Langtang Region

Langtang area is toward the north of Kathmandu Valley. The scenery here is spectacular, and the trek more adventures as the area is visited by fewer tourist. To the west of Langtang is Ganesh Himal with a range of 6000 to 7000 meters. The main ethnic groups living here are Sherpas and Tamangs. The forests in the region have temperate and sub-alpine vegetation. Wildlife including migratory birds, dear, monkeys, Tahr and Pika. The best time for trekking in the Langtang area is spring and autumn. Most of the trekking routes in Helambu and Langtang are well served with tea house making independent trekking quite possible. But, there are no such facilities in the Ganesh Himal area or Ganja La area.

Getting There:
Access to Helambu is particularly easy and quick. Sundarijal, which is one of the most convenient starting points, is an hour’s drive from Kathmandu. Other possible road heads are at Budhanilkantha, Kakani and four hour drive away at Melamchi Pul. For Langtang and Ganesh Himal the choice is limited –drive to Dhunche in Rasuwa district. The road then continues to Syabrubesi from where Ganesh Himal and Langtang treks can start. Hindu pilgrimage site and popular tourist place Gosainkunda can be reached from either of the two routes. However, the way via Rasuwa is easier. Buses leave regularly from the Balaju Bypass close to the main bus park at Gangabu.

Permits and Fees:
The northern parts of the area largely fall within the boundaries of Langtang National park. Entry permits should be obtained from Thamel, Kathmandu, before starting the trek. To reach Helambu from Kathmandu a permit to pass through Shivapuri watershed Area is required. This can be obtained at the entry permits counter at the National Park.

Getting There:
Everest region can be reached by air or on foot. Buses to Jiri leave from the old bus park [Ratna Park] in Kathmandu. Jiri is a ten hour drive from Kathmandu. By air, there are three options. The most convenient for Everest trek is Lukla, which is serviced by many airlines with daily flights from Kathmandu. Another options is the airstrip at Phaplu, near the district headquarter which is serviced by daily flights from the capital of Kathmandu. The last choice is the small airstrip at Syangaboche, which is located above Namche bazaar. Despite being an option, altitude makes it an impractical and unwise choice as an arrival destination for acclimatization reasons.

Permits and fees:
Special trekking permits are not required to visit this area. Entry fees are charged for access to Everest National Park and Makalu Barun National park. Entry fees can be paid at the National Park desk Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal.