The Langtang Gosaikunda trek is the perfect amalgamation of one of the easier and more beautiful treks in Nepal, with a final leg that takes trekkers on the scenic Gosaikunda trail.
The Langtang region was long one of Nepal’s most popular destinations on the trekking map until the area was dealt a terrible blow by the 2015 earthquake, and it has taken until very recently to recover, though the numbers of visitors remain down on past years. So not only do its former scenic charms still exist, but choosing to trek through the valley helps to economically restore the lives of the friendly Tamang people who populate the region.
As a teahouse trek alternative to Annapurna and Everest the Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda route is a superb choice that rounds out the forested lowlands, alpine pastures, and yak herds of Kyanjin Gompa in Langtang Valley with the sacred jewel of Gosaikunda Lake and the Sherpa meadows of Helambu.
From Kathmandu the normal approach is by the Trisuli River to Syabrubesi, the trailhead for the trek.
The route winds through dense rhododendron forest on either side of the river until it breaks from of the tree line and heads into the alpine regions, across glacial moraine, and on to the rebuilt village of Langtang. Further and higher into the valley’s inner sanctum are the yak pasturelands and dramatic setting for Kyanjin Gompa, a remote monastery famous for the production of yak cheese. Optional climbs to either Kyanjin Ri or Cherko Ri render panoramic views of the nearby mountains, including Langtang Lirung, which dominates the valley at a height of 7234 meters.
Returning back towards the trailhead the Gosaikunda route heads off in a southeast direction and climbs steadily through terraced fields to scenic highlands offering a stunning view of distant peaks such as Manaslu (8163m) and the Tibetan plateau to the north. The trail then leads on to Gosaikunda and the sacred lake of Gosaikunda, a serene mountain vale that adds even more to the magical outlook across to the distant Himalayan peaks. In August the area becomes a major pilgrimage sight to Hindus who flock to the region during Janai Purnima to pay homage to a site held to have been Shiva’s temporary home.
The trek finally culminates with the climb to the pass of Laurabina La (4610m) and the outpost of Thadepati nearby with its dramatic views to the east, not least the sunrise that awaits those who stay the night there. The last stretch involves taking the trail to Chisapani and onwards to Sundarijal, which offers a satisfying conclusion to the journey.
The final choice is up to you, so why not contact us and let Nepal Trekking Experts help you make a trek through Langtang valley and Gosaikunda a reality you’ll always treasure?
Additionally, you may choose Nar Phu Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Tilicho Lake Trek and many other stunning packages.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Final trekking preparation, guide meeting, join welcome dinner and enjoy with cultural show
Day 03: Drive to Syabrubesi (1,550m,145 km, 7 hrs)
Day 04: Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2,380m, 6 hrs)
Day 05: Trek to Langtang village (3,430m, 6 hrs)
Day 06: Trek to Kyanjin Gompa (3,830m, 3 hrs.)
Day 07: Explore Tserko Ri (4984m, 7-8 hrs)
Day 08: Trek back to Lama Hotel (2470m, 5-6 hrs)
Day 09: Trek to Thulo Syabru (2230m, 5-6 hrs)
Day 10: Trek to Shin gompa. (3300m, 5 hrs)
Day 11: Trek to Gosainkunda (4380m, 5-6 hrs)
Day 12: Trek to Ghopte (3530m, 7 hrs)
Day 13: Trek to Maghingoth (3390m, 6 hrs)
Day 14: Trek Maghingoth to Kutumsang (2470m, 4-5 hrs)
Day 15: Trek Kutumsang to Chisapani (2215m, 7 hrs)
Day 16: Trek Chisapani to Sundarijal then drive an hour to Kathmandu.
Day 17: Departure
Note:- Above itinerary is just a guideline. If you are not satisfied please feel free customize your own.
Greet and welcome at airport then transfer to the Hotel in Kathmandu.
Free day for trekking preparation and enjoy in cultural diversity Kathmandu.
Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi by public bus. The town is the main confluence for numerous treks in the Langtang region and has a scenic setting by the banks of the Bhote Kosi.
The trek gets off to a serene start, crossing a rustic wooden bridge traversing the icy waters of the Bhote Kosi, a stream with lofty origins by the border with Tibet. The path leads away through dense woodland perched by the river, with abundant wildlife on show as we gradually hike to Lama Hotel for our first night on the trail.
The valley's dominant peak, the majestic Langtang Lirung, keeps us company as we steadily hike through the steep-sided valley, with heavily forested sections of rhododendron, pines and oaks giving way to the telling signs of the region's strong connection to Tibet via the numerous Mani walls, water-driven prayer wheels, and prayer flags marking our passage. Our time at Langtang Village is a somber one, as the signs are still all too evident of the tragic landslide from the devastating 2015 earthquake that completely destroyed the original village and took many lives. The new community has been more prudently placed, but a memorial at the site of the landslide reminds us of the painful event.
A short hike awaits us today as we work our way steadily higher through a changing landscape that leaves behind the verdant woodlands and opens out into a high altitude region of yak pasturelands and rushing streams, with the towering mountains pressing in from both sides of the valley. Our early arrival at Kyanjin provides ample opportunity to explore the monastery and to sample the intriguing yak products of the local cheese factory there that was established with the help of the Swiss.
At an altitude of over 5000 meters Tserko Ri provides the perfect outlook for the valley and presents a decent challenge to climb, the effort well worth the attempt as the view from the peak towards Langtang Lirung and other peaks in the area is breathtaking in its scope and beauty. We return in plenty of time to relax from the climb — and perhaps sample more of the cheese!
Today we return to Lama Hotel, though the hike back is an easy downhill walk that offers us a different perspective from the way in.
From Lama Hotel we take the path to Pairo and start the steep ascent towards the Tamang village of Thulo Syabru and its scenic setting atop a ridge.
A steep chorten-lined trail takes us up through dense forests of oak and rhododendron to Foprang Danda, and then eases up as we make our way steadily to Singa Gompa and its picturesque setting and impressive views. With enough time at our disposal we can visit the monastery and sit back to relax for the rest of the afternoon.
A day of superlatives as we climb through dense woodland to Cholangpati, then take a steep trail towards Lauribinak and its glorious views to Ganesh Himal, Lantang Himal, Manaslu and the distant Annapurnas. Alpine scenery comes into focus as we break free of the tree line and make our way to the sacred pools of water at Gosaikunda, chief of which are the three pristine lakes known as Saraswaitkunda, Bhairabkunda and the holiest of all, Gosaikunda itself. In Hindu belief the area is believed to have been the temporary home of Lord Shiva himself and is thus considered a prime area of focus for pilgrims who make the long journey to the pools in August each year.
A day of achievement as we crest Laurebina pass, pause amidst the colorful prayer flags to celebrate the moment and take in the mountain panorama, then make our way down the steep and scenic trail to Phedi and on to Gopte for the night.
Our path today leads us on through a rolling forested landscape decked in rhododendron and pine, with the sound of numerous streams scything through the woodland giving us a pleasant soundtrack to our easy journey. Our day's highlight is the visit to Thadepati and its picturesque outlook atop a ridge, after which we descend through more dense woodland to Maghingoth.
A pleasant hike takes us steadily downhill and across a series of stream crossings, with rhododendron and pine forests enveloping us as we make our way through the moist temperate forests of the lower valley to the village of Kutumsang.
The day begins along a steadily ascending trail through the emerald green hills of the Helambu region until we reach the ridgeline over Gul Bhanjyang. From there we hike to Thodang and Chipling, and then descend into more rhododendron and oak forests to Chisapani, a hill station famed for its sunrise views towards the snow-capped mountains in the west.
Our last day of hiking takes us through more dense woodlands and an easy stroll through the peaceful Mulkharka valley. Our descent through the valley provides us with wonderful views of the entire Kathmandu valley as we steadily make our way down to our final destination of Sundarijal. From there a short bus ride takes us back to Kathmandu, where we can relax and celebrate the end of a highly rewarding trek.
Transfer to international airport
Initially the three passes trip was planned. Due to unforeseen plan changes on my side I had to shorten the trip which was no problem at all. Rajesh was incredibly helpful highlighting other options for 13 days I could choose from. I decided on Langtang from Syabrubesi followed by the Gosaikund trek. As a single female traveler I fully trusted the judgement of my brother who recommended Resham as reliable, caring porter guide. So Resham and me set out by jeep to avoid the crowded bumpy bus ride and arrived after 7h in Syabrubesi from Kathmandu. After 20 min I realised I had forgotten a small bag with essential personal items in the car. Resham immediately called the jeep driver, who was already on his way back to Kathmandu, he found the bag and arranged it to be transported back to us immediately. The next day the trek started. Pace was always matched to my abilities, I could say whenever I needed or did not need a break in the plenty tea houses on the way. At no time I felt not well catered for. Resham carried the bulk of my backpack contents in a supplied bag and always checked whether the remaining load for me was not too heavy (rain stuff + water only). He assured that any meals I ordered were prepared fresh, ready at the agreed breakfast/dinner time and checked the kitchen himself to make sure everything was in order. While there was a rough trail schedule we were flexible to stop earlier or to keep on going longer to the next good tea house if I felt like it. The trek to Langtang was always along the Langtang river, passing incredible scenery, shocking landslides from the earthquake, through pastures with cows, yaks and their interbreeded version. Resham was excellent in spotting monkeys in the forest, mountain goats and naming the peaks of the mountains we saw. The trek until the lovely village of Kyanjin Gumba and up to Kanjin Ri was worth every step of it. I will never forget the view of the Tibetan glaciers from Kyanjin Ri (4400 m). To get to the Gosaikund trek it was only 1 day going back the route we came and then we already turned to Thulo Syabru. From there the trek steadily increased to Goisaikund (4380 m) passing blossoming Rhododendrons with views of the mountains getting better every day. Due to clouds in the afternoon we set out early to arrive safely after a good lunch of Dal Bhat at the destination of the day. We were lucky it snowed the day before going to Gosaikund, so the peaks were snow covered and formed a startling contrast to the many “kundas” = lakes around. We slowly reached Lauribina Pass (4600 m) and then happily walked downhill again through the clouds and some fields of snow. At all difficult passages Resham was particularly caring, giving advice how best to proceed and to stay safe. He had the incredible ability to judge the exact remaining time to the next tea house when asked so I could decide whether to take extra breaks before arrival. The trek ended in Sudarijal from where it was only a short car ride back to Kathmandu. I am very thankful for this excellently organised, mesmerising experience. Instead of trekking alone I had a cheerful and reliable companion who at all times took very good care of me and made this trek even more enjoyable than it would have been amidst the stunning nature of Nepal.
We decided to go with Nepal Trekking Experts based on our previous experience of doing Annapurna in 2017. This time we were a larger group (14 trekkers) and hence required much more coordination. Rajesh managed the email and WhatsApp communication promptly. Our trek was 15 to 23rd April, and the leaders were Rabin Neupane and Thakur Neupane. Both of them are very professional and jovial people. They guided our group very well, and ensured that even the slower people were encouraged and accompanied till the end of each day. The trek route was beautiful, with rhododendron forests and views of great mountains. The climb to Kyanjin Ri was challenging but worth the effort. Overall we had a great time, and would like do more treks with them.
Raj did a great job of taking us through the trek. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and just a great guide. When one of our group members got severe pain, he handled the situation very well, outlining the conditions for flying her back to Kathmandu. He did a good job of calling the agency, and arranging the helicopter. I always feel first aid on site can always be improved in the treks I've been on in the region, so just make sure that the guide service is well equipped. Overall, we were are very happy with Raj, and wish him the best of luck in his new business endevours.
I went on the Langtang and Ghorepani treks with Raj and he is honestly the best trekking guide in all of Nepal, and probably even in the world. Excellent service, understanding, encouraging and down to earth. Basically he has every quality you'd want a person to have who is guiding you through tough terrain and caring for your wellbeing. We did the Langtang trek in the winter, just the two of us, and it was very difficult for me (off season trek in seriously difficult conditions) but Raj was so supportive and I always trusted him. There are many trekking companies in Nepal that overcharge and scam foreigners, and you'd never know you were scammed. Raj is trustworthy and fair, always offers the best prices for the best service. Don't go to anyone else.