10-Day Langtang Cultural Trek to Gosaikunda via Laurebinayak Pass

10 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Embark on a thrilling 10-day trek to Gosaikunda, an alpine sacred lake nestled in the stunning Langtang region of Nepal. Experience rich Tamang culture, breatht...

Duration: 10 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Cities: Kathmandu, Patan, Gosaikunda, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Chisapani, Langtang National Park · Languages: English

Know before you go: Not wheelchair accessible.; Not stroller accessible.; Not suitable for pets.; Infants must not sit on laps.; Meet at Alpine Club of Himalaya, Thamel, or the Alpine Hotel and Apartment, Thamel, Kathmandu.

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What's Included

Breakfast
Dinner
All airport and hotel pick-up and drop-off by private car/van
2 nights' accommodation in Kathmandu (Alpine Hotel), including breakfast
7 nights' stay in a lodge/guest house during the trek
An experienced English-speaking trekking guide and a porter during the trek
Salary, food, insurance, and lodging costs for the guide and porter
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea/coffee during the trek
Welcome and farewell meals, and breakfasts while in Kathmandu
National Park Permit and TIMS for Langtang
ACH kitbag and T-shirt for you
Down jacket and sleeping bag, which need to be returned to the office after trek completion
Kathmandu to Dhunche by jeep, and Sundarijal to Kathmandu by car
Driver, salary, meals, and accommodation
Fuel, road taxes, and parking fees

Not Included

Nepal entry visa fees
International airfare and departure tax
Bar bills, laundry, and other expenses of a personal nature
Travel insurance, including evacuation
1 lunch in Kathmandu
Tips for local staff, guides, and porters
Desserts, mineral water, hot shower, hot water, and Wi-Fi
Entrance fees in Kathmandu

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free to explore this historic and vibrant city at your own pace. Meals: Welcome Dinner 3* Accommodation
2

Day 02

Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche

In the morning, after breakfast, we will have a trip orientation meeting. Afterwards, we will drive to Dhunche, 117 km from Kathmandu, where we need to pay the entrance fee for Langtang National Park. Just below Dhunche flows the Trisuli Ganga River, which originates from Gosaikund. Dhunche also has a small Tamang Museum that provides insight into this ethnic group of Nepal. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Basic Guest House
3

Day 03

Trek to Chandanbari via Deorali and Dimsa

The path from Dhunche to Chandanbari is a steep and arduous trek, climbing more than 1300 m. We take a shortcut down a ravine that rejoins the road at the bottom of the village. Follow the road downhill to reach a level trail along the south bank of the Trisuli Ganga, heading eastward through fields and pastures. The trail then follows the north side of the river for a short while before beginning the steep climb towards the ridge. After the initial ascent, the trail levels out a little, passing through the tiny village of Deorali (2660 m), and then continues up to the ridge. Climb through a forest of firs and rhododendrons to reach a trail junction at Dimsa (3030 m). From here, turn right and continue upward past an army camp, then through scrub and oak forest to Sing Gompa, also known as Chandanbari. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Basic Guest House
4

Day 04

Trek to the Sacred Lakes of Gosaikunda

The trail climbs steeply up a ridge with great views of the village framed by the snowcapped Ganesh Himal. The area on the northern slope is a sanctuary for the red panda, an endangered species. The trail crosses behind the ridge and stays in deep forest before reaching a saddle at Chalang Pati (3550 m). From here onwards, we enter the Gosaikund protected area, where the killing of animals, the lighting of wood fires, and the grazing of goats are prohibited. Continuing on the ascending trail with great views, we reach Laurebina Yak (3920 m). From here, enjoy views of the Annapurnas, Manaslu (8156 m), the four peaks of the Ganesh Himal including Paldor Peak, some enticing unnamed peaks in Tibet, and finally Langtang Lirung. The trail then ascends into alpine country above the treeline, following the ridge to a small concrete temple with a statue of Sakyamuni. Continue to the goths for views of the waterfalls from the first of the lakes, Saraswati Kund. The trail leaves the ridge and heads high above the Trisuli Valley, a spooky section that becomes very dangerous if covered with snow. It then climbs gently to a spur marked by prayer flags and two rock carvings of Ganesh. From here, the second lake in the chain, Bhairav Kund, comes into view, and after a further 35 minutes, we reach the third and largest lake, Gosaikund. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Basic Guest House
5

Day 05

Acclimatization Day at Gosaikunda

At Gosaikund, there is a Shiva shrine, a helipad, and numerous stone shelters for pilgrims. Gosaikund, which has a black rock in the middle, is said to be the head of Shiva. According to legend, Lord Shiva created this high-altitude lake when he pierced a glacier with his trident to obtain water to quench his thirst after consuming poison gathered from the churning of the oceans. There is also a white rock under the water, believed to be the remnant of an ancient Shiva shrine. It is said that the water from this lake disappears underground and surfaces in Kumbheswor pool next to the five-storey Shiva temple in Patan, more than 60 km away. For the best views of the lake, we will climb the ridge to two viewpoints (4640 m) decorated with prayer flags. It is also possible to follow faint trails south from the southeast corner of the lake to a series of smaller half-frozen lakes: Dudh (Milk) Kund, Chandra (Moon) Kund, Ragat (Blood) Kund, and finally Ama (Mother) Kund, with views of Chhyarkung Chuli peak to the right. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Basic Guest House
6

Day 06

Cross Laurebinayak Pass and Trek to Tharepati

This is a long and arduous day of trekking. We begin by climbing a rocky trail from the northern side of Gosaikund Lake, passing more small lakes along the way. Eventually, we reach Laurebina Yak Pass, where we can explore fine views of the surrounding hills and the large Surya (Sun) Kund just to the southwest. From the pass, the trail descends alongside a stream to reach Bhera Goth. From here, we should not forget to take the lower trail, as the upper trail has several steep sections that are extremely dangerous when there is snow. There is no food or accommodation on this trail until we reach Tharepati. Following the lower trail along a rough, knee-busting descent, we reach the middle of the valley of Phedi. The concrete chorten beside the Dawa baby is a memorial to a Japanese victim of the Thai Airbus crash in 1992. From Phedi, the route drops to a stream and then climbs through scrub bamboo to a crest, crossing a difficult rocky trail over moraines and dry streambeds before descending through forests. Climbing in and out of ravines below the towering cliff of Thare Danda, we reach Gopte (3440 m). Descending from the ridge at Gopte, the trail makes numerous ups and downs across ravines and the boulders of old moraines. Finally, descend to Tharepati, where we can climb to the ridge top for early morning views of Dorje Lakpa, Shisha Pangma, and a line of peaks stretching all the way to Khumbu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Basic Guest House
7

Day 07

Trek to Gul Bhanjyang

From Tharepati, we descend steeply through dense pine forest to the appealing village of Magin Goth (3285 m), then pass many locals hauling bamboo and reach Mere Danda (3510 m). After climbing Yurin Danda ridge, the sawtooth peaks above Langtang and Gosaikund soar into view. Our trail then ducks in and out of fir and rhododendron forest to reach Kutumsang (2450 m), and after continuing over a small pass, we descend the hill to the Tamang village of Gul (Golphu) Bhanjyang. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Basic Guest House
8

Day 08

Trek to Chisopani through Forest and Villages

Passing a gleaming white chorten, the path leads to the friendly, sprawling Tamang village of Thotong at 2260 m. We enjoy good views of the peaks as we climb through rhododendron forests to the village of Lapchu Danda (2420 m), then descend 200 m past a series of ruined huts and through fields and secondary forest to the larger village of Chipping (2170 m). Descending steeply, we reach a small chorten at the Sherpa village of Thakuni Bhanjyang, from where a gentle descent takes us to the Chhetri village of Pati Bhanjyang (1770 m). Finally, along a muddy zigzag path with good mountain views, the trail continues among pine plantations to reach Chisopani village. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Basic Guest House
9

Day 09

Trek to Sundarijal and Return to Kathmandu

Trek back from Chisopani, crossing Borlang Bhanjyang Pass at 2440 m, and then descend the Shivapuri ridge to the road at Sundarijal, Kathmandu. From there, we will be picked up and dropped off at the hotel. This is a leisure day that can be used for buying gifts and souvenirs for your friends and family. In the evening, you will be invited to join a farewell gathering to review great photos and share experiences from the trip. Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
10

Day 10

Departure or Holiday Extension

If you prefer to stay longer, you can consult us about short tours such as game drives in national parks, rafting, mountain biking, or tours to Tibet, India, or Bhutan.