Nepal – Langtang and Gosainkund Lakes Trek
This is our Langtang trek. It is a fantastically scenic trek to the heart of the Himalayas with numerous highlights including:
- summiting Kyanjin Ri at 4700m
- views of the Langtang mountain range, Tibetan mountains, Manaslu range, and the Annapurnas
- a visit to the Gosainkund Lakes
We pride ourselves on leading niche treks that blend a variety of scenery with iconic locations and local communities and this trek is no exception. Nepal is an easy destination to offer world-class trekking, and here we have linked the Langtang Valley with a visit to the Gosainkund Lakes.
This is a tough trek and is ideal for the seasoned walker looking for their first Nepal trekking holiday or for those of you already in love with this fantastic destination.
Outline Itinerary
Day | Activity |
1 | Arrive Kathmandu. |
2 | Drive to Syaphru Besi |
3 | Commence trek … Syaphru Besi to Rimche. There are two route choices: the high route or the valley … We take the way less trod, which is a bit of a lung buster but the views will make it worth our while. (On our reconnaissance no one else went this way and the only noise to break the peace were the cicadas and the roar of the river way down in the valley). Climb high, sleep low – this is also an excellent way to start acclimatising to the forthcoming altitude. 7 hours walking and 1500m of height gain. |
| Rimche to Langtang (3400m abs). Today we walk through the rhododendron and bamboo forests until we arrive at the newly built Langtang Village. A pleasant day of around 6 hours walking. |
5 | Langtang to Kyanjin Gompa (3800m abs). This is an easy walk taking us maybe 3 hours to the head of the Lantang Valley culminating in the Tibetan village of Kyanjin Gompa. Here there is a yak cheese factory and even better … a bakery! Take time this afternoon to explore the village, read a book, eat cake or even go for a walk! |
6 | Acclimatisation day in Kyanjin Gompa. Today we have a relaxing day … with a walk to the summit of Kyanjin Ri at 4700m abs. From the summit of this local hill we are afforded fabulous 360 degree mountain views. We’ll be back down in good time for lunch before descending back down to Langtang for the night. |
7 | Langtang to Rimche (2500m abs). Today we retrace our steps back down the valley to Rimche. Maybe 6 hours walking today. |
8 | Rimche to Thulo Syaphru (2200m abs). We head down to the riverbed before ascending through the forest to the local community of Thulo Syaphro. This typical Nepali hill village brings a new feel to the trek and is the perfect herald to the second phase. As we enter Thulo Syaphro we will see the local Nepalis at work in their fields and tending to their yaks and livestock. It’s a great peek into local life. |
9 | Thulo Syaphru to Laurabina Yak (3900m abs). This is a meaty day. We ascend 1700m – legs of steel will be needed! The scenery however is constantly a source of interest and as we arrive at Laurabina Yak we will hopefully be rewarded with views that span FOUR Himalayan mountain ranges: the Langtangs, the Tibetan mountain range, Manaslu and the Annapurnas. Views don’t come much better than this! |
10 | Laurabina Yak to Gosainkund Lakes and back down to Sing Gompa. The Gosainkund Lakes are a pilgramage site for Hindus from Nepal, India and countries beyond. It adds a lovely dynamic to this trek to be able to talk to locals who will delight in this opportunity to practise their English. Sing Gompa is a delightful location to spend the last night of our trek and with luck we’ll be rewarded with a final sunset sensation for a view. |
11 | We say goodbye to the trail today with an early walk back to the road head at Dhunche. From here we will take our privately booked jeeps back to Kathmandu. |
12 | A day for sightseeing in Kathmandu. |
13 | Flights home. |
Note: One or two extra nights in Kathmandu can easily be arranged upon request and are well recommended!
Timing
This trip is an autumn trek with a view to getting the best of Nepali weather. You can expect brilliant sun rises, snow in the higher elevations, and below zero temperatures at altitude at night.
Equipment
The kit list specifically required for the Langtang trek will be sent to you in our client’s expedition handbook. Largely speaking little is required of you – a good pair of walking boots, a pair of poles and a 3 season sleeping bag will be much appreciated at the higher altitudes in the night time sub-zero temperatures.
Level of Fitness
The Langtang trek is suitable for anyone with good fitness to walk in mountainous terrain for nine days days carrying a light day-sack. It does not require that you have any previous trekking or mountaineering experience and neither does it require any technical skills. Experienced walkers and trekkers will manage this easily within their stride. Days will on average involve six hours walking time including a lot of height gain, though some may be shorter or longer according to weather conditions.
The fitter you are the more you will enjoy yourself on the trek. If you don’t normally get out much it is never too soon to start. Exercise regularly each week to develop your cardiovascular system and stamina. At weekends, go and explore some countryside, maybe take a pack and do some camping. As a rule of thumb, if you can comfortably walk 10 miles (16km) in hilly countryside then you should be fine on this trip. Finally, take some tips from here to get trek fit!
Roughing It
All trips to mountainous regions in developing world countries involve a degree of ‘roughing it’. In turn, on the Langtang trek, showers are only sometimes available, and frequently they’re not hot either! However, the facilities are generally good, and in our experience hygiene is of a high order in the tea houses in which we visit. Back in Kathmandu, the hotel we use is of a high standard: clean and comfortable and a great place to relax, though not ostentatious.
Booking
Please note Will4Adventure no longer lead these treks. We recommend contacting our friend and local guide Padam Adhikari for further information and any queries. Padam will take great care of you, and will happily organise your whole trip from the moment you arrive at the airport (should you wish). Email Padam at gpadhikari92@yahoo.com.
Please note that often he is on trek and so may take a few days to reply.
