Close to the Kathmandu Valley, the entire Langtang region actually falls under the Langtang National Park. Glaciers from Dorje Lakpa and Langtang Ri melt down to form Langtang River that eventually gives into the Bhoteskoshi River.
The trekking trail along the side of the Bhotekoshi River is quite pleasant and mostly traverses through yak meadows, Tamang and Sherpa villages. Most people speak Tibetan as they migrated in from bordering Tibet. A sacred lake Gosai Kunda is also in this region which many Hindus consider a must-go for a holy dip, at least once in a lifetime. Spring is spectacular, also because of the Rhododendron season.
This trek starts off in the lower Langtang Valley traversing through the woods, ravines, rivers, and ethnic village. Majority of people you see and interact with in this route are of mainly Tibetan origin as this route was well used for trade once. The whole trekking range is actually encompassed within the Langtang National Park periphery where some monkeys, musk deer and pika could be spotted though other wild animals could be a rare sight.
The trek can be commenced right from the second day from Dhunche that takes all the way up to Kyangjin Gompa at the elevation over 3,700 meters. Further up from Kyangjin Gompa lies the Yala Cheese Factory at the height of 4633 meters. Small lakes in the vicinity are also worth a visit while you are there.
8-day Langtang or 12-day Langtang-Gosaikund Trek
| Day 01 | Kathmandu – Dhunche, 1950m, by bus or an SUV depending on number of trekkers. The bus leaves early morning towards the north west of Kathmandu through Kakani, Ranipauwa and Trishuli. The road climbs up from Trishuli all the way to Dhunche through rugged mountain road. The views on this route are quite spectacular and sometimes breathtaking. So embrace for the rough ride. |
| Day 02 | Dhunche - Syabru (2130m), 5hrs approx. The route now trails along through dense fir trees and rhododendron forests towards a ridge with views of Ganesh Himal (west) and Naya Kanga (east). Then it goes down to Bhote Koshi River towards Syabru, predominantly a Sherpa and Tamang settlement. |
| Day 03 | Syabru - Lama Hotel (2390m), 5 hrs approx. Through high trail, terraces, bamboo trees and Sherpa Gaon and crossing the Langtang Khola (river), the route continues and ascends from the Langtang Valley towards Lama Hotel for the day’s halt. |
| Day 04 | Lama Hotel - Langtang (3520m), 5 hrs. approx. A steep climb through the gorge with a spectacular view of the Langtang Lirung (7246m), the ascent now slacks off and widens out to meadows and a rhododendron forest. Langtang, mostly inhabited by Tibetans is further up. |
| Day 05 | Langtang - Kyangjin Gompa (3850m), 3hrs approx. Start off after breakfast towards Kyangjin Gompa. This stretch of the trek is easy and pleasant that trails along yak meadows. Once in Kyangjin Gompa, you can indulge in the majestic splendor of Himalayas in all directions literally towering the village, a glacial amphitheatre.Coming Back |
| Day 06 | Kyangjin Gompa - Ghoda Tabela (3000m), 6hrs approx. Return downhill towards Ghoda Tabela for a night halt. Nearby is an Army Post. |
| Day 07 | Ghoda Tabela - Syabru 6hrs approx. |
| Day 08 | Syabru- Kathmandu (by bus) Or you can continue your trek to Sin Gompa towards GosaikundSyabru - Sin Gompa (3350m) in 5hrs. We leave the Langtang valley to climb towards the sacred Gosaikund lakes. A stiff uphill climb leads to the ridgeline offering views of Tibet in the north and the Annapurnas in the west. The second leg goes through old hemlocks and rhododendrons to Sin Gompa, high above the Trishuli River. |
| Day 09 | Sin Gompa - Gosaikund (4380m) in 5hrs. Through a rocky landscape and sparse bushes the trail follows two glacial lakes before reaching the main lake--Gosaikund. This site is a great pilgrimage for Hindus during August, when thousands come to bathe and make offerings. |
| Day 10 | Gosaikund - Sin Gompa in 4hrs. |
| Day 11 | Sin Gompa - Dhunche in 5hrs. Descent through rhododendron forests and giant fur trees. We cross the Trishuli River and follow the river all along to the south bank through fields. |
| Day 12 | Dhunche - Katmandu by bus. |
Note: Itinerary can be customized to suit your personal requirement.
Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trek (14 Days)
Difficulty: Moderate; Maximum Altitude: 4380 meters
As you reach Gosaikund, you can either choose to come back the same route through Syabru and Dhunche to Kathmandu or take a detour towards Helambu, another beautiful trekking destination mostly inhabited by Sherpas.
| DAY 10 | Gosaikund - Laurebina Pass (4610m) - Ghopte (3430m) in 5hrs. Slowly you descend to the south towards Ghopte through Lurebina Pass. |
| DAY 11 | Ghopte - Tharepati (3500m) - Melamchi Gaon (2530 m), 5hrs approx. A steep climb towards Tharepati and steep descent through rhododendron tress towards Melamchi. |
| DAY 12 | Melamchigaon - Gangjwal (2500m) 5hrs approx. You will now again descend further down and climb up to Tarke Ghyang that offers a nice view of Melamchi Valley. |
| DAY 13 | Gangjwal - Kakani (1800m) 5hrs approx. Trail along the hillside towards the southern foothills that gradually descends towards the Kathmandu Valley. Indulge in the beautiful sceneries along the way. |
| DAY 14 | Kakani-Katmandu (by bus) 1 hour drive approx. |
Note: The trek can be customized to suit your requirement.