Langtang and Gosainkunda Trek get on gear with an overland journey to the small hilly town of Dhunche, the main trading post of the area. From here we spend four days hiking up through this beautiful alpine valley to Kyangjin where we rest for a day for some high and wild exploration of the high mountains and glacial systems hereabouts. We then revert back on the same path for three days before a journey to the sacred lakes of Gosainkunda, a major pilgrimage sight for both Hindus and Buddhists. We cross the Laurebina Pass (4600m) and drop into the lush Helambu region and get some upfront experiences of different cultural lifestyles on these huge mountains.
The Langtang valley is appropriately called ‘the valley of glaciers’. Down hereabouts, the mountains reach towering heights, almost touching the clouds. The valley is physically made up of pine forest, gushing mountain streams, rugged rock and silver-grey peaks with grassy glens and lovely meadows strewn with daisies and wildflowers. We come across serene Buddhist monasteries, a cheese factory, hairy yaks, glaciers and mountain lakes that literally stir the emotions for a love of the natural landscapes we come across in this unique region. The colourful typical vibrant Sherpa villages teem with life & give us deep insights into how the local folks live their lives in these rugged territories.
We clamber through a rugged trail with dramatic views: to the west Himal Chuli (7893m) Manaslu (8156mm) and Ganesh Himal (7406m). On a sunny day with bright blue skies, even the Annapurna range can be seen rising up behind and to the north across the valley is the delightful Langtang Lirung. We hike past a few huts in the high scenic area of Laurebina Pass, cross a small ridge and behold our first views of the holy lakes. We reckon a dozen lakes can be found in the Gosainkunda Basin, the main three being Saraswatikunda, Bhairabkunda, and Gosainkunda. As legends would have it, Shiva created Gosainkunda when he pierced a glacier with his trident to obtain water to quench his thirst after having swallowed a poison that threatened to destroy the world.
We finally conclude Kathmandu Summit Adventure’s Langtang and Gosainkunda Trek and head back for an hour’s scenic drive back to Kathmandu after a wonderfully captivating trek in an area very little used in this area, it is just you, me and the mountains for a time out in the wilderness down here.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, a representative from Kathmandu Summit Adventure will greet you and take you to your hotel. After checking in, you can rest or visit the Kathmandu Summit Adventure office. You may also want to explore the streets of Thamel, a popular tourist hub in Kathmandu, where you can shop for souvenirs. In the evening, a welcome dinner will be hosted by Kathmandu Summit Adventure, featuring delicious Nepalese cuisine that will give you a taste of the country’s authentic food culture. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu is the cultural heart of Nepal and has been a famous destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its borders to visitors. The city displays an interesting combination of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, the two important neighboring cities bear much cultural and religious significance to Nepal’s landscape. There will be a full day guided tour to the historic Durbar Square, unique architectures and Kumari (living goddess), the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath), in the evening, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we meet our trek leader and other stuff for your adventure trip. Overnight at hotel, included meal: (B)
After breakfast we drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi on a north-western highway through scenic foothill, picturesque landscapes, terraced fields and rustic villages, en route we will have magnificent views of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. We take Lunch at the Trisuli Bazaar and continuing further to Dhunche, we descent down to Syabrubesi. The journey will take us 7-8 hours. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B.L. D)
Today’s trail crosses through Bhote Koshi and follow the Langtang Khola River, we gradually climb to through the dense forests, passing through the landslide area to reach bamboo village (1,850m) where we stop for the lunch. This forested path with well stabilized trails and following the upstream and can be seen bird’s life around the bushes. The trail goes up and down but it’s not that challenging. En route you could see red pandas, monkeys and bears if you’re lucky. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)
The trail leads us through rhododendron and pine forest towards Ghoda Tabela literally it means the Horse stable where we stop for lunch. The surrounding area is dense wild habitat and many small babblers with lot of herbal can be found here. Langtang village is one of the very local and old villages, Pass by water mills, prayer wheels, chortens, with sacred mounds of rocks with inscriptions carved on them. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B.L.D)
After breakfast, we start our trek and pass on through yak pastures. Also pass the largest Mani wall, made from stone with prayers written on them. From here we have beautiful views of Mt Ganchempo and Langtang Lirung. Cross several of the wooden bridges. Since, we are really getting into the high altitudes; you might start feeling the thin air Gompa. Kanjin Gompa is surrounded by the Himalayas all around. Evening we are free for visiting the surrounding areas like Yak cheese Factory, Monastery and local houses. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B. L.D)
This morning we retrace our steps somewhat as we head back from the Gompa. We have an easy downhill and pleasant walk through the rhododendron forest to Lama Hotel where we rest for the night before continuing our journey next day for the Thulo Syabru village. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B.L.D)
The trail decent to river, cross the river and ascend to Thulo Syabru. We will see the fascinating view of Langtang Himal and more. On the way of your trek you will pass through pine and Junipers forests. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B.L.D)
We 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 of our trek we will see fantastic views of Langtang Himal and Langtang valley. Shin Gomba is another popular place for Cheese. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B. L. D)
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 Yak is a sanctuary for the red panda, an endangered species that the Nepalese call 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. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B.L. D)
The trail leaves Gosainkunda and climbs through rugged country, past four small lakes to the Laurebina La (4610 meters), the highest point of this trek. Keep looking back at the spectacular views of Manaslu and the mountains of the Ganesh Himal, as well as the now familiar Langtang Lirung. You then descend steeply to camp near Ghopte. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B. L.D)
We continuing through the coniferous forest, after two hours we reach to Thadepati. The trail then gradually descends through the forest for about four more hours to reach Kutumsang. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B. L.D)
The trail descends to the delightful hill village of Gul Bhanjyang. And again trail ascent until Thodang Betini and we continue trek down to Pati Bhanjyang (1860m) and exploring a Brahman and Chhetri village. Then the trail proceeds to Chisopani. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B. L.D)
Today we walk down to Sundarijal passing through many villages, and we will drive back to Kathmandu which takes about one hour .Your day is free, however, at even tide; you will be taken to a well known Nepali kitchen for a delicious farewell dinner of the original Nepalese cuisine. As you enjoy your meal, you will also be entertained to an exciting cultural dance performed by the local belles. You will enjoy this experience which is complimentary on behalf of the Volunteer Society Nepal. Overnight at hotel (B. D)
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Kathmandu Summit Adventure representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Note: The above-mentioned program itinerary is a sample. The period and cost of tour, trekking, volunteering or internship can be changed or extended as per travellers or volunteers' availability of duration.
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