Langtang Trek via Gosainkunda Lake
550
Trip Facts
- Duration 14 Days
- Trip Difficulty moderate
- Max. Altitude 4610 M
- Start and End Kathmandu - Kathmandu
- Best Time Spring & Autumn
- Accommodation Teahouse/Lodge
Trip Highlights
- Embark on an immersive peregrination through Kathmandu’s cultural and historical legacy, enshrined within its UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Embark on a scenic drive within the ridges of Nepal’s serene hilly roads under the lush forests.
- Enjoy and explore around the Langtang Valley and traditional Tamang villages, and Kyanjing Gompa on your rest day.
- Reach the Hindu and Buddhist holy place of Gosainkunda, set behind the rocky hills and alpine meadows.
- Experience the varied terrain and glacial moraines that showcase the ecological diversity of the Langtang region.
- Engage with the Tamang locals in their rituals and get insights into their practices and traditions.
- Join the low-altitude pass of Laurebina to connect with Thulo Syabru and Gosainkunda.
- Behold the tranquil panoramas of Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung, whilst encountering the elusive indigenous to the region.
Overview
We embark on an unforgettable cultural and adventurous immersion voyage through the Langtang Valley and Gosainkunda. This trek meticulously blends breathtaking landscapes with the rich culture and spiritual significance. The trek officially starts with the carefully scenic drive towards the village of Syabrubesi. We will ascend through the lush forests, bamboo groves and rugged terrain that teem with rare wildlife like red pandas on our way.
As we traverse towards the Langtang Village and Kyanjing Gompa, we will be offered great scenarios of the lush and green hills. While arriving near the Kyanjing Gompa, we will get a warm welcome from the chortens, prayer flags, mani walls, and other cultural vibrancies. The Langtang Village is a significant part of the local Tamang Culture, and Kyanjing Gompa becomes a landmark in gold. The awe-inspiring spectacles of the majestic Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal command the horizon with their imposing grandeur. We will walk towards the lake of Gosainkunda, passing the low-altitude Laurebina Pass at a mere 3910m. Gosainkunda is a holy lake that is dedicated to both Hindus and Buddhists and has been worshipped by the people for a long time now.
This trek reaches the maximum altitude of 4380m at Gosainkunda, and is not so challenging for anyone who is moderately fit for such treks. From Tamang Heritage to sacred lake, All Nepal Excursions will be your companion for this and many other treks and tours in Nepal. Welcome to the Langtang Valley trek with Gosainkunda by All Nepal Excursions.
Why choose Langtang trekking via Gosankunda ?
The Langtang and Gosainkunda Trek is a beautifully crafted itinerary that blends natural beauty and cultural richness with spiritual depth. This trek is an ideally suited for those who seek mountain views and spiritual serenity from the same trek. We will explore the Tamang and Sherpa villages with the ancient monasteries with yak pastures along the way. We will visit the sacred sites of Kyanjing Gompa and Gosainkunda Lake, revered by pilgrims. We get an opportunity to gaze at the panoramic views of Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal afar and near.
Main Attraction
This trek to Langtang Valley and Gosainkunda features two major attractions. Langtang Valley’s alpine charm and sacred Gosainkunda lakes. The cultural immersion with the local Tamang community is another revered experience in the tranquil destinations of this trek.
History
Centuries ago, Langtang served as a pivotal conduit for the ancient salt trade route to Tibet. The local settlements were tragically affected by the 2015 earthquake, and now the region has successfully revived to its full potential with welcoming thousands of trekkers each year.
Culture
This trail passes through the Tamang and Sherpa settlements, which have been there for ages. The diverse settlements are rich in Tibetan-influenced culture. We will encounter prayer flags, monasteries, and chortens on our way. They offer us a deep insight into Nepal’s indigenous highland heritage.
Geography
The geological difference in this trek is seen quite perfectly. It includes deep gorges of the river and glacial moraines with dramatic Himalayan landscapes decorating the geography. We will be rewarded by this journey.
Flora and Fauna
The considerable rich biodiversity thrives to be seen during this trek of Langtang Valley and Gosainkunda. Oak wood, rhododendron forests, and bamboo decorate the lower hills while the rare wildlife of red panda, Himalayan tahr, and varied birdlife also co-exists. The season of spring brings a lot of bloom and colour to the region.
Best Seasons for the Langtang Valley with Gosainkunda trek
Spring (March to May):
The spring season brings a vibrant array of watchful plants and animals to Langtang National Park and its surroundings. This season, just after the end of Winter, provides mild temperatures advancing towards the warmer and longer days ahead. We will witness the vibrance bloom, painting the forests and making them glow. The trails are lively with the stable weather and excellent visibility of peaks like Langtang Lirung. The rainfall is moderate, hence the greenery and the warming climate make it easier for the trek and enhance the experience.
Autumn (September to November):
This season of Autumn comes with crisp and dry weather where the temperatures will range from 8-18 degrees in the lower areas to freezing levels in the higher elevations. We will have the vibrance of two big Nepali festivals like Dashain and Tihar approach in this season. The cultural immersion offers deeper insights into Tamang and Sherpa traditions. Autumn will be a vibrant time as you can meet many fellow trekkers in this season.
Difficulties of This Trek
Despite being rewarding, the trek presents several difficulties. This involves high-altitude trekking and long trekking days in steep ascents and descents. We will require gradual ascents and proper acclimatization and physical fitness to fully enjoy this trek.
- We will reach elevations above 4200m at Gosainkunda that can cause altitude sickness if not properly acclimatization.
- The steps are frequent and the terrain is uneven, so it demands good physical conditions.
- The weather will be unpredictable, especially at the higher altitudes, so we have to be very cautious.
- The limited facilities in the teahouses might disrupt our smooth experience.
Permits Required
| Permit Required | Price (Foreign Nationals) | Price (SAARC Nationals) |
| Langtang National Park Entry Permit | NPR 3,000 | NPR 1,500 |
| Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card | N/A | N/A |
| Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Entry Permit | N/A | N/A |
Key Notes:
- Mandatory Guide Requirement: Since February 2025, trekking in the Langtang region requires a mandatory licensed guide.
- Permit Checkpoints: Permits are checked at multiple points, like Dhunche, Syabrubesi, Ghoda Tabela, Kutumsang etc.
- All Nepal Excursions will arrange all the permits required for this trek and beyond after the booking is completed.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude
This trek to Langtang Valley with Gosainkunda’s altitude ranges from 1350m in Sundarijal to 4610m in Suryakunda Pass. This ascent entails a considerable elevation increment, necessitating judicious pacing.
Acclimatization
Acclimatization is imperative to adapt to the progressively attenuating oxygen concentrations. Acclimatization day at Kyangin Gompa helps to gain adaptation for the higher altitudes. Gradual ascent and proper hydration with avoidance of alcohol help reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Precaution
To reduce the risks of altitude sickness and injuries, we should start with physical training and allow gradual altitude gain during the trek. We should drink enough water and avoid rushing and alcohol during the time of trek. Using acclimatization points wisely helps a lot in reducing the risks.
Basic Treatment
For the altitude sickness, we will have to descend immediately if the symptoms worsen. Adding oxygen levels and using Diamox for the mild cases will be necessary. We will rest, hydrate, and avoid alcoholic beverages during the trek.
Rescue
The Langtang Valley with Gosainkunda trek has an option of emergency rescue due to the remote terrain. We will coordinate with the local stopovers and army bits for emergency plans. We have to carry insurance plans that cover the high-altitude rescues.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is indispensable for the peregrination to Langtang Valley. As we travel the higher altitudes and remote terrains, there are lingering unforeseen risks. Medical Insurance should cover the high-altitude rescue and medical bills that can be hefty for your hard-earned money. Ensure that the coverage extends to 5350m and includes adventure activities. Always verify the policy details before buying the insurance. All Nepal Excursions will help in choosing the best travel insurance for you. Feel free to text us anytime.
Food
Food served in Kathmandu will be of ample choices with the Nepali, Indian, Chinese, and continental options on the menu. During the trek, we will have limited but nutritious choices of food that feature dal, bhat, pasta, and noodle-like food. The food will be hygienic and heartily served by the local teahouses. As we go higher, the options and amenities decrease.
Accommodations
We will stay in the basic teahouses throughout the Langtang Valley and Gosainkunda trek. The teahouses provide a humble yet adequate array of amenities. The rooms typically are twin-sharing with shared bathrooms. We recommend that you have a sleeping bag carried with you for more comfortable sleep during the colder nights. Amenities like hot showers and Wi-Fi is limited and sometime not available in Ghopte due to its geographical terrain.
Additional activities
- We can immerse ourselves in Tamang culture and witness the monks chanting in this spiritual place with the serene views of Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung.
- We explore the vibes of Syabrubesi and buy souvenirs and local handicrafts like prayer flags.
- We can browse Thamel’s bustling streets for Nepali Pashminas, trekking supplies, or souvenirs before or after the trek.
- We must visit UNESCO sites like Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple whenever we are free.
- We will engage with locals on our rest days by being engaged in their daily chores and practices.
