See spectacular scenery with a Langtang trek
If you're a lover of active breaks and discovering new places, Nepal trekking tours are bound to appeal. Offering the chance to see spectacular scenery and discover a wholly different culture, they promise excitement, adventure and a sense of achievement.
When it comes to Nepal treks, it's probably the Annapurna Circuit and Everest tours that most people think of. However, following routes in the Langtang and Helambu region are just as exciting and, as they are somewhat lesser known, they really allow you to get off the beaten track.
Kathmandu
The Langtang and Helambu region lies north of Kathmandu, and it's in this exciting metropolis that your Nepal adventure can begin.
Before starting your trek, you'll be given a city tour, which will include sights such as the Swayamabuth Stupa, whose many steps lead you to unforgettable views across the Kathmandu Valley.
In addition to the tour itself, you'll have free time to explore in the evening and get a taste of the local culture. There are plenty of interesting little shops, but the restaurants will particularly capture your imagination.
Vegetable curries, lentil and rice are staple ingredients in regional dishes, while the local eateries also serve Indian and Tibetan cuisine.
Mountains, valleys and villages
Of course, Nepal hikes are famous for the incredible landscapes they offer - and Langtang treks are no exception.
To begin your adventure, you'll travel by road to Syabrubensi and start from there. Occupying the stunning scenery is all kinds of exciting wildlife, and on the first day of your trek you should look out for Langur monkeys.
After following the Langtang Khola - the local river - to the Lama Hotel, you'll walk through the valley as it widens, passing sights such as a Buddhist monastery before reaching Langtang village.
Departing the settlement the following day, your trek will take you to Kyangin Gompa - but not before you see some of the most exciting attractions of your journey. These include the incredible Langtang Lirung glacier and the ice flutes of Gyanchempo.
When in Kyangin Gompa, you'll have the opportunity to try a number of routes to see different things. Among your options is heading out to view the glaciers at the gateway to Tibet, or climbing up to Tsergo Ri at 5,033 m for staggering vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Before beginning the next new section of your trek, you'll retrace your steps a little to find another route along the Langtang Valley. Among the sights you will encounter over the next few days are Ganesh Himal, the Tibetan plateau and Gosainkund - a sacred Hindu lake.
Reaching the highest part of your trek at the Llaurenbena Pass - unless you chose to visit Tsergo Ri - you'll be some 4,610 m above sea level. It'll therefore come as no surprise that this is one of the most scenic spots of the journey, simply because it offers such great views over the local landscape, including Manaslu and the Annapurna range.
Your final days' trekking will include excellent vistas of Langtang and the Kathmandu basin, as well as hiking through the Helambu valley.
Travelling further afield
Being free to explore as you please on the final day of the holiday, you can simply get to know Kathmandu a little better. Alternatively, if you're feeling adventurous, you could head out to Bhaktapur or Patan, which are situated nearby, or arrange an unforgettable flight over Everest.
