Langtang, Gosainkund and Helambu Trek

We welcome you to the airport and take you to your hotel in the centre of Kathmandu, where our Encounters Travel agent welcomes you, helps you settle in and explains the agenda for the rest of your trip.

You will leave the Kathmandu Valley this morning and take a private car / minivan with your guide and porter(s) to the north through the hills and farmland to the town of Syabrubesi (1,462 m), where you will launch your trek (approx. 6 hours' drive). Syabrubesi is situated at the junction of Trisuli Khola and Bhote Khosi, both well-known rafting rivers.

From Syabrubensi, head east towards the Langtang Valley and follow the route along the northern slopes of the valley above the Langtang Khola through the Rhododendron and Oak forests. Various forms of wildlife are present here, and it is not uncommon for Langur monkeys to be seen. We're going to spend the night in the village of Sherpagaon.

Continue climbing through lush forested areas, following the valley of the river, and steadily gaining altitude before reaching Ghora Tabela (3.005 m). Here you get a sight of Langtang Lirung, ahead of you.You continue to climb today, passing the ruins of the village of Langtang, which was severely damaged by the earthquake of 2015. On the way, look out for a mani wall (dry stone walls inlaid with Buddhist prayer slates. It's probably one of the longest walls in Nepal. You should follow the Buddhist tradition and walk to the left of the wall). As you ascend, you're rewarded with a clear view of the Langtang Lirung Glacier flow to your left, and the ice fluted Gyangchempo to your right.The valley starts to broaden as you cross the glacial moraine and descend into Kyangjin Gompa (3,849 m). Once here, you're surrounded by stunning high peaks. Kyangjin has a small monastery and is well known for its delicious cheeses made from local Yak herds.

You're here for the next two days, and there's a lot of excursions so keep you busy. If you feel that you have the option of spending a day climbing Tsergo Ri (4984 m) and being rewarded with an amazing view of the snow-capped peaks. Renowned as one of the best spots for hiking in the Himalayas, you can see Langtang (7227 m) to the west, Yala (5500 m) to the north and Dorje Lakpa (6966 m) and Shisha Pangma (8027 m) to the east.The hike up to the top is not too difficult, although there are some boulders to cross, and any snow and ice parts should be taken with care. Overall, the climb to the top and back will take about four-five hours depending on your speed and the high altitude you find.There are also simpler things to do, including shorter hikes to the base of the Lirung Glacier, visits to the Gompa and cheese factory, and not forgetting the German bakery in town!

You have a full day free to enjoy more optional treks or just relax and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery that surrounds Kyangin Gompa. One alternative is a reasonably level walk up the valley to the secret Nubamatang valley (3,940 m) and Langshisha Kharka valley (4,285 m) where the Salbachum, Lanshisha and Langtang glacial moraines all converge. On the way to Tibet, the real terminal ice of the glaciers remains considerably higher, albeit visible in places. Langshisa Ri lies just ahead of you, but at 6,427 m, it's not the highest peak in sight, as numerous other snow-capped peaks can be seen all around, including Shisha Pangma, the only 8,000-metre high in Tibet. Trekking time of 6-7 hours

Even though you're going to be on your feet for most of today, this is a pretty simple day, with the journey mostly a fairly steady downhill as you begin to follow the Langtang Khola to Lama Hotel. Along the way, you can enjoy the views of the mountain from a different point of view to your trek up the valley. Our route from Kyangin Gompa takes us through the small village of Mundu, which will give you an idea of how most of the houses in this area once looked.

Today you proceed along the valley of Langtang, covering a new ground after passing the junction with the path that you descended from Sherpagaon. You will continue to follow the Langtang Khola along the base of the valley, passing by the corn fields, before heading south and climbing up the side of the valley to the village of Thulo Syabru.

Departing early from Thulo Syabru, you follow a slow zigzag path up the forest and past several small lodges. It's a long, slow climb with excellent views of Ganesh Himal and other Langtang peaks that make these views so unique in this area. As you follow this route, you pass through the fir tree forests full of Rhododendrons. Shortly after you hit Sing Gompa (3300m).

The path follows a ridge with stunning panoramic views of Himalchuli, Manaslu and Ganesh to the west and the high Tibetan plateau to the north. The trail then descends to Gosainkund (4,361 m) (one of many sacred lakes that serve as major pilgrimage sites to Hindus from all over southern Asia).This region is a major destination in the summer months of July and August when Hindus flock to the full moon festival of Janai-Purnima. You stay in a lodge near this lake tonight. Legend has it that Shiva, who had saved the world by drinking poison, hit this land with his fork and formed this lake to quench his thirst.

You ascend from Gosainkund Lake, passing a few smaller lakes before crossing Llaurebena Pass (4,610 m), the highest point of your trek. This pass marks the western border of the valley of Helambu. Your trail takes you along a path that provides breathtaking views of the Annapurnas, Manaslu, Langtang Himal and Ganesh Himal. As soon as you cross the pass, you descend in a south-easterly direction and make your way to Gopte / Dobie Char.

Today our path passes through a thick forest, including a lot of rhododendron, bringing us to the Thadepati Pass and a good view of Soli Danda. A further ridge hike, some terraced farmland, broad oak forests and a gradual descent will lead you to the lodge and military checkpoint at Mangengoth.

Today you're going south, leaving the Langtang area behind and losing a lot of altitude as you pass through the Helambu Valley to the Tamang village of Gul Bhanjyang (2130m).

From Gul you have a short ascent before heading down to the village of Pati Bhanjyang and then to Chisopani (2,194 m), where you stay for the night. If you wish, you could cut the trek short and go back to Kathmandu.

From Chisopani you walk a few hours through the forested areas with a view of the Kathmandu basin ahead and below. It's a short walk from here to Sundaria, where we'll pick you up and drive you back to Kathmandu for a short distance.

Your tour will end after breakfast and, if possible, we will move you to the airport for your home flight.