Langtang Gosain Kunda Highlights
- Explore the beautiful region of Langtang, its flora and fauna, waterfalls, deep gorges, and landscapes.
- Witness the stunning mountain views like Langtang Lirung, Gang Chenpo, Naya Kanga, Dorje Lakpa, Kimsung, and Yansa Tsenji.
- Visit the local cheese factory in Kyanji Gompa.
- Travel through the ancient Buddhist monasteries and picturesque villages.
- Visit the sacred Gosain Kunda Lake situated at an elevation of 4,600 meters.
- Get the chance to explore the culture and tradition of the Tamang and Tibetan culture and taste their hospitality.
17 days Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek Overview
Langtang and Helambu are the most popular trekking routes in Nepal. It is located centrally in Nepal north of Kathmandu. It offers a multitude of trekking destinations, all accessible without flights.
The three major areas are Langtang, Gosainkund, and Helambu. And you can combine trekking in many different ways to make treks from seven to 16 days long. Langtang is a narrow valley that lies just south of the Tibetan border. So it is sandwiched between the main Himalayan range to the north and a slightly lower range of snowy peaks to the south.
Langtang Lirung (7246m) dominates the valley to the north. Mount Gang Chhenpo (6388m) and Naya Kangri (5846m) lie to the south. Similarly, Dorje Lakpa (6966m) protects the east end of the valley. The area was designated Nepal’s first Himalayan national park in 1971.
While on the Lantang Gosain Kunda Trekking, trekkers can enjoy some of the best sceneries. You will travel through the off-the-beaten paths while passing through the forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine. Furthermore, you get to pass through the Langtang National Park and the Shivapuri National Park.
Our 17 Days Langtang Gosain Kunda Trekking is an awe-inspiring journey. Trekkers get the opportunity to explore two beautiful destinations of the Lantang region with this package.
Best Time to Visit Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek
The weather and season play a crucial role in the Lantang Gosain Kunda Trekking’s best experience. Spring and autumn are the best seasons of trekking in Nepal. The best times for Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek are:
September to December
During these months the monsoon season ends in Nepal. As a result, the weather is clear with excellent visibility. The dust is washed away by the rain and the air is crisp. The temperature is also warm ranging up to 20 degrees a day. Similarly, the temperature at night time can fall up to 5 degrees.
As November begins, it starts to snow in the Langtang region. It will add to the challenge of the trek route. However, the sky is still clear and trekkers can enjoy the stunning snow-capped mountain views. The temperature starts to get colder as December sweeps in. The nights can get cold and the temperature can drop as low as -5 degrees.
February to May
Up until early February, the temperature is really cold. Similarly, there is heavy snowfall in the higher elevations. But by mid-February, the temperature slowly starts to rise and the snow begins to melt. The temperature at night and morning times remains cold. However, trekkers can enjoy the stunning views of the snow-capped hills and mountains.
The weather and temperature are especially favorable between March and April. The vegetation becomes lusciously green, and the rhododendron forests and the wildflowers in higher elevations are in full bloom. Up until May, it is the best time to visit the Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek. The monsoon season soon follows at the end of June.
Do We Need a Guide For Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek?
The Government of Nepal has made it mandatory to hire a guide for Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek. Solo travelers can travel to the route with a guide. Many trekkers may refer to trekking independently. However, there are many reasons for hiring a guide for Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek aside for navigation and safety purposes.
The guides have local expertise and they provide deep insights into the region’s culture, tradition, and history. Similarly, they also act as a bridge for interacting with the locals. In remote areas, the locals may not be proficient in English. Hence, traveling with a guide can help trekkers overcome the language barrier and communicate properly.
Another reason for traveling with guides is that they provide assistance and support. They are also trained to handle emergencies and provide first aid. Therefore, it is highly recommended for trekkers to hire an experienced and licensed guide for Langtang Gosain Kunda Trekking.
Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek Route
The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. It’s a 6-hour drive that takes the trekkers to the northwestern hills of Kathmandu. It’s a scenic drive where you can witness the mountains like Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and others. Likewise, the drive takes you through the deep land of Trishuli Bazaar, Betrawati, and Dhunche.
From Syabbrubesi, the trail crosses through the Bhote Koshi River and follows the Langtang Khola. Similarly, you will travel through the sub-tropical forests of oak, maple, fir, blue pin, and rhododendrons. After a gentle ascend, you will reach Rimche and then to the Lama Hotel.
The trek route to Langtang village starts with a gentle climb. However, the trail soon becomes steep and leads to a log bridge. Then, you need to ascend as the valley opens up into a classical U-shaped glacial. After crossing a stream and climbing past several water-driven mills and prayer wheels, you will reach Langtang. The houses in the village have Tibetan architecture with carved-driven windows.
The trail to Kyanjing Gompa requires you to climb a ridge and cross several small streams. You will come across a monastery and dramatic icefall as you get closer to the Kyanjin Gompa village. The village has a famous Government-operated cheese factory. Similarly, you can witness panoramic mountain views of Lirung, Genjempol, Kyangjin Ri, Tsergo Ri, Ganja La, Langshisa Ri, Dorje Lhakpa, Naya Kang, and Yala Peak.
From Kyanjing Gompa, it takes a 4 to 5-hour trek to reach the Kyanjing Ri. While en route, you will come across ice faces and glaciers of Langtang Lirung. Situated at an elevation of 4,350 meters, Kyanjing Ri is the highest point of the Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek. It provides panoramic views of the mountains of Tibet.
You will have to retrace your trail back to the Lama Hotel from Kyanjing Gompa. From there onwards, you will pass by old houses arranged along a high ridge, monasteries, and stupas as you reach ThuloSyabru. As you leave the village of ThuloSyabru, you will climb through gompa, school, and army post. The trail becomes steep and then goes through forests passing an old chorten before reaching Cholangpati.
The trail from Cholangpati enters into the Gosain Kunda protected area. You will get a glimpse of Langtang Lirung from the north and Himchuli and Manaslu from the west. Likewise, you will cross high-altitude summer pastures and cross the ridge. The trail becomes narrower as you get closer to Gosain Kunda. When you finally reach the sacred Gosain Kunda, you will also see a large stone Shiva lingam.
As you leave the Gosain Kunda, the trail alongside the lake ascends towards the Laurebina Pass. From then onwards, the trail begins to descend steeply at first and then gradually. You will trek through the forest of pine and rhododendrons, and cross several streams, and waterfalls before reaching Tharepati.
The trail will continue to descend and pass through rhododendron forests as you trek to Kutumsang. Then, you will head towards Chispani viewing the snow-capped mountains. The trail will lead to Mulkharka and then to Shivapuri National Park. After reaching Sundarijal, you will drive to Kathmandu which is around an hour depending on the traffic.
Difficulty During Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek Nepal
Several factors contribute to the difficulty during Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek. The first factor is the trek distance and duration. The trail to Langtang Gosain Kunda has steep sections and requires you to ascend and descend on varied terrains. Similarly, you also need to cross several streams and some rocky and glacial parts. During the trek, you may have to walk up to 7 to 8 hours a day.
The next difficulty is the high elevation. The highest point of the trek is Kyanjing Ri which sits at an elevation of 4,350 meters. As a result, you can experience acute mountain sickness or altitude sickness symptoms. Proper and immediate actions should be taken to cure the sickness.
The trail is moderately challenging but it is physically and mentally demanding. The sudden change in weather and climate can also further add difficulty during the trek. Therefore, it is highly recommended that trekkers take physical training and exercises before embarking on the journey. Similarly, do your research and consult with your trekking agency. Prepare yourself mentally and physically. Also, prepare proper equipment and gear for the journey.
Frequently Asked Question by Travelers
Which is the best time for Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek?
The spring and autumn are the two best seasons for Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek. The favorable weather and stable temperature are perfect for trekking. Similarly, the clear skies provide an excellent view. There is a low chance of rainfall and the trails are well-defined during these two seasons.
Can beginners do the Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek?
Yes, beginners can do the Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek. The route is moderately difficult and beginners can undertake the trek with proper preparation. The highest altitude you will reach during the trek is 4,300 meters. Hence, there is also a low risk of altitude sickness. However, note that trekkers should be physically fit to undertake this long-duration trek.
Do I need permits for the Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek?
Yes, trekkers must take three different kinds of permits for the Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek. You will require the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System), Langtang National Park Permit, and Shivapuri National Park Permit. The Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek package at the Himalayan Leaders includes all these three permits.
What is the highest elevation point during the trek?
The highest elevation point during the Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek is at Kyanjing Ri. It is situated at 4,350 meters (14,271 feet) above sea level. There can be a risk of altitude sickness while climbing Kyanjing Ri.
Do I need to hire a porter for the Langtang Gosain Kunda Trek?
It depends on the personal choice to hire a porter for the Lantang Gosain Kunda Trek. The route is moderately challenging but physically demanding. The duration of the trek is also relatively long so hiring a porter is highly suggested. You can trek comfortably and baggage-free if you hire a porter for your trek journey.
Route Facts
- Duration: 17 days.
- Best season: Sep-Dec & Feb – May.
- Trekking grade: C+ (Strenuous ).
- Altitude: 4,300 m.
- Trek Starting Point: Shyabrubesil.
- Ending Point: Dhunchel.
- Culture: In this region, one can explore different communities with a majority of Gurung, Magar, and Poon.
- Mode of Trekking: this trekking is Popular for Tea houses (lodge trek). But the trek operates either a tea house or a camping trek on request.
- Himalayan Sights: Langtang Lirung (7246m) Yala peak (5,500m), Langshisha Ri (6310m.) Gang Chhenpo (6388m) Ganesh Himal Range, Manaslu, Hiunchuli.
- Highlight: Three major regions offer the greatest diversity in both nature and culture with the least effort of any trek in Nepal. You can see the holy lake Gosain Kund.