Easy access from Kathmandu means that both Langtang and Helambu are favoured trekking regions for travellers with less time to spare.
Langtang, in particular, has the added advantage of offering wilderness style treks with the true spirit of adventure, because many of its trails are still not greatly frequented.
Many trekkers take the road from Kathmandu to Trisuli and Dhunche to begin hiking in this beautiful, predominantly Alpine region.
Langtang admittedly cannot boast any of the giant Himalayan peaks, but nonetheless its scenery is just as spectacular and photogenic as that on the more popular trails.
The Langtang people are from the large and diverse Tamang clan; they are Buddhist in religion and often use the surname ‘Lama.’
A visit to the Langtang Valley is a great opportunity to explore the colourful Tamang culture, as well as to climb some smaller peaks and explore glaciers at a more comfortable altitude than most of the other trekking regions.
Our Langtang itineraries incorporate a rest day at Kyanjin Gompa, to allow time to explore the extensive glacier system in the higher valley.
There is much scope to vary treks in this region and one popular choice is to extend the hike through to the sacred lake of Gosainkund (4300 m), which is said to have been created by Shiva, along with the two smaller adjoining lakes, when he jabbed his trisul (trident) into the ground to form the headwaters of the Trisuli river. Treks in Langtang and Helambu can be very effectively combined, by crossing the Laurebina Pass near Gosainkund.
Helambu, again, is easily accessible from Kathmandu, being located in the Melemchi Khola valley north-east of the capital and south of Langtang.
There are some beautiful forests here, as well as some interesting settlements, principally populated by Sherpa people. However, these Sherpas differ from the Everest region branch of the caste in language, dress and family lineage!
