Highlights
- A wonderful excursion in the Langtang and Helambu regions that intertwines adventure with the cultural experience
- Adventure trek with Laurebina La Pass crossing
- Explore the wilderness splendor of Langtang National Park and Shivapuri National Park
- The trekking route is near Kathmandu
- Get to know Tamang and Hyolmo communities
- Contribute to uplifting the lives of the locals by doing this trek
- Witness stunning mountain vistas and beautiful landscapes
- Explore the beautiful Gosaikunda Lake
Overview
The Langtang Valley with Gosaikunda Lake & Helambu trek is an adventurous hike in Langtang National Park and Shivapuri National Park. The trek starts from Syabrubesi and hikes to the beautiful Langtang Valley. You will follow the Langtang River and rhododendron and bamboo forests to Kyanjin Gompa (3,865 m/12,675 ft).
On the way, spend nights in Lama Hotel (2,470 m/8,103 ft) and Langtang village (3,430 m/11,255 ft). From Kyanjin Gompa, you will go on a final hike to Tserko Ri (5,033 m/16,512 ft) in the valley and return to Lama Hotel. Then, the trek continues to Gosaikunda Lake (4,380 m/14,370 ft). It is one of the sacred lakes. The trail is more rugged and offbeat to Gosaikunda.
On the way, you can also visit Saraswati Kund and Bhairva Kund lakes. The trail goes through dense forests, and you will spend nights in Thulo Syabru (2,210 m/8,500 ft) and Laurebina (3,920 m/12,861 ft) villages. After Gosaikunda, you will cross Lauribina La Pass (4,610 m/15,115 ft).
Even though this pass is not as high as other famous passes in Nepal, crossing it is equally thrilling. The trail is steep and rocky, with narrow tracks. Once you reach the top of the pass, a breathtaking mountain panorama will unfold ahead of you.
From here, the trail descends and enters the Helambu region. Trekking through dense forests and terraced fields, you will pass by villages like Ghopte, Tharepati, Kutumsang, and Gul Bhanjyang. These villages are home to the Hyolmo community, an Indigenous group in Nepal.
As you descend from Gul Bhanjyang (2,140 m/7,021 ft), trek through the Shivapuri National Park and pass by Chisapani (2,215 m/7,267 ft). The trek ends in Sundarijal (1,380 m/4,530 ft). From here, you will drive to Kathmandu in a local jeep. It will be around a two-hour ride.
Tamang & Hyolmo communities
Tamangs are the main inhabitants of the Langtang region, while Hyolmo are natives of the Helambu region. Both are indigenous Nepali communities with rich cultural heritage and unique languages, practices, and beliefs.
Tamangs are believed to be the descendants of Tibetans, and their customs are very similar to those of Tibetans. Tibetan Buddhism lies at the center of both these communities' religious beliefs. Hyolmos, especially, are the followers of Tibetan Buddhism of the Nyingma sect.
Their religious practices also involve elements of animism and paganism, which are found in Bon. You will be warmly welcomed by both of these communities. Their hospitality and kind hearts make the trek more satisfying.
Gosaikunda Lake
Gosaikunda Lake is a sacred lake that is important to Hindus and Buddhists. The lake is situated at 4,380 meters and offers stunning scenery. It is also a pilgrimage area that sees huge numbers of devotees during the Janari Purnima festival. It falls in August.
According to Hindu mythology, Gosaikunda Lake is Lord Shiva's creation. He struck a glacier with his trident to quench his thirst after drinking poison that was about to destroy the world. The hole in the glacier formed the Gosaikunda Lake.
The lake is beautiful, with turquoise water, greenery, and snow-capped mountains surrounding it.
Is this trek suitable for you?
The Langtang Valley with Gosaikunda Lake & Helambu trek is challenging. It involves 6 hours of walking daily and offbeat terrain. Trekkers have to be strong to walk on steep slopes that frequently ascend and descend. Many sections of the trail are also rocky.
So, you have to be fit to do this trek. Likewise, the Langtang Valley with Gosaikunda Lake & Helambu trek route is close to Kathmandu. The trail starting and ending point is quickly accessible from the city. If you want to be near Kathmandu while exploring the Himalayas and enjoy stunning mountain vistas, this trek is a fantastic option.
We also love this trek for its adventure, scenery, tranquility, and interactions with the locals. Unlike the Annapurna and Everest regions, the trail is not crowded. You will see impressive views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Shishapangma, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, etc, mountains. Likewise, you will see many glaciers, waterfalls, and river views.
Langtang Valley with Gosaikunda Lake & Helambu trek preparation and packing
To prepare for the Langtang Valley with Gosaikunda Lake & Helambu trek, exercise daily for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Improve your stamina and endurance and build a long-distance walking habit. You must be physically and mentally ready to enjoy the trek to the fullest.
Likewise, follow the below packing list while buying trekking clothes, gear, and other essentials:
- Comfortable, breathable underwear
- Base layer and thermal layer
- Trekking t-shirts and pants
- Down jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Windproof/waterproof jacket and pant
- Thermal socks, gloves, beanie, and scarf
- Dry towel
- Hiking socks
- Trekking boots and a causal pair of shoes/slippers
- Duffel bag and day pack
- Trekking poles, UV ray protection sunglass, sun hat, sleeping bag and liner
- Reusable water bottles and water purification tablets
- Portable torch, knife, map
- Personal first aid kit (bandaids, insect repellant, ointment, hand sanitizer, crack bandage, pain relief gel/spray, general medicine, etc)
- Toiletries (deodorant, SPF, lip balm, toilet paper, wet tissues, moisturizer, comb, toothpaste/brush, soap, etc)
- Snacks, nuts, energy bars, ORS (electrolyte powder)
- Cash, travel insurance documents, passport-size photo, valid passport, travel visa
Combine Tamang Heritage trail to complete a circuit
Tamang Heritage Trail is a community trekking route in the Langtang region. Combining this route in your Langtang Valley with Gosaikunda Lake & Helambu trek itinerary will allow you to dive deep into the daily life of the locals and also contribute a lot to the community.
Safety and best price with Top Of The World Adventure's team
We have the best trek service in Nepal. Our many years of expertise in the travel industry make us a reliable travel partner for the Langtang Valley with Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek 15 days. You can follow our itinerary or customize it according to your needs.Likewise, we assure you of a safe trek. Our office team will arrange the logistics, and the local guides will ensure your safety during the trek. We have both group and private departures available. Most importantly, you will get the most reasonable Langtang Valley with Gosaikunda Lake & Helambu trek cost with us.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need help in booking the trek.
Trekking Route Details
Day | Trekking Route | Distance (Kilometers) | Duration (Hours) | Altitude (Meters) |
---|---|---|---|---|
01 | Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel | — | — | 1350 |
02 | Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi | ~122 km | 7 | 1450 |
03 | Trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel | ~11 km | 5-6 | 2470 |
04 | Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang Village | ~14 km | 5-6 | 3430 |
05 | Trek from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa | ~7 km | 3-4 | 3870 |
06 | Acclimatization hike to Tserko Ri and return | ~6-7 km (one way) | 5-6 | 4984 |
07 | Trek from Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel | ~21 km | 6-7 | 2470 |
08 | Trek from Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru | ~11 km | 5-6 | 2210 |
09 | Trek from Thulo Syabru to Laurebina | ~11 km | 5-6 | 3910 |
10 | Trek from Laurebina to Gosainkunda Lake | ~9 km | 4-5 | 4380 |
11 | Trek from Gosainkunda to Ghopte via Laurebina Pass | ~13 km | 6-7 | 3530 (Ghopte) |
12 | Trek from Ghopte to Gul Bhanjyang | ~15 km | 6-7 | 2140 |
13 | Trek from Gul Bhanjyang to Chisapani | ~14 km | 5-6 | 2140 |
14 | Trek from Chisapani to Sundarijal, drive to Kathmandu | ~10 km + 15 km drive | 4-5 trekking | 1380 (Sundarijal) |
15 | Kathmandu Sightseeing | — | Varies | 1350 |
16 | Final Departure | — | — | 1350 |