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14 days
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Langtang
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Moderate
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4,984 m
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From 1 person
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Trekking
Highlights
- The sacred lakes of Gosaikunda (4,380 m), a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists
- Kyanjin Gompa and the glaciers of the upper Langtang Valley
- Views of Langtang Lirung (7,227 m) and the Ganesh Himal range
- Tamang villages and the monastery at Sing Gompa
- Two classic treks combined in one route
- Reached by road from Kathmandu, with no flights needed
Overview
The Langtang and Gosaikunda Trek combines two of the most rewarding routes north of Kathmandu in 14 days. You follow the Langtang River through forest and Tamang villages to Kyanjin Gompa, a monastery village surrounded by glaciers and peaks such as Langtang Lirung (7,227 m).
From there the route turns south to Thulo Syabru and climbs past Sing Gompa to the sacred lakes of Gosaikunda (4,380 m), a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The trek starts and ends with a drive from Kathmandu, so no domestic flights are needed.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. In spring the rhododendron forests are in bloom, and autumn brings the clearest skies after the monsoon.
Winter (December to February) is possible but cold, especially at night. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain, cloud and slippery trails, so we do not recommend it for this trek.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a moderate trek with five to seven hours of walking on most days. The climb from Sing Gompa to Gosaikunda is steep and gains more than 1,000 m in a day, so a steady pace is important.
No technical skills are needed, but you should have good general fitness and some previous hiking experience. Regular training with long walks before the trip is recommended.
Permits
You need a Langtang National Park entry permit and a TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System).
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A long drive north out of the Kathmandu Valley takes you through hills and river valleys to the trailhead at Syabrubesi. The road can be rough in places, but the views of rural Nepal make the journey interesting. Overnight in a lodge in Syabrubesi (1,462 m).
The trek begins up the forested Langtang gorge, following the river through bamboo and oak woods. Keep an eye out for monkeys and birdlife on the way to Lama Hotel. Overnight in a teahouse in Lama Hotel (2,480 m).
The trail continues to climb as the forest thins and the valley opens out into the wide upper Langtang valley. Langtang Village, rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake, has fine views of the surrounding peaks. Overnight in a teahouse in Langtang Village (3,430 m).
A short walk brings you to Kyanjin Gompa with its monastery and cheese factory, past long mani walls, chortens and yak pastures. The afternoon is free to rest and look around the village, surrounded by snow peaks and glaciers. Overnight in a teahouse in Kyanjin Gompa (3,830 m).
An early start for a climb of Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m) or the longer and more demanding Tserko Ri (4,984 m), both with wide views of Langtang Lirung and the surrounding glaciers. You return to Kyanjin Gompa in the afternoon. Overnight in a teahouse in Kyanjin Gompa (3,830 m).
You retrace your steps back down the valley, with the walking easier as you lose height. The trail returns through the bamboo and oak forest of the lower gorge to Lama Hotel, a pleasant place to rest tired legs. Overnight in a teahouse in Lama Hotel (2,480 m).
Today the trail leads via Rimche before climbing to the ridge village of Thulo Syabru, with its terraced fields and views across the valley. It is a pleasant place to experience Tamang village life. Overnight in a teahouse in Thulo Syabru (2,235 m).
A steady climb through pine and rhododendron forest leads to Sing Gompa and its small monastery. Take the ascent at a steady pace, as you gain more than 1,000 m today. Overnight in a teahouse in Sing Gompa (3,330 m).
The trail climbs above the tree line past Laurebina, with views of the Langtang and Ganesh ranges, to the sacred lakes of Gosaikunda. Walk slowly and drink plenty of water, as this is the highest overnight stop of the trek. Overnight in a teahouse in Gosaikunda (4,380 m).
Spend the morning at the lakes, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. The trail then descends past Laurebina to Sing Gompa, also known as Chandanbari, with views of the Langtang and Ganesh ranges. Overnight in a teahouse in Sing Gompa (3,330 m).
A descent of five to six hours takes you down through pine and rhododendron forest to the town of Dhunche and the road. In the evening you can enjoy a last night in the mountains with your crew. Overnight in a lodge in Dhunche (2,030 m).
A drive of several hours takes you back through the hills to Kathmandu. On arrival you are transferred to your hotel, and the evening is free to relax or explore the city. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
