Langtang, Gosainkund and Helambu Trek
Langtang, Gosainkund and Helambu Trek
Langtang, Gosainkund and Helambu Trek
17 Days Starting and ending in Kathmandu, Nepal
Visiting: Kathmandu, Syabrubesi, Langtang Valley, Langtang National Park, Langtang, Sing Gompa, Gosainkund, Helambu, Mangengoth, Helambu Valley, Chisapani
Tour operator:
Tour code:
138
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
12-75
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal with the Langtang, Gosainkund, and Helambu Trek. This adventure begins in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, where you'll be welcomed and briefed on your upcoming trek. Traverse the stunning Langtang Valley, marvel at the panoramic views of Langsisa and Ganesh Himal, and cross the challenging Laurebena Pass at 4,610 meters. Experience the spiritual serenity of the sacred lake at Gosainkund and explore the lush beauty of the Helambu Valley. With accommodations in boutique hotels and trekking lodges, and the support of experienced guides and porters, this trek offers a perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion. Enjoy the convenience of private transport and the comfort of a trekking pack hire, ensuring a seamless and memorable trekking experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kathmandu hotel
We welcome you to the airport and take you to your hotel in the centre of Kathmandu, where our Encounters Travel agent welcomes you, helps you settle in and explains the agenda for the rest of your trip.
Day 2 : Drive To Syabrubesi (1462M)
Location: Syabrubesi
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Syabrubesi trekking lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
You will leave the Kathmandu Valley this morning and take a private car / minivan with your guide and porter(s) to the north through the hills and farmland to the town of Syabrubesi (1,462 m), where you will launch your trek (approx. 6 hours' drive). Syabrubesi is situated at the junction of Trisuli Khola and Bhote Khosi, both well-known rafting rivers.
Day 3 : Trek To Sherpagaon (2490M)
Location: Langtang Valley
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Sherpagaon trekking lodge
From Syabrubensi, head east towards the Langtang Valley and follow the route along the northern slopes of the valley above the Langtang Khola through the Rhododendron and Oak forests. Various forms of wildlife are present here, and it is not uncommon for Langur monkeys to be seen. We're going to spend the night in the village of Sherpagaon.
Day 4 : Trek To Ghora Tabela (3035M)
Location: Langtang National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Ghora Tabela trekking lodge
Continue climbing through lush forested areas, following the valley of the river, and steadily gaining altitude before reaching Ghora Tabela (3.005 m). Here you get a sight of Langtang Lirung, ahead of you.
Day 5 : Trek To Kyangin Gompa (3849M)
Location: Langtang
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Kyangin Gompa trekking lodge
You continue to climb today, passing the ruins of the village of Langtang, which was severely damaged by the earthquake of 2015. On the way, look out for a mani wall (dry stone walls inlaid with Buddhist prayer slates. It's probably one of the longest walls in Nepal. You should follow the Buddhist tradition and walk to the left of the wall). As you ascend, you're rewarded with a clear view of the Langtang Lirung Glacier flow to your left, and the ice fluted Gyangchempo to your right. The valley starts to broaden as you cross the glacial moraine and descend into Kyangjin Gompa (3,849 m). Once here, you're surrounded by stunning high peaks. Kyangjin has a small monastery and is well known for its delicious cheeses made from local Yak herds.
Day 6 : Kyangin Gompa. Optional Hiking Day To Tsergo Ri (4984M)
Location: Langtang
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Kyangin Gompa trekking lodge
You're here for the next two days, and there's a lot of excursions so keep you busy. If you feel that you have the option of spending a day climbing Tsergo Ri (4984 m) and being rewarded with an amazing view of the snow-capped peaks. Renowned as one of the best spots for hiking in the Himalayas, you can see Langtang (7227 m) to the west, Yala (5500 m) to the north and Dorje Lakpa (6966 m) and Shisha Pangma (8027 m) to the east. The hike up to the top is not too difficult, although there are some boulders to cross, and any snow and ice parts should be taken with care. Overall, the climb to the top and back will take about four-five hours depending on your speed and the high altitude you find. There are also simpler things to do, including shorter hikes to the base of the Lirung Glacier, visits to the Gompa and cheese factory, and not forgetting the German bakery in town!
Day 7 : Kyangin Gompa. Optional Hike Day To Langshisa Kharka (4285M)
Location: Langtang
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Kyangin Gompa trekking lodge
You have a full day free to enjoy more optional treks or just relax and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery that surrounds Kyangin Gompa. One alternative is a reasonably level walk up the valley to the secret Nubamatang valley (3,940 m) and Langshisha Kharka valley (4,285 m) where the Salbachum, Lanshisha and Langtang glacial moraines all converge. On the way to Tibet, the real terminal ice of the glaciers remains considerably higher, albeit visible in places. Langshisa Ri lies just ahead of you, but at 6,427 m, it's not the highest peak in sight, as numerous other snow-capped peaks can be seen all around, including Shisha Pangma, the only 8,000-metre high in Tibet. Trekking time of 6-7 hours
Day 8 : Trek To The Lama Hotel (2500M)
Location: Langtang Valley
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Lama Hotel trekking lodge
Even though you're going to be on your feet for most of today, this is a pretty simple day, with the journey mostly a fairly steady downhill as you begin to follow the Langtang Khola to Lama Hotel. Along the way, you can enjoy the views of the mountain from a different point of view to your trek up the valley. Our route from Kyangin Gompa takes us through the small village of Mundu, which will give you an idea of how most of the houses in this area once looked.
Day 9 : Travel To Thulu Syabru (2260M)
Location: Langtang
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Thulo Syabru trekking lodge
Today you proceed along the valley of Langtang, covering a new ground after passing the junction with the path that you descended from Sherpagaon. You will continue to follow the Langtang Khola along the base of the valley, passing by the corn fields, before heading south and climbing up the side of the valley to the village of Thulo Syabru.
Day 10 : Trek To Sing Gompa (3300M)
Location: Sing Gompa
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Sing Gompa trekking lodge
Departing early from Thulo Syabru, you follow a slow zigzag path up the forest and past several small lodges. It's a long, slow climb with excellent views of Ganesh Himal and other Langtang peaks that make these views so unique in this area. As you follow this route, you pass through the fir tree forests full of Rhododendrons. Shortly after you hit Sing Gompa (3300m).
Day 11 : Trek To Gosainkund (4361M)
Location: Gosainkund
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Gosainkund trekking lodge
The path follows a ridge with stunning panoramic views of Himalchuli, Manaslu and Ganesh to the west and the high Tibetan plateau to the north. The trail then descends to Gosainkund (4,361 m) (one of many sacred lakes that serve as major pilgrimage sites to Hindus from all over southern Asia). This region is a major destination in the summer months of July and August when Hindus flock to the full moon festival of Janai-Purnima. You stay in a lodge near this lake tonight. Legend has it that Shiva, who had saved the world by drinking poison, hit this land with his fork and formed this lake to quench his thirst.
Day 12 : Trek To Gopte/Gobie Char (3530M) Via Llaurebena Pass (4610M)
Location: Helambu
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Gopte/Dobie Char trekking lodge
You ascend from Gosainkund Lake, passing a few smaller lakes before crossing Llaurebena Pass (4,610 m), the highest point of your trek. This pass marks the western border of the valley of Helambu. Your trail takes you along a path that provides breathtaking views of the Annapurnas, Manaslu, Langtang Himal and Ganesh Himal. As soon as you cross the pass, you descend in a south-easterly direction and make your way to Gopte / Dobie Char.
Day 13 : Trek To Mangengoth (3390M)
Location: Mangengoth
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Mangengoth trekking lodge
Today our path passes through a thick forest, including a lot of rhododendron, bringing us to the Thadepati Pass and a good view of Soli Danda. A further ridge hike, some terraced farmland, broad oak forests and a gradual descent will lead you to the lodge and military checkpoint at Mangengoth.
Day 14 : Trek To Gul Bhanjyang (2130M)
Location: Helambu Valley
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Gul Bhanjyang trekking lodge
Today you're going south, leaving the Langtang area behind and losing a lot of altitude as you pass through the Helambu Valley to the Tamang village of Gul Bhanjyang (2130m).
Day 15 : Trek To Chisapani (2194M)
Location: Chisapani
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Chisapani trekking lodge
From Gul you have a short ascent before heading down to the village of Pati Bhanjyang and then to Chisopani (2,194 m), where you stay for the night. If you wish, you could cut the trek short and go back to Kathmandu.
Day 16 : Trek To Sundirajal (1460M) And Drive To Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kathmandu hotel
From Chisopani you walk a few hours through the forested areas with a view of the Kathmandu basin ahead and below. It's a short walk from here to Sundaria, where we'll pick you up and drive you back to Kathmandu for a short distance.
Day 17 : Tour Ends
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: Your tour will end after breakfast and, if possible, we will move you to the airport for your home flight.<STRONG> OVERNIGHT: </STRONG> <STRONG> MEALS: </STRONG> Breakfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour will end after breakfast and, if possible, we will move you to the airport for your home flight.
What's Included
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Airport Transfers
24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service is included.
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Private Transport
Private car/minivan for drive to Syabrubesi is included.
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Trekking Guide and Porters
Services of a trekking guide and porter(s) throughout the trek are included.
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Insurance for Staff
Insurance for porters and guides is included.
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Trekking Permits
Trekking area permissions/permits are included.
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Trekking Pack Hire
Trekking Pack Hire including Down Jacket, Sleeping Bag, and Walking Poles is included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights are not included but are available on request.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included but are available on arrival for most nationalities.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and not included, but available on request.
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Additional Meals
Meals not indicated in the itinerary are not included, with an estimated budget of approx.
US$375 for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on the trek. -
Personal Expenses
Drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses such as laundry are not included.
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Tips
Tips for guides and porters are not included.
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Unmentioned Items
Any other items not mentioned above are not included.
More Info
Often ignored, Langtang treks in the Langtang and Helambu regions to the north of Kathmandu provide some of the most beautiful scenery in Nepal, and hiking in this area is as good as anywhere in the world. The steep, snow-capped mountains at the head of the Langtang valley, the stunning glacial lakes of Gosainkund and the friendly villages of Tamang combine to make this a great trekking alternative to the well-known Everest and Annapurnas treks. The Nepal tour starts in Kathmandu with an introduction to your trekking guide and a walking tour of this bustling area. There is still time for any last-minute purchases to be made on your trek. Following the Trisuli River north from Kathmandu, we'll drive you to Syabrubesi, a village in Sherpa, located at the very edge of Langtang National Park, where your trek begins and you'll spend the first night in a trekking lodge. Staying in lodges helps you to spend more time meeting and talking to other trekkers and guides at night, as well as getting a little more warmth at the end of each day and contributing to the local economy. From Syabrubesi, turn east into the valley of Langtang, cross the river many times as you walk along the gorge-like lower part of the valley. You pass through the oak and rhododendron forests and trek through the glacial moraine on your way to the Tamang village of Langtang, which was hard hit by the earthquake of 2015. A little further up the valley is Kyangin Gompa, where you spend 3 nights and have plenty of time exploring the local area. You can take a few day-walks, such as going up via Nubamatang, nestled in a secret valley, on your way up to see the glaciers that mark the gateway to Tibet. After a brief backtracking, you can fly through Syabru and Sing Gompa to the high plateau, where the sacred lake of Gosainkund is located. Crossing the Llaurebena Pass (4,610 m), proceed south, leaving the Langtang area behind as you ride through the scenic Helambu Valley to Gul Bhanjyang. It's just a few days of hiking and a bus trip back to Kathmandu. Once back in Kathmandu, you have a free day to explore this fascinating and colourful area. Alternatively, you may venture out into the nearby valley, where there are many fun places to explore. The itinerary shown below is very versatile and can be greatly shortened or extended depending on the time available. Options are also possible to make a mountain flight to Mt. Everest, or to add extensions to the trip to try some white-water rafting, or to visit Chitwan or Bardia National Park.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with an A/C minibus and private car/minivan for the drive to Syabrubesi, ensuring a smooth journey through the scenic landscapes.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay with 2 nights in mid-range hotels and 14 nights in trekking lodges, providing a cozy retreat after your daily adventures.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife might I encounter during the trek?
During the trek, you may encounter various forms of wildlife, including Langur monkeys, especially in the Rhododendron and Oak forests along the northern slopes of the Langtang Valley.
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What is the significance of the Gosainkund Lake?
Gosainkund Lake is a sacred site for Hindus and serves as a major pilgrimage destination, especially during the full moon festival of Janai-Purnima in July and August. Legend has it that the lake was formed by Shiva to quench his thirst after saving the world by drinking poison.
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What are some optional activities available at Kyangin Gompa?
At Kyangin Gompa, you can opt for a hike to Tsergo Ri for stunning views of the snow-capped peaks, visit the local monastery, explore the cheese factory, or enjoy treats from the German bakery in town. There are also shorter hikes available to the base of the Lirung Glacier.
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What is the highest point of the trek?
The highest point of the trek is the Llaurebena Pass, which stands at 4,610 meters.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the trek?
Accommodation during the trek includes 2 nights in mid-range hotels and 14 nights in trekking lodges.
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What kind of transport is used during the tour?
The tour uses an air-conditioned minibus for transport, including a private car or minivan for the drive to Syabrubesi.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.