Langtang- Gosainkunda Extended Trekking empowers you to explore the enchanted Langtang Valley and mythical Gosainkunda Lake alongside stopover at the alluring town of Nagarkot and sacred Buddhist shrine of Namobuddha. Described by Bill Tilman as “the most beautiful valley in the world’, Langtang Valley fills your heart with genuine delight.
Langtang Valley is the nearest trekking destination near the capital city of Kathmandu. Geographically, Langtang Valley shares the Tibetan border in the northern region of Nepal. Tibetan cultures and traditions have exerted a great influence in this region since the past decades.
Nevertheless, you can witness the Tamang and Sherpa communities (Major inhabitants of the region) have their own distinct cultural norms and values that can fascinate visitors who drop by the Langtang region annually.
The distant valley trek along the rocky terrain bestows you with the insight of Nepali culture and tradition, captivating landscapes with elegant rhododendron forest, and fascinating legends that connect the alluring Gosainkunda with the Hindu mythology.
The Nagarkot is located on the outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley, well known for the exquisite sunrise and sunset vistas it renders. Whereas, Namobuddha a kernel of meditation and yoga activities; celebrated for its artistic monuments, captivating culture.
Our trek begins from Syabrubesi. The trail goes across the appealing forest to Lama Hotel. The next day, we trek to Munda via Langtang Village. Today we get the glimpses of traditional artworks and stone houses that are elementary in design but classic.
Then, we continue to Kyangjin Gompa where we explore the region and Monastery, Cheese factory and Sherpa village and take pleasure in spectacular mountain vistas that beam out the aura of elegance. Among those mountains, Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal and Dorje Lakpa are some of the predominant peaks.
Afterward, we trek to Tserko Ri and explore the region. From this point onwards, we trek back to Lama Hotel and come across Thulo Syabru, Shin gomba, and finally arrive at Gosainkunda: the alpine freshwater lake. The divine lake with its holy water is sacred to both the Hindu and Buddhist devotees.
Each of the religions has its own version of legend to explain the origin of the lake and its religious significance. Being blessed, we now descend to Gopte; continuing to Kutumsang then Chisapani. Ultimately, we range over Nagarkot and Namobuddha and drive back to Kathmandu.
With such ultimate experiences, the Langtang- Gosainkunda Extended Trek steals your heart and overfills it with joy and excitement. The trek is a bit demanding; thus, trekkers are required to stay fit and healthy both physically and mentally in order to complete the trek successfully. We recommend the time period of Sep-Oct and March-May that reveals autumn and spring seasons respectively to perform this trek.
Are you excited and ready to experience the glory and the binding spell of the Langtang Valley alongside the alluring Nagarkot and Namobuddha?? Then, contact us right away and book your adventure now!!
Day | Highlight | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Drive to Syabrubesi (1,503m/5,100ft) | Syabrubesi |
Day 2 | Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2,380m/7,830ft) via Pairo and Rimche. | Lama Hotel |
Day 3 | Lama Hotel to Mundu (3,543m/11,621ft) via Langtang village (3,430m/11,253ft) | Mundu |
Day 4 | Mundu to Kyangjin Gompa (3,830m/12,697ft) | Kyangjin Gompa |
Day 5 | Hike to Tserko Ri (4,984 m/16,404ft) | Kyangjin Gompa |
Day 6 | Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel (2,410m/8,104ft) | Lama Hotel |
Day 7 | Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru (2,200 m/ 7,316ft) | Thulo Syabru |
Day 8 | Thulo Syabru to Sing Gompa (3,330m/10,826ft) | Sing Gompa |
Day 9 | Sing Gompa to Gosainkunda via Laurebina(4,380m/14,632ft) | Gosainkunda |
Day 10 | Gosaikunda to Ghopte (3,440m/11,286ft) | Ghopte |
Day 11 | Ghopte to Kutumsang (2,470m/8,103ft) | Kutumsang |
Day 12 | Kutumsang to Chisapani (2,135 m/7,004ft) | Chisapani |
Day 13 | Chisapani to Nagarkot (2,175 m/7,136 ft) | Nagarkot |
Day 14 | Nagarkot to Namobuddha (1,750m/5,740ft) | Namobuddha |
Day 15 | Namobuddha to Panauti (Drive to Kathmandu) (1,504m/4,934ft) | Kathmandu |
Day 16 | Departure |
Kathmandu to Syabrubesi can be reached by 2 ways: one via Galchi (7 hours), while the other via Kakani (9 hours).The road along the Galchi is a relatively better and quicker option for those who don’t like traveling in a vehicle for a long time.
This route is often used by the Chinese for trading with India. The buses generally leave from Gongabu Bus Park or Machhapokhari. For lunch, you will stop at Trishuli Bazaar, but it is always better to carry it from Kathmandu.
On the other hand, the road via Kakani follows sceneries and mesmerizing glimpses of lush valleys, terraced farmlands along with numerous ethnic settlements. If the weather is clear, Kakani offers a wonderful view of snowy peaks. However, the road is bumpy, and it is always better to expect nothing good on the way- except for lovely people and scenes.
Syabrubesi is saturated mostly by Tamangs, while it was a small Tibetan Community for many years. You may play with some wildlife: particularly langurs and monkeys. During the wet seasons, the trail is very slippery, and landslides are common.
Following a good night sleep, you will leave early in the morning from Syabrubesi. With acute Tiwari village hosting several guesthouses on the way, the trail crosses to the south of the Langtang Khola flowing from east ways.
Continue to Dovan (Doban), which arrives soon after crossing Chopche Khola and ascent through the tranquil woodland of Bamboo (1,970 m).
While on the way, there are few mountains to gaze on and relish in. Climb the steep ascent to Rimche (2,455 m). Within a couple of distance arrives a beautiful village of Changdam, which is popularly known as Lama Hotel (2,420 m).
Once you leave from Lama Hotel, you continue a steep climb along the semitropical forest. Somewhere between the ascent, the views of Langtang Lirung appears tempting while the swirling river passing down through the ravine adds a thrill to the view.
Number of Lodges saturate the Ghoretabela (3,005 m). With the increase in elevation, the views get even more tantalizing and the upland meadows substitute the subtropical forests. Mani walls and Chortens color the pathways while inkling the arrival of Buddhist communities.
Subsequently, the sceneries become dulled as you climb up to Thyangshyap (3,140 m). After about 1 and a half hour, you arrive at the beautiful Hilltop, which opens up the incredible views of some of the Langtang peaks. As you cross the suspension bridge, the village of Chyamki (3,230 m) comes into view and after Gumba village (3,400 m), the trail descends from the monastery along a steep trail.
Before arriving at Langtang, there is a hill to the left, which offers a beautiful view of Gangchenpo peak. Langtang village (3,430 m) is crowded by the lodges. Once you leave the place through a medley of mani walls, you descend to a small canyon towards Mundu. The houses here are beautiful and decorated with delicate carvings on windows and wooden panels.
The trail is easy for a while. As you ascend, somewhere from the middle of the trek, you will get a better view of Ganchenpo. Cafe’s and lodges appear on the right side of the trail and the hustling river of Langtang provokes an eccentric mood.
The steady climb paves your way through Urking Kanggari on the south. A white chorten hints the way to Langtang Lirung Base Camp, but we go the other way that leads to Kyangjin Gompa (3,830 m)-takes around 45 min-through the various ridges of the moraine.
Explore the picturesque Kyangjin Gompa. It is the largest Gompa in the Langtang valley and an iconic piece of elegance and beauty.
Among the number of side trips from Kyangjin Gompa, hike to Tserko Ri is probably the best choice. Although during the snowfall this region is difficult to climb, the top has everything to offer for any nature-loving bee.
Check out the signs on the way that directs you to the correct path. Climbing a little across the base of the hillside, follow the moraine and then descend down the stream that drains the west side of the Tsergo Ri.
There are a number of ways to summit the Tsergo Ri: along the moraine or meandering around the Namthang Kharka (least favored). As you make it to the top, Pangen Dopku, Gangchenpo and Yala Peak offers a breathtaking outlook.
After spending quality time there, descend to Kyangjin Gompa for the overnight.
You will retrace your steps that you followed in DAY-3 and DAY-4.
Down the way to Syabrubesi, you go through Rimche. It is a beautiful village dominated by Tamangs. Relish in the rural aroma polished with the antique Tibetan culture and monasteries. Parallel to the ferocious Langtang Khola (river), the trail goes through several woodlands of rhododendron, pine, and slithering bamboos.
As you arrive at Domen, you turn left-skipping the one that leads to Syabrubesi-meandering around occasional settlements to make an appearance at Thulo Syabru.
Take rest in one of the hotels in Thulo Syabru.
Crowing of the roosters in the local houses signals the start of the day. As you leave the upper chorten in Thulo Syabru, the trail passes through an army check-post, where a signboard asks you to choose one from two ways: Dhunche or Brabal.
Choosing the former path, you ascend up through a rhododendron jungle and follow series of switchbacks via Dursagang (2,660 m) to make an appearance at Foprang Danda (3,190 m), which renders an unparalleled view of Ganesh Himal over the valley of Trishuli.
From then on, the forests grow denser and humid along the tricky path plastered with the snow. After Kharka, turn left to destine at the lovely village of Sing Gompa (3,330 m).
The monastery there is adorned with the divine paintings in the holy settings of Buddha. Around the monastery are color flags that add another dimension to the beauty of Himalayas.
You may go for a side trip to Phulung Monastery and a viewpoint ahead. At the end of the day, your guide will escort you to your hotel for the overnight stay.
Within a short walk from Sing Gompa, you will arrive at a vantage point, somewhere between the tranquil woodland, that opens up the incredible view of Ganesh Himal. The stroll along this trail is simply fascinating because the views of Himalayas grow more beautiful as you walk ahead.
Within about 2 hours, you will make an appearance at Cholangpati (3,584 m). Then, the trail ascends towards Laurebina (3,910 m) with the constant gaze of snowy peaks: Ganesh, Himalchuli and even Annapurna far behind. Here, the climb is steady up along the ridges and not so taxing.
Within 25 mins, there is another signboard directing you towards the Gosaikunda. As you walk, the red cliffs below the ridges inspire you to continue your journey towards the exotic setting of Saraswati kund and few other lakes before revealing the hidden treasure of Gosaikunda.
Gosaikunda is squeezed between the snowy crags in a tranquil setting, where only the soaring ridges and snowy tops are evident. This lake is sacred among Hindus and Buddhists while tempting among nature-loving chaps. With a thousand years old mythical origin, this lake is saturated by pilgrims during the festival of Janai Purnima, which usually falls in the month of August.
The trail from Gosaikunda to Ghopte is fairly easy until Phedi. From then on, icy trail and horrendous chilly breeze complicate the walk ahead to Ghopte.
Leaving the holy Gosainkunda, the trail switches around the Dudh Kunda, Ganesh Kunda and Surya Kunda along the Laurebina Pass (4,610 m). The blue ridgelines south towards the Kathmandu valley appear tantalizing to the eyes.
A number of Cairns and old stone shelters devoid of roofs pass by the side of the steep rocky trail until Phedi High Camp (4,100 m). From then on, the endless rocky trail plunges into the juniper scrub and leads you to Phedi (3,780 m) after about 1 hours descent from High Camp.
The hardest part of the journey kicks off as you leave Phedi along the haunting trail dominated by snow and ice all around. The trail follows a series of ups and downs along the sweet juniper and fragrant rhododendron woodlands. There are some waterfalls and clear streams to inspire you on this adventurous journey until making an appearance at Ghopte (3,440 m).
The trail from Ghopte lingers with the bamboo and rhododendron thickets until Tharepati (3,690 m), which is just a couple of hours walk from Ghopte. From then on, the trail is even more exciting.
Unlike the punishing switchbacks around the Gosaikunda ridge, the trail onwards is easy and relaxing with the wispy winds blowing from the willow trees. Few chortens delight the ambiance. Descend down until Magengoth (3,420 m), which is the stop-over for most of the trekkers trekking in Langtang region. But, we further head towards Kutumsang.
Along the wide and airy trail, you past several lodges and hotels with ever-present view on all sides. If anyone believes in heaven, this is it. Follow the directions shown in the signboard at various junctions until arriving at Kutumsang (2,470 m) via Sanu Ghopte.
Kutumsang to Chisapani is a long way to go but the trail is easy and captivating. Heading up to grassy meadows, the trail rollercoasters along a dirt road -sometimes along the eroded gully-until arriving at Gul Bhanjhyang (2,130 m).
From then on, the trail slumbers up to Lower Thodung (2,160 m). If time doesn’t pose a barrier, explore the Lama complex brushed with the taste of fine paintings and modern sophistications jammed with the Tibetan touch.
The hot and humid conditions ahead posit slight difficulty for trekking, but the view of Ganesh Himal and Jugal Himal is worth it. Sceneries are lined up on both sides of the trail-east and west.
After crossing Lapche, the trail becomes fenced by the beautiful Mani stones. The settlements grow denser and the trail widens as you proceed further down. On the way, there are signs to direct you towards Chisapani (2,165 m).
Chisapani is an amazing place to spend your time in with plenty of lodges available with different levels of comfort. From the hilltop of Chisapani, sunset can be magical as the snowy cliffs of Annapurna and Gaurishankar turn golden with the falling sun.
Early in the morning, we hover above the mountains dominated the skyline for the glamorous sunrise view and proceed along a flat trail between the meadows for about 3 hours. All of a sudden, the trail descends through the sparse settlements for about 2 hours until arriving at Chauki Bhanjhyang.
Continue the scenic route along the dirt road to the hill of Nagarkot, to see the tantalizing views of Mt. Everest (8848 m.). Other mountains-Lhotse (8516 m.), Cho Oyu (8201 m.), Makalu (8463 m.) and Manaslu (8163 m.)-support the splendor of the Everest.
Stay in one of the lodges in Nagarkot for the overnight.
Nagarkot to Namobuddha can be reached via a rustic lane full of dust. Even a slight wind could blur the atmosphere with dust. It’s obvious that the breathing becomes difficult in this trek, so make sure you put a mask on your face.
Namobuddha is a wonder of elegance and beauty. Visit the monastery which is an epitome of Tibetan art and culture. Spend quality time there.
Parallel to the lush valleys, the road from Namobuddha to Panauti is black-topped. It is pleasure walk. Although there is nothing so special to see, the tranquil setting offers a unique ambiance.
If you wish, you may extend your stay for more adventures. Majority of our clients prefer to stay after their trip.
If not, it is the time to say goodbye to all the amazing people, mountains, and culture until next time you revisit Nepal. We look forward to traveling with you.