Langtang, Gosaikunda and Helambu Trek
(20 Reviews)

Langtang, Gosainkunda and Helambu Trek

Highlights

  • Trek through dense forests of rhododendron, oak trees, bamboo, and pass by Langtang River
  • Langtang National Park
  • Gosaikunda- holds great religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists
  • Witness the serene lake, visit nearby monasteries, and observe religious rituals
  • Interact with the people and experience their unique culture
  • Kyanjin Gompa (3870 m) Buddhist monastery in the Langtang region
  • Panoramic views of majestic mountain peaks, including Langtang Luring, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna range, and Dorje Lakpa

Langtang, Gosainkunda and Helambu Trek is a natural setting which can be found in the Himalayan valley of Langtang, located in the north-central Nepalese mountains. The Langtang National Park includes the Langtang Valley. There are many different climatic zones in the park, ranging from subtropical to alpine. There is about 25% forest in the park. Among the trees are maple, deciduous oak, and evergreens like pine and rhododendron.

Situated at an elevation of 4380 meters in the Langtang region of the Himalayas, Gosaikunda is a sacred lake that is highly significant to both Buddhists and Hindus in terms of religion. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the lake encircled by mountains covered in snow. Additionally, it’s said that bathing in Gosaikunda’s sacred waters can bless you and wash away your sins.

Helambu is a region in the Sindhupalchowk District of northern Nepal, close to the country’s capital, Kathmandu, at an elevation of 4,500 meters. It is well-known for its verdant fields, thick forests, traditional villages, Buddhist monasteries, and expansive vistas of the Himalayan mountain ranges. With a variety of vegetation (including rhododendron forests, oak trees, and bamboo groves) and wildlife (including red pandas, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and other species), the area is rich in biodiversity.

The popular and rewarding Langtang, Gosaikunda, and Helambu trek in Nepal traverses three stunning regions, including high mountain passes, glacial lakes, lush forests, and traditional villages. The hike offers a wide variety of scenery, breathtaking views of the mountains, and cultural encounters.

Foods and Lodging

While the quality and availability of lodging may change throughout the trek, the majority of teahouses typically offer simple rooms with a bed and shared restrooms. Compared to Gosaikunda, which has fewer teahouses, Langtang and Helambu offer a greater selection of lodging options.

Tea shops and lodges typically serve a wide variety of delectable foods to accommodate different types of hikers. Since all of the food will be prepared by a local chef using vegetables from the area, it will have a very distinctive flavor. A staple dish of Nepali cuisine is dal bhat, a curry made with organic, healthful fresh green vegetables. On the other hand, food from the numerous teahouses has continental, Italian, Tibetan, Indian, and Nepali flavors.

Best season to Visit

The spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons are the best for the Langtang, Gosaikunda, and Helambu treks in Nepal because they provide the best weather, clear skies, and stable trekking routes. It’s a wonderful time of year to take in the breathtaking views of the mountains and the brilliant colors of nature.

It is noteworthy, though, that the Langtang, Gosaikunda, and Helambu treks can be done in the winter and monsoon, though there are some restrictions. For example, the monsoon season, which runs from June to August, brings a lot of rain, which can muddy the trails and raise the possibility of landslides. Similarly, the trek becomes more difficult in the winter (December to February) due to the lower temperatures and increased likelihood of snowfall.

Permits

  • Langtang National Park entry permits.
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS).
  • Gosaikunda Conservation Area Permit.

Guide and Porter

“All trekkers are required to obtain services of a licensed trekking guide and to obtain TIMS card through authorized trekking agencies registered with the government of Nepal,” states the Nepal Tourism Board.

Hiking with a qualified, experienced trekking guide is always a good idea. You can therefore join us for a very knowledgeable, helpful, amiable, and licensed English-speaking guide with guide insurance. We guarantee that, without sacrificing your safety, our guide will assist you in making the most of your precious time.

Travel Insurance

It is strongly advised that you get travel insurance before starting any trek in Nepal, including the Gosainkunda, Helambu, and Langtang treks. Make sure your travel insurance covers things like high-altitude trekking, medical costs, helicopter emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and loss or theft of personal belongings when you purchase it. In the case of an unplanned accident, it can provide you with financial security and peace of mind.

Altitude sickness

You might experience symptoms like nausea, headaches, dyspnea, elevated heart rate, and uneasiness when rapidly ascending. Additionally, if the symptoms last longer than expected, your body may not have been able to withstand the altitude change. Thus, kindly inform your group and your guide if you experience any of these symptoms. You will receive first aid right away from your guide.

Here are some tips to reduce your risk of altitude sickness:

  • Stop and rest where you are.
  • Do not go any higher for at least 24 to 48 hours.
  • Make sure you are drinking enough water.
  • Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or exercise.
  • Eating foods and drinking fluids that contain carbs such as bread, pasta, fruits, milk, rice, etc.

Itinerary

If you're looking for a tailor-made trip or want to customize this itinerary, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help you create the perfect holiday plan. Contact us anytime!

Day 1

Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi

On our first day, we will drive from Syabrubensi, the starting point of our trekking at an elevation of 1440 meters, which takes eight hours. We have a guest house booked for the night in Syabrubeni.
Day 2

Trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel

This will be an exciting trek through suspension bridges and beside waterfalls. You will fall in love as you walk through the bamboo, rhododendron, and oak forests. On your first day, you might also see various wildlife, such as Himalayan black bears, yellow-throated martens, wild boars, langur monkeys, and red pandas. We will spend the night at the 2470-meter-altitude Lama Hotel.
Day 3

Trek from Lama hotel to Langtang

After a five to six-hour hike from the Lama Hotel, Langtang, which is located at an elevation of 3430 meters, will be our final destination for today. We will travel through a few descents toward a steep forest slope that leads to the Langtang River, where we will cross streams and bridges and see prayer wheels and water-powered mills. At an elevation of 3430 meters, we will arrive at a sizable settlement at Langtang, where we will spend the night.
Day 4

Trek from Langtang to Kyanjin Gompa

Along a gentle hillside path, we will pass through small villages with stone houses, climb up to a Chorten, and pass a massive Mani. To get to Kyanjin Gompa, which is located at an elevation of 3870 meters, where we will spend the night, we will be walking slowly for four to five hours.
Day 5

Acclimatization Day at Kyanjin Gompa

As we acclimate to the altitude, we will be lodging at Kyanjin Gompa. We will also be touring various locations, including Kyanjin Ri (4800 m) and Tserko Ri (5000 m). Wonderful views of the Langtang Lirung, Langtang range, Kinshung, Yansa Tsenji, and the base of the massive Lirung Glacier will be our focus. We're going back to the guest house for the night in the evening.
Day 6

Trek from Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel

We will slowly descend through the amazing scenarios on our way back to the Lama Hotel, arriving in 5 to 6 hours to spend the night at a height of 2470 meters.
Day 7

Trek from Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru

This day in particular will involve both a river crossing via suspension bridges and a descent through the riverbank. We will travel through forests of Junieerps and Pines while taking in the breathtaking views of the Langtang Himal. After five to six hours of walking, we will spend the night at a guest house in Thulo Syabru, which is located at an altitude of 2230 meters.
Day 8

Trek from Thulo Syabru to Sing Gompa

To get to Sing Gompa, we'll follow a wide trail that climbs to Dimsa Village through an oak, hemlock, and rhododendron forest. After hiking for three to five hours, we will spend the night at Sing Gompa, which is located at an elevation of 3330 meters, where we can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Langtang Himalaya range.
Day 9

Trek from Sing Gompa to Gosasikunda

We'll take a broad trail through a forest of oak, hemlock, and rhododendron that climbs to Dimsa Village, where we'll find Sing Gompa. We will spend the night at Sing Gompa, which is situated at an elevation of 3330 meters, where we can take in the breath-taking views of the Langtang Himalaya range, after three to five hours of hiking.
Day 10

Trek from Gosaikunda to Ghopte

We will walk a difficult route today for six to eight hours as we make our way from the magnificent Gosainkunda, the Hindu religious center, to Ghopte. We will traverse three small lakes, climb through moraines, and go over jagged rocks. We will ascend a stony hill dotted with pine and rhododendron trees, spending the night at Ghopte.
Day 11

Trek from Ghopte to Melamchigaon

This day, we'll climb through a dry riverbed and descend through a forested area to reach Kharka, which is encircled by a rhododendron forest. After a six to seven-hour walk, we will cross Thare Pati village and enter a forested area before descending to Melamchigaon from Melamchi River at an elevation of 2560 meters, where we will also spend the night.
Day 12

Trek from Melamchigaon to Tarke Gyang

Walking up to Tarke Gyang at an altitude of 2590 meters will take you into the Helambu region today, which is rich in grandeur and culture. This walk will take approximately five to seven hours. The Sherpa culture is strong in Helambu, where there are numerous traditional villages and monasteries. In Tarke Gyang, we'll spend the night at a teahouse.
Day 13

Trek from Tarke Gyang to Sermathang

We will walk for three to five hours from Tarke Gyang to Sermathang, passing through a small forest and offering views of the picturesque Helembu region village. The path arcs around the broad valley's edge that separates Parachin from the charming Sharpa village of Gangyul. The national religion of Bhutan, Drukpa Kagyu Buddhism, is practiced by the residents of this village. At 2610 meters above sea level, Sermathang is where we will spend the night.
Day 14

Trek from Semrathang to Melamchi Bazzar and Drive to Kathmandu

This is the last day of our journey. It will take us three to four hours of walking to get to Melamchi Bazaar, from where we will take a bus to Kathmandu. On this specific day, we will plan a farewell dinner for you and spend the night in Kathmandu.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Langtang National park permit and TIMS card
  • From Kathmandu to Syabrubesi to Kathmandu by local bus (if you want to use by jeep you pay Extra charge for jeep)
  • Three times meals a day- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and accommodation in teahouse/ lodge during the trek
  • One experienced (government licensed) and qualified English speaking guide
  • One porter for two trekkers
  • Guide/ Porters: food, lodge, transportation, salary, insurance, equipment etc
  • All tax and company service charge
  • Equipment  (sleeping bag and down jacket )

Add-ons

    What's not included

    • International airfare and visa fees
    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
    • Personal expenses of bar and beverage bills, WiFi, hot shower, bottle of water, extra porters, laundry or any other things which are not mentioned by the company
    • Your trekking gears and extra nights in a certain destination
    • Your travel insurance which should include the emergency rescue
    • Tips for your guide and porters
    • Entrance fees during the sightseeing
    • Extra expenses due to any event such as strikes, weather conditions, or flight delays

    FAQs

    Are there facilities of electricity and internet/Wi-Fi available on Langtang valley Gosainkunda lake trek?

    Absolutely, there are guesthouses and lodges along the Langtang Valley Gosainkunda Lake trek that have electricity and internet/Wi-Fi. However, it may not always function properly, so it's a good idea to inquire in advance.

    How are the lodge and foods during the Langtang valley Gosainkunda lake trekking?

    Basic but comfortable lodge accommodations are standard for the Langtang Valley Gosainkunda Lake trekking, and a variety of dishes including continental, Chinese, Indian, Nepali, and Tibetan cuisines are served at the lodge restaurants.

    Is it possible to take a helicopter for the Langtang Gosainkunda trek?

    For the Langtang Gosainkunda trek, a helicopter ride is an option as well; it provides a more expedient and convenient way to get to some destinations along the way.For the Langtang Gosainkunda trek, a helicopter ride is an option as well; it provides a more expedient and convenient way to get to some destinations along the way.

    What types of fauna we can see during this trek?

    In the Langtang region trek, adventurers may encounter diverse fauna, including the elusive red panda, Himalayan Tahr, snow leopard, langur monkeys, and various deer species. Pheasants, eagles, and vultures grace the skies, making the area a birdwatcher's paradise and adding special wildlife encounters to the trekking experience.

    Travelers' Reviews

    Danielle H

    Netherlands

    Verified Purchase

    Super trekking with super guide (and Porter)

    We had 2 very amazing weeks. The scenery, the route, it was so really beautiful. We had so much fun. And Mr Ramesh is such a sweet and dear guide. He has taken care of us so much! It was really hard to say goodbye. All teahouses he picked were super, and neat. This was a journey we never ever will forget!

    Mr Ramesh - Tour Operator in Nepal Holiday

    Ramesh Bajgain

    Kristen - representative in Australia for Nepal Holiday Treks

    Kristen

    Mr Ramesh - Tour Operator in Nepal Holiday

    Ramesh Bajgain

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