Langtang trek is the most accessible adventure in Nepal, and it is the best way to reach the lap of the Himalayas. This trek heads towards the north of Kathmandu and can be undertaken without any flights or long bus rides. Many visitors choose treks around Annapurna instead of Langtang since this region contains no mountain above 8000m. However, this teahouse trek is more rewarding as it is less crowded, and people in this region are very hospitable with unique cultures and traditions. Below are some facts you should know before trekking in this region.
Langtang FACTS
- The Langtang National Park covers 1,710 square km and is in the upper catchment areas for Trisuli and Koshi, Nepal two big rivers. The area is famous for langur monkeys and spring-blooming fir and rhododendron trees.
- Langtang is home to the Tamang, Helambu Sherpa, and Newar people. These people have been separated from their main cultural groups for a long time, giving them unique cultural traits. The friendly Sherpa people in the region are called Hyalmo, derived from their sacred valley, Helambu.
- Gosainkunda is the most sacred of the lakes and is renowned among Hindus in Nepal. Hindu legend mentions that Shiva struck this mountainside with his Trishul to create the lake and cool down his burning throat after drinking poison to save the world. Thousands of pilgrims visit the lake during the August full moon to bathe in the water as a holy undertaking.
- The Laurabina La (4,610 m) pass lies two hours southeast of Gosainkunda and offers superb views. However, on winter days, snow and ice make it impassable.
- Langtang Lirung (7,246 m), Gang Chhenpo (6,388 m), and Dorje Lhakpa (6,975 m) are the towering peaks of the Langtang Valley. Trekking to the Langtang region is the easiest way to get to the foot of the mountains, although all the cliffs near the Langtang Valley are below 8,000 m.
- Helambu is renowned for being a place where Tibetan Buddhism is studied. Also, the rich cultural heritage that the Tamang and Sherpa people maintain through their art forms is depicted in wood carvings of windows, dance festivals, and unique and age-old weaving traditions.
- The Langtang Helambu Gosainkunda trek combines Langtang spectacular valleys with the high lakes of Gosainkunda. The overall hike is more challenging and often impossible to undertake in winter. The three destinations can be broken apart; however, taking the same route back to Kathmandu is required.
