| Langtang Gosaikunda Trek |
A well-kept secret, religiously very high in spirit with a sacred Gosaikunda Lake and Laurebina Pass. Langtang Gosaikunda Trek stands as one of the classic treks. |
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Mode of Trekking (Camping Trek)
17 Days Trip
13 Days Trek, 3 nights in Hotel.
Moderate to challenging |
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| Introduction: |
Prior to the arrival some 300 years ago of Tibetan migrants, Langtang Gosaikunda was considered "Hidden Valley", a place of refuge and still retains to be a well-kept secret. The Langtang Gosaikunda lies directly north of Kathmandu on the border with Tibet yet it remains the least visited but most well-known. Easily accessible, only a day's drive from Kathmandu, Langtang Gosaikunda trek remains a relatively less trekked area. Here the mountain -scape is spectacular. On either side of valley, mountain rises, soaring into the sky. The walk-in is picturesque, with untouched forests and abundant flora and fauna. Langur monkeys and Ghoral are easily spotted along the stream, while Himalayan Thar dot the cliffs on high in the Langtang Gosaikunda trek. Passing through the traditional Tamang Villages and age old forests of rhododendron trees with spectacular views in back ground we finally reach the Holy lakes of Gosaikunda where every year thousands of Hindu Pilgrims come here to visit the lake in the month of August. The Langtang Gosaikunda trek passes over the Laurebina Pass at an altitude of 4625 meter with an excellent view into Tibet is simply breathtaking. |
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| Itinerary: |
Day 1. In Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu. Your group leader or the office representative will meet you at the airport and will transfer you to Hotel. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down jacket at 5 pm.
Welcome dinner is organized at 6:30 pm in one of the traditional Nepali restaurants and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the fellow group members before the trip.
Day 2. In Kathmandu
In the morning we explore Kathmandu on an organized sightseeing tour visiting Boudhanath and Pusupathi Nath, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world and the most famous Hindu temple in the country. The early afternoon is free to relax in the spacious hotel garden or you may wish to visit Thamel for any last-minute shopping. In the afternoon you will be supplied with trek departure information.
Day 3. Drive to Syabrubesi
In an early morning bus drive we head towards Kakani a vantage point to see Ganesh Himal and the Langtang Range. From here the road traverses down to the Trisuli Bazaar where we stop for lunch. After Trisuli Bazaar the road is Bumpy and rough till we get to Syabrubesi. On the way we will be passing through several Tamang Villages.
Day 4. Trek to Lama Hotel
We traverse the ridge on Syabru Besi's main road and walk along the teracced fields and through the dense forest of oaks, rhododendron and bamboo. The forest abounds with wild animals like langur monkeys, red pandas and Himalayan black bear so keep your eyes open. We reach Ghopcha Khola and pass through several teashops. The climb further up is a steep uphill and very soon we reach a steel suspension bridge. We follow the course of Langtang Khola amid the spectacular vistas of cascading waterfalls and lush green forest. Overnight at Lama Hotel.
Day 5. Trek to Langtang Village
From Lama hotel we descent to the Langtang Khola and cross a bridge and continue our ascent in a zigzag way. Very soon we could see the Langtang peak through the forest. Pass a large landslide, which you can see on the right. The trail leads to a log bridge and on climbing further we come across lush meadows of Ghore Tabela, which means 'horse stable'. The valley now opens out from 'V shaped' to 'U shaped'. We pass the army check post. Walk onwards past disused walled fields then pass some small houses on your left, and follow the walled path through a field system. We arrive at Langtang Village after crossing a stream. Langtang village is the headquarters for Langtang National Park and the people living out here are Tibetans. Their ancestors have migrated from northern Tibet. All the housed you will see are Tibetan style.
Day 6. Trek to Kanjin Gompa
Walk east out of the Langtang village and skirt through the village yak pastures and climb the moraine beyond. Our trail then passes a Mani wall and two chortens and enters an area of walled fields and prayer walls. We cross a wooden bridge and reach a wide valley after climbing a moraine. Continue to climb through the ancient glacial moraine and we finally reach Kanjin Gompa. Kanjin Gompa is famous for its spectacular views and for it cheese factory.
Day 7. Exploration Day
Today we climb the nearest hill called Tserko Ri which is a rocky peak. The views are just stunning from here. The peaks we could see are Langtang Lirung, Tsangbu Ri, Dragpoche, Langshisah Ri, Jugal Himal Dorje Lakpa and Lonpo Gang. After spending some time at the top we retrace our trail back to our lodge at Kanjin Gompa.
Day 8. Trek to Lama Hotel
We retrace our trail back to Lama hotel. We stop briefly for lunch and thereafter continue the steep descent to Lama Hotel.
Day 9. Trek to Thulo Syabru
We will follow the same trail down to the valley bottom and then cross the Langtang river and then ascend to Thulo Syabru. On the way we will pass through pine and juniper trees with a window views of Langtang Himal. Thulo Syabru is a nicely located village, which stands on the ridge line.
Day 10. Trek to Sing Gompa
The trail climbs up to the Dimsa village. We walk through the rhododendron, hemlock and oak forest to Sing Gompa. Walking along the trek we could see the fantastic views of Langtang Himal. Sing Gompa is another popular place for making cheese.
Day 11. Trek to Gosaikunda
It is a gradual climb through the rhododendron forest. The walk between Sin Gompa and Laurebinayak is a sanctuary for the red pandas. Further up from Laurebinayak we follow the water source pipe of this area and very soon we will pass shrines. We reach the ridge path and climb a wider route through alpine country to arrive at a Gosaikunda. It is a holy place with a nice holy lake. There is an annual visit of pilgrims during Janai Purnima, which is during July and August.
Day 12. Trek to Gopte
The trail gets a bit challenging today as we have to negotiate with lots with climbing and crossing through the moraines. After passing three small lakes we ascend and cross Laurebina Pass, which is at 4615m. We spending sometime at the pass taking pictures we descend down to Phedi. From here on the trail is undulating till we get to Ghopte.
Day 13. Trek to Melamchi
Our trail descends through a forest down to the river bed and there we reach Kharka which is surrounded by rhododendron forest. From here on we climb the forest to arrive at the village of Thare Pati. Climbing the ridge directly above the village gives you a stunning view of the Jugal Himal. After crossing the village we walk through the forest and then the trail descends to the Melamchi River followed by yet another climb to the Malemchi village.
Day 14. Trek to Tarke Gyang
The main highlight of today's walk is to witness a rich Sherpa Culture. We will pass through a traditional Sherpa village and get a chance to visit the monastery. The stone houses are close together with narrow alleyways separating them.
Day 15. Trek to Sermathang
Today is the most relaxing day of the trek. The trail remains fairly level throughout the journey, and on the way you can see local farmers working the fertile land. After passing a couple of streams and waterfalls, you'll end up in the village of Sermathang. There is an unusual monastery at the highest point of the village, which has allegedly been home to a very strict elusive Buddhist order for the past few decades. The members of the order are very rarely seen, but in the evening you'll hear their meditative prayers echoing through the valley.
Day 16. Trek to Melamchi Bazaar
We trek downhill. Don't forget to look back on the way down. In the distance you'll see the majestic silhouette of the Himalayas and you can catch a glimpse of the river far below. For the major part of the descent is very gradual. Later on you'll head upwards again for a short climb before your final descent. We will pass through several Sherpa villages and finally catch our vehicle to Kathmandu. In the evening we get together for the final farewell dinner.
Day 17. Trip concludes (Unless further plans are made)
After breakfast we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
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| Equipments Check List |
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The day-to-day schedule should be taken only as a general guide. A variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions, difficulty with transportation and politics can lead to enforced changes. Because of this it is not possible to guarantee that any of our holidays will run exactly according to the planned itinerary. The trip leader will make any changes, which are necessary. |
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There are a variety of interesting extensions you might choose to add on either before or after your trek. These options include: |
Chitwan National Park: It provides excellent opportunities to view the rare species such as sloth bear, bison, rhinoceros, leopard and the exclusive tiger. Early morning jungle walks and safaris on elephant back are amongst the most popular activities. The jungle lodge can be reached from Kathmandu either by air or by private vehicle.
White Water Rafting: On the Trisuli or Seti Rivers.
Mount Everest Scenic Flight: An hour flight departs Kathmandu early morning and provides spectacular views of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains.
Cultural Tour:
Nepal boasts a rich cultural diversity, and it is well worth exploring. The Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal is a dream-world for many and reality for some. Once experienced they can never be forgotten, never dismissed from memory whether ones experience of them is visiting age-old Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries and royal palaces with amazing sculptures, paintings, legends and living rituals. Nepal is not only regarded as "Shangri-la" for adventurers but a scenic revelation and an educational in itself to all visitors. Once seen they become a part of you, habit-forming and intrusive. We have put our best effort to incorporate all cultural delights as well as natural beauty that Nepal has to offer, which you can chose depending on your time availability. |
Please contact the Alps in Nepal office if you plan to extend your trip and let us know in advance. |
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- Expert leadership ( Local Group Leader)
- Accommodation in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast basis (two people sharing unless single supplement has been requested)
- Trek Map/City Map
- All trek arrangements in the field, including tents, foam sleeping pads, group camping equipment, community cooking gear, services of camp and commissary crew including camp and cook staff.
- Porter for carrying your duffle bags.
- Sherpas' to assist you in the trek.
- Alps in Nepal provides you to use sleeping pillow, down sleeping bag and down jacket, inner liner and most importantly the hot water bag will be given every night to keep you warm.
- All transportations
- All meals included in the trek: morning cup of tea with biscuits, breakfast, lunch (three course meal), afternoon cup of tea with biscuits, dinner (three course meal).
- Gamow bag( a life saving device in altitude)
- National Park entrance fees
- Alps in Nepal t-shirt, duffle bag and a memorable gift package as a souvenir
- Welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant
- Group medical kit
- Airport transfers
- Half day sightseeing tour
- City Guide
- Sight seeing tours entrance fees
- Domestic airport taxes
- All staff Insurance
- Warm clothing and other required trekking gear for porters like Gortex jacket & trousers, trekking shoes / boots, sleeping bag / blanket, woolen hat, woolen gloves, woolen socks, sun glasses etc
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- Your international flights
- Visa fees and visa extension costs
- Medical examination(if required) and vaccination costs
- Personal expenditure, bar bills, laundry, telephone calls etc.
- Tipping at the end of the trip (tipping is a tradition through out Indian sub- continent. The staff works very hard and looks forward to your tip as an indication of a job well done. You should budget around 300 rupees for each trek day. If you wish to tip the leader, please do this in addition to the crew's tip.)
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
- Personal clothing and equipment
- Travel insurance
- Optional trips
- Charges incurred as a result of flight delays or cancellation which is beyond Alps in Nepal's control. Although we provide insurance letter which you can claim to your insurance company.
- Anything not mentioned in the trip cost includes list
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The trekking day typically starts at 6:30 a.m. with the appearance of smiling Sherpas at the door of your room or tent bearing a mug of steaming tea or coffee. This is soon followed by a bowl of hot water for washing. During breakfast the porters set off. We start walking after breakfast between 7:30 and 8:30 am. Everyone is free to walk at their pace, which is comfortable for them, stopping along the way to explore villages and take photographs. Lunch will be around 11:00 am and usually takes between 1 and 2 hours. The camping place/lodge is usually reached at around 4 pm. After tea and biscuits are served, and at around 6:30 to 7:00pm the evening meal is ready. |
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Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. We have a very good selection of local leaders who are professionally trained and are among the most experienced in Nepal. Who better to look after you than your professional local leader, who speaks the language and knows the culture, intimately? The following people regularly lead this trek:
Sanjay Gurung: Sanjay is an experienced trek leader who has been in this profession for last sixteen years. Besides trekking all over Nepal he has also led several trips to India and Tibet. His profound knowledge and easy going personality make him an ideal choice to lead treks for Alps in Nepal.
Peter Chettri: Peter holds a very good sense of humour and adventurous spirit which has made him an asset to the company. He was born in Nepal and brought up in Sikkim. As a graduate in Arts, he has a good command over both spoken and written English. He has been leading treks with Alps in Nepal for four years. He has done a first aid training specialised in Acute Mountain Sickness. His excellent leadership has always earned a good reputation to the company.
Ashim Subba:Ashim is a travel enthusiast who has always been keen on adventure. He went to the University in Calcutta and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce. Apart from being fluent in Nepali and English, he also speaks Japanese and has been involved in trekking for last two years. He has completed the first aid training including high altitude medicine. His expertness as a leader is one of the keys to our success. |
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We recommend that you begin a fitness program as soon as you have decided you are going trekking. Hill walking, up and down the steps, cycling, running and swimming are the main exercises to help prepare you for a trek. It is advisable to see the doctor before you come for trekking. Although we carry a comprehensive medical kit on each and every trips, we recommend our clients to inform us their medical problems in advance if any and also carry their personal first aid kit covering the basics. |
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Alps in Nepal, combines the best of international standards with the deep knowledge of local experts. It offers you services and an experience that surpass those offered by the large international companies; with the reliability that local outfits lack. With over 15 years of experience we have successfully organized tours and treks for several thousand patrons who can testify the unique class of service we offer. Please feel free to ask us about the selection of your trip or for any further information. |
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