17 Days Nepal Langtang – Gosainkunda – Helembu Trek

Region : Langtang
Trek Type: Lodge
Trek Grade: Challenging
Trek Days: 13
Max Altitude: 4460m
Best Season: Oct–Dec & Mar–mid 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.

From Kathmandu, we take a 6 hr drive to Syabru Besi. After driving 15 km, we approach pristine villages on the banks of the river Trishuli. Here our trekking journey commences. We also get to view the enchanting panorama of the Himalaya, including the Ganesh Himal and the peaks of the Langtang region.

We traverse the ridge on Syabru Besi’s main road and soon reach Ghopcha Khola. Terraced fields and dense forest with a variety of plant species like oaks, maple, alder and bamboo open up. Further on, the trail crosses a stream and a bridge. We pass by several small bhattis and reach Sherpa Goan.

After breakfast continue trek to Lama Hotel.

From lama hotel, we continue the ascent above the Langtang Khola. As the trail progresses, it becomes steeper. We have the most exotic sights of Langtang Lirung lying at 7246 meter. The trail leads to a log bridge and on climbing further we come across lush meadows of Ghora Tabela at 3000m. We will see several lodges and a police check post. Further on, the route opens up into a wide valley of yak pastures and scattered Tamang villages with water-driven mills and prayer wheels. We arrive at Langtang village after crossing a stream and reaching up a height of 3500 meters. Langtang village is the headquarters for Langtang National Park and has flat-roofed Tibetan style houses, hotels and cultivated lands yielding buckwheat, potatoes,wheat, turnips, barley etc.

We trek to Kyangjin Gompa. After lunch visit monastery and cheese factory.

From Kyangjin, we take the route back to Lama Hotel. As we retrace our steps, we follow the Langtang Khola to Langtang village and on to Ghora Tabela. We stop briefly for lunch and thereafter continue the steep descent to Lama Hotel.

First trail decent to river, cross the river and ascend to Thulo Syabru. You will see the fascinating view of Langtang Himal and more. On the way of your trek you will pass through pine and Junieerps forests and finally reach Thulo Syabru, old Tamang village.

You take the broad trail climbing up to Dimsa village and the trial continues less steeply, through rhododendron, hemlock and Oak forests to Shin gomba. On the way you will see fantastic views of Langtang Himalaya and langtang valley. Shin gomba is another popular place for Cheese.

The trail ascends smoothly through rhododendron covered point to the top of the rim and through a forested area. The area in-between Shin gomba and Laurebina possible to see the Yak, red panda, an endangered species of cat bear. You return to the ridge path and climb a wider route through alpine country to arrive at a Gosainkunda. Explore around the Lakes and overnight in Gosainkunda.

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.

You slide down through a forested area and climb through a dry river-bed to arrive at a Kharka that is surrounded by rhododendron forest. You climb through the forest to arrive at the hare Pati. Start climbing the ridge of Thadepanti Pass which is directly above the village. You a marvelous view of the Jugal area. Cross the village and enter a forested area, again descending to Melamchi River all the way to Melamchi Gaon.

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.