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The Langtang end Helambu are two regions in the north-central of Nepal
and also di Kathmandu, about Ganja la pass end Gosainkund lakes. The
area offers a multitude of trekking destinations, all accessible
without flights. The three major areas are Langtang, Gosainkund and
Helambu, and these can be combined in many different ways to make
treks from 7 to16 days long. Langtang is a narrow valley that lies
just south of the Tibetan border. It is sandwiched between the main
Himalayan range to the north and a slightly lower range of snowy peaks
to the south. Langtang Lirung (7246m) dominates the valley to the
north; Gang Chhenpo (6388 m) and Naya Kangri (5846m) lie to the south;
and Dorje Lakpa (6966 m) protect the east end of the valley. Nationa
Park in1971 and a visit to the Langtang Valley offers an opportunity
to explore villages, to climb small peaks and to visit glaciers at a
comfortably low elevation. This high and isolated region is inhabited
by Tamangs whose religious practices, language and dress are much more
similar to those of Tibet than to the traditions of their cousins in
the Middle Hills. You can vary the Langtang trek by visiting the holy
lakes of Gosainkunda at 4300 m. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit the
lakes during a full-moon festival in August. The lake is also sacred
to Buddhists, Helambu, about 75km north of Kathmandu , is an area
inhabited by Sherpas, but their language, culture and dress are very
different from those of the Solu Khumbu Sherpas. Unfortunately the
accessibility of Helambu has created an influx of tourists who have
encouraged begging, the sale of genuine antiques' aged over the
family fireplace, and several incidents of theft. But with care this
is a rewarding place to visit. You can include Helambu in a Langtang
trek, if you are across the Gosainkund Lakes or by crossing the 5106 m
Ganja La. This is only a spring trek as in winter the high routes and
Langtang are usually snow-covered and can be difficult or impossible,
and often dangerous. There are two versions of the Helambu trek, but
the best is to make a loop from the edge of the Kathmandu Valley , at
Sundarijal, going through Chisapani, Kutumsang, Tharepati, Tarky Gyang
and then trekking back down the ridge through Sermathang to
Melamchipull Bazaar.
Facts of the Trek
Name of the trekking : Helambu & Langtang
valley
Type of trekking : Lodge to lodge trek/camping
trek
Maximum elevation : 4610 m Gosainkunda pass.
Trek duration : 15 days |