Lang tang
area is toward the north of Kathmandu Valley. The scenery
here is spectacular, and the trek more adventurous as
fewer tourists visit the area. To the west of Lang tang
is Ganesh Himal with rang of 6,000 to 7,000 meters.
The main ethnic groups living here are Sherpas and Tamangs.
The forest in the region have temperate and sub alpine
vegetation. Wildlife includes migratory birds, deer,
monkey, Thar and Pica. The best time for trekking n
the Lang tang area is spring and autumn. Most of the
trekking routes in Helambu and Lang tang are well served
with teahouse making independent trekking quite possible.
But, there are no such facilities in the Ganesh Himal
area of Ganja La area.
Ganja La
To cross from Lang tang into Helambu,
via the Ganja La pass, is a serious undertaking requiting
good equipment and experienced local guides. For three
to four days there are no facilities, and groups and
their staff must be fully self-sufficient. The crossing
of the pass requires the use of technical climbing equipment
and trekkers must be skilled in the use of this and
be prepared to assist less well-equipped porter staff.
For those who are able to complete the
crossing the rewards are some of the best mountain landscape
to be found anywhere in Nepal.
The route to Ganja La starts above the
settlement at Kyangjin Gompa in the Lang tang Valley
(see route description for Lang tang Valley.) The pass
is clearly visible from Kyangjin, just to the east of
the peak of Naya Kanga. The trail follows a small valley
before reaching the glaciated pass where the use of
ropes, crampons and ice axes may be necessary.
From the pass the views across the valley
to the peaks of the Lang tang Himal are particularly
good. In the distance you can see Shishapagma, the only
8000-metre peak entirely in China. (Tibet).
The route then follows the open ridge
top of Dukpu Danda, which for most of its length is
over 45000 meters altitude. Scattered stone shelters,
used as summer shelters by herders, are the only evidence
of human habitation. There are several fine campsites
along the ridge, which can be used by trekkers and their
staff on the trek between Ganja La and Tarkeghayang,
the first permanent settlement to be reached. From Tarkeghayang
there is the choice of trekking to Malachi Pul or Sundarijal.
(See Helambu Circuit trek description)
Getting there
Access to Helambu is particularly easy
and quick, Sundarijal, which is one of the most convenient
starting points, is an hour's drive from Kathmandu.
Other possible roads heads are at are at Budhanilkantha,
Kakani & four hrs drive away to Melamchipul.The
road then continuous to sybrubesi from Ganesh Himal
& Lang tang treks can starts. Hindu pilgrimage site
and popular tourist place Goshainkunda can be reached
from either of the two routes. However, via Rasuwa more
is easier.
Attraction-People and Culture
The people here are of Tibetan origin
and call themselves Sherpa although they are quite distinct
from the Sherpas of Solukumbu both in language and customs.
Also found in large numbers here are the Tamang people
who also originated in Tibet but settled in Nepal considerably
earlier than the Sherpas.
Attraction-Flora and fauna
The forests of Helambu and Lang tang are
a prime example of temperature and sub alpine vegetation.
The dense oak and pine forests on the trail up the Lang
tang Valley are of particular interest. As usual in
this part of Nepal, the rhododendrons from a spectacular
display during spring, Wildlife in the area is dominated
by many bird species with migratory birds using the
Gosainkund area as a temporary sanctuary. Look for deer
and monkeys in the lower forests and, perhaps, Thar
and Pica the alpine hillsides.
When to visit?
The best times for trekking in the Lang
tang area are the main seasons of spring (February to
late April) and autumn (late September to late November).
Winter is possible, especially in Helambu, but higher
parts may have too much snow. Ganesh Himal and Ganja
La are likely to be closed by snow at this time.
Trekking styles
Most of the trekking routes in Helambu
and Lang tang are well served with teahouses and teahouses
making independent trekking quite possible. There are
no such facilities in the Ganesh Himal area or are there
any above Kyangjin Gompa or over Ganja La. For these
areas groups need to be fully self-sufficient and have
experienced local guides.
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