Nepal, the land of the Himalayas and trekker's paradise is among the best travel destinations in the world. Nepal is a glorious haven for travel and a plethora of adventure activities. This naturally rich country in the world is an epitome of natural grandiosity and miscellany. Nepal is situated in South Asia and is a dreamland for travelers and nature enthusiasts. The towering mountain peaks, world heritage sites, over 6000 rivers, diverse landscape, and enriched culture and tradition are the reasons attracting every traveling soul. Trekking in the Himalayas always has been an adventure of a lifetime to many of traveling souls, adventurers, and nomads. Trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal has changed one's perspective of the mountains and people. One will quickly get intoxicated to the culture and the aura of the Himalayas thereby crafting wonderful memories to cherish for a lifetime, some obsessed with an intact wish to travel again to the Himalayas and some living with it. The legendary Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek are the two most sought after treks in the world. Besides, many remarkable treks lead off-the-beaten paths in the stunning landscape of Nepal, and Langtang region is considered superbly beautiful after Annapurna and Everest region. That being said, Langtang valley trek and Gosaikunda Lake Trek are two dominant treks in the Langtang region of Nepal. If you care for Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, we have articles on things to know before trekking to Everest base camp trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. In this post, we will prepare the ultimate guide to Langtang valley and Gosaikunda Lake Trek.
Langtang Valley with its proximity to Kathmandu is equally elegant and host Langtang Valley Trek and Gosaikunda Lake Trek which are comparatively easier, shorter and cheaper treks in Nepal. Langtang valley is easily accessible from Kathmandu via bus/jeep (6-7 hours of ride). Langtang region lies to the north of Kathmandu(20 miles away), central Nepal and borders Tibet. Unlike other treks, Langtang valley trek and Gosaikunda Lake Trek are affordable yet offers the spellbinding aura of the Himalayas. Langtang valley with its imposing natural beauty lets traveler indulge in the less touristic trekking trail to the lofty mountains and sacred Gosaikunda lakes amidst stunning landscapes and lush rhododendron forests. Gosaikunda Lake, an abode of Lord Shiva and Gauri located at an altitude of 4,380 m is an alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake and is believed to have religious significance. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva created Gosaikunda lake to quench his thirst after swallowing poison. The myriad lakes (more than 100 lakes) in the vicinity of Gosaikunda lake makes Gosaikunda lake trek one of the startling sojourn in the Himalayas of Nepal. The picturesque Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal dominate the skyline throughout the trek.
On the other hand, Langtang valley possesses far-fetched charm and is no less wondrous than ABC and EBC trek. The copious highlights and attractions of LANGTANG VALLEY TREK and GOSAIKUNDA TREK will pique your interest for sure. Let us delineate the ultimate guide to Langtang valley and Gosaikunda lake trek.
First, let's go with the major highlights of Gosaikunda Trek and Langtang Valley Trek:
1) Gosaikunda Trek is a short, easy and spectacular trek in the sacred Himalayas of Nepal, an astounding journey to the Gosaikunda Lake.
2) The trekking trail passes through lush rhododendron, oak, and pine forests, quaint Tamang community village with exotic flora and fauna.
3) The unrivaled views of Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal are spellbinding.
4) Gosaikunda Trek is an opportunity to immerse in the enticing culture and lifestyle of Tamang people while experiencing Himalayan aura.
5) Gosaikunda Trek is a perfect trek for those who are pressed for time and who enjoy the less touristic area.
Langtang Valley Trek
1) Langtang Valley Trek in the Langtang Region of Nepal is beautiful trek exploring Syabrubesi (3870m), Kyanjin Gompa and Langtang National Park.
2) The magnificent close-up views of Langtang Lirung (7246m), Kimshung (6781m) and Langshisha Ri (6370m) captivates every mountain lovers.
3) Langtang Valley Trek is an opportunity to relish with the enticing Sherpa Culture and their lifestyle.
4) The trekking trail of Langtang Valley leads off-the-beaten-path and remote areas through rhododendron forest, bamboo forests, pine forest, and Juniper forest, swift mountain streams, with the constant backdrops of snow-capped mountains.
5) Langtang Valley is home to diverse wildlife including Himalayan ghar, musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, ghoral, grey langur monkey.
Now that we have included 5 significant highlights (included but not limited to) of the trek, let's dig into a comprehensive-cum-complete guide for the trek.
HEALTH CONCERN
The paramount concern for any adventure and travel is Health and Fitness and second to none. It is absolutely imperative that you are self-aware of your health for the trek. No matter what part of the world you're traveling, the first and foremost and yes obvious thing to consider would be your health and fitness. And for Gosaikunda and Langtang Trek, since the trek is acknowledged as a moderate/easy trek, we at least expect you to trek for 4-5 hours a day. It is recommended to exercise daily for a couple of months prior to the trek. Even if you're novice trekker, this trek is perfect for you, but it is highly suggested that you stay physically fit. You may go for cardio exercise or hiking every day. Carrying first aid kits is the best practice. Your Kit box must include Antiseptic, ointment, Pain killers, Crepe bandage, Malaria prophylactic tablets, Blister treatment, Throat lozenges, Acetazolamide or Diamox, Scissors, hypodermic needle, Safety pins, etc.
COST OF THE TREK
The cost of the trek; Gosaikunda, and Langtang Valley trek are comparatively affordable. In an estimate, the budget for the trek is summed up around 1000$ to 1400$. We offer a competitive price for the Gosaikunda Trek and Langtang Valley Trek. The trek cost is readily dependent on many foreseen factors like itinerary, season, accommodation rate, cost of guide and porter, etc. The cost of the trek varies from company to company mainly on the following bases:
Itinerary: How long will be the trek?
Let us take it simply. The longer the trip, the costlier is the trek. However, the Gosaikunda and Langtang Valley can be tailored for a week, and up to two weeks and prices are quoted accordingly.
Season: Season can contribute to the price of the trek.
If you're trekking in peak season, then it is evident that the trek price is quite expensive. Offseason is usually quoted with discounts and offers that are less expensive as compared to those price in peak season.
Accommodation: Which hotels are designated for your trek?
Well, here we are clear. The expensive hotel in the itinerary of the trek leads to high-quality trek and expensive trek. Some company might use 3-star hotel and lodge while some may use the 5-star hotel. Please note that these luxury hotels are designated only for your stay in the capital city, while on the trek, the hotels are basic for the very reason they are owned by local Tamang People.
BEST SEASON
The best seasons for the trek are Spring and Autumn. However, some people opt for the winter season for trekking to Gosaikunda lake. The snow-clad mountains and hill in winter season are eye-catching sights along the trekking trail to Gosaikunda. The grandiosity of frozen Gosaikunda Lake resembles a cinematic background and are heart-stirring sceneries. But spring and autumn season are highly preferred by the majority of the trekkers. The weather remains balmy and not to mention, the clear skies and variegated landscapes contribute to your pleasant trip. Langtang Valley offers superbly exquisite presentation during spring and autumn season, speciall during March, April, and May the marvelous Langtang Valley is admirable and heavenly.
PERMITS REQUIREMENTS
You will require entry permit for Langtang National Park and Trekkers Information Management System card (TIMS) issued by Nepal Tourism Board. Your tour operator will arrange these permits. Make sure you bring a couple of copies of passport sized photographs for the permits. Please note that these two permits are compulsory. For the price, TIMS card will cost you around $20 and 30$ for Langtang National Park Entry Permit.
BACKPACKING
While preparing for the trek, backpacking can be daunting and harrowing. You might get confused with the things, what gears to carry? We have prepared a list of complete equipment guide for Gosaikunda and Langtang Valley Trek which is somehow applicable to all other treks to the Himalayas. Admittedly the list can be long enough for you to consider. But we have come up with a comprehensive list for the trek from clothing to gearing that is basic and not-to-miss stuff.
For clothing, it is obvious you choose clothes according to the season. But it is important that you remain cozy with the clothes you wear. As you ascend and descend, the altitude plays a vital role in body temperature, and it is apparent that you must wear clothes that readily adapt to the temperature. Below are some of the basic clothing and gear list:
Trekking Shirts, Trekking trousers, Insulated Jackets, Fleece Jacket, waterproof hard shell jacket, hat, Beanie, Neckband, Inner and outer gloves, sturdy hiking boots, pairs of hiking socks, Gaiters, Sleeping Bag, daypack, backpack, breathable sports underwear, trekking shoes, warm thermal socks, rain cover, towels, sunglasses, trekking poles, flashlight, water bottle, water purification tablets, Lip balm, Swiss Knife, camera, portable charger, headlamps, spare batteries, Waterproof Ziplock bags.
(These are under essential list, but you can also go for your personal preferences.)
GUIDES AND PORTERS
Hiring guide and porter for Gosaikunda and Langtang Valley Trek is an option; however, it is highly suggested that you hire one for your trek. It is always blissful to embark on an adventure to the Himalayas with local guide and porter. The prime perk of hiring guide is safety and successful trip. Besides, a guide will help you access the situation of the trek and tackle the difficult situation. In the end, it is always memories that counts and guide and porter will contribute in every way for wonderful memories to reminisce throughout life. When it comes to guiding, Sherpa guide is by far the best. Sherpa is local mountain-dweller, well acquainted with altitude and mountains. Their mountaineering and expedition skills are laudable. We are 100% Local Sherpa owned & operated company, and we are mountains Specialists "No one Knows Himalayas as we do."
MAP AND ROUTE
The map and route to Langtang valley start from Kathmandu. Langtang valley is easily accessible from Kathmandu, we take 6-7 hours bus/jeep ride from the capital city and head to Dhunche/Syabrubesi, the starting point for the trek to Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda lake.
The outlined itinerary for both Gosaikunda Trek and Langtang Valley trek is listed below:
Langtang Valley Trek- 11 Days
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Gosaikunda Trek- 11 Day
ACCOMMODATIONS and FOODS
Langtang Valley trails are full of teahouses and lodges owned by local people. The good news here is the accommodations are quite cheaper as compared to those in the Annapurna and Everest region. The amenities here are basic yet comfy and cozy. Expect to sleep in rooms on twin share basis that facilitates a pair of bed sheets, pillows, a small table, a warm blanket, a thin mattress and mobile charging sockets. The bathroom (squat toilet) are in a walking distance, usually outside bedrooms. They serve local food menus like Noodle, Daal Bhat, vegetable curry, pancakes and bread, porridge, eggs items, soups, cheese products, mushroom soups, pasta, tea, and coffee, etc. The staple food, rice, and lentil soup are famous and readily available throughout the trek. Tamang people have enticing culture and tradition; their lifestyle will certainly allure you, and distinct language is something to listen to and interpret. Try it out; it is worthy. It is an opportunity to relish with an opportunity to indulge and immerse into the local lifestyle and culture, not to mention the people are welcoming and wonderful.
INSURANCE
Your insurance for the trek to Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Lake must cover cancellation, medical expenses, and helicopter rescue evacuation. Sometimes you might face dire consequences to which your trek must include insurance. And in case of severe health problems, helicopter rescue and evacuation shall be standby if your insurance covers it. However, there are no records of such incidents. The surreal environment, easy nature of the trek and lower elevation do not imply any health hazards and consequences. Besides, the well-designed itinerary barely stands a chance for any consequences.
HIMALAYAS
The foothill of the Langtang Valley is blessed with the picturesque Himalayas ranging from an elevation of 5520m to 7234m. The panoramic views of the Himalayas are breath-taking. The trekking trail along the verdant forest flaunts magnificent mountains like Langtang Lirung (7234m), Langtang Ri (7205m), Dorje Lakpa (6966m), Changbu (6781m), Yala Peak (5520m), Morimoto (6150m) and surrounding peaks. The snow-capped hills in the winter season is another highlight of the Gosaikunda and Langtang Valley. The trekking trails covered with snow and stunning landscapes are something that will baffle you.
WILDLIFE
Now that we have mentioned that trekking trails of Langtang valley and Gosaikunda pass through lush forests of Langtang National Park, expect to witness exotic flora and fauna. The deep gorges of Bhote Koshi and Langtang Khola and dense rhododendron forests, oak forests, and maple forest are home to teeming wildlife. You will encounter Deers, Gray langur, wild boar, Himalayan black bear, elusive red panda and snow leopard along with tamed wildlife like yaks, cows, mules.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVELS
Practicing Responsible Travel has been an indispensable part for both tour operator and travelers in the modern era. Responsible travel is all about responsibility; responsibility of tour operator, government, hoteliers, local people, and most importantly tourist to pledge and practice for a better world. It is being socially and culturally conscious while traveling for positive impacts on environmental and social aspects thereby minimizing negative impacts on social, cultural and ecological aspects. It also encompasses activities for the booming local economy and contributing to the conservation of cultural heritage and treasure of mother nature.
RESPECT LOCAL CULTURE
'Respect Local Culture' as easy and as simple as it sounds. No matter what part of the world you travel to, you ought to respect the local culture. Respecting local culture is a sign that you are willingly practicing Responsible Travel. It is a way of immersing yourself into the culture with contentment, and on the other hand, it is also preserving and promoting the culture. You may learn how to greet in local language and wear local attire in a festival or celebration. Besides, you can research the local culture of the destination. We urge every client of ours to respect local culture and indulge in it.
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