LANGTANG GOSAINKUNDA LAKE TREK
LANGTANG GOSAINKUNDA LAKE TREK
The Langtang Gosainkunda Lake (4380m) Trek takes you to alpine regions that will blow your mind! In a short trip from Kathmandu, you will find yourself in a pristine countryside in Nepal’s first designated national park (1976) trekking over suspension bridges alongside raging torrents in a region rich in Tamang culture.
Langtang Gosainkunda Lake Trek has everything you would expect to discover in the Himalayas. It is a relatively short trek that makes it enticing for travelers and is also a stones’ throw from Kathmandu which means less time on the road and more time dedicated to trekking. The Langtang region is quiet with fewer trekkers and more peace and quiet allowing you to enjoy the birds singing, monkeys frolicking in the treetops, and time to smell the scent of the numerous forests you walk through.
The trek starts from Syabru Besi Village that is close to the Bhotekoshi River that is the upper river course of the Sun Kosi River., The Langtang region is more pristine and unspoiled than Annapurna and Mt. Everest regions. Langtang and Gosainkunda is located close to the Tibetan border and is greatly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan culture. One of the highest points is Langtang Himal where the ice and snow melts and flows down to create the Trishuli River. Gosainkunda Lake remains frozen for 6 months of the year from October to June.
The waters of Lake Gosainkunda are considered holy and of particular significance during the Gangadashahara and the Janai Purnima festivals when thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India visit the area. Gosainkunda is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva when he thrust his Trishul (holy Trident) into a mountain to extract water so that he could cool his stinging throat after he had swallowed poison.
The journey explores the vast area between Langtang and Ganesh Himal and allows you to experience the unique culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the Tamang people.
The Langtang National Park is 25% forest ranging from subtropical to alpine and includes deciduous oak and maple, pine, and rhododendron (in full bloom in spring). Expect to see various native animals, such as the Himalayan black bear, Himalayan Tahr, Assam macaque and red pandas It is rumored that the fabled Yeti has been seen here too!
Besides Gosainkunda Lake, there are fantastic views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and unique wildlife. The rhododendron forests, during spring, are ablaze with pink color. The trail passes through bamboo groves and alpine forests, and if luck has it you will also see the somewhat elusive red panda, or maybe the Himalayan black bear, Himalayan Tahr, and rhesus monkeys. The birdlife is also abundant in this region. A reasonable level of fitness is required on this trek due to climbing at higher altitudes.
The Gosainkunda Lake -Langtang trek can be done all year – even in winter!
Highlights of Langtang Gosainkunda Lake Trek
- Explore a dozen lakes including Gosainkunda Lake.
- Pass through the rhododendron forests and explore Tamang villages.
- Witness unique wildlife and beautiful fauna and flora – meerkats, red panda.
- Awesome views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Saning Himal, Dorje Lakpa & Himal Chuli.
- Amazing sunset view from Laurebina.
- Panoramic views of 10 peaks over 6000m.
- Visit Buddhist Tibetan villages in Langtang Valley & explore Nepal’s first national park.
- Stunning views points of Chorkari Ri (5050m).
- Less tourists and more solitude and time to reflect.
- Experience first-hand Buddhist Tibetan culture.
- Explore the Langtang National Park.
- Visit Sing Gompa Buddhist temple.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu transfer to hotel.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport you will be met by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking staff and transported to your hotel, followed by a short briefing concerning your trek.
Day 2 : Drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi (1,460m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Leaving Kathmandu we set off on a seven-hour journey by road heading to the Langtang Valley. As the road climbs out of Kathmandu Valley we will be afforded views of the Annapurna Mountains in the west and directly ahead to Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and the numerous peaks in the Langtang region. We first come to Trishuli Village and then continue climbing until we reach Dhunche and enter the Langtang National Park. After leaving Dhunche we drive for another hour downhill until we reach Syabru Besi where we stay the night.
Day 3 : Trek from Syabru Besi to Lama Hotel (2,470m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
The trail today takes us across the Bhote Kosi (meaning Tibet River) which flows from Tibet. The trail then climbs through sub-tropical forest and then joins the trail coming from Syabru Besi, and then ascends through oak and rhododendron forests. On the trail it is very likely we will encounter Langur monkeys in the treetops. The trail continues up a steep incline before reaching the Lama Hotel where we stay the night.
Day 4 : Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3,400m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Lama Hotel to Langtang. Today is your second-day trek. You feel much better than the last day because your body adjusting to the environment and the trail also more open. You can see the Langtang Lirung at the first time from Ghode Tabala. The trail from Lama Hotel to Ghode Tabala should walk through the Rhododendron forest. There is a national park office as well. Today you trek an hour approximately four to five then you reach in Langtang Village at 3450m, then stay overnight at hotel.
Day 5 : Trek from Langtang village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,860m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa. The trek today is a very easy, short day trek, it just takes about three hours, but you should be very slow because you are gaining more altitude. The trail very nice and gentle, the valley more open, can enjoy more mountains then reach in Kyanjin Gompa at3800m in the afternoon. After lunch, if you would like to walk more, you can hike to Kyanjin RI and back to the hotel and stay overnight.
Day 6 : Acclimatization day at Kyanjin Gompa.
Today is your rest day. A rest day does not mean sleep all the time. You should explore the day looking around, walk a couple of hours. The plan today go to Cherko RI and enjoy the mountain views from there if you are fine and can manage. It takes five to six hours to go and back. The best view place in Langtang Region. After enjoying the views, back to the hotel and stay overnight there.
Day 7 : Trek from Kyanjin Gompa to Rimche (2,510m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Kyanjin Gompa to Rimche. The trek today, you should back the same way. It takes about a six-hour walk. Rimche is 20 minutes further from the Lama Hotel and stays overnight there.
Day 8 : Trek from Rimche to Thulo Syabru(2,120m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Rimche to Thulo Syabru. You should follow the same trail descend until to the Pahiro then separate the trail to Thulo Syabru. The trail now ascends about one and a half hour, then drop down, cross the bridge, then ascend again to reach the Thulo Syabru, bigger Tamang village and stay overnight there.
Day 9 : Trek from Thulo Syabru to Chandanbari (3,250m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Thulo Syabru to Chandanbari. The trail today climb up about three hours, then gradual another two hours. It takes about a five-hour walk. You should walk through the forest. The mountain views and the scenery both are spectacular. The Chandanbari is very famous for the cheese factory. You can taste the fresh cheese there and stay overnight at hotel.
Day 10 : Trek from Chandanbari to Gosainkund (4,380m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Chandanbari to Gosainkunda. Today you should ascend a lot. You feel more tired than the last few days because of gaining more altitude. The trail more gradual but you should climb long hours. You can enjoy the mountain views from Lauribinayak pass. You can observe Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna mountain and several peaks around there. Today you should walk five to six hours to reach Gosainkunda at 4100m. The views from the hotel very nice. You can look around the lakes and enjoy it, then stay overnight at a hotel.
Day 11 : Trek from Gosainkund to Ghopte (3,440m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Gosainkund to Ghopte. Today you should start the trek earlier than usual because you should do the Gosainkund Pass at 4610 m. It takes about two to three hours walk to get to the top. After you are getting success to the Gosainkund Pass, you can take some photographs for the good memory, then back down to the other side of the Helambu trekking trail. The train after the pass narrow and rocks. You should be careful while you are walking. Near to the Ghopte area, an Australian trekker got lost in 1991 and was not found for 43 days. Nearby that place where a Thai International Air Bus became lost in 1992 and crashed into a mountain. Today you should walk approximately six hours, then reach to Ghopte at 3440m and stay overnight there.
Day 12 : Trek from Ghopte to Kutumsang (2,470m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Ghopte to Kutumsang. Today you should walk for about six hours. You should ascend about three hours to reach to Thadepati at 3690m. This is a very nice viewpoint for the mountains and scenery of the Helambu area. After enjoying the views, you should descend all the way to Kutumsang and stay overnight there.
Day 13 : Trek from Kutumsang to Chisapani (2,175m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Kutumsang to Chisapani. Today the trail both up and down. You can enjoy the scenery and the countryside. You can pass so many villages, different ethnic groups are inhabited there. Today you should walk for about six to seven hours. Finally, you arrive in Chisopani. Chisopani is a very nice place for mountain views. Especially morning views and the sunrise are the best from this place then stay overnight there.
Day 14 : Trek from Chisapani to Sundarijal then drive to Kathmandu(1,350m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Chisapani to Kathmandu. Today you have a very nice and easy day. It takes about four hours walk to get to Sundarijal. In the beginning, you should ascend up to the Shivapuri then descend all the way until to Sundarijal. You can enter the Shivapuri Wild Life Protected Area, can enjoy the scenery and can see wild animals, birds, and other spices. You can catch the bus from Sundarijal to Kathmandu. It takes about an hour, then transfers to the hotel.
Day 15 : Final Departure day.
Depart for Home. Our driver and Sherpa Expedition and Trekking staff will come to your hotel for a final departure to the International Airport. We wish you have a nice and safe journey back home.
SERVICES
Costs are included in your package.
- Airport picks up and transports by private Car/Jeep.
- Two nights’ standard twin sharing Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- Kathmandu to Syabrubesi transportation by Local Bus & Sundarijal to Kathmandu transportations by private car.
- Fresh fruit every evening after dinner.
- Trekking Lodge (Tea House) accommodation during the trek.
- All necessary paperwork including Langtang National Park Entry Permit & Tims card fees.
- A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance Company).
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-shirt
- Government taxes and official expenses.
- Trip achievement certificate after successful trip completion.
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
- Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more people.
Costs Exclude
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu - lunch, and dinner.
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
- NOTE: If you return earlier from the trek due to sickness or any problem, the money you paid for the flight, hotel, mountain room, food, etc. is nonrefundable, and you will need to bear the expenses for the hotel, food, etc. in Kathmandu yourself.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
General
- All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
- Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
- A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
- Daypack
Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear
- A pair of half gloves
- A warmer hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses
- Neckwarmer
- Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
- Headlamp and an extra set of batteries
Hands
- A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
- Warmer shell gloves and liner
Upper Body
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Thermal tops
- wool jacket or pullover
- Sports bras for women and girls
- Water and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
- windproof and waterproof trousers
- warmer trousers
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Extra casual sport pants
Footwear
- A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
- Pair of sandals
- 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
- Sock liners
- Light shoes and sneakers
- First Aid Kits and Medicines
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Blister treatment cream or similar
- Insect / anti-itch ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
- Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
- Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
- Water purifying pills
(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)
Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek
- 4 passport size photos with original passport
- Water bottle & filter
- Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
- Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)
Extra things
- Comfortable trekking poles
- Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
- Power bank and music players
- Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)
GOOD TO KNOW
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfortable and better quality teahouses - having attached bathroom at lower levels- until you reach higher elevations, where the accommodation is more basic with bare necessities.
Meals during the trek
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of the Langtang regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek.
Physical fitness
This can be an easy trek where you often have to walk 5-6 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!
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FAQS
What is the Langtang Godainkunda Lake Trek?
The Langtang Godainkunda Lake Trek is a trekking route in Nepal that combines the Langtang Valley Trek with a visit to the sacred lakes of Gosainkunda. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and religious significance.
How long does the trek take?
The Langtang Godainkunda Lake Trek typically takes around 10 to 15 days to complete, depending on the specific itinerary and the pace of the trekker. This duration includes acclimatization days and allows for a more comprehensive experience.
Is it a difficult trek?
The Langtang Godainkunda Lake Trek is considered a moderately challenging trek. It involves steep ascents and descents, as well as high altitudes. Previous trekking experience and a good level of physical fitness are recommended.
When is the best time to do the trek?
The best time to do the Langtang Godainkunda Lake Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and favorable trekking conditions.
Are there any permits required?
Yes, for the Langtang Godainkunda Lake Trek, you need to obtain a Langtang National Park entry permit. Additionally, if you plan to visit Gosainkunda, you will need a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the park entrance in Dhunche or Syabrubesi.
What are the highlights of the trek?
The highlights of the Langtang Godainkunda Lake Trek include exploring the beautiful Langtang Valley, witnessing breathtaking mountain views, visiting the sacred lakes of Gosainkunda, experiencing the unique culture of the local Tamang and Sherpa communities, and encountering diverse flora and fauna.
Are tea houses available along the trekking route?
Yes, there are tea houses available along the Langtang Godainkunda Lake Trek route. These tea houses provide basic accommodation and meals, making it convenient for trekkers. However, the facilities may be more basic compared to popular trekking regions.
Is a guide necessary for the trek?
While it is not mandatory to have a guide for the Langtang Godainkunda Lake Trek, it is highly recommended, especially for those with limited trekking experience. A guide can provide valuable assistance with navigation, cultural insights, and ensure your safety.
How can I reach the starting point of the trek?
The starting point of the Langtang Godainkunda Lake Trek is usually Syabrubesi, which can be reached by a bus or private vehicle from Kathmandu. The journey takes around 7 to 8 hours.
What should I pack for the trek?
It is recommended to pack essential items such as sturdy trekking boots, warm clothing layers, a sleeping bag, a backpack, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, and basic medical supplies. Additionally, pack some cash as ATMs may not be available along the trek.
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Pat Kelly
United Kingdom
January 1, 2024
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I chose to travel to Nepal to trek the Himalayas without much earlier research, I remained in Thamel Park Hotel which was booked for me by the Sherpa Expedition and Trekking Team. Besides, Kiran was educated about the mountains and climbing choices and so on. This ended up being valid and I booked a 2-week Langtang Gosaikunda Lauribina Pass Trek on his suggestion. I had a couple of days before it began so additionally reserved a city voyage through KTM sanctuaries and day trek to Jamacho. Every one of my outings were incredible fun and I truly preferred every one of the aides gave. My guide Ram on Langtang was exceptionally experienced, took care of me and made me have a sense of security as an independent female explorer. On my arrival to the lodging I even reserved a fourth excursion with the organization to Chitwan which again was a ton of fun and efficient.
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Australia
December 7, 2023
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Belgium
November 7, 2023
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A team of professionals that make sure everything is done according to plan. Will definitely call them for our next visit to Nepal. Would recommend 100% very professional and nothing was ever an issue!!!! Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is just great and interesting who is a good trainer and server.
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