Trekking in Langtang/Helambu Region

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Welcome to Nepal Langtang-Helambu trekking menu. The page provides exclusive information, itineraries, schedules, trekking equipments, basic knowledge of both lodge (tea house) & tented camp trekking in Nepal with Fully escorted to Langtnag valley-Kyanjingompa, Langtang-Ganjala pass, Langtang-Gosaingkund sacred lakes, Helambu-Kakani and Helambu-Chisapani-Nagarkot as a Nepal governments licensed treks/trips/tour organizer/operator agency in Nepal.

Just to the north of Kathmandu are two lovely regions; accessible without flights where we can experience Tamang and Sherpa life, temperate forest and alpine pastures, glaciers, lakes and snowy peaks. Helambu valley noted for its scenic grandeur and pleasant climate, lie in the north of the Kathmandu Valley. We can stay in highland monastery villages and small settlements in pristine forests. Major destinations are Langtang, Gosainkund and helambu, which can be combined in many different ways to make treks lasting from 8 days to 16 days. The main highlights of the regions are spectacular high mountain views without the complications of a flight, steep trails through deep forest with an abundance of wildlife, trekking to the foot of glaciers in the kyangjin, sherpa/tamang cultures with influences of Buddhist practice and impressive displays of wildflowers during the monsoon.

Above Helambu is a mountain pass through the lakes of Gosainkund reaching the valley of Langtang. Gosaikunda Lake itself is situated at 4,380 meters. It is sacred to Lord Shiva and every summer there throngs thousands of Hindu devotees to take a holy dip into the waters of the holy lake. Nearby are other lakes including Nagkunda, Bhairavkunda, Saraswatikunda and Suryakunda. The trek passes through a varied landscape ranging from evergreen forests, cascading waterfalls and turbulent streams to sub-alpine grasslands and stark, beautiful mountainsides.
Langtang valley stretches north of Gosainkunda. We trek through pristine forests to the village of Ghoda Tabela, and then the valley opens out into a high, Himalayan river plain full of beautiful camping sites, spectacular peaks and wide glaciers. Hiking to the back of the valley or take numerous optional trips to explore glacier-filled side are optional attractions.

Permits and fees

No trekking permits are required in this area too. The northern parts of the area largely fall within the boundaries of Langtang National Park . A National Park entry permit is required. If accessing Helambu from Kathmandu a permit is also required to pass through the Shivapuri watershed area, recently declared a national park.

Access

Access to the Langtang/helambu region can be made only by road as there are flight options. By road, the only practical road ahead at this time is Dhunche or further Sybrubensi and Sundarijal or Melamci if starting from Hemlambu side

People and Culture

The main ethnic group in this region is Tamang and second group is Sherpa. Their religion practices, language and dress are likely to those of Tibet . There are some other casts as well like Chhettri, Brahman in the lower part of the region.

Flora and Fauna

The flora and fauna to be seen are from bamboo to lush forest and chir, pine, rhododendrons, larch and some wildflowers like gentians, primroses, epiphytic orchids etc. The birds commonly seen here are owls, barbets, cuckoos, hoopoe, laughing thrushes, nightjars, sibias, billed etc and the wildlife langrus, pikas wild pig, mountain goats, deer etc.

The trails and facilities

There are tea house facilities throughout the langtang/helambu region. If you wish to trek to the side villages or Gangjala pass then certainly require the use of camping, necessary trekking staff and equipment.

Season

The peak season for trekking to this region are autumn (Sep-Nov) and spring (March-May are obviously the most popular. At these times the weather is mild and generally dry, making the walking conditions good. The spring season is good for wild flowers, particularly the rhododendrons, while the autumn season generally gives the best mountain views, as the air at this time is crystal clear.

Winter is possible but the chances of snow are higher in langtang/kyanjin and gosainkund route may be closed. The summer/monsoon period is generally unsuitable for trekking period, as the trails are slippery, leeches abundant and the mountain views are unpredictable. It can be rewarding time, however, if you are prepared to tolerate these drawbacks, as the wild flowers are at their best at this time and there are fewer tourists on the trails making interaction with the locals easier and close up.