.
Kyanjin Gompa
Kyajin Gompa, situated at a higher altitude, provides teahouses with stunning panoramic views. Due to the altitude, accommodations here may be more basic, but they offer a unique experience of staying close to the mountains. Rooms here are basic with separate two-single beds. Commonly, toilets are shared with other trekkers outside the room or teahouse. Trekkers often appreciate the simplicity and serenity of Kyajin Gompa teahouses.
Foods in Langtang Valley Trek
Langtang Valley Trek’s food service revolves around teahouses offering diverse local and international dishes. Trekkers can relish hearty meals like dal bhat, momos, and regional specialties, providing essential energy for the trek. This Himalayan region’s breathtaking mountain views and warm hospitality enrich the culinary experience.
Breakfast Items
During the Langtang Valley trek in Nepal, you’ll find a variety of breakfast options in the teahouses along the trail. Here are some everyday breakfast items that you can expect:
Porridge (Oatmeal) and muesli: A warm and hearty bowl of oatmeal is often available and can be served with honey, nuts, or dried fruits.
Eggs: You can have eggs prepared in various ways, such as omelets, scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, or fried eggs.
Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes are a popular breakfast option, often served with honey, jam, or syrup.
Bread and Jam: Freshly baked bread with butter and jam is a simple and quick breakfast choice.
Hot Soups: Veg and chicken hot soups are available for breakfast at the teahouses on the Langtang Valley trek.
Yogurt with Muesli or Granola: A lighter option that includes yogurt with muesli or granola, sometimes accompanied by fresh fruits.
Local Tibetan Bread: Most teahouses offer Tibetan bread, which is fried or baked bread served with honey or jam. Don’t miss this opportunity to savor the delightful Tibetan bread, a local specialty that adds a unique touch to your morning meal.
Hash Browns or Potatoes: Fried or grilled potatoes, sometimes in the form of hash browns, can be a filling and energy-packed breakfast.
Fruit Salad: Depending on the season, you may find a fruit salad with locally available fruits.
Cheese or Plain Toast: Plain toast with cheese is are easy and quick option.
Beverages: Tea, coffee, milk, and hot chocolate are commonly available to accompany your breakfast.
These breakfast staples provide trekkers with essential proteins and carbohydrates to fuel their energy for the day’s trekking. Trekkers can relish their breakfast while enjoying breathtaking mountain views, setting the tone for an adventurous day on the Langtang Valley trail.
Lunch & Dinner Items
The Langtang Valley trek in Nepal offers a unique and beautiful experience. When it comes to meals during the trek, you’ll find a variety of options, especially in the teahouses along the trail. Here are some everyday lunch and dinner items you can expect to see:
Dal Bhat: A traditional Nepali dish consisting of lentil soup (dal) and rice (Bhat), and usually served with vegetables, pickles, and sometimes meat or fish. It’s a staple and is often unlimited, allowing you to have refills if you’re still hungry.
Momos/Dumplings: These are dumplings filled with meat (usually chicken, buffalo, or yak), vegetables, or cheese. They can be steamed or fried and are a popular snack or meal.
Thukpa: A Tibetan noodle soup with vegetables, meat, or egg. It’s a hearty and warming option, especially in colder weather.
Fried Rice and Noodles: You’ll find variations of fried rice and noodles with different ingredients such as vegetables, eggs, and meat. This is a familiar option for those who prefer a more familiar dish.
Pasta and Pizza: Teahouses also offer pasta dishes with various sauces, providing a bit of variety to your meals. In certain teahouses, you might find pizzas with a local twist. While the ingredients may differ, they offer a comforting and satisfying lunch option.
Eggs: Eggs are usually available in different preparations, such as omelets, boiled eggs, or scrambled eggs. They can be a good source of protein.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Many teahouses offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as vegetable curry, stir-fried vegetables, and lentil soup.
Local Specialties: Depending on the teahouse, you might also find local specialties. Be sure to ask for recommendations and try some of the regional dishes, such as Dhindo, gundruk, and Sel roti.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Some teahouses offer Western-style sandwiches or wraps with a variety of fillings. These options are familiar to those seeking a break from traditional Nepali cuisine.
Tea and Hot Drinks: Remember to stay hydrated with a variety of hot drinks, such as masala tea, ginger tea, or hot lemon with honey.
It’s important to note that the availability of items may vary depending on the teahouse and the season. The menus are generally designed to cater to trekkers’ needs and provide a balance of carbohydrates and proteins for energy during the trek.
Toilets and Bathroom Facilities
While the toilet and bathroom facilities on the Langtang Valley Trek may be essential, they are part of the authentic trekking experience. Trekkers are encouraged to approach these facilities with an open mind, understanding that they contribute to sustainable and responsible tourism practices in the region.
Here is an overview of the types of toilets and bathrooms you might encounter at teahouses:
Toilets: The local guesthouse in Syabrubesi may have Western or squat toilets. However, in higher altitude teahouses, standard squat toilets are prevalent. These are basic facilities where users squat over a hole outside a small hut. They are relatively simple and may not have a flushing mechanism.
Bathrooms: Teahouses typically have shared bathroom facilities with basic amenities such as a bucket of cold water and a mug. Hot water for bathing may be available for an additional cost.
Bucket Showers: Hot water may be provided in a bucket for a rudimentary shower experience. Keep in mind that at higher altitudes, creature comforts are limited, and the focus is on functionality.
Tips for Toilets and Personal Hygiene:
- Please bring your toilet paper, as it may not be readily available in remote areas.
- Carry hand sanitizer to maintain hygiene, especially in areas where running water is scarce.
- Be prepared for the cultural norm of not flushing toilet paper; instead, dispose of it in a designated bin.
Final words
Langtang Valley Trek is a short but fun adventure that gives you a sense of reward when you complete the trek. Despite being a short trek, you must be physically fit, well rested, and eat nutritious food to enjoy your trek overall. Common Nepali dishes like Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari are very tasty and will give you power. If you crave Western dishes like pizzas, burgers, and momos, you can eat them at some teahouses, but the majority will only serve you Nepali dishes.
In terms of accommodation, only towns and cities have decent hotels and lodges, which are decently expensive. As you climb the altitude, you will not stay in hotels or lodges but in teahouses or homestays. They are simple homes with rooms with twin beds and shared bathrooms. The teahouses are operated by welcoming local Nepali people who will help you feel warm by giving you pillows, blankets, bedsheets, and warm rooms.