GOSAIKUNDA TREK

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19 days
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Moderate

This classical trek combines three major areas north of Kathmandu along the border of Tibet Langtang, Gosainkunda and Helambu. Langtang is a narrow valley that lies just south of the Tibetan border. It is sandwiched between the main Himalayan range to the north and a slightly lower range of snowy peaks to the south. This 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 by returning to Kathmandu via the holy lakes of Gosainkunda at 4,300m, thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit the lakes during the full moon festival in August. The lake is also sacred to Buddhists. Gosaikunda is actually the largest of three main lakes the other two being Saraswatikunda and Bhairabkunda. Hindu legend has it that the lakes were formed when the God Siva plunged his trident (Trisul) into the ground in order to obtain water. The Trisuli River has its source in the lakes; thus the name.

Helambu valley is very famous for its natural beauty and wonderful climate with superb views of magnificent snow-covered mountains. The area covers typical highland Sherpa villages along with beautiful Rhododendron forests. This region extends from the north to Taramarang to the Gosaikunda Lake and the lower Jugal Himal from the north. The valley is approached from Trishuli River Valley, north of Kathmandu.

Itinerary

Day 19

Departure from Nepal

The trip concludes today. You will be dropped at Kathmandu's Tribhuwan International Airport by our airport representative for your flight departure from Nepal.

Day 18

Leisure day in Kathmandu

This is a leisure and free day in Kathmandu for exploration. You are free to go souvenir shopping, spa and more exploration of the city, or extend your trip to include bungee jumping, rafting, mountain biking, Everest mountain flight and other adventurous activities. In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner at Mul Chowk Restaurant’s cozy and elegant dining ambience.

Day 17

Drive from Melamchi Pul Bazaar to Kathmandu (1,345m/4,413 ft)

You travel through a gravel and bumpy path up to Lamidanda and then follow the asphalt road up to Kathmandu.

Day 16

Trek from Shermanthang to Melamchi Pul Bazaar (846m / 2,776ft)

The trail gradually descends all the way to Melamchi Pul Bazaar through meadows and cultivated fields. Along the way, you come across several old villages with their own particular traditions. Walking today is quite pleasant with mountain views and the possibility of interacting with the friendly locals.

Day 15

Trek from Tarkeghyang to Shermathang (2,621m / 8,599ft)

Today the trail is quite easy through flat land with beautiful forests on the way. You trek on crossing some small streams on the way. Situated in a beautiful village on the half way to Shermathang, another picturesque Sherpa village where you can visit many ancient monasteries. Jugal Himal range can also be seen from the north face of Shermathang village.

Day 14

Trek from Melamchi Gaon to Tarkeghyang (2,743m / 8,999ft)

The early part of the trek descends until you cross the Melamchi stream. You trek gently up to Tarkeghyang passing through Sherpa settlements. Tarkeghyang is a beautiful Sherpa village with one of the oldest and biggest monasteries.

Day 13

Trek to Melamchi Gaon via Tharepati Pass (3,430m / 11,253ft)

The first part of the trail slightly descends and then begins to ascend through the rhododendron forests until Thearepati, after which we climb down to lower altitude. Before climbing to Tharepati, you can see settlements of cattle herders (mainly huts and mud houses) at 3,579m as you cross a stream after coming through rhododendron, oak and juniper forests. From Tharepati the trail gradually descends through pine and rhododendron forests with good views of the Helambu valley and across to Jugal Himal and Numbur in the Solu Khumbu. Melamchi Gaon is surrounded by beautiful forests, which is mainly inhabited by Sherpa people with their distinctive culture. There are also some Buddhist monasteries along the way.

Day 12

Cross the Laurebinayak Pass then trek to Ghopte (3,430m / 11,253ft)

The trail leaves Gosaikund and climbs through rugged country, past four small lakes to the Laurebina La (4,610m), the highest point of this trek. Keep looking back at the spectacular views of Manaslu and the mountains of the Ganesh Himal, as well as the now familiar Langtang Lirung. You then descend steeply to camp near Gopte.

Day 11

Trek from Singompa to Gosaikunda (4,300m / 14,108ft)

The first part of the trail emerges and we steadily climb up to Laurebinayak. With a steep ascent all the way to Gosaikunda, you follow a rugged trail with dramatic views of the Manaslu range, Ganesh Himal range, Tibetan peaks and Langtang Lirung. On a clear day, even the Annapurna range can be seen rising up behind. You pass a few huts in the high pasture of Laurebinayak, cross a small ridge and have your first views of the holy lake of Gosaikunda. There are about a dozen lakes in the Gosainkunda Basin - the three most important ones are Saraswatikunda, Bhairabkunda and Gosainkunda. According to legend Gosainkunda was created by Lord Shiva when he pierced a glacier with his trident to obtain water to quench his thirst after swallowing poison that threatened to destroy the world.

Day 10

Trek from Thulo Syabru to Singompa (3,250m / 10,663ft)

The trails from Thulo Syabru to Foprang Danda (3,200m ) follows a steep ascent path passing through Dursagang (2,660m) along with the views of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Tibetan Mountain, Hemlock and forests. Now the path gently ascends for a while then it follows a flat level to Sing Gompa. There is a well managed local cheese factory and a Buddhist Monastery. Singompa provides panoramic views, exhilarating nature and a yak cheese factory. The cheese manufactured here is considered the best in Nepal.

Day 9

Trek from Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru (2,250m / 7,382ft)

The beginning of the trail gently descends to the Landslide which then goes steeply up to Thulo Syabru. En route you could see red pandas, monkeys and various species of birds. Thulo Syabru is a wonderful village from where you can enjoy the amazing land feature and the magnificent nature with splendid views of Ganesh Himal (7,110m) and Langtang Himal.

Day 8

Trek back to Lama Hotel (2,500m / 8,202ft)

Rejoin the trail to Lama Hotel.

Day 7

Kyanjin Gompa exploration day

Today is a day to rest as we explore the area. You can visit the monastery and the cheese factory, walk up the moraine to see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung or ascend Kyangjin Ri (4,350m) which is the highest point of this trek, directly behind the village, for a breath-taking panorama of the Langtang peaks.

Day 6

Trek from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,798m / 12,461ft)

It is shorter walk today, but adequate for acclimatizing. There are some interesting things to explore, especially the famous cheese factory – don’t forget to try some locally produced cheese as fresh as it could get. This beautiful valley is on the lap of the Langtang Lirung. This is the spot where we can explore the valley and climbs several small peaks (hillocks).

Day 5

Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang village (3,307m / 10,850ft)

The trek route follows Gumanechok at Ghoda Tabela which literally means the Horse Stable. After this the trail climbs gradually to the beautiful valley with yaks about. Langtang is a typical village and one of the oldest along this trekking route. The views of the mountains are spectacular and become more imposing as well trek closer.

Day 4

Trek from Syabru Besi to Lama Hotel (2,500m / 8,202ft)

The first part of the trail crosses through the Bhote Koshi river and follows the Langtang Khola. This trail gradually ascends up to Bamboo (1,960m) passing rugged paths. Afterwards, your trek climbs gently to Rimche (2,400m) through Bamboo which lies at the bank of Langtang Khola. You can have lunch at this place if you like and at the end your trail is the Lama Hotel. En route you could see red pandas, monkeys and bears if you are lucky.

Day 3

Drive to Syabru Besi (1,462m / 4,797ft)

Early in the morning, we drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi which takes about eight to nine hours by public bus. Driving through scenic foothills and ridgeline vistas to Syabru Besi passing Dhunche, we’ll get a glimpse of Ganesh Himal after driving along the mighty Trishuli river. Terraced green hills and lush forests make the drive very pleasurable. Parts of the road though may be bumpy and under construction.

Day 2

Visit old town of Kathmandu

A professional guide and vehicle are provided for a day of sightseeing in and around Kathmandu city. We visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city along with other interesting cultural monuments that dot the valley. These include Boudhanath Stupa (the largest Buddhist shrines in the world), Pashupatinath (the holiest Hindu temple in the world), Durbar Squares (Palaces and fortresses of medieval Kings), along with other popular cultural attractions. We get to observe the lifestyle of Nepalese people, holy sadhus and monks, fascinating history as well as awe-inspiring architecture.

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,345m/4,413 ft)

Upon arriving at at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by our airport representatives who will warmly greet you and transfer to the hotel on a private tourist vehicle. We provide 3-star accommodation in the city and we arrange for a trip briefing with dinner in the evening.