LANGTANG HELAMBU TREK-Arun Treks & Expedition

Arun Trek's trip web pages, and pdf info packs have lots of info about each specific adventure (search for your adventure here). You may also like to look at our photo galleries or videos for a taste of adventure, or download a wallpaper to inspire you at your computer. This page has answers to some more general Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) about climbing.
As all of our mountain climbing adventures begin with a trek, you might also like to look at the Trekking FAQs.

If you have other questions, please ask our friendly team, by email, phone, and skype.
Q) Can I really climb a mountain? Do I need to have climbing experience? How can I climb Mount Everest? Can I climb the seven summits?
A) The level of experience and skills required depends on your particular goal (search for your adventure here). We suggest that people undertaking a first climb should have had at least overnight trekking experience. For those who wish to take on a technically difficult, remote or extreme altitude mountain we'd expect participants to have appropriate experience and skills. Some ideas for preparing for climbing goals are given at the bottom of this page.

Q) Why go on a guided expedition?
A) There are many reasons that might make a guided expedition attractive even for experienced climbers. These include someone else taking care of all those details (including thing as diverse as booking and confirming hotels, checking the number of evening snacks, ensuring reliable support, transport, permits, visas, team members, gear, etc etc etc etc). This saves your time and energy for the part that really matters - working on achieving your goal. The high levels of support and experience aim to give you the best possible opportunity to succeed, a high level of risk management, and the Arun leaders and staff are there for YOU!

Q) What type of people comes along?
A) Climbing expeditions usually attract people in their twenties to fifties. Participants tend to be seeking a good quality, safe, well supported, good value and enjoyable adventure rather than the lowest cost.

Q) How fit do I need to be? Will I have to carry a lot of weight? Should I be able to do 100 chin ups?
A) The fitter you are, the more fun you (and your companions) will have. You will find guidance on preparing for your expedition on each adventure's web page (search here), our info packs and trip dossiers. A minimum level of fitness would have you being able to walk all day on uneven, hilly ground, carrying your day pack, and be able to get up again the next day. Many climbs will require a higher level of fitness and strength so you can carry heavy gear to high camps and really exert yourself on summit day.

Q) What gear is provided?
A) Included are individual sleeping tents for the trekking phase of most climbing expeditions, with dining and kitchen tents. On the mountain participants share serious, proven mountain tents. Climbing teams are equipped with emergency communications and first aid equipment as well as more prosaic things like climbing and cooking gear. There is a detailed gear list for each adventure which outlines what we provide as well as what you should bring. (Search here for specific adventures and download the info pack.)

Q) What's the food like?
A) Food arrangements are specific to each adventure, but you get three meals a day while on the track. In cities included is breakfast and, depending on the trip and the nature of the activities may also cater for lunch and dinner for the group. In the Himalayas the kitchen staffs have been training for years and work magic over gas or kero stoves in their kitchen tent.
While trekking the cooks prepare a varied menu of wholesome, tasty and plentiful food using fresh ingredients where possible. A trekking breakfast in the Himalayas usually includes cooked foods e.g. eggs, tomatoes, cereal or porridge, toast & spreads and fruit and a selection of hot drinks.
Lunch is often soup and a packed lunch, or a cooked lunch. Dinners are generally soup, a main meal (one of many Asian or European style dishes) veges, and a dessert (fruit to custard to baked apple pie!) Drinking water: will be provided at camps (collected with care, filtered, treated with chemicals and/or boiled), and at lunch time where possible. It is wise to carry a small amount of purifying chemicals (e.g. Iodine or chlorine) with you, in case you happen to need water at an odd time. In the developing world care should be taken to avoid untreated water and potentially contaminated foods like uncooked salads and some fruit. Bottled water is available in cities, but of course you can treat tap water in your own bottle too.
On the hill we eat easy to prepare food, often prepared by the team with assistance from guides and staff: freeze-dried foods, crackers, soups, snacks etc. On big mountains it is often a challenge to eat, so we provide foods to tempt your appetite and give you sustenance.

Q) Who will be responsible for my safety?
A) The short answer - you! All participants are expected to behave in a responsible manner, taking due care of themselves and others. Your expedition leader is responsible for the group including participants and staff. He or she will advise, manage and assist everyone, sometimes with the support of an expedition first aider or doctor, and will be assisted by guides, sherpas, and you and your climbing colleagues, all of whom will have roles to play.

Q) What if I get sick or have an accident?
A) Despite the best precautions, people do sometimes fall ill, sprain something or develop symptoms of AMS. Our expedition leaders will manage your care keeping in mind what's best for you and the rest of the group. Precautions include first aid qualifications and kits, emergency communications, evacuation plans, your travel insurance cover and our pre-preparation and medical advisors.

Q) What about altitude sickness?
A) AMS Acute Mountain Sickness (or altitude sickness) is the body reacting to the stress of high altitude. It is a concern for trekkers in the Himalayas and elsewhere above about approximately; say (is that enough vagueness!) 3,000m. Exposure to high altitude can lead to a number of 'normal' physiological reactions as well as mild to extremely serious illness and even death. The treks are designed with relatively slow acclimatisation schedules, rest days and alternative options. And there are medications and a number of management strategies in place should they be required. Don't be unduly concerned, but please talk to us if you have questions.

Q) I don't have much time, can't we do it quicker?
A) The adventures are designed around what we feel is the optimum itinerary, which incorporates adequate time for the suitably fit participant to do the climb comfortably; flexibility for weather, illness, unforeseen delays; time to enjoy the experience, your climbing colleagues and staff; learn about your surroundings if you wish; and, for altitude adventures, a fairly slow acclimatisation regime to minimise the risk of altitude sickness and maximise your chance of reaching your goals. All while also trying to minimise your time away from home. We would generally not recommend shorter itineraries (such as those used by less scrupulous operators) unless you were genuinely prepared to turn back if you (or your travel companion) becomes affected by AMS. If you really don't have the time available, we can perhaps suggest an alternative itinerary or goal that will work for you.

Q) My friend would like to visit, but isn't really interested in climbing...
A) Your friend, spouse, family, colleagues may like to join you on the trekking phases of the expedition, and could stay in Base Camp or Advanced Base Camp, depending on the trip, when you are on the hill. If they want to accompany you to our base city (e.g. Kathmandu) we can easily arrange extra accommodation, and places on our day tours, but we may also be able to arrange a series of day trips, a short relaxing trip into the country-side, scenic flights above the Himalayas, wildlife safaris and so on. Ask us for ideas, or suggest your own.

Overview
Itinerary
Trip Detail
Trip Facts
Gears
FAQ

The Langtang area is best known for its pristine forests, high-elevation meadows of wild sheep, Tibetan-like culture and lovely mountain views. The name "Langtang" comes from the story of the ancient Buddhist lama who followed his lost yak into the valley - "Lang" means "yak" and "Tang" means "follow". Mirroring the diverse culture of Nepal itself.

Langtang Helambu trekking is one of most popular trekking trail in langtang Himalaya region.

Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m), transfer to hotel, Langtang Helambu trekking briefing with officially arrangements. Overnight in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, our tour guide will take to historical monument sightseeing in around kathmandu valley such as Bhaktapur, Pasupatinath, Boudhanath, Kathmandu dubar square, Monkey temple etc and in the evening farewell dinner in Nepalese restaurant. Overnight at kathmandu.
Drive to Syabru Besi (1450m)
Sybru besi trek to Lama Hotel (2480m)
Lama Hotel trek to Langtang (3541m)
Langtang trek to Kyanjing Gomba (3900m)
Acclimatization and explore day. During this day you can hike up to Kyanjin-Ri or Tseku-Ri for superb Himalayan scenery of Langtang lirung 7245m, Ganesh Himal 7406m, Naya khanga 5846m , Dorje lakpa 6988m, Gauri shanker 7145m, Gangchenpo 6387m, yala paek 5500m or hike to Langtang Lirung base camp. Overnight at Kyanjin Gomba.
Kyanjin Gomba trek to Lama Hotel (2480m)
Lama Hotel trek to Shybru village (2200m)
Shybru village trek to Singh Gomba (3584m)
Singh Gomba trek to Gosainkunda Lake (4381m)
Gosainkunda Lake via Gosainkunda pass (4610m) trek to Ghopte (3440m)
Ghopte trek to Melamchi Gaon (2530m)
Melamchi Gaon trek to Tarkeghyang (2743m)
Tarkeghyang trek to Shermathang (2590m) and drive to KTM (3 hours)
Free day in KTM, celebration dinner and last minute shopping in KTM
Drop at Kathmandu international airport for onward destination.

"Itinerary subject to change"

Langtang Helambu trekking is one of most popular trekking trail in langtang Himalaya region. Lantang Helambu trekking offers panoramic Himalayan views , Holy gosainkund, lush valley and amazing Helambu valley. Langtang Gosainkund Helambu trekking is know as Buddhist pilgrimage trekking trail in Nepal. The Langtang valley populated by Sherpa and Tamang families, lies to the northwest of kathmandu valley, and is over shadowed to the north by the high peak of Langtang Lirung (23,756 ft) on Tibetan border. Most of the area has been designated a national park, which is noted for its birds and flowers. To the south of Langtang area are the holy lakes of Gosainkund scene of a colorful festival each summer, but equally beautiful in spring and autumn which we visit on our return journey from Langtang.

From Kathmandu, we will drive to Syabrubensi along the Trisuli River, enjoying spectacular views of the Ganesh Himal peaks. From Syabrubensi, you will begin your trek through Tamang villages where unusual Himalayan vegetation grows - cactuses! You will stay the night in camp, continuing to Kyanjin Gompa, where you can visit a small Buddhist Monastery and a cheese "factory". From Kyanjin Gompa we will hike further for an excellent view of Langtang Lirung (23,763'), Dorje Lakpa (22,839') and Lenpo Gang (22,882'). We may at this point in our trek choose to go further up the valley to explore glaciers and view even higher peaks such as Shishapangma (26,283'). After your many days hiking in the Himalaya, the hot shower and cold beverages in Kathmandu will no doubt be among the best of your life!

Our route to Gosaikund takes us back down the valley before a long climb up to the lakes in spectacular alpine setting. Crossing a 15,000 ft pass, we come down past a waterfall to a pretty Helambu region, making our way on one of several alternative trails through small Sherpa villages towards the road head at Melamchi pul bazaar. Himalaya Journey Treks and Expedition will arrange langtang Helambu trekking according to trekkers' holiday schedule.

• Walk through desolate, stunning landscapes of the Himalayan mountains
• Encounter authentic Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism culture
• Admire the incomparable beauty of the holy Gosainkunda Lake, with its enchanting blue and emerald colors
• Cross high passes above 4000 meters with spectacular views over the snowcapped Himalayas
• Sleep in authentic tea house style lodges that amidst the snowcapped mountains
• Have encounters with villagers, who are direct descendents of the Tibetans
• Chance to see red panda, wild boar, black deer, goral and other flora and fauna.
• See ever smiling mountains like Mt. Lirung(7227m), Mt. Dorje Lakpa (6966m). Mt. Madiya (6257m), Mt. Purbi Ghhyachu (6637m).

Langtang Helambu trek is an appropriate goal for bushwalkers and hikers or day-walkers looking for an extra challenge. This is a chance to get amongst the Himalayas in relative comfort of simple lodges.

Fitness

The trekking days are not long, as your body needs time to acclimatise and after all, you are on holiday. You will need to be able to walk for 4-8 hours a day with a daypack.

We are generally early abed but you might want to hang around and chat with your fellow trekkers, staff or local people or play a game of cards. Rest days normally involve a part-day hike to a place of interest or viewpoint as well as some relaxation time.

Depending on your general level of fitness you may benefit from a training regime in the lead up to the trek.

Experience

TThis trip introduces you to high altitude trekking. A spirit of adventure and a willingness to stretch your horizons are what you'll need. Some experience of hiking will be an advantage.

Our style

On this Langtang Helambu trek your trek leader will be a qualified Nepalese trek guide. They are there to ensure your trek is a wonderful, fun and safe experience.

Your accomplished and friendly trip guide will help you to enjoy and appreciate the cultural, and natural attractions of the region. They will assist with daily arrangements as you eat in and stay in the tents. The package uses a steady acclimatisation program and allows time for bad weather along the way, giving participants the maximum chance of success.

The trek will be well planned, well led, and well resourced with good quality food, transport, equipment, first aid and communications.

In Kathmandu: We will be staying at the Shanker Hotel (4 star). This charming historic palace has a huge peaceful garden with a pool and is just on the edge of the main tourist area, Thamel.

It is safe and clean and well staffed, and is a safe place to leave your clean town clothes and other gear when you are in the hills. There are many restaurants in Kathmandu catering to western tastes as well as plenty of local Dahl Bhat (rice and lentils) shops at very reasonable prices.

On the Trek: Generally along the regular trekking areas have developed well facilities available teahouse lodges. Which are mainly used by trekkers walk along the trail, however some are very cozy and comfortable and some are basic standard. Arun Treks will accommodate you as best available lodges enroute along the journey and your lodge room will be provided bed, pillow blanket. If you are using your own personal sleeping bag is always recommended to bring with you.

Foods at local teahouses are hygienic and usually delicious which are prepared by using local agro-products. They offer a variety foods, for breakfast, Toast, different styles of eggs, pancake, porridge, Muesli with milk, and other creels, For lunch and dinner, variety of potato, different curries, rice, noodles and pasta, pizza, spring roll, Nepali food and others food, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. They also use some from market which are not possible to grow up there and produce locally.

Autumn season (Sept-Nov) being the best season for trekking, offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views, and also best season for peak climbing.

Summer months (June-September) of the year which coincides with monsoon begins in mid-June and drains in mid-September making travel wet and warm. The mountain views may not be at their best as rain clouds and haze over hang the mountains occasionally obscuring the enchanting views. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation.

Spring season (March-May) is the expedition season and the best time for climbing the high peaks. It is mildly warm at lower elevations but occasional haze mars beautiful view of mountains. At higher elevations over 4,000 meters the mountain views are excellent and the temperature is quite moderate even at night.

Winter season (December-February) is noted for cold weather with occasional snowfall at higher elevations. Again, excellent views are common. These months are popular and ideal for trekking for those who are well equipped or who remain at lower elevations below 3,000 meters. Most of the hotel owners will come to the lower altitude cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Although Travel in Nepal can be organized throughout the year, October through May is considered to be the best months for trekking.

The unit of the Nepalese Currency is Rupee. One Nepali Rupee is made up of 100 paisa. Nepali Rupee notes come in Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000. Coins come in paisa 5,10,25,50 Rs. 1, 2, 5 denominations. Paisa coins are not currently used for common transactions.

Foreign currency, and traveler cheques, can easily be exchanged at banks or authorized agents. In Kathmandu banks have money exchange counters, which are quick and convenient.

MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted at all major Hotels, Travel Agencies, Restaurants and Stores. Only the first two though, are currently accepted at banks for money advances. As from august 2000 ATM services are available in Kathmandu.

In the cities, and specially while trekking, change for Rs500 and Rs1000 bills is not easily available.

Banks are open between 10:00 A.M. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday to Thursdays and between 1 0:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Fridays. Closed on Saturdays and national holidays. Some Banks in Thamel, Kathmandu are open till late.

We recommend cancellation insurance to protect your investment. We require participants to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, Chopper evacuation and repatriation. Please ensure that your chosen policy provides cover for the activities (trekking and mountaineering with ropes and guides) and in the localities in which you will travel (Nepal, to elevations up to 4,610m/15124ft above sea level).

You may already have your own policy but if not you will need to put something in place. Your nationality will determine what options are available to you to cover this trip. For example the British and New Zealand Mountaineering Clubs provide cover for locals; Australians can look into Insure for less with the appropriate extensions to the standard policy. Whatever policy you take out, you must ensure that is covers the activities you will undertake on this trip.

• Conservation/national park fees and all govt. taxes
• All airport/hotel/airport transfer by private transport
• An Experience & professional English speaking Guide.
• Required number of porters
• 4 Night 3 star twin sharing hotel accommodation in KTM on BB basis
• Available best hotel/guest accommodation during the trek
• All meals quality and hygienic during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner
• All hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, juice)
• Complete first aid kits
• Insurance of all local team members
• Half day world heritage sites tour with transport & English speaking guide
• All the entrance fees in the heritage sites & post celebration dinner etc

• Visa and International airfare and departure tax from Nepal.
• Travel insurance (suggest to have evacuation insurance as well)
• Personal equipment
• Major meals (lunch and dinner) in KTM.
• Cost of personal nature like telephone, alcohol, soft drinks, laundry etc.
• Tips to staff.

Most of our adventures in the Himalaya take us to remote regions of high altitude. We always take our time to acclimatize properly and we allow for additional rest days. While most people may experience minor ill effects from high altitudes, there are some who have persistent symptoms, which require return to a lower altitude or emergency evacuation. Adjusting to a new diet can also take some time.

All clients are required to have travel insurance covering emergency rescue, usually by helicopter. We must stress that this kind of evacuation occurs in a life or death situation only. Rest and/or descent to a lower altitude are the best remedies for most illnesses experienced out on the trail. Circumstances differ, and the head guide with regard to treatment and itinerary will evaluate each situation. Considering the ill person condition, if helicopter evacuation required then just co ordinate with your guide, he can talk to us, we will arrange the fastest evacuation system immediately. We will work with you to accommodate your needs and requests to the best of our ability. There are small, limited health clinics in some areas, hours of operation dependent upon the season. Additional costs incurred in cases of illness are not the responsibility of mine or will be charged as extra cost.

Trip Code	-	ATE-LangtangHelambuTrek
Altitude	-	4,610m/15124ft
Grade	-
Activities	-	Trekking
Trip Duration	-	17
Trip Best Season	-	Autumn
Group Size	-	(12 Maximum) (Flexible for private groups)
Start/End at	-	Kathmandu/ Kathmandu
Destination	-	Nepal
Departure Date	-	N/A
Cost	-
Hotel Info	-	N/A

• Travel/town clothes (can leave extras in hotel in KTM)
• Sun hat suitable for snow conditions
• Sunglasses: Category 3 or4, glacier type, UV & polarized are best
• Snow goggles (as for skiing)
• Warm (fleece/wool) hat or beanie
• Fleece scarf or neck gaiter AND balaclava
• 1-2 pairs of thermal liner gloves
• Windstopper fleece gloves
• Heavy mitts with waterproof shell (note: mitts not gloves)
• T-shirt/long-sleeved shirt
• 2 Thermal tops
• Fleece jacket or pullover mid weight
• Fleece jacket heavy weight
• INCL Mid-heavy weight down jacket
• Rain and wind-proof jacket, preferably Gore-Tex
• Rain and wind-proof pants (best with full side zips)
• Trekking shorts&/or long pants lightweight
• 1-2 Thermal long pants
• Fleece long pants, mid weight
• Several pair's socks and underwear
• Trekking boots – we suggest strong leather boots
• Warm boots for camp (e.g. sheep skin boots) *Optional but great!
Other Personal Gear
• Sun screen, zinc cream and lip balm
• Wash kit (small personal toiletries, nail clippers and pack towel)
• First aid kit and blister kit
• Personal medicines including your usual medicines
AND 1 course each of (usually available in Kathmandu):
• Respiratory antibiotic (e.g. Amoxycillin)
• Gastrointestinal antibiotic (e.g. Ciprofloxacin)
• Gastro treatment (e.g. Imodium)
• Mild pain killers (e.g. Aspirin/paracetamol/ibuprofen)
• Throat lozenges
• Altitude medication (e.g. Diamox)

Day pack 70L - 85L
• Down suit
• One sport millet shoes
• Water containers: minimum 3L: e.g. Nalgene wide mouth bottles 1L + bottles or bladder another 2L capacity
• INCL Foam sleeping mat
• An extra sleeping mat (*recommended; e.g. Thermo-Rest or Ridge Rest
• 1 Summit down sleeping bag for high camps
• INCL Sleeping bag for base camp and trek use
• Water-proof bag for sleeping bag (e.g. dry bag or robust plastic bag(s))
• Head lamp (we suggest Black Diamond with LED), spare batteries
• Pee bottle — wide mouth Nalgenes are good *Optional
• Crampons Alpine style with rapid-fix bail type to suit your boots (e.g. Black Diamond Sabretooth)
• Gaiters (for snow) appropriate to your plastic & trekking boots
• Adjustable trekking pole(s)
• Ice axe: one only, 65-75cm in length
• Climbing harness with a belay loop, adjustable leg loops
• Belay/Abseiling gear: e.g. Black Diamond ATC
• Ascender e.g. Petzl expedition ascender
• 2 Non-locking carabineers
• 2 Locking carabineers (wide gate preferred)
Group Equipment Supplied
INCL Group medical kit (for altitude illness, trauma, reserve antibiotics); emergency oxygen and portable altitude chamber
INCL Satellite phone (pay for air time used: USD /minute)
INCL Sleeping tents, dining tent, all cooking and eating equipment & food on trek/climb
INCL 240VAC generatorat BC to recharge camera batteries
INCL Barrel or duffle bag for transporting personal gear by Yak and truck
INCL Climbing ropes, fixed safety ropes
INCL Snow anchors, ice anchors, rock anchors, v-thread cord
NOTE: You must have all of the above personal gear, clothing and equipment. It may be possible to buy some extra equipment (If forgotten) but don't rely on it.
R: This item is available to rent
INCL: This item included in package