| Trip code | |
| Package name | Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu Trek |
| Duration | 17 |
| Max. elevation | 5000 m |
| Level | MODERATE |
| Transportation | Private Transportation and local Bus |
| Accomodation | Hotels and teahouses |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathmandu |
| Trip route | |
| Cost | USD 1,195 per person |
A representative of Bharal Adventure will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel where you could rest. Welcome dinner will be organized to familiarize you with typical Nepalese cuisine.
A quick breakfast will be followed by a guided tour to four of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu that are Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. The equipments will be checked by the trek leader at noon followed by an interaction between the fellow participants and team leader.
After breakfast, bus drive along the north western hills of Kathmandu will begin passing through many small villages on the way. Lunch will be served at Trishuli Bazaar before continuing further drive to Dhunche from where we descend down to Syabrubesi.
Following the Langtang River across the suspension bridge heading precipitously along the oak, rhododendron and bamboo forests, we reach Lama Hotel. We might be able to spot some among the variety of wildlife in these forests such as yellow-throated martens, wild boars, langur monkeys, red pandas and Himalayan black bears.
The trek proceeds after breakfast where we will begin by descending towards a steep forest slope to the Langtang River crossing a bridge and heading up with a winding path. The trail then descends into a valley to cross a stream and climbs past several water-driven mills and prayer wheels to the large settlement of Langtang.
Passing through small village, stone-built houses and climbing up to a Chorten, we pass a huge Mani wall along a gentle path of a hill. The valley relocates to a U-shaped structure as you enter into a level of riverbed. This short walk carried out on this day is designed to help in acclimatization as well as for allowing the exploration of the surrounding, a place that is famous for cheese and curd.
You could either of the two wonderful viewpoints Kyanjin Ri (4,800m/15,748 ft) and Tserko Ri (5,000m/16,404ft) in the area among which the latter offers spectacular view of the Langtang Lirung, Langtang range, Kinshung, Yansa Tsenji and the foot of the huge Lirung Glacier if you climb up after breakfast. As we return back, lunch will be served followed by a short rest and walk around the Kyanjin valley.
We retrace our steps back to Lama Hotel along the downhill journey enjoying the fascinating views the Himalayas towering around the forests and rocky terrain. We will walk back slowly taking more time enjoying the view around us.
We follow the trail descending to the river after which we cross it to ascend back to Thulo Syabru passing through pine and juniper forests with view of Langtang Himal and many others in the backdrop.
A broad trail climbing up to Dimsa village will be taken which continues through rhododendron, hemlock and oak forests less steeply until it reaches Shin Gomba, a place famous for cheese. The trek will be accompanied with magnificent views of Langtang Himal and Langtang Valley.
Ascending smoothly through the rhododendron covered top and dense forest, the trail reaches the area in-between Shin Gomba and Laurebina Yak which is a sanctuary for the red panda (referred to by Nepalese as cat bear). From here, return to the ridge path is made from where climbing a wider route through alpine country, we arrive at Gosainkunda where the remaining part of the day is spent exploring around the lake.
A bit challenging day of the trek, on this day, we climb the trail along rough terrain and moraines passing three small lakes, ascending up across Laurebina-La (4,609m/15,121 ft) then taking the path down to Phedi and continuing the walk up and down throughout across a rocky hill with pine and rhododendron tress until we reach Gopte.
Sliding down through a forested area and climbing a dry riverbed, we arrive at a Kharka surrounded by rhododendron forest. Climbing through the forest will take us to the village of Thare Pati from where we climb the ridge directly above the village entering into a forested area and descending to Melamchi River gradually making a climb to the Melamchigaon.
Entering a cultural destination known as Helambu Region, we walk up to Tarke Gyang where you can explore Sherpa culture and observe traditional village and monasteries. The stone houses in the village are close together with only narrow alleyways separating them.
Crossing small forest with views of beautiful village of Helambu region, the trail goes around the wide valley ending between Parachin and the gorgeous Sherpa village of Gangyul. The people in this village practice Drukpa Kagyu Buddhism, same as the national religion of Bhutan.
A short walk down to Melamchi Pul Bazaar through many Sherpa village will be made before catching a bus to Kathmandu. In the evening, Bharal Adventure will host a farewell dinner to congratulate you on successful completion of your expedition.
As we say goodbye to the mountain journey in Nepal, we exchange emails and photos with our travel companions before heading to the airport accompanied by a representative of Bharal Adventure approximately three hours before you flight time.