Trek to the sacred lakes of Gosainkund and into the sublime Langtang Valley.
Whilst the ridges of Helambu and the delights of the Langtang Valley are the closest Himalayan trekking areas to Kathmandu, they are both frequently over-looked by the hordes that throng the Everest region and the Annapurnas to a lesser extent. So, walking through lesser trekked areas in Nepal is surely of great appeal for those that prefer quieter trails. The Himalayan views are not compromised though, and passing through villages not despoiled by the influences of tourism makes for a more authentic Nepal trekking experience. Of course the sacred waters of the high mountain lakes of Gosainkund attract devoted Buddhist pilgrims trekking to Gosainkund too. So following in their footsteps and encountering devotees along the way is another plus. Crossing into the Langtang Valley you then head into Upper Langtang and hike to Kyanjin Gompa. A straightforward ascent of Kyanjin Ri (4773m) is made before descending out of the valley and a detour en route to Kathmandu to beautiful Nuwakot village. The walking is quite challenging with ascent and descent a natural feature although walking days usually are between 5-6hrs each day. Don't forget our trekking holidays are tailor-made and although the rate of altitude gains are reasonable you may wish to consider acclimatisation days, rest days and even contingency days added.The itinerary is merely a suggested itinerary and is not entirely 'set in stone'. Sleeping bags (4 season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rental if required.
Special note: This trek can also be split so you can trek Langtang Valley only, or the Gosainkund Lakes & Helambu section only. See our Short Treks section to find out more.
Trek to the sacred lakes of Gosainkund and into the sublime Langtang Valley.
Whilst the ridges of Helambu and the delights of the Langtang Valley are the closest Himalayan trekking areas to Kathmandu, they are both frequently over-looked by the hordes that throng the Everest region and the Annapurnas to a lesser extent. So, walking through lesser trekked areas in Nepal is surely of great appeal for those that prefer quieter trails. The Himalayan views are not compromised though, and passing through villages not despoiled by the influences of tourism makes for a more authentic Nepal trekking experience. Of course the sacred waters of the high mountain lakes of Gosainkund attract devoted Buddhist pilgrims trekking to Gosainkund too. So following in their footsteps and encountering devotees along the way is another plus. Crossing into the Langtang Valley you then head into Upper Langtang and hike to Kyanjin Gompa. A straightforward ascent of Kyanjin Ri (4773m) is made before descending out of the valley and a detour en route to Kathmandu to beautiful Nuwakot village. The walking is quite challenging with ascent and descent a natural feature although walking days usually are between 5-6hrs each day. Don't forget our trekking holidays are tailor-made and although the rate of altitude gains are reasonable you may wish to consider acclimatisation days, rest days and even contingency days added.The itinerary is merely a suggested itinerary and is not entirely 'set in stone'. Sleeping bags (4 season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rental if required.
Special note: This trek can also be split so you can trek Langtang Valley only, or the Gosainkund Lakes & Helambu section only. See our Short Treks section to find out more.
Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes & restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.
Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes & restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.
A private vehicle will whisk you away from the chaos of Kathmandu to the trailhead at Sundarijal. It's around an hours drive. From here you follow trails that ascend to the Kathmandu Valley rim and the hill top location of Chisapani (2095m). Walking time is around 5hrs and there's about 700m of ascent. One option is to omit this day and take a 4WD vehicle all the way up to Chisapani (around 2hrs) and commence trekking from here.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Chisapani
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A private vehicle will whisk you away from the chaos of Kathmandu to the trailhead at Sundarijal. It's around an hours drive. From here you follow trails that ascend to the Kathmandu Valley rim and the hill top location of Chisapani (2095m). Walking time is around 5hrs and there's about 700m of ascent. One option is to omit this day and take a 4WD vehicle all the way up to Chisapani (around 2hrs) and commence trekking from here.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Chisapani
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The views (particularly at sunrise) of the Ganesh and Langtang Himal can be pretty spectacular from Chisopani. The trekking now begins in earnest and you initially descend the ridge line before heading up to Thotung Fanda, then further up to cross a forested ridge and downhill to Gol Bhanjiyang (2145m). Walking time 5-6hrs.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Gol Bhanjiyang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The views (particularly at sunrise) of the Ganesh and Langtang Himal can be pretty spectacular from Chisopani. The trekking now begins in earnest and you initially descend the ridge line before heading up to Thotung Fanda, then further up to cross a forested ridge and downhill to Gol Bhanjiyang (2145m). Walking time 5-6hrs.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Gol Bhanjiyang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A tougher day begins with a steep and long climb to Kutumsang. It's then more uphill to the ridge that forms the Panghu Danda and at around 3300m not only is the altitude noticable, the villages in the valleys below seem a long way down. Following the ridge line the trail undulates mostly as you walk to Mangenoth (3255m). Walking time around 6hrs.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Mangenoth
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A tougher day begins with a steep and long climb to Kutumsang. It's then more uphill to the ridge that forms the Panghu Danda and at around 3300m not only is the altitude noticable, the villages in the valleys below seem a long way down. Following the ridge line the trail undulates mostly as you walk to Mangenoth (3255m). Walking time around 6hrs.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Mangenoth
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A little shorter today, but a great bit of ridge line walking that typifies the Helambu region. There are ups and downs all along the way but the overall day is slightly more up than down as you walk for around 4hrs to Tharepati (3490m).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Tharepati
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A little shorter today, but a great bit of ridge line walking that typifies the Helambu region. There are ups and downs all along the way but the overall day is slightly more up than down as you walk for around 4hrs to Tharepati (3490m).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Tharepati
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As tomorrow is a tough day, today's straightforward walk to Surche is a handy way of acclimatising to the altitude. It's a beautiful walk of around 4hrs through pine and rhododendron forests that both rises and drops, but like yesterday you gain height overall. The lodge tonight is right at the foot of the big climb to the Lauribina La.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Surche Phedi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As tomorrow is a tough day, today's straightforward walk to Surche is a handy way of acclimatising to the altitude. It's a beautiful walk of around 4hrs through pine and rhododendron forests that both rises and drops, but like yesterday you gain height overall. The lodge tonight is right at the foot of the big climb to the Lauribina La.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Surche Phedi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From the word go you're heading up, up, up and to the Lauribina La (4600m). It's a good 4hrs to reach the pass and involves around 900m of ascent too. Quite the challenge! There are good views of the sacred Gosainkund lakes and of the surrounding Himalayan peaks too. It's a straightforward and quick descent down the trail that leads to the Pilgrim Centre by the sacred lake waters and a further easy descent to Lauribina itself (3900m). Walking time is around 6-7hrs.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lauribina
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From the word go you're heading up, up, up and to the Lauribina La (4600m). It's a good 4hrs to reach the pass and involves around 900m of ascent too. Quite the challenge! There are good views of the sacred Gosainkund lakes and of the surrounding Himalayan peaks too. It's a straightforward and quick descent down the trail that leads to the Pilgrim Centre by the sacred lake waters and a further easy descent to Lauribina itself (3900m). Walking time is around 6-7hrs.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lauribina
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A lot of downhill walking today. Your knees will equally advise you of this. Descending steeply through dense forests, reputed to contain the rare red panda, you reach Sing Gompa. But, you continue to drop down further to the very small settlement of Thulu Syabru and to the 2000m mark or thereabouts. Walking time is 5-6hrs and there's over 1500m descent today.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Thulu Syabru
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A lot of downhill walking today. Your knees will equally advise you of this. Descending steeply through dense forests, reputed to contain the rare red panda, you reach Sing Gompa. But, you continue to drop down further to the very small settlement of Thulu Syabru and to the 2000m mark or thereabouts. Walking time is 5-6hrs and there's over 1500m descent today.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Thulu Syabru
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Initially descending the ridge line you then drop down a trail that zig zags its way down the hillside to the Langtang Khola. You now head upstream into the beautiful Langtang Valley, with a descent to end the day at a village commonly referred to as 'Lama Hotel'.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lama Hotel (Chatang)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Initially descending the ridge line you then drop down a trail that zig zags its way down the hillside to the Langtang Khola. You now head upstream into the beautiful Langtang Valley, with a descent to end the day at a village commonly referred to as 'Lama Hotel'.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lama Hotel (Chatang)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Up through forests that gives way higher up to scrub vegetation and over the 3000m mark again as you continue into the Upper Langtang Valley. (3430m).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Langtang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Up through forests that gives way higher up to scrub vegetation and over the 3000m mark again as you continue into the Upper Langtang Valley. (3430m).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Langtang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The valley opens out as you make your way further up and the walking today is primarily gradual uphill. After around 3hrs walking Kyanjin Gompa comes into view. A fantastic sight with the ice fall that flows off Langtang Lirung behind it. Now with high peaks in front, to your left and to your right the final walk of about an hour to Kyanjin Gompa (3870m) is atmospheric and there's a great feeling that you are in the wilder reaches of the Himalaya (you are!).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Kyanjin Gompa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The valley opens out as you make your way further up and the walking today is primarily gradual uphill. After around 3hrs walking Kyanjin Gompa comes into view. A fantastic sight with the ice fall that flows off Langtang Lirung behind it. Now with high peaks in front, to your left and to your right the final walk of about an hour to Kyanjin Gompa (3870m) is atmospheric and there's a great feeling that you are in the wilder reaches of the Himalaya (you are!).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Kyanjin Gompa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Swiss helped set up a cheese factory here and it makes for an interesting visit. Today you can walk up to Kyanjin Ri, which at 4773m affords outstanding views of the surrounding peaks and the valley. The round trip takes about 6hrs. An alternative would be hike to the summit of Tsergo Ri (4800m).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Kyanjin Gompa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Swiss helped set up a cheese factory here and it makes for an interesting visit. Today you can walk up to Kyanjin Ri, which at 4773m affords outstanding views of the surrounding peaks and the valley. The round trip takes about 6hrs. An alternative would be hike to the summit of Tsergo Ri (4800m).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Kyanjin Gompa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As it's virtually descent all the way and naturally the walking pace is much quicker a good 7hr walk will enable you to reach Lama Hotel.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lama Hotel (Chatang)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As it's virtually descent all the way and naturally the walking pace is much quicker a good 7hr walk will enable you to reach Lama Hotel.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lama Hotel (Chatang)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continuing your descent out of the Langtang Valley it takes around 5hrs to reach Syabru Besi (1400m).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Syabru Besi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continuing your descent out of the Langtang Valley it takes around 5hrs to reach Syabru Besi (1400m).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Syabru Besi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A full days drive back to Kathmandu by private vehicle. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingency for this trek, whether it be for any difficulties that may arise on the trek or with the overland travel. If you don't fancy a full day of driving all the way back to Kathmandu, one option would be to break up the journey and stay at Nuwakot at our very own Famous Farm Country Inn.
Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
Included Meals: Breakfast
A full days drive back to Kathmandu by private vehicle. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingency for this trek, whether it be for any difficulties that may arise on the trek or with the overland travel. If you don't fancy a full day of driving all the way back to Kathmandu, one option would be to break up the journey and stay at Nuwakot at our very own Famous Farm Country Inn.
Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
Included Meals: Breakfast
A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Of course there's no reason to depart today, your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made
A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Of course there's no reason to depart today, your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made
The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers, private overland travel, meals as indicated in the itinerary (all meals on trek), porterage on trek, permits & fees & Snow Cat Travel Trekking Guide. All guides are english-speaking, professionals and fully licensed.