Nep Travels : Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

Considered as one of the holiest trek in Nepal, Langtang Gosaikunda trek is favorite of both domestic and international toursit. After Ghorepani Poon hill trek, Langtang Gosaikunda trek is popular between the internal tourist due to easy accessibility and religious beliefs. Gosaikunda lake with wonderful views of Langtang Himalayan range reflecting on it's surface has always succeeded in attracting enough of tourists. Besides, near this lake many photographers have spotted Snow Leopard due to which wildlife photography in this region has gained speed. There are many amazing and wow factors in this trek.So,come join to to get that experience of wilderness which will be a precious memory.

This trek like the normal Langtang valley trek, starts from Syabrubesi and continue trekking up-towards the Lama Hotel, Langtang Valley and then to the Kyanjin Gompa. From Kyanjin Gompa we will again return back to Lama Hotel and to Syabrubesi. We will now head towards Thulo Syabru to reach our destination Gosaikunda. In this trek we will trek up to one corner of the Kathmandu valley; Chisapani. Chisapani is a hiking destination, closest to Kathmandu Valley. We will then trek towards Sundarijal, which is the ending point of this trek. We will take bus from Sundarijal and officially end the trek.

Cost Includes:

12 night accommodation with 3 meals a day during trek

2 night accommodation in Kathmandu on Bb plan

All entrance and Permit charge

Licensed Guide and Porter

All transfer; airport drop pick up

Bus or Jeep fare Kathmandu - Syabrubesi

Bus fare Sundarijal-Kathmandu

Farewell Dinner

All Government taxes

DAY 01: Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal. First day you’re in Nepal. Our representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer to Hotel. Our manager will meet you at hotel or where convenient and brief you about the trek along with introduction to guide of the trek. Overnight at Hotel on B plan

DAY 02: Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,610m)

First day of our trekking begins with a drive to Syabrubesi which is the bottom of Langtang Valley. This will be a long drive about 7 hours in which you will drive half-way on a pitched road while other half might be just graveled. This will be a fun ride as we will pass through waterfall and forest which houses many endangered species of birds and animals. We will also catch beautiful views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Langtang range peaks, above 6000 m.

DAY 03: Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2,480 m)

Today our trekking starts. After breakfast, we will head towards the Lama Hotel where we will stay overnight. We will walk along the Langtang River. As we walk on our trail passes through uninhabited forests of oak and rhododendron. We will then cross a small bridge and ascend on a steep trail which will lead us to the Lama Hotel.

DAY 04: Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3,541 m) or Mundu

Today is going to be a little more tiring day. We will continue to ascend upward passing through abundant waterfalls overseeing beautiful mountain landscape. We will then reach to Ghoda Tabela. Here you will see gazing farms and few of temporary houses of the herders. As we continue our trek we will see many stupas and chortens. When we get at Langtang village, you will see a monastery. This monastery has been reported with a little damage due to Earthquake of 2015 but if restoration is done by the time you arrive you can take a walk within the monastery complex. We will continue to trek to Mundu where we will stay for overnight.

DAY 05: Langtang Village or Mundu to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m)

5^th day of trekking we will walk towards Kyanjin Gompa. We will pass through yak fields, water mills and villages. This route is considered to be one of the outstanding routes as it allows you to pass along the prayer wheels, chortens and longest stone built Mani wall with prayers written all over it. Kyanjin Gompa is another monastery in the region. This is important shrine for the Buddhist and many rituals take place here during festival and special occasions.

Day 06: Kyanjin Gompa

After few days of trek we will rest and acclimatize at Kyanjin Gompa. We will use this rest day by taking an excursion hike to Tserko Ri. Tserki Ri has a view point which offers magnificent views of the Himalayas and glaciers. As it gets late afternoon, we will return to Kyanjin Gompa. If you are a cheese lover, then this is it. You will have half day to explore small cheese factory which is supported by the Swiss government.

DAY 07: Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel

Today we will descend the valley towards Lama Hotel. We will continue our journey passing through the beautiful Tamang village, forest and rivers. We will stay for overnight at Lama Hotel.

DAY 08: Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru (2,200 m)

We descend to the banks of the Langtang Khola and then climb up to the Rimche Village. We will walk overseeing an incredibly beautiful view of the new gorge. Our trail then goes along a narrow thread of the river, and cross one of the tallest and longest bridges. We will make our way through the scattered houses of the village until we reach Thula Syabru.

DAY 09: Thula Syabru to Shin Gompa (3,330 m)

We continue our way up through the village, the fields, and the lines of the chortens and reach Dursagang. Walking through the oak and rhododendron forest, we then reach to the Phoprang Danda, a great place where you can meet the Langur(monkeys), with a magnificent views of the Ganesh Himal. We will stay overnight at Shin Gompa. Shin Gompa is also a Buddhist religious site with a 1000-hand statue of Avalokitesvara. Within this place is a small cheese factory.

DAY 10: Shin Gompa to Gosaikunda Lake (4,380 m)

In the morning, we will take a smooth climb to Chyolangpati (3600 m), then climb a ridge to Laurebina (3900 m) where we will see beautiful panoramic views of Himal Chuli (7893 m), Manaslu (8156 m), Ganesh Himala (7422 m) and Langtang Lirung (7,246 m).

Then the path goes along the slope with a beautiful view of the gorge, mountains, and lakes. In this region, there is presence of many high-altitude lakes, among which we will see three main: Sarswotikunda, Bhairabkunda and Gosaikunda. According to legend, one day, Shiva swallowed a poison that threatened to destroy the world, while he was walking through the pass he felt thirsty. He did not take any water with him, but glanced around to the glacier. Without thinking twice, Shiva struck the glacier with his trident, and the glacier turned into a lake, which is today's Gosaikunda. And every August during the full moon festival, hundreds of pilgrims visit to the lake, and six months a year (from October to June) the lake Gosaikunda (4380 m), is under the ice.

DAY 11: Gosainkunda Lake to Ghopte (3,400 m)

We will start trek by short and easy ascent to Lauribina Pass (4650 m) which will be about 2 hours, where the surrounding views are inspired by the panorama of the snow mountains. Then descend through a steep trail to Phedi (3,700 m) where we will have lunch. On this day you will need a trekking stick. Before Ghopte, part of the way goes up and down without dropping heights, then a small descent. Here you will sleep very well.

DAY 12: Ghopte to Kutumsang (2,530 m)

We will start our day with breakfast and walk through beautiful forest with a fresh smell of pine needles and flowers leaves. After a couple of hours trek we will reach the Thadepati Pass (3690 m) and slowly begin to descend. Not too steep, we will descend along the ridge in Mangengoth (3420 m), which is a pleasant place. A little bit up, and then down as we pass the stupa over Kutumsang (2530 m) and after another half an hour we find ourselves in the village. Along the way we can enjoy beautiful mountain views of Mt. Dorje Lakpa range.

DAY 13: Kutumsang to Golphu Bhanjyang (2,130 m) to Chisapani(2,110 m)

Our trek continues with a steep descent to the village of Bhanjyang (Golphu) then walk through the forest and rice fields. We will top at Chisapani for overnight.

DAY 14: Chisapani to Kathmandu (1,350m)

Today our route goes forward through the forest of oak and rhododendron, and brings you to Borlang Bhanjyang (2440m). We trek down to Mulkharka (1800m), from where you can see spectacular view of Kathmandu valley. Descending through the forest we reach to the Sundarijal. Then drive to Kathmandu for about an hour. This is the end, but we are sure you have many good memories taking back along with you which will certainly be a moment to cherish even in the future. After arrival at Kathmandu, we will provide you a farewell dinner.

DAY 15: Kathmandu

Last day in Nepal. Please be ready at the lobby of the hotel at least 3 hours before your flight back to home. Our representative will drop you to airport. If you love the mountains we guarantee that your heart will always desire to visit Nepal again so please keep in touch. End of our service

Cost Excludes:

Visa Fee (free for Indian, Chinese and SAARC nationalities except for Afghans)

Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu

Travel Insurance

Rental charge for sleeping bag and down jacket

Expenses during trek like charging electronic devices, WI-FI, hot shower, toilet paper rolls, mineral water, and other personal items

Tips to guide and porter

Travel Insurance:

About the travel insurance we suggest our guest to take those insurance which covers all emergency case or other travel related injury during your travel in Nepal. However, this is optional and it depends on your opinion. If you are buying any insurance you can buy which covers for a week or only for days you will be in Nepal.

There are many insurance companies, but we suggest you to get World Nomad. They have emergency evacuation even up to 6000m. But before you get it make sure you are covered for such evacuation. For those who already have insurance of other company, make sure if it covers travel insurance in Nepal and especially evacuation up to 6000m. Link for World Nomads is www.worldnomads.com

Cancellation and Refund:

Although it’s rare but sometimes we might cancel trip due to some internal problems, in such a case you will be refunded full amount of package. If guest wish to cancel trip then money will be refunded as following:

Cancelled one month before arrival full refund

Cancelled 15 days before arrival 75% refund of total cost

Cancelled one week before arrival 50% of total cost

Cancelled less than a week 25% refund of total cost

No Show No refund

Equipment and Accessories

Trekking on the high altitude area there is some requirement of equipment.

Sunglasses

Sunhat, cap or Scarf

Woolen hat

Head light and torches

Gloves

Thermals

Fleece

Comfortable trekking boots

Fleece pants

Jackets, down jacket

Sleeping bag rated to -20°C

Trekking poles

Trekking bag or Duffel bag

Water bottle

Sunscreen

Toiletries

Spare battery (if you have any to charge your electronic devices on the way)

Can I travel alone without guide, just with a porter?
Well it’s your choice whether you want a guide or not. But what we suggest you, is to take a guide because there are thousands of solo traveler missing in Nepal. If there is a guide to assist you, you don't have to worry about where to stay for a night; how to find your way, how do you arrange your everyday trip and how do you take care of yourself if there are any bad happenings. Moreover, mountains are not like city area where you will find many to communicate, In the mountain very few speak English, and we remind you not to believe anyone you meet on the way cause there are good and bad people everywhere.
What age people can trek in the Mountains?
There is no limit in age unless you are below 18 yrs. old. Everyone can trek if their physical strength allows them. If there is kid interested, then he/she must be accompanied by his/her parent. For those above 18 don’t have any restriction. Before you choose any trekking destination consult with your physician and then go for that which you can complete.
How long is the trekking? How long will be the walking trail?
Trekking depends on the kind of package you choose. There are packages of a week and even of 3 weeks and more. When you are trekking average hour you will trek is four to six hours, in some cases 7 hours a day, which will be minimum of 7km and maximum 15 km of walking in a day.
Is it compulsory to have previous trekking history?
No, if this is your first time then it's OK. Not all the trekkers have previous experience. There are many beginners who do well than those experienced ones. Before you come to Nepal indulge yourself in some walking or stamina building sports, so that it becomes easier for you to even walk for 6 hours a day.
What things do I need to prepare before coming to Nepal?
Documents:
You will require documents like passport, color copies of passport, passport size photo graphs, if you are below 18 and travelling with friends, you will require a written document by your parents (travel agreement), if you are going under medication, written prescription by doctor is required. Besides these, if there are any other compulsory documents we will inform you during booking. For any other information you can check our travel essentials where information about Customs, Visa and Travel tips is given.
Equipment:
You will require that equipment which is listed in Equipment list. Please check there. You are free to carry other item if you need even if not mentioned in the list.
Travel Insurance:
Apart from this, most important thing you will require is Travel insurance. As, we've said it's optional but it’s better if you have one. There are many insurance companies, but we suggest you to get World Nomad. They have emergency evacuation even up to 6000m. But before you get it make sure you are covered for such evacuation. For those who already have insurance of other company, make sure if it covers travel insurance in Nepal and especially evacuation up to 6000m. Link for World Nomads is www.worldnomads.com
What permits are required and who will arrange it for us?
For every trekking, either short or long you will require permits. For all trekking region you will require TIMS (Trekker's Information Management System). We will get it for you and you should prepare a photograph for it. Another is National Park permit. For every trekking region which falls under national park or conservation area, you will require permit. Another is for trekking in restricted area like Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo where you will need a special permit which will be given for a week or limited days. If permit gets expired you will have to pay extra per day.
When should I travel to Nepal?
Nepal has two tourist seasons one is spring and other is autumn. Spring season is February to May. Autumn is late August till mid-November. Summer in Nepal receives heavy rainfall which makes trails slippery and dangerous. There are many avalanches in Mountain during this time, so we suggest not to travel during summer. Another is winter; winter in mountains is too cold. Temperature drop to -20°C. There is snowfall and due to bad weather flights even get cancelled for 1 week. So, it’s better not to travel in winter as well.
What do I need to pack?
This basically depends on which season of year you are traveling. If it is autumn then you should keep in mind that winter is approaching, so it will be cool. If it is spring then you should be aware it gets warmer day by day. Generally in all kind of trekking you will require, a down jacket, a warm fleece jacket, thermal underwear, trekking pants and shorts, trekking boots, a thermal sleeping bag, backpack, and camera. Carry light and few items as much as possible. Just make sure you have all the necessary equipment and clothes. Too much overpacking will trouble you in the end. If you are under medication, carry your medicine. If you want to bring something with yourself for the trek but you don't have it right now, we suggest you not to buy such things. Almost all the necessary gears can be easily bought or be rented at shops in Kathmandu.
Is there any arrangement for single travelers?
Whether you are single or traveling with group, a long as you are traveling with Nep Travels, you will be given a guide. If you are single and want a porter, you have to pay extra $11 per day for a porter. If there is more than one person then, one porter will be provided automatically. Generally, we have porter in 2:1 ratio; two trekkers will have one porter.
How much weight will porter carry?
In an average porter will carry 5kg to 15kg. We recommend you to carry bag of 10-15kg (max.) weight. Try to carry few items as possible. You have to carry your important stuffs by yourself like camera, passport, small day bag and other food (chocolates, energy drinks). Rest other will be carried by porter. So you will have two bags during trekking, one carried by porter another carried by yourself.
What communication options exist while trekking?
Don't forget you are trekking in the remote areas. However, access to mobile and internet is expanding so you can communicate using local mobile card and internet. Many routes offer local VHF phones, while more remote trails, a satellite phone is the only option. Connections are interrupted frequently but it's still OK considering place you are traveling.
What is Altitude sickness? What is acclimatization?
When you are trekking in mountain, as you go upwards oxygen in air decreases. Sometimes you might feel headache, vomiting and nausea followed by dizziness. So when you see these symptoms, you might be suffering from Altitude sickness. So, if you have any such symptoms immediately tell your guide. To avoid altitude sickness you will have to take rest and let your body adjust to the surrounding which is called Acclimatization. If you feel too difficult even after acclimatization the best option is to descend rather than to wait for any rescue.
What to do in emergency cases and injuries?
If there is small injury or accident, then our guide will provide you with first aid. All our guide have received first aid training so this will not be a serious matter. However, your safety comes first. If there is any big accident, then we will take you to nearby hospital. If there is case of emergency than we will immediately contact your insurance and you will be rescued by a helicopter.
How will the case of incomplete trip be handled?
There is rare chance of incomplete trip. However, if there is such incident then we are sorry and please understand we cannot refund you money that you've paid. All the arrangements are done before your arrival, so we have to pay in advance for hotels, lodges, guide and porter. Permit and TIMS once used cannot be refund, so we will not be able to refund your money. If due to climate reasons or our technical problem you cannot start trek, then you can change trekking package and switch to another one.
What sort of accommodation and food will be in mountain?
Everything in the mountain will be basic. You will stay in tea houses which is lodges and small hotels in the trekking routes. Accommodation will be in twin sharing basis. You will be given three meals and a drink (coffee, hot chocolate, tea) a day. As you go up wards, you will be served simple food. We suggest you to order vegetarian food cause meat in mountains are not fresh and you may easily suffer from Diarrhea. Mineral water in mountain is expensive than city and it gets more expensive as you go upward. You can buy water purifying pills and drink water which is served in local hotel and lodges by purifying yourself.
What about tips to guide and porter?
Well, tips are optional. If you are happy with service then you can tip as much as you want. Many guests avoid tipping to guide and porter. However, guide and porter work hard to make your trip successful, so they expect something from you. So, generally we suggest $80 as tip to porter and guide. Then they will divide within each other. If you are in group then, collect $80 per person then divide equally to guide and porter. We fairly said you the idea of tipping, if you have any other questions related to tipping, please mention them during booking.