Langtang / Gosainkund / Helambu Trek

The Langtang Valley is located only 19 miles North of Kathmandu and yet it has changed little since the opening of Nepal to the world.  The area is strongly influenced by its proximity to the border of Tibet. The valley is dominated by Langtang Lirung (7246m / 23,730ft), the highest peak in the area. This is a superb introduction to trekking, among some of the most beautiful scenery in the whole of Nepal.  And for the climber, Yala Peak (5500m / 18,045ft) and Naya Kanga (5846m / 19,180ft) offer a wonderful introduction to mountaineering in the Himalaya.

From Kathmandu we have a 6 hour drive to the trailhead. Initially we trek through dense forest of oak, birch and pine before the valley opens out into alpine meadows. In the spring these high meadows are carpeted with a rich variety of alpine flowers, gentians, violets, edelweiss and primulas are just a few. The forests are also in full bloom with rare tree orchids to be found and the colourful rhododendron (Nepal's national flower).

Beyond Langtang village is the summer settlement of Kyangjin (3817m) with its small monastery and cheese factory. Our camp here is in a superb setting dominated by the fluted northwest face of Cangchempo, while Kyangjin Ri at 4708m, provides a spectacular viewpoint. From Kyangjin we move further up the valley to Yala, a small yersa [summer hamlet] at 4641m. Using this as our base we walk to the top of Tsergo Ri 5066m / 16,592ft the highest point on a broad flat plateau. The views from here are spectacular, a 360 degree panorama of snow capped Himal including Langtang Lirung, Pemthang Ri, Langshisha Ri, Dorje Lakpa, and Ganchempo, Tilman's fluted peak.

We set up two camps in superb locations in the upper Langtang valley.  The trekking is not difficult and there are many interesting possibilities for day walks from our base camps.

Descending from the upper Langtang Valley our route back to Kathmandu will be either: -

A -  Return the way we came to complete a 10 day trek, or

B -  Trek on through Gosainkund and Helambu for a total of 16 trekking days.

The second option takes us first to the sacred lakes of Gosainkund and over the Laurebina pass (4610m / 15,100ft) to the high ridges of Helambu.   Providing a glimpse of different cultures and more superb panoramic views, from the Annapurna and Manaslu in the west, across to Mt. Everest in the east. 

Detailed Itinerary – Ref: LAN                                            Travel Advice

Day 1   Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.

Day 2    Free day to explore the city and take in the sights.  Planned excursion available.

Day 3   Drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Bensi (1450m / 4757ft) a typical roadhead. 

Day 4    Syabru Bensi to Changdam (2480m / 8136ft).  The first part of our trek to Upper Langtang is a fairly easy 6 hour day, including the stops.  We follow the Langtang River, climbing though uninhabited forest of oak and rhododendron alive with birds. Passing the single dwelling of Chongong we climb along a steep trail to our camp in the forest.

Days  5 & 6   Changdam to Langtang Village (3480m / 11,417ft).   As we continue climbing there are occasional glimpses of Langtang Lirung from within this beautiful forest.  At Ghora Tabela the trail emerges into open ground and you can then look back to see what you have achieved.  Once there was a Tibetan resettlement project here, but now it is a Nepalese army post though it has not permanently manned. The trail continues to climb gently and the valley widens, passing a few temporary settlements used by herders who bring their livestock to graze in the high pastures during the summer months.

There is a monastery that we can visit shortly before arriving at the village of Langtang.  Langtang is the base for the headquarters of the Langtang National Park. The houses of Langtang and neighbouring villages are of Tibetan style, surrounded by stone walls enclosing fields of buckwheat, potatoes, wheat, turnips and barley.

Day 7    Langtang Village to Kyangjin (3900m / 12,800ft).  The trail climbs gradually through small villages and yak pastures as the valley opens out further and the views become more extensive.  After crossing several small streams and moraines, the trail reaches the settlement at Kyangjin. Here there is a small monastery and a government operated cheese factory. We should arrive at Kyangjin by lunchtime allowing time to acclimatise and explore the area.

Day 8   A day to rest or a day trip, whatever is needed for acclimatisation.  We can explore most of the area from this base.  Near the village are a monastery (not always open) and a cheese factory that we could visit. A walk up the moraine northwards to see the spectacular sight of Langtang Lirung is well worth the effort, and is also helpful for acclimatising.  

Day 9  Ascent of Tsergo Ri (4984m / 16,350ft).  For those who have acclimatised sufficiently, the most rewarding day trip is an ascent of Tsergo Ri.  Alternatively there is a pleasant walk to the lakes and forest south of Kyangjin.

Day 10   From Kyangjin we retrace our route, following the Langtang Khola to Langtang village and on to Chora Tabela. After lunch we continue the steep descent to Changdam.

Day 11   Changdam to Syabru Bensi.  Continue retracing our steps.

Day 12   Drive to Kathmandu. or

Or Alternative return route through Gosainkund & Helambu

Ref: LGH

Day 12   Syabru to Sing Gompa (3350m / 10,992ft).   From Syabru (2200m.- not S. Bensi) it is a steep climb through forests of oak, firs and rhododendrons to gain a ridge. From here it is only a short descent to Sing Gompa. There is a Buddhist monastery and a small cheese factory here.  

Day 13    Sing Gompa to Gosainkund 4385m / 14,346ft).   From Sing Gompa we climb a ridge to gain the main Gosainkund trail. There are good 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, Gosainkund.  Gosainkund lake is particularly sacred and a place of pilgrimage in the summer.  According to legend this lake was created by Shiva when he pierced a glacier with his trident to obtain water to quench his thirst after taking some poison.

Day 14    Gosainkund to Gopte.  The trail leaves Gosainkund and climbs through rugged country, past four more small lakes to Laurebina pass at (4600m / 15,100ft).  We then descend steeply to our camp near Ghopte.

Day 15   Gopte to Mangan Kharka (3285m / 10,775ft).  We continue descending along the ridge, through rhododendron and juniper forests and past herder's huts to a stream before climbing to Tharepati, a group of herder’s huts.  From Tharepati the trail gradually descends through pine and rhododendron forest with good views down into the Helambu valley and across to Jugal Himal and Numbur in the Solu Khumbu.

Day 16   Mangan Kharka to Gul Bhanjyang  (2125m / 6,972ft).  From Mangan Kharka it is a short climb to cross a ridge before following a very easy trail, through forest with superb views. We then descend to the Tamang village of Gul Bhanjyang. We camp just beyond Gul Bhanjyang, on a ridge with splendid views.

Day 17   Gul Bhanjyang to Chisopani (2194m / 7200ft).  From our camp it is an easy climb to cross a pass at 2470m. before descending to Pati Bhanjyang, a large Tamang village with a few shops and a police checkpoint. From here it is a 2 hour climb to Chisopani and our final nights camp.

Day 18   Chisopani to Kathmandu.  Leaving Chisopani the trail passes through meadows and cultivated fields then climbs through oak and rhododendron forest to Buriang Bhanjyang.  This ridge marks the northern rim of the Kathmandu valley and there are good views from here. We now begin descending, steeply through dense forest of oak. Pine and rhododendron to cross a dam, following a large water pipe which supplies much of the water for Kathmandu. Soon we are down into Sundarijal where we pick up transport into Kathmandu.

Day 19   Kathmandu - A free day for sightseeing and shopping.

Day 20   Afternoon transfer to airport for the return journey home.

                                                                                                                          Travel Advice
Price Indication per person:                         Email for current price

Trek A

Tented Camping: GBP750 / USD1502      or    Teahouse Style: GBP320 / USD612

Trek A & B

Tented Camping: GBP820 / USD1624     or      Teahouse Style: GBP480 / USD980

 
Tented Camping - fully supported with food and camping equipment by a Sherpa crew.  You can book as an individual, but we need a minimum of 4 for the Tented Camping to proceed at these prices.
 
Teahouse Style - we provide a properly equipped and experienced guide / porter.  With the help of the guide you arrange accommodation and food as you go (about GBP7 - 10 / USD12 - 16 per day). This is for individuals or up to 4 in a group, each with a guide / porter.
 
Dates
These trips are run on a number of occasions during the year, let us know when you would like to go and we will check availability.   Favored period - Mid October - Mid December (clearest skies).  Book early if you want this period and also the next most popular period of March and April.
 
What is included
Tented camping Only. A first aider will be part of the team. A Sherpa led crew providing all meals and tea / coffee while tented camping. You can book as an individual, but we need a minimum of 4 for the Tented Camping to proceed at these prices. All tented camping is on a shared basis. 
 
Teahouse Style - we provide a properly equipped and experienced guide / porter.  With the help of the guide you arrange accommodation and food as you go. This is for individuals or up to 4 in a group, each with a guide / porter.
 
All clients.   Kathmandu hotels with breakfast only. Internal airfare and transfers to and from the airport in Kathmandu. A high altitude porter / guide for each Teahouse Trekker.

What is not included
The price allows for joining in Kathmandu and does not include international airfare and departure taxes.  The guide is not paid to carry your pack (porters are available, at extra cost).  Trekking Permits and National Park / Protected area fees / local taxes. Lunch and evening meals while in Kathmandu or Pokhara and for tea house trekkers - no food or accommodation whilst trekking. Personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and all drinks.

Kathmandu Hotels
We have included 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, 2 nights before the trek and 1 night after, on set dates.   Should you return early to Kathmandu our staff can help you arrange accommodation, but the cost is an extra. The hotels chosen are clean and comfortable with modern conveniences. No single room supplement on the standard room provided.