Langtang Gosaikunda Trek- 16 days

Join the Hike Holiday team for an extraordinary adventure in the heart of northern Nepal with the Langtang Gosainkunda Trek. A perfect blend of two breathtaking Himalayan destinations, this journey takes you through the enchanting Langtang Valley, a loved destination among novice trekkers. It offers the chance to explore the sacred Gosainkunda Lake, a site of profound religious significance.

The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is an amazing 16-day journey that elevates you to breathtaking heights, where the awe-inspiring beauty of nature surrounds you at every turn. With its stunning landscape of snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and vibrant Tibetan-influenced cultures, walking in Langtang Valley is truly a sublime experience.

This journey offers a rich cultural experience for those interested in remote mountain communities. The area is primarily home to Tamang and Tibetan communities whose way of life will provide a unique perspective on life. Buddhism is the predominant faith in the region, which is evident through various religious symbols along the trails, such as chortens, gumbas, prayer flags, and mani walls, which reflect the local spiritual traditions.

The journey is full of unique experiences as trekkers get to follow the shepherd’s path and some of the well-preserved and abandoned settlements in the Langtang and Helambu regions. It entails walking through rugged and steep paths through alpine forests, yet it is suitable for beginners as well. In terms of difficulty, it is a moderate trek. Elevation gain is gradual and requires reaching an ultimate height of 5050m at Chorkari Ri, so care and attention are crucial.

Route overview of  Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

Starting and ending in Kathmandu, the journey begins with a drive to Syabru Bensi, followed by several days of hike in the Langtang region exploring various hamlets of Lama Hotel, Mundu, and Kyanjin Gompa. Kyanjin Gompa, nestled at the lap of the Langtang range, offers stunning mountain scenery up close.

Also, the hike to Chorkari Ri (5050 m), only elevates your view of the Langtang range. The journey from their onwards descends to Thulo Syabru bypassing Lama Hotel, before continuing to Shin Gompa for the next leg of the journey.

From Shin Gompa, the journey follows the trail to Gosaikunda Lake, a sacred alpine lake revered by both Hindu and Buddhist followers. Situated at an altitude of 4,380 meters, this pristine lake is surrounded by rugged mountains and offers a tranquil yet awe-inspiring atmosphere. Then, the journey requires crossing the challenging Laurebinayak Pass located at an altitude of 4681 m.

Trekking through several villages in the Helambu region, another prominent town of the Tamang community, the journey concludes with a return to Kathmandu via Melamchi. The next day, you are driven to the airport for your departure, with full of unforgettable memories which  ends of the Langtang Gosaikunda adventure.

Alternative Treks for Langtang Gosaikunda

Did the trip seem too long? It’s okay! Let’s have a look at some alternative routes.

The first choice is the Langtang Valley trek 10-day magnificent excursion that does not include a visit to Gosaikunda Lake. The hike allows you to explore the valley in a more relaxed and thorough manner.

Second, we have the Helambu Trek- 9 days  journey will take you away from the tourist trail and allow you to interact with nature in tranquilly. It’s a lesser-known route in the Langtang region that offers an authentic cultural experience.

All of our hiking packages are exceptional and provide unique experiences. Regardless of which package you select, we will ensure that your visit to Nepal is the best vacation of your life.

Best time for the Langtang Gosainkunda trek

When planning a trek to Langtang Gosaikunda, the weather is the most important consideration. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons for an easy walk with stunning mountain views. The trek locations are cold in the winter due to snowfall, whilst the summer rain makes the paths slippery and soggy.

January – February
This is the coldest season, particularly between early January and early February. As the temperature drops, the mountains see significant snowfall. The day will be pleasant and beautiful with clear skies, but the night will be frigid. The trek will be difficult, but you will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of snow-capped hills and mountains.

March – April
It’s one of the ideal times for exploring Langtang and Gosaikunda. The weather is ideal, and you may enjoy breathtaking views of the Langtang Lirung, Langtang II, and other mountains. Temperatures begin to rise in mid-March, and many trekkers opt to visit the Langtang Gosainkunda region around this time. The lush green, dense bamboo, and birch forests enhance the overall trekking experience.

May – June
This is also a fantastic period for trekking, as it occurs just before the monsoon season. Rainfall in Nepal occurs from the end of June until the middle of August. The spring-summer season makes the journey even more enjoyable.

July – August
During this season, rainfall peaks and clouds appear often. The trails will become treacherous, but trekking can still be enjoyable owing to the stunning waterfalls, raging rivers, and frequent rainbows.

September – October
It’s another perfect time for the Langtang Gosaikunda trip. As the rain gradually ends, a superb trekking climate emerges. The temperature rises to 20 degrees during the day and drops to 5 degrees at night. Most trekkers like walking during these months because the sky is clear, providing excellent vistas of the mountains. We strongly recommend this time for the Langtang Valley walk, particularly between the middle and end of September. Nepal’s two greatest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, also fall in these months.

November – December

As winter sets in, snowfalls occur in the Langtang region, which makes trekking more challenging. Trekking is still possible in November, thanks to the clear skies. The mountains seem lovely under bright sky, but as December begins, temperatures drop. The nights can be frigid, with temperatures as low as -5 degrees Celsius.

Acclimatization
Your 16-days Langtang Gosaikunda Trek program includes two nights at elevations above 3500 metres, when you may experience altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness. We’ll be acclimating to Kyanjin Gompa. While acclimatising in Kyanjin Gompa, we will visit the monastery, the cheese factory, and trek to the Tserko Ri Viewpoint.

Altitude sickness is common among trekkers, but severe altitude sickness requires rapid care and should not be ignored. Our trek leaders and guides have had thorough first-aid training and are highly experienced. We urge you to notify your group leader and guide as soon as you see any symptoms.

Your guide will provide altitude sickness precautions. The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to hike slowly and drink plenty of water(at least 4 litres per day). If the altitude sickness is severe, the only solution is to descend immediately.

People and their culture

The main residents of this valley are Tamang, Sherpa. The culture of these ethnic groups is comparable to Tibetan culture. These people’s cultures are reflected in their homes, monasteries, chortens, and gumbas. The valley is full with traditions, culture, customs, rituals, and unique life perspectives. The Langtang Gosainkunda Trek offers an opportunity to discover the region’s fine etiquettes.

Kyanjin RI
Kyanjin Ri is an excellent place to view the beautiful Langtang mountain range. It is at an elevation of 4,328m and difficult to reach the top of the hill. Furthermore, reaching the summit of the hill is a major highlight of the walk. However, after you reach the summit of the hill, you will be able to witness the beautiful views of Langtang Lirung (7,227m), Changbu (6,251m), Yubra (6,262m), Naya Kanga (5,844m), Yala peak (5,500m), Tserko Peak (5,749m), and Tsergo Ri (4,948m).

Furthermore, hiking to Tsergo Ri is fascinating. The journey to the stunning Kyanjin Ri begins in the picturesque village of Kyanjin Gompa. Gompa defines as a monastery, and while the village is called Kyanjin Gompa, it is not a monastery. There is a Gompa, where locals conduct their rituals and celebrate festivals.

Less Crowd

If you do not enjoy crowds, this trail is ideal for you. There are few trekkers in this region, therefore you can enjoy much more than other hikes in Nepal. You get to engage with more people and learn more about the location and culture. So, if you’re searching for a doorway to get away from the crowds, consider the Langtang Valley Trek.

Trip Grade
The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is simple and rewarding. The hiking period will vary from 3-6 hours per day, depending on the destination, with several rests to admire the mountain vistas. The trek itineraries include of long climbs, steep descents, and steep forward pathways via rocky slopes and woodlands. So, the more fit you are, the more comfortable and delightful your trip will be. Trekking experience is preferred, but not needed. We do not recommend this walk for people who have delicate medical issues like heart or lung disease.

Electricity and battery recharging, water during walking.
Throughout the guesthouses at Langtang Gosaikunda Trek, electricity for camera and mobile battery recharge is offered at an additional cost .During the trip, you can purchase packed mineral water at small lodges and en-route shops, or fill your water bottle with boiled water for an additional cost. If required, we can give a water purification tablets.