Lantang Lirung Expedition Overview
Lantang Himalayan range is one of the toughest mountain ranges in the country. Not only that the Lantang Lirung expedition the highest summit in the area. Langtang Lirung expedition needs to be carried out by the north side of the popular Lantang valley and also the southwest side of Mt Shishapangma in Tibet.
You will be surprised to know that climbing Langtang Lirung is one of the toughest jobs in the country. You will find unlimited challenges along with the excitement and thrill when you climb the mountain. The Trek Nepal, with its expert team, will guide you right through the journey and the trek.
Being called one of the most remote trails, Lantang Lirung provides you with the opportunity to find new places. There have been plenty of attempts for the Langtang Lirung expedition, but most of them have been unsuccessful. You will require the highest level of technical skill, great condition, along with previous climbing experience for better results.
Similarly, all the climbers need to be mentally and physically brilliant to complete the trek, which is critical. For a very long time, the south face of Langtang Lirung has been the biggest headache for climbers. All along the way, there is also the chance to explore Langtang National Park.
Officially known as the remote national park, Langtang National Park offers an opportunity to explore flora and fauna. All in all, this peak climb could be an exciting opportunity for the climbers to explore a rare mountain.
Highlights
- Chance to climb the summit of Langtang Lirung at an altitude of 7234m
- Get the stunning views of Tsero Ri with beautiful mountains and breathtaking valleys
- Explore the mountains like Ghenug Liru, Gangchempo, Naya Kanga, and Jugal Himal
- Build up physical toughness through the trek
- Experience the beauty of ancient Bon Po and Tibetan Buddhist Culture
- Climb over the large vertical massif of 5500m.
Climbing History At Langtang Lirung (Failed)
There have been plenty of failed attempts when we talk about the Langtang Lirung expedition. There is a reason why Langtang Lirung is called the toughest mountain to climb. Based on the possibility, the first attempt was made in 1949. Bill Tilman and Peter Lloyd tried their best from the South but found it impossible.
Similarly, Japanese climbers also tried in 1959 but reached another peak. The trial by the Japanese didn’t end. They did try their hand even in 1961 when an avalanche hit them. In 1963 were also hit by avalanches, while a group of Japanese climbers couldn’t go past the 6000m mark. This happened due to a dangerous ridge and avalanches.
Attempts didn’t stop at all. A joint effort in 1964 by a British and an Australian team meant that things might happen, but it didn’t. 29 years since the first attempt, the successful climb happened in 1978.
Other unsuccessful attempts in the Langtang Lirung expedition include:
- A failed attempt by the British Canadian team in 1980 and 1984
- 2009 trial by Tomaz Humar, who ended up dying
- 1984 and 1985 attempts through the North Face but were unsuccessful
- Japanese tried in 2010, while the French tried in 2017, which failed miserably
With so much data about the failed attempts, one could say that it is actually tough to complete the Langtang Lirung expedition. If you can reach the top, it has to be one of the remarkable achievements for mountaineers and adventurers.
Successful Climb Of Langtang Lirung in 1978
28 years went by, and there have been plenty of tries to complete the Langtang Lirung expedition, but none of them were successful. Finally, after 29 years, a day came when everything changed on Langtang Lirung.
It was a team from Osaka City University, which was led by Akira Ban, and two climbers from Nepal who did the unthinkable. Through the Langtang Glacier, the team started their journey as they attempted the climb to East Ridge. 3 experienced Sherpas assisted them along the journey when things looked tough.
On October 15th, the team reached Camp 2 at an altitude of 5,710 m. It was again after 4 days that they hit camp 3. Their push didn’t stop as they hit Camp 4 and the final camp pretty soon. In the books of the Langtang Lirung expedition, the big day did appear. Seishi Wada was the first person to complete the Langtang Lirung expedition at 9.25 am.
On the other hand, Pemba Tsering Sherpa also joined her. The duo of hard work and determination made things possible for themselves. Since then, there have been plenty of successful climbs to Langtang Lirung, too.
Why Langtang Lirung Expedition?
When we have said that the Langtang Lirung expedition is one of the toughest in the country, why should we perform the climb might be the query. Well, it is for the sheer thrill that comes along with the journey.
It is one of the most rewarding 8000m climbing experiences that you can have. From true alpine challenges to steep ice and rock routes, you have much more to explore in the period above 30 days.
You will also find complex terrain, which will demand advanced skills and push climbers to cross the limits. The major reason to choose the Langtang Lirung expedition is that it isn’t that famous in the expedition journey.
Far from Everest and Manaslu, people aren’t famous for climbing Langtang, which makes it special. You will also have local interactions with people from the Tamang community, along with exploring the flora and fauna.
Besides the remoteness, the expert team of The Trek Nepal will also guide you right through the overall journey, which makes the experience better. So book Langtang Lirung for your next expedition, and also the experience.
Best Time to Plan for the Langtang Lirung Expedition
Not only is the Langtang Lirung expedition it is critical for you to complete any trek in Nepal during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Mostly spring and autumn are considered the best seasons for the climb.
During these two months, you will have brilliant weather and also better views. Along with that, the technical climb also requires better weather, which is only available during the months of Spring and Autumn.
In like manner, spring falls during the month of April to May, whereby it is the peak season for the Langtang Lirung expedition. You will find a beautiful rhododendron forest and the alpine flora right along the journey. The flowers blooming add to the color of the adventure.
Another brilliant season is autumn, when you will have great opportunities. Post monsoon, the temperature falls, and the sky is clear. You will have snow conditions on the mountains, but with experts from The Trek Nepal, you can complete the trek.
On the other hand, making the move during June to August and December to February might be a hard one. This is due to the slippery roads, frequent changes in weather, and the chance of avalanches.
With rain around, you will find it harder to grip the ice with your tools. The extreme weather makes The Trek Nepal also feel hard on themselves. You will find it absolutely tough to complete treks during winter or monsoon.
Permits and Regulations
It doesn’t matter where you trek in Nepal; finding the right option is the key. You will need to get a permit to get into any trekking route in Nepal. All the permits will be available at the Nepal Tourism Office. Along with that, the rules should also be followed during the Langtang Lirung expedition.
You will require the Langtang Lirung climbing permit for the first stage. Similarly, the climber should also have a Langtang National Park entry permit. Lastly, the climbers should have the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS). Anyone with all of these could easily perform the Langtang Lirung expedition.
Langtang Lirung Expedition Cost and Duration
It is very hard to predict the actual cost of this expedition. There are plenty of reasons for it. You will find the cost varying from season to facilities, and other factors too.
On average, you will find that the cost hovers around $10,000 on an average. From permits to guides, porters to equipment, and also the quality of accomodation, you will find that the cost from one trip to another will be different.
Similarly, the time taken for the Lantang Lirung expedition is also different. On average, you will have to spend 8 weeks on the road. Depending on the weather and time of the year, the days might be added.
Detailed Itinerary Of Langtang Lirung Expedition
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
On the very first day, we will be arriving at the hotel. After landing at the airport, you will be taken to your respective hotel and have time to rest there.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and climbing preparations
After the early morning breakfast, the whole team will move out for sightseeing in Kathmandu. A guide from The Trek Nepal will take you around the UNESCO World Heritage Site centers. Meanwhile, The Trek Nepal will get all the necessary permits ready.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche
On the 3rd day of the Langtang Lirung expedition, we get moving. A drive north of Kathmandu means that we are heading towards Dhunche. Through the hilly roads and Trishuli Bazar, we will head towards the destination. Finally, after 6 hours of riding, we reach Dhunche. On the way, you can enjoy the likes of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, etc.
Day 4: Trek from Dhunche to Thulo Syabru
Through the dusty motor road, we will push towards Syabrubesi today. As we reach Thulo Bharkhu, we will be ready to start the trek. Through the Oak and pine forest, we will head towards Barbal today. Some glimpse of Ganesh Himal and Langtang valley will be around. By the end of the day, we will reach Thulo Syabru and stay the night.
Day 5: Trek from Thulo Syabru to Lama Hotel
The trail today descends towards the Langtang river banks. We turn east from the left bank of Langtang Khola. Crossing the suspension bridge, we reach Bamboo and later Rimche. Slowly, the trail drops to Lama Hotel.
Day 6: Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang Valley
Today, we touch down in the valley on the Langtang Lirung expedition. The journey early in the morning starts from Lama Hotel as it goes through the dense forest filled with oaks, birch, hemlock, and mountain bamboo. Our next stop is Gumnachok. Following the steep climb, we will reach Ghortabela and later stay at Chyamki and Kantangsa, which are in the Langtang valley region.
Day 7: Trek from Langtang village to Kyangjin Gompa
It will be a short trek day today at the Langtang Lirung expedition. Easy trails means that we will be reaching Mundu and Sindum by midday. You will have brilliant mountain views there. Slowly, we will climb up the moraine of Lirung Glacier and later descend to Kyangjin Gompa.
Day 8: Acclimatization at Kyangjin Gompa
After being on the road for 7 straight days, we will be having a rest. Yes, it is the acclimatization day at Kyangjin Gompa region. Climbers will hike to Tsergo Ri at an altitude of 4985m. Beautiful views of Langtang Lirung and other peaks will be presented to you.
Day 9: Trek from Kyangjin Gompa to Langtang Lirung Base Camp
Yes, today we will be at the base camp of the Langtang Lirung expedition. It will be an exciting journey as we follow the Langtang Lirung glacier. Going over the labeled path and along the glacier means that things ease out. Slowly, we will be at the base camp with the Sherpa crew from The Trek Nepal.
Day 10-31: Climbing Langtang Lirung and returning to base camp
For the next 21 days, we will be training and making ourselves ready for the big push. There will be plenty of training and proper acclimatization in these 21 days. The Sherpa crew from The Trek Nepal will carry and set up camps for the big work.
All the climbers will follow the footsteps of what the Sherpa guides have to say. As we beat all the technical issues along the way, we will be viewing the most beautiful sights. When at the top, we will view the Langtang mountain ranges, Pemthang Karpo, Gangchenpo, Shishapangma, etc. After spending a short and quality time at the top, we return to the base camp.
Day 32: Trek from Base Camp to Lama Hotel
Slowly, we will be leaving the Langtang Lirung expedition behind and heading back home. From base camp today, we will target reaching Lama Hotel. First, we reach the Kyangjin Gompa and return to the Lama Hotel for the night’s stay.
Day 33: Trek from Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi
The altitude keeps dropping quickly. Passing through several traditional villages and terraced farmlands, today we will reach Syabrubesi. Through the dense rhododendron, oak, and pine forest, the journey moves ahead. Going down the trail, we will reach Syabrubesi by the end of the day.
Day 34: Drive from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu
Sadly, today is the day when we leave the traces of the Langtang Lirung expedition behind. Through the zigzag roads, we will reach Kathmandu by midday. All the guests will be transferred to their hotels. You can either rest or do the city tour
Day 35: Departure day
After 34 beautiful days in the Langtang Lirung expedition, we will head to our respective homes. A member from The Trek Nepal will drop you off at the airport with the promise to meet again.
Booking With The Trek Nepal
There are plenty of agencies that provide climbing and trekking services. However, you will find it difficult to locate an agency that does the Langtang Lirung expedition.
It is due to the remoteness of the trek. But The Trek Nepal has been doing this for a very long time. From high quality Langtang Lirung climb to completing the trek on time, you will be surprised by the quality.
Moreover, booking with The Trek Nepal is much easier. You can either call our number, visit the office, or book from the website. Hurry up, as the seats are limited for the Langtang Lirung expedition.