Langtang Gosainkunda Trek

Langtang Gosainkunda trek is open for trekkers after the massive earthquake. Langtang National Park is the nearest trekking region from Kathmandu for the spectacular and awesome views. The trek starts at Dhunche, reached after a 8/9-hour adventurous drive through the high hills on a narrow road and ends at Sundarijal near Kathmandu.

Government of Nepal established the Langtang National Park in 1976 with the aim of protecting unique flora and fauna of the region in an area of 1,710 sq. km. which extends over the parts of Nuwakot, Rasuwa and Sindhupalchok districts. In 1998, an area of 420 sq. km in and around the park was declared as buffer zone.

Langtang Gosaikunda trek with an extension through the Shivapuri National Park is an ideal introduction to trekking in Nepal. The Langtang trail follows through the ethnic Tamang villages, lush green forests and the wide spread Kyanjing Valley (3,800m/12,467ft) surrounded by snowy peaks.

The valley also has an ancient Gompa and that’s is how the valley got its name which offers the 360 degree view of panoramic mountains. An ascend to Tserko Ri (5,033m/16,513ft) could be a great excursion from Kyanjing Gompa.

An extended trip to Yala Peak or Naya Kanga climbing, Baden-Powell Scout Peak expedition or crossing of Ganja La Pass (5,122m/16,805ft) is available from Kyanjin Gompa.

Brief Itinerary:

As we retrace the route back down to Thulo Syabru or Syaphru, we climb towards the Gosaikunda Lake (4,380m/14,370ft). The Lake also refers to as Frozen Lake. After crossing the adventurous Gosainkunda pass (4,609m/15,122ft), we trek down to Tharepati. Gosaikunda pass remains closed in February and March because of snow.

Trekking in Langtang region is not considered as strenuous due to the gradual ascent along the river valley but it demands some challenges too. Finally, the trek completes at Sundarijal, the famous watershed area and the biggest resources of Kathmandu’s drinking water supply. The Langtang trek can also be customized with Tamang Heritage trail.

Why Langtang Gosaikunda Trek?

Wildlife such as the red panda, monkeys by the trail. Stunning views of glaciers, lakes and mountains. Amazing photogenic sunsets. Visit the Yala Cheese Factory. Peak climbing, dense forests. Langtang is a culturally rich and diverse national park.

Biodiversity of Langtang National Park

The southern section of the park is covered by sub-tropical forest of Sal (Shorea robusta) while the upper section is gradually taken over by hill forest (2,000m-2,600m) with Chirpine, Rhododendron and Nepalese alder.

It is mainly covered by oak forest fading to old growth forest of silver fir, hemlock and larch between the ranges of 2,600 to 3,600 meters. The Nepalese larch (Larixnepalensis), the only deciduous conifer is available in the Langtang National Park.

The extensive alpine grassland meadows of Langtang region provide summer habitat for numerous ungulate species such as musk deer and Himalayan tahr. The park is also a home of red panda, Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, wild dog, ghoral, serow and more than 250 species of bird life.

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Difficulty

Trekking itself requires a lot of stamina and enthusiasm. If you are going for multi-day trekking, you should prepare yourself physically few weeks prior of a trek. Regular jogging for 4-5 hours is really helpful for your prospective Langtang Gosainkunda trek.

Our Langtang Gosainkunda trek is fairly Medium-Hard level trip. The maximum elevation you will achieve will be 5,033 meters. You will ascend gradually for the first week then descend. Again you will ascend towards Gosaikunda Lake for the next couple of days.

So, the gradual ups are really helpful for your acclimatization. This trek is suitable for families and children also. People with general fitness can take this trip. We recommend to have a pair of trekking sticks so that you will stand balanced on your descend.

Best time for Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

Trekking in the Langtang region is possible throughout the year in some areas, however the best times to trek considered are during spring and autumn. The spring season starts from the beginning of March to end of May and the autumn season starts from the beginning of September to end of November.

The winters are very cold and monsoon makes the summers wet. The days are sunny and warm but the nights are cold and can fall to freezing in higher elevations. So, it is important to have proper mountain gears if you are trekking during winter. Full List of Equipment

Langtang trekking in late winter (Jan and Feb) is more difficult towards Gosainkunda Lake. The high passes remain closed because of the ice/snow blockade. April and early May is a good time to see the trees bursting into bloom, with Rhododendrons, adding a spectacular splash of color to the landscape.

Cost and Itinerary of Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

Langtang trek can be done on a budget or you may choose a luxury trekking in Langtang region. The cost depends on the varieties and courses of meals, standard of accommodations on the trek and mode of transportation before and after the trek.

Our printed offer is a full-board package tour including all permits, local guide and porter/s, three times meals a day, basic accommodation at the local teahouses and public bus transportation to and from Kathmandu. Private jeep transportation to Dhunche is available on request.

However, the option of accommodation in the Langtang region is basic only and may cost $4-$6 per night. Food is relatively more expensive because of its remoteness and can cost about $20-$25 per day. Hot water shower is available on request and may cost extra.

Our Langtang trek itinerary is extremely flexible to your best level of fitness. You may consult your leader should you wish to extend your trek with any side trips available. The trekking trails might have converted into motorable roads in some places. Your guide is an expert to make a right decision for alternative ways.

Trail Update after the 2015 Earthquake

The devastating earthquake of 2015 caused massive tragedy in Langtang. A big avalanche came due to the earthquake that took the entire Langtang village. This trail is now back in operation though. Local villagers are waiting to welcome trekkers with the same smile. The people of Langtang still need your support and they expect nothing more than your visit.