Gosainkunda Trek

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Gosainkunda Trek

This is a superb introduction to trekking in Nepal, among some of the most beautiful scenery in the whole country. The trek starts from Syabru Besi, after driving 150 km from Kathmandu. The trail gradually ascends upstream along the Bhote Kosi River, passing through the forests of the Langtang valley to the alpine meadows and yak pastures. After an ascent of Kyangjin Ri [4350m.], from where the 360-degree mountain views are truly spectacular, the trail goes to Thulo Syabru. From here, we further trek to the sacred Gosainkunda Lake situated at an elevation of 4336 meters.

Itinerary at a glance

Day01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
Day03: Kathmandu to Syabru Besi
Day04: Trek to Sing Gompa [3254m]
Day05: Trek to Gosainkunda [4336m]
Day06: Trek to Gopte [3359m]
Day07: Trek to Mangan Kharka [3285m]
Day08: Trek to Gulphu Bhanjyang [2125m]
Day09: Trek to Chisopani [2194m]
Day10: Conclude trek at Sundarijal and drive back to Kathmandu [1450m]
Day11:
Departure

 

 

Detailed Itinerary

11 Days / 10 Nights

Tribhuvan International airport

Tribhuvan International airport

Arrival in Kathmandu
Meet, assist upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, by our representative who will escort you to your hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu
While we proceed in applying for the trek permit, you can have a sightseeing tour to Kathmandu city, Swoyambhunath stupa and Patan city.
 
Kathmandu city: The seat of royalty till the last century, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a wondrous cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets. Kumari, the living Goddess, the stone carved statue of ferocious Kal Bhairav, erotic carvings glorifying the art works in the temples, the giant temple of the Goddess Taleju and image of Shiva and Parvati peering outside through the window are just a few of the most noteworthy attractions in the area. One can't help but admire the exceptionally attractive woodcarvings, statues and buildings that is cluster in the area.
 
Swoyambhunath stupa: A golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill, Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Katmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spires are visible from many miles and from all sides of the valley. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD. 
 
Patan city: Nowhere else can be seen such a compression of marvelous monuments within a limited space like in the Patan Durbar Square. Besides the old royal palace, which dominates all others in grace and grandeur, here is the 17th-century Krishna Mandir. Entirely made of stone, this shikhara-style structure with 21 pinnacles is dedicated to Lord Krishna, a saviour deity in Hindu pantheon, and is equally noted for rare stone carvings on its walls, which depict various episodes of the epic wars of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Other landmarks within the Square are Tusha-hity (water spout), Sundari Chowk, Taleju Temple and the Keshav Narayan Chowk. The Hiranyavarna Mahavihar (Golden temple), Rudravarna Mahavihar and the terra-cotta temple of Mahabouddha are other highlights in the vicinity. 
Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
 

Hindu Temple

Hindu temple

Valley

Valley

Kathmandu to Syabru Besi [2000m] 
From Kathmandu, we drive for approx 9 hours to Syabru Besi. After driving 30 kms, we approach pristine villages on the banks of the river Trishuli. We also get to view the enchanting panorama of the Himalaya, including the Annapurnas, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and the peaks of the Langtang region.
Overnight at the Lodge.

Trek to Sing Gompa [3254m]
The trail to Sing Gompa climbs through forests of oak, firs and rhododendrons to gain a ridge, then cuts across the ridge top, staying fairly level in forests as it crosses the head of a valley. We take the uphill trail at each junction and cross another forested ridge. The trail continues across the head of a second valley, and then reaches a final ridge at 3650m. Sing Gompa is about 100 m along the trail to the left. Sing Gompa is the main attraction at Chandan Bari, which also has several hotels and a small cheese factory.
Overnight at the Lodge.

Summit

Summit

Gosaikunda

Gosaikunda

Trek to Gosainkunda [4336m]
From Sing Gompa we climb a ridge to gain the main Gosainkunda trail. The trail climbs steeply up the ridge and at several points on top of the ridge itself. There is rich, moist mountain forests on the northern slopes and dry scrub vegetation on the south. As the trail ascends, there are outstanding views across Langtang valley to Langtang Lirung. To the west there are dramatic views of Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu. Eventually the trail descends from the ridge to the first of three lakes, Saraswati Kund. The second lake in the chain is named Bhairab Kund, and the third, Gosainkunda. This lake is particularly sacred and a place of pilgrimage in the summer. The Gosainkunda (Holy Shiva's lake) is a high altitude lake. According to the Hindu legend Lord Shiva himself created this high altitude lake.
Overnight at the Lodge.

Trek to Gopte [3359m] 
The trail passes the northern side of Gosainkunda Lake and climbs further through rugged country towards Laurebina La Pass at 4610m. The trail is rough but it is well marked with rock cairns. Across the valley, there is a ridge with a step trail across its face. From the ridge the trail descends through forests, climbing in and out of ravines across the head of the valley. Giant cliffs tower far above, forming the top of the Thare danda. Just beyond is the settlement of Gopte at 3359m.
Overnight at the Lodge.

Summit

Summit

Sikkim barsey

Sikkim barsey

Trek to Mangan Kharka [3285m] 
We continue descending along the ridge, through rhododendron and juniper forests and past herders' huts to a stream before climbing to Tharepati, a group of herders' huts at 3490m. From Tharepati the trail gradually descends through pine and rhododendron forest with good views down into the Helambu valley and across to Jugal Himal and Numbur in the Solu Khumbu.
Overnight at the Lodge.

Trek to Gulphu Bhanjyang [2125m] 
A short climb to cross a ridge before following a very easy trail, through forest with superb views across to Numbur, Jugal Himal and many other snow capped peaks. From Kutumsang we climb to a pass at 2620m. Before descending to the Tamang village of Gulphu Bhanjyang. From here, we can get splendid views, stretching from the Annapurnas and Manaslu in the west to Numbur in the east. Gulphu Bhanjyang is a village with a mixed population of Gurungs and Tamangs. There are shops and small restaurants and a couple of government offices. 
Overnight at the Lodge.

Tributary

Tributary

Chisopani

Chisopani

Trek to Chisopani [2194m]
From Gulphu Bhanjyang, it is an easy climb to cross a pass at 2470m before descending to Pati Bhanjyang, a large Tamang village. From here it is a 2 hour climb to Chisopani. A short distance above Chisopani is a high knoll which is known as Chisopani Danda, where there is a temple. You will have the splendid mountain views from here. The panorama spreads from the mountains south of Everest to the Manaslu range.
Overnight at the Lodge.

Conclude trek at Sundarijal and drive back to Kathmandu [1450m] 
From Chisopani the trail passes through meadows and cultivated fields then climbs through oak and rhododendron forest to Burlang Bhanjyang. From here there are magnificent views, from Annapurna in the west to Ganesh Himal and Numbur in the east. This ridge marks the northern rim of the Kathmandu Valley. Just after Chisopani there is an entrance to Shivapuri watershed and wildlife reserve. The trail goes through the reserve, moving up to the hill and down to Mulkharka, from which you can already see Kathmandu. From Mulkharka, we descend on endless stairs to the exit from the reserve and to Sundarijal. From Sundarijal we take a 45 minutes drive to Kathmandu. Remaining time will be at leisure in Kathmandu.
Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Hiking

Hiking

airpot

Airpot

Departure
Free until departure. Later, pick up from the hotel and transfer to the International Airport to connect the homebound flight.

includes

08 days trek to Gosainkunda (Langtang Area), as specified in the itinerary on full board with accommodation at the tea houses on the trekking trail.

A team of the Sherpa Sherpa guide and porters will accompany the trek.

Equipments, lodging, fooding and clothing for porters and the staffs.

Prevailing government taxes, restricted area fee, National Park fee, Tims card fee.

excludes

Any international airfares, Airport tax, Visa fees etc.

Insurances of any kind and any extra cost arises during the trip due to the natural calamities, political disorder or due to any reason which is beyond the control of Yacca Travels & Tours.

Any other services which is not specified in the COST INCLUDES section above.

Expenses of personal nature such as alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages, telephone & laundry bills, camera fees etc.

Gallery

TRIP INFO

GENERAL INFORMATION
 
TRIP GRADE 
Moderate to fairly challenging:
This trek is quite demanding. It involves approximately 6 to 8 hours of trekking on up and down well marked trails. No previous experience is required, you should be moderately fit, used to some regular exercise and enjoy walking in the high altitude conditions.
 
ACCOMMODATION 
Trekking in the Langtang region does not need tremendous logistics in terms of accommodation as you will find plenty of clean and friendly lodges along the trail. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We will accommodate you in local lodge available each day. We send a porter ahead of us to book the required rooms (rooms cannot be booked in advance). Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary. 

FOOD
Meals are included in our price and are taken in lodges available along the trail. You can find a wide variety of Nepali and Western food as well as drinks (coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, beer etc).
 
WATER
We recommend you to bring water purification pills. On the trail, water from the streams is safe if away from settlements. Now-a-days some shops are selling bottled water also on the trail but, they are comparatively expensive than in urban area.
 
LUGGAGE WHILE TREKKING
During trek your main luggage will be carried by porters. You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc. - a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during trek which you can leave at hotel’s locker room/safe deposit box in Kathmandu for free of charge. 

COMMUNICATION
Cell phones can be used during the trek at almost all the area.
 
TREKKING GEARS & EQUIPMENT
You will need walking boots, sleeping bag (4 seasons/ -20C rated), waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, sun-screen and day pack. 
 
TYPICAL DAY ON TREK 
Lodge/ Tea House Trek & Camping Trek Each morning after packing our bags and a hearty breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk. After walking for 3-4 hours we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day’s adventures, before retiring for a well-earned sleep. 
 
 
CLIMATE AND BEST TIME TO GO 
The Langtang trek can be done anytime of the year except the monsoon season (June to September). Temperatures will drop considerably as you trek higher everyday. The nights are cold (between -10 C to 5C) but the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 20C). The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon, disappearing at night. Trekking during the monsoon is not recommended, as the visibility during monsoon is limited. Trekking during the winter is possible; however, it is much colder than Autumn and Spring. March, April, October and November are the most popular and favored months for traveling. 
 
PEOPLE AND CULTURE 
Langtang region is the home of several ethnic groups. The majority of people are Tamang, Sherpa and Bhotias. Their religion is related to the Bon and the pre-Buddhist doctrines of Tibet. Today this religion has merged with the newer teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. Beautifully situated in alpine meadow, beauty of this region is worth spectacular. The region is mostly inhabitants by friendly and helpful Sherpa people. It is home to two major races of peoples, the Hyolmo or Yolmo and the Tamang. 
 
ITINERARY CHANGES 
The itineraries for each trip should be taken as a guideline only. Depending on the prevailing situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into a remote region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative depending on circumstances.
 
TREK DURATION 
We ensure liability as per indicated itinerary and list of services. If the holiday is cut short or completed earlier than the projected period upon client’s wish, we shall not be responsible or make refund against unutilized days or services. Clients need to pay extra for Hotels/services incurred in such cases.

HEALTH ISSUES 
As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you to consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the beginning of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio. We suggest that you take some pain-killing pills with you and enough medicine for cold, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills will greatly be of help for those who are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions. 
 
The trail on Langtang- Helambu Trek does not go too high i.e. not above 4500m, so chances of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) are very low. Though, Altitude Sickness has the potential to affect all travelers from 2500m and higher our itinerary is planned in such a way that you make very gradual ascend and crossing Gosainkunda at 4336m. When you are at high altitude, your body needs time to adjust to smaller quantities of oxygen in the air at 5500m/18,044ft; the air pressure is approximately half that of sea level, i.e. there is half the amount of oxygen. 
 
RESCUE / EVACUATIONS 
In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen; we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.
 
INSURANCE
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation.
 
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
The beautiful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. At Yacca Travels & Tours, we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize the detrimental impact on the environment as much as possible. 
As deforestation is one of the greatest environmental threats, we do not have camp fires. We also discourage trekkers from using wood-fuelled hot showers in lodges along the way. Many lodges, however, now provide solar hot showers, a far more eco-friendly alternative.
Garbage disposal is another major problem. Some of the busier trails are at times strewn with litter and garbage thrown by irresponsible trekking groups. Our staff members are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices. We carry the non-biodegradable garbage, apart from that which can be safely and easily burnt at the campsite. Our aim is to help protect and preserve this beautiful environment for future generations of trekkers to enjoy.
 
CARE FOR PORTERS AND STAFF
We ensure that all porters and all other staff going into high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. We run the trek according to the guidelines of the International Porter Protection group (IPPG - www.ippg.net). 

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