Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Overview
Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is guesthouse trekking. Located north of Kathmandu, the Langtang region boasts spectacular natural beauty, which makes Langtang Gosaikunda Trek one of the best treks in the Himalayas is the quick accessibility of the starting point from Kathmandu. An 8-hour drive on a well-made road leads you to Syabrubesi, where you begin the Langtang Gosaikunda hike.
Trekking through lush forests, you gradually ascend to alpine meadows and reach Kyanjin Gompa (3,860m). It's an ancient monastery. Before you leave this place, you'll hike to Kyanjing Ri, following a steep, rocky uphill route. Kyanjing Ri is a viewpoint that offers a sensational mountain panorama.
The next part of the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek ascends to Thulo Syabru (2,120 m) from Lama Hotel (2,560 m). It continues to sacred Gosaikunda Lake (4,380 m) via Sing Gompa (3,250 m).
To extend the trek, you can combine Helambu Valley by taking the entire circuit trek of Langtang, which further involves crossing Lauribinayak Pass and explore the undiscovered gorgeous routes of the Helambu region. On this trek, you will see the blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is all about going slow and enjoying nature. The locals along the trekking route are kind and welcoming.
You meet with Tamangs and Sherpas. Tamangs, especially in this region, are descendants of Tibetans. Their culture and practices are similar. Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is with the natives and learn about their unique mountain lifestyle.
You'll encounter gorgeous waterfalls, rivers, meadows, alpine lakes, several species of birds, and huge glaciers. It's a fantastic trek with all the adventurous elements. Book your Gosaikunda Langtang Trek anytime with Outfitter Himalaya.
Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is an excellent alternative to the famous EBC and ABC treks. Unlike the Langtang Valley trek, it’s rather adventurous and demanding. It's a two-week trek in the Langtang National Park that explores the beautiful Langtang Valley and the holy Gosaikunda Lake.
Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Highlights
- Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
- Explore the Langtang National Park, home to hundreds of flora and faunas
- Adventurous, less crowded trails
- Beautiful villages and Tamang Community
- Visit Kyanjin Gompa and Sing Gompa
- Witness stunning views from Kyanjing Ri
- Explore the holy Gosaikunda Lake
- Stunning Himalayan mountain views and heavenly landscapes
Major attractions of Langtang Gosaikunda Trek
Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
Syabrubesi is the starting point of the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. Located north of Kathmandu, it takes 7 to 8 hours to reach Syabrubesi. You'll drive early in the morning, leaving the bustle of Kathmandu and following lush green hills and terraced fields. The Trail passes rural areas; the route soon unfolds snow-capped mountains. It's a comfortable and scenic drive, but the last part may get bumpy.
Langtang National Park
Langtang National Park was established in 1976. It is Nepal's first Himalayan national park that goes above 6,450 meters. This national park has 18 ecosystems and 14 vegetation types, ranging from upper tropical forests below 1,000 meters to alpine scrub and perennial ice.
The Trail ascends through lush rhododendron, Chirpine, oak, and fir forests. Home to wildlife like snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, black beer, etc, and numerous species of birds, the trekking route is quite wild. The chances of coming across these rare animals could still be much higher; the mere possibility makes the journey exciting.
Adventurous trails
The wilderness of the Langtang region and the continuous ascends and descends through different climatic zones make the trek very adventurous. From cascading waterfalls, rushing rivers, and lush forests to green pastures, frozen lakes, and glaciers, you get close-up views of all these natural wonders.
The Langtang Gosaikunda trail winds through settlement areas and challenges you to live a simple mountain lifestyle. The non-stop views of the towering mountains and the region's remoteness will quench your adventure thirst.
Beautiful villages and Tamang Community
The Langtang Gosaikunda trek is known for its beautiful villages, such as Lama Hotel, Langtang Village, Kyanjin Gompa, etc. All of these villages offer fabulous scenery. These villages are small and inhabited by very humble people. Most of the locals are either Sherpas or Tamangs.
Tamangs are an indigenous community with a rich ancient cultural heritage. They are the direct descendants of Tibetans and follow Tibetan Buddhism. Even though Tamangs have their dialect and practices, you'll see many similarities with Tibetans.
Kyanjin Gompa and Sing Gompa
Kyanjin Gompa (3,860 m) is a Buddhist monastery believed to be built 280 to 300 years ago. While staying in Kyanjin Gompa, you explore the monastery and its nearby areas. The monastery has a yak cheese factory and many fabulous short hikes. At 32, 50 meters, Sing Gompa is another old monastery we visited during the trek. Apart from these two monasteries, the trail includes many other small stupas and chortens. Likewise, prayer wheels, mani walls, and prayer flags surround the Trail.
The Gosaikunda Lake
At 4380 meters, Gosaikunda Lake is an alpine freshwater lake and a pilgrimage site. This lake has tremendous religious value and is visited by hundreds of pilgrims annually. According to Hindu mythology, Gosaikunda Lake is home to the god Shiva and his wife, Gauri. There's a temple at one end of the shore of the lake.
Pilgrims believe diving into the lake will wash off their sins and open the gates to heaven when they die. There are many other intriguing myths and stories that you'll hear from your guide during the trek.
Stunning mountain views and heavenly landscapes
On the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek, you can see mountains like Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Dorje Lhakpa (6,966 m), Langtang Lirung (7,234 m), Yala Peak (5,500 m), Shishapangma (8,027 m), and Kang Guru (6,981 m). The landscape changes with the increase in elevation. The Trail offers stunning views of glaciers and lakes and witnesses gorgeous sunrises and sunsets throughout the trek.