Langtang is a narrow valley situated south of the Tibetan border, an area inhabited by Tibetans and Tamang who share a similar religion, language and clothing style. The landscapes we cross are extremely varied: rice-terraces, gigantic rhododendron and firs forests and, in the highest parts, a rock and shrub wilderness with the fascinating backdrop of snowy peaks. The route passes by the sacred lakes of Gosaïkund (4380m), a pilgrimage spot where, during the full moon festival of August, flow hundreds of pilgrims.
After Gosaikund we continue across the Laurebina pass towards the Helambu valley and its numerous and picturesque Sherpa villages. It is advisable to plan an extra day, which can be spent in Melamchi Gaon, a Sherpa village, which is sure to charm you.
Trip Duration: 14 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 4380 m
Itinerary
DAY 01 Katmandu - Dhunche (1950m) by bus
DAY 02 Dhunche - Syabru (2130m) in 5hrs
This is a fine day of trekking, which traverses fir tree and rhododendron forests towards a ridge (2300m). From here we get a panoramic view all the way from Ganesh Himal in the west to Naya Kanga in the east and the Tibetan snowy summits. The trail drops steeply down towards the Bothe Khosi river towards Syabru, which is a busy village with its houses laid out in single file down the hillside. Sherpas and Tamangs farm this area.
DAY 03 Syabru - Lama Hotel (2390m) in 5hrs
Following a high trail, we pass through terraces and bamboo massifs. We cross Syarpagaon to continue through a fine forest, alive with birds and the occasional troupe of monkeys. After crossing the Langtang Khola, we start the ascent of the valley and soon reach the shepherds’ huts that are Lama Hotel.
DAY 04 Lama Hotel - Langtang (3520m) in 5hrs
We now have a spectacular view of the Langtang Lirung (7246m). After a steep climb through the Langtang gorge, the ascent eases and the valley widens out into an area of yak meadows and rhododendrons. Further up, we reach Langtang, populated by Tibetans.
DAY 05 Langtang - Kyangin Gompa (3850m) in 3hrs
An easy and pleasant walk through yak meadows. The village is spectacularly situated in a glacial amphitheatre dominated by high peaks. An excellent base for shorter walks towards the Langtang Lirung glacier, eastwards to Lagshisa glacier or a tougher ascent of the northern flank of the valley towards Yala Peak.
DAY 06 Kyangin Gompa - Ghora Tabela (3000m) in 6hrs
We retrace our steps downhill and reach the army post of Ghora Tabela.
DAY 07 Ghora Tabela - Syabru in 6hrs
The trail leaves the alpine country and returns to the deep forest.
DAY 08 Syabru - Sin Gompa (3350m) in 5hrs
We leave the Langtang valley to climb towards the sacred Gosaikund lakes. A stiff uphill climb leads to the ridgeline offering views north into Tibet and west towards the Annapurnas. The second leg goes through old hemlocks and rhododendrons to Sin Gompa,high above the Trisuli river.
DAY 09 Sin Gompa - Gosaikund (4380m) in 5hrs
Through a rocky landscape and sparse bushes the trail follows two glacial lakes before reaching the main lake--Gosaikund. This site is a great pilgrimage for Hindus during August, when thousands come to bathe and make offerings.
DAY 10 Gosaikund - Laurebina Pass (4610m) - Ghopte (3430m) in 5hrs
We climb away out of the basin housing the lakes for a while on to the pass leading southrs. Then we descend through screes and moraines.
DAY 11 Ghopte - Tharepati (3500m) - Melamchi Gaon (2530 m) in 5hrs
A hard climb leads to the ridgeline of Tharepati. Afterwards we steeply descend through primary rhododendrons. In spring the area is a mass of red flowers, doted with white and pink. Melamchigaon is a picturesque Sherpa village and you will surely have long chats with its warm and welcoming villagers.
DAY 12 Melamchigaon - Gangjwal (2500m) in 5hrs
We plunge into the valley and lose 700m of altitude before scrambling up the equivalent height to Tarke Gyang. The ridge walk to Gangjwal offers nice views of the Melamchi valley.
DAY 13 Gangjwal - Kakani (1800m) in 5hrs
We continue along the hillside, with open views in all directions with the southern foothills of Nepal fading towards the plains of India. The trail starts now to descend into the valley.
DAY 14 Kakani - Melamchipul (890m) in 3h (trek) - Katmandu (bus)
The second leg of this journey is a knee-wobbling time as we lose altitude rapidly,descending to the Melamchi Kola river
