Langtang Gosaikunda Trek - 13 Days

After an early breakfast, we start with a scenic drive on a local bus out of Kathmandu Valley to Syabrubesi - northwest of Kathmandu. From the way, you can see beautiful scenery - raging rivers, terraced fields, typical Nepali villages, and snow-capped peaks. The road is smooth up to Trishuli Bazaar. Then the road becomes a little rugged as it ascends to Dhunche and descends back down to Syabrubesi. We will stop for lunch on the way and dinner at lodge.

After breakfast, we begin our first day on the trail. We cross the Bhote Kosi to Langtang River and then follow the Langtang River through the fertile jungle and terraced fields. Additionally, the route ascends through lush woodland, so you may see the "The Himalayan Monal"- Nepal’s national bird, resides in the jungle. Rhododendron trees, Nepal’s national flower, are also widely distributed. Rhododendron coexists alongside oak trees, which are reminiscent of the woods in western nations. Walking through these beautiful pathways, we will get to Sherpa Gaun where we stay overnight.

After having a hearty breakfast, we will begin our trek through pine and rhododendron forests and finally enter the broad valley of Langtang. On the way, we will be able to catch glimpses of snowy peaks, including Langtang Himal range, including Langtang Lirung (one of the highest peaks in the Langtang). After walking for about 4 hours and covering about 7-8 km, we will stop at Riverside Lodge for lunch. Eventually, the narrow river valley widens out at Ghoda Tabela. In the past, there was a Tibetan resettlement project running here. We will stop at the Ghoda Tabela Army Check Post to register our permits. Then we cross the east side of the river as we get closer to the Langtang Valley. We continue past the prayer wheels driven by flowing water and prayer flags to scenic Langtang village, inhabited by the Tamang ethnic group settlement. 

After early breakfast, we continue ascending as we pass through small settlements managed and used by the shepherds. The wide Langtang valley offers far-reaching panoramas of the mighty Himalayas. Today, we will be on a short but challenging trek to Kyanjin Gompa, where you will have lunch and spend the night. It is a 5 km long trek that covers approximately 3-4 hours. Kyanjin Gompa, named after the nearby, ancient monastery of Kyanjin Gompa. The Kyanjin Gompa is mostly abandoned after being badly affected by the 2015 earthquake. After lunch, we explore the village and monastery, the cheese factory in the village. Additionally, for an option, hike to Kyanjin Ri after lunch. Hiking to the Kyanjin Ri viewpoint is a short, demanding, yet exciting trek within the Langtang region.

We will stay at Kyanjin Gompa for acclimatization on this day. The upper Langtang Valley offers stunning close views of the tall mountains and glaciers. We will visit several sites, such as the Yak cheese factory and Kyanjin Gompa Monastery. If you want, you can trek to Langshisha Kharka and the Tserko Ri (5450 m) Viewpoint, from where you can catch the beautiful mountain views of the Himalayan peaks - including Langtang Lirung (7,227m), Langtang II (6,596m), and Yala Peak (5,500m). We return to Kyanjin Gompa for the evening.

Tserko Ri is one of the most famous and easiest peaks to climb in the Langtang region. Situated at an elevation of 4984 meters (16,352 ft), the Tserko Ri Hike covers around 8-9 km. It takes about 5 hours to climb the peak and 2.5 hours to descend. It is a high-altitude hike, so there is a high chance of getting altitude sickness. So, we suggest you walk slowly but steadily. It is a short yet challenging climb and takes about 7 hrs, so start as early as possible and carry packed food for the route, or have lunch once we return to Kyanjin Gompa. 

After enjoying the last breakfast at Kyanjin Gompa, we head back to Lama Hotel. We start descending on a route that will take us out of the valley. We follow the same path that took us to Kyanjin Gompa. On the way, we will pass the Langtang Village and then stop for lunch at Ghora Tabela, where we register our exit at the Army Check Post. It is a long walking day, but a comfortable descent compared to a steep descent. After a leisurely lunch, we descend through the dense forests of the river valley to the Lama Hotel. Upon arriving in the village, you will be checked in at one of the fine teahouses for an overnight stay with a fantastic dinner.

Today, we’ll continue our descent, hiking back to Thulo Syabru. This day you will descend to the banks of Langtang Khola and cross a small waterfall. The route will take us through rhododendron and bamboo forest, teeming with wildlife like wild boar and monkeys. We will make our way down to Bamboo. We can see great views of Ganesh Himal from the route. Then, after crossing the river, we will move towards Pahiro, which means "landslide" in the Nepali language. We will have our lunch at Pahiro. As we descend, the air will get warmer, and the vegetation will become denser. You’ll see a variety of trees and flowers, and you might even spot some wildlife along the way. Then, after hiking for more than 2 hours, we will reach our destination, Thulo Syarbru. 

From Thulo Syabru, we gradually climb upwards and pass Langtang National Park's army checkpoint. Within half an hour of uphill trekking, we reach Daragang. After a delicious meal, you follow the steep path to a beautiful stupa from where you can see Thurman and Nagthali in the distance. The trail is less steep from here, as it passes through the hemlock and oak forest. We follow the trail that continues to wind upward through the deep forest, you make a slight ascend in the courses and reach Singh Gompa. While passing the forest, you may also spot the rare red panda. Stay overnight in the lodge.

As you climb up, the beautiful Langtang Himal (7234 m), the most famous peak in the entire Langtang himalayas range. After breakfast at Shin Gompa, you will go off on your hike, which gradually climbs higher from the beginning. You have to go along a rocky, narrow trail to reach Gosaikunda. After hiking for over an hour and a half, you will arrive at Cholangpati. Cholangpati offers breathtaking views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, and Langtang Ri. A few hours later, we arrive at Laure Binayak, then we will begin the uphill climb to Gosainkunda. After two hours of the steep climb, we will reach a chorten, and after an hour of trekking, you will see views of beautiful waterfalls and lakes - Saraswati Kunda and Bhairav Kunda. Both of these lakes are formed by water flowing from Gosainkunda. Hindus consider this site holy as they believe that this is a favorite place of Lord Shiva. Gosainkunda receives thousands of pilgrims each year for a holy Hindu festival in the fall.

Today, you will cross the Laurebina La High Pass to the scenic Helambu region. From Gosainkunda Lake, the path first descends from the lodges to the lake. Then our walk along the northern shore starts to get steep as we approach the Laurebina La Pass, but before reaching this pass, you will walk past three or more small lakes. As you get closer to the Laurebina La Cross, your walk along the northwest side will become steeper. The Laurebina La Pass is marked with a stone stupa and many prayer flags. This pass forms the highest point of the Langtang Trek. We then descend through a wide valley to High Camp (4240 m) and walk further down on a steeper and rocky path to Phedi. Prior to arriving at Ghopte, the difficult trail will lead you to Surya Kunda, a beautiful lake. Long climbs are part of the difficult route from Phedi to Ghopte.

After having breakfast, we start our day trekking through juniper, rhododendron, and pine in a remote, unpopulated area before we reach the peaceful highland setting of Tharepati. From Tharepati, the path descends gently through the forest on the western ridge slope. After walking for a while, we will pass a large meadow with ruins of shepherd's huts. From the route, you can see Gangchempo and Dorje Lakpa peaks. Then the descent gets steeper as it leads through a forest to Magin Goth (3265m). After a short walk, we will pass Kuala Bhanjyang (3335m) and descend to the village of Kutumsang (2470m). 

From Kutumsang, we will ascend for a while and then descend to Gul Bhanjyang (2140m) Village. Then we climb up to reach a dusty wide road at Thorong Danda (2500m) and continue on a steep and rocky path to Chipping village.  We then drop down steadily and reach Pati Bhanjyang (1760m), it takes around 30 minutes to reach Chisapani, which is famous for spectacular panoramic views of several mountains. Stay overnight in the lodge.

We start our last day of the trek after heartly breakfast. The route is generally plain or downhill and is enjoyable and picturesque. You may reach Mulkharka by walking through Borlang Bhanjyang, through the Shivapuri National Park, and across forested regions. To get to Sundarijal, you will descend further through a few water reservoirs and substantial water pipelines after passing through lush woods and little valleys. The Langtang with Gosaikunda Lake Trek comes to an end at this point. You will return to Kathmandu after a one-hour drive.