Note: Langtang valley, the closest trekking destination to Kathmandu is the site of largest single catastrophe of 2015 earthquake that got immeasurably wrecked. Witness the transformation over this fascinating Langtang after 2015 earthquake.
Legend speaks that a Lama (Buddhist Monk) discovered the valley of Langtang. He, while following a runaway yak found Langtang and was named after this incident. Accordingly, the name Langtang represents “follow Yak” where ‘Lang is Yak’ and ‘Tang is Follow’. This 13 days Langtang Gosaikunda and Helembu trek into the sacred valley of Langtang region is another spectacular trek. It includes stopover to the holy Gosaikunda Lake at an altitude of 4380 m/14,370 ft which remains frozen for 6 months in the winter.
Holy Gosaikunda Lake is religiously significant. There is belief that the supreme deity, Lord Shiva created it. Legends states that he shoved his trident into the mountain to get fresh water to cool his poisoned throat. Interestingly, in August during the full moon of Janai Purnima festival thousands of pilgrimage from Nepal and India including the Shamans visit Gosaikunda to worship Lord Shiva.
Though a less visited area Langtang happens to be the most popular destination. It is certainly mesmerizing also very commonly known as the home of red pandas. The settlement in this region dates back to 300 years when Tibetan migrants traveled and took refuge. They now consider themselves to be the Tamangs. This is the reason why in their day to day life Tibetan culture still reflects unlike the Tamangs. Despite them being the Tibetan origin- the charismatic views of the mountain, the generosity of the people and the flawless surroundings creates a center of attention for thousands of tourists every year.
Walking on the trail of longstanding forest of rhododendron is remarkable. Cruising through a time-honored Tamang settlement with a majestic mountain views at the backdrop is beyond belief. Finally, Langtang Gosaikunda and Helembu Trek is one among the most remarkable trekking route in the Langtang trekking region.
Moderate
4610m / 15,124ft
15 Days
teahouse accommodation
Langtang Region
Itinerary
Elevation: 1,350m/4,428ft
Accommodation: local hotel
We’ll be at the airport waiting to welcome you to Kathmandu, the beautiful and ancient capital of Nepal. The very ground feels imbued with history here! You’ll board a private vehicle and be driven to your hotel – you just sit back and relish the scenery. We’ll hold a small briefing tonight over dinner, and then turn in for some rest.
Elevation: 1,460 m/4,790 ft
Driving Distance: 6 to 7 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
You’ll start the day boarding a bus to Syabru Bensi, the traditional gateway to Langtang and Gosaikunda. It’s a lengthy drive (six and a half hours, approximately), but there’s tons of gorgeous scenery to drink in as you watch the towns of Trisuli Bazaar and Dhunche speed by. The snow-capped peaks of Annapurna II, Manasalu, and Ganesh Himal are visible in the distance as you cross Kakani, eventually giving way to the agricultural geography of hillocks, rivers, and small villages. You’ll know the destination is close when you begin to see the stone houses of Syabru Bensi, a pretty village popular with trekkers.
Elevation: 1,460 m/4,790 ft
Walking Distance: 5 – 6 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Our first day trekking kicks off with a hike along the path of the Langtang River, which we’ll follow over the next several days, until the valley comes to a head. We then ford the river via suspension bridge, stretching our legs as the trail ascends in the direction of Paira Lodge. Up is the direction of the afternoon as we climb towards Rimche, after which the village of Lama Hotel is only 40 minutes away. The hike today brings us through scenic wilderness, in which you’ll be treated to the sight of native wildlife like red pandas, monkeys, and Himalayan black bears.
Elevation: 3,430 m/11,253 ft
Walking Distance: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
We start the day going uphill, leaving Lama Hotel behind us as we ascend through a beautiful forest of oak, maple, rhododendron, and hemlock. Gradually, we attain Ghora Tabela, catchin tantalizing glimpses through the trees of Mt. Langtang Lirung the whole time. We then follow the Langtang Khola, climbing steadily until we reach today’s destination. Langtang, a notable Tamang village, is located in a gorgeous, remote valley. Houses of stone and wood are scattered among grazing pastures for yak.
Elevation: 3,730 m/12,237 ft
Walking Distance: 4 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Trekking past Langtang officially moves us above the tree line, allowing you the opportunity to experience a more typically-Himalayan landscape, one rife with wiry grass, juniper, and shrubs. As our trail ascends we’ll pass Sindum and Yamphu, and then cross the Laja Khola. Prepare for one of the most dramatic moments of our journey as we scale a glacial moraine for epic views of the Kyanjin Gompa and icefall flowing from Langtang Lirung. Snap some pictures, and then square your shoulders for just a bit more walking to gain Kyanjin Gompa, the home of a well-known Buddhist monastery (for which it is named!). We’ll visit the gompa itself after lunch, and also stop in on a yak-cheese manufacturing plant. If you’ve any energy left, join us for a hike to the flag-topped peak of Kyanjin Ri, located just north of Kyanjin Gompa.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Early wake up call for morning excursion to Kyangjin Ri 4300 m for the sunrise view along with spectacular panoramic mountain view. We head back down to lodge for breakfast and explore the area that includes the ancient monastery and the Cheese factory founded in 1955 by Swiss Association for Technical Assistance (SATA). After lunch we hike to the glacier of Langtang Lirung.
Elevation: 2,410 m/7,906 ft
Accommodation: Teahouse
The beauty that drew us to Langtang follows us as we begin our trek back in the direction of home. Keep your eyes open for animal life, and do take time to appreciate the marvelous loveliness and diversity of the forests’ flora.
Elevation: 2,230m / 7,316 ft
Walking Distance: 5-6 HOURS
Accommodation: Teahouse
After breakfast we descend the steep trail through woodland following the Langtang River to the beautiful settlement of Bamboo. Soon the trail steeply ascends through the terraced fields of corn and millet to the yet another beautiful settlement of Thulo Syabru.
Highlights:
• Unbelievable hike through woodland.
• View of ancient terraced fields which locals use it for farming is electrifying.
• Overnight stay at pleasant village of Thulo Syabru is a bewitching experience.
• Appreciate the local architecture which you can literally see on the carved wooden windows and doors.
Elevation: 3,250m/10,663ft
Walking Distance: 3-4 HOURS
Accommodation: Teahouse
Today will be a short walk but it is important to not reach Gosaikunda today because the steady gain in altitude will help us acclimatize better to the high altitude. After trekking for a while we pass by a chorten and a checkpoint. From the checkpoint, we move south and pass by Garta Village and Phulung Monastery before reaching Shin Gompa to spend the night.
Elevation: 4,460m/14,632ft
Walking Distance: 5-6 HOURS
Accommodation: Teahouse
Today we get to enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the Himalayas including the Annapurnas, Hiunchuli, Manaslu, Ganesh and Langtang. We follow a ridge for the most part of the day and catch a glimpse of the first of the holy lakes. The third lake, Gosaikunda (4380m), is of particular religious and cultural significance for the Nepalese and is one of Nepal’s most sought pilgrimage sites. The lake with the panoramic view at the backdrop is exceptional. Every year during Janai Purnima in August, hundreds of Hindu pilgrims visit the lake for a holy bath. The large rock at the center of the lake is said to be the remains of a Shiva shrine.
Elevation: 3,440m/11,286ft
Walking Distance: 6-8 HOURS
Accommodation: Teahouse
We move around the lake’s shore before ascending towards the Laurebinayak Pass (4610m). The Helambu region begins at the Lauribina La (pass) and descends to the Melamchi valley. The trail is rough and crosses moraines, but is well marked with cairns. We pass through three more small lakes before reaching the pass. We climb a small hill and enjoy excellent views of the area. Our trail passes through Surya kunda (lake) before reaching Ghopte.
Walking Distance: 6hrs
Accommodation: Teahouse
After having breakfast at lodge, we start our trek and today we join the other path of Helambu, and it is a pleasant walk through alpine forest of pine and juniper for one and half hour to Tharepati, where we can have lunch and enjoy views of the snowcapped peaks of the Jugal Himalayan range in the east and Ganesh – Manaslu in the west, after lunch we follow the trail descending for few hours to Kutumsang .
Elevation: 2,175m/7,177ft
Accommodation: Teahouse
Trek from Kutumsang to Chisapani is quite pleasant as you continue to climb downhill. Five hours of comfortable walk brings you to Chisapani, a small town with great natural beauty.
Being it a last night fun activities follows with dancing, eating, drinking and tipping.
Elevation: 1,350m/4,428ft
Walking Distance: 3 – 4 hrs Sundarijal and half an hour drive to Kathmandu
After having breakfast we start our trek through serene forest and farmlands and on to the top of the ridge of Burlang and Chepu Bhanjyang at 2,438m with its great views of Kathmandu Valley and from here, the trek descends to Sundarijal (beautiful water) through cool forest with basic wildlife and fresh streams, this is a popular picnic spot for many Kathmandu people who want to escape from their busy city life schedule – another hour descending from Sundarijal and we drive to Kathmandu and overnight at Hotel.
It’s your last day in Nepal! Grab some breakfast, and then take in some last-minute shopping in Kathmandu. We’ll make sure you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport with plenty time before your flight home. At this time, we’ll say our goodbyes and bid you farewell, armed with warm memories and gorgeous photos to show your loved ones.
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