Langtang Gosainkunda Trek

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m)

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

On arrival at Tribhuvan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying the “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard outside the airport terminal. You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle.

Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Tour Duration:  Approx. 8 hours

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast

9:00 AM: After breakfast, we start our guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. On this cultural tour, you will experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

You will head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The prominent sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess.  Kasthamandap is a huge rest house that is said to have been built with the wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.

Swayambhunath:

Swayambhunath (monkey temple), is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and center of faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible from far and wide. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. In the shadows of the imposing structure and besides the integrated architecture can be found the daily surge of devotees faithfully offering their prayers to the gods. Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burns constantly create a serene vibe and enormous prayer wheels which encircle the stupa.

PM: Boudhanath

Then we drive towards Boudhanath.  From the moment you step into the sanctuary, you’ll immediately feel the spiritual energy that comes from the place. Boudhanath is one of the biggest stupas in Nepal, built in the 5^th century and listed on the world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979. The surrounding area is a central spiritual hub of Tibetan life and culture in Nepal. You can see the beautiful dome-shaped structure stupa surrounded by brilliant colorful prayer flags. It is believed that prayer flags convey mantras and prayers into the universe while fluttering in the wind. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha.

You can witness monks draped in maroon robes rolling the prayer wheels, burning incense, and flickering butter candles. Moreover, it’s fascinating to see the people feeding grains and maize to hundreds of pigeons around stupa areas. The devotees turn the prayer wheels & chant, which is humbling to see such dedication to their beliefs.

Delight in the serenity as you hear the Buddhist mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ being chanted by devotees, alongside the echo of music streaming out from the nearby shops.

Pashupatinath

Moving on, you will visit the Pashupatinath temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the bank of the Bagmati River. The word Pashupati means “the king of animals” and the temple is famous for its monkeys. You will be visiting the Pashupatinath area to indulge in a spiritual journey.

Pashupatinath is more than just a religious destination. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture. The temple, spread across 246 hectares of land, abounds in temples and monuments. Hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. You will get to witness people performing the religious ritual and funeral pyres burning at open-air cremation. Also witness elaborately dressed holy men meditating outside the temple and pilgrims placing offerings at the shrines. After touring around prominent sites, you will be transferred safely back to your hotel.

Altitude above sea level: (1,670 m) Domen

Driving duration: 6 hrs. Approx. (KTM-Domen)

Trekking duration: 3 hrs. Approx (Domen-Bamboo)

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you take a scenic, long drive to Syabrubesi. With a beautiful drive, the roads twist and turn along the high hills as we pass through many remote villages and get to see the villagers working in their fields. You will get wonderful views of the Annapurna Himalayas in the west, to Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and the peaks of the Langtang region ahead.

Further, you drive through the Trishuli  Bazaar before climbing towards Dunche and the Langtang National Park. After the town of Dunche it is another hour downhill to Syabru Besi. From here you continue to drive all the way to the starting point of the trek- Domen. It is situated less than 5 kilometers from Syabrubesi. The path leads through a green valley with several nice waterfalls.

Thereafter, you start your first day of trek climbing the trail, passing through numerous villages, forests, and bridges. After walking for almost 3 hours, you reached the place called Bamboo. You can see a few teahouses here.

Altitude above sea level: (3,008 m) Ghoda Tabela

Hiking duration: 5-6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you geared up for the journey to Ghoda Tabela. As the trial progresses, it becomes steeper. From time and again, you can get an occasional glimpse of Langtang Lirung.

After a steep uphill, the joy of seeing the starting valleys which eventually end up in lush meadows. In the past hours, you pass through the places like Rimche, Lama Hotel, and Riverside, and finally reached the Ghoda Tabela. The literal translation of the Nepali word “Ghoda-Tabela” is “Horse Stable” in English. Ghoda Tabela is a beautiful setting surrounded by pine, hemlock, and rhododendron forests.

Altitude above sea level: (3,330 m) Langtang

Hiking duration: 3-4 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you set off today’s trek to Langtang. The trail after Ghoda Tabela is rewarded with the picturesque view of a snow-covered mountain, turquoise color river, huge boulders, bizarrely shaped rocks, stupas, and many yaks. The trail ahead from Ghoda Tabela involves downhill and uphill climbs until you see the beautiful Langtang village. Langtang village is the headquarters for Langtang National Park. The village comprises flat-roofed Tibetan-style houses, hotels, and cultivated lands yielding buckwheat, potatoes, wheat, turnips, barley, etc.

Altitude above sea level: (3,730 m) Kyanjin Gompa 

Hiking duration: 4 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The Langtang village to Kyanjin Gompa trek is one of the pleasant trails regarding the fact that you will pass through Mani walls, colorful prayer flags, wooden bridges, an enchanted rhododendron forest, and the village of Mundu.

From Mundu, the trail ascends steadily through yak pastures as the valley widens further, and the views become more extensive. After traversing numerous small streams and moraines, the trail reaches the settlement at Kyangjin. Kyanjin Gompa nestled on the lap of Langtang Lirung. It is the primitive village of Langtang valley and an ideal place to savor the panoramic view of Langtang II, Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Tserko Ri. You will get insight into the cultures and traditions of Tamang and Tibetan origin people at Kyanjin Gompa

Spend your leisure afternoon exploring the Buddhist monastery and Local cheese factory.

Altitude above sea level: (4,773 m) Kyanjin Ri

Hiking duration: 3-4 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, you stay in Kyanjin Gompa to explore a bit more of the Langtang valley. This day is dedicated to pampering in the natural beauty and serenity of the Gompa area. You can either take a rest or hike around the village.

It is well worth hiking up to Kyanging Ri for a breathtaking panorama of the Langtang peaks. You will rise up early in the morning and then set off your hike to the highest point of the trek, Kyanjin Ri. This is the famous vantage point to relish the view of Langtang Lirung and Lirung Tsang Glacier and several soaring peaks. From the summit, you can see the picturesque Kyanjin Village, numerous glaciers, yak pasture, and the wide bank of the Langtang River. After savoring a mesmerizing view,  you head back to Kyanjin Gompa.

Altitude above sea level: (2,400 m)  Lama Hotel

Hiking duration: 5-6 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you retrace the route following the Langtang Khola to Mundu village and on to Ghora Tabela. After lunch, you hike down to Lama Hotel through oak, maple, and rhododendron forest.  You might encounter diverse birds like Lophophores, the national bird of Nepal, crimson horned pheasant, Wood Snipe, Snow Partridge, Tibetan Snow Cock, etcetera.

Altitude above sea level: (2,100 m) Thulo Syabru 

Hiking duration: 6hrs approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you start today’s trek, taking a gradual descent till Pairo and then going steep up to Thulo Syabru. Look out for langur monkeys and varied species of birds.

Once you arrive Thulo Syabru, you can have a wonderful view of Langtang Lirung and other peaks including Ganesh, Nayakhang, and more. Spend your leisure afternoon exploring the village and visiting the monastery.

Altitude above sea level: (3,580 m) Sing Gompa

Hiking duration: 5 hrs approx

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you take a gradual uphill and pass Langtang National Park’s army checkpoint. Within half an hour of the ascent trail, you reach Daragang.

The trail is less steep from here, as it passes, through the hemlock and oak forest. You continue your trek through Dhimsa and eventually Sing Gompa. There is a well-managed local cheese factory and a Buddhist Monastery in Sing Gompa. In addition, this place offers panoramic views of Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang Lirung, and several adjacent peaks, serene nature and Yak Cheese factory. The village is also called Chandan Bari.

Altitude above sea level: (4,381 m) Gosainkunda Lake 

Hiking duration:  5 – 6 hrs. Approx

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Our trek begins with climbing uphill to Cholang Pati. The scenic view of Langtang Himal is truly awe-inspiring. Those magnificent Langtang, Ganesh, and Annapurna peaks are sure to make your trek refreshing.

Further, take a steep trail towards Lauribinak and its mesmerizing views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Manaslu, and the distant Annapurna. Continue to trek up to a small temple with a statue of Sakyamuni, and savor the splendid views of Saraswoti Kunda and Bhairav Kunda, before reaching the sacred lake of Gosainkunda.

The sacred lake holds equal significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. This place of religious pilgrimage is believed to be where the Hindu deity Shiva came to calm over his poisoning throat after saving the world. It is believed that taking a holy dip in the cold, crystal clear water of Gosainkunda Lake washes off the bather’s sins. Thousands of devotees and visitors visit the majestic lake throughout the year.

Altitude above sea level:  (2.090 m) Dhunche

Hiking duration: 7 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

It’s the last day of the trekking portion of the trip. After breakfast, you descend downhill to Sing Gompa Then, take a steep descent through the mixture of varied vegetation. Further, cross the river on reaching the stream, and walk downstream. Thereafter,  take a gradual uphill through the farm field to reach Dhunche.

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m)

Driving duration: 5 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast, and Lunch

Early in the morning, you will take a scenic drive to Kathmandu. Viewing the interesting scenery just from your window, you should arrive in Kathmandu in the late afternoon.

Meal: Breakfast

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the wonderful experiences of Nepal in mind. The representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to TIA airport, where you should check-in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight.