Trip Facts

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Trip Duration 14 Days
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Trip Difficulty Moderate
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Maximum Altitude 4,381m/14,373ft
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Best Season To Visit March-May & Mid Sept – Mid Dec
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Average Group Size Min. 2 pax

Trip Highlights

  • Max altitude : Gosaikunda Lake (4,381 m/14,373ft)
  • Trek destination: Gosaikunda Lake
  • Suitably designed itinerary for acclimatization
  • Accommodation in the best-selected lodges and tea houses along the trail and in Kathmandu
  • 360 view of the Himalayas (Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Himal Chuli, etc.) and trek to the beautiful Gosaikunda Lake
  • Experience unique Tamang, Helambu, Sherpa, and Newar culture
  • Trek through Langtang National Park, to Kyanjin Gompa, Sing Gompa, Cheese factory, Ghopte cave
  • Fauna you can come across – wild dog, red panda, pika, black bear, snow leopard, Himalayan Tahr, ghoral, common langur

Trip Overview

The Langtang Valley Trek and Gosainkunda Trek are spectacular hiking routes in Nepal. It provides fantastic scenery, from lush forests and astonishing landscapes at lower altitudes to glaciers and ice peaks at higher elevations.

Langtang region is located in the north of Kathmandu valley and to the south of the Nepal-Tibet border. The well-known British mountaineer and travel writer, Bill Tilman (1898-1977), called this “one of the world’s most beautiful valleys.

Dominated by the Langtang Himalayas, this trek is relatively short but one that runs through enchanted rhododendron and bamboo forests, alongside cascading waterfalls, and glistening Gosainkunda Lake. The breathtaking views on this trek include Dorje Lakpa (6,990 m), Langtang Ri (6,370 m), and Langtang Lirung (7,245 m). The Langtang is a domain of endangered wildlife such as red panda, musk deer, and varied bird species.

The trip starts in Kathmandu with tours of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From Kathmandu, you will drive to Domen via Syabru Besi, a place in the Rasuwa district of Nepal. Then, making your way through the Bamboo, Ghode Tabela, Langtang, Kyanjin Gompa, and the Laurebina pass, you will reach Gosainkunda Lake.

The trail is also well-known for its Buddhist culture and magnificent monasteries like Sing Gompa. Visit the gompa to light some butter lamps, listen to the praying monks, or just rest your exhausted soul.

Especially, you witness the vibrant prayer flags hanging as you hike through the quaint villages and the Buddhist Shrines. In addition, you will see Mani walls, and huge rocks painted with Buddhist mantras.

This is a sample itinerary, and we shall customise the program as per your needs and preferences. Get in touch with our travel expert or email us at info@nepalsanctuarytreks.com.

Note: Below trekking hours, altitudes and distances are approximate, and absolutely for general ideas only.

Trip Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu Airport

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m)

Accommodation: ***Hotel Tibet or similar

On arrival at Tribhuvan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying the “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard outside the airport terminal. You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle.

Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

Day 02: Cultural Introductory Tour

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Tour Duration:  Approx. 8 hours

Accommodation: ***Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast

9:00 AM: After breakfast, we start our guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. On this cultural tour, you will experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

You will head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The prominent sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess.  Kasthamandap is a huge rest house that is said to have been built with the wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.

Swayambhunath:

Swayambhunath (monkey temple), is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and center of faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible from far and wide. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. In the shadows of the imposing structure and besides the integrated architecture can be found the daily surge of devotees faithfully offering their prayers to the gods. Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burns constantly create a serene vibe and enormous prayer wheels which encircle the stupa.

PM: Boudhanath

Then we drive towards Boudhanath.  From the moment you step into the sanctuary, you’ll immediately feel the spiritual energy that comes from the place. Boudhanath is one of the biggest stupas in Nepal, built in the 5th century and listed on the world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979. The surrounding area is a central spiritual hub of Tibetan life and culture in Nepal. You can see the beautiful dome-shaped structure stupa surrounded by brilliant colorful prayer flags. It is believed that prayer flags convey mantras and prayers into the universe while fluttering in the wind. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha.

You can witness monks draped in maroon robes rolling the prayer wheels, burning incense, and flickering butter candles. Moreover, it’s fascinating to see the people feeding grains and maize to hundreds of pigeons around stupa areas. The devotees turn the prayer wheels & chant, which is humbling to see such dedication to their beliefs.

Delight in the serenity as you hear the Buddhist mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ being chanted by devotees, alongside the echo of music streaming out from the nearby shops.

Pashupatinath

Moving on, you will visit the Pashupatinath temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the bank of the Bagmati River. The word Pashupati means “the king of animals” and the temple is famous for its monkeys. You will be visiting the Pashupatinath area to indulge in a spiritual journey.

Pashupatinath is more than just a religious destination. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture. The temple, spread across 246 hectares of land, abounds in temples and monuments. Hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. You will get to witness people performing the religious ritual and funeral pyres burning at open-air cremation. Also witness elaborately dressed holy men meditating outside the temple and pilgrims placing offerings at the shrines. After touring around prominent sites, you will be transferred safely back to your hotel.

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu - Domen - Trek Bamboo

Altitude above sea level: (1,670 m) Domen

Driving duration: 6 hrs. Approx. (KTM-Domen)

Trekking duration: 3 hrs. Approx (Domen-Bamboo)

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you take a scenic, long drive to Syabrubesi. With a beautiful drive, the roads twist and turn along the high hills as we pass through many remote villages and get to see the villagers working in their fields. You will get wonderful views of the Annapurna Himalayas in the west, to Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and the peaks of the Langtang region ahead.

Further, you drive through the Trishuli  Bazaar before climbing towards Dunche and the Langtang National Park. After the town of Dunche it is another hour downhill to Syabru Besi. From here you continue to drive all the way to the starting point of the trek- Domen. It is situated less than 5 kilometers from Syabrubesi. The path leads through a green valley with several nice waterfalls.

Thereafter, you start your first day of trek climbing the trail, passing through numerous villages, forests, and bridges. After walking for almost 3 hours, you reached the place called Bamboo. You can see a few teahouses here.

Day 04: Trek Bamboo - Ghoda Tabela

Altitude above sea level: (3,008 m) Ghoda Tabela

Hiking duration: 5-6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you geared up for the journey to Ghoda Tabela. As the trial progresses, it becomes steeper. From time and again, you can get an occasional glimpse of Langtang Lirung.

After a steep uphill, the joy of seeing the starting valleys which eventually end up in lush meadows. In the past hours, you pass through the places like Rimche, Lama Hotel, and Riverside, and finally reached the Ghoda Tabela. The literal translation of the Nepali word “Ghoda-Tabela” is “Horse Stable” in English. Ghoda Tabela is a beautiful setting surrounded by pine, hemlock, and rhododendron forests.

Day 05: Trek Ghoda Tabela - Langtang

Altitude above sea level: (3,330 m) Langtang

Hiking duration: 3-4 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you set off today’s trek to Langtang. The trail after Ghoda Tabela is rewarded with the picturesque view of a snow-covered mountain, turquoise color river, huge boulders, bizarrely shaped rocks, stupas, and many yaks. The trail ahead from Ghoda Tabela involves downhill and uphill climbs until you see the beautiful Langtang village. Langtang village is the headquarters for Langtang National Park. The village comprises flat-roofed Tibetan-style houses, hotels, and cultivated lands yielding buckwheat, potatoes, wheat, turnips, barley, etc.

Day 06: Trek Langtang - Kyanjin Gompa

Altitude above sea level: (3,730 m) Kyanjin Gompa 

Hiking duration: 4 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The Langtang village to Kyanjin Gompa trek is one of the pleasant trails regarding the fact that you will pass through Mani walls, colorful prayer flags, wooden bridges, an enchanted rhododendron forest, and the village of Mundu.

From Mundu, the trail ascends steadily through yak pastures as the valley widens further, and the views become more extensive. After traversing numerous small streams and moraines, the trail reaches the settlement at Kyangjin. Kyanjin Gompa nestled on the lap of Langtang Lirung. It is the primitive village of Langtang valley and an ideal place to savor the panoramic view of Langtang II, Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Tserko Ri. You will get insight into the cultures and traditions of Tamang and Tibetan origin people at Kyanjin Gompa

Spend your leisure afternoon exploring the Buddhist monastery and Local cheese factory.

Day 07: Rest Day in Kyanjin Gompa or hike to Kyanjin Ri

Altitude above sea level: (4,773 m) Kyanjin Ri

Hiking duration: 3-4 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, you stay in Kyanjin Gompa to explore a bit more of the Langtang valley. This day is dedicated to pampering in the natural beauty and serenity of the Gompa area. You can either take a rest or hike around the village.

It is well worth hiking up to Kyanging Ri for a breathtaking panorama of the Langtang peaks. You will rise up early in the morning and then set off your hike to the highest point of the trek, Kyanjin Ri. This is the famous vantage point to relish the view of Langtang Lirung and Lirung Tsang Glacier and several soaring peaks. From the summit, you can see the picturesque Kyanjin Village, numerous glaciers, yak pasture, and the wide bank of the Langtang River. After savoring a mesmerizing view,  you head back to Kyanjin Gompa.

Day 08: Trek Kyanjin Gompa - Lama Hotel

Altitude above sea level: (2,400 m)  Lama Hotel

Hiking duration: 5-6 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you retrace the route following the Langtang Khola to Mundu village and on to Ghora Tabela. After lunch, you hike down to Lama Hotel through oak, maple, and rhododendron forest.  You might encounter diverse birds like Lophophores, the national bird of Nepal, crimson horned pheasant, Wood Snipe, Snow Partridge, Tibetan Snow Cock, etcetera.

Day 09: Trek Lama Hotel - Thulo Syabru

Altitude above sea level: (2,100 m) Thulo Syabru 

Hiking duration: 6hrs approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you start today’s trek, taking a gradual descent till Pairo and then going steep up to Thulo Syabru. Look out for langur monkeys and varied species of birds.

Once you arrive Thulo Syabru, you can have a wonderful view of Langtang Lirung and other peaks including Ganesh, Nayakhang, and more. Spend your leisure afternoon exploring the village and visiting the monastery.

Day 10: Trek Thulo Syabru - Sing Gompa

Altitude above sea level: (3,580 m) Sing Gompa

Hiking duration: 5 hrs approx

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you take a gradual uphill and pass Langtang National Park’s army checkpoint. Within half an hour of the ascent trail, you reach Daragang.

The trail is less steep from here, as it passes, through the hemlock and oak forest. You continue your trek through Dhimsa and eventually Sing Gompa. There is a well-managed local cheese factory and a Buddhist Monastery in Sing Gompa. In addition, this place offers panoramic views of Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang Lirung, and several adjacent peaks, serene nature and Yak Cheese factory. The village is also called Chandan Bari.

Day 11: Trek Sing Gompa - Gosaikunda Lake

Altitude above sea level: (4,381 m) Gosainkunda Lake 

Hiking duration:  5 – 6 hrs. Approx

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Our trek begins with climbing uphill to Cholang Pati. The scenic view of Langtang Himal is truly awe-inspiring. Those magnificent Langtang, Ganesh, and Annapurna peaks are sure to make your trek refreshing.

Further, take a steep trail towards Lauribinak and its mesmerizing views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Manaslu, and the distant Annapurna. Continue to trek up to a small temple with a statue of Sakyamuni, and savor the splendid views of Saraswoti Kunda and Bhairav Kunda, before reaching the sacred lake of Gosainkunda.

The sacred lake holds equal significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. This place of religious pilgrimage is believed to be where the Hindu deity Shiva came to calm over his poisoning throat after saving the world. It is believed that taking a holy dip in the cold, crystal clear water of Gosainkunda Lake washes off the bather’s sins. Thousands of devotees and visitors visit the majestic lake throughout the year.

Day 12: Trek Gosainkunda - Dhunche

Altitude above sea level:  (2.090 m) Dhunche

Hiking duration: 7 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

It’s the last day of the trekking portion of the trip. After breakfast, you descend downhill to Sing Gompa Then, take a steep descent through the mixture of varied vegetation. Further, cross the river on reaching the stream, and walk downstream. Thereafter,  take a gradual uphill through the farm field to reach Dhunche.

Day 13: Drive Dhunche - Kathmandu

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m)

Driving duration: 5 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: ***Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast, and Lunch

Early in the morning, you will take a scenic drive to Kathmandu. Viewing the interesting scenery just from your window, you should arrive in Kathmandu in the late afternoon.

Day 14: Final Departure

Meal: Breakfast

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the wonderful experiences of Nepal in mind. The representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to TIA airport, where you should check-in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight.

Reviews

Matt Francey and Maggie Scott, Australia 

Nepal Sanctuary Treks organized a guide and porters (and permits, transportation etc) for an 11-day trek into the Langtang Valley for our family (two parents, two teenagers). We had...

Matt Francey and Maggie Scott, Australia

Faqs

Why choose Langtang Trek?

Langtang trek takes you through Langtang National Park, Langtang valley, and the beautiful Gosainkunda Lake. It is a sacred as well as a challenging trek; you will get an opportunity to experience Tamang culture as well as be rewarded with beautiful views of Mt. Langtang and Ganesh Himal.

How fit do I need to be for this trek?

You will be walking for minimum of 5 – 7hrs a day, you don’t have to really fit but the minimum level of fitness is required as the trek is not an easy one. You do have to be healthy and mentally prepared for trekking in this region although it doesn’t require mountaineering skills.

What is the best time of the year for this trek?

The trek is possible throughout the year. However, autumn and spring are the best seasons; choose to trek in autumn (Sep-Nov) as spring is busy with expedition stuff.

Why should I trek with Nepal Sanctuary Treks (NST)?

For over two decades, Nepal Sanctuary Treks has been crafting sustainable and bespoke trekking adventures in Nepal. Our deep knowledge of the region allows us to meticulously tailor itineraries to guest’s specific desires, ensuring a transformative journey. Committed to sustainability, our efforts are recognized by the prestigious Travelife Certified Award. Nepal Sanctuary Treks actively empowers local communities by supporting female-owned businesses and promoting girls’ education. Learn more

 

Can children trek in this region or are there any age restrictions?

Yes, children can trek as there is no age restrictions. Nepal Sanctuary Trek can design suitable trekking itinerary for all age group above 8yrs. However, for children fewer than 8 can have high time trekking for longer period of time and altitude sickness can be a problem.

What to take for the trek (clothes, personal kits)?

To make it easier for you Nepal Sanctuary Treks have prepared you a kit check list, you can have a look at it below:

Do I need travel insurance covered while trekking/traveling in Nepal?

Insurance is a compulsion as anything can happen in the trek; for emergency rescue, personal liabilities, cancellation, loss of luggage and other reasons if necessary.

How much weight do I have to carry or how much will my porter carry?

You can bring as much as clothes you want but extra luggage is not required for the trek, you can leave your extra luggage in Kathmandu or Pokhara’s hotel. For the trek you can carry enough clothes you require in your backpack or carry only the camera, water bottle few clothes etc in your backpack. The potter can carry your extra duffle bag clothes which can weigh up to 15 to 30kg and a camping porter carries up to 30kg. However the local domestic flights allows maximum of 18kg per person.

What medical facilities are there on Langtang Trek?

In case of emergency you need to get evacuated by helicopter to Kathmandu, you need to take proper care of your health. Anyways, you will find small clinics along the trek. There are major hospitals in Kathmandu. However, you need to bring your medicine (if any) and a first aid box will be provided by Nepal Sanctuary Treks, also your guide will be trained for first aid in case of emergency.

Ask Our Travel Expert

Affiliations & Recommendations

Langtang Gosainkunda Trek