Very close to the Ganja La pass, between the Langtang and Helambu valleys, stands a formidable snow and ice covered peak, Naya Kanga (5846 m). The trek starts in the Helambu valley, passes by the sacred lakes of Gosaikund, and goes up the Langtang valley. The ascent starts beneath the Ganja La with little technical climbing on relatively steep snow and ice slopes (Grade Alpine PD). From the top are fine views of an array of peaks, including nearby Shishapangma (8046 m). The return trek leads through Helambu and numerous, picturesque Sherpa villages. The landscapes are extremely varied: rice-terraces, gigantic rhododendrons and firs forests and, in the highest parts, a rock and shrub wilderness set against a backdrop of snowy peaks.

20 days   ****   Maximum altitude: 5846 m