Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu Trek

The Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu Trek is one of the most adventurous and culturally rich treks in the Langtang region. This journey offers trekkers a blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance, with lush green forests, glacial lakes, majestic waterfalls, and snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The trek is less crowded compared to other popular routes, providing a serene environment for exploration. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to climb small peaks, explore rural mountain villages, and visit awe-inspiring glaciers at relatively low altitudes. The Langtang National Park, a highlight of the trek, is home to diverse wildlife and bird species.

This trek takes you through the Langtang Valley, Gosainkunda, and the Lauribina Pass, offering stunning views of Mt. Gaurishankar, Langtang Lirung, Gangchenpo, Yala Peak, Dorje Lakpa, Naya Kanga, the Annapurna range, and other snow-capped peaks. The hospitality of the Tamang and Sherpa communities will captivate you as you immerse yourself in their unique cultural practices and traditions.

The Helambu trek begins from Sundarijal, an hour’s drive from Kathmandu, leading you into Shivapuri National Park. As you trek through Chisopani, Kutumsang, Thadepati, and Sermathang, you’ll witness beautiful mountain forests, terraced rice fields, and splendid Buddhist monasteries. The Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu trek itself starts from Syabrubesi. You’ll reach Langtang Village via Lama Hotel and Mundu, with an additional day at Kyangjin Gompa to ascend Tserko Ri (5,000 m), the highest point of the trek. The journey continues through Thulo Syabru, Shin Gompa, and the sacred Gosainkunda before heading towards Ghopte, Melamchi Gaon, Tarkeghyang, and finally concluding at Melamchi Bazar, from where you’ll drive back to Kathmandu.

Short Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
• Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing
• Day 3: Drive to Syabrubesi
• Day 4: Trek to Lama Hotel
• Day 5: Trek to Langtang Village-Mundu
• Day 6: Trek to Kyangjin Gompa
• Day 7: Rest Day at Kyangjin Gompa & Tserko Ri
• Day 8: Trek to Lama Hotel
• Day 9: Trek to Thulo Syabru
• Day 10: Trek to Shin Gompa
• Day 11: Trek to Gosainkunda
• Day 12: Trek to Ghopte
• Day 13: Trek to Melamchi Gaon
• Day 14: Trek to Tarkeghyang
• Day 15: Trek to Sermathang
• Day 16: Trek to Melamchi Bazar & Drive to Kathmandu
• Day 17: Departure

Trekking Equipment

The main essentials to bring are:

• Sturdy and comfortable hiking boots, flip-flops
• Sleeping bag (depending on your accommodation) rated for -20°C for colder regions
• Daypack, trekking backpack, dry sack, and camera bag
• Few changes of clothes for varying temperatures
• For cold weather: hiking pants, thermals, gloves, neck warmer/scarf, beanie, a warm inner jacket, a windproof/waterproof outer jacket, and a down jacket
• Water purification supplies, a reusable water bottle, and a camelback water bladder
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, moisturizing skin cream, and lip balm
• Few snacks, granola bars
• Hiking stick or two
• Waterproof case, fabric bandages (such as moleskin), a headlamp, altitude sickness and other medication
• Camera and binoculars
• Hand sanitizers, toilet paper, band-aids, wet wipes
• Extra batteries (solar chargers recommended)

On popular trekking routes, everyday supplies such as toilet paper, soap, chocolate bars, and basic hiking supplies can be purchased along the way, though prices rise dramatically as you go higher in elevation. Try to stock up lower down and buy locally-produced products such as fruit, biscuits, etc. Maps are easy to find in Nepal. For more difficult treks involving mountaineering, crampons and ice axes may be required. Simpler types of crampons, which attach to the shoe using a rubber ring, are easily obtainable in the Thamel neighborhood. These are variously known as spikes, micro spikes, and chains.

Trip Facts

• Duration: 17 days
• Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Guest House
• Seasons: Spring and Autumn
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 5,000 m (Tserko Ri)
• Transport: Drive
• Minimum Group Size: 2
• Starts From: Kathmandu
• Ends At: Melamchi Bazar

Trip Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Visit some of Kathmandu’s renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
• Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Jugal Himal, Mt. Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal.
• Tserko Ri: The ascent to Tserko Ri provides magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, rivers, and lush greenery.
• Majestic Peaks: Witness stunning views of Mt. Gaurishankar, Langtang Lirung, Gangchenpo, Yala Peak, Dorje Lakpa, Naya Kanga, and the Annapurna range, along with other snow-capped peaks.
• Cultural Encounters: Experience the rich hospitality of the Tamang and Sherpa communities, and immerse yourself in their lifestyle, traditions, and unique cultural practices.