Trek Langtang and Helmbu area
The wonderful trek in Langtang valley, its civilization Tibetain and the Buddhist culture
Langtang Valley and Gosainkunda Helambu trek is the closest destination to Kathmandu, established in 1976 and happens to be the first Himalayan National Park of Nepal, also very commonly known as the home of red Pandas. Roughly 117 km / 72 miles drive from the capital city, Kathmandu. 5-6 hours’ of undulating roadway drive in a 4-wheel jeep or 7/8 hrs by collective bus. Sadly, it is the site of the largest single catastrophe of the 2015 earthquake that got the valley immensely wrecked. Despite the losses, today, this place has gotten up from swoon, reincarnating its beauty.
Witness the new glory that this place possesses, with the radiant welcome, shrouding the bereavement they had gone through. The Langtang trekking activity level can be best considered as moderate and can be attained by anyone with a sound level of fitness. These are the few among thousands that explain to you the reasons to choose Langtang Trekking.
People, culture, and ethnic groups of Langtang and Helambu
To begin with, Legend says that a Lama (a Buddhist Monk) coincidentally discovered while following his runaway yak found this delightful valley and got fascinated by its beauty, hence named the valley “Langtang”. Here the word "Lang" means "Yak" and "Tang " means "rest".The Tibetan tribal Nomads who travel over the high Himalayas passes claim themselves to be the “Tamangs”, and are generous and hospitable.
The valley is home to peace-loving ‘Tamangs’ with their unique culture, language, and ancient Tibetan Buddhism. From the very first day, anyone would witness the prayer flags, prayer walls (Mane), prayer stones, and prayer wheels inscribed by sacred Tibetan mantras. Besides, the Tibetan Buddhist influences are demonstrated by numerous monasteries.
However, the holy Gosaikunda Lake at an altitude of 4380m that remains frozen for 3 months in the winter gives you the influence of Hinduism. Overall, it depicts a great relationship between the two religions i.e. Hinduism and Buddhism that exists predominantly in Nepal. Furthermore, the people in this valley worship and respect both religions with great acceptance.
The Climate of Langtang & Helambu Valley Region:
The monsoon is almost everywhere in Nepal from mid-June to the end of September, the most popular season is autumn (October-November) when the rains wash the skies and the weather views are superior, the spring (March-May) season is another popular season for trekkers, the hillsides are covered with blooming rhododendrons from 1500m to 3000m altitude with different varieties of rhododendrons. Similarly, most people are not keen to trek in the winter when the temperature is too cold for comfort at high elevations and snow can block high passes. During summer/monsoon season the trail is impracticable and dangerous.
Temperature of Langtang and Helambu area:
The temperature range depends primarily on the season. Under the normal condition the rate of temperature drop as altitude is added is generally 6.4ºC per 1000 feet (3.5ºF/1000fit). The landscape will affect temperature including the direction of the slope face (north-facing slopes receive less sunlight and therefore are generally cooler, the amount of cover by plants that provide shade, and the presence of rivers and bodies of water also have a cooling effect. However, in terms of temperatures at 1200m to 2500m during October / November is generally beautiful and sunny. It is mild to cool in the valleys during the night (minimum 12 / 15ºC) and the day (maximum 25 / 26º). Above 3000m, the temperatures will be decreased. At 5000m, they range between -10º (night) and 12 / 13º (daytime).
Spring season, during March/April at 1200m to 2500m, is mostly dry, mild to hot, and dusty, the hillsides are covered with blooming rhododendrons in Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and Langtang trekking regions. The sky is clear in the morning and generally windy with occasional thunder showers in the afternoons. The temperature is about (minimum 15/20ºC) during the night and (maximum 28 / 32º) during the day time. Above 3000m, the temperatures will be decreased. At 5000m, they range between -5º (night) and 15/ 16º (daytime).
Winter, December to February the temperature is dry with occasional showers, cold, freezing in high altitude, and snow risk at high passes.
Access to the Langtang valley trek and Helambu trek
The trek starts with a short drive to Sundarijal, at the northern edge of Kathmandu Valley. The Sundari Jal area serves as the water source for much of Kathmandu and the trail follows large supply pipes before climbing through the tranquil forests of Shivapuri National Park. The city is left behind as a high ridge is crossed to Chisapani, a majestic village with a breathtaking panoramic of the Himalayas. The journey continues through riveting scenery and magnificent villages and associated regal monasteries including Kutumsang, Tharepati Gosaikund, Syabru gaon, Lama Hotel, and Langtang Valley or drive directly to Syabrubesi by bus or jeep (some people opt to hire a private jeep which is quicker but more expensive) the starting point of the trek. The trek follows the rushing water of the Langtang River up through a landscape lush with flora and fauna. The serene forests on the way up the valley are thick rhododendrons, bamboo, birch, juniper, and pine and host the red Panda among other rare Himalaya wildlife.
