Langtang and Gosaikunda Lake Trek

Langtang Gosaikunda Lake trek combines the remote and spectacular valley of Langtang, with the high mountain lakes at Gosainkunda. The Gosaikunda loop is quite remote and thinly populated area. Gosaikunda, a glacier lake, is the most famous one with several others glacier lakes adjoining it. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit the lakes during a full- moon festival in August and Hindu people believe that the god Mahadev (Shiva), intoxicated by grief due to his wife’s (Parbati) death, felt thirsty so he hit the stone with his holy stick, then the lake was created. In the same place Lake Gosaikunda originates and Hindu people believe that the image of Mahadev can be seen in the middle surface of the water. The lake is also scared to Buddhists.

TREKKING OVERVIEW

One travels through pristine forests to the village of Ghoda Tabela, then the valley opens out into a high, Himalayan river plain full of beautiful camping sites, spectacular peaks and wide glaciers. One can hike to the back of the valley or take numerous optional trips to explore glacier-filled side canyons.

Visit the beautiful Langtang National park and then trek to the end of the valley to view the wonderful mountains views. Following the Trisuli River north out of Kathmandu, we travel through Trisuli Bazaar and Dhunche to Syabru Bensi, a Sherpa village located at the very edge of the Langtang National Park.

TREKKING ROUTE ITINERARY

DAY 01 : EARLY IN THE MORNING DRIVE FROM KATHMANDU TO SYABRU BENSI (1462M) – 7 HRS:

Early in the morning after having breakfast we will drive to Syabru Bensi (1,470m) via Dhunche. Your adventure begins! Passing through many small villages on the way will fascinate you with snippets of everyday living in these villages. On the way you will see the superb view of the Himalaya, including the Annapurnas, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and the peaks of Langtang region.

DAY 02 : TREK FROM SYABRU BENSI TO LAMA HOTEL (2500M) – 6 HRS:

The trail initially crosses the Bhote Kosi, following down from Tibet, and then gradually climb up through the sub tropical forests, teeming with bird – life, to join the trail from Syabru. At the end of trekking you have short climb to the Lama Hotel.

DAY 03 : TREK FROM LAMA HOTEL TO LANGTANG (3430M) – 5 HRS:

Today, the trek route follows Gumanechok, Ghoda Tabela literally it means the Horse Stable. After this the trail is slightly gradual and beautiful in the valley with the grazing Yaks. Langtang village is very local and a very old village of this trekking route and the views from here more spectacular as we get closer to mountain. There is a monastery which you can visit shortly before arriving at the village Langtang, the headquarters of the Langtang National Park.

DAY 04 : TREK FROM LANGTANG TO KYANJIN GOMPA (3730M) – 4:30 HRS:

Today is a shorter walk but enough for acclimatization. The trail climb gradually through small villages and yak pastures. The surroundings are interesting also because of the famous Cheese factory. Kyangjin has a vivid setting as it is surrounded by snow capped mountain from all side. You can enjoy panoramic views of Kyangjin Ri (4750m), Tserko Ri (5000m), Ganja La (5160m), Langshi sa – ri (6427m), Dorji Lakpa (6430m), Naya Kanga (5844m), Yala Peak (5500m) and so on.

DAY 05 : REST DAY AT KYANJIN GOMPA FOR ACCLIMATIZATION:

Today is acclimatization day to rest and explore the area. You can visit monastery, cheese factory; walk up the moraine to see the spectacular ice faces of Langtang Lirung or ascend Kyangjin Ri (4350m).

DAY 06 : TREK FROM KYANJIN GOMPA TO LAMA HOTEL (2340M) – 5 HRS:

Today you will back down to Lama Hotel to the way of Goasikunda through the Tamang village.

DAY 07 : TREK FROM LAMA HOTEL TO THULO SYABRU (2210M) – 6 HRS:

Today is easy day of trekking, while going down you will see huge waterfalls. You retrace your steps to Thulo Syabru, and then follow a steep path through forest which brings in to the view of Syabru. Syabru is very beautiful Tamang majority village with good views of Ganesh Himal and Tibetan mountains.

DAY 08 : TREK FROM THULO SYABRU TO SING GOMPA (3330M) – 5 HRS:

Today, from Thulo Syabru it is a steep climb through forests of oak, fir, and rhododendron to the top of a ridge. From here it is only a short descent to Shing Gompa. Sing Gompa provides panoramic views, exhilarating nature and Yak Cheese factory. The cheese manufactured here is considered the best in Nepal.

DAY 09 : TREK FROM SING GOMPA TO GOSAIN KUNDA (4460M) – 5 HRS:

From Sing Gompa you climb a ridge to the main Gosainkund trail. You follow a rugged trail with dramatic views to the Manaslu range, Ganesh Himal range, Tibetan peaks and Langtang Lirung. Eventually, the trail descends from the ridge to the first of three lakes Sarashowti Kunda, second is Bhairab Kunda and third is Gosain Kunda. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit the lakes during a full- moon festival in August. The lake is also scared to Buddhists.

DAY 10 : TREK FROM GOSAINKUNDA TO GHOPTE (3200M) – 6.30 HRS:

Today we leave Gosaikund and climb through rugged country, past four small lakes to the Laurebina La (4610meters), the highest point of this trek. On a clear day we can see Annapurna range through the way. Then the trail leads us steeply down to Phedi (3740m). From here, the route drops to the stream then climbs through the scrub Bamboo to a crest. Continue walk down throughout crossing a rocky hill with pine, rhododendron trees to Ghopte.

DAY 11 : TREK FROM GHOPTE TO KUTUMSANG (2446M) – 5:30 HRS:

Descending from the ridge at Ghopte, the trail makes numerous ups and downs across ravines and the boulders of old moraines. The trail slightly descends and then begins to ascend through the rhododendron, oak and juniper forests up to the Tharepati (3510m). Trek downhill with only one small ridge to cross en route. Stop at Kutumsang, an interesting typically old-fashioned Helambu village. Attractive Mountain views as well as local peoples’ life style, culture; customs would be worth making you glad.

DAY 12 : TREK FROM KUTUMSANG TO CHISAPANI (2170M) – 5 HRS:

A pleasant walk down to the Pathi Bhanyjyang goes through forests. A shorter day but with descends and climbs to Chisopani, where the view of the whole central Himalayas is breathtaking. You can see Himalayan range from Manaslu to Everest. Landscapes will be reflective in the evening and early morning hours.

DAY 13 : TREK FROM CHISAPANI TO SUNDARIJAL THEN DRIVE TO KATHMANDU – 8 HRS:

We start the day by climbing up the last pass of the trek at Borlang Bhanjyang, at 2240m. From here we descend steeply through deeply eroded chasms towards the Tamang settlement of Mulkharka (1800m). More super views while descending to the road through oak and rhododendron forests, with some pine a lower altitude. Now it is a short trek to Sundarijal as we walk past the local water supply system and follow the water pipe to this village. From Sundarijal we can take local transportation, or have our private transport waiting for us to bring us back to Kathmandu.