Just to the north of Kathmandu are two lovely regions where one may experience Tamang and Sherpa life, temperate forest and alpine pastures, glaciers, lakes and snowy peaks. Helambu Valley noted for its scenic grandeur and pleasant climate, lies north to Kathmandu. One can stay in highland monastery villages and small settlements in pristine forests. Above Helambu is a mountain pass through the lakes of Gosainkunda in Langtang Valley. Gosaikunda lake itself is situated at 4,380 meters. It is considered a sacred lake where thousands of devotees take a holy dip into the waters during summer every year. Nearby are other lakes including Nagkunda, Bhairavkunda, Saraswatikunda and Suryakunda. The trek passes through a varied landscape ranging from evergreen forests, cascading waterfalls and turbulent streams to sub-alpine grasslands and stark, beautiful mountainsides. Langtang valley stretches to the north of Gosainkunda.
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