Langtang Gosaikunda and Helambu Trek – 17 Days

Langtang Gosaikunda and Helambu Trek is a culturally enriching trek with amazing views of the Himalayas in the Langtang, Gosaikunda, and Helambu regions of Nepal. This trek passed through lush forests, quaint villages, abundant wildlife, and outstanding views of the majestic Himalayas. This Langtang Gosaikunda and Helambu 17-day trek begins in Kathmandu with tours of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then will drive to Syabrubesi which is a Tamang village located on the banks of the Bhote Koshi River and begin our trek. Reach Kyanjin Gompa and then climb Tserko Ri the next day. From here will get tremendous views of the Langtang Lirung (7200m/23,622ft) range.

Langtang Valley

Next, we continue the journey in the beautiful Langtang Valley and reach Gosaikunda which is a revered place of pilgrimage for Buddhists and Hindus. The place is named after the Gosaikunda Lake whose water is believed to have magical healing powers. We then pass by a few more lakes and cross the Laurebina Pass. Our trek in the Helambu Valley begins after crossing the pass. Another highlight is to reach the top of Ama Yangri at 3,800-meter. The view of the Himalayas from the top of the hill is believed to rival that of Poon Hill. From here, Mount Shishapangma and the Langtang ranges seem so close that you can almost touch them. Continue trekking in the Helambu region for a few more days and end our remarkable journey to the mountains with a drive back to Kathmandu.

Physical Condition Experience Requirements:

Langtang Gosaikunda and Helambu Trek is a moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who can walk for around 5-7 hours daily with a light day pack. Walking at higher altitudes is more physically challenging than walking at lower altitudes. However, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have a positive vibe, confidence, and a strong-willed person, then we can successfully accomplish this trek. Exercising and jogging regularly for a few weeks prior to the trip is a good advantage to enhance strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an additional but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is vital for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking the trip. It is advisable to inform the Alpine Club of Himalaya about your medical condition before booking the trek.

Meals and drinking water:

Along the Langtang Region Trek, you’ll be provided with various Nepali, and Tibetan ethnic cuisines and varieties of western meals to choose from. The region has a number of tea-house every hour so typically run by local inhabitants providing basic and minimal facilities. Try various traditional cuisine and popular snacks including locally made dairy items such as cheese, Churpi, and milk-based delicacies and baked items. Also try Sea buckthorn juice, a Himalayan delicacy.

Similarly, drinking water taps are accessible with natural water supplies which are untreated, so direct use of the water is not recommended, you may refill boiling water or cold filter water from any of the teahouses. However, if you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.

Accommodation:

Local accommodations are available in trekking lodges and teahouses which are located all along the trail every hour or so, providing basic accommodation, food, and electricity. The room mostly includes twin sharing beds as well as a single bed, with a hygienic and clean atmosphere and good mattresses which reduce your backpack weight. The accommodation usually has a central heating system used by firewood located at dining rooms, providing heat and space for travelers to rest and exchange their stories. Campsites are also available along the trail providing a special opportunity for the campers.

Best time to visit? 

The best season for trekking in the Langtang region is during the season of autumn and spring.

The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions providing good conditions for exploring the high mountain terrains.

During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November bring clear weather with great visibility and warm temperatures providing a perfect opportunity to trek on high Himalayan terrains.

The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit Langtang valley, the end of winter brings a change in the topography of the region with varieties of lush blooming trees of Rhododendron, a mixture of Confers, Oaks with Orchids and ferns with high pasture lands covered with colorful wildflowers with mild temperatures and clear weather.

Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the country, so the monsoon season is mostly avoided by trekkers.

In the winter season, the area receives high snowfall, covering most of the trail, and access is denied to most of the regions of the Langtang region making it quite impossible to trek to higher grounds.