The Langtang region trek is located towards the north of Kathmandu Valley. The scenery in this area is spectacular and the trek is more adventurous as fewer tourists visit the area. To the west of Langtang is the Ganesh Himal with a range of 6,000 to 7,000 meters. Sherpas and Tamangs are the main ethnic groups that reside here. The forest in the region has temperate and sub-alpine vegetation. The wildlife of the region includes migratory birds, Deer, monkeys, Thar, and Pica. The best time for trekking in the Langtang region is during spring and autumn. Most of the trekking routes in Helambu and Langtang are well served with tea houses that make even independent trekking possible. However, there are no such facilities available in the Ganesh Himal area or Ganja La.
Getting there
Access to Helambu is particularly easy and quick because Sundarijal. is one of the most convenient starting points. It is just an hour’s drive from Kathmandu. Other possible treks starting points are Drive Kathmandu to Syabrubesi for about 11 hours by local bus and 9 hours by private jeep. The road then continues to Syabrubesi from Ganesh Himal and the Langtang region trek begins. Hindu pilgrimage site and a popular tourist destination. Gosainkunda can be reached from either of the two routes. However, it is comparatively easier if one goes via Rasuwa.
Attraction-People and Culture
The people who live here are of Tibetan origin and call themselves Sherpas. They are, however, quite distinct from the Sherpas of Solukumbu both in terms of language as well as customs. Also found in large numbers are the Tamang people who also originated in Tibet but settled in Nepal considerably earlier than the Sherpas.
Attraction-Flora and Fauna
The forests of Helambu and Langtang are prime examples of temperate and sub-alpine vegetation. The dense oak and pine forests on the trail up the Langtang region trek valley are of particular interest. As usual in this part of Nepal, the Rhododendrons form a spectacular display during spring. On the other hand, the wildlife in this area is dominated by many bird species with migratory birds using the Gosainkunda area as a temporary sanctuary. Look for Deer and Monkeys in the lower forests and, perhaps, Thar and Pica in the alpine hillsides.
When to visit?
The best times for trekking in the Langtang area are the main seasons of spring (February to late April) and autumn (late September to late November). It is possible to trek even during winter, especially in Helambu, but higher parts may have too much snow like the Ganesh Himal and Ganja La, which are likely to be closed due to snow at this time.
Trekking styles
Most of the trekking routes in Helambu Trek and Langtang Trek are well served with teahouses that assist in making independent trekking possible. There are no such facilities in the Ganesh Himal, Kyangjin Gompa, and over the Ganja La. For these areas, the groups need to be fully self-sufficient and require the assistance of experienced local guides.
