Lantang Valley & Gosaikund Lake Trek

  These regions are the most convenient to Kathmandu. Just above Kathmandu is Helambu and the basic trek through the Helambu region makes a circuit from Pati Bhanjyang. Langtang, Gosaikunda and the northern part of Helambu come under the territory of Langtang National Park with headquarters at Dhunche.

The trail passes through cultivated field that ultimately gives way higher altitude vegetation that leads to Langtang Village. 'bove Langtang, the only habitation is at Kyangjin Gompa, a very popular monastery that was built centuries ago. 'bove Kyangjin, the viewpoint of Tsergo Ri gives splendid views across the valley to Ganja La. Likewise, Langtang Lirung and Dorge Lakpa can also be viewed.

Gosaikunda is one of the most popular pilgrimages for Hindu. It is the biggest lake in the region. Legend has it that the lake was formed when Lord Shiva plunged his Trishul (trident) in order to obtain water. The river originated from this lake is called Trishuli. The lake can either be taken as part of the Langtang to Helambu trek or it can be made sole destination starting and ending at Dhunche. The trail that starts from Dhunche climbs steeply through the forest of rhododendron, oak and conifer to the monastery of Shin Gompa and Chandanbari few minutes away from the Gompa. You can have a spectacular view of Manaslu, Ganesh and Langtang ranges while walking through this trail.  

Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu, transfer to hotel. O/N Hotel.
Day 02: Full day sightseeing Kathmandu valley. O/N Hotel.

Day 03: Kathmandu to Syabru via Trisuli. It is about a 09 hour drive on a paved highway that twists and climbs over ridges to the Trisuli Valley. Road climbs over Kakani pass (2145 meters), which offers excellent views of Annapurna II, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal, and descends into the broad Trisuli Valley at 548 meters, 72 km form Kathmandu. It's 42 km of steep switchbacks on a wild road to Dhunche; at some points it hangs on to a steep cliff 1000 meters above the river. The road is subject to continual landslides - especially when it rains - so a bus trip to Dhunche can be an adventure. Dhunche (1970m). The most notable are Ghenge'(6581m) and Langtang Lirung (7246m) to the north and Ganesh Himal (7406m) to the west. Syabru (2130m). By the time we approach Syabru the views up the Langtang Valley are magnificent and more and more of the snow peaks of Tibet become visible.

Day 04: Gomna (2804m) Walking 5 hrs approx. We descend to the Langtang Khola (1890m), cross, and head upriver through an impressive gorge. For the rest of the day there is almost no human habitation but the forests of Rhododendron and Prickly leaved Oak are alive with birdlife. We camp at Gomna just as the valley starts to widen again.

Day 05: Kyangin Gompa 3800 m Walking 6 hrs approx. The valley is now the typical glacier-worn U-shaped valley, in contrast to the steep water-worn V-shaped valley we passed through earlier. Keep your eyes open for the Himalayan Thar, a large mountain goat often seen on the higher slopes. After lunch we continue through the Yak pastures under the great snow peaks to Kyangin Gompa and camp.

Day 06: Kyangin Gompa REST AND EXPLORATION. From our campsite the views are magnificent. The peaks of Langtang Lirung (7246m). Langtang Ri (7239m), Lonpo Gang (7100m) and Dorji Lakpa (6989m) surround us. This is a day to rest and relax, or if you wish there are several worthwhile excursions up to the glaciers. A 2 hrs climb to Yala Paek.

Day 07: Gomna Walking 5 hrs approx. We retrace our steps downhill to Gomna. A very pleasant walk.

Day 08: Syabru Walking 5 hrs approx. We descend downhill to cross the Langtang Khola again. We have plenty of time to enjoy the large stands of Larch, the flowers and the valley views. After lunch we climb steeply to Syabru and camp.

Day 09: Sing Gompa 3254 m Walking 6 hrs approx. A day climbing through forests of Fir and Rhododendron. The only signs of human habitation are the occasional shepherds huts at the points where water is found. We camp near the deserted Sing Gompa.

Day 10: Gosainkund 4300m Walking 6 hrs approx. A steep rugged trail but adequately compensated for by dramatic views; to the west Himal Chuli (7893m), Manaslu (8156m) and Ganesh Peak (7406m) and possibly even the Annapurna ranges. To the north across the valley is Langtang Lirung. We pass the few huts in the high Yak pastures of Laurebina (3901m), cross a small ridge and have our first views of the Holy Lakes. There are over a dozen lakes in the Gosainkund Basin, the main three being Saraswatikund, Bhairavkund and Gosainkund. According to legend, Gosainkund was created by Shiva when he pierced a glacier with his trident to obtain water to quench his thirst after swallowing some poison.

Day 11: Thare Pati 3600 m Walking 6 hrs approx. We continue over rugged trails and pass several other smaller lakes to the Thare Pati Pass (4602m) then we descend along a ridge to the tree line. Past beautiful waterfalls, through Juniper and Rhododendron forest we descend to thip huts of Thare Pati. This is a long but very interesting day.

Day 12: Gul Bhanyjang 2130 m Walking 5 hrs approx. We drop steadily all day through fir and rhododendron forests and then through Prickly Leaved Oak forest. We camp at the Tamang village of Gul Bhanyjang. This ridge walks provides excellent views of the mountains and the Helambu valley.

Day 13: Chisopani 2194 m Walking 5 hrs approx. The days walk consists of gentle 'ups and downs' generally following a ridge to camp just above Chisopani with excellent panoramic views of the Himalaya from Ganesh Himal to Everest.

Day 14: Kathmandu 1304 m. Walking 3. hrs approx. We climb to the small pass at Burland Bhanyjang (2438m) and take our last look at the great line of snow peaks of the Himalaya before descending to the Kathmandu Valley and Sundarijal (1457m) from where we drive back to Kathmandu. O/N Hotel.

Day 15: At leisure Kathmandu for independent activities. O/N Hotel.
Day 16: Transfer to airport for next destination.