Langtang, Gosaikunda & Helambu Trek

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your adventure begins in Kathmandu. This capital city is a mixture of ancient architecture and modern development, and with its rich artistic and cultural heritage, it remains the legendary destination it has been for decades. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, and the narrow streets are filled with holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats and sacred cows. You’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting at 2 pm this afternoon. After, head out with your group for dinner at one of the Kathmandu’s local restaurants.

Make the drive north through terraced hills, riverside villages and dramatic mountain landscapes as you follow the Trishuli River into Langtang National Park. Arrive in the traditional Tamang village of Thulo Syabru, where prayer flags flutter above stone houses against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

Set off on your first trail today, trekking through rhododendron, oak and pine forests and crossing suspension bridges over the Langtang Khola. The trail winds through serene, lush woodlands rich in wildlife and birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk – if you’re lucky, you might spot langurs or red pandas. Later today, you’ll arrive at your guesthouse for the night – Lama Hotel. This collection of guesthouses marks the start of the Langtang Valley. Langtang National Park was established in 1976 to conserve the region’s native flora and fauna. Rhododendrons, Nepalese alder trees and oak trees thrive here due to the temperate conditions. As well as red pandas, the park is home to Himalayan black bears, snow leopards and more than 250 species of birds.

Venture into the valley today and take in your first close-up views of the remarkable Langtang Himal. Pass alpine meadows and pastures dotted with grazing yaks before arriving at Langtang Village – a community rebuilt with remarkable resilience following the 2015 earthquake.

Embark on a short but rewarding trek deeper into the valley today. You’ll be surrounded by mighty glaciers and towering peaks as you head towards Kyangjin Gompa, considered the cultural and spiritual heart of Langtang. As you walk, both sides of the path are flanked by views of distant snow-capped mountains, and you might encounter Tamang and Sherpa locals along the trail as they go about their daily lives. In Kyangjin Gompa, you can visit the monastery and the famous yak cheese factory. This local delicacy has been produced here since the 1950s.

Today is an acclimatisation day, and it’s up to you how you spend it. After breakfast, you can opt to go for a walk to Kyangjin Ri (4700 m) for some striking views overlooking Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lhakpa and the surrounding glaciers. If you’d prefer, you can sleep in and have a relaxing breakfast, then head out to explore the village and learn more about the lifestyles of the Tamang and Sherpa communities. Maybe visit a local cheese factory to taste nak cheese. This variety of cheese is specifically produced from the milk of female yaks (AKA naks). For dinner, you’ll get your hands dirty during a cooking class. Learn how to prepare local dishes like syakpa (a comforting soup of handmade noodles, meat and veggies), Tibetan bread, specialty potato dishes and butter tea. Tomorrow, you have a big downhill walk back to Lama Hotel ahead of you.

Retrace your steps down into the vast Langtang Valley. The descent gives you a new perspective of the surrounding peaks, glaciers and traditional mountain settlements. Take in the scenery and enjoy the lack of ascent as you go.

Say goodbye to the Langtang Valley and follow peaceful forest trails to return to Thulo Syabru. Along the way, take in the views of Ganesh Himal – this mountain range is named after the elephant-headed Hindu god. Spend the evening soaking up the distinct culture and warm hospitality of the Tamang community.

Climb steadily through rhododendron and pine forests to reach the serene settlement of Sing Gompa. This village is home to a Buddhist monastery and is known for its excellent mountain scenery and locally produced Himalayan cheese. While you’re here, you might like to visit the cheese factory or simply rest at your teahouse after a long day of trekking.

On today’s hike, you’ll ascend above the tree line to reach a dramatic alpine landscape. From this vantage point, the sacred lakes of Gosaikunda appear nestled amongst the rugged Himalayan peaks, creating one of Nepal’s most iconic mountain vistas. Watch the sunset over the alpine lakes, then return to your teahouse, where you’ll settle in for the night.

Today’s trek takes you across the Laurebina Pass (4610 m) – the highest point of your adventure. The glaciers, snow-capped peaks and sprawling meadows combine to create an unforgettable landscape. Soak up the sweeping views across the Langtang, Ganesh and Jugal mountain ranges before descending into the remote Helambu region.

Follow scenic ridgelines and forest trails through the culturally rich Helambu region, home to the Hyolmo people. The trails you’ll walk today are off the beaten track, giving you a quieter experience of the Himalayan scenery. You’ll encounter the rich local Hyolmo culture during your time here. With Buddhism at its core, many Hyolmo traditions centre around music and dance.

Traverse forests, meadows and charming hillside settlements on today’s trek through the ever-changing landscapes of the Himalayas. On clear days, you’re able to see impressive panoramas that stretch from Annapurna in the west to Everest in the east.

Embark on one final walk through the lush forests of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, home to waterfalls, mountain streams and an abundance of bird species including the white-throated laughingthrush, chestnut-crowned warbler and black eagle. After, drive back to Kathmandu and celebrate the end of your Himalayan adventure with your fellow travellers.

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Kathmandu, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.