Langtang Gosaikunda Trek - 17 Days

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