There are interesting places to the north of Kathmandu for those who have only a short time for trekking. Helambu, north-east of Kathmandu, and Gosainkunda and Langtang due north of Kathmandu, provide the glimpses of Tamang and Sherpa life, temperate forests with varieties of rhododendrons, lakes, glaciers and snow mountains.

a. Helambu : Helambu, about 72 kilometers north-east of Kathmandu, is noted for its scenic grandeur and pleasant climate. The Helambu region, extending from north of Taramarang to the tree limit of the Gosainkunda Lake and lower slopes of Jugal Himal, has several highland Tamang and Sherpa villages, scattered on both sides of the Malemchi Khola.

b. Gosainkunda : Situated at an altitude of 4,380 meters and cradled amidst craggy peaks, Gosainkunda Lake is one of the most famous pilgrimages of Nepal. Thousands of people trek to this glacial lake every August. The trek passes through varied landscapes ranging from evergreen forest, cascading waterfalls and turbulent streams to alpine grass and barren mountainsides. Besides the famous Gosainkunda Lake, the other lakes in the neighborhood are Nagkunda, Bhairabkunda, Saraswatikunda and Surajkunda.

Gosainkunda lies to the north-west of Helambu beyond a 4.602-meters high pass. However, the best approach to Gosainkunda is through Trishuli valley, 71 kilometers north-west of Kathmandu. Trishuli valley is linked with Kathmandu by a motorable road.

c. Langtang Valley : Surrounded with many peaks and glaciers, Langtang is a delightful valley situated north of Gosainkunda. Above an altitude of 3.000 meters, Langtang valley opens out beyond Ghora Tabela. The Langtang valley is full of beautiful camping sites, spectacular mountains and glacier sceneries. From Langtang village, the track continues to Kyangjin Gompa (3,740 m). This is the site of the Yala Cheese Factory. There is a STOL airstrip at Chhaldang, a short distance east of Kyangjin.

Visits to the Yala Cheese Factory (4.633 m) and the small lakes beyond Yala are worthwhile. Yala can be reached within half a day from Kyangjin Gompa.

From Kyangjin Gompa, a continuation to the pastures of Langsisa (4.084 m) provides the good views of numerous glaciers. There are some huts in Langsisa that can be reached within one day's walk from Kyangjin Gompa.