The Langtang Himal is a region north part of Kathmandu vally and it lies just south of Tibetan border. The langtang valley is surrounded by high peaks of great appeal. It has become famous ever since the British mountaineer Bill Tilman described it as the most beautiful valley in the world. The highest peak in this area is Shisapangma or Gosaithan 8027m in Tibet. The course from the Langtang valley to Gosaikund is full of diversity and it is attracting many tourists. The langtang valley is also known as the treasure house of Alpine plants. The whole valley is cover with flowers during the summer. This high and isolated region is inhabited by Tamangs whose religious practices, language and dress are much more similar to Tibetan.

Helambu lies to the north of Kathmandu where dominantly Sherpa and Tamang races have their homes. The trekkers come in contact with temperate forests; snowy peaks which make you feel as if you are in paradise. With a diverse range of brilliant green valleys, misty rhododendron forests and distant horizons of snowy peaks, Helambu is the ideal short trek. There are simple tea houses along this route, yet the area remains relatively unspoiled by tourism. You will experience the Yolmo culture of high mountain villages and watch enthralled as the farmers toil in the fields using hand made tools and teams of water- buffalo.

The Sherpa village of Tarke Ghyang that forms the focus of Helambu is a charming enclave of farmers and yak herders. The trip starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal. Helambu provides an instant Himalayan trek for those with limited time. This trek is an easy and enjoyable trip conducted at the average altitude of 3500m. The trek takes you through Talamarang to Tarke Gyang via Timbu rendering you insight into the typical Sherpa culture.  However you go along the south ridge through Sermathang, down to the river at Melamchi, the site of a mega project to bring drinking water to Kathmandu via a series of tunnels. The concluding part of trek proceeds via Nagarkot and Bhaktapur and finally you drive back to Kathmandu.

Days 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1350m.) which takes about one hour and then the uphill walk to Chisopani. The unpaved road from Kathmandu turns into a trail near a small hydroelectric plant. The trail will enter through the Shivpuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. The first settlement you will come across is Mulkharka with Tamang inhabitants. The route heads down the ridge through a forest of oaks and rhododendron to Chisopani (2300m.) Chisopani is a weird place. It has magnificent views Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Rolwaling, Mt. Dochelapcha, Gaurishankar, Sesapangma and many more.

Day 02:  Trek from Chisopani to Talamarang (960 m.) and it takes about five hours. The early part of trek is downhill all the way to Pati Bhanjyang. On the way, you pass villages, terraces and find locals toiling in field with hand made tools and water-buffalo. Pati Bhanjyang surrounded by beautiful green hills is a small village with few houses with zinc roofs. Now you trek over ascent trail passing through terraces, villages and you leave the trail at Pati Bhanjyang leading to Gosaikunda to get to your destination Thakani. This is also beautiful village and views of Langtang Himal, Dorje Lakpa and others from here are magnificent. People belong to different caste and community. Next few hours you trek over ridges and this is quite pleasant trail with views of green hills and spectacular mountain views. Finally, you trek over steep descent trail to reach Talamarang inhabited by mixed community. Here you meet new motor able road which leads to Kathmandu via Timbu and Melamchi Pul Bazaar.

Day 03: Trek from Talamarang to Timbu and it takes about five hours. Timbu is a typical Tamang and Sherpa village. There is a local primary school. To reach Timbu, you walk over motor able road in the beginning and then you trek over classic trail passing through numerous villages such as Chanaute, Mahankal and others. This day’s trek is pleasant and easier moving over flat leveled path. The trail is more pleasant during October when people are engaged in rice plant harvesting.

Day 04: Trek from Timbu to Tarkeghyang which takes about four hours. You trek over ascent trail all the way to Tarkeghyang through a small hydropower project, human settlement, terraces and forest. o add your joy, Tarkeghyang is another pretty Sherpa village where you can visit many ancient monasteries. Tarkeghyang, also known as Helambu is named after the Helmu caste. The Sherpa people living here originally belong to Helmu caste.

Day 05: Trek from Tarkeghyang to Shermathang (2621m.) and it takes about five hours. This day the trail is quite easier through flat land with beautiful forests on the way. You trek on crossing some small streams on the way. There is situated a beautiful village on the half way to Shermathang. To add your joy, Shermathang is another pretty Sherpa village where you can visit many ancient monasteries. There you can see Jugal Himal range at the north face of Shermathang village.
 
Day 06: Trek from Shermathang to Melamchi Pul Bazaar (846m.). The trail gradually descends all the way to Melamchi Pul Bazaar through meadows ad cultivated fields. On the way, you come across several old villages with their own particular tradition. Walking this day is quite pleasant with mountain views and interaction with local and friendly people.

Day 07: Trek from Melamchi Pul Bazaar to Nagarkot which takes about five hours. For early half an hour you travel by local bus from Melamchi Pul Bazaar to Bahunepati. Now the real trekking begins as you trek over steep ascent trail through local villages, terraces and few forests. While walking, you can interact with children going to local schools and people engaged in their daily life activities. From Kartike village, your trail is quite easier to get to Nagarkot.

Nagarkot is a famous place to see the mountain ranges and sunrise. It lies at an altitude of 2211m and is located 30 km north east of Kathmandu. If weather is good, one can see great views of Himalayas including Annapurna, Langtang, Dorje Lakpa and Gauri Shanker, Ganesh Himala. The mountain flight that goes each day to show Everest and other Himalayas from Kathmandu goes via the Nagarkot route. Many visitors go to Nagarkot to see sunrise. Once the sun begins to rise from behind the Himalayas, it looks spectacular as mountain changes its color. However to see the sunrise, visitors has to visit Nagarkot at 4 o’clock in the morning.

Day 08: Trek from Nagarkot to Changunarayan which takes approximately three and half hours and drive from Changunarayan to Kathmandu and it takes about one and half hours. The most popular walk leads down from Nagarkot along a ridge to the temple of Changunarayan-with views of Sankhu village to the right and Bhaktapur to the left. Changunarayan is situated at the end of a long ridge which runs well into the valley, it is said to have been built in 323 AD by King Hari Datta Varma. The temple is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings. It is said to be the oldest temple in the valley. After excursion in and around Changunarayan you board the vehicle to get back to Kathmandu.

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