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A Complete Guide to Langtang Gosainkunda Trek in Langtang Region

06 June 2024

Planning a Trip to Nepal?

The serene Langtang region of Nepal is home to the breathtakingly gorgeous Langtang Gosainkunda Trek. The picturesque hike route winds through a variety of natural settings, such as secluded valleys, calm waterfalls, Himalayan rivers, and alpine forests. In addition, you will hike to the pristine Himalayan lakes, such as the spectacular Gosaikunda, and discover the distinctive Tamang communities with their lifestyle and culture influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Along the way, you will visit several holy sites, such as Kyanjin Gompa and Sing Gompa. Along the trail, there are numerous Buddhist shrines, mani walls, prayer flags in various colors, and large boulders with Buddhist mantras painted on them.

Additionally, the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is suitable for trekkers of all ability levels because to its moderate difficulty. This is an easy to moderate trek to finish if you have a good level of physical fitness and a strong determination.

The length of the trek might vary according on the route taken, and the degree of difficulty can be greatly influenced by the route and schedule chosen. It is an excellent choice to combine with the Tamang Heritage Trek and/or the Langtang Valley Trek. It can be accessed from the Helambu Trek to the south or from the Langtang Valley trek to the north. The location is easily accessible due to its proximity to Kathmandu and the available transportation choices.

Highlights of the Trek

  • Experience scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
  • Sacred Gosaikunda Lake (4381 m) and dozens of its associates
  • Lauribina Pass (4610 m)-the highest point of the trek
  • Witness the amazing views of Langtang, Ganesh, Himal Chuli and more
  • Authentic Tamang villages, their culture, and warm hospitality
  • Visit Singh Gompa and other monasteries
  • Visit the renowned cheese factory while exploring Kyanjin Gompa, the oldest Buddhist monastery
  • Meet Buddhist people
  • Encounter various wildlife and species passing from Langtang National Park
  • Trek through the habitats of Musk deer and Red Panda
  • Hot springs on the way to Langtang Valley that revitalize you
  • Trip Facts

  • Number of Days : 10-14
  • Lowest Elevation: 1,440 meters (Syabrubesi)
  • Highest Elevation: 4,773 meters (Kyanjin Ri)
  • Trek Grade: Moderate
  • Transportation: Land Transportation
  • Accommodation: Tea Houses / Guest Houses
  • Trek Route: Syabrubesi- Lama Hotel- Mundu via Langtang village- Kyanjin Gompa- Tsergo Ri- Descent to Kyanjin Gompa- Lama Hotel- Thulo Sarbu- Lauribina- Gosaikunda- Ghopte- Mangengoth- Gul Bhanjyang- Chisapani- Sundarijal- Kathmandu

Trekking route for Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

After enjoying the Cultural Tours in Kathmandu, the 7-hour trip to Syabrubensi (1,467m) is the first step in the trekking to this wonderland known as Langtang Gosainkunda Trek. There is a trekking trail that goes from Syabrubensi to the little settlement of Bamboo. After crossing the Bhote Koshi River, the trekking path goes up Langtang Khola. The settlement of Ramche, which is located at the banks of the Langtang Khola, is traversed on the way to the Lama Hotel (2,470m). The trip leaves at Lama Hotel and travels through Langtang hamlet (3,430m) to Kyangin Gompa (3,870m), where one may explore the magnificent Langtang Mountain. Here, the trekkers spend a day acclimatizing and exploring Tserko Ri (4,984m).

Return to Thulo Syabru (2,240m) after trekking through the Langtang Valley Trek and staying at the Lama Hotel. From here, trek to 3,330-meter-high Chandanbari and visit the Sing Gompa. Next, you will climb from Laure Binayak to the sacred pilgrimage destination known as "Gosaikunda," which is 4,380 meters high. The trek returns to Ghopte (3,430) after visiting the Gosaikunda lake area's vintage. Next, it crosses the Laure Binayak pass (4,610) and goes to Melamchi village (2,530). You then trek to Melamchi Pul and Sermathang, two stunning villages at an elevation of 2590 meters, before making your way back to Kathmandu.

Permits and Entrance Permit required for Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek lies inside the Langtang National Park which requires permits to trek. You are highly restricted to attacking or doing any kind of harm to the wild animals and species.

The trekkers require a permit to enter the Langtang National Park at Dhunche in the army check post. The trekkers need their passports for the permit.

The other permit required is the TIMS permit which is issued by TAAN. The TIMS permit is registered by the trekking agency you choose. Mainly you will require these 2 permits to complete your Langtang Gosaikunda Trek.

Additionally you need Shivapuri National Park permit which can be acquired in Chaisapani.

Trekking Distance

The trek from Kathmandu to Langtang valley and the Gosaikunda Lake takes about 14 to 17 days to conquer. During the Langtang Gosaikunda trekking, the trail covers a total distance of about 177Km/109 miles. Hence, the overall distance covered during Gosaikunda and Langtang valley trekking is 177Km on average.

Best season for doing Langtang Gosainkunda Trek

In autumn season (September, October & November) in Nepal, the average high temperature ranges between 28 degree 20 degree in Gosaikunda. Likewise, the average low temperature ranges between 10 to 6 degrees. As the temperature is moderate, autumn is an ideal season for Langtang Gosainkunda Trek. The weather remains pretty clear. It is the perfect time to capture the beautiful Himalayas in your camera lens. You witness breathtaking views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh, Himalchuli, Dorje Lakpa and more. You walk through valleys, ridges, mountains, highlands, alpine forests, and grasslands.

During the spring season (March, April & May), the entire forest blooms with rhododendrons. It is much pleasing to walk through the forests bloomed with vibrant rhododendrons. This makes the trekkers enjoy the entire trek. In Gosaikunda, the average high temperature ranges between 18 degree 30 degree in the Spring. Likewise, the average low temperature ranges between 6 to 18 degrees.

Early June also remains a good season to trek. As the weather remains dry until mid-June, you can trek to Gosaikunda in the early or second week of June as well.

The winter months of December, January & February has high temperature ranges between 18 degree 22 degrees. Likewise, the average low temperature ranges between 2 to 6 degree. The early and mid-December is still a good time for Gosaikunda trek. As the December comes to an end, high-altitude areas start receiving snowfall. Gosaikunda and Lauribinayak Pass are among them. Despite snowfall, the trek is still doable. But, keep in mind that extreme snowfall can block Lauribina Pass. The lake remains frozen in the winter and continues being so for a few months.

The average high temperature ranges between 30 degree to 22 degree in the Monsoon Season. Likewise, the average low temperature ranges between 17 degree to 21 degree. The lush green grasslands and rhododendron forests make Langtang region attractive in monsoon. But, the start of monsoon from mid or late June cut off the trekkers’ numbers hugely. In the monsoon season, the clouds and rains obstruct the views. And the trails are wet and slippery.

Spiritual journey to Gosainkunda during Janai Purnima in August

August is the time for spiritual trekking to Gosaikunda. The full moon at the end of August is celebrated as “Janai Purnima” festival. In this time, Hindu and Buddhist devotees flock to Gosaikunda. They take a bath in the ice cold water of Gosaikunda and pay homage to Lord Shiva. After a bath, thousands of Hindus pilgrims change a sacred thread “Janai” they wear.

Trekking to Gosaikunda during this time has its own significance. Hindu mythology describes Gosaikunda as a holy pond created by Lord Shiva. Hindu devotees believe one can wash away all their wrong deeds by taking a dip in this holy pond.

Around 50,000 pilgrims make their way to the sacred lake of Gosaikunda during this time. So, the trek remains pretty crowded. The pilgrims are seen singing Hindu chants and playing instruments. The atmosphere is mesmerizing.

The Home of the Red Panda -Langtang National Park

Langtang (Lamtang) National Park was established in 1976 with the ambition of conserving unique flora and fauna along with distinctive culture.

The Langtang National Park covers 1,710 square kilometers of the area with an additional 420 square kilometers of the buffer zone. It covers the majority of Rasuwa districts and some areas of Nuwakot and Sindupalchowk.

It is home to endangered animals like Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Musk deer, and so on. The elevation of the National Park ranges from 1000 meters to 7,234 meters above sea level to the summit of Langtang Lirung.

The trek dazzles you with lowland subtropical bamboo tall trees, colorful rhododendron to subalpine vegetations such as silver-fir, hemlock, etc. There are 46 species of mammals including rare species like snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, Himalayan Thar, etc. 70 species of butterflies and 345 species of birds add color to the portrait of lush vegetation and makes your trek delightful.

Altitude Sickness in Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

Trekkers can suffer altitude sickness in Langtang Gosaikunda Trek and it is normal. As the elevation rises, there is a high chance of getting altitude sickness. But, with proper acclimatization rest, following the guide’s instructions, and adjusting to the altitude, it is preventable.

Symptoms for Altitude Sickness

Some common symptoms of Altitude Sickness are:

Headache, nausea, dizziness, uneasiness, appetite, and sleep loss, and on extreme some can experience unconsciousness and hallucination.

Preventions for Altitude Sickness

  • Take an acclimatization rest
  • Inform the guide
  • Climb slowly and gradually
  • Keep yourself hydrated
  • Avoid alcohol and salty foods
  • Know your body limit
  • Take a complete rest and sleep
  • Take medicine consulting a guide

Physical Fitness for Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is a moderate trek and it is an off-beat trail and remote. The trekking trail is rugged consisting of steep ascends, and descends. The elevation gain is challenge for trekkers. We suggest you participate in cardiovascular physical exercises, short hikes, and necessary check-ups before the trek. Build stamina and physical fitness to complete the trek successfully.

FAQS

What is the highest point of the Langtang Gosainkunda Trek?
At 4610 m. Lauribinayak Pass marks the highest point on the trek. Additionally there are several look out points you can reach on day trips from the Langtang side. These include Menchhyamsa Ri (4650 m) and Tserko Ri (4984 m).
What is the highest & slowest sleeping point on the Langtang Gosainkunda Trek?
The highest sleeping point is at Gosainkunda (4380 m). The lowest point of the trek is Sundarijal which is at 1460 m.
How long have people been trekking the Langtang Gosainkunda Trek route ?
This area has been trekked since Nepal first opened its doors to commercial tourism in the 1960s. The Gosainkunda lakes are sacred to Hindus and have been visited for hundred of years. Kyangin Gompa is a pilgrimage site for Buddhist.
Is there any ATM service on the Gosaikunda trek?
There is an ATM in Syabrubesi that you can use before starting the trek.
Is there Wi-Fi services during the trek?
Yes, you can find Wi-Fi services in all the hotels and guest houses you stay in during the trek.
Is Langtang Gosaikunda Trek difficult?
Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is one of the moderate trekking zones of Nepal. While trekking on the initial 2-3 days is quite comfortable, the final climb is known to be difficult. However, this is a perfect trip for beginners who have never been to high altitudes before.
Is any trekking experience required for this trek?
No there is not any particular trekking experience required for this trek but having one is always beneficial. New beginners can also trek to Gosaikunda.
What is the accommodation in the Langtang Gosainkunda Trek area like?
You would find a tea house, modest lodges, and hotels along this trail because it is typically a teahouse trekking route. Usually, you can find enough lodges for an average stay if you hike between villages. Some hotels provide lovely, spotless guestrooms with adjoining bathrooms. While some standard hotels have shared toilets, finding a private room is not difficult. However, if you want to trek in the spring or fall, you should reserve in advance because finding a room might be a little challenging.
What kind of food do we get during Langtang Gosainkunda Trek?
The tea houses along the trail have a wide range of food options. The variety for breakfast includes oat porridge, eggs, pancakes, and bread. Tibetan bread is also available and served with tea/ Juice. Dal Bhat, pasta, spaghetti, noodles, soups, and momos (local dumplings) are the popular options for dinner and lunch. Among them, most trekkers prefer the Dal Bhat with unlimited refills.
Can you buy Drinking Water entire trek?

You can get safe drinking water throughout the trekking route. In addition, you can get mineral water bottles everywhere.

The best recommendation for drinking water is to bring means of water purification.

You can carry a portable water filter, steripen, water purification tablet, and some other items. It can give you safe drinking water as well as save some cash.

Is the Langtang Gosainkunda Trek itinerary flexible?
Yes, the trek itinerary is flexible, and customizable to best suit your preference.
What are the required equipment lists or gear for Langtang Gosainkunda Trek?

The list is like this:

  • Lightweight hiking shirt
  • Full or half Pants/Trousers
  • Hiking Underwear
  • Thermals
  • A pair of good quality trekking shoes
  • Wind-cheater Jacket and trousers
  • Lightweight down jacket
  • A pair of hiking sandals
  • Gloves
  • Lightweight hiking socks
  • Shorts
  • Light underwears
  • Comfortable Sports Bras (for girls)
  • A Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Trekking Pole
  • Backpack/Day Pack
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, face, and body moisturizer, Lip guard, Toothpaste, toothbrush, multipurpose soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, lightweight towel, toilet paper, deodorant, sanitary pads, nail clippers)
  • First aid kit with medicines (for altitude sickness, Diarrhea, sprains, colds)
  • Documents (passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, vouchers, passport-sized photos, map, change money, permits)
  • Miscellaneous (camera, extra batteries, power bank, tripods, journal, pen, books, cards, snacks, bars, reusable water bottle, torch, binoculars, water purification tablets)