Gosainkunda lake and Helambu Trek
Trip Overview
Overview
The Gosainkunda Lake and Helambu Trek is a breathtaking journey through the majestic Langtang region of Nepal, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and spiritual significance. This trek, spanning approximately 80 kilometers, is also a perfect combination of challenging terrains, serene lakes, and picturesque landscapes. The adventure begins in Kathmandu, where trekkers embark on a scenic drive to Syabrubesi, the starting point of the trek. The trail also gradually ascends through lush rhododendron and bamboo forests, captivating the senses with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers and the melodious chirping of birds. As you ascend, the views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal, become increasingly captivating. One of the highlights of this trek is the sacred Gosainkunda Lake, nestled at an altitude of about 4,380 meters. Hindus and Buddhists also consider this pristine glacial lake to be of immense religious importance. During the full moon festival of Janai Purnima, pilgrims from across Nepal and India visit the lake to take a holy dip in its freezing waters, believing it will cleanse them of sins. The Helambu region, known for its Tamang and Sherpa communities, offers a unique cultural experience. Trekkers get the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals, explore their traditional lifestyle, and taste authentic Nepalese cuisine. As the trail winds through quaint villages and terraced farmlands, you'll be mesmerized by the breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Everest ranges. The mesmerizing landscapes, from lush valleys to snow-clad peaks, create an enchanting backdrop throughout the journey.Conclusion and Summary
The trek concludes in Melamchi Pul Bazaar, where trekkers can take a jeep back to Kathmandu or choose to continue their adventure in the Langtang region. The Gosainkunda Lake and Helambu Trek is a perfect choice for trekkers seeking an unforgettable Himalayan experience that also combines spiritual exploration, cultural immersion, and stunning natural beauty in a relatively short time frame. However, trekkers should prepare for varying weather conditions and challenging terrains, making it suitable for those with moderate trekking experience.Trip Highlight
- Explores the beautiful Langtang region and later joins the undisturbed Helambu region
- An adventurous trek in the not-so-crowded part of the Himalayas and offers heavenly mountain landscapes
- Grand Panaroma views of Ganesh Himal (7422m), Langtang Lirung (7234m), Naya Kang (5844m), Gaurishankar Himal (7134m), Mt. Kang Guru (6981m) Mt. Shishapangma (8027m), Dorje Lhakpa (6966m), Gangchenpo (6387m), Yala Peak (5500m), and several other mountain peaks
- Visit Yak Cheese Factory at Singh Gompa
- Visiting rural Tamang farm villages and monasteries of immense ancient culture
- Enchanting deep forest of beautiful rhododendron and pines and firs tree lines
- Trek inside two national parks- Langtang National Park and Shivapuri National Park
- Escape in nature and unwind while learning about the ancient religious roots of Nepal
- Learn a lot about Hindu beliefs connected to Gosaikunda Lake and Surya Kunda Lake
- Spend nights in the homes of the locals and have intimate interactions
- Come across diverse vegetation, flora, fauna, and many species of birds
- Country of rare and elusive Red Panda and other wild animals with exotic bird life
- Numerous stupas, mani walls, and prayer wheels are scattered around the trail
- Enjoy breathtaking views of mountains and heartwarming welcomes of the locals throughout the trek
- On the high trail to holy Gosainkund glacial pond and crossing high scenic Laurabina pass.
Itinerary
Welcome to capital city Kathmandu, Nepal. At Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport on fresh arrival you will be warmly received and greeted by Life Himalaya Trekking representative and then with transfer to your hotels in the Kathmandu. After checking in your hotel rooms and get refreshed and rest of the day you may have short excursion over the main places of Kathmandu. In evening, you will be introduced with your trek guide and try a Nepali cuisine as a welcome dinner hosted by Life Himalaya Trekking. Overnight stay at star rated hotel in Kathmandu.
Our first day journey begins with day early morning breakfast at the hotel. Then our guide will pick up you from your respective hotels and take a private vehicle i.e. (Land Cruiser or Bus depend upon your group size). We drive through the famous places like Kakanki, Ranipauwa, Trishuli Bazaar, Betrawati and finally towards Dhunche-the beautiful settlement of Tamang community. It takes about 6/7 hour’s drive from Kathmandu. Rest of the day we would excursion over traditional Dhunche village. Overnight stay at tea-house in Dhunche.
Note: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Our day begins after having breakfast at teahouse. Our trek starts following motor road towards the Ghatte Khola stream. Our walk continue crossing suspension bridge over the stream and follows the river bank for a short while. The trial begins short steep climb towards the ridge and passes through the tiny village of Deurali. Giving continuity to our trek we passes through the forest of oaks Rhododendrons and towards the beautiful settlement of Tamang culture. Then after we continues to climb towards the Dimsa village where we stop for our lunch. After having lunch we continues our walk towards the beautiful mountain village Shin Gompa. Shin Gompa is famous for the Old Buddhist monasteries, Yak cheese factory as well place where we can enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of Himalayas including Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Langtang, and mighty of peaks. Overnight stay at tea-house in Shin Gompa.
Note: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Today is the most exciting day in our adventure Gosainkunda Helambu trek. Our day starts after having breakfast in the teahouse. We take a gentle walk following beautiful landscape and enjoying the magnificent views of Himalayas and passes the beautiful villages of Chandanbari. The trail crosses behind the ridge and stays in the deep forest for a while before emerging into a saddle of Cholangpati and trial steeply climbs up to Laurebina where we stop for the lunch. Then we follow a ridge to catch the glimpse of the first sight of the holy lakes. We cross the Gosainkund pass to enter a most important holy site of Hindu religion at sacred Holy Gosainkunda Lake situated at the altitude of (4380m). It is a glacial pond where every year pilgrimage to cleanse in the lakes during the August full moon a great festival of Janai Purnima takes place, thousands of pilgrims both Hindus and Buddhist visits the pond for a holy dip in icy waters, as the belief it washes the sin of hundred lifetime, the area dedicated to great Hindus God Lord Shiva. The lake is surrounded by all hills as like mountains almost and has a great ensemble of nine other lake. Overnight stay at tea-house in Gosainkunda.
Note: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Our day begins after having the breakfast at Gosahainkunda. Today we walk through the gradual paths and small lakes towards adventurous pass- Lauribina Pass (4,610 m). After the pass, we enter the Helambu region. Helambu region offers you an ample opportunities to explore unique and traditional villages, Tamang culture, religions and their lifestyles, snow-capped mountain ranges, view of glaciers from low elevations, flora and fauna and so on. The trial descends alongside a stream and rocky trial towards the valley of Phedi. Moving further, the trekking route follows the valley on rough trial towards Dupi Chaur. After having lunch at Dhupi Chaur, we walk across moraines and climb towards Kasturi Danda. We passes through small lakes, small hills and breathtaking natural scenarios, forest until we reach to the beautiful settlement at Ghopte. Overnight stay at tea-house in Ghopte.
Note: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Today our trek begins descends from Ghopte. We walks through numerous uphill and downhill across the dense forests, boulders of old morainesuntil we reach to the village of Thadepati. Thadepati is the middle point from where the routes of longer Helambu valley treks separates. From here the two routes sepretes one towards the Melamchi gaun and another towards the Kutumsang. From here we follow the shorter trial o route of shorter Helambu valley trekking. The trial descend through the beautiful landscapes, Rhododendron forests and ridges towards the village of Mangengoth. We stop here for our lunch and after that the trial continues gently descends passing the beautiful Tamang settlements until we reach the beautiful Kutumsang village. This village is one of the popular village in the Helambu region with the settlement of Tamang communities and their own primitive living standard. Overnight stay at tea-house in Kutumsang.
Note: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Today our day begins after having breakfast at teahouse. Our day starts descending through classical hills and delightful villages towards the Gul Bhanjyang. Giving continuity to our walk, we enjoy the panoramic views of Himalayas and descend through the ridges, beautiful Rhododendron forests, towards the village of Thotundanda. From here we descend through a stone staircase to the teashops at Chipling. After having our lunch at Thankune Bhanjyang we trek down towards Pati Bhanjyang-unique settlements of Tamang and Chhetries. Thereafter we continue our trek gently climbing up through meadows and growing fields until we reach the small settlements of Tamang people at Chisapani. Overnight at teahouse in Chisapani.
Note: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Today is the last day trek in the land of Himalayas. Today we wake up early in the morning to watch the sunrise view over the snow-capped mountains. We can see the 180 degree panoramic views of mountains ranges including Mt. Gaurishankar, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Annapurna and Langtang ranges. We start our day after having late breakfast in the teahouse. We slowly trek climbing towards the small village of Borlang which is close to Shivapuri hills. From here our walk descends through the forests, army barrack, towards the Tamang settlements of Mulkharka village. After a short hike, we reach upon Sundarijal where we had our lunch. After having a lunch we take a short drive which take about 45 minutes to reach Kathmandu. Overnight stay at star rated hotel in Kathmandu.
Note: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Your marvelous trips ends today. If you have late flight schedule you can spend rest of your day with relax or do shopping or personal activities in the market. After having breakfast the end of service with the departure transfer to the International Airport, three hours before prior to your flight schedule with a warm farewell and greetings for your onward destination.
Note: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Departures & Availability
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.
Check Available Dates
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All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Price include
- Private transportation throughout the trek.
- 4*4 jeep land cruser trekking starting point Dunche from kathmandu.
- Best available Lodge (Tea House) accommodation and full board meals throughout the trek.
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, included chosen from lodge menu and twin share accommodation during the trek.
- One highly experienced, helpful and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff
- TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System (Please bring 3 passport size photos for permit)
- Langtang national park entry permit fee.
- Shivapuri national park entry permit
- Hot tea and coffee in cup with Meal
- As per group size experience, government licence holder trek guide, helpful and friendly strong, porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff. ( 5 trekkers 1 assistant guide )
- Warm Down jacket and four seasonal sleeping bag will be provided during the Gosaikunda helambu trekking If necessary ( down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after the trip )
- Friendship World Trek Duffelbag and T-shirt
- Trek Map
- First Aid kits for the staffs and the groups.
- Services coordination for emergency and rescue operations
- Government taxes & office service charge.
- Achievement Certificate for Completing the trek
- Souvenir as a Friendship World Trek T-shirt and Cap
Price Excludes
- Meals not quantified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance.
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa charge.
- All beverages and others personal expenses.
- Snacks and other personal expenses.
- Battery charge,hot showers & international phone calls.
- Service not mentioned above.
Gears And Equipment
Trip Information
Gosaikunda Helambu Trek Difficulty
Gosaikunda Helambu trek is regarded as a moderately difficult trek in Nepal, with the highest elevation gain of 4610 m at Laurebina Pass. Although lying just 70 km away from Kathmandu, the Gosaikunda Helambu trek trails offer varied landscapes.
As your trek begins from Dhunche, you will walk through dense forest and eventually climb the pass. Remember, the Laurebia Pass, being at high altitude, is covered with snow most of the time. Therefore, when crossing the Pass, you need to be cautious. When retracing your path, you will have to cross several ridges and cliffs and pass through several small villages like Ghopte, Tharepati, and Kutumsang.
Each day hike of 4 to 7 hours needs you to be in a good state both physically and mentally. In addition, you should also be cautious about altitude sickness. A pre-training for cardiovascular training with swimming, climbing, walking, or running can significantly help you if you decide to go on the Gosaikunda Helambu trek.
What to expect in Gosaikunda Helambu Trek?
The Gosaikunda Helambu trek commences with a scenic drive to Dhunche. The 6 to 7 hours of this drive offers you some incredible views of Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung. During the entire trek, you will pass through several small villages that can offer you a glimpse of rural Nepal. You can especially observe the rich traditional heritage of the Tamang and Sherpa people, who are the indigenous locals of the region.
Your trail will take you through rich vegetation, dense forests, and steep moraines from where you can forget yourself while viewing the encompassing waterfalls, streams, and raging rivers. In addition, you can come across several rare wildlife in Langtang National Park such as red pandas, musk deer, Himalayan thars, black bears, etc. The original mp3 music of chirping birds will make your hike musically magical.
In addition, you can have spectacular views of Mt. Langtang Lirung, Gang Chhenpo, Naya Kangri, and Dorje Lakpa, which can be a true delight for photographic enthusiasts. Eventually, when you reach Lake Gosaikunda, the pristine water of the lake can leave you spellbound. If you happen to visit the lake in August during Janai Purnima, you can come across Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims taking sacred baths in the lake.
If you are seeking a short trek that can give you traditional, cultural, natural, and spiritual heritage all at once, this journey is for you.
Gosaikunda Helambu Trek Challenges
Gosaikunda Helambu trek challenges are moderate. The later part of the journey may get a bit difficult because of the high elevation and remote region, but overall any beginner and fit individual can do Gosaikunda Helambu trekking with us without any worries. The trail begins through lush forests and uneven foothills and crosses a mountain pass before joining the Helambu region.
You will be crossing the Surya Kunda pass known as Lauribina Pass, situated 4,610 meters (15,124 ft) from sea level above the Surya Kunda lake. Once you touch down the Helambu trail, the region gets even more remote. There will not be many options for food, and you have to make do with authentic Nepali dishes. Therefore, endurance and determination to complete the Gosaikunda Helambu trek are very much needed.
Altitude Sickness
The highest point you will ascend during the Gosaikunda Helambu trek 9 days is 4,610 meters (15,124 ft). At Gosaikunda Lake, you will be touching 4,380 meters (14,370 ft). Apart from these two points, the trail elevation ranges between 2,500 meters to 3,200 meters. Because of the relatively high altitude, there is a risk of altitude sickness during the Helambu Gosaikunda trek.
However, our well-designed Gosaikunda Helambu trek itinerary and support from the team will let you do the trekking without any concern about altitude sickness. In the odd case, if you suffer from the symptoms of altitude sickness, our trained guide will provide you with first aid and help you subside the symptoms.
Below are some of the early symptoms of altitude sickness:
- shortness of breathing
- loss of appetite
- insomnia
- nausea
- headache
- vomiting
If you want to avoid altitude sickness while trekking in the Himalayas, which involves high altitude gain (above 2,500 meters), keep yourself hydrated. Drink lots of water and add liquids like soups to your meal. Avoid smoking and alcoholic drinks. Try maintaining your pace to not get out of breath and get tired easily. Have good food and take enough rest.
Gosaikunda Helambu Trek Private/Group
You can either do a group or private trek with us. Whether you are trekking with your friends or solo, you have both options open to you. A group trekking is leaner toward being social and sharing the journey with unknown faces. Trekking in a group also reduces the per-head Gosaikunda Helambu trek cost, which is beneficial for you if you are on a budget.
Similarly, private treks are more intimate. An experienced guide and between two people, one porter will be there to help with the duffel. You can customize the Gosaikunda Helambu trek itinerary as you wish and have your pace. You do not have to keep up with the team. Private treks are much more relaxed and personal.
Our Gosaikunda Helambu trek 2024 booking for both group joining and private bookings are open. You can talk to us anytime to know more about the trek.
Gosaikunda Helambu Trek Best Time
The best time to do the Gosaikunda Helambu trek is in the spring (March to May) and autumn (Mid- September to Mid-December) seasons. These peak trekking seasons welcome visitors from all around the world to the Langtang region. The best thing is not many travelers trek in the Langtang region and especially to Gosaikunda Lake and Helambu, so you find the trail less crowded.
Spring & Autumn
Spring is the glorious season of flowers. If you hit the trail early, you may come across some snow too. Nevertheless, the region begins to see life once again. The vegetation starts to grow, and rhododendrons and other flowers bloom throughout the trail. The meadows get greener, and the Gosaikunda lake unfroze gradually.
On the other hand, trekking in the autumn season is much more meaningful because you can feel a festive spark in the air. As the climate begins to cool down and locals get ready to welcome their biggest festivals, the environment is just incredible. If you are on time, you may get to be part of some of the festivals too.
Spring and autumn both have stable weather and moderate climate. In the mountains, the daytime is perfectly sunny to walk freely and has slightly cold nights and mornings. While the cities see a mild climate best to explore the historical sites and the local markets.
Off-season Gosaikunda Helambu Trek
Trekking in the offseason may bring a lot of unseen events and pose risks. It is possible to trek to Gosaikunda lake and Helmabu in the off-seasons, but you have to be smart and precise with your itinerary & timing. For the best trekking experience, we recommend spring and autumn, though. The weather will keep fluctuating, and rain/snow will make walking very difficult. Likewise, some sections of the Gosaikunda Helambu trek route are highly-prone to avalanches/landslides.
Accommodation & Food
We have guest house accommodation during Gosaikunda Lake and Helambu trek. Both are basic accommodations. The rooms have small beds with blankets. There are no charging slots in the room or heating system, so we recommend you have a sleeping bag. The bathrooms are mostly shared. There may not be modern amenities in the rooms. You get breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek. Breakfast and dinner are given as per the menu of the place we spend the night. We have lunch on the way. The menu is short and simple too. There will be mainly Nepali and Tibetan dishes on the menu, with a few Indian and Continental options. Stick to dal bhat to get all the nutrients and energy to walk.
Other items like toast, eggs, sandwiches, porridge, soup, Tibetan bread, thukpa, momo, chow mien, pasta, roti, curries, etc., are available on the menu. You will get free boiled drinking water to refill your water bottles. It is better not to drink water directly from a stream or tap. You may not be able to digest it.
Travel Insurance
Gosaikunda Lake and Helambu trekking is a remote venture. It is better to get travel insurance that covers emergency air evacuation as there are no hospital or health posts all around the trail. In any emergency, the best sort to get out of the region immediately is by taking a helicopter flight.
Without travel insurance, convincing the rescue to provide is tough and consumes lots of time. As you cannot buy travel insurance in Nepal, it is best to get one in your country and bring the document with you.
Travel Tips (electricity, internet, ATM, luggage, tipping, personal expenses)
Charging: To charge your device while trekking, you may have to pay a few extra bucks to the accommodation owner. There is no charging slot in the room you’ll sleep in. Charging areas are made in the reception or dining room. You should carry a power bank or spare batteries with you.
Internet: WiFi may not be available in most of the villages. It’s better if you get a Nepali sim and use data for the internet. The connection may not be stable all the time, and you may not get a network at all in some places. You can ask our team to help you get a Nepali sim.
ATMs: The trail does not have ATMs, so you have to withdraw enough cash to use during the trek in Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, all ATMs support international cards.
Tipping: We encourage our guests to tip our on-field crew- guides, porters, and drivers. You can tip as per your wish and of course if you are happy with their service. Trekking in a group allows you to pay a small amount (by each individual) in a group.
Luggage: During the trek, if you trek without a porter, then take a backpack of 60-75 liters otherwise, the porters will carry all the duffel bags. Get yourself a daypack to have essentials with you all the time. Any additional luggage you can store in the locker room of the hotel you are staying in or even at our office.
Gosainkunda Helambu Trekking Route Map
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
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