Accommodation and Food in Langtang Region
Accommodation and Food facility the in Langtang Region
The Langtang region is a very beautiful and easy-access trekking area in Nepal.
It is known for its amazing landscapes, quiet villages, and warm welcome, which makes it a very popular destination for beginners as well as for experienced trekkers.
Along the trekking trails, we see a great many teahouses and lodges are used as shelters. They have basic services and a stopover point at the end of a long day of hiking.
These accommodations in Langtang Region are owned by local families with great warmth and care. They give you a peek into the traditional mountain way of life.
In this blog, we will be learning about all that you need to know regarding your accommodation and food in the Langtang Region.
Whether you are going on a day hike or a multi-day trip into the Himalayas, this guide will help you prepare for Accommodation and Food in Langtang Region.
Types of Accommodation in the Langtang Region
In the Langtang region, trekkers have a few choices for where to stay. Although the area is very remote, the local people have put in great effort to develop visitor accommodation.
We will go over the main types of accommodation you will come across on the trek.
1. Teahouses
Teahouses are what you will mostly stay in in the Langtang region. These are small guesthouses which also serve food and are run by locals. Teahouses usually have basic rooms, which include twin beds, shared bathrooms, and simple wooden furnishings.
Do not expect a life of luxury, but we do promise you a clean bed, warm blankets, and a great meal. Also, most teahouses have a large dining area, which is a gathering point for trekkers in the evening as they warm themselves by the stove and trade stories.
Teahouses in Langtang are in almost every village along the trail, which is from Syabrubesi to Kyanjin Gompa. As you go higher, the teahouses become simpler, but still, they provide great shelter and basic facilities for rest.
2. Lodges
Lodges in the Langtang area are of a better standard than the teahouses. They are of a larger scale and may present better rooms with private bathrooms in lower areas like Syabrubesi, Lama Hotel, or Ghoda Tabela.
Also, some lodges may have solar-powered showers, charge points, and private rooms, which in turn are more comfortable.
These fit in with travellers who are looking for privacy and a calm rest after a very tired day of walking. The cost of lodges is a little more than a teahouse but still very much within most travellers means.
3. Basic Hotels
At the start of the Langtang trek, you will find some basic hotel options there are in Syabrubesi and Dhunche.
They have attached bathrooms, better-quality linens, and a great choice of dining options. These hotels are ideal for a pre or post-trek stop.
As you go into the hills, hotel-level comfort is hard to come by. Also, these are mostly in lower elevation areas before you hit the main trekking trail.
4. Camping
Camping in Langtang has decreased in recent times, which is because we have teahouses all along the trek. But still, some people do camp, mostly if they are looking for privacy, are in big groups, or are into out-of-the-way trails.
If you go camping, bring in porters and guides for your gear, food, and cooking equipment. Camping is a wonderful way to get back to nature and enjoy the quiet, but it is also more of a plan and a bigger investment.
Most organized trekking companies provide full camping packages for those looking for an adventure.
What to Expect from Teahouse Accommodation in Langtang?
Tea houses are the core of the trekking experience in the Langtang region. They are small, family-run guesthouses that the local people have put up to support the trekkers out on the trail.
While of a simple nature, teahouses do provide for all your needs if you are out in the mountains for the night. What you may expect during your stay:
Room Types and Sleeping Arrangements
Most teahouse rooms are small with single beds. The rooms are made up of wood, have thin walls, and include basic furniture such as a small table, hooks for clothes, and a window.
As for bedding, there is a foam mattress, pillow, bed sheet, and heavy blankets. It is best to pack your own sleeping bag; also, as altitude increases, so does the drop in temperature.
In many of places like Syabrubesi at the Lama Hotel and Langtang Village, you’ll find twin rooms. In Kyanjin Gompa, some teahouses have better rooms, which include larger beds and private bathrooms.
Toilets and Bathrooms
The toilet and bathroom at Langtang Valley Trek are different as per the altitudes. In places like Syabrubesi and Ghoda Tabela, which are at lower altitudes, we have rooms with attached bathrooms or clean shared bathrooms, which include western-style seats.
As you move up high, at points past Langtang Village and Kyanjin Gompa, what you’ll find are shared toilets, which to note are of the squat variety.
In some places, we have hot showers, which may come at an extra price (of around NPR 200 to 400). Also, these may be solar or gas-powered.
Blankets and Warmth
In each teahouse, heavy blankets are provided, but in the evenings and at higher altitudes, it drops very cold. At places like Lama Hotel and Kyanjin Gompa, it gets cold at night, in winter or early spring.
While blankets are an option, we also recommend that you bring your own sleeping bag for better warmth and hygiene.
Teahouses feature a main hall, which is also the location of a large stove in the center that gets very busy and lively in the evenings. Here travelers come to eat, talk, and warm up.
Electricity and Charging Facilities
Electricity is present in most teahouses which include Syabrubesi and Langtang Village at lower altitudes. In higher areas, power may be intermittent and at the discretion of the sun.
Some rooms will have charging ports; however, most of the time, you will have to charge your devices in the dining area, which is for a fee (approx. NPR 200 to 300 per device).
In Kyanjin Gompa it is that which many teahouses are fitted with solar panels. You may, while you visit, be able to plug in your phone and camera, yet power may still be an issue on overcast days.
Wi-Fi and Mobile Networks
Wi-Fi in the Langtang area is a hit-and-miss. In Syabrubesi and Langtang Village, some teahouses do provide Wi-Fi, which is, however, of a slow speed.
At the top of Kyanjin Gompa, you may have limited service based on the weather and which provider you have. It is best to get an Ncell or NTC SIM card before you start the trek, although in many areas, the signal is poor.
Cost of Accommodation in Langtang
Accommodation costs in Langtang are very reasonable when compared to other popular trekking destinations in Nepal like the EBC Trek, ABC Trek. What you pay usually depends on the location, altitude, season and type of room you choose.
In most cases, teahouses and lodges have a set rate for the room, which also includes meals.
Lower Altitude (Syabrubesi, Lama Hotel):
In places like Syabrubesi and Lama Hotel, which are on the lower end, the average night rate for a basic twin room is out to be between NPR 500 and NPR 800.
In these areas, which do have better facilities, we see that some places may also put forward the option of an attached bathroom for a little extra.
Mid Altitude (Ghoda Tabela, Langtang Village):
As you go higher, prices remain the same or may see a slight increase, which is due to the effort of bringing in the goods. At these altitudes, rooms go for between NPR 700 to 1,000 per night.
Higher Altitude (Kyanjin Gompa):
At the highest altitudes at places like Kyanjin Gompa, the cost of stay is between NPR 800 to 1,200 per night, which may vary based on the quality of the teahouse and what facilities are available. Some lodges may add extra charges for rooms that have private bathrooms or better views.
Seasonal Price Changes
High Season (March to May, September to November):
During the spring and fall, which are very busy, we see prices on the high side. It is a good idea to book in advance or to arrive early in the day at the teahouses to get a good room.
Off-Season (Monsoon and Winter):
In summer (June to August) and winter (December to February), which is the off-season, we see that prices drop a little bit, and rooms become more available. Some teahouses also offer discounts, but not all of them are open, particularly during the cold months.
Availability of Hot Showers
In many teahouses and lodges along the Langtang trekking trail, you will find hot showers. The area is remote, most hot water comes from solar and gas heating.
In places like Syabrubesi, Lama Hotel, and Ghoda Tabela, which are at lower and mid altitudes, you will find hot showers, which usually come for a price of around NPR 200 to 400 per shower.
As you go up towards Langtang Village and Kyanjin Gompa, hot showers become scarce, but we do still see them in some lodges. Also, the price goes up, and at times, showers may be restricted to certain hours due to energy issues.
During cloudy and rainy days, heated showers may not be an option, which is why it’s a good idea to bear in mind that you may experience cold showers at times.
Instead of a shower, you can also bring along quick dry towels, which may change the experience a bit. Also, many other hikers do just fine with a warm blanket and a hot drink at the end of the day when a shower is not an option.
Food during the Langtang Valley Trek
Along the Langtang trek trail, we have teahouses and lodges, which put out a great range of food to keep you going throughout your trip.
Most menus are basic but filling, which also cater to different tastes and dietary requirements. As we go along, you will see that:
Breakfast
Breakfast is simple and light but at the same time, enough to get you going for the day. It includes:
Porridge (Banana, Oats, or Millet)
Eggs (Boiled, Fried, or Omelet)
Toast or bread with Jam and Butter
Pancakes or Chapati (flatbread)
Tea and coffee, which includes traditional Nepali milk tea
Grains or cereals like cornflakes with milk (which is a less common option but may be found in some areas).
Most at dawn and early morning hours from 6 to 9 AM are what teahouses offer for breakfast. It is a good thing to place your order early so your food is out when you are.
Lunch
Lunch is out to be the main meal of the day. Many trekkers break at teahouses or lodges along the trail to reload before getting back on their feet.
Dal Bhat (which is rice and lentils and vegetables) is a very healthy option of the culture, which also happens to be a staple.
Noodles or fried rice, whichever works for quick meals.
Momo (Nepalese dumplings) steamed or fried, served with spicy sauce.
Soups (vegetable or chicken) also happen to be warm and very comforting when the weather is cold.
Sandwich and burger options in some tea rooms at lower levels.
Lunch service is from late morning until midafternoon. Also, you will see that we have a variety of snacks, which include cookies, biscuits and chocolate bars to keep you fueled in between meals.
Dinner
Dinner is a step up from lunch, which is usually very light as most trekkers prefer to rest in the afternoons. As for what’s on the menu, we have:
Dal Bhat with Vegetable or Meat
Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup) is a favourite in the higher regions like Kyanjin Gompa
Vegetable or chicken soup
Rice or noodles with stir-fried vegetables
Tea or hot milk before bedtime
Most teahouses serve food until 8 PM at night. In busy seasons, it is best to place your order early to secure your meal.
Food in Langtang teahouses is of good quality for the most part. We just don’t see the same level of variety as in restaurants.
The menu items are fresh and mainly home-cooked by local families, which in turn gives you that true trekker experience.
Local Nepali Foods on the Langtang Valley Trek
While in the Langtang region, you will find a wide range of traditional Nepali dishes. They are tasty and nutritious, which in turn is great for the energy levels you will need for the trek. Here are some that you will come across:
Dal Bhat:
Dal Bhat, in fact, is the primary and very traditional Nepali meal. It has Rice (Bhat), which is steamed, lentil soup (Dal), vegetable curry, and, at times, pickles (chutney).
In most teahouses, Dal Bhat is put out twice a day, and it is a great source of carbs and protein.
Momo:
Momo, which is of Nepali origin, is filled with veggies, chicken, or Buff (which is buffalo meat). They are generally steamed but can also be fried. Momos come with spicy tomato chutney and are a go-to choice for a snack or meal.
Thukpa:
Thukpa is a type of warm noodle soup that is from Tibet but is very popular in Nepal’s mountain areas. It has noodles and vegetables in it and may include meat like chicken or buffalo, which makes it very comforting after a cold day.
Sel Roti:
This is a classic Nepali sweet, which is of the fried rice doughnut type. It is crisp on the outside and soft in the middle, often enjoyed as a snack with tea.
Gundruk:
Gundruk is a fermented leafy green veg soup or side dish which is very rich in vitamins. In many teahouses, it is a popular local specialty.
Aloo Tama:
Aloo Tama is a dish of potatoes (aloo) and bamboo shoots (tama), which also includes black-eyed peas or lentils. It is a very spicy and sour dish that is a specialty of Nepali cuisine.
Chatamari:
Also known as Nepali pizza, chatamari is a thin rice flour crepe that is filled with minced meat or vegetables. It also does very well in the mountain areas and is a great snack.
Vegetarian and Vegan Food in Langtang
In the Langtang region vegetarian options are easy to find. Most teahouses and lodges which are on the trekking route have a large variety of vegetarian dishes.
Dal Bhat, which has lentils, rice and vegetable curry, is a natural choice for the vegetarian option and is also very easy to find. Also, try vegetable momo, noodle soups with veggies, fried rice, and simple stir-fries.
For vegans, the choices are few but doable. Many dishes contain butter, milk, or cheese, which is a no-go for us, so you must ask out of care.
Momos do have meat or eggs or butter; also, some soups and curries may have milk or cream. As for simple dishes, which are plain rice, lentil soup without butter, vegetable stir fry, and fresh vegetable soups, we usually do have which are vegan if prepared without dairy.
In regions like Kyanjin Gompa, which are at high altitude, the choice of fresh produce is limited because of issues with transport and weather.
It is also helpful to communicate your dietary requirements clearly to the teahouse staff and to be flexible with your food choices.
While veg and vegan options are available, you will see that the choice is sometimes limited in comparison to what is available in the cities or lower-altitude trekking areas.
For longer treks or when you’re in remote areas, it is a good idea to pack some energy bars or snacks.
Drinking Water and Beverage Options
Staying well-hydrated is a must while out on the trek in Langtang. Most teahouses have boiled water, which is safe for you to drink.
Boil kills harmful germs out in the field, which is why it is the best option if you want to avoid stomach issues. Boiled water is also usually given out for free or at a very low cost.
Bottled water is available at many locations along the trail which is particularly the case in the lower regions like Syabrubesi and Lama Hotel.
In many high-altitude areas, bottled water is a costly option, and we see large amounts of plastic waste, which is harmful to the environment. It is a better option to have a reusable water bottle that you fill with either boiled or treated water.
Tea is what you will mostly find at teahouses. We have Nepali milk tea, which includes milk and sugar or black tea.
Coffee is a lesser option but can be found in some teahouses at places like Langtang Village and Kyanjin Gompa. Also very popular are herbal teas and hot lemon drinks, which are great for cold weather.
To ensure safe drinking water on the trail, many trekkers use water purification tablets, filters, or UV sterilizers. These also help when you can’t boil the water that is available or if you prefer to drink from the stream without treatment.
Remember to drink lots of fluids for energy and to prevent altitude sickness. Also, do not drink from rivers or streams without treatment to keep healthy during your trek.
Special Dishes of Langtang
In the Langtang region, you’ll find some unique local foods and delicacies that you may not see in other areas. Also, these special dishes, which are influenced by Tibetan culture, add a different touch to your trekking experience.
Yak Cheese:
One of the popular local products is yak cheese. Made from yaks’ milk, it has a mild saltiness and firm texture. It goes well as a snack and is included in soups and dishes. In Kyanjin Gompa and the nearby villages, you will find it.
Buckwheat Bread:
Buckwheat bread, also known as “Rotlo”, is a traditional dish in Langtang. What does well in high-altitude areas is buckwheat, which is used by the locals to make a flatbread that is very filling. It is served with vegetable curry or lentils.
Tibetan Butter Tea:
Also, do try out Tibetan butter tea, which is also known as Po Cha. This is a warm, salty tea made with tea leaves, yak butter, salt and, at times, milk. It has a very rich, unique taste and helps keep you warm in cold weather.
Trying out these local dishes gives you a taste of what Langtang has to offer culturally, and it enhances your trekking experience.
Tips on Dealing with Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions
If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, pay attention while in the Langtang region. Most teahouse owners and staff do have knowledge of what is a basic dietary need, but at times, the language barrier can make it hard.
Before you hit the trail, learn some basic food-related phrases in Nepali or bring out a card that details your food allergies and restrictions (for example, “No nuts, “No dairy, or “Vegetarian only”.
Give the information to the staff at mealtimes, which will, in turn, help to avoid misunderstandings and ensure your food is safe.
In remote areas, kitchen options may be few, so please bear with it and stay courteous. Also, do take what you need to eat on yourself; we don’t want you to go hungry or out of your diet.
Do check labels for that which may cause a reaction in your body, especially things like gluten, nuts, or dairy.
Cost of Food on the Langtang Trekking Route
Food prices in Langtang do vary by location and season but, for the most part, are very affordable. As a guide, here are the average costs:
Breakfast: At NPR 200 to 400 ($1.50 to $3.50,) we usually see options of porridge, eggs, toast, or pancakes.
Lunch: Between the range of NPR 300 to 600 ($2.50 to $5). We have dal bhat, noodles, or Momo.
Dinner: At lunch, in that same range of 300 to 600 ($2.50 to $5) is what you can expect. Dal bhat is the go-to and economical option.
Snacks and Drinks: Tea and coffee go for a range of NPR 50 to 150 ($0.4 to $1.25). As for snacks, which could be biscuits or chocolate bars that range from NPR 100 to 300 ($1 to $2.5).
Final words on Food and Accommodation in Langtang
While in the Langtang area, it is key to come prepared and think through your food and accommodation options. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
Do
Always have some cash with you, many teahouses do not accept cards or digital payments.
Take your reusable water bottles and use water purification methods to keep them safe and cut down on plastic.
For long trek days, which have little to no food options, pack basic snacks like energy bars, nuts, or biscuits.
Inform teahouse staff of any dietary restrictions politely.
Bring warm clothing and a quality sleeping bag which may be required to use at some accommodations that run cool, especially at higher elevations.
Bring your own in the way of toiletries, which includes toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as they may not be provided.
Don’t
Don’t be dependent on bottled water, go for boiled or treated water instead.
Steer clear of raw and uncooked food from unknown sources to prevent stomach issues.
No to luxury accommodation, what you’ll get is simple rooms and basic facilities.
Do not forget to leave a tip for the guides and porters.
Money Tips:
Food and altitude increase, and so does the cost of accommodation, which is the case in Kyanjin Gompa. It is better to bring more money than you think you will require. Also, have handy small notes for easy transactions.
FAQS
Can I get two blankets while staying in Langtang?
Well, it depends on the season you are trekking, during the off seasons you can get more than two blankets since the teahouses are not packed, but during the season you will only get one blanket.
Should I carry my own purification tablets?
Yes, you should carry purification tablets from the city itself to maintain and drink safe water.
Do the teahouses in Langtang provide toiletries?
No, the teahouses in Langtang Valley Trek do not provide toiletries. You must bring your own wipes, toilet paper and others as per your needs.
Is it safe to eat meat during the Langtang trek?
It’s generally recommended to avoid meat in higher villages, as it is not fresh and has to be carried up from lower regions without proper refrigeration. Stick to vegetarian meals for safety.
Do I get to charge my electronics at every teahouse in Langtang?
Yes, you might charge your devices at every teahouse in Langtang, but it depends on it is being operated by electricity or solar.
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