Langtang Gosainkunda Trekking - 14 Days

Today, we’ll forge ahead on the trail that renders a gentle and more direct start to trekkers.   We’ll first traverse Bhote Koshi River via a suspension bridge then pursue the Langtang Khola all the way. Making an ascent through woodland comprising fir, oak, maple, spruce, and blue pine; we’ll continue past Bamboo (1,960m) and Pahiro and arrive at Rimche (2,400m). Now, the levelled trail offers a pleasant walk to Lama Hotel (2,380m).

This morning, we’ll proceed along the trail, pushing forward to Ghora Tabela (translates into Horse Stable) beyond the oak forest interspersed with rhododendrons. In the late pre-monsoon season, the rhododendron flower blooms in its full glory forming the borders of colour beside the trail. Other than that, you can find delicate orchids, huge ferns, fragments of Spanish moss suspending from the tree.  At Ghora Tabela, the valley starts to open out into classic U shape, which is a result of centuries-long glacial action. Once a Tibetan settlement, it is home to an army and Langtang National Park check post where we need to show our permits. Afterwards, we’ll ascend through more rhododendron and berberis to Thangshyap (3,140m). Across the lush meadows and farmlands of potato, buckwheat and barley, we’ll reach Langtang Village (3,430m). When Legendary mountaineer Bil Tilman visited this region in 1914, he described the village of Langtang as ‘a settlement of some thirty families rich in cows, yaks, and sheep.  In the present day, the village houses many lodges, headquarters of Langtang National Park and a bakery. The trail now weaves to the top of a ridge and keeps going on the other side of a spectacular Mani wall and a stream to Mundu (3,543m).

As we push further on the trail, we’ll find ourselves moving past the lush yak pastures carved by windy streams, an aged glacial moraine topped by a pair of chortens, and chains of lengthy Mani walls, overlooked by the snow-clad summit of Gangchempo (6,387m). Also, there is a viewpoint on the way that bestows extraordinary view of icefall flowing from Langtang Lirung. Later, we’ll make it to Kyangjin Gompa (3,870m). Explore the rustic village area and pay a visit to the Yak Cheese Factory where you can have a taste of the Yak Cheese and observe its production process.  In addition, you can enjoy the glimpses of mighty mountaintops surrounding the village.

The terrain here is so spell-binding that Bil Tilman put these into words as ‘The Langtang has not only the austere beauty of ice mountains accentuated by the friendly smile of flowery meadows alive with cattle – but it has the charm of reticence and the witchery of the unexpected’. This very day, we’ll tie our shoelaces and march forward to Tserko Ri (5,000m), the highest point of our trek. From its vertex, witness a 360-degree view of the Langtang valley. Moreover, you can gaze at the heavenly Himalayan panorama that one can only imagine in their wildest dreams. Subsequently, we’ll trek back to Kyangjin Gompa.

Accompanied by the mind-boggling views of the snow-covered mountains, we’ll trek downhill on the same trail which we once used during our ascent. Following the Langtang Khola, we’ll return to the Langtang Village and then move down to Ghora Tabela. After a precipitous descent on the trekking trail, we’ll finally set our foot at Lama Hotel (2,470m). Take your time and walk slowly taking the pleasure of Mother Nature’s splendour.

At first, the trekking route gradually progresses down the river then navigates through pine and juniper woodland. Subsequent to an abrupt climb, the trail leads to Thulo Syabru (2,230m).  In the course of the escapade, we can get an opportunity to encounter native wildlife including endangered red pandas, many species of birds, and boars. Flaunting rich culture, traditions and heritage of resident Tamang communities, Thulo Syabru is a beautiful settlement. Once here, you can enjoy the sublime views of Ganesh Himal (7110m), alongside Langtang Himal and its ranges.

In the day eight of our escapade, we’ll walk behind the trail which climbs steeply beyond the broadleaved forest to a ridge where we can discover few lodges. Along with that, the magnificent outlooks of Ganesh Himal can be viewed from here. The trail further proceeds across the mesmerizing woodland of mossy trees, rhododendrons, and delightful glades to Shin Gompa (3,245m). This small village boasts a handful of lodges, an orchard, a cheese factory and a small monastery after which the name of the very settlement is kept.

The trail today makes its headway across the pinewoods, putting forth the lovely vistas which include Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal and other neighbouring peaks from the windows between the trees. The route then ascends up the ridge of the Chalang Pati Danda and continues to Laurebinayak (3,930m). From here, you can contemplate the panorama encompassing Langtang Himalayas and Manaslu. If you are in luck then you can get a peek of Annapurna. Thereafter, the trekking trail to Gosainkunda is now mainly gentle and broad expect on one place where the path is a bit arduous. Situated in the 4,460m asl, Gosainkunda is the largest of numerous lakes and pools that is positioned within Gosainkunda Lekh. Other lakes in this region include Saraswati Kunda, Bhairab Kunda  Rakta Kunda, Chandra Kunda, Surya Kunda, Ganesh Kunda, Batas Kunda, Lam Kunda, Ekle Kunda, Raj Kunda, Tinchuli Kunda, Nau Kunda etc. There is a small Hindu shrine on the side of Gosainkunda Lake, next to a few stone shelters for pilgrims and a number of lodges on the north side of the lake.  Enchanting snowscape vistas is the prime attraction for sightseers whereas for Hindu pilgrims a bath in this holy lake is sacred, which is believe to be created by Lord Shiva (the main deity in Hindu mythology) himself.

Subsequent to a tour around Gosainkunda Lake, we’ll make our way through the rugged terrain, leaving behind four small lakes to the mountain pass of Laurebinayak La (4,610m). Marked by prayer flags and Cairns, the Laurebinayak La is a phenomenal viewpoint that extends inimitable panorama. With the scenic lakes below, the view incorporates valleys, hills and the series of formidable Himalayan giants including Langtang, Ganesh and Manaslu Ranges to the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre. It is a stupendous vista, so gasp it as fast as possible, as much as possible. Following a steep descent, we’ll reach Gopte (3,440m). Here, you’ll find a single tea-house for accommodation.

We’ll first move uphill along the pathway to traverse Thadepati Pass (3,690m) then proceed down to the other end of lush rhododendron woodland. We’ll now enter the premises of Mangengoth. You can locate two tea houses situated next to each other. This place put forward lovely outlook of mountains enclosed by forest in every direction. Afterwards, we’ll move downwards towards Kutumsang (2,470m). We can rejoice in a few modern conveniences during our stay in this large settlement. This stretch of trail navigates through the woodlands and semi-cultivated lands.

In the quest to reach Chisapani, we’ll carry on with our descent and move past several local settlements. Furthermore, we’ll go across pinewoods and walk along the narrow path that comprises of large dark ferns thriving by the side of steep rocky walls. Chisapani is a populated yet exquisite hill station where you can delight in the spectacular sunrise and sunset vistas.

Today, we’ll advance past the territory of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. The National Park renders a safe haven to the numerous species of flora and fauna. The trail now consists of stone stairs which offer a relaxing and easy descend journey. Eventually, we’ll end up at Sundarijal. From this point onwards, we’ll drive back to Kathmandu via a private vehicle. You can utilize your unused time by shopping for souvenirs for your friends and family.

The day fourteen marks the end of your adventures in the Himalayan nation of Nepal. We hope you have enjoyed your stay with us. After bidding the final farewells, one of our representatives will guide you to Kathmandu Airport, three hours prior to your scheduled flight so that you won’t face any delays. Have a safe journey back to your homeland!!