Helambu & Langtang Trek

We could almost say that you can start this trek as soon as you leave your accommodation, and in fact, you could do so. You have here a route whose starting point is very close to Kathmandu, just north of the city, progressing through the area of Helmu, which in sherpa becomes Helambu that has remained as the best-known name of the region, with beautiful sherpa villages like Tarkeghyang and was explored by the mythical Bill Tilman there in 1949 in what was perhaps the first trek in the history of Nepal. As you will see, our proposal starts in Thimbu, but it could also start in Sundarijal, just about 45 minutes from downtown Kathmandu.

The road goes always north, looking to cross the Laurebina-la pass from where we have great panoramic views from the Annapurna, Manaslu to the peaks of the closest Ganesh Himal.

Just crossed the pass, we have the lakes of Gosainkund (or Gosainkunda). Sacred lakes, as they were created by Shiva himself with his “trishul” (trident) melting a glacier to quench his thirst due to being poisoned. Tradition says that this water reaches the Kumbeshwar water pokhari (well) in Patan by the underground. Every August full-moon is filled with Hindu and Buddhist devotees who come to bathe in its icy waters.

But we continue even further north to enter the Langtang valley, first following its mighty river into the thick forest, and then entering the alpine pastures where the yaks are at their leisure, already very close to Tibet with whom Langtang inhabitants have always maintained commercial ties because of their proximity. We end up in an open valley surrounded by white mountains between 6000 and 7000 meters high.

A route far from the great multitudes of other more recognized treks, very varied in its landscape, as natural as human, between communities sherpas and tamang, with a strong presence of Buddhism. We cross thick forests, in one of the areas with the most presence of the red panda (that we will hardly see) and also of langur and many birds of all type, passing to alpine zones with moraines, rocky grounds and pastures where the production of the nak milk cheese (the female of the yak, yaks do not make milk!) is one of the main industries.

Although the route can be done in both directions without a problem, and in fact, most agencies do it from north to south, we think it is better to do it in a northern direction, with the Himalayan peaks facing us and they will gradually enter in our vision, and gain height in a more progressive way.

* This itinerary is designed with an arrival flight in Nepal in the morning in mind. In case the flight arrived in Kathmandu in the afternoon or evening, the schedule would be adapted.

FULL TRIP according program
 

PRICE INCLUDES
·       Welcome on arrival

·       All transfers in private vehicle

·       Private jeep from Kathmandu to Thimbu and from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu (bus in option)

·       3 nights with breakfast in Kathmandu

·       Accommodation in lodges/tea-houses and three meals a day during the trek according the itinerary description

·       Local English-speaking Mountain Guide during the trek

·       1 guide assistant for groups over 8 pax

·       1 porter each 2 clients

·       TIMS Trek permit card (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems)

·       Langtang National Park entrance fee

·       All government taxes and VAT

·       Wages, food and accommodation, expenses, and insurance for all staff

PRICE EXCLUDES
·       International flight from/to your origin point to/from Nepal

·       Entry Nepal VISA

·       Lunch & Dinner (except indicated)

·       Tips to staff

·       Hot and cold drinks, phone calls, internet connection or any other personal expense

·       During the trek hot showers, battery charges or any other personal expense

·       Medical and/or travel insurance. For most of our treks you must have a mountain accident insurance that works in Nepal until 5500 meters’ altitude and include helicopter rescue.

·       In general, any concept not specified in this programme, as well as any need for personal assistance in other matters out of the programme

·       No additional costs due to flight cancellations, weather conditions, road closures, etc.

In option for late returning flights on the last day, we can keep one room during the day in order you can have a shower before long flight back home. 

JUST TREK with no services out of the trek itinerary in Kathmandu or Pokhara
 

PRICE INCLUDES
·       Private jeep from Kathmandu to Thimbu and from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu (bus in option)

·       Accommodation in lodges/tea-houses and three meals a day during the trek according the itinerary description

·       Local English-speaking Mountain Guide during the trek

·       1 guide assistant for groups over 8 pax

·       1 porter each 2 clients

·       TIMS Trek permit card (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems)

·       Langtang National Park entrance fee

·       All government taxes and VAT

·       Wages, food and accommodation, expenses, and insurance for all staff

PRICE EXCLUDES
·       International flight from/to your origin point to/from Nepal

·       Entry Nepal VISA (check information)

·       Tips to staff

·       Any service out of the trek

·       Hot and cold drinks, phone calls, internet connection or any other personal expense

·       Hot showers, battery charges or any other personal expense

·       Medical and/or travel insurance. For most of our treks you must have a mountain accident insurance that works in Nepal until 5500 meters’ altitude and include helicopter rescue.

·       In general, any concept not specified in this programme, as well as any need for personal assistance in other matters out of the programme

·       No additional costs due to flight cancellations, weather conditions, road closures, etc.

* The indicated price is the price per person in US dollars for a group of 6 travelers in full format as described in the program.
If you prefer, you can contract only the trek, from the pick-up at your accommodation to the return. Without services outside the trek.
We can customize your trip with no problem.
Contact us to request the dossier with detailed information and the complete price table and ask us any questions you may have.

This trek has quite a few possible variations. For example, one could start in Sundarijal, near Kathmandu and link in three days with Thadepati (look at the itinerary of the “little Helambu trek”). Or you could start in Nagarkot, where you could also link in three days at the same point.

Once passed Laurebina, we can choose to shorten the itinerary returning directly via Shin Gompa and Dunche.

Of course, and as always, you can add days of rest and exploration in some of the stages, such as taking a day to rest and explore the area of the Gosainkund lakes, make the stages between Thulo Syabru and Kyanjin shorter by adding a day or add an extra day in Kyanjin Gompa.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT SCHEDULE

Programs may have to be adapted according to the schedules of your flights to Nepal. The itineraries are designed considering that the international flight arrives at Kathmandu in the morning or noon. If you arrive to Nepal afternoon or later it would be better to have a margin day before starting your trek, although it is not essential.

DO YOU WANT TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP?

Related to the trek itineraries, Kathmandu and Pokhara staying are the “minimum days recommended” to have a comfortable and safe trip and trek. But always is a good idea to add some extra day during the trek or in your days in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Like all our tours, the itinerary can be customized and adapted to your taste, needs and preferences.

You can book the full trip or just the trek and travel on your own in Nepal.

EXPERIENCES TO NEPAL OUTSIDE THE PROGRAM

Whether for free days in Kathmandu or Pokhara, as if you want to add more days to your trip, we offer several options and extensions. With them you can add and complete activities and experiences on your trip. Some are already included in some program, but in general we prefer that you choose them on your own, if you are interested in any, depending on your tastes and way of traveling. Ask us for more information if you are interested.