High Himalayan Community Project Nepal: LANGTANG REGION

Trekking to Langtang, Gosaikunda & Helambu region

Nepal Langtang trekking combines the remote and spectacular valley of Langtang, with the high mountain lakes at Gosainkund and the beautiful Helambu Valley. Visit the beautiful Langtang National park and then trek to the end of the valley to view the wonderful ice flutes of Kangchenpo. This is a superb introduction to trekking in Nepal, among some of the most beautiful scenery in the whole country. Lying 130 km north of Kathmandu, Helambu is the most accessible trekking region in Nepal.

We pass through oak and rhododendron forests and even cross glacial moraine on our way to the Tamang village of Langtang. The Langtang valley is also known as the treasure house of Alpine plants. Langtang valley is the high and isolated region is inhabited by Tamangs whose religious practices, language and dress are much more similar to Tibetan. Langtang valley has become famous ever since the British mountaineer Bill Tilman described it as the most beautiful valley in the world.

The Langtang valley is aptly called "the valley of glaciers". Easy accessibility and breathtaking mountain scenery make the Langtang valley is located north of Kathmandu valley. Langtang valley trekking offers pine forest, swift mountain streams, rugged rock and snow- capped peaks, grassy downs and meadows strewn with daisies and wild primulas. Langtang valley trekking is a right choice for both nature lovers and the adventurers. Langtang valley that is in the first National Park of Nepal – Langtang National Park, could be linked with Sherpa dominant valley of Helembu either by Gosainkund Pass 4,610m or by Ganja La pass 5,122m.

Initially langtang valley trekking through a sub-tropical jungle, then a dense forest of oak, birch and pine before the valley opens out into alpine meadows and yak pastures. In the spring these high meadows are carpeted with a rich variety of alpine wild flowers also the forests are also in full bloom with rare tree orchids and the colorful rhododendron, Nepal's national flower, also a spring highlight. The Langtang forests are also well known for their wildlife, including red pandas, Himalayan black bear, wild boar, numerous ungulate species such as musk deer snow leopard, wild dog, Ghoral, Serow and more than 250 species of birds and Himalayan Tahr. Langur monkeys are likely to see packs of these monkeys between Syabru and Ghora Tabela. Beyond Langtang village is the summer settlement of Kyanjin with its small gompa and cheese factory. Our camp here amongst yak pastures, dominated by the fluted north west face of Kangchenpo, whilst Kyangjin Ri at 4708m provides a splendid viewpoint. The views from here are as spectacular as anywhere in the Himalaya, a 360 degree panorama of snow capped including the awesome Langtang Lirung, Pemthang Ri, Langshisha Ri, Dorje Lakpa, and Kangchenpo, Tilman's fluted peak.

Three main trek routes; 1) Langtang Valley, 2) Tamang heritage trail 3) Gosaikunda Lake and 4) Helambu cover much of the Langtang region and the southern Helambu region. Langtang and Helambu regions are connected through Lauribina La All routes have the facilities of locally operated hotel/lodge, teahouse, and campgrounds for groups. The park offers a choice of moderate to more difficult hiking with duration ranging from 3 days to 3 weeks. Lodges operate year round except during the peak winter when the trails are blocked.

The highlights of trekking

Chipper trekking routes among others, very close trekking area from Kathmandu, very popular yak cheese, Tibetan culture and Tibetan views, imagine glaciers, lakes typical Tamang villages and traditional cultures, Langtang national park and its wild life, monasteries, rhododendron forests, nice tea houses and great hospitality. During August, a lively festival at Gosaikunda Lake attracts thousands of Hindu pilgrims and September witnesses’ spectacular display of wild flowers, while livestock herds, once again. Panoramic view from Kyanjing Ri,Charko Ri, Lauribinayak, Surya peak, Thadepati and Chisopani, attractive Helambu valley, easy tour to Sherpa villages, several different cultural villages in Helambu are the major focus point of Langtang ,Gosaikunda Helambu trekking region. This trekking is mostly useful for trekking beginners.

Some facts of the trekking

Destination: Syabrubensi-Langtang-Gosaikunda-Thadepati-Chisopani-KTM

Group Size: Min -1

Minimum altitude: 570 meter

Maximum altitude: 4610meter

Grade: Moderate

Season: Anytime through out the year

Accommodation: Tented Camp or well lodges are available

Duration: 17 Days

Transportation: Private car or tourist bus

Entry: from syabrubensi

Exit: Sundarijal, ktm