Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

Visit the diverse Langtang National Park

Entering the Langtang National Park, you will transition from subtropical vegetation to high-altitude alpine zones as we keep ascending day after day. This park protects over 370 different species of birds, with around 46 kinds of wild animals. There are many endangered species, including musk deer, red panda, Himalayan tahr, and more. Although the chances of encountering them on the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek are low, it is not completely zero.

Admire the pristine Gosaikunda Lake System

Reaching 4380 m above sea level, the Gosaikunda lake is a sacred body of water that holds religious importance to the Hindus. It is believed that Lord Shiva quenched his thirst there, after drinking poison. Many pilgrims visit the lake during the festival of Janai Purnima. You can even take a holy dip in the icy water if you are feeling extra adventurous. The Gosaikunda Lake system is the source of the Trishuli River, which you can see on the way to Pokhara from Kathmandu.

Explore Kyanjin Gompa and hike up to Kyanjin Ri

Waking up at the village of Kyanjin, we will join the morning prayers at Kyanjin Gompa and see its intricately designed interiors and exteriors. After that, we will also visit the local cheese factory, followed by a hike to the viewpoint of Kyanjin Ri. This 3-hour climb offers a great panoramic view

of Dorje Lakpa, Yansa Tsenji, and Langtang Lirung.

Witness unforgettable, picturesque views of many peaks and the Himalayan ranges

Throughout the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek, you will get to enjoy many stunning scenes of peaks, including but not limited to Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Naya Kanga, Yanda Tsenji, Ganchenpo, and Langtang Ri. On a very clear day, you will even see the Annapurna Himalayan range and a couple of peaks of the Manaslu range.

Expose yourself to the Tamang culture

As we will spend many days and nights at the Tamang villages throughout the Langtang valley, you will have plenty of chances to immerse yourself in their authentic local culture. You might even get to see some traditional dance performances during some festivals in the highlands. If you do this trek during the autumn season, you will have enhanced chances of witnessing traditional celebrations.

Cross the Lauribina La Pass and trek the Lauribina ridgeline

Reaching 4610 m, this is the second-highest point of the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. Following prayer flags and stone cairns, we will follow the path to the top, to be rewarded with a grand view of Ganesh Himal and the Gosaikunda Lakes below. Also, crossing the Lauribina ridgeline, you get to witness a distant view of the Manaslu Himalayan range, along with the famous Annapurna peaks.

Is this trip beginner-friendly?

While not specifically, it can be a good experience for beginners to join this trek as long as they are well prepared for the physical demands of the trek. The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek can be a bit too much for beginners with less experience; however, if they are ready to take on the challenge, they can get in on the adventure.

Private trip vs Group Joining

A private trip to the Gosaikunda and Langtang region can be one of the best experiences you can share with your close ones or alone. While this option is a bit more costly in comparison to group trek, it gives you the option to go on an intimate experience. You will be accompanied by guides and porters, as per the size of the group. Meanwhile, a group trek is the better option for solo travelers who want some company and eventually make some trekking friends along the journey. This is also the best budget option.

Trip Extension

We offer a flexible trekking itinerary that you can adjust and extend as per your preference. You can simply choose to spend extra nights at villages you like or add different destinations along the way. One of the best ways to extend this trek is to add the Helambu Trek, which adds about 5 to 6 more days to the standard Langtang Gosaikunda Trek itinerary we have discussed above. In addition to that, you can also explore the Langtang Valley extensively, crossing the Tilman Pass (5320 m) in the process.

Solo trek in the Langtang Gosaikunda region

Solo trek does not mean trekking all alone; you are legally not allowed to enter the Langtang National Park without being accompanied by a licensed trek guide. It is mandatory to have a guide, but you can skip hiring a porter if you are confident you can carry your own luggage throughout the journey. At the bare minimum, a solo trek to the Langtang region is paired with a trek guide.

Photography & Drone Rules

Visitors are freely allowed to take photos of the scenes, wild animals, peaks, temples, monasteries, chortens, and all the things you see with your naked eye in the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. However, if you are photographing the locals, please make sure that they are fine with it; we do not want unnecessary situations on the trek. In addition to that, drone flying is not permitted unless you have the proper paperwork. It can be a hassle to get the permits, so we recommend visiting Nepal a couple of days before the start of the trek.

Cultural Festivals on the Trail

You can witness Hindus performing rituals at the Gosaikunda Lake during Janai Purnima, which falls in August or July. However, Lhoshar is the main festival of the region; it is the New Year of the Tamang and Sherpa people. This festival falls in February and is widely celebrated throughout the region.

Tips for First-Time Nepal Visitors

• The Nepalese government has implemented an easy visa-on-arrival. You do not necessarily have to get a tourist visa before you take your flight to Nepal. You just need to have the proper documents, and you will have your visa in under an hour.
• Carry a bunch of water purification tablets. Use the purification tablets every time you refill your reusable water bottle.
• Flight delays are not common during the peak travel season, but you can expect some delays while traveling by ground.
• The Tibetan Buddhism-influenced region of Langtang has many religious sites; regardless of whether it’s a Hindu Temple or a Buddhist monastery, you must always pass it in a clockwise direction, from the left.
• Respect the local practices and beliefs, and always make sure that you are dressed modestly. Showing skin is not appreciated in the remote villages; their rural lives are very conservative.

Typical Daily Routine on the Trek

A typical trekking day on the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek starts with a hearty breakfast to fuel the body for the trail ahead. Ascending and descending along the way, we will trek for about 5 hours on average, passing by remote villages and forests. On the way, we will stop for lunch and take many rest stops in between. Generally, we will hit the final climb or descent of the day right after having our lunch.

Mental Preparation & Trekking Mindset

You will be spending almost two weeks in remote and barely accessible villages, where you will have to spend your nights at very basic accommodations. The services are usually bare minimum as they do not have the proper infrastructure to support high-standard services and facilities. You might even have to spend a couple of days without internet and connection to the outside world.

Showers are not a daily thing during the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek, as it can get very cold in certain places, and even hot showers can make you catch a cold. There are many things that make you uncomfortable throughout the trek, and even minor inconveniences can be a deal breaker over time. To overcome all the obstacles, you need to mentally prepare for a very basic life in the remote highlands.