Preface to the first edition - from the book Amazing Helambu, Epsilonmedia

The area of Helambu and the Langtang National Park are not very popular trekking areas in Nepal so far. The more unspoilt they present themselves to the visitor. Little can be noticed of the hectic business buzz of other tourist places. Beaming calm faces, laughing children, people – in spite of their poverty – full of life and friendliness towards strangers.

Helambu and Langtang also stand for a variety of cultures: Buddhist and Hindu villages next to each other, different ethnic groups and social structures, easily recognizable in small everyday encounters, whether with a smoking Chetri woman in the field or a Lama in front of his gompa. The invitation to the exotic cuisine, the exposure to and amazement about the way of life of the people here are an unforgettable experience. Still, like in many areas of Nepal, the rhythm of nature shapes everyday life for the most part: long steep ways to school, the complete isolation of some villages, deep valleys, tiny fields cultivated with a lot of effort. Man has to cooperate with nature in order to survive. This is why people seem more fatalistic, but maybe more content as well. Hard and merciless nature presents itself in this region, but at the same time romantic and with a naive easiness. There seems to be no balance between the extremes.

The more important environmentally sensitive tourism is for this area. It offers an additional perspective and basis for a better existence to a number of people. Be it the hospitable family inviting overnight stays into their simple lodge, the tea shop lady or the Lama of the local gompa. They all look after the stranger’s wellbeing. It is worthwhile to listen to these people, to profit from their views and thoughts and to respect them.


The grandeur of the mountain giants Everest or Annapurna range is reflected in the obliging cordiality and hospitality of the people. The landscape is alive, the tourist is not in the centre, people are busy with their everyday errands and it is the plunge into the normal Nepalese life that makes the hike so interesting. Whether you are waken at dawn by the crackling of the kitchen stove or the busy buzz of the family, or a teacher invites you proudly to his school class. Many have time for a chat – and that’s how you get to know and experience more of the people’s lives.

Impressed by my first visit more trips into the Helambu and Langtang region followed. Each visit I experienced as quite unique in spite of similar hikes. Characteristic of this area is the typical combination of awe-inspiring scenery, the variety of scents and the often exotic soundscape. Nepal and especially Helambu and Langtang offer an abundance of these enjoyable experiences.