Langtang Gosaikunda Trek -11 Days

The route to Syabrubesi takes nearly one day from Kathmandu, as it is a 6—to 7-hour drive on the most adventurous and scenic highway. The route starts with a brief crossing by the Balaju Bypass and then goes to the Pasang Lhamu Highway flyover, the primary way to the Langtang region. Halfway through is Trishuli Bazaar, a vital business point and a great place to stop and have lunch.

After crossing Trishuli Bazaar, the trail goes towards Dhunche, the gateway to the Langtang National Park. There is an indication that the gradient increases, and what concerns the road surface is rocky. Dhunche is one of those places where you can get a permit check as you formally begin your journey in the park. There are also beautifully constructed roads that pass through green hills, terraced farms, and beautiful countryside. Passages offer stunning views of beautiful rural settlements, thick foliage, and rapid waters of the Trishuli River, making the ride even more attractive. The road shifting from plains to some hilly regions past the backdrop of some of the tremendous Himalayan Mountains gives this drive a visual treat. The journey from cities to the countryside makes the trip to Syabrubesi adventurous.

The last part leads you to Syabrubesi, the starting place for the trekking expedition. This beautiful, lively village with typical stone houses and steep rice terraces is gorgeous and serves as the starting point for treks into the Langtang or the Tsum Valley area.

The day following your arrival at Syabrubesi, you will start your trek to the Lama Hotel—the route leads towards the Langtang Valley. The whole valley is filled with greenish hills, and on both sides, there are grassy fields. The trail strays along rewarding countryside, sometimes with occasional shepherds tending to their flocks on alpine meadows. This place was once highly developed and was affected by the 2015 earthquake. Today, the way is marked by a couple of transient villages and an army camp. However, all these changes do not obstruct the destination's natural beauty and provide a relatively peaceful trekking experience. It further emerges stretched with steep climbs that take you through the forests of oaks and rhododendron trees. There are also waterfalls along the routes you will take, and you will cross a few suspension bridges to get a little thrill on the hike.

The natural trails and rich vegetable cover make this a host area for primates and birdlife; you will occasionally find the long-tailed monkeys, popularly known as the langur monkeys, frolicking in the trees or hearing the bird voices resonating in the valley. The trail also affords exquisite outlooks of snow-covered mountains in the backdrop of the greenish, which reminded me of my home state. You will hike over bamboo tree areas and cross some clear streams as you go up. The air becomes thinner and colder during the climb, and you feel refreshed as you breathe. With no disturbance like human noise, a waterfall is heard at a distance, which is aesthetically appealing.

The journey lasts slightly over one and a half to a day and a half, bringing you to the Lama Hotel. It makes the destination physically welcoming, culturally benign, and conducive to rest and recreation after trekking over various terrains. Savour peace and productivity when the day is done, and you rest for the night. 

The next day is a trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang Village, which stands at approximately 11346 feet. The trek, which takes approximately 7 hours, provides various spectacular views. The trek, which takes about 7 hours, presents beautiful sights of the following attractions. Prospective hikers shall be able to enjoy the sights, which include: You will get the feel of the dense forest and listen to the sound of the trickling River, which seems to follow you. The more significant part of this trail is heavily wooded but occasionally opens into beautiful glades offering exquisite countryside views.

Ghodatabela is also halfway famous for nice chocolate box tea houses with beautiful windows. This is a perfect place to take a break, where one can have tea and admire the view of the beautiful countryside. It also has a broad perspective of the Langtang valley and the mountains that enclose it. Further down, you can go up steep paths to get a better view of the area's flora and fauna, including alpine meadows where yaks graze.

By mid-afternoon, you will be surrounded by spectacular Himalayan scenery in Langtang Village. The village's stone houses and friendly people will allow visitors to feel the spirit of the country's recovery after the traumatic events of the 2015 earthquake. This is the last place where the day's journey ends, and here also, you can enjoy the splendid views of the high hills around the place, which makes this place a worthy experience trekking point for you.

The next day's trek is more of a gentle climb because the route is shorter; thus, it is an easy journey. You pass by some Buddhist artifacts like chortens and prayer flags inscribed with Buddhist mantras. These spiritual symbols give your trek a tranquil, culturally rich dimension. On the trail, you will find stunning mountain scenery and captivating views of watermills and yak pastures—a picturesque setting.

As you continue, you will arrive at your destination relatively quickly, leaving you a reasonable amount of time to rest or explore the village. The serenity and the sluggish pace of the day are just right for relaxation and observation of the surroundings. It is also an excellent chance to communicate with the locals and understand their lives.

We, the staff of Yeti Hikes, recommend climbing a few hundred meters above Langshisha Kharka for those who wish to interact even more with this environment. This allows for an even better learning of the surrounding natural habitat and a close connection to the spiritual and cultural aspects around it. The scenic views are panoramic, while the settings of Langshisha Kharka exude much tranquility.

Start the day with an early morning hike to Kyanjin Ri at 4,773 meters for a panoramic view of the Langtang Valley and snow-capped peaks surrounding it. Early morning views are spectacular and a great time for photos and meditation. After viewing the surroundings from the summit, you will descend downhill to Kyanjin Gompa for a brief rest and breakfast. The trail to Kyanjin Ri is steep and rocky; careful footing is required, but the stunning vistas and a feeling of accomplishment will reward it.

After descending from Kyanjin Ri, the trek proceeds downhill to Ghodatabela. You will head down the same way you came up, following the same route through alpine meadows, yak pastures, and dense oak and rhododendron forests. You will also cross some suspension bridges across rushing rivers, adding adventure to the trail. The gentleness of the descent serves as a reminder to marvel at the surroundings. A well-trodden path yet uneven in most parts demands that one becomes careful, especially over rocky terrain and areas with mud, especially if there was recent rain.

Upon arrival at Ghodatabela, after about 6-7 hours, you will be greeted by charming tea houses and extensive views, which are the perfect place to rest after a long trekking. The tea houses offer basic but comfortable accommodations, warm meals, and a cozy atmosphere. This day will be one of the memorable parts of your trekking because of the challenging hike combined with the scenic descent through one of the most picturesque valleys of Nepal.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Ghodatabela and then trek towards Thulo Syabru. The trek contains ups and downs through various landscapes that offer a mixture of sightseeing and varied sounds of nature. From Ghodatabela, you first cross the oak and rhododendron forests, with sightings of the local wildlife, including langur monkeys and various bird species. The trail offers striking views of the valley beneath and the distant snow-capped peaks, forming a picture-perfect backdrop for your trek.

Further ahead, the route contains parts where one needs to cross gushing rivers on suspension bridges, which is quite an adventure. The landscape changes with every downward step into one of the terraced fields and small villages where you can observe the traditional way of life of the local communities. The path is reasonably well-marked but often uneven, so sure footing is necessary, especially in rocky and muddy parts.

After a trek of about 6-7 hours, you will reach Thulo Syabru, a lovely village with traditional Tamang culture and friendly people. Basic but comfortable accommodation in the local lodges and a warm meal add to the experience.

Start your day with a refreshing breakfast in Thulo Syabru, then head to Sing Gompa. Today's walk is relatively short, yet it is a steep climb upward that offers excellent views. Today's trail goes through the oak and rhododendron forests, and the surrounding environment is tranquil and scenic. The climb is moderate, with some steep sections, but the well-trodden path is manageable with a steady pace.

As you trek higher, the landscape changes with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The air becomes crisper, and you may notice the change in vegetation, with more alpine flora dotting the trail. Sing Gompa or Chandan Bari, is a quaint stop with a monastery and a cheese factory. The area is rich in cultural heritage, and the monastery is a peaceful place to visit, offering a glimpse into the local spiritual practices.

You can rest in the lovely lodge here and take your time to explore the village. The monastery may be a quiet and enriching place to visit, while locally made yak cheese from the factory is not to be missed. Serenity at the village with spectacular views makes Sing Gompa an ideal spot for relaxation and contemplation about the day's journey.

Sing Gompa is the first place you go to kick off your day with a warm breakfast. Therefore, today’s journey is uphill and progressive, and in order to complete it, one has to cross various terrains—soil, rugged, and bumpy. Slowly, it starts climbing through the woods and then gets on to moderately steep terrain, mainly consisting of alpine tundra. Sublime mountains, snow-covered, precise, neat, and what have you can be seen in this ever-changing background.

Further on, there are more but less significant teahouses for short rests, and you can meet with the hospitable Sherpas in person. Approaching the holy lakes of Gosaikunda becomes rockier with elevation gain, making it even more technical. But the walk is not strenuous, for the views along the trail are incomparable. You can also tour Buddhist and Hindu holy places, making your trip religious.

Walking at a moderate pace for 5-6 hours will lead one to Gosaikunda, a religious destination for Hindus and Buddhists. This area generally comprises the apparent glacial lakes, of which Gosainkunda Lake is the most popular. The calm and less greenish environment of the lakes covering mountain ranges makes it the most suitable place to rest. The lodgings are essential, but you are not constrained to sleep in high altitudes; you can get a good night’s rest and much more.

Hence, it contains conquered difficulties, perceived spiritual and natural values, and scenic beauty of the journey in one marvelous day, which would feature your trekking undertaking.

Your last day of trekking starts with a scrumptious breakfast to prepare you for the descent. The trail descends to Dhunche via steep downhill paths and gentle slopes, making for a pleasant trip. You will follow downhill trails through lush forests, terraced fields, and small villages. The trail has proper signage, and the topography is so varied that it provides a visual feast that enriches the panoramic view of the Langtang Valley with far-flung peaks.

The route passes through several beautiful settlements where you can take small breaks to rest and enjoy the local hospitality. As you descend, the air grows much warmer, and the variation in vegetation indicates that your altitude is lowering. The route includes a few suspension bridges above rushing streams, adding an adventurous touch to your journey. Much of the route is highly rocky and rough; hence, attentive footing is essential.

After some 6-7-hour trek, you will arrive at Dhunche, a bustling town and the gateway to the Langtang region. It has different kinds of lodges and teahouses that offer comfortable accommodation. The liveliness in Dhunche is quite contrasting to the serenity and remoteness of the places you have been through, which makes it a very apt place to end your trek. You can relax, reflect on the magnificent journey, and celebrate the feast.

Time passes without us knowing, and the time for your way back to Kathmandu is sadly here! After breakfast, you will leave for Kathmandu and take a sightseeing tour of the Langtang area. It has turns, making it cover the contours of the landscape; the road takes the driver through villages, fields, and forest regions.

As you descend, you will see a feeling of change in vegetation and climatic conditions getting hotter.

The 6-7-hour drive passes through several active market towns and much of the Pasang Lhamu Highway. There will be opportunities to move around, get out of the car, and even pull over to a local Kenyan roadside café for tea. The sightseeing prospers over the snow-capped Himalayan range in the backdrop, and the vivid and fulfilling lifestyle of the local people makes the journey back equally appealing as the trek.

You arrive in Kathmandu, where you will be driven to your hotel for a rest. You can also rejuvenate your tired self about your journey and city comforts. It's the end of your trekking with unforgettable moments in the culture of the Langtang region!