Langtang Gosaikunda and Helambu Trek
- 17
days
Langtang, Gosaikunda, and Helambu Trek is a perfect combination of the remote and splendid Valley of Langtang with the purest holy lake of Gosaikunda and culturally rich Helambu Valley. The trail lies on the north side of Kathmandu valley near the Tibetan border, also known as Langtang Circuit Trek.
The trekking route is highly appealing and most easily accessible from the capital city, Kathmandu. It is a 17 days trek that is quite remote and isolated compared to other popular treks such as Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
The Langtang trail's major highlights are Langtang National Park, Langtang Valley, Kyanjin Gompa, Kyanjin Ri, Laurebina Pass, Gosaikunda Lake, and Helambu cultural village.
In Langtang National Park, the wildlife is quite prominent. You can witness Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild Boar, and Langur monkeys with a bid of good luck.
This trek features a glorious adventure with jaw-dropping views of Himalayan ranges, including immediate insight into the ethnic Tibetan culture and lifestyle.
The trip's price depends on the type of services chosen by our clients and the group size. The cost of each trip we organize is different because we see travelers as individuals having their own particular needs and preferences.
Get ready for an incredible journey tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us as we take care of all the details, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.
Nathaniel Floyd
|
February 11, 2021
Justin Todd
|
December 06, 2020
Jennifer Pratt
|
November 19, 2020
Ryan Lewis
|
November 17, 2020
Eva Owen
|
November 14, 2020
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - Transfer to Hotel |
| Day 2 | Explore Kathmandu- Optional Mountain Flight and Trek Preparation |
| Day 3 | Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,500 m/ 4,921ft) - 7 to 8 hours drive |
| Day 4 | Trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2,480 m/8,136ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek |
| Day 5 | Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang village (3,430m/11,253ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek |
| Day 6 | Trek from Langtang Village to Kyangin Gompa (3,830m/12,566ft) - 3 to 4 hours trek |
| Day 7 | Acclimatization Day- Explore Kyanjin Gompa |
| Day 8 | Trek from Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel (2,480m/ 8,136ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek |
| Day 9 | Trek from Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru (2,250m/ 7381ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek |
| Day 10 | Trek from Thulo Syabru to Sing Gompa (3,250m/ 10,660ft) - 3 to 4 hours trek |
| Day 11 | Trek from Sing Gompa to Gosaikunda (4,380m/ 14370ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek |
| Day 12 | Trek from Gosaikunda to Ghopte (3,440m/ 11,286ft) via Laurebina Pass (4,700m/ 15,419ft) - 7 to 8 hours trek |
| Day 13 | Trek from Ghopte to Melamchi Gaon (2,560m/ 8,398ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek |
| Day 14 | Trek from Melamchi Gaon to Tarkegyang (2,590m/ 8,500ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek |
| Day 15 | Trek from Tarkegyang to Sermanthang (2,610m/ 8,565ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek |
| Day 16 | Trek from Sermanthang to Melamchi Bazaar (850m/ 2,790ft) and Drive to Kathmandu - 2 hours trek and 5 to 6 hours drive |
| Day 17 | Depart from Kathmandu |
The soaring snow-capped peak at the Langtang valley's head, the beautiful glacial lakes at Gosaikunda, and the cultural Helambu village combination make Langtang, Gosaikunda, and Helambu Trek a perfect alternative trek for Everest and Annapurna region.
The Langtang Circuit Trek begins from the lower spectacular valley of Langtang, which takes you through the well-established trekking route along the region.
The trek offers you an incredible experience culture of the different tribes living in the area. Likewise, while exploring Langtang Valley, you will behold the astonishing mountain view up close.
Moreover, the trekking route winds through dense forest of rhododendron and confer. You will walk through the Langtang National Park, one of Nepal's wildest and most picturesque areas. Passing several small Tamang settlements on the way to Kyanjin Gompa, the trail comes across the high alpine yak pastures, glaciers, moraines.
You can also hike to Tserko Ri which offer outstanding views of Mt. Langtang Lirung (7,245 m), Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m), Urkeinmang (6,387 m), Loenpo Gang (6,979 m), Pongeen Dopku (5,930 m), Naya Kanga (5,846 m), and Yala Peak (5,500 m).
Likewise, you will move forward to Holy Gosaikunda Lake (4,380 meters), passing through Rimche, Thulo Syabru village, and Sing Gompa. You will come across several Buddhist monasteries, chortens, mani walls, and prayer wheels on the trekking route.
As you continue your trek, the scenery changes within every hour, one hour, you might be in the lush green meadows; the next hour, you might be walking around the riverside.
Gosaikunda Lake is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites for many Hindu and Buddhist devotees. It has a black rock in the middle, said to be the head of Shiva.
Legends say Shiva created the high altitude lake when he pierced a glacier with his Trishul to obtain water to quench his thirst after consuming poison gathered from the churning of the oceans. Every year, during the full moon of August, thousands of pilgrims come here to worship and bathe.
With less traffic on the trail, you can relish the taste of hardcore Himalayan trekking in Nepal. It's not just the trek's scenic beauty but also the proximity of the glacial lake to some mouth-watering views of snow-capped mountains that invite trekkers every year.
Further, continue your trek through crossing Laurebina Pass; you will continue south, leaving the Langtang region, you will head towards Helambu Valley.
The trail of Laurebina pass offers the most amazing views of the Himalayas. One of Nepal's lesser-known treks, the Helambu trail is still an untouched and unexplored beauty for the rest of Nepal. Sherpa people entirely inhabit Helambu village. The language, culture, and traditions are quite different from those of Solu Khumbu's Sherpas.
A mountain pass might seem ordinary for a non-traveler but reaching the top of the pass is somewhat equivalent to summiting a major mountain. The trail offers one of the best campsites in the region, with trails leading alongside rivers and forests.
The end of the trek is worth it, as your eyes will get lost in the enchanting view of the Dhaulagiri and Manaslu range. So for those who love offbeat incredible trekking trails with minimal human life around, the trek offers some of the most quaint and blissful experiences.
Finally, exploring the Tarkheyang and Sermanthang villages in the Helambu region, you will return to Kathmandu by taking a bus from Melamchi Bazaar. The next day, a representative from Third Rock Adventures will drop you at the airport for your flight, and your adventure will come to an end.
Langtang Gosaikunda and Helambu Trek Route Map
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Third Rock Adventures will escort you to the hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in at the hotel, you can take a rest for a while.
Later in the evening, you can explore the Thamel, a famous tourist hub. You can go shopping if you miss or need any trekking equipment or gear.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu
After having a healthy breakfast, you will head out to explore the Kathmandu valley. You will visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple- a famous Hindu temple, Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, etc.
Later you will get back to the hotel to attend a pre-trip meeting where your trek guide will discuss the trip with you.
You will get the trek-related information and meet your guide along with other members. Then you can arrange all the necessary documents and gears for the upcoming trek.
You can also choose an optional mountain flight that will offer you unforgettable memories with a great panoramic view of the highest peak on the earth. You will enjoy a bird's eye view of snow-capped peaks of the Everest region during the mountain flight.
If you want a more extended trip with multiple landing, you can opt for Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Early morning, you will begin your trek with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, the starting point of the trek. Enjoy great views of the Himalayan range, countryside, rice terraces, small settlements throughout the bus ride.
All the way to Syabrubesi, you will come across one of the most popular markets, Trisuli Bazaar. The continuous ride will lead you to Dhunche (1,780 meters), an attractive town in the Langtang region. From here, it's a 1-2 hours drive that takes you to Syabrubesi village.
Overnight stay in Syabrubesi.
Today is the first day of the trek, which leads you to Lama Hotel. It is one of the popular trekking stops which lies on the Langtang Valley trekking route. The trail gradually descends to the Bhote Khosi River.
You will walk through uneven, rocky, and rugged paths and reach Bamboo along the Langtang Khola. You can witness splendid rhododendron and conifer forest and river on the trek. Then you will trek towards Rimche, which leads to Lama Hotel. You will enjoy the vast meadows, the changing vistas, and the silence of nature along the trail.
As you will be trekking in Langtang National Park's premises, you will get a glimpse of the fantastic flora and fauna of the region. Once you reach the hotel, you will listen to the nearby river, which is a delightful sound.
Overnight stay in Lama Hotel.
After breakfast, you will head towards Langtang Valley, prominently known as the Langtang region's hidden gem. Taking you the Langtang scenic beauty, you get to witness the beauty of nature in its purest form.
The forest trail leads you to the Ghore Tabela "Horse Stable." You will gradually ascend through the small settlement areas and reach Langtang Village.
A photographer's paradise, Langtang valley offers some of the most picturesque sites for your wide-angle lens. The panoramic view of the entire Manaslu and Langtang range would be an experience worth trekking for.
Overnight stay in Langtang Village.
Today, you will continue your journey from beautiful Langtang village to Kyanjin Gompa through tiny Tamang settlements. En route, you will witness small chortens, many mani-prayer walls, and sacred rocks with Buddhist inscriptions.
The mesmerizing beauty of the trail ensures motivates and encourages you to take one more step forward. Continuous walk on the forest trail on the foothills of the Langtang Himal, you reach Kyanjin Gompa.
At the end of the trek, you will get rewarded with the panoramic views of towering snow-capped peaks of the Langtang range. The Kyanjin Gompa lies at the top of the ridge makes it one of the best vantage points to see Mt. Langtang Lirung (7,234 meters).
Overnight stay in Kyanjin Gompa.
Kyanjin Gompa
Today is the rest or exploration day of the Langtang, Gosaikunda, and Helambu trek. You have a full day to explore the surrounding area of Kyanjin Gompa. You can visit the monastery and the cheese factory. Also, you have options to ascend Tserko Ri (5,000 meters), one of the best vantage points in the region for innumerable 360-degree panoramic mountain views. The view is mind-blowing, with the backdrop of high snowy mountains and the glacier.
Overnight stay in Kyanjin Gompa.
Kyanjin Gompa, Langtang
After exploring Kyanjin Gompa with a fantastic view of the valley surrounded by impressive peaks, you will trek back to Lama Hotel. Passing through lush forests, Langtang village, Ghodatabela, and Gumanechok, you will finally reach Lama Hotel. Throughout the trek, the lovely Langtang river and the fantastic mountain views will accompany you.
Overnight stay in Lama Hotel.
From Lama Hotel, you will start your trek with the short ascend to the village of Rimche through bamboo forests. Gradually after crossing the Langtang river down, you will reach the Bamboo village. Further, continuous walk, you will reach the top of the ridge from where you will get the impressive view of Thulo Syabru valley. Then you gently descend and cross a bridge.
After one final climb through terraced fields and farmhouses, you will reach the tiny settlement of Thulo Syabru. The rest of the time, you can explore a nearby monastery, and there is also a small helipad.
Overnight stay in Thulo Syabru.
Early in the morning, you can explore the nearby monastery and pray. After having breakfast, you will begin your trek toward Sing Gompa. Passing through Upper Syabru, you will walk through a winding trail and slowly gain some altitude.
You will enjoy the astonishing view of the Langtang, Manaslu, and Annapurna range on the far west side. The path has its own local culture and life as Tamang people inhabit the nearby villages.
Along the way, you will enjoy the captivating view of Dhunche town down below. Walking on a pleasant path, you will reach Sing Gompa, where you see a few cheese factories. You can try some yak cheese which is considered one of the best in Nepal.
Overnight stay in Sing Gompa.
Gosaikunda Lake, Nepal
Today you will continue your trek to Gosaikunda, the purest holy lake. You will begin your walk with steady climbing to Lauribinayak. From the top of the Lauribinayak, you will enjoy the spell-bound views of the Himalayan range.
Following the rugged trail and with a steep ascent, you will come across a few huts in the high pasture of Laurebinayak. Here you will cross the small ridge and get the first view of Gosaikunda Lake.
There are about a dozen lakes in the Gosaikunda area, but Saraswatikunda, Bhiaravkunda, and Gosaikunda are the three main lakes.
As you reach Gosaikunda, you can observe the panoramic sight of the lake. The trek is extraordinary because it provides you with the grassland experience along with an unparalleled frozen lake in winter.
Most trekkers opt for this trek for witnessing the highest natural lake in Nepal because an experience like this is very hard to come.
Overnight stay in Gosaikunda.
Laurebina Pass - one of the trek's highest passes in Langtang Region
Early morning, you will descend to Ghopte after crossing the Laurebina Pass, one of the trek's highest passes. Enjoying the spectacular view of Manaslu and other mountain ranges, you will descend steeply to Phedi.
The terrain is quite treacherous, as the path is steep, convoluted with boulders. At the same time, the trail also has lush and vibrant meadows. While walking through the dense forest, the trail opens up to the vast valley.
At the end of the treks, you will reach Ghopte. You will also catch the view of the Tasi Khola Valley to the south side.
Overnight stay in Ghopte.
From Ghopte, following the lush forest trail, you will pass through many clear streams. You will reach a small cave before crossing Thadepati Pass (3,690 meters). From the top of the pass, you will get an enchanting view of Helambu valley.
You will descend and take the left route from the pass and make the way to Melamchi Gaon through the tranquil forest trail. After crossing a small stream and a gentle climb through the forest of rhododendron and oak forests, finally, you reach Melamchi Gaon.
Explore the village by visiting the monastery and getting familiar with local people's culture and lifestyle who follow Tibetan Buddhism.
Overnight stay in Melamchi Gaon.
Today's trail has got a hidden paradise of high-altitude meadows right in the Helambu Valley. On the trekking route, there are many Buddist monasteries and chortens.
The trail goes through the dense forest of rhododendron, small streams, and yak grazing pastures. Once you reach Tarkegyang, you can visit the ancient Gekye Gompa of Tarkegyang. Here you will get immediate insight into the Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition. Moreover, you can be part of the simple lifestyle and fascinating culture of the Hyolmo people.
Overnight stay in Tarkegyang.
Sermanthang village
Leaving behind Tarkegyang, a cultural village, you will head towards another beautiful Hyolmo village in the Helambu region, i.e., Sermanthang.
Along the route, you will encounter the Buddhist monastery in Ghangyul. Here you will cross a Mani wall and slowly descend until you reach Chimighyang.
After a pleasant walk on flat land, you will get Sermathang, the most northern Nepal side. It is still untouched by travelers; hence you still witness some of the original tribes of Tibetan people and learn about their local traditions.
Overnight stay in Sermanthang.
From Sermanthang, you will slowly descend towards Melamchi Bazaar. En route, you will catch a fascinating view of the Jugal Himal range, including Langtang, Ganesh, and Rolwaling Himal.
You will come across many temples and monasteries. After passing several small settlements, cultivated fields, and green meadows, you will reach Melamchi Bazaar. From here, you will begin your drive towards Kathmandu along the bumpy road from Melamchi Pul.
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will transfer to the hotel. After getting fresh, you can stroll around the Thamel area and end the day with delicious Nepal cuisine.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
On the final day, Third Rock Adventures will make arrangements to drop you at the airport three hours before the scheduled flight time.
Lastly, in Nepal, the Himalayas are filled with offbeat travel, and each trial is more beautiful than the last one. It's like a never-ending quest with nature.
If you are looking for adventure tours in offbeat and less-explored treks like this, you can opt for Manaslu Circuit Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Machhapuchhre Base Camp Trek, etc. So, plan your next adventure with us!
Langtang Gosaikunda and Helambu Trek Altitude Map
Images: Janette Asche, Yella
Australia
Austria
United States of America
United States of America
United States of America
United Kingdom
