The Langtang Valley lies closer to Kathmandu than other trekking regions, and is lesser used by both trekkers and local. The Langtang valley is aptly called the valley of glaciers here; mountains rise soaring toward the sky. The valley offers pine forest, swift mountain streams, rugged rock and snow-caped peaks, grassy down and meadows strewn with daises and wild animals. In the upper part of the valley there are snow ridges spanning angry torrents, high passes enveloped in mist tiny lakes of crystalline brightness and glaciated mountain giants. Once you enter the Langtang valley you fluttering buddies prayer flags, brightly painted.
This trek is closer to Kathmandu than other trekking region. Just after the monsoon, this trek gives superb views of the great peak of Langtang Lirung (7246m) which dominates the upper valley and straddles the Tibetan border. In spring time it is an ideal place to spot birds and flowers of Nepal. According to a legend, a lama following a runaway yak discovered the valley, hence the name -Lang (Tibetan name for YAK), Tang (more currently "Dhang" means to follow). There are good opportunities for moderate climbing excursions here, you should allow some extra days for exploration of the extensive glacier system. Our return route takes us past the holy lakes of Gosainkunda, an important place of pilgrimage, and over a high pass that brings us almost to the edge of Kathmandu itself. |