19 days
4610 m
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Trip Overview
Langtang Helambu trekking is one of the most popular trekking trails in Langtang Himalayan region. Trekking in Langtang Helambu valley is amazing life time adventure of Nepal. This trekking has three popular trekking trails; Langtang Valley, sacred Gosaikunda Lake and Helambu valley that lie to the north of Kathmandu valley, offering numerous stunning views of mountains with rare varieties of vegetation and glimpse sight of wildlife such as red pandas, pika, muntjac, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan tahr, ghoral, serow, rhesus monkey etc. The trail pass through rhododendron and bamboo forests, majestic waterfalls flowing over mammoth boulders with magnificent views of the snow-covered white giant Langtang Lirung.
Langtang Helambu trekking begins with drive to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu, which takes you to the Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu trail. The trail gains elevation as you make your way through forests of oak and rhododendron and bamboo forests. Traveling through Langtang, you will reach the Langtang Valley and the friendly Sherpa village of Kyanjing, where you will experience the spiritual lifestyle of dedicated Buddhist monks who perform their rituals in a beautiful Monastery. Thereafter, we continue trekking in the beautiful Langtang Valley and reach Gosaikunda which is a revered place of pilgrimage for both Buddhists and Hindus. Moreover, the place is named after the glistening Gosaikunda Lake whose water is believed to have magical healing powers. We pass by a few more lakes on our trek and cross the Laurebina Pass. Our trek in the Helambu Valley begins after crossing the pass.
In Helambu, you can explore the famous Tibetan gompa and experience the Tibetan culture. Helambu valley is very famous for its natural beauty and excellent climate with superb views of magnificent snow-covered mountains. It’s an easy trail with the numerous steep climbs and stiff descents, through deep forests or across glacial moraines. The area is inhabited by Sherpa and other ethnic groups possessing Buddhist Gompas.
Trip Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport). Transfer from airport on a private bus to hotel. Free evening, short pre-tour briefing before dinner.
Guided tour around Kathmandu, which includes visits to places listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some historic and religious significance, such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath & Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Hindu temples, Old palaces (in and around Durbar Square Area) and inner-city market squares.
The road heads north-westward through Balaju before making a steady climb to the rim of the Kathmandu valley, to the pass at Kakani. You will witness the beautiful scenery of white snowcapped mountains like Mt. Annapurna II, Manasalu, Ganesh Himal, and other minor peaks along the route and as well as green scenery of hillock, rivers and village. The landscape of foothills and ridgeline vistas goes through the Trishuli Bazaar, Betrawati, and Dhunche. You feel as if you are heading towards deep land. We continue our drive further to Dhunche. We descend to Syabrubesi for the overnight stay. (O/nt at a simple, roadside local lodge with attached bath facility)
Early morning walk descend to the camping area then trail turns northwards to a suspension bridge over the Bhote Kosi. The trail leads to the village of Old Syabru. Past the village, a fairly gentle trek to reach Doman. Then, climb steeply over a rocky ridge to meet the trail from Thulo Syabru. We pass through the forests of oak and rhododendron. The variety wildlife; yellow-throated martens, wild boars, Langur monkeys, red pandas, and Himalayan black bears, etc. are inhabitance of the forest. A long climb through forests gets you to another trail junction, beyond which the gradient eases as the trail gets you to close proximity of Langtang Khola. Further half an hour climb to a bridge over the Langtang Khola, then cross the bridge to the north bank, trail once more climbs through the wooded gorge alongside a series of waterfalls to Langtang View Hotel, and then ascends further to Lama Hotel for the overnight stay.
Day starts on the trail that continues to follow the Langtang Khola, gaining more altitude all along, to lush meadows of Ghora Tabela (Horse Stable) at 2970m., where the tantalizing glimpse of Langtang Lirung appear over the skyline. Further ahead, the path remains fairly constant before the trail ascends gradually as the valley opens up into classical U-shaped glacial. The trail then zigzags higher and higher to Thangshep. Follow the path across the yak pastures, climb briefly through rhododendrons, and scattered Tamang villages. The valley broadens and curves ahead as the trail continue to rise interrupted by pleasant level-stretched sections. The way now channels through dry-stone walls, eventually emerging on to the Tibetan style village of Langtang.
The trail winds through the village and climbs a ridge topped by a large chorten. Leaving the village, the trail goes across yak pastures and meandering streams before rising up an old moraine, ultimately heading up valley through a series of mani walls with Gengchempo (6387m) forming a prominent landmark to the east. Descend into a small stream bed, and up the other side to yet more mani walls to reach a broad valley past the Tamang settlements of Mundu (3410m) and Sindum (3410m). After crossing several small streams with wooden cantilever bridges and moraines, you can finally see the monastery of Kyanjin Gompa flanked by spectacular mountains, notably Langtang range and Langshisa. After having lunch, we can explore the area with abundant panoramic views of Langtang Lirung (7246m), Genjempol, Kyangjin RI (4750m.), Tsergo RI (5000m.), Ganja la (5160m.), Langshisa- Ri (6427m.), Dorje Lhakpa (6430m.), Naya Kang (5844m.), Yala peak (5500m).
Today is the rest and exploration day of the trekking, taking into consideration the higher altitudes you’ll encounter in days to come We visit the monastery and the half a century old cheese factory or may walk up the moraine to see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung or ascend Kyanjin Ri (4350m) and Tserko Ri (5,000m), which is the highest point of this trek. Hike easy for a breath-taking panorama of the Langtang Lirung, Langtang range, Kinshung, Yansa Tsenji.
Observe the surrounding genetic snowy capped mountains breathtaking view after having breakfast. We will follow the same trail back following the Langtang Khola to Langtang village and on to Ghora Tabela. On the way downhill to Lama hotel, you will see fantastic views of towering mountain what you have missed on the way up.
Again take the same route that we trekked on Day 2, wading through the pine and juniper forests and river valley, until past the Bamboo Lodge where we meet the uphill trail to the left heading towards the Sherpa village of Thulo Syabru. The trail offers magnificent views of red pandas, boar, monkeys and various species of birds. Here, you can enjoy the incredible landscape and the magnificent nature with splendid views of Ganesh Himal (7110m), Langtang Himal, and its ranges. The rest of the day exploring around the small village of Syabru.
The trails lead us from Thulo Syabru follows a steep ascent path passing through Dursagang (2550m), passing alpine of chortens. The trail eases as it makes its way through resplendent rhododendron forest to Chandan Bari (3250m), the next major village famous for its landmark, Sing Gompa. The trail cuts across the ridge top and enters a level-stretched section through forests as it crosses the head of a valley. Then trail continues across the head of a final ridge and soon to the village. On the later part of the trek, climb steeply up the ridge, then cross behind the ridge while the trail stays in deep woods to emerge onto a saddle at Chalang Pati (3380m). A final ascent and there you’re in Laurebina amidst the astounding views of Annapurnas, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung.
The divine beauty of the holy lake is the high point of the entire trek. Set out on a trail high up on the ridge (4100m), the trail ascends now in the alpine country above the tree line. Cross a small ridge to see the first view of the holy lake of Gosaikunda. There are about a dozen lakes around Gosaikunda Basin, the main three being Saraswatikunda, Bhairabkunda, and Gosaikunda. Look out for the fabled black rock at the centre of the lake, venerated as the head of Shiva. The myth is, Gosaikunda was created by Lord Shiva when he pierced a glacier with his trident to obtain water to quench his thirst after having swallowed a poison that threatened to destroy the world.
The allure, aura and spiritual essence of the area demands at least a day’s halt for the feeling of being in such a special place to sink in. The day can be spent exploring the surrounding hills for extensive views.
After we explore around at Gosaikunda, we start a bit challenge day. The trail traverses the northern side of Gosaikunda Lake and climbs on a rocky path. We climb through rugged country, crosses glacier moraines, and past four small lakes to the Laurebina La (4610m). The descent from the pass is quite perilous and extreme caution is advised. The descent, initially, is very steep but eases after a while to Bheda Goth (4100m). Descend along the middle of the valley, taking the lower, safer trail to Phedi (3500m). From here, the route drops to the stream then climbs through the scrub Bamboo to a crest. Continue to walk down throughout crossing a rocky hill with pine, rhododendron trees to Ghopte. At night you can see the lights of Trishuli Bazaar far below, and Kathmandu glows behind the mountains to the west.
Descending from Ghopte, long-ranging series of foothill ridges dominate the landscape, having left behind the big mountains. A short day’s trek through the alpine region starts off on a trail that narrows down and drops steeply, continuing up and down across the moraines below the 1992 crash site of Thai Airways plane. Soon you meet the trail that merges with the Helambu Circuit. Tharepati is at a short distance away perched on the crest of the hill ahead. . A steep path rises above the village to a fluttering white prayer flag on a windswept hilltop, offering a perfect panorama of the Langtang Himalaya.
A comfortable day’s walk starts on a trail that immediately arches to the right, briefly along the crest and then drops down the right-hand flank across the rhododendron strewn meadows and streams. We will enter the forest again and follow the ridges before descending to Mangengoth (3150m). After that the trail gently climbs to a small pass at Mere Danda before descending through rhododendron forest inhabited by only a few shepherds’ huts. The trail continues further down to Kutumsang, set upon a saddle in the ridge overlooking terraced fields on either side.
Today, the trek trail gently climbs and descends to Gul Bhanjyang (2142m), the delightful and classical hill village. Past the village, the trail climbs again and returns to the western flank through oak forest ultimately leading to Namche Danda (2453m). A long descent down a stone staircase to Chipling (2165m) follows. Resuming on a descending trail, zigzagging among terraces, you’ll soon reach Thana Bhanjyang (1780m). Further ahead, the trail branches out into three directions, take the middle one which leads to Pati Bhanjyang (1768m). Just beyond the village, the path again divides, take the right-hand option and make a steep 400m ascent to Chisopani. Morning views from Chisopani are splendid to say the least.
Today it’s better to wake up early morning for the sunrise view with magnificent views of Mt. Ganesh Himal, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Gaurishanker, Mt.Dorje lakpa, Langtang Himalaya ranges and Annapurnas. First part of trek climbs up the last pass of the trek Borlang Bhanjyang (2438m) close to Shivapuri Hill through the forests teeming with verdant flora. From here we descend steeply through deeply eroded chasms towards the Tamang settlement of Mulkharka (1768m). Descending down through the village on concrete stair case, you reach at the water reservoir of Sundarijal to finally exit from the Shivapuri National Park. Enjoy the sights of thundering waterfalls and follow the pipeline to the end point of the trek at the bazaar where your ride lies in wait to accost you to Kathmandu.
Free day to explore or relax.
Transfer to airport by chartered vehicle.
Important Information
Include:
- Arrival/Departure
- 1 day tour in Kathmandu
- All Private transport
- KTM- Syabrubesi & Sundarijal-KTM Private vehicle
- Guide for all tour/Trek
- Hotel in Kathmandu
- All meals in trekking
- Porters
- Tea house Accommodation, All permits
Exclude:
- Travel Insurance
- Meals at Kathmandu
- Tipping
- Personal equipment
- International flight
Cost:
USD 1300 per person
Single supplementary: USD 300
Trekking season in Nepal: The usual trekking season starts from September to May. During the remainder of the year, Monsoon makes travelling difficult due to wet areas and offers little in the way of mountain views. Some treks that cross high passes are better attempted in months other than December and January because of the heavy snowfall in some parts of the country. The temperature rises considerably under altitudes of 3000 ft. in April and May in some parts of the country, therefore it is wise to plan accordingly.
Teahouses in mountain: Teahouses are in the mountains where you will be staying are simple yet hospitable with good enough food and stunning views. Compare to city area teahouses are very basic but after 5-6 hours walking in the mountain you will relish the comfort. Most of these lodges have 08-to 12 room can sleep 15 to 20 people, with good food and fairly high hygiene levels. The basics of conversation and ecology are now being practiced with some success.
Guide and Porters: All guides who work with Skylark Himalayan have considerable local experience. The guide concern is his group’s welfare, health, safety and he aims to ensure you are relaxed while providing the best possible food and accommodation. And he’ll also strive to earn your friendship and will be keen for you to come to know and love Nepal.
And all the guides who work with Skylark Himalayan have guiding license from Nepal government, basic first aid training from red cross Nepal, wilderness training from SOLO outdoor school (locally known Initiative Outdoor), Child protection training and others.
Most porter come from rural areas and a farmers for 6 to 7 months of the year. These porter work hard and with care and have aims to progress into guides. Typically they live hard and frugal lives and they are used to carrying heavy loads.
Meals-Food on mountain region of Nepal
A large variety of food is found in the mountain region during trek. Even our clients say there is better food in mountain than in hotels of city. The food variations are defendant on the culture and region background but the tea-house have a menu and they do have varieties of food. Some common day meal is follow:
Breakfast
Porridge, eggs any style-usually scrambled, boiled or fried eggs, toast local bread (Gurung bread), chapatti (Indian flat bread), honey or peanut butter, organic fresh tea, coffee and many more.
Lunch
In many regions, the chief will provide a simple common hot meal in lunch. That could be potatoes, noodles, curry, salad, rice and lentil, fresh meat, vegetables and fruits. Sometimes when walking through high passes, there will be a packed lunch which may consist of common packed able lunch like bread with jam and honey, sandwich, boiled eggs, fruits, chocolates, bottle of juice. While arriving to teahouses there will be tea, coffee.
Dinner
With basic equipment they manage to make excellent cake, apple tarts, pizzas, fried potatoes, chips, spaghetti, pasta. Chefs in tea-houses are well trained in producing a variety of food and almost always ready to serve the food of specific request.
While trekking in Nepal our chefs, and assistant guide are well trained to serve and take order of the food in hygienically way. Vegetarian and vegan meals are easily catered for.
Transportation: Skylark Himalayan using a best transport company for our clients. Before departing on a trip, we using vehicle, we always check insurance of vehicle, good condition of vehicle (seatbelt, seat, wheel, looking glass, all windows etc.), Driver (driver attitude, make sure drunk or not, smartness, driving speed etc.)
Airlines: In Nepal, we have more than 10 Airlines Company but at Skylark Himalayan we only use 3 airlines which we recognize at the most reliable, safest, good companies, 1 airline company (Tara Air) for rural area like short length runway. And another 2 airlines companies (Yeti airlines & Buddha Airlines) for urban area like Pokhara, Kathmandu, Chitwan etc.
Insurance: As strongly recommended by Skylark Himalayan Travel to the clients agree to effect what they consider to be adequate Travel Insurance to cover their person and their personal effects for duration of the tours, Trekking, Rafting or any of activities in Nepal
Health and Safety: Fundamentally we have experienced staffs that have been trained in how to look after clients safely, and what to do in the event of an emergency. Almost all the company’s staffs are experienced, all leaders have done advanced first-aid training from Initiative Outdoor school, Nepal (authorized by SOLO WILDERNESS MEDICINE SCHOOL), Child Protection training, and they are well aware of the high standards that we want in maintain. We also have strong relationships with local communities, health care facilities
Responsible Travel: Skylark Himalayan completely follow tall rules, regulation and code of Nepal responsible trek organizer of responsible tourism. Responsible tourism is an action based on a sustainable idea. We work under eco-friendly environment and we want you to follow and help to save the environment. Skylark Himalayan are keen to preserve and protect the historical places and mountain to show the value of those things to coming generation.
Skylark Himalayan Travel are always aware to operate tours, trekking and other activities in eco- touristic destination to preserve natural and cultural heritages. Skylark Himalayan always aim to make extensive use of the local available products to help local communities. Skylark Himalayan staffs and guides are also employed from local communities, which helps more authentic experience for travellers. We believe that all the staffs including guide, porter, Sherpa are the back bone of organization so its our responsibility to make them happy by providing protections insurance, good salary and outdoor gear. So that, they are happy to serve good service. Without them organization can't serve the costumer need.
Customizing a Trip: The itineraries of all the trips on our website have been organized and put together by us however it does not mean you have to follow the program. If you have your own itinerary or you want to add or decrease number of days or place, we are more than happy to design your own unique itinerary with your entire favorite elements. Choice is yours with the flexibility of our tailor made itineraries.
For the more advice, please contact us via e-mail or telephonically – contact details below.
Skylark Himalayan Travel & Treks
Lakeside-6-Pokhara, Nepal
Contact no: 061-464946
Mobile: +977-9856010460 / 9801050460
Whatapps: +9779801050460
Skype: tara.gautam2
E-mail: sales@skylarkhimalayantravel.com
skylarkhimalayan@gmail.com
Visa Information: Nepal Government makes things easy for foreign travellers. The easiest way to get a tourist visa in Nepal is by applying on arrival in Kathmandu at international airport (TIA) or at any of the land border crossing open to foreigners (each has immigration offices). But you can also apply in advance at one of Nepal's foreign consulates from abroad.
There are three options for the length of a tourist visa (for south Asian country, the first 30 days is free. The cost of visa is depending upon the days you stay. The multiple-entry visa valid for 15, 30 and 90 days costs $25, 40 and 100 USD. It is good idea to keep a number of passport photos with your passport. Indian passport holder doesn’t need a visa to enter Nepal.
Visa Extensions
You can extend your visa from immigration office in only Kathmandu and Pokhara up to 150 days per calendar year. It will cost $30 USD for 15 days and $2 USD per day after 15 days. Visa extension required your passport, the fees, one passport sized photo and an application form to complete the process.
And for more information about visa please click below link: https://www.welcomenepal.com/plan-your-trip/visa-nepal-information.html
Feedback Please: If you have any complains to report, comments or any question about the trip (food, tea-house, guide, porter, management of office or anything) you took with Skylark Himalayan, please send us your feedback because we would like to solve problems that arise uplift our company. If you don't have a specific question, we’re always eager to hear what visitors think of this company.
High Altitude Sickness:
1) What is altitude sickness?
- Altitude sickness is a negative health effect of high altitude on ones health, caused by acute exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high altitude.
- The exact cause of AMS is not exactly known. It is thought to be a response of the brain to the lower oxygen levels in the blood at higher altitudes. This produces some swelling of the brain.
2) Acute mountain sickness (AMS)
- AMS is also called altitude sickness.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the effect on the body of being in a high altitude environment. Especially while people are trekking around the Himalayas they face problem related to moving in high altitude areas. AMS is common at high altitudes, that is above 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Three-quarters of people have mild symptoms of AMS over 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). The occurrence of AMS depends on the altitude, the rate of ascent, and individual susceptibility and activeness.
3) Acute mountain sickness common symptoms?
Symptoms usually start 12-24 hours after arrival at altitude and include
- Headache (not relieved by medication)
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Decreased coordination (Normal activity is difficult.)
- Shortness of breath,
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Disturbed sleep
- General feeling of malaise.
- Inability to walk
- Decreasing mental status
- Fluid build-up in the lungs
- Vomiting
- Loss of energy
- Difficulty in urination
#These symptoms tend to be worse at night when respiratory drive is decreased.
4) Prevention of AMS?
- Take special care if you have previously had acute mountain sickness (AMS).
- If symptoms of AMS develop, delay further ascent.
- If symptoms become worse, move down (descend) as soon as possible.
5) Treatment of AMS?
- The most important treatment if you start to develop symptoms of mild AMS is to stop your ascent and to rest at the same altitude
- For most people, symptoms will improve within 24-48 hours with no specific treatment.
- Simple painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol will help the headache.
- Anti-sickness medication may also be used. (Acetazolamide)
- Treatment with oxygen and the medicine nifedipine may also help symptoms but does not replace the need for descent.
Note- all the trekking leaders and guide from skylark Himalayan are well trained about altitude sickness, AMS and other related sickness in mountain. You should mention, if you previously have any health problem.
TREKKING SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT
(Up to 5,500 m.)
- 1 Pair strong mountain / hiking boots (well worn-in and with ankle support)
- 1 Small daypack
- 1 Sleeping bag (comfortable to -10C)
- 1 Down jacket / all weather Anorak
- 1 Light water & windproof jacket
- 2 - 1-litre water bottles
- 1 Inner sleeping sheet (?)
- 1 Torch / flashlight & spare batteries
- 1 Medium sized travel towel (quick drying)
- 1 Washing kit: include Personal toiletries
- Talcum powder, Blister plasters, Toilet paper
- Bio degradable soap / shampoo
- Anti-bacterial gel for 'washing' hands
- First-Aid kit (please make sure it is trek and wilderness specific) and any personal medication
- 1 Pair sport shoes/sandals (for the time off the trek)
- 2 Pairs lightweight trousers
- 2 Pair shorts
- 1 Fleece / warm sweater
- 1 Sweatshirt / light sweater
- 2 T-Shirts
- 2 Long sleeve cotton (or polypropylene) shirts
- 3 Pairs heavy wool socks
- 2 Pairs light socks
- Walking poles
- Underwear (including thermals)
- Cotton Headscarf / bandanna
- Sunglasses (with side shields and UV protective lenses) and sunhat
- Sunscreen Lotion (30-50 SPF), Money belt (?)
- Warm hat and gloves (preferably waterproof)
- 3 to 4 Plastic bags (for wrapping clothes)
- Water purification tablets/ solutions (preferably iodine)
- Insect repellant
- Adapter plug (for charging camera batteries and other electronic devices)
Trip Gallery
