The region north of Kathmandu offers a multiple of trekking destination, all accessible without taking domestic flights. The three major areas are Langtang, Gosainkunda and Helambu, which can be combined in many different ways to make treks from seven to 16 days long. Langtang is a narrow valley that lies just south of the Tibetan border. It is sandwitched 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 Chhengpo (6388m) and Naya Kangri(5846m) protects the east end of the valley. The area was desinated Nepal 's first Himalayan national park in 1971. This high and isolated region is inhabited by Tamang whose religious practices, language and dress are much more similar to those of Tibet . A visit to the Langtang valley offers an opportunity to explore village, to climb small peaks and to visit glaciers at a comfortably low elevation.

This is a seven or eight day trek that makes a circuit of the Helambu region. The easiest starting point for this trek is Sundarijal because of its proximity to Kathmandu . It is an easy trek. There are fewer trekkers here than either the Everest or Annapurna regions and good Hotels are abundant and uncrowded. A relatively low altitude trek, the Helambu circuit is one of the most convenient of the short treks close to Kathmandu . It can be completed in only seven days and is well supplied with teahouses. No special permits are rewuired but an entry fee is charged for passage through the Shivapuri Watershed area. The local inhabitants in Helambu re predominantly Tamang with Sherpa people inhabiting the higher villages, particularly Melamchi Gaun, Tarkeghayang and Sharmathang.

While most of the trek is at altitudes below 3000 meters, the high point at Tharepati La pass is 3600 meters and can experience snow even during the main trekking seasons. There are many variations possible for trekking in Helambu but the circuit starting at Melamchi Pul and ending at Sundarijal takes in the best that the area has to offer. To reach Melamchi Pul it is necessary to drive along the Arniko Highway as fas as Panchkhal from where a side road takes you to Melamchi Pul in about four hours from Kathmandu .

From Melamchi Pul the trail climbs up onto the Palchok Danda ridge and passes through the villages of Palchok, Sharmathang and TarkeGyang is particularly attractive with stands of rhododendron and pine interspersed with cleared areas providing stunning views of the Himalayan peaks to the north. Spend some time exploring around these settlements which are wonderful examples of the way of life of high country Nepali people. Particularly interesting are the local Helambu Sherpas who are quite distinct from their cousins from the Everest region.

Crossing the upper reaches of the Melamchi Khola you pass through another Sherpa village, Melamchi Gaun, before the trail reaches the high point of the trek at Tharepati Pass. From here more spectacular mountain views are possible on a clear day. The trail now heads south through the villages of Kutumsang, Chipling and Pati Bhanjyang where the route to Kathmandu through Chisapani and Sundarijal should be taken. The last part of the trek passes through the Shivapuri Watershed area, which marks the northern rim of the Kathmandu Valley . From Sundarijal local transport is available for the one hour drive back into the city