Langtang Gosaikunda Trek 13 Days, Moderate

Our journey commences after breakfast with a morning drive to Syabrubesi. The road winds its way through varying landscapes, taking us uphill and downhill, past rural towns and farming villages. Along the route, Trisuli Bazaar in Nuwakot district marks a significant stop. Here, the sub-tropical surroundings give way to terraced fields of maize and millet as we ascend into cooler regions. Each change in scenery is accompanied by shifts in culture and people.

Our journey leads us to Dhunche (1,965 m.), the primary town of the Langtang area and Raswa district. Here, Langtang National Park headquarters is located, where trekking permits are diligently checked by park wardens from the Royal Nepalese Army, responsible for protecting this area. Descending for 1-2 hours, we reach Syabrubesi village, where we will spend the night, recharging for the adventures ahead in the heart of Langtang.

Note: private Jeep is available with extra cost.

The journey from Syabrubesi offers an enjoyable trek, characterized by occasional uphill stretches. However, the majority of the hike unfolds on a relatively level trail, meandering through terraced farmlands and picturesque villages. As you progress, the path gradually descends, converging with another route originating from upper Syabru at the Riverside Lodge.

Continuing your trek, you'll find yourself immersed in a lush forest nestled within a gorge, tracing the course of the spirited Trisuli River. The trail primarily entails ascending amidst the cool shade of rhododendron and oak forests. After approximately six hours of trekking, you'll reach a serene clearing where the Lama Hotel graces the landscape. Here, you'll rest for the night, embracing the cozy accommodations offered by the Teahouse/Lodge.

Starting your day's trek from Lama Hotel, a 2-3 hour morning hike will lead you to Ghodatabela. Nestled within a forest adorned with pine, hemlock, and rhododendron trees, Ghodatabela showcases the unmistakable signs of ascending altitudes. In Nepali, "Ghoda tabela" translates to "horse stable." In times gone by, this town served as a hub for trade between Langtang and even as far as Kathmandu, with Tibetan ponies being brought here for commerce and rest.

Upon your arrival at Ghodatabela, a lodge and the park warden's barrack await, where your permits will undergo another inspection. From this point onward, your trek continues for a few more hours, leading you along the trail toward the scenic valley of Langtang. For approximately an hour after leaving Ghodatabela in your wake, you'll find solace in the shade of alpine woods, tracing the path alongside a gentle stream. Subsequently, another hour or so of uphill trekking brings you to the charming Langtang village via winding trails, with occasional elevations and descents.

(*Important Note: It's worth noting that Langtang, once a beautiful village and a charming campsite, was profoundly impacted by a massive avalanche triggered by the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25th, 2015, resulting in widespread destruction throughout the valley.)

Beginning in Langtang Village, the morning trek leads briefly on a flat path before gradually ascending amid thorny blueberry and alpine shrubs. You'll encounter a Mani prayer wall, respecting local customs by circumventing it clockwise. As you proceed eastward, the valley expands, revealing a verdant meadow with awe-inspiring views of snow-capped peaks. The ascent becomes more challenging due to the altitude gain as you approach Kyanjin Gompa. Situated amidst stunning scenery, this village offers glimpses of Langtang Lirung, soaring over 7,000 meters. Perched atop a glacial debris ridge lies Kyanjin Gompa monastery, surrounded by lodges and even a cheese factory. This trek takes about 3 hours, with lunch at Kyanjin Gompa, and a potential 3-hour round trip to Kyanjin Ri if weather permits. Your night rests at a Teahouse/Lodge.

Today, you've earned a well-deserved day of relaxation. After breakfast, indulge in leisurely activities. Consider a brief stroll to the nearby hill, Kyanjin Ri (4,700 m.), for sweeping panoramic vistas of the snow-draped peaks. You have other two alternatives for this day, if you want to get more of this amazing space. You can either hike to Tsergo Ri (5033m) or explore the hidden Langshisha valley located amidst the Langtang mountains. All of these mentioned stop provide amazing mountain vista gaze. In the evening, explore the cheese factory or simply wander through the enchanting village. The day is yours to savor at your own pace.

Hiking to Kyanjing Ri

Hiking to Tsergo (Cherko) Ri

Exploration of Lanshisa Kharka

After returning from the hike, you can rest for the day. Overnight at a lodge in Kyanjing village.

Following a restful night in Kyanjin Gompa, your return journey commences per the planned itinerary. In case of unfavorable weather on the previous day, a morning hike to Kyanjin Ri is on the agenda before breakfast. Once back from the hike, you'll enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on your homeward trek. The return path retraces the same route taken during the ascent, leading you through quaint hamlets nestled along the way. In the evening you'll reach Lama Hotel, where you'll spend the night.

Following breakfast, our journey continues through the enchanting bamboo and rhododendron forest, offering fortunate trekkers glimpses of local wildlife like wild boar, monkeys, and various birds. Along the way, the trail treats you to a magnificent, up-close vista of Ganesh Himal. Initially, you'll enjoy a gentle descent along the riverbank, but the final stretch entails a steep ascent lasting a couple of hours, ultimately leading you to the charming village of Thulo Syabru.

On the eighth day of our journey, we embark on a 5-6 hour trek through a dense forest adorned with pine and rhododendron trees, leading us to Lauribina, where we'll spend the night. The trail from Thulo Syabru to Foprang Danda at 3,200 meters is predominantly uphill, showcasing typical Himalayan terrain. Along the way, we pass through Dursagang at 2,660 meters. The final stretch, still within the forested embrace, opens up to reveal breathtaking views of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, the Tibetan Mountains, and forests adorned with oak, hemlock, and fir trees. Upon our arrival at the hotel, we'll have the chance to refresh ourselves and explore the local surroundings.

Today, we make our way to another prominent landmark of Rasuwa, Gosaikunda Lake, held in high reverence by both the Hindu and Buddhist communities. Our trek commences from Lauribina and we gradually ascend along a steep path that guides us to the entrance of the iconic Gosaikunda Lake, adorned with Chortens (stupas) and small temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

En route to this holy lake, we are blessed with majestic vistas of the Annapurna massifs, Ganesh Himal, and other mountain ranges. Upon arrival at the lake, one of the several glacial lakes in the vicinity, we can explore its serene beauty and soak in the awe-inspiring mountain views. If you choose, you can even take a dip in this sacred lake, believed to have been created by Lord Shiva with his trident to quench his thirst. We'll spend the night in Gosaikunda at a guesthouse.

Day 10 marks the most demanding day of our trekking adventure. Our mission is to conquer the formidable Lauribina La Pass, standing tall at an altitude of 4,610 meters, making it the highest point of our journey. Departing from the sacred Gosaikunda, we forge ahead through rugged trails that wind past several other small glacial lakes before reaching the base of the Lauribina La Pass.

The ascent to the pass summit is steep but incredibly rewarding. At the top, we are bestowed with one of the most breathtaking vistas of the entire expedition. Feast your eyes on the majestic Manaslu peak, Ganesh Himal, and the Langtang Lirung Peaks, all of which are sure to be captured in photographs as timeless memories.

Following this awe-inspiring moment, our descent leads us to the settlement of Phedi. Before reaching Phedi, we'll trek on a relatively easier path, meandering through meadows, alpine terrain filled with pine and fir trees, caves, and prayer flags. Our day ends in the charming settlement of Ghopte, where we'll spend the night.

Today, we venture into the picturesque Helambu region, with Kutumsang as our ultimate destination. Our journey commences from Ghopte, leading us along a trail that winds through forests adorned with pine, incense, and rhododendron trees. The path traverse over rocky terrain, taking us on a journey of ups and downs until we arrive at Thadepati.

Here, we embark on a challenging ascent to the summit of Thadepati Pass, which rewards us with breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, including the majestic Ganesh and Langtang Mountains. Descending from the pass's summit, we transition into the Helambu region, traversing dense forested areas. Along the way, we pass in and out of the southern boundary of Langtang National Park until we reach our destination, Kutumsang, where we will spend the night.

Leaving the culturally diverse Kutumsang village, where Sherpa and Tamang communities prevail, we embark on our trek. We traverse hillsides and lush forested areas, descending to the village of Pati Bhanjyang, inhabited by the Brahmin and Chhetri communities. Along the winding trail, we navigate through a series of uphill and downhill stretches, passing through small settlements and patches of woodland.

Our journey culminates at the trekker's crossroads, Chisapani. Here, we are treated to a magnificent spectacle—the sunset casting a golden glow upon the Himalayan panorama. From Annapurna and Manaslu to Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and the Jugal Himal range, these majestic peaks paint a breathtaking picture against the evening sky. We'll spend the night in Chisapani, savoring the beauty of this remarkable setting.

After breakfast, we start our journey to Sundarijal. We walked down a staircase into Shivapuri National Park, which is like a big natural park. It's full of trees like oak, rhododendron, and pine. There are also streams of water, and it's very peaceful.

We reach a small village near a waterfall, where the air is cool and the river sounds soothing. From there, we take a one-hour scenic drive back to Kathmandu, and our short adventure ends. We spent the night in Kathmandu, thinking about the fun times we had on our trek.

Note: For flexibility, you may book your own accommodations Hostel to a 5-star Hotel in Kathmandu and you can stay more than one night in Kathmandu before and after the trek at your preferred place.