The Himalayas info - Langtang Trek

The Langtang Valley was designated the first National Park of Nepal in 1971. Most of the people in the region are Tamang whose culture, religion and language are very similar to that of Tibet. Beautiful landscapes and pretty villages make this a relatively easy and therefore popular trekking destination. After retracing our steps to the village of Syabru we crossed the Laurabina La, a pass at 4610m, into the Helambu district. The crossing of the pass in a freezing wind and thin air was nothing compared to the descent in waist deep sluggish snow and losing our way on the Helambu side. Who says this trek is easy?!

Helambu lies just to the north of Kathmandu at elevations averaging 2000m. The people of the Helambu call themselves Sherpas although their culture and traditions are rather different from the Khumbu Sherpas near Mount Everest. The Helambu circuit is an easy week long trek starting only an hour by taxi or bus from Kathmandu. Most famed are the beautiful terraced landscapes and the pretty villages of the region. Most trekkers return to Kathmandu via the Helambu after crossing the pass from Langtang.

kids in a Helambu Valley village

click the image to see a map of the region


click here for a Langtang Trek image gallery