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Located at the
northern part of Kathmandu Valley is the
Langtang area. The trek here is more adventurous
as the area is visited by fewer tourists and the
scenery here is magnificent and the best time to
visit is during spring and autumn. Popular among
the more adventurous trekkers is the Ganesh
Himal, which has a range of about seven thousand
meters and it is located to the west of Langtang.
The Sherpas and Tamangs are the main ethnic
groups that are found living here while the
forests in this region have temperate and
sub-alpine vegetation.
Migratory birds,
deer, monkeys, Tahr and Pika are the many
species of wildlife that can be seen in this
area. Most of the trekking routes in Helambu and
Langtang are well served with teahouses, thus
making independent trekking quite possible and
easy. However, no such facilities are found in
the Ganesh Himal area or the Ganja La area.
Getting to Helambu
is remarkably easy and quick. One of the most
convenient starting point is Sundarijal which is
about one hour drive from Kathmandu. Other
possible road heads are at Budhanilakantha,
Kakani and four hours drive away at Melamchi Pul.
For Langtang and Ganesh Himal, the choice is
limited which is to drive to Dhunche in the
Rasuwa district. The road then continues to
Syabrubesi from where Ganesh Himal and Langtang
trek can begin. Both of these routes can take
you to the Hindu pilgrimage site and popular
tourist attraction of Gosainkunda. However it is
important to take note that the way via Rasuwa
is easier and the buses leave regularly from the
Balaju bypass close to the main bus park at
Gongabu.
Since the northern
parts of the area largely fall within the
boundaries of Langtang National Park, permits to
enter are required. Trekers can obtained the
entry permits at Thamel, Kathmandu before
starting their trek. To reach Helambu from
Kathmandu, a permit to pass through Shivapuri
Watershed Area is required and this permit can
be obtained at the entry permit counter at the
National Park. The same as when trekking in
different places in Nepal, trekkers are usually
advised to arrange their trek through a
government recognized trekking agency which are
known for their reliability.
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