Langtang, Gosaikund - Helambu Trek
This is a popular combination of three treks that can also be done individually as shorter treks. Langtang (7-8 days), Gosainkund (7-8 days) and Helambu (6 days). Together they create a wonderful overview of the Langtang and Helambu region, giving you a glimpse fo Sherpa and Tamang life. The scenery is grand and diverse from rhododendron forests and lakes to glaciers and snow mountains. Another advantage of trekking in this region is because the treks don’t ascend too high, altitude sickness is not an issue and bulky cold weather gear is not necessary to carry. Stunningly picturesque panoramas of the Himalayas stretching from Annapurnas to the Everest region, make this trek a memorable experience.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1 - Drive to Syabrubesi
Drive to Syabrubesi (1460m) by local express bus. Travel from Kathmandu by bus to Syabrubesi. Spend the night in Syabrubesi.
Day 2 - Lama Hotel
Lama Hotel (2340m). Your trek starts after breakfast. Winding steeply up along the Langtang River through forests of oak, bamboo and rhododendrons, passing a series of waterfalls. You will likely encounter an array of wildlife including Langur monkeys as well as an abundance of birds. After a 900m ascent you will reach a collection of lodges at Changtang, known as Lama Hotel, where you will spend the night.
Day 3 - Langtang
Langtang (3330m). Another day of steep climbing up through the forest until you reach Ghora Tabela at 3000m where the trail comes out of the forest. Along the way you will catch occasional sightings of the Langtang Lirung Mountains. As you continue on through the glacial valley you will pass through some villages until you reach Langtang.
Day 4 - Kyangjin
Kyangjin (3730m). On this day it is a gradual climb, past yak pastures and across small streams to reach Kyangjin gompa. It is a half day and you will reach Kyangjin in time for lunch and have the rest of the day for acclimatization. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains from Kyangjin. There is a monastery and a cheese factory in addition to several lodges.
Day 5 - Kyangjin - Hike up Tsergo RiKyangjin
Hike up Tsergo Ri (4984m). Keeping Kyangjin as a base, this day excursion hike up to Tsergo Ri is well worth the effort! If you feel less inclined, you can spend the day relaxing in Kyangjin, visiting the monastery and cheese factory. You can also rent a horse to explore the picturesque Langtang valley.
Day 6 - Ghore Tabela
Ghore Tabela (2992m). You cover a lot of distance on the return – all downhill! Come down from Kyangjin, back through Langtang village and continuing down to the edge of the forest where you reach Ghore Tabela.
Day 7 - Thulo Syabru
Thulo Syabru (2210m). Continue back down through the forest, passing Lama Hotel, and down further until you cross the river. You will then head back up through forests of juniper and pine teeming with an array of wildlife until you reach the lovely village of Thulo Syabru. Here you will enjoy spectacular views of Langtang and Ganesh Himals.
Day 8 - Cholangpati
Cholangpati (3584m). It’s a steep start to the day as you climb up to Phoprang Danda. Continue upwards through forests and enjoy views of Langtang and Ganesh Himals until you pass Sing Gompa and eventually reach Cholongpati where you will rest for the night.
Day 9 - Gosainkunda
Gosainkunda (4380m). The trail climbs to Laurebina Yak where you fill find excellent views of all the surrounding mountains. Continue on to the pass where the trail becomes exposed offering first views the holy Gosainkunda lakes, the first is Saraswati Kund. Continue past Bhairav Kund until you reach the Gosainkunda lake.
Day 10 - Ghopte Odar
Ghopte Odar (3430m). Climb up passing more lakes to the highest point of the trek at Laurebinayak Pass which is 4616m. The trail then sharply descends past Phedi. From there you weave up and down through a few valleys, over some streams, before reaching Gopte.
Day 11 - Melamchi Goan
Melamchi Goan (2530m). Go down until you cross a stream and then climb up to Tharepati (3640m). From Tharepati the trail runs steeply down a ravine, descending over a 1000m to the bustling Sherpa village of Melamchi Gaon.
Day 12 - Tarkeygang
Tarkeygang (2740m). The day starts with further descent through the forest past a number of Buddhist chortens until you cross the sparkling Melamchi Khola by bridge. From there it is a steep climb up the other side of the valley followed by a gentle ascent to the atmospheric village of Tarkeygang. You can explore this beautiful Sherpa village and there is an 18th century gompa with a brass prayer wheel.
Day 13 - Sermathang
Sermathang (2590m). A pleasantly easy downhill trail takes you through the forest to the pretty Sherpa village of Sermathang, with more monasteries and some lovely mountain views.
Day 14 - Trek to Melamchi Bazar
Trek to Melamchi Bazar. On your final day, you will trek 3-4 hours to Melamchi Bazar, a hub of Sherpa life where you will also find inhabitants of other ethnic groups. From Melamchi Bazar you will take a private vehicle back to Kathmandu.
