The Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek with Tour of Nepal
The Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek is a 13-day adventure that combines the Langtang Valley trek with a visit to the sacred Gosaikunda Lake, offering an immersive experience of Nepal’s natural beauty and culture. This trek passes through rhododendron and oak forests, steep climbs, and stunning mountain views, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a moderate trekking challenge.
Here’s an overview of the trek and its highlights:
Trip Highlights
– Gosaikunda Lake: A revered site for both Hindus and Buddhists, attracts pilgrims who come for purification and spiritual reflection.
– Kyanjin Gompa: A Buddhist monastery and base for hiking to Kyanjin Ri for panoramic mountain views.
– Tserko Ri: Optional hike to the peak for breathtaking views of Langtang, Dorje Lakpa, and other Himalayan peaks.
– Cultural Encounters: Experience the Tamang and Sherpa cultures, traditional villages, monasteries, and the yak cheese factory at Kyanjin Gompa.
– Wildlife: Chance to spot rare species like Red Panda, snow leopards, and musk deer.
Trip Overview
The trek starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (5-6 hours), the starting point of the trek. You will gradually ascend through various villages such as Lama Hotel and Langtang Village, experiencing local Tamang and Sherpa cultures. The trek leads to Kyanjin Gompa and, optionally, a hike up Tserko Ri for a panoramic view.
The trek then continues towards Gosaikunda Lake, passing through beautiful lakes and scenic valleys. The final days of the trek bring you back via Dhunche to Kathmandu.
Best Time to Trek
– March-May: Ideal for beautiful views with blooming rhododendrons.
– October-December: Clear skies and great mountain visibility.
– Avoid: July-August (monsoon season) and January-February (winter conditions).
Difficulty
The trek is rated as moderate in difficulty, suitable for beginners with a normal fitness level. There are no camping requirements, as teahouses are available for accommodation throughout the route.
If you are looking for a trekking experience that combines cultural exploration, spiritual significance, and stunning natural landscapes, the Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek is a perfect choice.
Here’s a detailed, day-by-day itinerary explanation for the Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek, written uniquely for each day:
Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival [1,400m/4,593 ft]
On your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After checking in and settling in, we will meet in the evening for a pre-trek briefing. This meeting will provide you with essential details about the trek, safety measures, and the overall itinerary. If you arrive later in the day, we’ll schedule the briefing for the next morning. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for a relaxed evening or, if time allows, explore some of Kathmandu’s historic sights.
Optionally, you can extend your stay in Kathmandu to visit cultural landmarks such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath Stupa, as well as to prepare for the trek.
Day 2: Kathmandu to Syabrubesi [2,380m/7,808 ft]
Today marks the beginning of your trekking adventure as you travel from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. The journey takes approximately 6-8 hours by private vehicle, covering a distance of 150 km. As you drive through the scenic countryside, you will get glimpses of rural Nepalese life, passing through small villages and terraced hillsides. On arrival in Syabrubesi, a small settlement in the Langtang region, you will check into a local lodge. Tonight, you’ll stay at a comfortable lodge where you will enjoy your first mountain meal, a warm dinner, and rest before starting your trek the following day.
Day 3: Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel [2,560m/8,399 ft]
After breakfast, you will begin your trek, heading towards the Lama Hotel. The journey takes 6-8 hours and covers about 11 km. The trek takes you through the Langtang National Park, passing dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo. Along the way, you may spot wildlife such as monkeys, Himalayan tahr, and various bird species. The trail gradually ascends, providing beautiful views of the Langtang valley. Upon reaching Lama Hotel, you will be greeted by the fresh mountain air and a cozy lodge where you will spend the night.
Day 4: Lama Hotel to Langtang Village [3,430m/11,253 ft]
On Day 4, you will continue your trek to Langtang Village, a 6-8 hour journey covering about 12 km. The ascent becomes steeper as you enter higher altitudes, but the surrounding scenery continues to impress with panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. As you approach Langtang Village, you’ll notice the distinct Tamang culture that influences the architecture and lifestyle in this area. This village, once severely affected by the 2015 earthquake, has slowly rebuilt itself. At Langtang, you will stay in a local lodge and experience the unique warmth of the Tamang people.
Day 5: Trek from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa, with a hike to the summit of Tserko Ri [4,984m/16,351 ft] for panoramic views.
Day 5 is a bit more challenging, but it offers a truly rewarding experience. Today, you will trek from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa, the spiritual center of the Langtang region. The trail takes about 6-8 hours, covering a distance of 15 km. As you ascend, you’ll pass through yak pastures and cross several glacial streams. Once at Kyanjin Gompa, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the local monastery and visit the famous Yak cheese factory. The area offers stunning views of towering peaks, including Langtang Lirung.
For those looking to push their limits, you can choose to hike up to Tserko Ri (5,033m), a challenging but rewarding trek that provides a magnificent panoramic view of the entire Langtang Valley. It will take an additional 3-4 hours, but the view from the summit makes it all worthwhile.
Day 6: Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel (Via Ghoda Tabela)
Today’s journey will retrace part of your previous route, returning from Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel, passing through the settlements of Ghoda Tabela. This descent takes approximately 6-8 hours, and as you make your way down, you’ll notice the changing landscape, from alpine meadows to lush forests. The return journey provides an opportunity to appreciate the tranquil surroundings and reflect on the adventure thus far. After a long day, you will rest at the familiar lodge in Lama Hotel.
Day 7: Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru
The trek continues as you leave Lama Hotel and head towards Thulo Syabru. This day’s hike takes around 6 hours, and the route takes you through beautiful landscapes with changing vegetation as you descend. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional Tamang villages and encounter spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Thulo Syabru is a picturesque village that offers a glimpse into the simple lifestyle of the locals. You will spend the night at a local lodge, enjoying the peace and quiet of this remote village.
Day 8: Thulo Syabru to Sing Gompa
The trek from Thulo Syabru to Sing Gompa takes you through dense forests and small villages. As you ascend, the scenery becomes increasingly breathtaking, with views of snow-capped peaks and valleys filled with oak and rhododendron trees. Sing Gompa, also known as Chandanbari, is a small settlement known for its monastery and views of Langtang Lirung. The trek today lasts about 6-8 hours, and once at Sing Gompa, you’ll have time to explore the area before settling into your lodge for the night.
Day 9: Sing Gompa to Gosaikunda Lake [4,460m/14,633ft]
Today is one of the highlights of the Langtang Gosaikunda trek as you head to the sacred Gosaikunda Lake. This challenging yet rewarding trek takes about 7-8 hours, and you’ll pass through stunning landscapes and a variety of alpine lakes before reaching the holy Gosaikunda. The lake lies at an altitude of 4,460 meters and is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. It is believed that bathing in the lake during the Janai Purnima festival will wash away one’s sins. Once at Gosaikunda, you will experience the tranquil beauty of the lake, surrounded by high snow-capped peaks. You’ll spend the night at a local lodge near the lake.
Day 10: Explore Gosaikunda Lake and Descend to Sing Gompa
After spending time at the sacred Gosaikunda Lake, today will involve a more leisurely pace. You can explore the surrounding areas or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere around the lake. Afterward, the trek continues with a descent back to Sing Gompa, where you’ll stay overnight. This is a relaxed day, allowing you to reflect on the journey and soak in the beauty of the area.
Day 11: Sing Gompa to Dhunche
On this day, you will continue your descent, heading back toward Dhunche. The trek takes around 5-6 hours and covers a distance of approximately 16 km. The route passes through beautiful forests and offers great views of the surrounding peaks. Dhunche marks the end of your trekking journey, where you’ll spend the night in a lodge.
Day 12: Dhunche to Kathmandu
On Day 12, you will drive back to Kathmandu from Dhunche, which takes around 6-8 hours. The return journey offers another opportunity to enjoy the scenic views of the mountains and valleys. Once in Kathmandu, you will be dropped off at your hotel where you can relax and enjoy a well-deserved rest. In the evening, you can enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your trek.
Day 13: Departure from Kathmandu
On the final day of your trip, you’ll be transferred to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before your departure.
This unique 13-day journey offers an unforgettable trekking experience through one of Nepal’s most scenic and culturally rich regions, combining the best of nature, culture, and adventure.