13 Days Nepal Gosainkunda Helembu Cultural Trek

Region: Langtang
Trek Type: Lodge
Trek Grade: Challenging
Trek Days: 9
Max Altitude: 4460m
Best Season: Oct–Dec & Mar–May

Langtang-Helembu is a narrow valley that lies just south of the Tibetan border. It is sandwiched between the main Himalayan range to the north and a slightly lower range of snowy peaks to the south. Langtang has over 70 glaciers of varying sizes. The three major areas are Langtang, Gosainkunda (a holy lake at 4300m) and Helembu. Gosaikunda, is an alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake in Nepal’s Langtang National Park, located at an altitude of 4380 m with a surface of 34 acres. The lake melts and sips down to form the Trishuli River and remains frozen for six months in winter October to June. There are 108 lakes in this area, small to medium in size. Gosainkunda is a sacred lake, which is very important for both Hindus and Buddhists. Helambu valley is very famous for its natural beauty and wonderful climate with the superb views of the magnificent snow-covered mountains. The area covers typical highland Sherpa villages along with beautiful Rhododendron forests.

Upon arrival, meet and transfer to hotel. Check in & trek briefing. Late afternoon leisure walk in Thamel, a popular tourist district in Kathmandu Valley and a bustling bazaar which offers a glimpse of Nepal’s vibrant ethnic culture.

After breakfast drive to Dhunche (6 hrs) through the famous places such as Kakani, Ranipauwa, Trisuli Bazaar, Betrawati and Kalikhastan.

Today the trail will be very much gradual uphill and passing by old Tamang village. Upon reaching Thulo Syabru (Big Syabru) check in guest house. Late afternoon some free time to explore the village.

Today the trail will be uphill through the Phulung Danda. While you cross Phalung danda, you will able to see the good view of the Gosainkunda Valley. Upon reaching Sin Gompa or Chandanbari, check in Guest house. Late afternoon rest and relax.

After breakfast start trek. Total trek will be about 6 hours. Today the trial will be mostly uphill and it will be more difficult as you will be going over the 4000m. You will be passing small pass 4165 m. You will also be walking along the Chyolang Pati danda.

After breakfast full day excursion around the lake.

After breakfast start trek. Today early part of the 3 hrs trek to Lauribina Pass is a little tougher. When you reach the top of the pass you will have good view of the Gosainkunda area and Helembu Valley. After the pass there is a sharp descend for nearly 1200m trek to Ghopte.

Today you have to cross the Thadepati Bhanjyang Pass. The initial trail will be uphill. After crossing the pass you will trek all the way down to Melamchi Gaon which is a nice Sherpa village.

Today the trek from Melamchigaon, the trail descends through jungle to a bamboo teashop at 2360 meter, then drops steeply through fields to the Melamchi river. After crossing the suspension bridge at 1920m the trail begins its long climb towards Tarkegyang, which is the largest village in the Helambu region. The stone houses here are built close together with narrow alleyways separating them. The gompa of this village has a large brass prayer wheel. Afternoon is better to visit around Tarkegyang and see their life style and culture.

Since, we do not gain altitude that much today, it’s going to be comparatively easy walk today. We forests, streams, and waterfalls. The trail makes a sweep around the wide valley end between Parachin and the Sherpa village of Gangyul. From Gangyul, we arrive at Sermathang. Discover the village. There is also a Buddhist monastery at the highest point of the village.

On our final day of the trek, we walk down to Melamchi Bazaar. The village is mostly inhabited by the Sherpa, but there are also people of other ethnicities.

After breakfast drive to Kathmandu (5 hrs) and check in hotel. Afternoon explore Asan Tol the colourful local market area and shopping in Thamel.

After breakfast check out of hotel. Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the famous Kumari, the world’s only living Goddess. Transfer to airport for departure.