Region: |
Langtang/Helambu |
Max-Altitude: |
5,000m/16,404ft |
Duration: |
17 Days |
Trek Grade: |
Moderate |
Transportation: |
Bus, Jeep, Van |
Best Season: |
Oct to Dec, Feb to May |
Trekking Style: |
Tea House |
Group Size: |
Min 2 to Max 12Pax |
The Langtang, Goshaikunda and Helambu trek is one of the most beautiful trekking in Nepal.
The Kunda means: the lake Nepali. There are 108 lakes in this area and mainly visible from the
routes are Saraswati Kund, Bhairab Kund, Surya Kund and Goshaikund is the famous and most
important one.
Langtang, Gosaikunda & Helambu is situated north of Kathmandu and the place is populated by Tamangs,
Tibetain and Sherpas. The culture, language and their customs are much similar to the Tibetans.
The views of snowy mountain peaks, like the Langtang Lirung (7,246 m). Gangchenpo (5,846 m),
Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m) are excellent.
Langtang, Gosaikunda & Helambu Trek
DAY 1 - Welcome to Kathmandu!
Welcome to Kathmandu, the lovely and historic capital of Nepal! We'll be at the airport waiting for you when you step off the plane, ready to transfer you to your hotel. You've had a long flight, so get some rest: your adventure begins tomorrow!
DAY 2 - Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members.
DAY 3 - Kathmandu to Shyabrubesi
Altitude: 1,550m/5,100ft: 6- 7 hours drive
We leave Kathmandu in the morning for Syabrubesi, a village which is also the starting point for treks into the Langtang valley. Our journey will be on a winding road through frequent switchbacks. On a clear day we get to enjoy outstanding views of Manaslu, Annapurna and Ganesh Himal. Our trek for today ends with a descent into the small village of Syabrubesi.
DAY 4 - Shyabrubesi to Lama Hotel
Altitude: 2,380m/7,830ft: 6 hours trek
After breakfast, we begin our trek along the Langtang Khola. We ascend and descend simultaneously through oak and rhododendron forests. After crossing a bridge over the Langtang Khola (small river), we ascend on a steep trail which will lead us to the Lama Hotel.
DAY 5 - Lama Hotel to Thyangshep
Alititude: 3,400m/11,152ft: 6 hours trek
We continue ascending from Lama Hotel and enjoy the mountain landscape with abundant waterfalls. As we reach the green meadows of Ghoda Tabela, we begin to see the white peaks of the Langtang range. Our trail continues to climb up the widening valley, passing a few temporary settlements used by herders.
DAY 6 - Thyangshep to Kyanjin Gompa
Alititude: 3,900m/12,792ft: 4-5 hours trek
After breakfast, we will start our journey to Kyangjin Gompa, a principal monastery of the region. We pass by water mills, prayer wheels, chortens, with sacred mounds of rocks with inscriptions carved on them. We also pass by the largest mani wall in Nepal, made from stone with prayers written on them. After the short trek, we spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the Buddhist shrine in Kyangjin Gompa and surrounding areas with the amazing views of the mountains.
DAY 7 - Summit Tsergo Ri (4,982m/16,340ft): 4-5 HOURS
We spend the whole day exploring Tserko Ri which will also help us acclimatize to the high altitude. We begin early in the morning. The trail passes through yak pastures before ascending to Tserko Ri. The sunrise view from the top of Tserko Ri is extraordinary. We get back to Kyangjin Gompa by late afternoon and explore the beautiful monastery while enjoying views of the Himalayas, glaciers, birds and yaks.
DAY 8 - Kyangjin Gompa to Lama Hotel: 6-7 HOURS
We begin our trek after breakfast and retrace our steps to Lama Hotel. Most of the trekking today will be downhill as we pass through forests and beautiful Tamang villages. We also get to enjoy different view of the Himalayas that we had missed climbing up.
DAY 9 - Lama Hotel to Thulo Shyaphru
Altitude: 2,230m/7,316 ft: 5-6 hours
We begin our trek with a climb up to the Rimche Village. From here we descend to the banks of the Langtang Khola. We continue on an easy trail to Bamboo and begin ascending to Landslide Lodge. From here we continue our trek to Thulo Syabru. There are two trails as we cross another bridge. We follow the one that passes by Pahare hotel and a waterfall at 2210 m to reach Thulo Syabru. Overnight in Thulo Syabru.
DAY 10 - Thulo Shyaphru to Sing Gompa
Altitude: 3,250m/10,660: 3- 4 hours
Today will be a short walk but it is important to not reach Gosaikunda today because the steady gain in altitude will help us acclimatize better to the high altitude. After trekking for a while we pass by a chorten and a checkpoint. From the checkpoint, we move south and pass by Garta Village and Phulung Monastery before reaching Shin Gompa to spend the night.
DAY 11 - Sing Gompa to Gosaikunda
Altitude: 4,460m/14,632ft: 5-6 hours
Today we get to enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the Himalayas including the Annapurnas, Hiunchuli, Manaslu, Ganesh and Langtang. We follow a ridge for the most part of the day and catch a glimpse of the first of the holy lakes. The third lake, Gosaikunda (4380m), is of particular religious and cultural significance for the Nepalese and is one of Nepal's most sought after pilgrimage sites. The lake is surrounded by mountains on almost all sides and has a great ensemble of nine other lakes to accompany it. Every year during Janai Purnima in August, hundreds of Hindu pilgrims visit the lake for a holy bath. The large rock at the center of the lake is said to be the remains of a Shiva shrine. Overnight in Gosaikunda.
DAY 12 - Gosaikunda to Ghopte
Altitude: 3,250m/10,660: 3- 4 hours
Today will be a short walk but it is important to not reach Gosaikunda today because the steady gain in altitude will help us acclimatize better to the high altitude. After trekking for a while we pass by a chorten and a checkpoint. From the checkpoint, we move south and pass by Garta Village and Phulung Monastery before reaching Shin Gompa to spend the night.
DAY 13 - Ghopte to Melamchi Gaun
Altitude: 2,560m/8,399ft: 6-7 hours
We walk uphill and downhill on a trail that passes through dense forests. Walking on a trail through the forest will take us to Thare Pati Village. We climb a ridge above the village and continue our trek. The view from the ridge of the Nepalese hills and Soli Danda in particular is beautiful. We cross two suspension bridges before reaching Melamchigaon which is a beautiful village that houses a monastery. Overnight in Melamchigaon.
DAY 14 - Melamchi to Tarkeghyang
Altitude: 2,590m/8,497ft: 4-5 hours
We pass a stupa and cross a small stream below Tarkeghyang. Our trail passes through forests that lead up to Ama Yangri which is the highest point of our trek today located at 3,800m. There is a stupa and Buddhist prayer flags at the top of the hill. Furthermore, we get stunning views of Mt. Shishapangma and the Langtang ranges. The mountains are so close that we feel that we can almost touch them. As we descend we can often see yaks grazing in the bushes before entering a forest. We also walk on a trail made of broken stone before reaching Tarkeghyang which is a beautiful Sherpa village. Overnight in Tarkheghyang.
DAY 15 - Tarkeghyang to Sermanthang
Altitude: 2,610m/8,563ft: 3-5 hours
We begin our trek after breakfast. The trail is easy and passes through lush forests. We also pass by beautiful villages, chortens, a monastery and a mani wall before reaching Sermathang. It's a beautiful Sherpa Village with incredible views of Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal and the Langtang ranges. On a clear day, we can even see Mt. Everest in the distance. Overnight in Sermanthang.
DAY 16 - Sermanthang to Kakani and Kathmandu
We trek down to Kakani and from here we drive to Kathmandu and reminisce about our trip in the Langtang and Helambu regions. After reaching Kathmandu, we freshen up and take a rest. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.
DAY 17 - Kathmandu: Departure Day
Every great journey must, unfortunately, come to an end. After breakfast at your hotel, there'll be a last bit of time to return any rental equipment, pick up souvenirs, and grab your things. We'll get you to the airport for your flight home with time to spare!
What is Included?
All airport transfers from arrival to departure
Private, round-trip land transportation between Kathmandu to Shyabrubesi and end of the trek
Teahouse accommodation and three meals a day while trekking
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Part Permit, TIMS)
An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek guide
Necessary porters to carry all personal gear and group equipment (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
Respective region (Langtang/Helambu) trekking map
Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, transportation, food and accommodation
All government and local taxes
What is Not Included?
Nepal entry Visa fees
Your travel insurance (compulsory)
International airfare and airport tax
Hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara (if you need this service we are happy to help you booking
your hotels as per your requirements.)
Trekking equipments
Tips for trekking staff
Items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone, beverage drinks, desserts, laundry etc.
Any other expenses which are not mentioned on the service included section.
Travel Insurance
Proof of travel insurance is mandatory before starting the trek. Standard policies often only cover medical evacuation to 4000m so make sure the policy you get covers up to 6000m. We usually suggest World Nomads which costs around $125. You only need to be covered on the policy for the days you will actually be trekking.
Extra Costs and Exclusions
Nepal multiple entry visa 30 days ($50 USD).
Sleeping Bag Rental $12 and Down Jacket $12 if needed.
All the meals are included on the trek but we only include breakfast while you are in Pokhara.
We suggest a tip for the guide and porter after the trek - Plan on a at least $80 (more will be appreciated).
We don't include drinking water on the trek which you can buy a number of places for between $1 and $3 a bottle (it gets more expensive towards base camp). A better solution is to buy water tablets in Kathmandu for around $2 and treat the water (your guide can help you find the good places to fill your water bottle).
The other things not included on the trek are like Wifi, charging batteries and hot showers. Wifi is available in some tea houses for $3 to $5 an hour. Hot Showers are also available in a few for around $4 and charging costs about $1.50 an hour.
Unforeseen cost due to flight cancellation, weather conditions etc. You are responsible for extra hotel nights ($30/night) and meals in Kathmandu for any extra days in Nepal due to flight delays.
Solo Travelers
We generally don't charge solo travelers any extra fees. Solo travelers can expect their own hotel room in Kathmandu but will need to share a room with other group members during the trek. If availability allows we will arrange private rooms on the trek as well upon request.
If you are a solo travelers and planning and not joining one of our
group treks you will be charged an extra $20 a day for a porter.
Cancellation Policies
We understand things happen and plans change and will refund your fund minus
a 25% cancelation fee. If your travel dates change we can
generally reschedule you at no extra charge, but please provide at least
7 days advance notice.
Equipment list
Head
* Sun hat or scarf
* Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
* Sunglasses
* Head torch
Upper Body
* Cotton t-shirts or thermals
* Fleece jacket
* Waterproof jacket
* Down jacket
Lower Body
* Lightweight cotton pants (long)
* Waterproof pants
Feet
* Thin inner socks
* Thick, warm wool hiking socks
* Comfortable hiking boots
Hands
* Gloves
Accessories
* Sleeping bag rated to 0°C
* Trekking bag/duffel bag
* Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
* Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
* Water bottle or camel bag
* Toiletries