There are interesting places
to the north of Kathmandu for those who have only a short
time for trekking. Helambu, north-east of Kathmandu, and Gosainkunda
and Langtang due north of Kathmandu, provide the glimpses
of Tamang and Sherpa life, temperate forests with varieties
of rhododendrons, lakes, glaciers and snow mountains.
Helambu :
Helambu, about 72 kilometers
north-east of Kathmandu, is noted for its scenic grandeur
and pleasant climate. The Helambu region, extending from north
of Taramarang to the tree limit of the Gosainkunda Lake and
lower slopes of Jugal Himal, has several highland Tamang and
Sherpa villages, scattered on both sides of the Malemchi Khola.
b. Gosainkunda :
Situated at an altitude of 4,380
meters and cradled amidst craggy peaks, Gosainkunda Lake is
one of the most famous pilgrimages of Nepal. Thousands of people
trek to this glacial lake every August. The trek passes through
varied landscapes ranging from evergreen forest, cascading waterfalls
and turbulent streams to alpine grass and barren mountainsides.
Besides the famous Gosainkunda Lake, the other lakes in the
neighborhood are Nagkunda, Bhairabkunda, Saraswatikunda and
Surajkunda.
Gosainkunda lies to the north-west of Helambu beyond a 4.602-meters
high pass. However, the best approach to Gosainkunda is through
Trishuli valley, 71 kilometers north-west of Kathmandu. Trishuli
valley is linked with Kathmandu by a motorable road.
C. Langtang Valley :
Surrounded with many peaks and glaciers, Langtang
is a delightful valley situated north of Gosainkunda. Above
an altitude of 3.000 meters, Langtang valley opens out beyond
Ghora Tabela. The Langtang valley is full of beautiful camping
sites, spectacular mountains and glacier sceneries. From Langtang
village, the track continues to Kyangjin Gompa (3,740 m). This
is the site of the Yala Cheese Factory. There is a STOL airstrip
at Chhaldang, a short distance east of Kyangjin.
Visits to the Yala Cheese Factory (4.633 m) and the small
lakes beyond Yala are worthwhile. Yala can be reached within
half a day from Kyangjin Gompa.
From Kyangjin Gompa, a continuation to the pastures of Langsisa
(4.084 m) provides the good views of numerous glaciers. There
are some huts in Langsisa that can be reached within one day's
walk from Kyangjin Gompa.
Start
Place
Altitude
Camping
Place
Altitude
Remarks
Day
01
Kathmandu
1.400m
Dunche
1.950m
minibus
or 4 wheel drive
Day 02
Dunche
1.950m
Syabru
2.130m
Day 03
Syabru
2.130m
Lama hotel
2.500m
Day 04
Lama hotel
2.500m
Ghora Tabela
3.010m
Day 05
Ghora Tabela
3.010m
Kyangjin
3.798m
Day 06
Kyangjin
3.798m
climbing Thergo
Ri (5.000m)
Day 07
Kyangjin
3.798m
Lama hotel
2.500m
Day 08
Lama hotel
2.500m
VSyabru
-2.130m
Day 09
Sin Gompa
3.350m
Gosainkund
4.381m
Gosainkund lakes
Day 10
Gosainkund
4.381m
Gopte
3.430m
cross Laurebina pas 4.610m
Day 11
Gopte
3.430m
Kutumsang
2.500m
Day 12
Kutumsang
2.500m
Pati Bhajyang
1.850m
Day 13
Pati Bhajyang
1.850m
Sundarijal-Kathmandu
1.300m
minibus or 4 wheel drive
Highlights :
Bus trip to Dunche
The Tamang Villages on the trail
Langtang Lirung
Tsergo Ri (5.033m)
Buddhist monastery in Kyangjin
Gosainkund lakes
Cross Laurebina or Surjakund pas 4.610m
Helambu valley
Rhodondendron forests
Sherpa villages in Helambu valley
Cost
Trekking :
US$
/ Euro 472
Per person, minimum
number of participants : 2 *.
Transport
by 4 wheel drive :
US$
/ Euro 203
Kathmandu - Dunche
Sundarijal - Kathmandu. Price per vehicle, divide by
the number of passengers to get the price per person.
Equipment
hire costs :
US$
/ Euro 1
Per item per day, Down
jacket - waterproof jacket - kit bag etc.
* If you are with less than
the minimum number of participants please contact
us . We can bring you into contact with other people who
would be interested to do the same trek and by posting a message
to our message board you might find other people who would like
to join you.
