Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

The journey to the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek starts with a drive to Syaprubesi from Kathmandu Valley. The village lies 115km from Kathmandu, which is a 6-hour drive away. Public buses and private vehicles are options to get to Syaprubesi from Kathmandu. Likewise, the drive passes through Dhunche, Rameche, and Dhading Besi before reaching Syaprubesi. Additionally, the drive passes through the paved and well-maintained section until reaching Dhading Besi and then includes a gravel section onward. Overnight at Syaprubesi.

About Syaprubesi

Syaprubesi is a small yet stunning village in Langtang Valley, at an elevation of 1,460m/ 4,790 ft. This village is the starting point of many trekking destinations in the Langtang region. Treks like the Langtang Valley, Gosaikunda Lake, and the Tamang Heritage Trail all start from here. It lies within the Langtang National Park and is part of a Tibet-Nepal salt trade route. Travelers can notice numerous checkpoints upon reaching the town. Moreover, the village has good facilities for accommodation and food.

The actual trek begins from Syaprubesi. Early in the morning, after a warm breakfast at Syaprubesi’s accommodation point, you’ll make your way toward the first destination on the trek, the Lama Hotel. As trekkers begin their trek, they should check in at the Langtang National Park entry Permit point and continue. The trekking route first involves walking alongside the Bhote Koshi River and the Langtang River at the final stage of the journey. It takes 6 hours to reach Lama Hotel from Syaprubesi, covering 11.5km/ 7 miles. Overnight at the tea house of the Lama Hotel.

About Lama Hotel

At an elevation of 2,470 m/8,104 ft, Lama Hotel is one of the popular rest points on the way to Langtang Valley. Its central location between Syaprubesi and Langtang Village makes it an ideal destination for a night stay at the beginning and last night of the trip to the Langtang Valley trek. Here, many guesthouses, teahouses, and lodges are available for you to rest. The thick green forested hills and snow-covered peaks surround the village. In addition, the flowing Langtang River alongside the village adds to the beauty of its surroundings.

Wake up with the crisp air of the Himalayas and enjoy your meal. After finishing your morning meal, you’ll make your way toward the Langtang Trek route along the Langtang River, passing through dense forests of rhododendrons and oak.  You ascend gradually from the Lama Hotel to Ghodatahela, where you’ll stop for lunch. After lunch, the trail continues towards Langtang village, where we first glimpse Mount Langtang Lirung. Passing through Thangshyap, you’ll reach your day’s final destination after 6 hours of trekking from Lama Hotel, covering 75m/ 246ft. Overnight at Langtang Village.

About Langtang Village

Langtang Village is a real Himalayan village located in Nepal’s Langtang Valley, at an altitude of 3,430 meters (11,253 feet), right below Mount Langtang Lirung. From the village, you get great views of nearby glaciers, dense forests, and wide alpine meadows. It’s a place where you’ll see everyday life shaped by Buddhist traditions, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, stone-built houses, and small chortens along the path. Back in 2015, the village was hit hard by an earthquake and landslide, but the locals have rebuilt it since then. Today, it has functional teahouses and facilities for trekkers heading through the Langtang region.

Day four takes you closer to your destination. Finishing breakfast at the Langtang Village, the trek takes off towards Kyanjin Gompa. A short ascent from Langtang village leads you to Mundu, where the trail becomes gentle, and the view of Langtang Lirung becomes more glorious. Then, you continue through grasslands, crossing a wooden bridge, and reaching Sindum and Yamphu. The final part of reaching Kyanjin from Sindum is quite a stepper, but the trek offers an exceptional view of Dorje Lakpa, Langshisha Ri, and Gangchempo. It takes 4 hours to get to the day’s destination and overnight point, Kyanjin Gompa.

About Kyanjin Gompa

Kyanjin Gompa, at 3,870 m/12,697 ft, is the final stop on the journey to Langtang Valley. The village is naturally and culturally rich and serves as a key point for acclimatization. Likewise, it is known for its monastery, making it a spiritual haven in the region. Superb peaks like Langtang Lirung, Changbu, and Langtang Yubra surround this village, making it a trekker’s favourite. Its remote location makes it a relatively basic teahouse. However, it provides warm hospitality and is ideal for rest.

Day five is all yours, and you must explore the significant viewpoint above Kyanjin Gompa. On the day, trekkers can either hike to Kyanjin Ri or to Kyanjin Gompa. Yet, before heading for the viewpoint trek, you can participate in morning prayer at Kyanjin Gompa, which will make you feel fresh for the whole day. After breakfast, you can choose your preferred destination for the day and start hiking. Whichever location you choose, you’ll face a quite challenging section but an incredible view from its top. Moreover, you’ll return to Kyanjin Gompa in the evening after the day hike to stay overnight.

After spending a pleasant time at Kyanjin Gompa, it’s time for the return journey. Early in the morning, after breakfast at the teahouse of Kyanjin Gompa, you’ll step back towards Lama Hotel, following the same route alongside Langtang Khola. Descending down to yak herding villages and alpine meadows, you’ll get to Ghodatabela from Kyanjin Gompa. At Ghodtatabela, you’ll have your lunch and continue walking towards the day’s destination. It takes 8 hours to return to the Lama Hotel from Kyanjin Gompa. Overnight and dinner are at Lama Hotel’s tea house.

Eat a delicious morning meal at Lama Hotel and pack your backpack to continue your Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Route. The day’s destination is Thulo Syabru, which takes 5 hours from Lama Hotel. The trail descends to the bank of the Langtang River via oak, birch, pine, rhododendron, and bamboo forests. Likewise, the view of Ganesh Himal will accompany you throughout the trek. Walking for 12 km/7.4 miles from Lama Hotel, you’ll reach Thulo Syabru, your day’s overnight point.

About Thulo Syapru

Thulo Syapru is a charming village in the Rasuwa district at an elevation of 2,240m. Surrounded by the Langtang Himalayas and Valleys, the villages offer rest and overnight stays on the trek to beautiful Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda. Trekkers can witness the Tamang communities and their Tibetan Buddhist culture in this village. Furthermore, the village offers an ideal point for witnessing spectacular sunrise and sunset views over majestic snow-capped peaks.

The trek to Gosaikunda Lake begins today. After breakfast at Thulo Syabru’s tea house, you’ll start your day’s trek towards Shin Gompa. Ascending with vivid scenery and mountain views, it takes you to the stupa that offers a glimpse of Thurman and Nagthali in the distance. After a few hours of trekking, you’ll reach your lunch point, Forpang Danda. After lunch, the trek continues and reaches Shin Gompa with a gentle ascent up the stairs through the forest. It takes approximately 6 hours to get to Shin Gompa from Thulo Syabru, covering 11.5 km/7.1 miles. Overnight at Shin Gompa.

About Shin Gompa

Shin Gompa, also known as Chandanbari, is the key point on the journey to the holy Gosaikunda Lake.  The village lies at an altitude of 3,330 m/10,925 ft and is known for its yak cheese factory, Buddhist monastery, and panoramic views. Likewise, the village offers the finest accommodation options. Additionally, the view of Ganesh and Langtang Himal ranges, along with dense rhododendron forests, is astonishing from Shin Gompa.

Today is the day you have been eagerly waiting for. The day that takes you to your ultimate destination, Gosaikunda. After a warm morning meal, you have to trek on a much more difficult route from Shin Gompa to Gosaikunda. It has continuous ascents through a rocky and narrow path. A few hours of walking take you to Cholangpati, from where the actual challenge begins. From Cholangpati, you’ll continue walking to Lauri Binayak (4,300m) for around two and a half hours. Continuing the trek, you’ll reach Gosaikunda. Overnight at Gosaikunda.

About Gosaikunda

Gosaikunda is a sacred alpine lake located in the Rasuwa district at 4,380 m/14,370 ft above sea level. The lake has a surface area of 13.8 ha (34 acres) and was designated a Ramsar site on 29 September 2007. Gosaikunda Lake holds great significance for Hindus and Buddhists and is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, who created the lake by piercing the ground with his trident. Pilgrims around the country visit the lake during the full moon of August (Janai Purnima). Likewise, there is a belief that taking a dip in the water cleanses all sins and offers blessings.

Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Gosaikunda Lake and visit the surrounding area in the morning. After having your breakfast, you’ll begin your return journey. The route to Ghopte starts with rocky trails with astonishing views of Langtang and the Ganesh Himal range. It also involves navigating Lauribina Pass (4,610m), one of the highest points on the trek. Passing through High Camp and Ohedi, you’ll reach Surya Kunda, another beautiful lake in the region. It takes 8 hours from Gosaikunda to Ghopte, covering 15.5 km/9.6 miles. Overnight at Ghopte.

About Ghopte

Ghopte is a small and remote village within the Langtang National Park along the Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trek. The village lies at an altitude of 3,500m within the rhododendron and bamboo forest. Ghopte offers a few simple teahouses with minimal families. The village is near Dupcheshwor temple and lies Gosaikunda on its north. Moreover, the village has some highly sacred sites that Guru Rinpoche visited 600 years ago.

Another day of the returning journey begins with a trek through a juniper, rhododendron, and pine forest. A few hours of trek from Ghopte takes you to Thadepati, where the route descends gently through the forest on the western ridge slope. Before reaching Thadepani, you’ll come across the Helambu Circuit Trek route, which you can continue if you want to. Moreover, by crossing Kyuola Bhanjyang, you’ll get to the day’s overnight point, Kutumsang. It takes 7 hours to reach Kutumsang from Ghopte, covering 17.7 km/11 miles.

About Kutumsang

Kutumsang is a hill village in the Nuwakot district of Bagmati Province, central Nepal. Its altitude is 2,470 meters, which offers wonderful Himalayan mountain vistas, green valleys, and terraced fields. The Tamang people, who have their own separate language, culture, and way of life, reside mainly in the village, making it the right place for cultural immersion.

Have your morning meal at Kutumsang and continue your journey towards Chisapani. In the initial phase, the course ascends and then drops into Gul Bhanjyang Village. From there, it ascends to Thorong Danda’s wide, dusty road and reaches Chipling village. A 7-hour trek from Kutumsang takes you to Chisapani, covering 14.7 km/9.1 miles. Overnight at Chisapani.

About Chisapani

Chisapani sits quietly at 2,135 meters, just northeast of Kathmandu. It’s one of those perfect spots for a short hike, peaceful, fresh air, and if you’re lucky with the weather, you’ll catch the sunrise lighting up Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa. The sunsets aren’t bad either. Locals love it for a quick getaway from the chaos of the city, especially since it’s right inside Shivapuri National Park. And it’s not just about the views; even a slow walk here feels like a breath of fresh perspective and peace of mind.

Day thirteen marks the final day of the trek to Langtang Gosaikunda. After a warm breakfast, you’ll leave Chisapani and make your way towards Sundarijal. The trail is plain and downhill with easygoing sections. The trek involves walking through Shivapuri National Park via Mulkharka and Borlang Bhanjyang. Within five hours of the trek from Chisapani, you’ll get to Sundarijal. From there, you’ll take a vehicle and drive back to Kathmandu.

About Kathmandu

Kathmandu, which sits at 1,400 meters, is both the starting and ending point of the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. It’s the capital of Nepal, so obviously the busiest city too. Surrounded by green hills, its roots trace back to the 2nd century. So, it’s one of the oldest continuously lived-in places in the world. Kathmandu balances centuries-old temples and traditions with the chaos of modern life. And 7 of Nepal’s 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located inside the Kathmandu valley (Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur).