17 DAYS TREKKING TOUR LANGTANG GOSAINKUNDA AND HELAMBU NEPAL
Trip Overview
This is an enriching trek with spectacular views in the Langtang, Gosaikunda, and Helambu regions of Nepal. This trek to the Himalayas will take you through the lush forests, abundant wildlife, quaint villages, and the majestic surroundings. The 17-day trek begins from Kathmandu with the city tours to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
We will drive to Syabrubesi - a Tamang village located on the banks of the Bhote Koshi River to begin the trek. Then we will reach Kyanjin Gompa, and then climb to Tserko Ri on the next day to witness the tremendous views of the Langtang Litung range (7200m/23,622ft). We will be continuing our journey towards Langtang Valley, and reach Gosaikunda which is a revered pilgrimage place for Hindus and Buddhists. This place is named after Gosaikunda Lake which is believed to emit magical healing powers. By crossing through the lakes, and the Lauberina Pass, our trek will kickstart from Helambu Valley.
One of the many highlights is to reach the top of Ama Yangri at 3,800 meters. The view from this location is believed to rival that of Poon Hill, where Mount Shishapangma and Langtang ranges are seen up close. We will continue trekking for a few more days to reach our ultimate destination and further down to take a drive back to Kathmandu.
Requirements:
- This moderate trek is suitable for people who can passionately walk for around 5-7 hours on a daily basis with a light day pack.
- A physically fit, positive, confident and a strong-willed person can accomplish their goal of finishing a challenging high altitude region trek.
- Exercise, and jog regularly for a few days prior to the trek to prep yourself with strength and stability in order to gain a good advantage over the treacherous trek.
- Past hiking experience would be a plus but no such technical skill is required for this trek.
- If you have any pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases then consult a doctor before joining this trek.
- Do inform the Alpine Club of Himalaya beforehand about any medical problems.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Langtang National Park.
- Traditional sherpas, and Tamang village.
- Excellent views of the Ganesh Himal.
- Trekking peaks to climb.
- Yak Cheese Factory.
- Sightseeing at Kathmandu.
- Explore the Langtang Valley.
Departure/Return Location
- Kathmandu International Airport
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1300m/4,264ft)
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received and greeted by the representative of Alpine Club of Himalaya. The concerned person will drop you at the hotel, where you can rest and then stroll around the streets of Thamel. A welcome dinner will be complimentary on the same night where you can also enjoy the Nepalese cuisines and overall Nepalese culture.
Day 2: Kathmandu for Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Explore Kathmandu’s historical and spiritual attractions along with the World Heritage sites like Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘monkey temple’- Swayambhunath, and the popular Buddhist shrine- Bouddhanath which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. Overnight stay will be at Kathmandu only.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1500m/5100ft) - 7-8 hours
Leave Kathmandu in the morning for Syabrubesi village, which is a starting point for the treks to the Langtang Valley. Enjoy the views of Manaslu, Annapurna, and Ganesh Himal. The trek for the day will end with a descent towards the small village of Syabrubesi where you will be staying for the night.
Day 4: Trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2380m/7830ft) - 6 hours
Trek will begin at Syabrubesi along the Langtang Khola, through the oak and rhododendron forests. Ascend towards the sheep trail, leading your way to the Lama hotel where you will spend the night.
Day 5: Trek to Mundu (3543m/11,621ft) via Langtang Village - 6-7 hours
Continue from the Lama hotel, and cross the green meadows of the Ghoda Tabela where you can see the white covered sheets of ice on the peaks of the Langtang range. Lead your way through the Buddhist monastery to the landscape of Mundu.
Day 6: Mundu to Kyangjin Gompa (3870m/12,697ft) - 4-5 hours
Start the journey after breakfast to Kyangjin Gompa- a principal monastery of the region. Pass by chorten, water mills, prayer wheels, largest mani wall, and the sacred mounds of rocks. Explore the Buddhist shrine of Kyangjin Gompa and the surrounding areas.
Day 7: Acclimatization Day: Explore Tserko Ri (5000m/16404ft) - 7-8 hours
Spend the whole day exploring Tserko Ri, and acclimatize to the high altitude. The trail passes through yak pastures, and before you reach the top of Tserko Ri. Get back to Kyangjin Gompa by the late afternoon after you witness the views of the Himalayas, glaciers, yaks, and different species of the birds.
Day 8: Kyangjin Gompa to Lama Hotel - 6-7 hours
On the 8th day, the trek will mostly go downhill through the wild forests and beautiful Tamang villages. The overnight stay will be at the Lama hotel.
Day 9: Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru (2230m/7316ft) - 5-6 hours
The trek begins with a climb to the Rimche village, descending to the banks of the Langtang Khola. From there you will continue towards the Bamboo trail, landslide lodge, and Thulo Syabru. You will also encounter a waterfall at 2210 meters before you reach Thulo Syabru.
Day 10: Thulo Syabru to Shin Gompa- 3-4 hours
A short walk towards Gosaikunda, but the aim for the day is not to reach Gosaikunda since the steady gain in altitude will help trekkers acclimatize better to higher altitude conditions. You will cross a chorten and a checkpoint, from where you will start south, pass Garta village, and Phulung Monastery before reaching Shin Gompa.
Day 11: Shin Gompa to Gosaikunda (4460m/14632ft) - 5-6 hours
Enjoy the views of Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Manaslu, Ganesh, and Langtang first, before getting a glimpse of the holy lakes like Gosaikunda Lake (4,380 meters). This lake has a cultural, spiritual, and religious significance attached to it, and has a stunning ensemble of nine other lakes to accompany it. Hundreds of Hindu pilgrims visit the holy lake for a ‘purification bath’ during Janai Purnima in August. A large rock in the middle of the lake is strongly believed to be the remains of the Shiva shrine.
Day 12: Gosaikunda to Ghopte (3440m/11,286ft) - 6-8 hours
Nurture yourself around the lake’s shore before you move ahead towards the Laurebina Pass (4,610 meters). The Helambu region begins from Lauribina La Pass and goes to the Melamchi Valley. You will walk beside the three small lakes, then through to the Surya Kunda, and finally Ghopte.
Day 13: Ghopte to Melamchigaon (2560m/8399ft) - 6-7 hours
We will continue uphill and downhill trek to Thare Pati village, from the Nepalese hills and Soli Danda. Then you will get to cross two suspension bridges before you reach Melamchigaon village which also has a monastery.
Day 14: Melamchigaon to Tarkeghyang (2590m/8497ft) - 5-6 hours
Passing a stupa, and a small stream below Tarkeghyang, the forests will lead you up to Ama Yangri, which is the highest point of our trek for this day at 3,800 meters. You will also come across a stupa of Buddha with prayer flags at the top of the hill. Also the views of Shishapangma, Langtang ranges can be seen before you reach the beautiful Sherpa village of Tarkheghyang.
Day 15: Tarkeghyang to Sermathang (2610m/8563ft) - 3-5 hours
This is an easy trail, and you will cross a monastery, a Mani mall before stepping into Sermathang sherpa village. It has incredible views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang ranges, and the Jugal Himal. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Everest from a distance.
Day 16: Trek to Melamchi Bazaar (3-4 hours), and drive back to Kathmandu (2 hours)
Trek through the meadows, villages, and fields to reach victoriously Melamchi Bazaar, where you will be driven back to Kathmandu. Rest for an entire day, and get your farewell dinner from the staff of the Alpine Club of Himalaya for successful completion of a long trek. Stay for the night will be at Kathmandu only.
Day 17: Final Departure
Your journey to Nepal ends here, as the representative will drop you off at the international airport 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight. Hope to see you again in Nepal.
Included
- Pickup and drop off from airport and hotel
- 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, and teahouses during the trek on a twin-shared basis
- All meals during the trek, and breakfast in Kathmandu.
- Transport facilities in a private vehicle.
- A professional, English-speaking guide.
- Porter service charges and expenses during the trek.
- All fees for sightseeing destinations like visiting temples, monuments, trekking, and national parks.
- Welcome and Farewell dinners.
- Down jacket, sleeping bag, Himalayan Glacier Trekking duffel bag, trekking map, t-shirt (will be returned back to the office).
- A comprehensive medical kit.
- All permissions and paperwork.
- All applicable charges and service taxes.
Excluded
- Nepalese Visa Fee.
- International flight airfare.
- Excess or overload baggage charges.
- Lunch and evening meals at Kathmandu.
- Rescue and travel insurance.
- Extra night accommodations.
- Personal expenses like laundry bills, bar bills, shopping, battery recharge, bottled water, etc).
- Tips for porters and guides.
- The services which are not included in the section of “Included”.
Good to Know
Kindly note that your safety is of utmost importance to Alpine Club of Himalaya, that’s why we take the responsibility to change the itinerary, modify it, or cancel it whichever is deemed necessary if the need is. It can be due to weather conditions, health condition of a group member, natural disasters or any other safety concerns. We request you to offer a full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group which is appointed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make a maximum effort to follow the above itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1300m/4,264ft)
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received and greeted by the representative of Alpine Club of Himalaya. The concerned person will drop you at the hotel, where you can rest and then stroll around the streets of Thamel. A welcome dinner will be complimentary on the same night where you can also enjoy the Nepalese cuisines and overall Nepalese culture.
Day 2: Kathmandu for Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Explore Kathmandu’s historical and spiritual attractions along with the World Heritage sites like Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘monkey temple’- Swayambhunath, and the popular Buddhist shrine- Bouddhanath which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. Overnight stay will be at Kathmandu only.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1500m/5100ft) - 7-8 hours
Leave Kathmandu in the morning for Syabrubesi village, which is a starting point for the treks to the Langtang Valley. Enjoy the views of Manaslu, Annapurna, and Ganesh Himal. The trek for the day will end with a descent towards the small village of Syabrubesi where you will be staying for the night.
Day 4: Trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2380m/7830ft) - 6 hours
Trek will begin at Syabrubesi along the Langtang Khola, through the oak and rhododendron forests. Ascend towards the sheep trail, leading your way to the Lama hotel where you will spend the night.
Day 5: Trek to Mundu (3543m/11,621ft) via Langtang Village - 6-7 hours
Continue from the Lama hotel, and cross the green meadows of the Ghoda Tabela where you can see the white covered sheets of ice on the peaks of the Langtang range. Lead your way through the Buddhist monastery to the landscape of Mundu.
Day 6: Mundu to Kyangjin Gompa (3870m/12,697ft) - 4-5 hours
Start the journey after breakfast to Kyangjin Gompa- a principal monastery of the region. Pass by chorten, water mills, prayer wheels, largest mani wall, and the sacred mounds of rocks. Explore the Buddhist shrine of Kyangjin Gompa and the surrounding areas.
Day 7: Acclimatization Day: Explore Tserko Ri (5000m/16404ft) - 7-8 hours
Spend the whole day exploring Tserko Ri, and acclimatize to the high altitude. The trail passes through yak pastures, and before you reach the top of Tserko Ri. Get back to Kyangjin Gompa by the late afternoon after you witness the views of the Himalayas, glaciers, yaks, and different species of the birds.
Day 8: Kyangjin Gompa to Lama Hotel - 6-7 hours
On the 8th day, the trek will mostly go downhill through the wild forests and beautiful Tamang villages. The overnight stay will be at the Lama hotel.
Day 9: Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru (2230m/7316ft) - 5-6 hours
The trek begins with a climb to the Rimche village, descending to the banks of the Langtang Khola. From there you will continue towards the Bamboo trail, landslide lodge, and Thulo Syabru. You will also encounter a waterfall at 2210 meters before you reach Thulo Syabru.
Day 10: Thulo Syabru to Shin Gompa- 3-4 hours
A short walk towards Gosaikunda, but the aim for the day is not to reach Gosaikunda since the steady gain in altitude will help trekkers acclimatize better to higher altitude conditions. You will cross a chorten and a checkpoint, from where you will start south, pass Garta village, and Phulung Monastery before reaching Shin Gompa.
Day 11: Shin Gompa to Gosaikunda (4460m/14632ft) - 5-6 hours
Enjoy the views of Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Manaslu, Ganesh, and Langtang first, before getting a glimpse of the holy lakes like Gosaikunda Lake (4,380 meters). This lake has a cultural, spiritual, and religious significance attached to it, and has a stunning ensemble of nine other lakes to accompany it. Hundreds of Hindu pilgrims visit the holy lake for a ‘purification bath’ during Janai Purnima in August. A large rock in the middle of the lake is strongly believed to be the remains of the Shiva shrine.
Day 12: Gosaikunda to Ghopte (3440m/11,286ft) - 6-8 hours
Nurture yourself around the lake’s shore before you move ahead towards the Laurebina Pass (4,610 meters). The Helambu region begins from Lauribina La Pass and goes to the Melamchi Valley. You will walk beside the three small lakes, then through to the Surya Kunda, and finally Ghopte.
Day 13: Ghopte to Melamchigaon (2560m/8399ft) - 6-7 hours
We will continue uphill and downhill trek to Thare Pati village, from the Nepalese hills and Soli Danda. Then you will get to cross two suspension bridges before you reach Melamchigaon village which also has a monastery.
Day 14: Melamchigaon to Tarkeghyang (2590m/8497ft) - 5-6 hours
Passing a stupa, and a small stream below Tarkeghyang, the forests will lead you up to Ama Yangri, which is the highest point of our trek for this day at 3,800 meters. You will also come across a stupa of Buddha with prayer flags at the top of the hill. Also the views of Shishapangma, Langtang ranges can be seen before you reach the beautiful Sherpa village of Tarkheghyang.
Day 15: Tarkeghyang to Sermathang (2610m/8563ft) - 3-5 hours
This is an easy trail, and you will cross a monastery, a Mani mall before stepping into Sermathang sherpa village. It has incredible views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang ranges, and the Jugal Himal. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Everest from a distance.
Day 16: Trek to Melamchi Bazaar (3-4 hours), and drive back to Kathmandu (2 hours)
Trek through the meadows, villages, and fields to reach victoriously Melamchi Bazaar, where you will be driven back to Kathmandu. Rest for an entire day, and get your farewell dinner from the staff of the Alpine Club of Himalaya for successful completion of a long trek. Stay for the night will be at Kathmandu only.
Day 17: Final Departure
Your journey to Nepal ends here, as the representative will drop you off at the international airport 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight. Hope to see you again in Nepal.
Included
- Pickup and drop off from airport and hotel
- 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, and teahouses during the trek on a twin-shared basis
- All meals during the trek, and breakfast in Kathmandu.
- Transport facilities in a private vehicle.
- A professional, English-speaking guide.
- Porter service charges and expenses during the trek.
- All fees for sightseeing destinations like visiting temples, monuments, trekking, and national parks.
- Welcome and Farewell dinners.
- Down jacket, sleeping bag, Himalayan Glacier Trekking duffel bag, trekking map, t-shirt (will be returned back to the office).
- A comprehensive medical kit.
- All permissions and paperwork.
- All applicable charges and service taxes.
Excluded
- Nepalese Visa Fee.
- International flight airfare.
- Excess or overload baggage charges.
- Lunch and evening meals at Kathmandu.
- Rescue and travel insurance.
- Extra night accommodations.
- Personal expenses like laundry bills, bar bills, shopping, battery recharge, bottled water, etc).
- Tips for porters and guides.
- The services which are not included in the section of “Included”.
Good to Know
Kindly note that your safety is of utmost importance to Alpine Club of Himalaya, that’s why we take the responsibility to change the itinerary, modify it, or cancel it whichever is deemed necessary if the need is. It can be due to weather conditions, health condition of a group member, natural disasters or any other safety concerns. We request you to offer a full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group which is appointed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make a maximum effort to follow the above itinerary.