Langtang Gosaikunda Trek - Overview, Itinerary, Difficulty, Best Time, Permits, Foods and Accommodation

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek lies in the Rasuwa district of the Bagmati province in Nepal within Langtang National Park and is one of the renowned destinations for Trekking in Nepal. This Trek is for those who want to witness the stunning mountain vistas, Himalayan glaciers, and high-altitude alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake in the Gosaikunda area.

The 13-day trek itinerary of Langtang and Gosaikunda will take you to the valley of glaciers, pine forests, and suspension bridges and provide beautiful views of snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, deep gorges, and stone-driven mills. You can witness the majestic views of Langtang Lirung (7,345m), Gang Chenpo (6,388m), Naya Kanga (5,846m), Dorje Lakpa (6,966m), Kimsung (6,781m), and Yansa Tsenji (6,575m).

Langtang Gosaikund Lake Trek is considered moderate to hard because of its elevation gain and trek duration. The highest elevation on the trek is the Tserko (Tsergo) Ri viewpoint at an elevation of 5450 m and is the most challenging part of the trek. The hike contains a steep uphill climb to reach the viewpoint which might be hard for most trekkers.

To get the most out of the trek, you must choose favorable trekking conditions. The best time to trek Langtang Valley with Gosaikunda Lake is the Spring season from March to May and the Autumn season from September to November. During this time the days are warm, and the temperature remains stable with a clear sky and the best mountain views.

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Route Overview

Gosainkunda Langtang Trek is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Langtang region of Nepal. It is situated in the northeast part of central Nepal, close to Kathmandu. 

This trek lets you experience deep gorges, rocky terrain, oak and maple forests, various types of Rhododendrons, yak pastures, insight into Buddhist religious practices, mystical monasteries, picturesque villages, beautiful valleys, and breathtaking glaciers originating from high mountains. The trial also takes us to the sacred Gosainkunda Lake (4,380m / 14,620ft), which has been delineated as a religious site.

This trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu through Trishuli Bazaar and Dhunche and finally to Syabrubesi. Syabrubesi is a small town 112 km northeast of Kathmandu, near the border with China.

The trek starts from Sybrubesi and follows the Langtang River until you reach the Lama Hotel for an overnight stay. The next day you will trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang Village, a large Tamang settlement.

 From Langtang Village, you head to Kyangin Gompa, where you will have an acclimatization stay and explore nearby places. While acclimatizing, you will have the option to visit the yak cheese factory, Tserko Ri Viewpoint, and Kyangin Gompa monastery.

After your acclimatization stay at Kyanjin Gompa, you will return to the Lama Hotel. After Lama Hotel you then continue trekking in the beautiful Langtang Valley region to reach Thulo Syabru, from Thulo Syabru to Cholangpati, and finally to Gosainkunda.

The Gosaikunda has a huge religious significance among Hindus and Buddhist pilgrims and there are 108 lakes (Kundas) in the vicinity. Hindu mythology attributes Gosaikunda as the abode of the Hindu deities Shiva and Gauri. Thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India visit Gosaikunda during the Gangadashahara and the Janai Purnima.

After Gosainkunda, the trek will take you through the Laurebina La High Pass to Ghopte in the scenic Helambu region. 

From Ghopte, you descend to Kutumsang through rhododendrons, pine forests, and meadows. The next day, you continue your descent to reach Chisapani by Pati Bhanjyang. On the last day, you trek from Chisapani to Sundarijal and drive back to Kathmandu.

13 Days Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,393ft) to Syabrubesi (1,503m / 4,655ft)

Driving Hours: (122km / 75.8 miles) 7- 9 hrs.

Your journey to Langtang and Gosaikunda starts with a 120 km scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi.

On your way to Sybrubesi, you will pass through picturesque landscapes with rivers, terraced fields, and small towns, and witness snow-capped mountains. While ascending to Dhunche along the Trishuli River, you may be able to glimpse the snow-capped summits of the Annapurna I, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and several other smaller peaks. 

The road becomes a little rugged as it ascends to Dhunche and descends back down to Syabrubesi.

Day 2: Trek From Syabrubesi (1,503m / 4,655ft) to Lama Hotel (2,470m / 8,103ft)

Trek Distance: 11.3km / 7miles

Highest Altitude: 2,470m / 8,103ft

Trek Duration: 6 hrs

Your trek starts today, as you will trek from Sybrubesi to Lama Hotel. The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek begins by crossing a daring suspension bridge stretched across the Bhote Koshi River, which originated from the Tibetan Plateau.

After continuing the trail, you will reach Guru Rinpoche Gumba. Next, you will walk on the stone-paved road leading out of the town, which will take you down the Langtang Khola. After a short stretch of walking, you will pass a suspension bridge before gradually ascending to Bamboo. There are several guest houses near the river in this settlement.

You will walk through the subtropical forest with oak, maple, fir, rhododendron, blue pine, and tall spruce. You can also witness a variety of animals, such as langurs, red pandas, yellow-throated martens, and Himalayan black bears.

You will ascent uphill until you arrive at the Lama Hotel, your destination for today.

Day 3: Trek from Lama Hotel (2,470 m / 8,103ft) to Langtang village (3,430m / 11,255ft)

Trek Distance: 14.8km / 9.1miles

Highest Altitude: 3,430m / 11,255ft

Trek Duration: 6 hrs

Today’s trek to Langtang Village starts with a moderate ascent that gets steep as you climb.

As you continue your walk alongside the Langtang Khola, you will pass through woods of oak, maple, and colorful rhododendrons. 

By continuing on the route, you will pass Ghoda Tabela and reach a wooden bridge. You will stop at the Ghoda Tabela army check post to register your papers. 

Then you cross the east side of the river to get to the Langtang Valley. You continue your walk past the prayer wheels driven by flowing water and prayer flags to Langtang village.

Day 4: Trek from Langtang village (3,430m / 11,255ft) to Kyanjin Gompa (3,865m / 12,675ft)

Trek Distance: 6.8km / 4.2miles

Highest Altitude: 3,865m / 12,675ft

Trek Duration: 3-4 hrs

Today is the short hike from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa. After a slight climb, you will reach Mundu, where you will see wonderful prayer flags and cross a river. From here, you will cross numerous minor streams using wooden bridges.

As you proceed forward from Mundu, you will see Kyanjin Gompa, and the magnificent glaciers flowing from the Kimshug and Langtang Lirung peaks. 

Kyanjin Gompa is also famous for its cheese factory that offers yak and curd. The village offers a panoramic view of Dorje Lhakpa, Langshisha Ri, Ganja La, Tsergo Ri, and more.

Day 5: Acclimatization Day at Kyanjin Gompa

Today is your acclimatization day at Kyanjon Gompa which means you will explore nearby places today. 

You will be visiting several sites, such as the Yak cheese factory and the famous Kyanjin Gompa Monastery. 

If you want, you can trek to Langshisha Kharka and the Tserko Ri / Tsergo Ri (5450 m) viewpoint, from where you can witness the beautiful mountain views of the Himalayan peaks including Langtang Lirung (7,227 m), Langtang II (6,596 m), and Yala peak (5,500 m). 

Day 6: Trek from Kyanjin Zomba (3,865m / 12,675ft) to Lama Hotel (2,470m / 8,103ft).

Trek Distance: 21km / 13miles

Highest Altitude: 2,470m /8,103ft

Trek Duration: 6 hrs

From Kyanjin Gomba, you start descending on a route passing through the Langtang Village and Ghoda Tabela. At Ghoda Tabela, you register your exit at the army checkpost. 

From Ghoda Tabela, you descend through the dense forests of the river valley to Lama Hotel.

Day 7: Trek from Lama Hotel (2,470m / 8,103ft) to Thulo Syabru (2,210m / 8,500ft)

Trek Distance: 13km / 8miles

Highest Altitude: 2,470m / 8,103ft

Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs

Today, you will descend to the banks of the Langtang River and cross a small waterfall. 

Along the way, you will pass through oak, pine, bamboo, and rhododendron forests that are home to a variety of wild species like wild boars and monkeys. You will get a chance to witness Ganesh Himal from the path.

Finally, you will cross a suspension bridge to reach the bottom of the Thulo Syabru village. 

Day 8: Trek from Thulo Syabru (2,210m / 8,500ft) to Cholangpati (3,654m / 11988ft)

Highest Altitude: 3,654 m / 11,988 ft

Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs

From Thulo Syabru you gradually climb upwards and pass through Langtang National Park's army checkpoint. 

Within half an hour of uphill trekking, you reach Daragang. The trail is less steep from here, as it passes, through the oak and pine forest. While passing the forest you may also spot rare species like red panda, Himalayan Tahr, and many more. 

You continue your trek forward through Dhimsa and Sing Gompa to Cholangpati, where you will stay for the night.

Day 9: Trek from Cholangpati (3,580m / 11,745ft) to Gosainkunda Lake (4,380m / 14,620ft)

Trek Distance: 11km / 6.8 miles

Highest Altitude: 4,380m / 14,620ft

Trek Duration: 5 hrs

On the trek to Gosaikunda Lake, you will witness and embrace the beautiful Langtang Himal 7234 m (23,733 ft) which is the most famous in the Langtang range.

As you climb higher, you will witness more mountains on the trail including Ganesh Himal, and even the Annapurnas on the west horizon. A few hours later, you arrive at Laure Binayak, then you will begin the uphill climb to Gosainkunda. 

After two hours of the steep climb, you will reach a chorten, and after an hour of trekking, you will see sacred kundas. The first lake you will see is Saraswati Kunda, followed by Bhairav Kunda and the Gosaikunda. Gosainkunda receives thousands of pilgrims each year for holy occasions

Day 10: Trek from Gosainkunda Lake (4,380m / 14,620ft) to Ghopte (3,530m / 11,265ft) via Laurebina Pass (4,610m / 15,115ft)

Highest Altitude: 4,610m / 15,115ft

Trek Duration: 8-9 hrs

Today, you will cross the challenging Lauribina La Pass 4,610 m (15,120 ft) to the scenic Helambu region. 

From Gosainkunda Lake, the path first descends from the lodges to the lake. Then the trail along the northern shore starts to get steep as you approach the Lauribina La Pass, but before reaching this pass, you will walk past three or more small lakes. 

The Lauribina La Pass is marked with a stone stupa and many praying flags is a challenging part of the trek. You then start descending through a wide valley to High Camp (4,240 m) and walk further down on a steeper and rocky path to Phedi. After Phedi, you descend to a footbridge across a stream. The journey from Phedi to Ghopte is challenging with long ascents.

Day 11: Trek from Ghopte (3,530m / 11,265ft) to Kutumsang (2,470m / 8,560ft)

Highest Altitude: 3,530m / 11,265ft

Trek Duration: 5 hrs

Today, you start trekking through groves of juniper, rhododendron, and pine forests in a remote area before you reach the peaceful highland setting of Tharepati. From Tharepati, the path descends gently through the forest 

From the trail, you can see snow-capped peaks like Gangchempo and Dorje Lakpa. Then the descent gets steeper as it leads through a forest to Magin Goth (3265m). After a short walk, you will pass Kuala Bhanjyang (3,335m) and descend to the village of Kutumsang (2470m).

Day 12: Trek from Kutumsang (2,470m / 8,560ft) to Chisapani (2,295m / 7,655ft)

Highest Altitude: 2,295m / 7,655ft

Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs

From Kutumsang, you will ascend for a while and then descend to Gul Bhanjyang (2,140m) Village. Then you climb uphill to reach a dusty wide road at Thorong Danda (2,500m) and continue on a steep and rocky path to Chipping village.  

After descending steadily you will reach Pati Bhanjyang (1760 m). After half an hour of walking you reach Chisapani, famous for its spectacular panoramic mountain views.

Day 13: Trek from Chisapani (2,295m / 7,655ft) to Sundarijal (1380m / 4530ft) and drive to Kathmandu (1350m / 4450ft)

Highest Altitude: 2,295m / 7,655ft

Trek Duration: 4hr

Driving Hours: 1hr

After a few minutes of walking after Chisapani, you reach the Shivapuri National Park checkpoint. 

Eventually, walking past a few water reservoirs and large water pipes, you reach Sundarijal (1460m), marking the end of your trek. From Sundarijal you will drive back to Kathmandu.

How Difficult Is Langtang Gosaikunda Trek?

Langtang Valley with Gosaikund Trek is moderate to hard because of the elevation gain and trek duration.

You will be above 3000 m on Day 3 of your trek which is serious elevation gain with a risk of altitude sickness problems. The trek typically takes around 10 to 14 days to complete and demands daily trekking of 5 to 7 hours, with some days being more challenging than others.

On day 5, you will begin at Kyanjin Gompa at a height of 3,865 m / 12,675 ft, which might be challenging for novices. If you are well-prepared and in strong physical shape, you can undertake the early-morning hike to Tsergo Ri, at an altitude of 5,450 m on the same day, which is the most challenging and hardest part of the trek. 

On Day 10, you will pass through the Lauribina La Pass 4,610 m (15,120 ft) which is again a challenging hike. For many, the ascent to a height of about 5,000 meters will be challenging. A lot of trekkers can have altitude sickness. 

It is a fantastic trek in Nepal, but it shouldn't be taken lightly. Overall, this trek is considered to be moderately hard.

Best Time for Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek

The best times for Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek are the Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November) seasons.

Spring (March, April and May)

Spring is one of the most popular times for the Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek. During this season, the trails come alive with blossoming rhododendrons, adding vibrant colors to the already stunning landscapes. 

The weather is generally mild and stable, offering trekkers comfortable daytime temperatures and clear skies that provide spectacular views of the mountains. This period is ideal for photography and enjoying the diverse flora of the region. However, it’s worth noting that this popularity means the trails and tea houses can be crowded. Despite the occasional dusty lower sections of the trail, the overall experience during spring is truly delightful.

Autumn (September, October and November)

Autumn is another peak season for trekking in the Langtang region. Following the monsoon rains, the skies clear up, providing some of the most breathtaking mountain views of the year. The temperatures are moderate, making the trekking conditions very comfortable. This season also coincides with major Nepali festivals like Dashain and Tihar, offering a unique cultural experience. However, due to its popularity, the trails can be quite busy, and it might be necessary to book accommodations in advance. The combination of cultural vibrancy and stunning natural beauty makes autumn a favorite among many trekkers.

What are the Permits Required for Langtang Valley With Gosaikunda Lake Trek?

You will require 3 Permits for the Langtang Valley With Gosaikunda Lake Trek. They are:

• TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System).
• Langtang National Park Entry Permit.
• Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park Entry Permit.

TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

After the new provision came into effect on March 31, 2023, all trekkers are required to obtain the services of a licensed trekking guide and to obtain a TIMS card through authorized trekking agencies registered with the Nepal Government.

You can obtain TIMS card from the TAAN Secretariat in Maligaun, the TAAN TIMS Counter in Saatghumti, Thamel, and the TAAN Pokhara Secretariat in Pokhara.

Cost of TIMS Card

The fees for the TIMS card have also been revised after the new provision came into effect.

• The cost of a TIMS card for SAARC citizens is NPR 1000 per person.
• The cost of a TIMS card for foreign nationals is NPR 2000 per person. 
• No TIMS card is required for Nepali citizens.

Langtang National Park Entry Permit

While the TIMS card is mandatory for all the trekking regions in Nepal, you will require Langtang National Park Entry Permit to trek in the Langtang region.

You can get the Langtang National Park Entry permit at the Tourist Service Center, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, or at the entry points of the national park.

Cost of Langtang National Park Entry Permit

• The cost of the permit for Nepali citizens is NRS.100 per person.
• The cost of the permit for SAARC citizens is NRs.1,500 per person per entry.
• The cost of the permit for foreign citizens is NRs.3,000 per person per entry.
• The permit is free for children below 10 years as a child discount.

Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park Entry Permit

Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park Permit is another permit you will require for the trek.

You can get the Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park Entry Permit at the Tourist Service Center, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, or at the entry points of the national park.

Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park Entry Permit

• The cost of the permit for Nepali citizens is NRS.100 per person.
• The cost of the permit for SAARC citizens is NRs.600 per person per entry.
• The cost of the permit for foreign citizens is NRs.1,000 per person per entry.
• The permit is free for children below 10 years as a child discount.

What are the Foods and Accommodations available in the Langtang Gosaikunda Trekking?

Foods

During Langtang Gosaikunda Trekking you can enjoy authentic local, Asian, and Western Foods. 

Some of the popular menu items are -

Breakfast  - Oatmeal, Corn Flakes, French toast with Jam, Butter, Cheese, Honey, Tibetan bread or Chapati, Local Tsampa porridge, Eggs, Pancakes, Muesli Breads, fruits, Vegetables, Hot Drinks (varieties of teas and coffees, hot chocolates, etc.)

Lunches - Dhal, Bhat, Tarkari, Tibetan Bread, Various Soups, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo (dumplings), Macaroni dishes, Tenduk, Spaghetti Noodles, Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable curry, Potatoes, Vegetables, Salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Desserts, (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), etc

Dinners - Dhal, Bhat, Tarkari, Tibetan Bread, Various Soups, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo (dumplings), Macaroni, Tenduk Spaghetti, Noodles Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable Curry, Potato items, Vegetable and Salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Korean Ramen, Desserts (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), Hard Drinks, Steaks, etc.

Accommodations

Accommodations on the 13-day Langtang Gosaikunda Trek in Nepal are basic. As you will be trekking in the remote Himalayan regions, tea houses and lodges are the common types of accommodation. 

Lower-elevation tea houses include lovely rooms with comfortable beds, pillows, mattresses, and warm blankets. Moreover, you will have an attached bathroom in each room. As you ascend to higher elevations, the rooms are small and generally on a twin-sharing basis. Rooms are small with shared wooden beds (mostly), mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Additionally, the restrooms are common.