Langtang Valley Trek is a simple and easy to moderate-level trek. But sometimes the accommodation options of this trek might raise the difficulty a bit. In the Langtang Valley Trek, your primary choice for accommodation will be mostly tea houses or budgeted lodges, which we will discuss more about in this guide.
Langtang Valley Trek offers fantastic adventure among the majestic landscapes of the Langtang region. It is among the hidden gems that are not as commercial as the other popular trekking destinations like Everest and the Annapurna region. During your Langtang Valley trek, you will spend more time in teahouse accommodation, especially at high altitudes.
These teahouses are a blessing for weary travelers looking for a place to rest and spend time recovering from fatigue. While trekking in Nepal, meals are typically provided at the teahouses or lodges where you stay, making them the primary food source during your trek. Teahouses are often very packed during the peak season, whereas in the season, they are less packed or sometimes even closed. So, in this guide, we will talk about some of the teahouses and some tips for choosing the best accommodation during your trek.
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Features of Teahouses
Teahouses serve as the primary form of accommodation, particularly in the highly remote settlements of the Langtang region. The high-altitude villages have less infrastructure, such as hotels and lodges, so the only accommodation is the teahouses. Teahouses are simple houses in the villages with small but more expansive rooms with multiple beds and attached bathrooms. Some teahouses are more advanced and have more facilities than customary and simple teahouses. So, let’s examine the features of teahouses.
1. Shared Rooms:
General teahouses in Nepal have the common feature of a shared room. You will find an expansive room with multiple beds. These shared rooms are mostly cheaper than private rooms and are occasionally used by trekkers looking for a budget-friendly trek in the Langtang region. The rooms have 2-3 beds, often shared with other trekkers, and some have attached bathrooms, which you have shared with other trekkers. So, if you don’t have any problem talking with other trekkers and are comfortable sharing a room, which decreases your accommodation cost, then a shared room trek is the way to go.
2. Private Rooms:
Some teahouses in the region are advanced and can provide private rooms. However, there are only 2-3 rooms for the trekkers willing to spend more money. Trekkers often prefer to stay in a private room, so teahouses have now started to provide private room services. Generally, private rooms charge from $30 to $50 per day. In certain private rooms, there are attached bathrooms. However, in some teahouses, you may need to share a common bathroom in the hallway. Choosing private rooms is advisable if you care about your privacy and want a simple, quiet, cozy rest after a long trek.
3. Food and Dining Spaces
During your trek, you need well-balanced food filled with nutrients and proteins. Often, you will eat food in the teahouse where you stay. Teahouses in these areas usually serve food three times a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In these teahouses, apart from your room, there will be a separate room where you will find kitchen and dining spaces. A few years back, sometimes you may have to sit on a floor covered with carpets and blankets, but most teahouses have dining tables lately. In terms of food, you will have the choice of eating local Nepali food or some western dishes. Dal, Bhat, and Curry are the most common dishes for lunch and dinner, whereas in the morning, you will have options such as eggs, bread, toast, chapatis, and others.
4. Toilets and Sinks
Knowing that the toilets are essential in the high-altitude teahouses is necessary. Often, you will get an explanation from the guide that only some minor teahouses have western toilets, whereas usually, you will find the basic toilets where you have to squat. Usually, you will also have to share your toilets with other trekkers. They are spotless and are often cleaned daily, and there is no danger to your hygiene if you use them. You often get running water for 24 hours and a drum and mug to save your tap water. If you require hot showers, you must ask the teahouse owner to boil some for an extra charge, as cold showers are the only option in the bathrooms. You will use a bucket and mug instead of showerheads for hot water showers.
Insider Tips:
Now that we’ve covered the accommodation options at Langtang Valley teahouses let’s delve into some insider tips to help you make the most of your stay:
1. Book in Advance:
During peak trekking seasons, teahouses along the Langtang Region Trek can fill up quickly, especially in famous villages such as Lama Hotel Kyanjin Gompa and Langtang Village. To ensure you have a place to stay, it’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance, either through a trekking agency or directly with the teahouse.
2. Bring a Sleeping Bag:
While teahouses provide bedding, bringing your sleeping bag for added warmth and comfort is good, especially during cold nights at higher elevations. A lightweight sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures can make all the difference in ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
3. Pack Earplugs:
Teahouses can get noisy, especially during peak trekking seasons when they are filled with travelers. To ensure a good night’s sleep, consider packing earplugs to block out noise and ensure a peaceful rest.
4. Bring Cash:
Most teahouses in Langtang Valley do not accept credit cards, so bringing enough cash to cover your accommodation, meals, and any additional expenses during your trek is essential. It’s also a good idea to carry small denominations of Nepali rupees, as change may be limited in remote areas.
5. Respect Local Customs:
Respecting local customs and traditions is important when staying at teahouses in Langtang Valley. Remove your shoes before entering common areas or private rooms, greet your hosts with a smile and a friendly “namaste,” and avoid wearing revealing clothing or misbehaving.
6. Support Local Businesses:
Teahouses in Langtang Valley are typically family-owned and operated, and staying at these establishments directly supports the local community. Be sure to patronize the teahouses for meals, snacks, and drinks, and consider purchasing souvenirs or handicrafts made by local artisans.
Conclusion:
Accommodation during your Langtang Valley trek is often in the high-altitude tea houses. The teahouses offer new experiences for novice trekkers, but you’ll quickly feel at ease as you settle in. The proprietors are welcoming and eager to assist you in every way possible.
If you are planning to trek Langtang Valley during peak season, then it is wise that you prebook your teahouses or any other accommodation. If you engage with the trekking agency, they will prebook it. Often, our guides have good connections with the local teahouses, which will help you get better services than usual. So before your trek, we recommend you book your Langtang Valley Trek with GloriousHimalaya.
