The Langtang end Helambu are two regions in the north-central of Nepal and also di Kathmandu, about Ganja la pass end Gosainkund lakes. The area offers a multitude of trekking destinations, all accessible without flights. The three major areas are Langtang, Gosainkund and Helambu, and these can be combined in many different ways to make treks from 7 to16 days long. Langtang is a narrow valley that lies just south of the Tibetan border. It is sandwiched between the main Himalayan range to the north and a slightly lower range of snowy peaks to the south. Langtang Lirung (7246m) dominates the valley to the north; Gang Chhenpo (6388 m) and Naya Kangri (5846m) lie to the south; and Dorje Lakpa (6966 m) protect the east end of the valley. Nationa Park in1971 and a visit to the Langtang Valley offers an opportunity to explore villages, to climb small peaks and to visit glaciers at a comfortably low elevation. This high and isolated region is inhabited by Tamangs whose religious practices, language and dress are much more similar to those of Tibet than to the traditions of their cousins in the Middle Hills. You can vary the Langtang trek by visiting the holy lakes of Gosainkunda at 4300 m. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit the lakes during a full-moon festival in August. The lake is also sacred to Buddhists, Helambu, about 75km north of Kathmandu , is an area inhabited by Sherpas, but their language, culture and dress are very different from those of the Solu Khumbu Sherpas. Unfortunately the accessibility of Helambu has created an influx of tourists who have encouraged begging, the sale of ‘genuine antiques' aged over the family fireplace, and several incidents of theft. But with care this is a rewarding place to visit. You can include Helambu in a Langtang trek, if you are across the Gosainkund Lakes or by crossing the 5106 m Ganja La. This is only a spring trek as in winter the high routes and Langtang are usually snow-covered and can be difficult or impossible, and often dangerous. There are two versions of the Helambu trek, but the best is to make a loop from the edge of the Kathmandu Valley , at Sundarijal, going through Chisapani, Kutumsang, Tharepati, Tarky Gyang and then trekking back down the ridge through Sermathang to Melamchipull Bazaar.