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Helambu & Langtang Trek
All meals on trek included
Duration
Grade
Max Altitude
Walking Days
Accommodation
Trip Overview
Trek to the sacred lakes of Gosainkund and into the sublime Langtang Valley.
While the ridges of Helambu and the delights of the Langtang Valley are the closest Himalayan trekking areas to Kathmandu, they are both frequently overlooked by the hordes that throng the Everest region and, to a lesser extent, the Annapurnas. So, walking through lesser-trodden areas in Nepal is surely of great appeal for those who prefer quieter trails. The Himalayan views are not compromised, though, and passing through villages not despoiled by the influences of tourism makes for a more authentic Nepal trekking experience. Of course, the sacred waters of the high mountain lakes of Gosainkund attract devoted Buddhist pilgrims trekking to Gosainkund too. So following in their footsteps and encountering devotees along the way is another plus. Crossing into the Langtang Valley, you then head into Upper Langtang and hike to Kyanjin Gompa. A straightforward ascent of Kyanjin Ri (4773m) is made before descending out of the valley and taking a detour en route to Kathmandu to beautiful Nuwakot village. The walking is quite challenging, with ascent and descent a natural feature, although walking days usually last between 5 and 6 hours each day. Don't forget that our trekking holidays are tailor-made, and although the rate of altitude gains is reasonable, you may wish to consider adding acclimatisation days, rest days, and even contingency days. The itinerary is merely a suggested itinerary and is not entirely 'set in stone'. Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rentals if required.
Special note: This trek can also be split, so you can trek Langtang Valley only or the Gosainkund Lakes and Helambu section only. See our Short Treks section to find out more.
Trek to the sacred lakes of Gosainkund and into the sublime Langtang Valley.
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While the ridges of Helambu and the delights of the Langtang Valley are the closest Himalayan trekking areas to Kathmandu, they are both frequently overlooked by the hordes that throng the Everest region and, to a lesser extent, the Annapurnas. So, walking through lesser-trodden areas in Nepal is surely of great appeal for those who prefer quieter trails. The Himalayan views are not compromised, though, and passing through villages not despoiled by the influences of tourism makes for a more authentic Nepal trekking experience. Of course, the sacred waters of the high mountain lakes of Gosainkund attract devoted Buddhist pilgrims trekking to Gosainkund too. So following in their footsteps and encountering devotees along the way is another plus. Crossing into the Langtang Valley, you then head into Upper Langtang and hike to Kyanjin Gompa. A straightforward ascent of Kyanjin Ri (4773m) is made before descending out of the valley and taking a detour en route to Kathmandu to beautiful Nuwakot village. The walking is quite challenging, with ascent and descent a natural feature, although walking days usually last between 5 and 6 hours each day. Don't forget that our trekking holidays are tailor-made, and although the rate of altitude gains is reasonable, you may wish to consider adding acclimatisation days, rest days, and even contingency days. The itinerary is merely a suggested itinerary and is not entirely 'set in stone'. Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges. We can arrange sleeping bag rentals if required.
Special note: This trek can also be split, so you can trek Langtang Valley only or the Gosainkund Lakes and Helambu section only. See our Short Treks section to find out more.
Example Itinerary
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Day 1Arrive Kathmandu
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Day 2Transfer & Trek to Chisapani
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Day 3Trek to Gol Bhanjyang
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Day 4Walk to Mangenoth
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Day 5Trek to Tharepati
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Day 6A short walk to Surche Phedi
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Day 7Over the Lauribina La to Gosainkund Lakes
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Day 8Down to Thulu Syabru
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Day 9Walk into the Langtang Valley
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Day 10To Langtang
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Day 11Kyanjin Gompa
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Day 12In the Upper Langtang
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Day 13Back to Lama Hotel
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Day 14Trek to Syabru Besi
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Day 15Transfer to Kathmandu
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Day 16Depart Nepal
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DAY
1Arrive Kathmandu
Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.
DAY 1
Arrive Kathmandu
Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.
DAY
2Transfer & Trek to Chisapani
A private vehicle will whisk you away from the chaos of Kathmandu to the trailhead at Sundarijal. It's around an hour's drive. From here, you follow trails that ascend to the Kathmandu Valley rim and the hilltop location of Chisapani (2095m). Walking time is around 5 hours, and there's about 700m of ascent. One option is to omit this day and take a 4WD vehicle all the way up to Chisapani (around 2 hours) and commence trekking from here.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Chisapani
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerFind out more about Trekking Lodges
DAY 2
Transfer & Trek to Chisapani
A private vehicle will whisk you away from the chaos of Kathmandu to the trailhead at Sundarijal. It's around an hour's drive. From here, you follow trails that ascend to the Kathmandu Valley rim and the hilltop location of Chisapani (2095m). Walking time is around 5 hours, and there's about 700m of ascent. One option is to omit this day and take a 4WD vehicle all the way up to Chisapani (around 2 hours) and commence trekking from here.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Chisapani
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerFind out more about Trekking Lodges
DAY
3Trek to Gol Bhanjyang
The views (particularly at sunrise) of the Ganesh and Langtang Himals can be pretty spectacular from Chisapani. The trekking now begins in earnest, and you initially descend the ridge line before heading up to Thotung Fanda, then further up to cross a forested ridge and downhill to Gol Bhanjiyang (2145m). Walking time: 5–6 hrs.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Gol Bhanjiyang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 3
Trek to Gol Bhanjyang
The views (particularly at sunrise) of the Ganesh and Langtang Himals can be pretty spectacular from Chisapani. The trekking now begins in earnest, and you initially descend the ridge line before heading up to Thotung Fanda, then further up to cross a forested ridge and downhill to Gol Bhanjiyang (2145m). Walking time: 5–6 hrs.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Gol Bhanjiyang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
4Walk to Mangenoth
A tougher day begins with a steep and long climb to Kutumsang. It's then more uphill to the ridge that forms the Panghu Danda, and at around 3300 m, not only is the altitude noticeable, but the villages in the valleys below seem a long way down. Following the ridge line, the trail undulates mostly as you walk to Mangenoth (3255m). Walking time is around 6 hours.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Mangenoth
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 4
Walk to Mangenoth
A tougher day begins with a steep and long climb to Kutumsang. It's then more uphill to the ridge that forms the Panghu Danda, and at around 3300 m, not only is the altitude noticeable, but the villages in the valleys below seem a long way down. Following the ridge line, the trail undulates mostly as you walk to Mangenoth (3255m). Walking time is around 6 hours.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Mangenoth
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
5Trek to Tharepati
A little shorter today, but a great bit of ridgeline walking that typifies the Helambu region. There are ups and downs all along the way, but the overall day is slightly more up than down as you walk for around 4 hours to Tharepati (3490m).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Tharepati
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 5
Trek to Tharepati
A little shorter today, but a great bit of ridgeline walking that typifies the Helambu region. There are ups and downs all along the way, but the overall day is slightly more up than down as you walk for around 4 hours to Tharepati (3490m).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Tharepati
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
6A short walk to Surche Phedi
As tomorrow is a tough day, today's straightforward walk to Surche is a handy way of acclimatising to the altitude. It's a beautiful walk of around 4 hours through pine and rhododendron forests that both rises and drops, but like yesterday, you gain height overall. The lodge tonight is right at the foot of the big climb to Lauribina La.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Surche Phedi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 6
A short walk to Surche Phedi
As tomorrow is a tough day, today's straightforward walk to Surche is a handy way of acclimatising to the altitude. It's a beautiful walk of around 4 hours through pine and rhododendron forests that both rises and drops, but like yesterday, you gain height overall. The lodge tonight is right at the foot of the big climb to Lauribina La.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Surche Phedi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
7Over the Lauribina La to Gosainkund Lakes
From the word go, you're heading up, up, up, and to the Lauribina La (4600m). It takes a good 4 hours to reach the pass and involves around 900m of ascent too. Quite the challenge! There are good views of the sacred Gosainkund lakes and of the surrounding Himalayan peaks too. It's a straightforward and quick descent down the trail that leads to the Pilgrim Centre by the sacred lake waters and a further easy descent to Lauribina itself (3900m). Walking time is around 6-7 hours.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lauribina
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 7
Over the Lauribina La to Gosainkund Lakes
From the word go, you're heading up, up, up, and to the Lauribina La (4600m). It takes a good 4 hours to reach the pass and involves around 900m of ascent too. Quite the challenge! There are good views of the sacred Gosainkund lakes and of the surrounding Himalayan peaks too. It's a straightforward and quick descent down the trail that leads to the Pilgrim Centre by the sacred lake waters and a further easy descent to Lauribina itself (3900m). Walking time is around 6-7 hours.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lauribina
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
8Down to Thulu Syabru
There was a lot of downhill walking today. Your knees will equally advise you of this. Descending steeply through dense forests, reputed to contain the rare red panda, you reach Sing Gompa. But you continue to drop down further to the very small settlement of Thulu Syabru and to the 2000m mark or thereabouts. Walking time is 5–6 hours, and there's over 1500 m of descent today.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Thulu Syabru
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 8
Down to Thulu Syabru
There was a lot of downhill walking today. Your knees will equally advise you of this. Descending steeply through dense forests, reputed to contain the rare red panda, you reach Sing Gompa. But you continue to drop down further to the very small settlement of Thulu Syabru and to the 2000m mark or thereabouts. Walking time is 5–6 hours, and there's over 1500 m of descent today.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Thulu Syabru
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
9Walk into the Langtang Valley
Initially descending the ridge line, you then drop down a trail that zigzags its way down the hillside to the Langtang Khola. You now head upstream into the beautiful Langtang Valley, with a descent to end the day at a village commonly referred to as the Lama Hotel'.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lama Hotel (Chatang)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 9
Walk into the Langtang Valley
Initially descending the ridge line, you then drop down a trail that zigzags its way down the hillside to the Langtang Khola. You now head upstream into the beautiful Langtang Valley, with a descent to end the day at a village commonly referred to as the Lama Hotel'.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lama Hotel (Chatang)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
10To Langtang
Up through forests that give way higher up to scrub vegetation and over the 3000m mark again as you continue into the Upper Langtang Valley. (3430m).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Langtang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 10
To Langtang
Up through forests that give way higher up to scrub vegetation and over the 3000m mark again as you continue into the Upper Langtang Valley. (3430m).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Langtang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
11Kyanjin Gompa
The valley opens out as you make your way further up, and the walking today is primarily gradual uphill. After around 3 hours of walking, Kyanjin Gompa comes into view. A fantastic sight with the ice fall that flows off Langtang Lirung behind it. Now with high peaks in front, to your left, and to your right, the final walk of about an hour to Kyanjin Gompa (3870m) is atmospheric, and there's a great feeling that you are in the wilder reaches of the Himalaya (you are!).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Kyanjin Gompa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 11
Kyanjin Gompa
The valley opens out as you make your way further up, and the walking today is primarily gradual uphill. After around 3 hours of walking, Kyanjin Gompa comes into view. A fantastic sight with the ice fall that flows off Langtang Lirung behind it. Now with high peaks in front, to your left, and to your right, the final walk of about an hour to Kyanjin Gompa (3870m) is atmospheric, and there's a great feeling that you are in the wilder reaches of the Himalaya (you are!).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Kyanjin Gompa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
12In the Upper Langtang
The Swiss helped set up a cheese factory here, and it makes for an interesting visit. Today you can walk up to Kyanjin Ri, which, at 4773 m, affords outstanding views of the surrounding peaks and the valley. The round trip takes about 6 hours. An alternative would be to hike to the summit of Tsergo Ri (4800m).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Kyanjin Gompa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 12
In the Upper Langtang
The Swiss helped set up a cheese factory here, and it makes for an interesting visit. Today you can walk up to Kyanjin Ri, which, at 4773 m, affords outstanding views of the surrounding peaks and the valley. The round trip takes about 6 hours. An alternative would be to hike to the summit of Tsergo Ri (4800m).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Kyanjin Gompa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
13Back to Lama Hotel
As it's virtually descent all the way and naturally the walking pace is much quicker, a good 7-hour walk will enable you to reach Lama Hotel.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lama Hotel (Chatang)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY 13
Back to Lama Hotel
As it's virtually descent all the way and naturally the walking pace is much quicker, a good 7-hour walk will enable you to reach Lama Hotel.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lama Hotel (Chatang)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDAY
14Trek to Syabru Besi
Continuing your descent out of the Langtang Valley, it takes around 5hrs to reach Syabru Besi (1400m).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Syabru Besi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 14
Trek to Syabru Besi
Continuing your descent out of the Langtang Valley, it takes around 5hrs to reach Syabru Besi (1400m).
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Syabru Besi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
15Transfer to Kathmandu
A full day's drive back to Kathmandu by private vehicle However, you may wish to consider some additional contingencies for this trek, whether it be for any difficulties that may arise on the trek or with the overland travel. If you don't fancy a full day of driving all the way back to Kathmandu, one option would be to break up the journey and stay in Nuwakot at our very own Famous Farm Country Inn.
Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
Included Meals: BreakfastDAY 15
Transfer to Kathmandu
A full day's drive back to Kathmandu by private vehicle However, you may wish to consider some additional contingencies for this trek, whether it be for any difficulties that may arise on the trek or with the overland travel. If you don't fancy a full day of driving all the way back to Kathmandu, one option would be to break up the journey and stay in Nuwakot at our very own Famous Farm Country Inn.
Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
Included Meals: BreakfastDAY
16Depart Nepal
A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made
DAY 16
Depart Nepal
A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made
IMPORTANT
This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.
Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.
See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information
Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK
Price Guide
- $ US 1460
What's included
The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers,private overland travel, meals as indicated in the itinerary (all meals on trek), porterage on trek, permits & fees & a Snow Cat Travel Trekking Guide. All guides are English-speaking professionals and fully licenced.
Don't Forget
We can customise
all our trips.
extend. shorten. upgrade
Read our Nepal Travel Guide
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