After trekking alone and unguided through dense, bear-infested jungle, ascending over 3000m in three days to cross the lofty Laurebina Pass, and narrowly fending off kidnap at the hands of a crazed female yeti...

...The Oriental Caravan has now arrived safely back in the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu. The 'hidden' valley of Langtang is stunningly beautiful and, with its majestic snowy mountains and rich flora and fauna, provides great trekking opportunities - especially for those wishing to get away from the 'crowds' of Annapurna and Everest.

Trekking in the Langtang

Jungle fungi (Lenzites betulina)

The approach to the mountains is through thick jungle that clings lovingly to the steep valley walls. The earlier mentioned bear infestation might have been something of an exaggeration but most people at least end up coming across troupes of black-faced, long tailed Langur monkeys swinging their way through the trees in an environment where the general abundance of life in all its forms is endlessly fascinating.

At an airy 4200metres the serene Gosainkund Lake is said to have been created by the trident of a thirsty Lord Shiva and is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus. Elsewhere in the Langtang region the people, language and culture are very much Tibetan.

Langtang Lirung

Gosainkund Lake at sunset

With its excellent contacts and long experience in the Himalaya The Oriental Caravan is well placed to organise a wide range of tailor-made and group treks in the Langtang region and elsewhere in Nepal. If you feel a need for the great outdoors and would prefer to have it all arranged by experts... get in touch! Best months for trekking in the Langtang are March, April, May, October and November.

That's about it for the moment. Now its time to head back to London so I hope to see or hear from you soon there. Until then take care,

With very best wishes from

Phil and all aboard The Oriental Caravan.