Langtang Gosaikunda Trek
12 Days
4336M
Medium
Langtang Gosainkunda Chisopani Trek – 11 Days
This is a roller coaster {on mountains} trip of almost 2 weeks where we hike across lush ridges through the crown of Thare Danda into remote territory with tranquil trails as we explore the brilliant Gosainkunda Lake…we don’t have to worry about altitude sickness in this zone because this particular region is friendly on the body…
Vacations grace us once a year, it’s a time when we want to get out from the rat race and those mind games that plague us at the work place, and all we want to do is ‘just break out’’, no matter what; and this is when we have to be careful about making holiday choices, especially in a world that’s getting nastier by the day. Since this is an annual scenario for most people in Europe, the west and other developed countries in Asia, the choices are many, but really few and we don’t need to look far, because there’s always a call from the wild that ceaselessly beckons those searching for the ultimate quiet…and that quest for blissful peace…you don’t need to look far, the Langtang Gosainkunda {4336m}, Chisopani trek will set the pace for a holiday you hadn’t expected.
If we look north from the ancient valley of Kathmandu on a sparkling sky blue day, the best time would be in mid-autumn (September-October), we can’t miss out the Langtang Mountains and its glittering snowy peaks in the sunshine, and this is where we head to for a sublime holiday where the extraordinary landscapes bring us down to earth as we discover the real world. Our wonderful journey begins with a pleasant scenic drive of approximately 8-9 hours, as we head for the lively town of Syabru Bensi which is a major trading post for the locals of this region; and this is where we hit the lovely trails in virgin territory for over ten days in the district of Helambu; we take our time as we walk through isolated routes and those who have a love for our winged feather friends – the birds – you’d love it down here as you hear their merry chirps all the way amidst flowery hillocks. This area is excellent because trekkers are not many as you would find them on the Everest and Annapurna trails. Our trip takes us close to the glaciers near the towering Langtang Lirung at {7246m}, the Annapurna range, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and other famous peaks of this blessed region. As we cut across the airy ridge of Thare danda we walk into Kyangjin Gompa at {3800m} and this puts us on course to the sacred lakes of Gosainkunda. This is a fabulous serene lake which is highly revered by hindus who come on pilgrimage to this lake. For us, watching this lake will give us peace and take us through that ‘bridge over troubled waters’’ that most of us face sometimes in life…
From hereabouts, we also get stellar views of the Rolwaling peaks and far off Khumbu on the horizons. Our venture takes us through some awesome scenery of dense rhododendron forests, verdant meadows and friendly ethnic settlements where we get to interact with the local folks and learn some interesting things about their lifestyles in this remote part of the world. We then hike down to Chisopani and Sundarijal for a cool drive back to ancient Kathmandu and yes, a warm soft bed for a superb finale to a holiday in an area that is said to be one of the best on this beautiful planet earth that God has given us to live on. With GURKHA ADVENTURES, this holiday is guaranteed to be an outing in the wild that only dreams are made off…visit our website for the trip of a lifetime.
Includes and excludes :
Includes:
- All meals as specified for trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee).
- Arrival pick up & departure.
- All internal local transport as per the itinerary.
- Internal flights
- All trekking arrangements including trekking permits, climbing permits, National Park entrance fees.
- Accommodation in twin sharing local lodges or best available places for accommodation,
- Trekking & Climbing leader & porter (salary, insurance, food, accommodation & other allowances).
- Basic first aid kit is carried by your leader.
- All hard ware gears
Excludes:
- Kathmandu food lunch & dinner,
- International flights to Kathmandu,
- Tips for Porter, guide & other
- Personal climbing gears and climbing boot, clothing & equipment
- Personal expenditure, all bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, hot shower in the mountain region, mineral water, snacks, desserts.
- Medical examination (if required) & vaccination costs
- Optional trips. Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond our control
- Visa fees & Travel insurance. Airport taxes
- Meals or drinks except the 3 main meals specified in itinerary
- Anything else not specified in the ‘included costs’ section above
For more details
images from trek
Itinerary breakdown
Langtang Gosaikunda Trek
Day 01: Drive to Syabru Bensi {1440m} 7-8 hrs by bus
After an early b/fast, we set out from Kathmandu for a 9 -hour scenic cruise down to Syabru Besi. This is a major village town and trading post for the people who stay in this region. The locals come down here to buy their essential commodities. After driving for something like 30 km, we approach pristine villages on the banks of the river Trishuli. We also get to view the enchanting panorama of the Himalaya, including the Annapurnas, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and the well known peaks of the Langtang region.
Overnight at a lodge in Syabru Bensi – B. L. D
Day 02: Trek to Lama Hotel {2470m} – 5-6 hrs
We Cross through the suspension bridge while heading precipitously along a stream. The River we are following is a lot of the Langtang River. We can enjoy our walk going through oak, rhododendron and bamboo forests. There is also a variety of wildlife in these forests: yellow-throated martens, wild boars, frisky langur monkeys, red pandas and Himalayan black bears are some of them we are most likely to come across in this area. Overnight in Lama Hotel – B. L. D
Day 03: Trek to Langtang village {3500m} – 5-6 hrs
Early morning after b/fast, we head from lama hotel to continue our ascent above the Langtang Khola. As the trail progresses, it becomes steeper. We have the most exotic sights of Langtang Lirung lying at 7246 meter. The trail leads to a log bridge and on climbing further we come across lush meadows of Ghora Tabela at 3000m. We will see several lodges and a police check post. Further on, the route opens up into a wide valley of yak pastures and scattered Tamang villages with water-driven mills and prayer wheels. We arrive at Langtang village after crossing a stream and reaching up a height of 3500 meters. Langtang village is the headquarters for Langtang National Park and has flat-roofed Tibetan style houses, hotels and cultivated lands yielding buckwheat, potatoes, wheat, turnips, barley etc. this is a great place to haul up for the night. B. L. D
Day 04: Trek to Kyangjin Gompa {3870m} – 4-5 hrs
We pass through the tiny village, stone-built houses and climb to a Chorten and pass a huge mani along a gentle path of a hill. The valley relocates to a U-shaped one as we enter into a level of riverbed. Today is pretty short walking; allowing time to acclimatize and explore our surroundings. This place is famous for cheese and curd. We could sample some. Overnight in Kyangjin Gompa – B. L. D
Day 05: Exploration around Kyangjin Gompa
We take a day off for acclimatization and a proper rest. This is real good for our bodies. We get to explore interesting places like a nearby monastery, and a cheese factory etc. We can climb Kyangjin Ri located at 4350m from where amazing views of snow-capped mountains lie wonderfully spread out right next to us. We can walk up the moraine to see the spectacular mountain ridges and undulating glaciers. We bunk out hereabouts for our overnight – B. L. D
Day 06: Trek back to Langtang
We head back to Langtang the same route as we get opportunities to see things we probably left out when we head out from Kyangjin Gompa. Overnight in Langtang – B. L. D
Day 07: Trek to Lama Hotel
We revert back the same route from Langtang to Lama Hotel. As we retrace our steps, we follow the Langtang Khola to Langtang village and on to Ghora Tabela. We stop briefly for lunch and thereafter continue the steep descent to Lama Hotel for the night. B. L. D
Day 08: Trek to Gosainkunda {4336m} – 5-6 hrs
From Lama Hotel, we climb a ridge to hit the main Gosainkunda trail. The trail climbs steeply up the ridge and at several points on top of the ridge itself. There is rich, moist mountain forests on the northern slopes and dry scrub vegetation on the south. As the trail ascends, there are outstanding views across Langtang valley to Langtang Lirung. To the west there are dramatic views of Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu. Eventually the trail descends from the ridge to the first of three lakes, Saraswati Kund. The second lake in the chain is named Bhairab Kund, and the third, Gosainkunda. This lake is particularly sacred and a place of pilgrimage in the summer. The Gosainkunda (Holy Shiva’s lake) is a high altitude lake. According to the Hindu legend Lord Shiva himself created this high altitude lake. We enjoy the peace and serenity of this lake to get rid of our own demons as we appreciate God’s creation of something beautiful like this lake and the surrounding landscapes. Overnight at Gosainkunda – B. L. D
Day 09: Trek to Ghopte {3359m} – 6-8 hrs
Today poses a few challenges for us; the trail takes a steep climb, is roughshod and crosses moraines. Passing three more small lakes, the trail ascends and crosses Laurebina La at (4,609m0. after the pass, the path goes down to phedi and we continue to walk up and down throughout crossing a rocky hill with pine, and rhododendron trees. Overnight in Gopte – B. L. D
Day 10: Trek to Thadepani Bhanjyang {3690m} – 6-7 hrs
We slide down through a forested area and climb through a dry river-bed to arrive at a Kharka that is surrounded by rhododendron forest. We climb through the forest to arrive at the village of Thare Pati. Climbing the ridge directly above the village gives us a marvelous view of the Jugal area. We Cross the village and enter a forested area, again descending to Melamchi River followed by yet again climbing to Melamchigaon for an overnight. B. L. D
Day 11: Trek to Shermathang {2610m} – 3-5 hrs
We will cross small forest with views of the beautiful village of Helembu region. The trail makes a sweep around the wide valley end between Parachin and the pretty Sherpa village of Gangyul. The people of this village practice Drukpa Kagyu Buddhism, the same as the national religion of Bhutan. Overnight in Sermathang for a good night’s rest B. L. D
Day 12: Trek to Kathmandu {1450m} – 5-6 hrs
From Shermathang, it is an easy climb to cross a pass at 2470m before descending to Pati Bhanjyang, a large Tamang village. From here it is a 2 hour climb to Chisopani. A short distance above Chisopani is a high knoll which is known as Chisopani Danda, where there is a temple. You will get splendid mountain views from here. The panorama spreads from the mountains south of Everest to the Manaslu range. We bunk out for our last night on the trail at Chisopani. B. L. D
