Big Sky Treks and Expeditions Nepal: Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu Trek

Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu trek

Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in Langtang Region. Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu Trek combines three major areas north of Kathmandu along the border of Tibet Langtang, holy Gosainkunda lake and Helambu. Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu trek offers an opportunity to explore villages, to climb small peaks and to visit glaciers at a comfortably low elevation. You can trek to Langtang then via the holy lakes of Gosainkunda at 4300 m where thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit the lakes during the full moon festival in August. Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu trek also of special interest to Birders featuring some unusual altitudinal migrants such as Ibisbill and Gould's Shortwing, uncommon summer visitors include Pied Ground Trust and high altitude birds such as Snow Partridge, Tibetan Snow cock and Grandala. Specialities that can be easily found throughout the year include Fire-tailed Myzornis and Black-browed Tit. Langtang valley Gosainkunda Helambu trekking is popular for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage tourist.

Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu area covers typical highland Sherpa villages along with beautiful Rhododendron forests . Langtang valley Gosainkunda Helambu trekking commence from Kathmandu after driving 8 hours to Syabru Bensi. Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu Trek pass through the lush valleys with stunning Himalayan views of the Langtang Himalayan region, Annapurna Himalayan range, Rolwaling Himalayan range and end at Melamchi pul bazaar then by private vehicle via Dhulikhel back to Kathmandu.

Day by Day detail Itinerary for Langtang gosaikunda and helambu Trekking

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Upon arrival at the airport, meet and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, you have an option to be escorted stroll around Thamel and the local streets of Kathmandu.

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek Preparation

After breakfast, start sightseeing covering the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu, which are Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa. Kathmandu Durbar Square area holds the palaces of the medieval Kings who ruled over the Kathmandu Kingdom. Swayambhu meaning the “the self-existent” is popular among the foreigners as Monkey Temple owing to the large number of monkey population residing in this area. It is said that Swayambhunath Stupa is more than 2,000 years old, and it symbolizes knowledge. The painted eyes on all four sides symbolize the all-seeing power of Buddha. It is an important Buddhist place where pilgrims from all over the world come. In the afternoon you will get short briefing and discussion regarding your trek.

Day 03: Drive to Syabrubesi (1460m): 145 km/ 7 hrs drive
Distance 145kms – Approximately 7 Hours Drive

We take breakfast in the hotel and begin the journey towards Syabrubesi in a local bus. Syabrubeshi is the trek starting point to Langtang Valley which takes about 7-8 hours drive. Enjoy scenic drive through Trishuli Valley with rural villages, river and mountains. The bus stops for half an hour at one of highway restaurants on the way for lunch. We will reach at Syabrubesi (1,460m) around 2 or 3 o'clock. Once we reach Syabrubesi, we take time to explore around. Overnight a Syabrubeshi.

Day 04: Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2350m)
Approximately 5 Hours walk

As we begin the trek first we cross Bhote Koshi River and chase the trail upstream along Langtang Khola. We then trek along the trail that ascends for around two hours through the forest followed by a climb of about an hour to reach Bamboo village (1,850m). Then the trek climbs gently up to Reimche (2,400m) which lies at the bank of Langtang Khola. Finally, we ascend up through the dense bamboo forest and arrive to From here you will Lama Hotel (2350m). En-route if the luck favors us we can see wild species like red panda, monkeys and bears. Overnight at Lama Hotel.

Day 05: Lama Hotel to Langtang Valley (3,500m)
Approximately 5 Hours walk

After breakfast, you will have a pleasant walk and follow the trail through rhododendron and pine forest for around three hours to reach Ghoda Tabela. After reaching Lama Hotel, you will walk for another three hours on the scenic trail that takes you to Langtang village (3500m) where you will relax for the evening and explore around the village. Overnight at Langtang valley.

Day 06: Langtang Valley to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m)
Approximately 4 Hours walk

Today after the breakfast, you will leave beautiful Langtang Village and start your trek and you will walk three to four hours to visit Kyanjin Gompa. Kyanjin Gompa is the last destination of your trekking at an altitude of 3870m from sea level. From here you will have beautiful views of Mt Ganchempo and Mt. Langtang Lirung. Rest of the time, you will visit surrounding area like Yak cheese Factory, Kyanjin Monastery and local houses. Overnight at Kyanjin Gompa.

Day 07: Kyanjin Gompa to Chorkari Ri
Approximately 8 Hours walk both way

Early morning, our day begins with a steep climb to the top of Chorkari Ri. Enjoying spectacular panoramic mountain views of the whole Langtang Himalayas, including Langtang Lirung (7,244m), Langshisha Ri (6,810 m.), Gyanghempo (6,888 m.) Ganjala peak, Nayakang more….Besides, incredible mountain views, Langtang valley, icefall flowing from Langtang Lirung and Gyanghempo peak. back to Langtang Valley.

Day 08: Langtang Valley to Lama Hotel
Approximately 7 Hours walk

Easily trek down to Lama Hotel enjoying the view and the localities

Day 09 : Lama Hotel to Thulo syabru (2300m)
Approximately 5 Hours walk

Today our trail leads through bamboo & rhododendron forest where we may see the local wild boar as well as other animal and birds. On the way we can see close-up view of Ganesh Himal. Firstly easy down hill follows the river bank but last part steeply up hill for couple of hours to get to the village at Thulo Syabru.

Day 10: Thulo Syabru to Sing Gompa (3330m.)
Approximately 5 Hours walk

It is our turn to trek from Thulo Syabru to Sing Gompa (3330m.). Our trail from Thulo Syabru goes to Foprang Danda (3200m.) passing through Daragang (2660m.). We would be lucky enough to view Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Tibetan Mountain and forests of Oak, Hemlock and Firs. After a while, we reach Sing Gompa. We would find a well-managed local cheese factory and a Buddhist Monastery at Sing Gompa too.

Day 11: Sing Gompa to Gosaikunda (4460m.)
Approximately 7 Hours walk

Today we trek from Sing Gompa to Gosaikunda (4460m.) via Lauri Binayak La (3920m.). We would follow a rugged trail with dramatic views of Himalchuli (7893m.,) Manaslu (8156m,) and Ganesh Himal (7406m.). On a clear day, even the Annapurna range can be seen rising up gently behind. To the north, we would see Langtang Lirung. At Gosainkunda, we would see a many lakes. Among them, the major three are Saraswati Kund, Bhairab Kunda and Gosainkunda. According to a legend, Gosainkunda was created by Shiva when he pierced a glacier with his trident to obtain water to quench his thirst after having swallowed poison.

Day 12: Explore around Gosainkunda

This day we spend whole day for exploration of the lake. This lake one of the popular lake in Nepal which is located at an altitude of 4380m from the sea level and covered 4 sq miles. It is said that Lord Shiva (the god of Hindus) himself created the high altitude lake. In this lake particularly in summer season, carnival is happened. Many Hindus and Buddhists participate in this festival. Around the Gosainkunda Lake there are other lake as well,they are Bhairab Kund and Saraswati Kund.

Day 12: Gosainkunda to Ghopte (3,530m)
Approximately 7 Hours walk

Today in the morning, we hike to Laurebina pass (4,610m). It is the highest point of our entire trek and is full of panoramic Mountain View. Further our trail descends gradually down towards the village of Ghopte on passing a small human settlement Phedi.

Day 13: Ghopte to Malemchigaon (2,560m)
Approximately 6 Hours walk

We descend through the sub-tropical forest and it continues by climbing over dry river-sides straight up to the Kharka and again to the Thare Pati. This spontaneous up and down along the narrow path gives us the chance to understand the super nature. Our simply the best way bring us down to the Melamchi river and plus steps to Melamchi gaun to break today’s journey.

Day 14: Melamchi gaon to Tarke Gyang (2,590m)
Approximately 7 Hours walk

Today we forward to Helambu region. This day changes our experience level from nature to culture. Our walking strength leads us to Tarke Gyang where we get the opportunity to enjoy Sherpa culture and their lifestyle. Their preserved traditional houses are completely the new things for us to see. Night stay at local lodge

Day 15: Tarke Gyang to Sermathang (2,610m):
Approximately 5 Hours walk

The dramatic villages of Helambu hides by the forests as we walk through. As soon as we escape out of the thick forests, we meet Parachin & Gangyul –two more Sherpa villages. This cultural hub region follows Buddhism and some are of Bhutanese origin also. Overnight stay in Sermathang (2,610m). Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 16: Trek from Sermathang to Melamchi Pul Bazaar and drive to Kathmandu:
Approximately 3 Hours walk and 2 hour drive

This is our last trekking day. Breakfast is followed by short descend to Melamchi Pul Bazaar (870m). Our vehicle will be there to pick up you to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will transfer to the hotel & have free time ahead. Meals included- Breakfast & Lunch.

Day 17: Leisure day in Kathmandu

It's a spare day in Kathmandu, You have option to stroll around the local tourist market in Kathmandu to observe the living style of local people in Kathmandu valley. You can observe the traditional houses, arts and crafts, local people selling clothes, fruits and vegetable around Indrachook and Ashanon located on the North Part of the Kathmandu Durbar Square.