Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu Trekking- 15 Days
Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trekking is one of the most accessible trekking routes in Nepal yet one of the least commercialized; perhaps because its peaks are less well-known, though they are just as spectacular. Isolation has helped this pleasant land to preserve its natural and cultural heritage. The distinct cultures of Tamangs, Newars and Sherpas remain unaffected by outside influences.
Two distinctly unique valleys that could be trekked separately, but as a single trek, they make for an amazing variety of superb natural beauty, wildlife and culture. A high glacial region separates the Langtang Valley from the Helambu Valley. This place is called Gosainkunda, as Kunda means lake, there are beautiful glacial lakes here, most notably, the legendary lake believed to be created by Lord Shiva.
The trailhead at Sybru Bensi, 1400m is only an 8 hours drive from Kathmandu. The Langtang portion takes about a week. The Langtang Valley runs east-west and extends up to the Tibet border. The trek begins with a brisk climb up a gorge of the Langtang Valley to where it opens into a U-shaped glacial valley. Two Sherpa villages in the upper valley are Langtang, 3300m, and Kyanjin Gompa, 3750m, which has a monastery and a yoghurt and cheese factory. From Kyanjin Gompa we can climb either of two equally awesome peaks, depending on your stamina. The more challenging is Tsergo Ri, 4984m, a 6hr or 7hr round trip; the relatively easy one, Kyanjin Ri, 4773m, is a mere 2-3 hour hike from Kyanjin Gompa.
From Kyanjin Gompa the trail to Goasaikunda goes down the valley and turns off to Thulo Syaphru. A steep climb through the mossy rhododendron forest takes you to the monastery and cheese factory of Sing Gompa, 3250m. Above Sing Gompa, the trail ascends through a pine forest, emerging above the tree line where there is a spectacular view of snow-capped peaks. After reaching the barren glacial moraines and rockslides of Gosainkunda, 4000m, we relax in along on the shore of Gosainkundas crystal clear and frigid lakes with the backdrop of the snowy peaks behind. Hindu worshippers recount the legend of how Shiva, having saved the world by drinking a dangerous poison, struck this mountainside with his trisul to create the lake and cool his burning throat. Devotees make a yearly pilgrimage to bath in these icy waters, which are the origin of the famous Trisuli River.
After climbing two hours southeast of Gosainkund we reach the Laurebinayak La pass, 4610m; this is another highlight of the trek where there are exceptional mountain views. The steep descent passes through the small hamlets of Bera Goth and Phedi, and Gopte, 3530m.
From Gopte, the trail climbs up onto the windy and sometimes snowy ridge of Thare Pati, 3510m, a small settlement. From here the trail descends into the lush Helambu (Helmu) Valley of alpine meadows, rolling green hills, fertile valleys and cheese factories. Helambu’s valleys and ridges run north-south and the highest point is not more than 3200m. The mighty peaks of Langtang Himal are seen in the distance. An interesting village is Tarkeghyang, which means 100 horses. History tells that Kantipur, King of Kathmandu, called on a Buddhist Lama from this place, to stop an epidemic. The King rewarded the Lama with 100 horses. That Lama built the Tarkeghyang temple in 1727. The temple was rebuilt later in a Bhutanese style. The final stretch of the trail descends into a verdant gorge of the Langtang Khola to Melamchi Bazzar, which lies just beyond the northeast rim of the Kathmandu Valley.
The Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu trek is as spectacular as any trek in Nepal. Moreover, this trek is close enough to Kathmandu to avoid the uncertainties of air travel which depends on weather. There is less risk of altitude sickness as the elevation range is less than most treks, which means its slightly less strenuous and the temperatures more moderate. Get in touch to know more about the trip, itinerary, time, private or group departures. Email us at info@annapurnafoothills.com
Trip Highlights
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- less commercialized trails
- authentic culture of Tamang (Tibetan ancestry)
- explore two beautiful valleys
- glacial lakes, high passes and mountain views
- rich flora and fauna
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2 : Drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi, 1505m
Day 3 : Trek to Lama Hotel, 2415m
Day 4 : Trek to Langtang Village, 3430m
Day 5 : Trek to Kyanjing Gompa, 3870m
Day 6 : Rest day in Kyangjin Gompa
Day 7 : Return to Lama Hotel, 2470m: 5-6 Hours
Day 8 : Trek to Thulo Syabru, 2230m: 5-6 Hours
Day 9 : Trek to Shin Gomba, 3330m: 4-5 Hours
Day 10 : Trek to Gosainkunda Lake 4460m: 5-6 Hours
Day 11 : Trek over Suryabinayak La Pass, 4609m to Gopte, 3440m: 7-8 Hours
Day 12 : Trek to Malemchigaon, 2560m: 5-6 Hours
Day 13 : Trek to Tarke Ghyang, 2590m: 4-5 Hours
Day 14 : Trek to Sermathang, 2610m: 4-5 Hours and drive to Kathmandu
Day 15 : Depart Kathmandu
| Start Date | End Date | Cost | Status | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 December, 2019 | 07 January, 2020 | US $975 per person | Available | |
| 12 March, 2020 | 26 March, 2020 | US $975 per person | Available | |
| 20 March, 2020 | 03 April, 2020 | US $975 per person | Guaranteed | |
| 31 March, 2020 | 14 April, 2020 | US $975 per person | Available | |
| 05 April, 2020 | 19 April, 2020 | US $975 per person | Available | |
| 14 April, 2020 | 28 April, 2020 | US $975 per person | Available | |
| 20 April, 2020 | 04 May, 2020 | US $975 per person | Available | |
| 30 April, 2020 | 14 May, 2020 | US $975 per person | Available | |
| 14 May, 2020 | 28 May, 2020 | US $975 per person | Available | |
| 20 May, 2020 | 03 June, 2020 | US $975 per person | Available | |
| 10 June, 2020 | 24 June, 2020 | US $975 per person | Available |
Cost Include(s)
- Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
- Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
- Accommodation in Kathmandu, Two nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
- Accommodation during Trek ; local lodges 13 days (Full board meals with twin-share rooms ,beds with comfortable foam mattress and pillows)
- English speaking experienced Sherpa guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
- One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
- Porters: One porter for 2 Trekkers basis.
- Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
- Personal insurance for Nepalese staff.
- Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking.
- Annapurna Foothill’s Tshirt.
- Energy Supplies ( Snickers, Mars, Bounty) and Fresh Fruits on the Trek
- First aid medicine kit.
- Langtang National Park Fee, TIMS permits & all required permits or Official Documentation.
- Ground transfers Kathmandu - Syabru Besi by local bus (upgrade to private Jeep - $180 total)
- Ground transfers Sermathang - Kathamndu by private Jeep
- All government and local taxes.
Cost Exclude(s)
- Your Personal Travel Insurance.
- Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
- Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
- Beverages (soft drinks, mineral water,boiled water and beer).
- Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
- Any personal expenses not mentioned in above services.
- Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary.
Recommended equipment list for Langtang – Gosiankunda –Helambu trekking
Head
- 1 Sun hat / Warm hat
- 1 Sunglasses with UV protection
- 1 Flash light / Head lamp
Lower Body
- 2 Under Garments (trousers)
- 2 Lightweight cotton long pants
- 2 Fleece pants (seasonal)
- 2 Waterproof pants
- 5 underwear
- 1 skirt
Upper Body
- 4-5 T-shirts
- 2 Fleece jacket or pullover
- 1 Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
- 1 Waterproof jacket
- 1 sweater
- 1 Down Jacket rated to minus 10-15 degrees
Hands
- 1 pair Lightweight gloves wool or fleeced
Feet
- 4 pair Thin inner socks
- 4 pair Thick, warm wool hiking socks
- 1 pair Hiking shoes with spare laces
- 1 pair Running shoes or sandals for evening
- 1 Gaiters (winter only), optional, “low” ankle high version
Sleeping
- 1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)
- Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)
Accessories
- Trekking Bags/Duffel bag
- Prescription drugs if you may be taking daily
- Daypack bag (30-40L)
- Trekking Poles/ sticks
- Refillable water bottle - Min 1 Liter
Personal Hygiene
- Light weight towel
- Tissue /toilet roll
- Anti bacterial hands wash
- Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
- Deodorants
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Small mirror
- Wet wipe
Extras/Luxuries
- Reading book
- Trail map/guide book
- Journal and pen
- iPod
- Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
- 1 modest swim suit
- Binoculars (optional)
- Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
- Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
- Lightweight pillow case (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow
- Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies and snack foods.
Best Seasons for Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trekking
The best seasons for the Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trek are from September to mid-December and from March to May. These months are known for sunny and warm weather and outstanding views.
Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu is a Tea House/Lodge Trek
Accommodation is included in the cost of your package. Annapurna Foothills Treks takes great care to arrange the most comfortable accommodation possible throughout your stay.
During the trek, the nights will be spent in clean and comfortable tea houses with plenty of character and good food. The simple rooms usually have two narrow beds. The family run lodges are a great place to get to know the Nepalese people. In Nepalese culture, a guest is equal to god, and surely this has become even more of a reality since the tourism industry has improved their meager opportunities to earn. You will be made very welcome
Meals on the Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trek
Three meals a day are included during your Langtang Trek. The menu will be fairly simple, but freshly cooked and hygienic. You can enjoy typical Nepali, Tibetan and Sherpa food, as well as all types of international cuisine. Dinners and breakfasts will be provided in the teahouse/lodge where you spend the night. Lunches will be eaten in a teashop on the way to the destination of the day.
Drinking Water on Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trek We suggest that you drink boiled water or bring chlorine tablets to purify the normal water available in the guest houses along the way. There is a small fee charged for the boiled water. Although mineral water is available in most places, there is no provision to dispose of the plastic bottles, so we encourage the guests to do what they can to protect the environment.
Fitness/Health
If you have a reasonable level of fitness, this trek should be more than manageable. The altitude becomes more noticeable the higher we go, so we walk at a slow pace and take plenty of breaks to rest and acclimatize.
Local Customs You Should Know About for Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trek
Ethnic groups of the hilly and mountain regions are predominantly Buddhist, and you will see many mani stones, stupas, gumbas and prayer wheels. It is respectful to pass these objects with your right side nearest to the object, in a clockwise direction. Avoid sitting or standing on mani stones, stupas, tables used for worship or anything that is a religious symbol, as that is considered disrespectful.
Safety
When travelling in remote mountain regions, uncertainties such as weather, health problems and natural disasters require a certain amount of flexibility. While our goal is to follow the itinerary, that is not our first priority; your safety is always our first priority. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions request your cooperation to accept the decisions and advice of our trusted and experienced guides if they deem it necessary to change or cancel any part of the itinerary due to safety concerns.
Travel Insurance for Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trek
It is strongly recommended to be sufficiently protected when you go into remote areas. You need specialized travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability and medical treatment. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.
Trip Facts
Group Size:2-12 Persons
Maximum Height:4460m
Minimum Height:1300m
Minimum Group Size:2 Trekkers
Maximum Group size:12 Trekkers
Activities:Trekking, Sightseeing, Hiking
Transport By:Private Vehicle, Domestic Flights
Starting:Kathmandu
Ending:Kathmandu
Best Season:March- May and September- November
Permits:Langtang National Park Fee and TIMS Card
Hotel in Kathmandu:2 Nights on B&B plan (Bed & Breakfast)
Accommodation during Trek:Local lodges 12 Nights
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