Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trek

This trek combines the best of three popular trekking trails that this region has to offer, namely, Langtang valley, Gosaikunda lake and Helambu valley. As these three trails (Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trek) have their own peculiar landscapes and diversity of flora and fauna, this trek is designed in order to encapsulate stunning panorama that mother nature has to offer along with the cultural heritage of Sherpa and Tamang people that are indigenous to this area.

The Tamang people who make up for the most of the population in this region are culturally and traditionally related to their Tibetan brethren on the north. It is believed that they actually migrated from Tibet and thus carry within them glimpse of Tibetan way of life which is quite obvious in their religious and cultural practices, as well as their language and mode of living.

Even though sparse, the Sherpa population thrives in their own unique culture, living their way of life which is distinct from the mainstream Nepalese society, in terms of language, spiritual beliefs as well as the appearance and way of life. Thus, it is a curious amalgamation of different lifestyles that have lived and thrived in harmony from many centuries and it is an unforgettable experience for anyone who walks through their villages and monasteries. Also, their genuine smile, their welcoming attitude and their authentic as well as inviting nature is a treat for any traveller, local or foreign.

Langtang valley trek is one of the most famous trekking route of Nepal and connects various trekking routes, Langtang Valley trek as well as Tamang Heritage trail.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

This trek begins in Kathmandu and then we drive to Syabrubesi, which is a Tamang village located on the banks of the Bhote Koshi River. There one gets a glimpse of their lifestyle and their culture. Then we hike towards Kyanjin Gompa and then climb towards Tserko Ri the next day.

From there, we get tremendous views of the Langtang Lirung (7,200m/23,622ft) range. As we continue trekking in the beautiful Langtang Valley and finally reach Gosaikunda, which is a revered place of pilgrimage for both Buddhists and Hindus, one will feel at peace with the serenity that this place has to offer.

Moreover, this place is named after the glistening Gosaikunda Lake, whose water is believed to have magical healing powers. We pass by a few more lakes on our trek and then cross the Laurebina Pass, which heralds us towards Helambu Valley. Another highlight of our hike is to reach the top of Ama Yangri at 3,800m. The view of the Himalayas from the top of the hill is believed to rival that of very popular site, Poon Hill. From here, Mt. Shishapangma and Langtang ranges appear so close that we feel that we can almost touch them. We continue trekking in the Helambu region for a few more days and end our remarkable journey to the mountains with a drive to Kathmandu.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft), Check in hotel (B&B plan).

You will be welcomed in our country and transferred to the hotel by the vehicle. Small meeting about the trip will be done in the evening.

Day 2 :

Sightseeing, cultural tour followed by preparation for the trip.

After our breakfast you will be introduced to the trekking guides and helpers. And the Kathmandu sightseeing tour with visit to various UNESCO enlisted cultural Heritage sites including medieval palaces in Kathmandu-Bhaktapur-Lalitpur Durbar squares. Other sites are Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath and Swoyambhunath Stupa. In the evening we will walk along the Thamel streets which are a good place to buy trekking equipment.

Day 3 :

Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,550m/5,100ft): 7-8 hours

For about 7-8 hours journey to Langtang Valley, we will leave Kathmandu early in the morning. The road climbs high over ridges as it leaves the Kathmandu Valley, and provides impressive views of the Annapurna Himalayas in the west, to Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and the peaks of the Langtang region ahead. We drive through the bustling town of Trisuli before climbing towards Dunche and the Langtang National Park. After the town of Dunche it is another hour downhill to Syabru Besi and your lodge for the night.

Day 4 :

Trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2,380m/7,830ft): 6 hours

Today’s trail crosses the Bhote Koshi River which is also famous for rafting activity. It then gradually climbs through sub-tropical forests to join the trail from Syabru Besi, then climbing through uninhabited oak and rhododendron forests. Look out for langur monkeys in the trees. The trail through the forest up to Lama Hotel becomes steep, but the reward is a comfortable bed in a cozy lodge in the small settlement.

Day 5 :

Trek to Mundu (3543m/11,621ft) via Langtang village: 6-7 hours

Today we will reach Mundu via Langtang village. The trail continues to climb through forest. There is Nepal Army post at Ghora Tabela where the trail emerges from the forest and the mountains loom on the either side of the valley. We will come across the place where Langtang valley once was. The earthquake 2015 hit the Langtang valley very hard. So there is now only a huge rock field.
Mundu is now near and the old houses here are a reminder of what all the villages once looked like in this valley. Most of the lodges and homes in this area are now built in a more modern style.

Day 6 :

Mundu to Kyangjin Gompa (3,870m/12,697ft): 4-5 hours

Mundu to Kyanjing Gompa is not that far. With the trekking of not more than 3 hours we will reach Kyanjing Gompa. As we will arrive by lunchtime there is time to take it easy in the afternoon or explore the area. We can also head up the valley towards Langshisha Kharka to see some of the amazing views.

Day 7 :

Acclimatization: explore Tserko Ri (5,000m/16,404ft) 7-8 hours

Today we will rest here in Kyanjing Gompa. While trekking it is highly recommended for acclimatization so that our body can cope with the weather and high altitude of Kyanjing Gompa. There is also option to explore Tserko Ri of around 5000m which gives us another beautiful landscape view.

Day 8 :

Kyangjin Gompa to Lama Hotel: 6-7 hours

From Kyanjing Gompa we will head back to the route that we followed previously and come back to Lama Hotel for overnight stay.

Day 9 :

Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru (2,230m/ 7,316 ft): 5-6 hours

We will trek towards ThuloSyabru village from Lama Hotel today. Passing by the Bamboo village, we can see the SyabruBensi from the trail separating at Pahiro. For the last couple of hours, we will gradually do some uphill walk up to ThuloSyabru village. ThuloSyabru is a beautiful and comparatively more significant Tamang settlement of the Langtang region.

Day 10 :

Thulo Syabru to Shin Gompa (3,350m/10990m): 4-5 hours

We will again start on our ascent again towards Gosainkunda. With about 1100 meters of elevation gain will take us to Shin Gompa. We will reach Shin Gompa with just around 4 or 5 hours of trek which is comparatively less than our previous days. This is an ideal place to stay overnight to acclimatize and rest as we are going higher on the trek to Gosainkunda and crossing a high pass: Lauri Binayak pass.

Day 11 :

Shin Gompa to Gosaikunda (4,380m/14,370ft): 5-6 hours

Trekking to Gosaikunda from Shin Gompa may be challenging but it is totally worth it as we will reach the beautiful lake Gosaikunda. With 1000 meters of altitude gain, we will reach Gosainkunda which, is a holy pilgrimage site for the Hindus and has a beautiful sight to behold. The area has a cluster of lakes including the holy Gosainkunda which is the third one amongst them with the other two – Bhairab Kunda and Saraswati Kunda. The surrounding has such a beautiful atmosphere, it will make us forget our high altitude situation and enjoy the view.

Day 12 :

Gosaikunda to Ghopte via Lauribinayak Pass (3,440m/11,286ft): 6-8 hours

After viewing the beautiful sunrise from Gosaikunda, we will start our trek for the day to the village of Ghopte. We will do the Lauribinayak Pass; the highest point of our trek. Crossing three small lakes in the way, we will start our uphill rocky climb to Lauribinayak Pass. Once in the top, you can have an incredible 360-degree view of rocky hills and snow-capped mountains touching the horizon. After spending some time in the Pass, we will start our descend to the village of Ghopte.

Day 13 :

Ghopte to Melamchi Gaun (2,560m/8400ft) 5-6 hours

Today we will trek towards the beautiful Sherpa village of Melamchi Gaun of Sindhupalchowk district. Melamchi Gaun features a monastery and a shrine which is said to have been built by an 8th century Buddhist guru.

Day 14 :

Melamchi Gaun to Tarkegyang (2,590m/8500m) 5-6 hours

While trekking to Tarkegyang we will come across several holy chortens, or religious monuments. We will cross the bridge of the famous Melamchi River. Head towards the indigenous Hyolmo village of Tarkegyang along a ridgeline trail.

Day 15 :

Tarkegyang to Sermathang (2,610m/8,565ft): 3-4 hours

Today we will ascent a little towards Sermathang. The paths are dirt road and into the forest area to reach this settlement. We can see few monasteries and also the beautiful views of Dorje Lakpa peak and Panch Pokhari lakes.

Day 16 :

Sermathang to Melamchi bazaar (846m/2776ft) 3-4 hours trek, 2 and half hours drive

Today is the last day of trek before we reach Kathmandu. Melamchi bazar is a small valley which is typically narrow, steep Himalayan River-Valley. Descent to Melamchi Bazaar, where the Melamchi River and Indrawati River joins. The trail drops down through Thimbu, where it meets the road. After that we will be reached by ground transportation to go back to Kathmandu.

Day 17 :

Departure!