Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Trek 15 Days

Best Time

The Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Trek is an enchanting journey doable all year round with each season bringing its unique charm. But the best time for this trek would be spring from March, April, and May and autumn from September October, and November. These seasons offer comfortable weather with stunning views of the mountains.

In summer from June, July, and August, dense clouds obstruct the views along with heavy rainfall. The winter months from December, January, and February can be very chilling.

Elevation and distance

The charming Langtang Valley stands tall at an altitude of 3340 m above sea level. The valley is located at a distance of around 61.8 km from bustling Kathmandu. The Gosaikunda Lake on the other hand is situated around 67 km away from the city at an elevation of 4380 m above sea level and continues crossover Lauribina Pass 4680m.

The pinnacle of the entire 15-day Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Trek is the massive Tesrgo-Ri viewpoint which is 5001 m above sea level. The merging of these two amazing individual treks will take us 15 days to complete with 11 or 12 days of hiking adventure.

Every day, we will traverse approximately 10 to 15 km with 5 to 8 hours of hiking through varied terrains.

Maximum/Minimum walk per day

Unlike other high-altitude treks in Nepal, our Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Trek can be undertaken at a leisurely pace. The trek starts from Syabrubesi and ends in Kutumsang or Sundarijal with an 11-day hike.

Every day, after breakfast we begin our hiking journey with approximately 5 to 6 hours of walking most of the days. The three days of the trek (days 5, 8, and 10) need only 4 to 5 hours of easy hiking. But the most easy and relaxing walk will fall on day 14 when we trek from Chisapani to Kathmandu.

The longest day of walking on this trek falls on Day 11 when we trek from Gosaikunda to Ghopte crossing the mighty Laurebina La pass. This day will require a maximum of 7 to 8 hours of walking.

Difficulty and Acclimatization

The route to the Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Trek is of average difficulty with comfortable temperature conditions, impressive changes in landscapes from the tropics to eternal ice, and bright colors of wildflowers.

It is one of the most insightful and at the same time accessible routes in the Himalayas of Nepal. Still, basic physical fitness is required and there are few age or condition restrictions as long as general health and fitness are normal.

The maximum altitude of the route is 5001 m from the Tesrgo-Ri viewpoint. The maximum altitude for an overnight stay is around 4000 meters. Such elevations make the route both interesting and feasible for everyone.

Plus, our program is designed to take into account a smooth ascent and a gradual gain in altitude giving your body adequate time to acclimatize.

Can a beginner take this trek?

This trip includes 11 days of mountain trekking, on generally non-technical trails. The most strenuous days involve up to 7 to 8 hours of walking, with a difference in altitude of up to 1300 meters during the day. It is a significant difference in altitude but spread gradually over the entire day.

The start of the trek takes place at relatively moderate altitudes. Acclimatization to the altitude occurs gradually before arriving at higher altitudes at the end of the trek. Therefore this trip is accessible to anyone in good physical condition, with or without hiking experience.

Preparation and training

Although the Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Trek are suitable for anyone, still you will be traversing to high altitudes between 4000 and 5000 m altitude. If you are an active person who exercises daily, the daily hike of the trek will be no challenge. But for sedentary people, the moderate hiking hours of 5 to 6 hours can be quite tough.

So we suggest you prepare physically and mentally during the months preceding departure. For example, start with jogging, walking, running and cycling. Then you can go on some hiking adventures in nearby mountains so your leg muscles can endure the long hours of walk.

Alternate Routes

If the itinerary seems to be quite long and stressful for you, you can leave any one trip from our trek. For example, you can only trek to Langtang Valley or hike to Gosaikunda Lake. These individual trips will take only a week and will be relatively easier than our trek where we have merged the two treks together.

Or, you can also check out our short Tamang Heritage trek in which you will walk through some authentic Tamang villages of Gatlang, Tatopani, Thuman, and Briddhim.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness can affect anyone after 3000 meters. If you have a headache, dizziness, sleep loss, and difficulty breathing manifest strongly, you can take Daimox. We have these tablets in our first aid kit. If the symptoms are not relieved, our guide will go down with you.

But we will do everything to prepare ourselves and our bodies for the altitude as much as possible and meet it in normal health. We do not skimp on program days, guides, or porters. Our program has a slow pace, which many travelers neglect, and this contributes to the correct gradual adaptation of the body. Also, a certified experienced Nepalese guide will accompany us who is always ready to assist.

Transportation, Meals and Drink

As a reliable trek agency in Nepal, we offer a comparatively more comprehensive tour package to take care of all your needs. We ensure hassle-free transportation as soon as you land in Kathmandu. We offer airport transfers, trekking pick-up and drop-off from Kathmandu – Syabrubesi, Kutumsang – Kathmandu, or Sundarijal – Kathmandu via private car, van, hiace, or tourist bus.

Additionally, we offer free breakfast every morning till your stay in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu. You will enjoy authentic meals from the Langtang region three times a day. Our package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the lodge or tea house.

Along with Dal vat tarkari, chowmen, and momo, you can also try Thakali Food, Dhindo, Gundruk, Sel Roti, and locally produced Yak or Goat cheese.

Communication, Gadgets charging, and Internet/wifi

The Langtang region is near to Kathmandu so it has better network coverage of NTC and NCELL. So don’t stress about communication at all. Plus, both the Langtang region and Helambu region receive uninterrupted electrical supply and the lodges are now reconstructed after the 2015 earthquake devastation with proper electrical outlets. So you will have no problem charging your electrical devices.

There will also be WIFI in lodges with good speed but we recommend you to stay away from using it. After all, the trek is one of the scenic trails that leads you to some of the purest forms of nature. Therefore, it is important to disconnect yourself from the flow in order to see all the information within yourself.

Permits

We will be walking through the protected Langtang National Park territory most of the time, so we need a Langtang National Park Entry Permit that costs USD 30 per person. In addition, we also need the TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System) which costs USD 20.

In order to give you a carefree adventure in Nepal, we will obtain these permits for you, and permit costs are included in our package.