Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Itinerary is the best choice for travelers looking for trekking destinations near Kathmandu Valley. The trails take you through the vibrant villages of the Tamang community while exploring their culture and lifestyle.

Langtang Gosaikunda 12 days Trek lies 52 km north of Kathmandu in the Rasuwa district. The trek lets you reach the two famous destinations of Langtang- Kyanjin Gompa and Gosaikunda Lake.

This journey is an excellent amalgamation of moderate trails and beautiful scenarios. The Langtang Gosaikunda routes are an excellent alternative for Annapurna and Everest Base Camp treks.

12 Days Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is the epitome of priestliness entering the Langtang national park. The park is home to wildlife, ethnic villages, high peaks, and species of flora and plants.

You can see different animals, birds, and plants while walking through the forest trails. Some are red panda, musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, snow leopard, Ghoral, serow, Daphe, and more.

The trails also bless you with the view of snow-covered mountains like Dorje Lakpa, Kyunga Ri, Langshisha Ri, Changbu, Langtang Lirung, Gangchenpo, Yansa Tsenji, and more.

Most of the Langtang region is inhabited by Tamang ethnicity, so you get to be a part of their culture and tradition. Tibetan customs influence the lifestyle of these people, so they have a warm nature.

The Himalayan people are amicable and helpful who welcome their guests with open arms, and try their best to give them proper hospitality. They put the needs and comforts of the visitors over anything else.

The Trek to Langtang Gosaikunda begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi via Trishuli Bazaar. Then you trek to Lama Hotel the next and head to Langtang village from there.

From Langtang village, you hike to Kyanjin Gompa and acclimatize there. You climb up to Tsergo Ri during your rest day and return to Kyanjin Gompa. The following day, you descend back to Lama Hotel then to Thulo Syabru.

From this point, you climb up to Singh Gompa and then head to Gosaikunda Lake. You explore around the lake the next day and descend to Chandanbari. From there, you drop to Dhunche and drive back to Kathmandu.

Overall, Nepal Eco Adventure presents you a fun package that combines trekking to the two great destinations of Langtang region.

Things to Consider before Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

• Best way to escape the busy trails of Everest and Annapurna treks
• Beautiful view of snowy peaks like Yala peak, Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Kangchenpo, and more.
• Visit the holy Gosaikunda Lake
• Explore around Kyanjin Gompa and hike up to Tsergo Ri
• Picturesque view of nature in the trials
• Encounter beautiful birds, animals, and flowers in the trails
• Enjoy the 360-view of nature from the marvelous viewpoint
• Pass through several traditional villages like Lama Hotel, Kyanjin Gompa, Singh Gompa, etc.
• Visit an ancient Gompa of this region

Why 12 Days Langtang Gosaikunda Trek?

There are several trekking destinations in Nepal, but among them the route of 12 Days Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is frequently visited and a few of the reasons are given below:

Pleasant Scenarios

If you trek around Langtang Gosaikunda during a stable climate then the glorious mountain views and surrounding landscape makes the walk enjoyable. The scenarios seen on the trails makes it a trekkers paradise.

You get to see numerous beautiful glaciers and mountains like Langtang Lirung, Morimoto, Gangchenpo, and more. Also, below these peaks lie the pine forests home to wild animals like snow leopards, Himalayan Tahr, and others.

During a clear day, you also get to the sight of Sisapangba, a mountain in Tibet from the viewpoints.

Friendly locals and their amazing culture

Trek to Langtang Gosaikunda offers you friendly and cultural interaction with the locals. The hiking trails give you an opportunity to learn more about the Tamang cultures.

The mountain people have their own language and unique Buddhist culture. If you visit during the right time, then you also get to see some rituals and be a part of them.

The local people are ever-smiling and welcoming to the visitors. They love chatting and making connections with the guests.

Great for Family Holidays

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Cost is budget-friendly and suitable to travel with friends and family. The journey is packed with adventure and beauty of nature till the end. You get to see the rural life of Nepal as well during the hike. The routes are moderate level making it possible to do with your family members without much hassle.

Colorful and lively Forests

The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek route takes you through the colorful and lively forests of Langtang National Park. The jungle is house to several species of endangered animals, birds, and plants.

The forest path lets you see wildlife like Himalayan Deer, langurs, red panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Ghoral, and birds such as Pheasant, Indian Peafowl, etc. Also, floras like Sal, rhododendron, Chirpine, silver, fir, hemlock, larch, birch and more.

Visit the Sacred lakes

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Itinerary is immensely melodious as you can visit the sacred lakes of this region. Gosaikunda is one of the holy lakes that holds a religious importance to the Hindu and Buddhist followers. Many people visit the lake for holy baths in spring and ice skating during winter.

Best time for Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

Here at Nepal Eco Adventure, Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is possible throughout the year, but you need extra preparation when traveling during off-seasons. Traveling during winter and monsoon has its own perks, but be ready for unexpected challenges.

However, if you do not love taking risks, trekking during autumn and spring is the best choice. These are the perfect seasons to prepare for your Langtang Gosaikunda trek itinerary, when the region becomes lively and beautiful.

Autumn

The autumn days are characterized by fresh air, the best visibility, and stunning blue skies. The sharp views of green valleys and striking mountains are the major highlights of this season.

November, September, and October are the three months of autumn when the days are stable, bright, and warm with a pleasant temperature. It is the crowded time of the year when most travelers visit the trails.

September being the first month, the monsoon has just transitioned to autumn, so the routes are still free from visitors. There are even chances of slight rainfall in the first week, but the weather is more stable by mid-September.

Likewise, October is the best month to walk the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek route due to its perfect weather, great environment, and stunning views. The national festival also occurs this month, so the villages and streets become vibrant and colorful.

Moreover, November is the second-best month in autumn when the routes bless you with tranquil valleys, majestic Himalayas, and pristine landscapes. The weather and surrounding scenarios are incredible.

The temperature at day ranges between 10 degrees to 25 degrees, while it drops to freezing point at night.

Why Trek to Langtang Gosaikunda in Autumn?

• Enjoy walking under the stable weather
• Clear views of Naya Kanga, Yala Peak, Langtang Ri, Kyanjin Ri, Langtang Lirung, etc.
• The incredible sight of the fantastic glaciers from the viewpoint
• Learn about the unique tradition and culture of the Himalayan people

Spring

Spring is the second-best season to walk the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek route, when the beauty of nature is at its finest. During this time, the rhododendron blossoms throughout the region, making the trails colorful.

March, April, and May are the three spring months that offer an excellent opportunity to spot the wildlife and vibrant wildflowers. The weather is dry and cool, with clear views of your surroundings.

March's first month indicates that winter has passed and brought a new season to the mountains. However, the first week is still chilly in the mountains, but the days become clear and warm by mid-week with low precipitation.

April is the best month in spring when the climate has all settled down. The days are less hazy; instead, they are more warm and bright with pleasant weather and temperature.

May is the hottest month in spring, but the bloomed rhododendron looks their best in the trails. The romantic aroma from these numerous wildflowers lures the trekker.

The temperature ranges from 5 degrees to 20 degrees at day, and it drops to zero at night.

Why Trek to Langtang Gosaikunda in Spring?

• Colorful local flower blooms in the trail
• Breathtaking views of the Himalayan under the clear sky
• Enjoy the warm hospitality from the ethnic communities
• Walkthrough the vibrant villages

Winter

Winter is an off-season to prepare Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Itinerary and also the coldest season of them all. However, the weather is clear, the trail is quieter, the mountain view is best, and the temperature is chill.

The landscape in winter is different from the ones in autumn and spring, with fewer chances of rainfall. December, January, and February are the three winter months when snowfall is high.

December is the first month of winter and has dry, warm, and sunny weather, but the walks don't make you sweaty. However, the nights are chilly and get colder as you ascend the trails.

January is the coldest month when snowfall is expected, but the days are sunny and clear. However, trekking is strenuous at this time, but possible during the ending week.

February is the end of winter when the cold slowly dies down. The cold decreases with each passing week, and snow begins to melt. By the end of February, buds start to grow in trees, and warmth slowly enters the region.

The temperature ranges between 6 degrees to 12 degrees at day, but it drops to -10 degrees at night.

Why Trek to Langtang Gosaikunda in Winter?

• Snow-covered peaks under the clear sky
• Enjoy the serenity in the quiet trails
• Different landscapes from spring and autumn

Monsoon

In Nepal, monsoon, and summer fall under the same season, so it is both the hottest and wettest time of the year. Due to bad weather conditions, this season is the least preferred one among the others.

June is the summer month when the days are the brightest of them all. Likewise, July and August are the monsoon months when there are several dark clouds and wet paths.

June is the starting month, so the weather is scorching hot, making the trek sweaty. But during the afternoon, there is a fresh wind blowing in the trails while nights are warm.

July is the month for rainfall, so the trails are wet, muddy, and slippery in the lower region. However, most of the upper areas have fewer rainy days. Due to continuous rainfall, the routes have leeches, earthworms, mosquitos, and different bugs.

August is the last month of monsoon and the ending of heavy rainfall. You can notice slight rain showers till the first week, but by the second week, the sun shines bright, making the paths warm.

The heat ranges from 15 degrees to 30 degrees during the day and drops to 5 degrees at night.

Why Trek to Langtang Gosaikunda in monsoon?

• Wild species bloom in forest trails
• Less crowded trail
• Dry trail in the first month

How Difficult is the 12 Days Langtang Gosaikunda Trek?

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Itinerary has a moderate level of difficulty that involves several uphill and downhill walks through steep and narrow ridges. You also have to walk through rocky trails and rugged terrains.

The harshness mostly depends on the topography and weather conditions faced during the trek. It is a two-week journey in the mountains, so completing it will not be easy.

Climbing a certain altitude each day might even take a toll on some trekkers’ bodies. So, you have to be well-prepared beforehand if you are determined to finish the journey.

However, the trails might be moderate but are very suitable for beginner trekkers. You do not need prior experience to trek in the Langtang Gosaikunda route. So, believe in yourself and do exercises for the tour.

Factors making 12 Days Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Difficult

The external factors make the Langtang Gosaikunda trek a difficult one. It is an adventurous trek that comes with several challenges that add to its harshness. Some are:

Trek Distance and Duration

Our Langtang Gosaikunda Itinerary covers a total distance of 117 km, with 35 km being the bumpy road from Trishuli to Syabrubesi. Each day you walk 5 to 7 hours approx while covering 15 to 20 km.

The routes start from an altitude of 2380 m and take you up to an elevation of 5033 m. The trekking trails have several steep turns and climbs, which can be tiring for someone who doesn’t walk much or does physical work.

Walking a specific duration each day, followed by steep uphill and downhill climbs, will be pretty tough and challenging. Plus, the trails involve crossing some rocky and glacial parts, which makes it more exhausting.

Weather and Temperature

Weather and Temperature are the main factors that determine the difficulty level of the trek. Spring and autumn have excellent climatic conditions, so there isn’t much hassle in terms of climate.

However, on the other hand, trekking during monsoon and winter takes you through several challenges. These are the times when the climatic conditions are not at their best.

During monsoon, the trekking routes are muddy and wet, making it slippery. Also, due to continuous rainfall, there are casualties of landslides and floods in lower regions, causing road blockage. You also find bugs, leeches, and mosquitos in the trails.

Moreover, the upper region trails are covered in snow in winter, and the lakes are completely frozen. At this time, the routes are slippery, and there are blockages due to heavy snowfall. You need to walk carefully too as the courses are wet and slippery.

But doing the trek is not impossible, so if you are fixated on trekking in winter or monsoon, then do it at a suitable date.

Altitude and its related sickness

Altitude and related illnesses are the most common difficulties faced during the Trek to Langtang Gosaikunda. You will be walking above 3000 m altitude for several days, so suffering from AMS is high.

However, it doesn’t happen to everyone so, be at ease. Typically, altitude and its related sickness only occur when trekking to high elevation places. The air there is thin, so some cannot get the proper amount of oxygen, causing altitude sickness.

If you suffer from AMS, a few symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, sleepless nights, breathing difficulty, etc., are shown. So, it is best to inform your guide about the problems and consult them for further instruction.

Usually, when suffering from AMS, you need to stay where you are or head to a lower altitude. Never let the symptoms worsen, as it can be fatal to your health.

Physical Fitness

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek route doesn’t require technical training, but it needs you to be physically healthy. By fit, it means to have a sound body and mind before the journey.

If you are not healthy in mind and body, you won’t feel relaxed to enjoy the trip. With the rugged topography, the trails require you to have substantial physical fitness.

You might be able to walk on the trails without increasing your stamina, but you will quickly get tired and need more rest. Thus, this situation will slow down the team and you, which might make you uncomfortable.

Budget

The budget might not seem like a difficulty for many trekkers, but it is a problem for a few. Not every visitor trekking in the trails is wealthy, so the cost also influences the difficulty of this trip.

You might have to cut on many luxury things like a/c transportation, a/c rooms, and more to lower the cost. Also, you might not be able to hire guides or porters due to your budget.

Due to the low budget, you might have to travel in public transportation, which is much cheaper than other vehicles. Also, the goods and services are expensive in higher regions due to scarcity.

You have to pay extra to use hot showers, fill hot water in bottles, charge your devices, and more. The cost of food is also double the regular price as yak and porters transport goods from lower to higher regions.

Packing

Many trekkers don’t see packing as a problem and later regret it as both over-packing and under-packing increase the trekking difficulty. If you under-pack, then there are chances of leaving necessary things behind.

However, if you overpack, it will make walking up and down the trails exhausting. Because carrying unnecessary items will only make your backpack heavy and burden you with extra weight.

Accommodation during Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

12 Days Langtang Gosaikunda Trek has various accommodation options from essential to a standard level. In this trek, you stay the nights in traditional tea houses for the next few weeks enjoying their hospitality.

The tea houses in lower altitudes have nice rooms with comfy beds, pillows, mattresses, and warm blankets. In some, they also provide you with dressing cupboards. Each room has an attached bathroom as well.

While you keep climbing at higher altitudes, the accommodation keeps getting simpler. The rooms come with foam mattresses, a bed, pillows, and a blanket. Plus, there are only shared bathrooms in upper regions.

All the rooms during the trek are twin-sharing, so you have to share them with fellow companions. However, you can book individual rooms as well, but it will cost you a high amount.

Moreover, the tea houses in lower regions have wifi, telephone, and western-style bathrooms with hot showers on tap. While in higher areas, the tea houses don’t have wifi, telephones but use squat-style toilets. Also, they provide hot water in a bucket for showers.

Food during Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

Every tea house has a clean and comfortable dining room with an indoor heating area. Also, the cooking area is very hygienic, so do not worry about your health.

You get to try from simple western to Nepali staple food on this trek. Each day we provide you with a different breakfast and lunch menu, while the dinner is always the traditional khana set.

You get to eat bread with honey, cheese, jam, butter, chapati with an omelette, peanut, boiled egg, scrambled egg, pancake, porridge, cornflakes, pudding, and more for breakfast.

For lunch, you get fried rice with egg, vegetables, sandwich with cheese, tuna fish, egg, mixed, veg pizza, veg, cheese, potato momo, veg, egg, chowmein, spaghetti with tomato, garlic sauce, and more.

You get to eat freshly cooked rice, lentils, curry, pickle, ghee, dahi (curd), green vegetables, roti, and more for dinner. The serving time for dinner is from 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Similarly, tea houses offer many drinking options, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic such as black tea, milk tea, lemon tea, ginger tea, black or milk coffee, local wine, vodka, beer, etc.

P.S. Our package only covers breakfast in Kathmandu, so you have to pay for your lunch and dinner there. However, it includes three meals during the trek, so only carry cash for your snacks, bar bills, etc.

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek With Guide

Trek to Langtang Gosaikunda is possible with a guide only since rules changes from 1st April 2023. If you prefer solo trekking, you can travel with a guide hiring. Before 1st April 2023 individual trek without the guide was allowed.

However, trekking alone is more suitable for courageous and experienced trekkers who can face challenges that might occur independently. So if possible, we do recommend you hire a guide for the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek.

Bringing a guide in this trek makes it much easier as they become your interpreter along with the navigator. Also, having an experienced companion guarantees your safety and security as well.

He also has proper knowledge about accommodation, food, etc., and will help you stay the night in the best ones. They have been walking the same route for years so that they will know shortcuts as well.

Trekking alone in the Langtang region will be difficult for people with no prior knowledge about treks, so having a guide will be a plus point. So, if you think of hiring one, make sure they speak multiple languages.

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek With or Without Porter

Like Guides, hiring a porter is also an option during a trek. You can employ both or one of them. Guides are generally expensive, so trekkers prefer to bring porters as they lessen the baggage as well.

Porter are people who carry your luggage in the trek making your walk lightweight. You only have to bring your day pack if you hire a porter with you. Also, they are locals of the area, so that they can take you through shortcuts.

They do not know multiple languages, but they can speak and understand basic English. Like guides, they also have contact, so they can help you find friendly accommodations easily.

P.S. If you are trekking with a company, they will hire you a porter, guide, or both according to your need.

Tips to for Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

You face several difficulties during Langtang Gosaikunda Trek, so we have mentioned a few tips to minimize them.

Choose the right season.

It is necessary to plan your Langtang Gosaikunda trek itinerary during the appropriate season to make the journey more exciting. So, autumn and spring are good options for hiking on these routes.

The seasons fall under the months of March, April, May, September, October, and November. The environment is both suitable and pleasant for trekking at these times.

The average temperature ranges from 7 to 20 degrees during these seasons, so the weather is not too cold or hot. The walks are bearable and comfortable for trekkers.

However, the trek might not be peaceful for you during spring and autumn as these are the prime months for visitors. So, the routes will be swarming with people in every corner.

Engage in Physical Exercise

Langtang Gosaikunda 15 Days Trek is a moderate grade hike, so you do not need to be ready months before. But you do need to engage in physical exercises two to three weeks before the actual trip.

It would be best to do exercises that increase your stamina and leg strength. To do so, you can develop the habit of going on short hikes, swimming, long walks, cycling, jogging, running, and more.

Do activities that keep you fit and healthy so you don’t tire or exhaust quickly during the trekking hours. Having a perfect body doesn’t always mean a fit.

Carry necessary trekking gear

Packing the right trekking gear is very important because doing so helps make your journey comfortable and easy. You need to bring changing clothes according to the season you are traveling.

If you are trekking in winter, you need to pack warm clothes and a heavy jacket. Likewise, if you are traveling in the monsoon, you need to bring raincoats, waterproof dresses, and a bag.

Likewise, there are no technical sections in this trek, but you can pack trekking poles, hiking shoes, and such for the trip. But remember not to over-pack your bags with unnecessary things.

If you are confused about what to bring and whatnot, you can consult the packing list for reference.

Hydrate yourself and eat healthy foods

The most crucial tip for trekkers is to eat healthily and keep themself hydrated. You need to eat food containing protein such as cheese, beans, green vegetables, and more to energize your body for the hikes.

Likewise, drinking enough water helps you avoid serious health problems like AMS, cramps, etc. So, you need to drink enough water that can keep you hydrated for 5 to 7 hours.

However, we do recommend you avoid meat and alcohol during the trek. The meats are unhygienic, and beverages enhance the chances of altitude sickness.

Acclimatization

Whether you are traveling with a company or solo, always make sure to take proper acclimatization measures. Mainly if you are a beginner, acclimatization is a crucial tip to avoid altitude sickness in Langtang Gosaikunda 15 Days Trek.

The number of days is decided according to the altitude. If you are planning on going above 5000 m, then 2 to 3 days are separated for rest. But if you travel below that elevation, a day is categorized for acclimatization.

No matter how professional or hurry you are, always keep days for acclimatization. It is the best way to avoid getting altitude sickness.

No ATM

Many people are not familiar with the fact that there are no ATMs available in higher places. The last machine for this trek is in Kathmandu. Also, they do not have e-banking or card swipe, so you need to carry enough cash beforehand.

Another point is to carry the equivalent currency, as they do not accept money other than Nepalese rupees. So, it is better to trade your money in the capital.

Carry Enough Cash

As you know, there are no ATMs in the trails of Langtang Gosaikunda Trek, and the equivalent local currency is the only way to make your payments. Thus, carrying enough cash is necessary because you need to pay your bar bills, charging bills, hot shower, etc.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend trekkers have travel insurance before they come for this journey. Because the situation is unpredictable in the mountains, having insurance helps cover medical expenses and emergency evacuation.

Travel insurance is necessary when trekking in the Himalayas, so make sure the insurance covers the altitude you are traveling. They need to provide you with helicopter rescue to the nearest hospital for treatment if you get sick.

Permits Needed for Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

Trekkers need to be aware of the fact that they need to carry two different permits before they begin the trek. The two permits are- TIMS Card and Langtang National Park Entry Permit.

TIMS Card

TIMS Card has three types: green, pink, and blue. The green card is for individuals, blue is for a group of trekkers, and pink for SAARC nations. You can purchase this card from Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu. The card cost is:

Price

TIMS: $20; NRP 2600.

Langtang National Park Entry Permit

The trek route of Langtang Gosaikunda goes through Langtang National Park, so a special permit is needed to finish it. You can purchase the permit from Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu, or the entry point, Dhunche. The card cost excluding 13% VAT is:

Price

Price for Foreigners: $30; NRP 3000, Price for SAARC: $15 NRP 1500.

P.S. The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Cost includes the permit price in the package.

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Cost

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is budget-friendly compared to Everest Base Camp and Annapurna trips. You pay a moderate amount for the luxury we provide during the journey.

Our package covers the bill for your accommodation, guide, porter, three-time meals, transportation, airport pick up, drop off, and more. So, you need to carry extra money for your personal spending.

You need to have between $15 to $20 a day to pay for your snacks, charging devices, WIFI, hot shower, bar bills, etc. However, it is recommended to carry the equivalent local currency for payment.

Packing List for Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

Our company provides you with some equipment and gear like sleeping bags, hiking poles, down jackets, and duffel bags, so you don’t need to bring these items. However, after completing the trek, you need to return them.

Other than that, you need to bring several items and some hints are given below:

Upper Body

• T-shirts
• Light and weight Thermal tops
• Light jacket
• Short and long sleeve shirt
• Wind and Rain jacket
• Sports Bra

Lower Body

• Long trekking pants
• Short hiking pants
• Lightweight thermal pants
• Rain and windproof trousers
• Sweat-free underwear

Headwear

• Ear muffs
• Bandana
• Cap
• Sun hat
• Neck warmer
• Scarf
• Sunglasses

Hand wear

• Liner gloves
• Mittens
• Mountain gloves

Feet wear

• Thin socks
• Trekking socks
• Trekking boots
• Light hiking shoes
• Sandals or flip-flop

Miscellaneous

• Daypack
• Water bottle
• Hand sanitizer
• Sunblock cream
• Moisturizer
• Lip guard
• Head torch
• Ear muffs
• First-aid kits
• Pocket knife
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Power bank