16 Days / 15 nights

Just south of Langtang is Gosainkund (4380m), the site of several sacred lakes that see thousands of Hindu pilgrims coming to worship and bathe in its water during the full moon between mid-July & mid-August. This is an combined version of our 12-day Langtang Valley Trek and 8-day Helambu Trek for those with more time on their hand and an interest to see more of the region. This trek to the spectacular Langtang Valley and the holy lakes of Gosainkund offers an opportunity to explore villages, to climb surrounding small peaks up to 5000m or higher (such as the wonderful hike up Tserko Ri 4984m) and to visit glaciers at a comfortably moderate elevation. The trail itself offers trekkers an exceptional diversity of scenery and mountain cultures.

Trekking Itinerary Day Location Day 1 Kathmandu Arrival Day 2 Kathmandu – Dhunche Day 3 Dhunche – Thulo Syabru Day 4 Thulo Syabru – Lama Hotel Day 5 Lama Hotel – Langtang Village Day 6 Langtang Village – Kyangjin Day 7 Rest day in Kyangjin Day 8 Kyangjin – Ghora Tabala Day 9 Ghora Tabala – Thulo Syabru Day 10 Thulo Syabru – Sing Gompa Day 11 Sing Gompa – Gosaikunda Day 12 Gosaikunda – Tharepati Day 13 Tharepati – Kutumsang Day 14 Kutumsang – Pati Bhanjyang Day 15 Pati Bhanjayng – Kathmandu Day 16 End of trip

Highlights: 14 days trekking, tent camping or lodges 02 nights hotel in Kathmandu Trek through forests to an alpine valley just south of the Tibetan border. Good alpine views and interesting Tibetan-style villages. Visit an alpine lake that is a major pilgrimage site. Cross a high pass and trek for several days through remote country with rustic accommodation.   Trekking Profile (click to enlarge)

Langtang, Gosainkund & Helambu Trek

The beautiful Langtang Valley lies close to the Tibetan border, north of Kathmandu. The lush rhododendron and oak forests of its lower reaches form part of a vast National Park, providing sanctuary for a variety of animals, birds and wild flowers. By contrast, the upper valley is dominated by shimmering glaciers, that tumble off the ice-clad summits of 7000m peaks. Inhabiting the valley are communities whose Tibetan origins are reflected in a distinct style of building and way of life. The local Tamang "Sherpas" are descendents of the cavalry of Ghengis Khan, complete with hardy mountain horses.

After a week trekking in the valley, with two days set aside for exploring its upper reaches, we head for Gosainkund, an important pilgrimage site, whose sparkling lakes are sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. To reach the lakes we must climb, but with the reward of arguably one of the finest Himalayan panoramas, from the Ganesh Himal west to the Annapurnas.

Crossing the 4600m Laurebina Pass to descend to Tharepati, a magnificent view of the peaks ranged to the east unfolds. The trek ends with a classic descent along a ridge route through the farmlands and villages of the Helambu region.


Trip Profile:
16 Days Trip
02 Nights in Kathmandu
14 Days of Langtang Trekking

Graded: moderate

ITINERARY:

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1200m)

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met at the airport and brought to your downtown hotel. While in Kathmandu we will take you on a fascinating tour of the city, visiting Buddhist and Hindu shrines reflecting ancient local traditions. There will be time to explore the city's many charms on your own as well. A traditional Nepali welcome dinner will follow shortly after a pre-trek briefing by the trekking staff manager. Overnight in the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day-02: Kathmandu-Dunche (1960m) 6-7 hours driving by van.

After breakfast in the morning, we drive to Dunche and overnight.

Day-03: Dunche to Thulo Syabru (2120m) 5 hours walk

In the morning, we cross the Trisuli Khola (river) and climb steeply through a beautiful forest of blue pine. This day is excellent for seeing wildlife as troops of langur monkeys and red pandas make this forest their home. As we approach Syabru, Langtang valley and the snow peaks of Tibet become visible.

Day-04: Thulo Syabru to Lama Hotel (2480m) 4 hours walk

The trail crosses to the north bank and climbs steeply for a ½ hour up through the Langtang gorge before the ascent eases and the valley widens out into an area of fir and rhododendron.

Day-05: Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3500m) 6 hours walk

This day starts with a gentle climb, but it soon becomes steeper, climbing through an old growth forest of hemlocks, oaks, maples and rhododendrons high above the Langtang Khola. Tantalising glimpses of Langtang Lirung appear through the trees. The trail ascends gradually , as the valley becomes a classic wide U-shaped glacial valley. After passing through a few old Tibetan settlements, we eventually descend into a valley to cross a stream and climb past several water-driven mills and prayer wheels to the large Langtang village. Many of the beautiful lodges have private rooms and are heated with local wood and yak-dung fires. A shop sells locally made cheese and Italian bread. The houses of Langtang and the neighboring communities have Tibetan-style flat roofs and are surrounded by stone walls enclosing fields of buckwheat, potatoes, wheat, turnips and barley. The villagers keep herds of yaks, cattle, and Himalayan horses here and in pastures above the village.

Day-06: Langtang to Kyanjin Gompa (3900m) 3 hours walk

The trail winds through the village and climbs gradually past villages and through yak pastures and long rows of mani-walls. Weave through some rocks to eventually see Kyanjin Gompa and the dramatic icefall flowing from Langtang Lirung and 6781m Kinshung. There is a chees factory started by the swiss Association for Technical Assistance in 1955. It operates during the summer and produces about 7000kg of cheese annually, all of it hauled by porters to the dairy in Kathmandu. You can usually buy delicious cheese and curd here.

Day-07: Rest in Kyanjin Gompa

This day we have to rest or excursion around Kyanjin. This makes an excellent base for side trips either immediately above the Gompa to the foot of the Langtang Lirung glacier, eastwards to Langsisa glacier or a tougher ascent of Tserko Ri (4950m) to the north. From this area there are views west towards Langtang Lirung (7,234m) and the Ganesh Himal. To the south lies the Ganja La Himal and a view of the high pass crossing which leads to Helambu.

Day-08: Kyanjin Gompa – Yala Cheese Factory - Ghora Tabala (3000m)

After visiting Kyanjin Monastery, an excellent look-out can be reached by climbing the slopes immediately behind the Kyangjing Gompa. A visit to Yala Cheese factory (15,800 ft.) and the small lake at 16,000 ft. beyond Yala is worthwhile. Then to Langtang via same route. Overnight in Ghora Tabala.

Day-09: Ghora Tabala to Thulo Syabru (2100m)

Breakfast served in the morning then trek back to Thulo Syabru.

Day-10: Thulo Syabru to Sing Gompa (3400m)

After breakfast in the morning, we begin our trek to Sing Gompa. The trail climbs steeply to spectacular views of the Ganesh Himal and goes through giant forests of fir and rhododendron. It takes about 4 hours to reaching in Sing Gompa.

Day-11: Sing Gompa to Gosaikunda (4380m)

Today’s walking is wonderful with dramatic views. To the west we can see Himal chuli (7893m), Manaslu (8156m), Ganesh (7406m), Peak Paldor (5928m) and possibly the Annapurna ranges. Towards the north we can see Langtang Lirung. Along the trail we pass huts in the high yak pastures of Laurebina (3901m) and then pass a small ridge where we have our first views of the holy lakes. These are over a dozen mystical lakes with the major three being Saraswati, Bhairabunda and Gosaikunda. According to legend Lord Shiva, one of the chief Hindu deities, created Gosaikunda.

Day-12: Gosaikunda to Tharepati (3600m)

The trail traverses the northern side of Gosainkund lake and climbs through rugged country towards the pass. The trail is rough and crosses moraines, but is well marked with rock cairns. Passing three more small lakes, the trail finally reaches the Laurebina La at 4610m -- long past the last trees. A small hillock above the trail offers good views in both directions. The trail passes by Surajkunda at 4500m and then trail descends through forests to Ghopte (3560m). The trail continues its descends through rhododendron forests filled with the calls of a variety of mountain birds, the descend reaches a stream at 3010m. From here it again climbs back up to Tharepati at 3600 meters. We stop here for the night.

Day-13: Tharepati to Kutumsang (2470m)

After breakfast in the morning, trail descends along the Yurin Danda ridge through rhododendron forests to Kutumsang. There is hardly any evidence of human habitation for the whole day of the trek.

Day-14: Kutumsang to Pati Bhanjyang (1770m)

There is an ascent from Kutumsang to a pass at 2620m, then the trail drops down to 2130m before crossing another pass at 2470m. We continue down to the saddle of the pass and reach the village of Pati Bhanjyang.

Day-15: Pati Bhanjayng to Kathmandu via Sundarijal.

The trail ascends to Chisopani where we can see panoramic views from Ganesh to Everest. Then trail continues climb up to the small pass at Burland Bhanjyang and we have another close look at the snow peaks of the Himalayas before descending to the Kathmandu valley and Sundarijal. Our trail descends along side a large water pipe to Sundarijal from where we drive back to Kathmandu and end our trek.

Day-16: Free or transfer to the Int'l airport for journey out.

Cost includes:

Two nights hotel in Kathmandu, airport arrival/departure transport services land & air transportation as per trek itinerary, meal three times in a day, guide, porters, entrance permit, insurance for Nepalese staffs, and accommodation in the tents for camping treks and in lodges for Tea House treks.

Cost does not include:

Hard drinks, cold drinks, sleeping bag, tips for guide/ porters, hotel in Kathmandu except two nights offered after upon arrival at international airport and return from the trek, rescue helicopter if used during the trek (travel insurance recommended!), international airfare.

RESERVATIONS

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