# Langtang Gosainkunda Trek > The Langtang Gosainkunda trek combines the glacier-carved Langtang Valley with the sacred alpine lakes of Gosainkunda (4,380 m) in a 12-day loop from Kathmandu. Walk up to Kyanjin Gompa beneath Langtang Lirung (7,227 m), climb Tserko Ri for a panorama of glaciers, then cross the high ridge via Thulo Syabru and Sing Gompa to the holy lakes, pilgrimage site of Lord Shiva, before descending to Dhunche.No domestic flights are needed: the trailheads are a day's drive from Kathmandu. The trek is graded moderate to challenging, best from March–May and September–December, and passes Tamang villages, red panda forest and yak pastures. Transport, the Langtang National Park permit, guide, porters and lodges with meals are included. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 12 days - **Difficulty:** Moderate to challenging - **Activity:** Trekking - **Max altitude:** 4,610 m / 15,125 ft (Laurebina Pass) - **Best season:** Mar–May, Sep–Dec - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, teahouse lodges - **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek - **Price:** from US$890 per person - **Web page:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/langtang-gosainkunda-trek - **Book:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=langtang-gosainkunda-trek ## Overview The Langtang region is the closest major trekking area to Kathmandu, and this route shows its two finest sides. The **Langtang Valley** is a deep, U-shaped valley rising to the glaciers of Langtang Lirung, home to Tamang and Tibetan-influenced villages rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake. **Gosainkunda** is a cluster of high lakes on the other side of the ridge, one of Nepal's holiest sites, where thousands of pilgrims gather at the **Janai Purnima** festival in August. The trek links the two via **Thulo Syabru**, a beautiful ridge-top village, and **Sing Gompa** (Chandanbari), with its old monastery and cheese factory. From Gosainkunda you can continue over the **Laurebina Pass (4,610 m)** to Helambu, or descend to Dhunche as in this itinerary. ### Langtang Gosainkunda trek at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration12 days from Kathmandu (10 days of trekking)Highest pointLaurebina Pass viewpoint, 4,610 m (Tserko Ri 4,984 m optional)Gosainkunda Lake4,380 mGradeModerate to challengingStart and finishSyabrubesi and Dhunche, a day's drive from KathmanduPermitLangtang National Park permitBest timeMarch–May and September–December### Highlights - **Kyanjin Gompa** and the Langtang glaciers. - **Tserko Ri** sunrise over Langtang Lirung. - **Gosainkunda, Bhairabkunda and Saraswatikunda** sacred lakes. - **Tamang heritage** in Thulo Syabru and Langtang village. - **Red panda habitat** and rhododendron forest. ### How difficult is it? It is **moderate to challenging**. The Langtang Valley is gradual, but the climb from Thulo Syabru to Gosainkunda gains over 2,000 m in two days, with a night at Sing Gompa or Lauribina. Your acclimatisation in Kyanjin Gompa helps greatly. ### Best time **October–November** gives clear views; **April** brings rhododendrons. Gosainkunda is often frozen and snowbound in winter; check conditions before a December–February trek. ## Highlights - Langtang Valley and Kyanjin Gompa below Langtang Lirung - Tserko Ri (4,984 m) glacier panorama - Sacred Gosainkunda Lake (4,380 m) - Tamang villages, Thulo Syabru and Sing Gompa - No flights needed: a day's drive from Kathmandu ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) We pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel. Trek briefing. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Drive to Syabrubesi (1,460 m) A 7–8 hour drive north via Dhunche. _Altitude: 1,460 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 120 km drive_ ### Day 3: Trek to Lama Hotel (2,470 m) Follow the Langtang Khola through forest where red pandas and langur monkeys live. _Walking: 6 hours · Altitude: 2,470 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_ ### Day 4: Trek to Langtang village (3,430 m) Climb out of the forest into the open valley, past Ghoda Tabela. _Walking: 6 hours · Altitude: 3,430 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 14 km_ ### Day 5: Trek to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m) A short walk past mani walls to Kyanjin Gompa; visit the monastery and cheese factory. _Walking: 3 hours · Altitude: 3,870 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 7 km_ ### Day 6: Tserko Ri (4,984 m) and acclimatisation Early climb to Tserko Ri for sunrise over Langtang Lirung, or the easier Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m). _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 4,984 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 7: Trek to Lama Hotel (2,470 m) Descend back down the valley. _Walking: 6 hours · Altitude: 2,470 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 21 km_ ### Day 8: Trek to Thulo Syabru (2,210 m) Leave the valley and traverse to the ridge-top village of Thulo Syabru. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 2,210 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_ ### Day 9: Trek to Sing Gompa (3,330 m) Climb through forest to the monastery and cheese factory at Sing Gompa. _Walking: 5 hours · Altitude: 3,330 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 8 km_ ### Day 10: Trek to Gosainkunda (4,380 m) Climb past Lauribina with views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu, to the sacred lakes. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 4,380 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 8 km_ ### Day 11: Laurebina Pass viewpoint (4,610 m), descend to Dhunche and drive to Kathmandu Early walk up towards the Laurebina Pass for views, then descend to Dhunche and drive to Kathmandu. _Walking: 7–8 hours · Altitude: 4,610 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 15 km_ ### Day 12: Departure from Kathmandu Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast - Road transport Kathmandu – Syabrubesi and Dhunche – Kathmandu - Langtang National Park permit - Teahouse lodge accommodation during the trek (9 nights) - Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek - Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid - Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights to and from Kathmandu - Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,000 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory) - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara - Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek - Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations - Helicopter evacuation or charter - Personal equipment and expenses - Tips for your guide and porters ## Useful information ### Fitness and preparation You should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day for several days in a row on hilly, uneven trails. Start training two to three months before the trek with long hill walks, stair climbing and cardiovascular exercise, and break in your boots before you travel. ### Altitude sickness The highest point is 4,984 m on Tserko Ri (optional) and 4,610 m near the Laurebina Pass, with a night at Gosainkunda (4,380 m). Most people feel the altitude a little: a mild headache, poor sleep, less appetite. Go slowly, drink 3–4 litres a day, skip the beer until you are back down, and tell your guide straight away if you feel worse. Going down is the cure that always works. Ask your doctor before you travel whether altitude medication makes sense for you. ### Weather and temperatures The valleys are mild, but Kyanjin Gompa and Gosainkunda are cold at night, often below −10°C in late autumn. Gosainkunda can have snow from December to March. ### Permits The Langtang National Park permit is included. ### Money, charging and Wi-Fi Carry Nepali rupees for drinks, snacks, showers and charging, and get them in the city; mountain ATMs are rare and unreliable. Wi-Fi is available in many lodges for a small fee. A power bank is worth packing. ### Drinking water Buy boiled or filtered water at lodges or use purification tablets or a filter with a refillable bottle, instead of buying plastic bottles. ### Travel insurance You need travel insurance that covers trekking to 5,000 m, medical care and helicopter rescue. We ask for your policy details before you arrive. ### Visa You can usually get a Nepal visa on arrival at the airport or apply online in advance. Check that your passport is valid for at least six months, and pack a few passport photos for permits. ## Packing list ### Clothing - Moisture-wicking base layers - Fleece jacket or mid-layer - Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us) - Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers - Trekking trousers and shirts - Warm hat, sun hat and buff - Liner gloves and insulated gloves - Trekking socks ### Footwear - Broken-in waterproof trekking boots - Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges ### Equipment - Sleeping bag rated to about −15°C (can be borrowed from us) - Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover - Trekking poles - Head torch with spare batteries - Water bottles and purification tablets - Sunglasses with UV protection - Power bank and charging cables - Microspikes in winter and early spring ### Personal items - High-factor sunscreen and lip balm - Personal first-aid kit and medication - Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes - Snacks such as energy bars and nuts - Passport, insurance details and copies ## Frequently asked questions ### Where is Gosainkunda? In Langtang National Park, north of Kathmandu, at about **4,380 m**. ### Why is Gosainkunda sacred? Hindu legend says Lord Shiva created the lake with his trident to cool his throat after drinking poison. Buddhists also revere it. ### How long is the Langtang Gosainkunda trek? **12 days** from Kathmandu in this itinerary. ### How difficult is the trek? **Moderate to challenging**, with a steep climb from Thulo Syabru to Gosainkunda. ### Do I need a flight? No. The trek starts and ends a day's drive from Kathmandu. ### What is the best time? **March–May** and **September–December**. ### Can I trek to Gosainkunda in winter? It is possible with the right gear, but snow can block the trail and some lodges close. ### When is the Janai Purnima festival? At the full moon in July or August, when thousands of pilgrims visit the lake. ### Do I need a permit? Yes, the **Langtang National Park permit**, included. ### Can I see red pandas? Red pandas live in the forest between Lama Hotel and Sing Gompa, but sightings are rare. ### Is Tserko Ri compulsory? No. Kyanjin Ri is an easier alternative with great views. ### How much does the Langtang Gosainkunda trek cost? The trek is priced per person with group discounts; see the price box.