The Gosainkunda Langtang Trek in Nepal is a beautiful journey in the Langtang National Park, not too far from Kathmandu and visible from the city. It's a trek filled with diverse experiences, from rugged gorges to pine forests, charming villages, and serene valleys, all set against the backdrop of awe-inspiring glaciers and towering mountains.
The highlight is the sacred Gosainkunda, a pristine alpine lake high in the Rasuwa mountains at 4,380 meters above sea level. The adventure starts with a drive along the Trishuli River, taking you to Syabrubesi, a Tamang village by the Bhote Koshi River. From there, you'll follow the Langtang River, spending nights at Lama Hotel and Langtang Village.
The trek then leads to Kyangin Gompa for acclimatization, with opportunities to explore the yak cheese factory, Tserko Ri viewpoint, and Kyangin Gompa. After retracing to Lama Hotel, the journey continues to the sacred Gosaikunda, known for its healing waters, and then traverses the Laurebina La High Pass, offering breathtaking landscapes along the way. The trek ends in Sundarijal, a bus ride away from Kathmandu.
As you finish this amazing trek, you'll not only be surrounded by Nepal's stunning nature but also be touched by its deep spirituality and culture. The Gosainkunda Langtang Trek is a testament to the beauty of Langtang National Park, with its diverse landscapes and experiences, ending at the awe-inspiring and sacred Gosainkunda Lake. When your journey concludes in Sundarijal, you'll head back to Kathmandu with a heart full of memories and a soul enriched by the unique mix of nature, spirituality, and adventure that this trek offers.
The cost of the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is set at an affordable US$ 850 per person, offering an incredible opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes of the Langtang region without breaking the bank. This trek provides exceptional value, covering not only the permit fees but also your accommodation, meals, and the guidance of an experienced local trekking guide. While traveling through beautiful villages, dense forests, and lakes, you'll get a true taste of the Himalayan culture and environment at a budget-friendly price.
This comprehensive package includes all the essentials to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience in the Langtang region. With your budget carefully managed, you can focus on immersing yourself in the natural beauty, cultural richness, and majestic mountain views that this trek has to offer.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a friendly member of our team will be there to welcome you with a beautiful garland, a part of our cultural tradition for newcomers. Our staff will then help you get to your hotel, understanding that after a long flight, you may need some rest. Later, our manager will meet you at the hotel to go over the details of your trip plan.
As the day begins, you rise early, get ready, enjoy a good breakfast, and wait for your guide in the hotel lobby. Today, your journey from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi spans 122 km along the Prithivi Highway. Leaving the city's hustle and bustle behind, you travel along peaceful roads, listening to the soothing sounds of birds and rivers. The scenic drive traces the Trishuli River for the first part, passing through small towns and villages. You'll see serene farmlands with grazing cattle and stop for lunch in the lively town of Trishuli Bazaar. Continuing on less-traveled roads, you gradually ascend to Dunche and then reach Syabrubesi within an hour or two. Syabrubesi acts as the entry point to Langtang region's trekking routes. Located among green hills on the outskirts of Langtang National Park, this beautiful village is situated in a gorge between two hills.
After breakfast, your 11.3 km trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel begins. You'll cross a suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi River and walk alongside the river through a beautiful rhododendron forest, where you might spot local wildlife like leopards, Himalayan black bears, and wild goats. Bamboo is your lunch stop, and you'll pass through villages with Tibetan influences. The path takes you through oak and rhododendron forests to Rimche, then up a steep slope through Tamang villages and green meadows until you reach Lama Hotel. This journey not only offers beautiful views but also lets you experience mountain culture and engage with the local community. Lama Hotel, surrounded by lush forests, provides various places to stay and opportunities to connect with the environment.
The walk from Lama Hotel to Langtang is a beautiful journey with less uphill climbing than the previous day. After breakfast, you'll hike from Lama Hotel, passing through a lovely rhododendron orchard and crossing the Langtang River into a lush forested area. As you go along, the path gets wider, and you'll see fantastic mountain views. After wandering through the woods, you'll get to a ridge that looks out over the Langtang River, where you'll stop for lunch at Ghodatabela.
Once you've had lunch, you'll cross the river again using a wooden bridge and head down to a glacier moraine. On the other side, you'll reach the charming village of Langtang. This village was significantly affected by the 2015 earthquake, and although some houses and hotels are still being rebuilt, much of the town has already been reconstructed. Along the route, you'll pass through different types of forests and see impressive waterfalls on the Kangjala and Langtang ranges. Take your time to explore the village and soak in the surroundings.
After breakfast, you're off to Kyanjin Gompa, known for its beautiful Himalayan views. You start with a mild uphill walk through pastures, passing Mundo, where many trekkers rested when Langtang village was being rebuilt. The path continues through Sindum and Yamphu, where you'll have a good lunch.
Recharged, you journey through a dense forest along Laja Khola, reaching a viewpoint with panoramic views of Kinshung and Lirung icefall. Then, you make a gentle descent to Kyanjin Gompa. During the day, you'll enjoy Himalayan beauty and Mani walls, and Kyanjin village, surrounded by mountains, offers splendid scenery and opportunities to explore the area and visit an old Gompa.
On your first acclimatization day in Kyanjin Gompa, you get to explore the village and take a hike to Tsergo Ri. The day starts early with a visit to an ancient Gompa for a morning prayer and fantastic mountain views.
After returning for breakfast, you begin a challenging climb to Tsergo Ri, which can be a bit tricky to navigate, so stick with your group. During the ascent, you'll enjoy the peaceful natural beauty of the Langtang region, combined with its spiritual significance. Reaching the summit of Tsergo Ri rewards you with beautiful views of Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh Himal, and more. After a satisfying lunch at the top, you'll descend to Kyanjin Gompa, where you can continue exploring the village. Don't forget to visit the well-known cheese factory and try some tasty yak cheese. It's a day filled with adventure and a few challenges.
Today, you'll head back to Lama Hotel. You can also visit the Gompa if you'd like before starting your trek. After breakfast, you'll leave the village, taking in the beautiful scenery.
The path mostly goes downhill, and it's a bit longer than you might expect. You will follow the same path you took earlier, going all the way back to Lama Hotel. Along the way, you'll pass through charming forests and cross suspension bridges.
As you get closer to Lama Hotel, you'll see cascading waterfalls, the magnificent Himalayas, and colorful flowers.
The trek from Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru starts like any other day. You have breakfast, pack your bags, and head down the trail. On the way, you might see a group of goats grazing in the area.
After passing them, you keep walking downhill and cross the Langtang River. Your journey leads you through a thick forest with birch, oak, pine, and rhododendron trees.
After a few hours of walking, you'll reach Thulo Syabru, where you'll spend the night. This village is small and doesn't have many people, so you can explore it in just a few hours.
Typically, the Langtang Valley trek ends in Syabru village, but your journey continues to Gosaikunda, heading for Singh Gompa. After a good meal, you start a steep climb to reach a lovely stupa, offering a view of Thurman and Nagthali in the distance.
As you keep hiking for several hours, you'll reach Forpang Danda, where you'll stop for lunch. Afterward, you continue along a winding forest trail. The colorful flowers along the path make the surroundings even more beautiful.
As you walk through the woods, the trail goes up a bit, eventually taking you to Singh Gompa. The backdrop of towering mountains is truly amazing, and this place offers fantastic views of valleys and landscapes.
Today is an exciting trekking day as you head to the beautiful turquoise lake. The journey from Singh Gompa to Gosaikunda Lake is relatively short and not too tough.
You'll start the trek with a gentle climb through a colorful forest, where you can see the mountains peeking through the trees. After an hour or two of walking, you'll reach Cholongpat, where you can have breakfast.
From there, you'll continue on the trail for about an hour, reaching the top of Lauribina, where you'll enjoy a fantastic view of Ganesh Himal. As you go higher, you'll pass through some high fields and cross a ridge, finally getting your first glimpse of the lakes.
The path will then lead you to Gosaikunda village, a good spot to take a break, rest, and get ready for the next part of your journey.
Today, you'll visit the Holy Gosaikunda Lake and then continue to Chandanbari. Your adventure begins after breakfast, and you'll be excited to explore this sacred place.
You'll follow an uphill path from the village and reach the Holy Gosaikunda Lake in about an hour and a half. This beautiful lake sits under the blue sky, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. In the winter, the frozen lake becomes even more enchanting, perfect for ice skating. Enjoy the views, take some photos, and return to the village for lunch after coming back down.
Once you're ready, you'll set off on the trail again, heading to Chandanbari. You'll start with a steep descent to Laribina, where you'll see lots of waterfalls. Then, you'll make a gradual descent until you reach Chandanbari. Chandanbari is famous for its local dairy, where you can taste delicious curd, milk, and more. Be sure to enjoy the incredible views of the Himalayas during your visit.
Your trekking adventure is wrapping up today as you journey from Chandanbari to Dhunche. After breakfast, you'll say goodbye to the village, follow less-traveled paths, and head toward the Langtang river.
Once you've crossed the river, you'll enter beautiful oak and rhododendron forests. Between the trees, you'll catch glimpses of the mountains. You'll take a lunch break at a viewpoint along the way.
Afterward, you'll continue your hike with a steep descent that eventually brings you to Dhunche. This is your last night in the Langtang region, so enjoy your time here.
Today, you'll start your day early, heading back to Kathmandu in a vehicle. You'll take the same route you used to get here, so you can enjoy the beautiful views of hills and landscapes once more. Even though this day's journey doesn't involve any walking, it's a long and tiring ride.
Your guide will accompany you to your hotel, which marks the end of your trip. With the rest of the day free, you can explore local markets, take it easy, and maybe buy some souvenirs for your family and friends. You'll need to book your own hotel in Kathmandu for the night of day 12.
The Langtang Gosaikunda trek usually takes around 10-14 days, depending on the itinerary and your pace.
The Langtang Gosaikunda trek is considered moderately challenging. It involves steep ascents and descents, as well as high altitude. Prior trekking experience and a good level of fitness are recommended.
The best time to do the Langtang Gosaikunda trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. The weather is generally stable, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.
Yes, you will need two permits for the Langtang Gosaikunda trek: the Langtang National Park Entry Permit and the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the entry points of the trek.
Accommodation along the Langtang Gosaikunda trek is basic but comfortable. Tea houses and lodges are available in most villages along the trail, offering simple rooms with shared bathrooms. It's advisable to bring a sleeping bag for extra warmth.
Yes, altitude sickness is a potential risk on the Langtang Gosaikunda trek. It's important to acclimatize properly, drink plenty of water, and ascend gradually. If you experience severe symptoms of altitude sickness, it's advisable to descend and seek medical help.
Yes, hiring a guide and porter is optional but highly recommended. A guide can provide valuable information about the route, culture, and safety, while a porter can help carry your backpack, allowing you to trek more comfortably.
The starting point of the Langtang Gosaikunda trek is usually Syabrubesi, which is accessible by road from Kathmandu. You can take a bus or hire a private vehicle to reach Syabrubesi.
Yes, it is possible to do the Langtang Gosaikunda trek independently. However, it's recommended to have some prior trekking experience and a good understanding of the route and safety precautions. Hiring a guide or joining a group trek is also a popular option.
Yes, there are several side trips and extensions you can consider during the Langtang Gosaikunda trek. Some popular options include a visit to Tserko Ri for panoramic views, a detour to Helambu Valley, or an extension to the sacred Gosainkunda Lakes.
It's advisable to drink filtered or purified water during the Langtang Gosaikunda trek to avoid waterborne illnesses. You can either use water purification tablets or carry a water filter bottle to ensure safe drinking water.
For the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek in Nepal, it's important to be well-prepared with the right gear and equipment to ensure your safety and comfort. Here's a list of essential items you should consider bringing:
This list covers the essential gear and equipment for a successful Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. Remember to adapt your gear based on the specific season and weather conditions during your trek.
The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek offers its best experience during the autumn and spring seasons, each with its unique appeal.
Autumn (September to November):
Peak Season: Autumn is the most popular and considered the best time for the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. The weather is stable, and the skies are clear, providing stunning mountain views.
Moderate Temperatures: Daytime temperatures are comfortable for trekking, ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), while nighttime temperatures may drop below freezing at higher elevations.
Vibrant Scenery: The forests are lush, the hills are covered with blooming rhododendron, and the clear skies offer spectacular panoramic views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges.
Cultural Festivals: This season coincides with some of Nepal's major festivals like Dashain and Tihar, offering an opportunity to witness local traditions.
Spring (March to May):
Second Best Season: Spring is another excellent time for the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. The weather is stable, and the landscape comes alive with blossoming rhododendron forests.
Warmer Temperatures: The days are warmer than in autumn, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it more comfortable for trekking.
Floral Beauty: The forests are adorned with colorful rhododendron blooms, making the trek more scenic.
Snowmelt and Waterfalls: Spring is the season when the snow begins to melt, filling the rivers and waterfalls, adding to the natural beauty of the region.
Both seasons offer relatively stable weather and excellent visibility, making it easier to appreciate the breathtaking landscapes and mountains. However, it's essential to note that the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to be prepared for variations. Ultimately, the best season for the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek depends on your personal preferences, whether you prefer blooming rhododendrons in spring or clear skies and cooler temperatures in autumn.
