The Langtang valley is aptly called " the valley of glaciers". Here the mountain - scape is spectacular. On either side of valley, mountains rise, soaring into the sky. The valley offers pine forest, slow moving rivers and swift mountain streams, rugged rock and snow-capped peaks, grassy downs and meadows strewn with daisies and wild primulas.In the upper part of the valley there are snow bridges spanning angry torrents, high passes enveloped in mist, tiny lakes with icebergs floating on them and water of crystalline brightness. There are also high mountains of solid ice.
Our Gosaikunda pass trek can be denoted as, a sacred trek too, A lake believed to be the “Quantum of Solace” for the deceased ancestors if the ritual rites are performed by the surviving clan members. Gosaikunda trek pleasantly takes you through dense forest and traditional ethnic settlements cris crossing alpine yak pastures of Kyangin gompa and holy lakes of Gosaikunda. Reasonably you can religiously set your foot upon the adjoining gompas and monasteries of Lantang valley bathing in traditional glory is, intimidating and a wonderful experience of altitudinal peace.
Initially the Gosaikunda trek commences from Kathmandu and reaches as far as Syabrubesi and interesting traditional village on the banks of Bhote Kosi River and the starting point of our trek. The trek gains elevation slowly through the Langtang khola as we make way through the red rhododendrons oak and bamboo trees. Exploring Sherpa village along with Kyanjing gompa is tremendous as we get an insight into the spiritual lifestyle of dedicated Buddhist monks who have timelessly performed daily rituals in the monasteries on continuous basis. And an ascend to Tsherko Ri, stuns you with its magnificent view of Langtang Mountain ranges- Gangchenpo, Dorje Lakpa , here we get an opportunity to have a closer look into a traditional cheese factory known for its cheese production manually over the years. Next we head towards Gosaikunda lake said to be created by Lord Shiva with the stroke of his trident. Atop of Laurebinayak pass a historical view of Tibet can be gathered thoroughly. Rice terrace filled trek refreshes you with greenery along with number of Buddhist monasteries .
After a while we trail down back leaving behind Langtang valley and keep striding as far as Helambu Valley through Kutumsang and Chisapani , Ngarkot ,Dhulikhel coming and enjoying spectacular views of the mountains ahead as usual. Our final trail leads us as far as Bhaktapur from where we drive back to Kathmandu.
Details the Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport transfers to hotel
Our representative of Yala Adventure will meet you at airport and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day at leisure to adjust to the culture shock of medieval kathmandu,with its bustling bazaars interspersed with shrines and temples and interesting architecture. In the evening you can either eat in at your hotel or venture out to one of the many resturant in Thamel overnight.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Preparation for the Treks
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. The day will also be for finalizing official procedure and other necessary arrangements. You will be also briefed on the nature of the trek, equipments and team composition. Some of landmarks we visit include the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddhanath). In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. You can also make your last minute buying of personal items as you will be trek to the Himalayas tomorrow.
Day 03: Drive to Syabrubesi (1,550m/5,100ft): 145 km/ 7/8hrs
After morning breakfast we drive out along the north-western hills of Kathmandu. Enjoy the Himlayan views and mountainous lifestyle through the terraced fields and rustic villages. Take Lunch at the Trishuli Bazar before continuing further to Dhunche. From Dhunche, we descent down to Syabrubesi.
Day 04: Syabru Besi to Lama Hotel (2,470m /8,104ft) 5/6 hrs
From Syabru Besi the trail follows the Langtang Khola which rises from the Langtang Glacier below Langtang Ri on the finger of land that pushes north to the border with Tibet. After crossing a couple of suspension bridges it leads precipitously along and above the south bank of the stream, passing through oak, rhododendron and bamboo forests. These are home to a wide variety of wildlife: numerous birds, grey langurs, and possibly red pandas, wild boars, Himalayan black bears,etc. At Bamboo, the trail crosses to the northern side of the stream, into drier scrub forest, and passes several waterfalls before climbing to the split-village of Renche. The path then rises gently to Lama Hotel (Changtang). Overnight at Lama Hotel.
Day 05: Lama Hotel to Langtang (3,430m /11,253ft) 5/6hrsThe trail climbs a 1000m, fairly gently today, begining at first, then more steeply as it climbs through mixed forest of oak, rhododendron, maple and hemlock. Views of the approaching Langtang Himal appear to the north. The trail then drops back to a picturesque tea house on the river, climbs a pass to the hotel-settlement of Ghora Tabela and then rises with the river, as it gradually enters the ancient, broad, U-shaped glacial valley carved by the Langtang, Shalbachum and Lirung Glaciers.
The path then climbs the hillside; through forest and open terraced fields of buckwheat, barley and potatoes, to the villages of Thangshyap, Chamki and Ghumba. Finally it rises, past water driven mills and prayer wheels, to the large village of Langtang: headquarters of the National Park. Impressive twin waterfalls drop from a cliff-cleft above this Tibetan village of flat-roofed stone and wooden homes. Cattle and yaks graze above the town. Langtang Lirung (7,227m) is directly north of the village. Local cheeses, breads and apple pie pamper to foreign tastes. Overnight at Langtang.
Day 06: Langtang to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m /12,697ft) 3/4hrs
Today is a short day: which should aid acclimatisation. Climb a ridge beyond the village to a Chorten and continue gently up passed a long mani wall to Mundu and Sindum. Then drop (passed an impressive boulder) back to the river before climbing to Yamphu: and a yak-wool shop. The trail then crosses the Laja Chu before rising up a moraine to a view point: with views of the dramatic icefall from the Langtang Lirung and Kinshung peaks as well as the monastery ahead. Surmount a final ridge and drop to the teahouse-village that has developed below the gompa. Consider afternoon walks to the cheese factory or up to Kyanjin Gompa or to the Kyanjin Glacier to assist with acclimatisation. Overnight at Kyanjin Gompa.
Day 07: Acclimatization day.
Kyanjin Ri (4,850m/16,005ft) and Tserko Ri (5,000m/16,500ft) both offer excellent viewpoints of the area. After breakfast, walk up to Tsergo Ri for spectacular views to the north of the Langtang Range and in particular Langtang Lirung (7 227m), Kinshung (6 781m) and Yansa Tsenji (6 567m). Below is the impressive snout of the huge Langtang Lirung Glacier. To the west and south: Dorie Lakpa (6 966m), Ganchenpo (6 387m), Dshabu Ri (5 202m) and Urking Kanggari (5 863m). Return to the guest house for lunch and then stroll around the Kyanjin Valley. Overnight at Kyanjin Gompa.
Day 08: Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel (2,470m /8,150ft) 7/8hrs
Retrace your steps, back down to the Lama Hotel, enjoying the views on this easier walk. Take it slowly to assist with acclimatisation. Overnight at Lama Hotel.
Day 09: Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru (2,230m /7,350ft) 5/6hrs
Continue to retrace your steps, stopping for lunch at Pairo. Then ascend: with great views northeast, of the Ganesh Himal before dropping to cross to the south side of the river above Bamboo and continue up to a ‘T’ junction: (straight on for Syabru Besi). Turn south (left) and trek upwards to U Kyang and on to the large village of Thulo Syabru. Overnight at Thulo Syabru.
Day 10: Thulo Syabru to Shin Gompa (3,330 m /10,925 ft.) 4/5hrs
Today’s trail involves a 1 000m ascent with splendid views of the Ganesh Himal to the northeast plus the Langtang Range and Valley to the north. A broad path zigzags up the hill from the village through potato fields. Follow the routes that lead to Dursagang and then climb up through oak and hemlock forests followed by rhododendron forest and open pastures to summit on a ridge at Phoprang Danda. A large trail to Shin Gompa follows the top of the ridge through old forest, then up to a higher ridge of spruce forest: and a final climb to a third ridge and the village of Chandan Bari – and Shin Gompa. The Gompa runs a cheese factory; opened initially under the auspices of a Swiss company. Both are worth a visit. Overnight at Shin Gompa.
Day 11: Shin Gompa to Laurebina Yak (3,950m /12,960ft) 3/4hrs
The trail ascends smoothly through rhododendron forest with continuing views of the Ganesh and Langtang Himals and the tranquil Langtang valley. The northern slopes of today’s route have been declared a sanctuary: dedicated to the preservation of the endangered red panda: which the Nepali call a cat bear. The tree line of the north facing forests is now replaced, by the scrub vegetation of the southern slopes as the path rises higher; to a perfect tea spot at Cholang Pati. The trail continues to climb to Laurebina Yak with wider ranging and more breathtaking scenery that now include views of the distant Annapurnas, the Manaslu (8,156m) range, the full Langtang Range and also mountains visible beyond the border into Tibet. This is a perfect place to relax and acclimatise against AMS, with magnificent views and sunset/sunrise photographic possibilities. Overnight in Laurebina Yak.
Day 12: Laurebina Yak to Gosainkund (4,380m /14,454ft) 3/4hrs.
Early in morning tranquil photo shoot, the trail climbs to a ridge and on up, past waterfalls from the small Saraswati Kund (Lake, 4100m/1 3530ft). It then follows an exposed route, high above the Trisuli Valley to the west, to a spur and views of the second, Bhairav Kund. Beyond, Gosainkund lies on the north-western shore of the largest lake. There are good viewpoints on a ridge behind the village. Several semi-frozen lakes lie to the south. Afternoon exploration and overnight at Gosainkund.
Day 13: Gosainkund to Laurebina La (4,610m/15,213ft) to Gopte (3,440m /11,286ft) 6/8hrs.
Ahead is the Laurebina La which needs about 1:30hrs to summit along a trail that passes four more lakes. Views over Sura (Sun) Kund and the surrounding countryside are splendid. The trail then descends beside a stream to a rustic high camp “lodge” before dropping down the centre of the valley to Phedi. Below Phedi, the trail becomes rocky and climbs up and down several ridges, dropping eventually into rhododendron and pine forest beneath the cliffs of the Thare Danda. It negotiates several ravines before reaching Gopte which lies on a ridge. Overnight at Gopte.
Day 14: Gopte to Tharepati (3,640m /12,012ft) 2/3hrs
Today is a short walk. The trail continues to negotiate rocky ravines and crosses old boulder strewn moraine beds before ascending to a high, windy, ridge and the village of Tharepati. Views to the northeast include Dorje Lakpa, the Jugal Himal, Gauri Shankar and ranges into Tibet including Shisha Pangma (8,012m): China’s only 8000m peak north of the border. Overnight at Tharepati.
Day 15: Tharepati to Kutumsang (2,450 m /8,085ft) 4/5hrs.
The trail drops 1 200m today over a succession of ridges. At first it descends steeply through dense pine forest towards distant Mangengoth. It then climbs the Mera Danda from where some of the last good views of the Langtang peaks appear to the north. Another valley crossing leads to Yuldu Bhanjyang for the last peak views. The trail then passes a waterfall and ridges down through fir and rhododendron forest and farmland to Kutumsang. Overnight at Kutumsang.
Day 16: Kutumsang to Chisopani (2,160m /7,125ft) 5/6hrs.
At first the trail climbs past granite cliffs and on to the Tamang village of Golphu on a ridge. It then continues its general upward trend to Thotong and Lapcha Danda. There are good views of the softer Helambu district to the south from the ridges. From here the trail drops through fields and new forest to the large village of Chipling. It then undulates over two lower ridges before climbing gently to Chisopani from where there are good mountain views. Overnight at Chisopani.
Day 17: Chisapani to Nagarkot (2195m)
We walk between the village and forest, continue our journey to Nagarkot 2775m above the sea-level. This spot provides an excellent view of the sunset and Mount Everest can be seen a clear day. Overnight at Nagarkot Lodge.
Day 18: Nagarkot to Dhulikhel
After you have your share of experiencing the magic of Nagarkot. After spectacular view of the Sunrise trek down to Dhulikhel you are guided along the hiking trails to Dhulikhel. As you approach Dhulikhel, a plethora of cultural diversities, interesting traditional practices, lush vegetation and rich birdlife unfolds before you. Overnight at Resort.
Day 19: Dhulikhel to Bhaktapur sightseeing back Kathmandu
Today you will back to Bhaktapur, you will visit the world heritage sites of Bhaktapur durbar square.
After spectacular views of the sunrise drive back to Kathmandu.Overnight at Hotel.
Day 20: Final Departure
After breakfast, End of our services with departure transfer to the Kathmandu airport to board flight for your onward destination.
Cost Includes
Arrival and Departure transfer as per itinerary
Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
Sightseeing in kathmandu as per the itienrary
All three time meals and camping accommodation while on trekking
A trekking Guide and necessary porters for the trekking part
Local transportation from Kathmandu by bus or private vehicle
Insurance of the trekking staffs
Cost Excludes
International and domestic Airfare and tax
Nepal visa fee
Lunch and Dinner while in Kathmandu
Hard, soft and all kinds of bottled drinks
Your travel insurance
Personal clothing's
Other personal expenses and tips
