Langtang and Gosaikunda Lakes Trek

Arrive in Kathmandu and will be transferred to Hotel in the early evening. Those not travelling with the group will meet us in the hotel this evening. There will be a full trek briefing this evening.

Leaving the Kathmandu Valley we have a long drive ahead. We drive northwards to Trisuli Bazaar, and then join the military road which eventually drops to cross the Trisuli River. Passing the village of Dhunche, which lies just inside the boundary of the Langtang National Park, we reach Syabrubensi, a Sherpa village at 1,462m. We spend the night here.

We descend to the river to start our trip, and we cross it over on a bridge. After that, we make a sharp ascent out of the river to Kanjim, where we eat lunch. The trail climbs higher and higher, circling back into the main Langtang Valley. We can see the river and the horizon in beautiful clarity. Today concludes with a brief descent to Sherpagaon, a tiny settlement situated at 2,490m on terraces above the Langtang Khola.

After Breakfast we move towards Langtang, we ascend the valley. The trail begins gently and winds through Sherpagaon, into the forest, past Rimche, and on to Lama Hotel, a group of lodges situated in a clearing in the forest. With views of the mountains in the distance, the trail winds its way higher through the woodland. We drive past Riverside and stop at Chhunama for lunch. We have a shorter, mostly uphill hike in the afternoon to Ghora Tabela (9,960ft/3,035m), where the valley opens up. Eventually reaching our destination for the night.

As we continue our climb beyond the village, the valley opens out to reveal spectacular mountain views. To our left the impressive Langtang Lirung towers directly above us and ahead is the great snow-covered bulk of Ganchempo. At 3,849m we come to the tea houses at Kyanjin Gompa. We will arrive at our lodge by lunchtime and in the afternoon we can either head up a side valley to the foot of the Langtang and Kyimoshung glaciers, or climb onto some of the
surrounding ridges for close up views of Langtang Lirung and the beautiful so called Fluted Peak.

We spend a day at Kyanjin Gompa with a chance to explore the area. There are various optional day walks around here. The most popular walk is up to Kyanjin Ri (4,350m) and Kyimoshung Ri (4,620m). These two viewpoints above Kyanjin gompa offer some of the most stunning mountain views in Nepal. An impressive array of peaks surrounds us – Langtang Lirung and Kyimoshung whose huge glaciers tumble to the valley floor. Straddling the Tibetan border are Dorje Lhakpa,Ganchempo and a whole host of 6,000+m peaks whilst across the valley are Naya Kang and the Ganja La pass. For the very energetic there is the chance to climb Tsergo Ri (often written Cherko Ri) – at 4,984m. This is a full day’s walk but worth it for the views from the
top. (Walking time approx 8 to 10 hours) Another option is walk towards the Tibetan border and Langshisha, where we get wonderful views of the mountains bordering Tibet.

We leave Kyanjin and retrace our route westwards, following the Langtang Khola down through Langtang village to Ghora Tabela, and on towards Lama Hotel, a small collection of lodges in the forest.

We continue down the valley. After crossing the Langtang Khola Bridge our trail undulates through the forest and finally climbs steeply up to Syabru (2,285m).

We begin with a long steep climb out of Syabru, passing through scrub forest and the occasional settlement among the fields, and then through magnificent rhododendron thickets, until we reach the top of the ridge and the small monastery at Sing Gompa.

Climbing a little less steeply this morning we follow the ridge for most of the day. We will have fantastic panoramic views of the Annapurnas, Himalchuli, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal to the west and Langtang Himal to the north-east. After crossing to the south side of the ridge,we descend and catch sight of the first of the holy lakes. The third lake, Gosainkund, at 4,380m, is particularly sacred and a place of pilgrimage in the summer. It is said to have been created when the god Shiva, suffering from thirst due to a poison, thrust his trident into the mountainside, whereupon three streams burst forth and ran together to form the lake. We stay close to a shrine by the lake, where there are a few pilgrim shelters. As the sun sets the reflection on the lake is incredible as the lake becomes one shimmering mass of gold. It is a truly magnificent sight.

The trail climbs gradually through bare and rugged terrain, passing four smaller lakes before we reach the summit of the Laurebena Pass at 4,610m. There are magnificent views to the north and west, and as we descend there are superb panoramic vistas over the Nepal midlands. After descending we continue along a delightful trail through rhododendron forest, with splendid views to the south.

Two relatively long days follow taking us through the unspoilt and culturally interesting Helambu valley. The villages of Helambu are inhabited by Sherpas whose language, culture and dress are very different from the Solu Khumbu Sherpas. We descend a short way and then climb to Tharepati where we have magnificent views looking back. We descend and continue walking on an undulating path through thick rhododendron forest before descending steeply into open landscape. Further on are forests of giant Himalayan oak, with very few branches due to the local custom of cutting branches for animal fodder. There are fine views back to the Langtang and Jugal Himals, and if it is clear other ranges can also be seen. We pass through the well maintained villages of Gul Bhanjyang (2,142m.)and Pati Bhanjyang. A fairly steep climb brings us to open pastures, more forest and then the summit of the ridge, from which there is a magnificent view of the Himalaya from the Annapurnas in the west to the peaks of the lower Everest region in the east. We spend one night at Kutumsang and the the last night on trek at Chisopani.

A short walk brings us to the road, from where we pick up our transport and drive back to our hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day you can spend it  on your own leisure.

Today is a free day and after breakfast you can enjoy the city on your own leisure or ask the leader to guide you so you can make the best of the time you have. It is best that you ask the local staffs or the leader if you want to explore the area. You may wish to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving, is located. Outside is Kumari Chowk, home of the Kumari, the young girl who is revered as a living goddess. The whole area is a maze of temples and images. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambhunath, one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world at Bodnath, or the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. The leader usually organizes the farewell dinner in one of Kathmandu’s many restaurants for the whole group this evening.

After breakfast, transfer to airport.