Our 22 day Langtang, Gosaikunda and Helambu Trek trek, a combination of 3 different trails – the Tamang Heritage trek, Gosaikunda trek and the Helambu trek, is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure into the heart of the high Himalayas. The Langtang and Helambu region, unlike other popular trekking regions like Everest or Annapurna, isn’t as trodden. Hence, trekking in Langtang and Helambu offers an undiluted experience of the Nepalese countryside – its people, culture and religion.
The primary denizens of the Langtang & Helambu region are the Tamang people. It is believed that the Tamang people were traders from Tibet who settled around the Kathmandu valley more than 2,000 years ago. Even now, their culture, traditions and language are similar to Tibetans. They are also closely related by language to another native tribe; the Gurung people, although their customs and traditions greatly vary.
As for the program, even though there are no physical divisions, it is divided by places into 3 distinct treks detailed below.
the Tamang heritage trek – An unforgettable encounter/experience of the Langtang valley’s Tamang civilization
Tamang Heritage Circuit is fairly a new and off-the-beaten-path trek established in the Langtang Region from 2004. The trek starts from Syabru Besi, around 8 hours drive north from Kathmandu to the pristine Langtang region. After staying the first night at Syabru, you will complete a circuit via the villages of Gatlang, Tatopani, Briddim via Nagthali, Thuman, and Timure.
Throughout the Tamang Heritage trail, you will find everything one would expect in the Himalayas; scenic vistas of snow-clad mountains, tranquil wilderness, flora and fauna, even chance encounter with endangered wildlife species like the red panda, Himalayan Tahr, musk deer, or, if you are exceptionally lucky, the elusive snow leopard.
the Gosaikunda trek – journey to the sacred Himalayan lakes across the Laurebina pass to the Helambu valleys
The second leg of your trip takes you through the Langtang National Park to the Gosaikunda Lake over the Laurebina Pass and down to the Helambu valley. The park has 14 vegetation types in 18 ecosystem and on your trip you will must probably encounter endangered wildlife species. The conservation efforts began after the region was first established as Nepal’s first national park in 1976.
The highlight of the trek, the sacred Gosaikunda lakes, is undoubtedly the epitome of natural splendor. The lakes are visited by horde of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims every year. Just beyond the lakes, you will cross over the famed Lauribina Pass at 4,610 m and enter the Helambu valley.
the Helambu trek – encounter with the Yolmo Sherpas
Across the Lauribina Pass, you will arrive at Thadepati, a small Tamang settlement situated high on the mountain pass. It joins the Gosaikunda trek with the Helambu trail as thereon you will enter the sacred valleys. While, the terrain isn’t at the foot of an eight-thousander, but with beautiful trails through lush rhododendron forests and breathtaking views of the snow-capped Langtang Himal, this section of the our Langtang, Gosaikunda and Helambu Trek is as mesmerizing as any other popular treks in Nepal.
Plus, on the Helambu trek, you will get to meet with the Yolmo Sherpas who are indigenous to the region.
We invite to sojourn in the Himalayas on our 22-day Langtang, Gosaikunda and Helambu Trek. You can visit the remote mountains as part of our extended family. Most of our guides call the mountains home and know the terrain like the back of their hands.
Trip Highlights
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath & Swayambhu
- Trek the off-the-beaten-trail of Tamang Heritage Trail and Helambu
- View of Tibet after passing through the sacred Gosaikunda lake, the 'Shiva Shrine' at 4,380 meters.
- Experience true Tamang culture and hospitality throughout the whole trek
Trip Grade - Moderate
Fixed Departures
Departure | Return | Price (Inc. Tax) | Dept Status | |
---|---|---|---|---|
16 Dec 2024 | 6 Jan 2025 | $3150 USD | Open | Book Now |
8 Mar 2025 | 29 Mar 2025 | $3150 USD | Open | Book Now |
5 Apr 2025 | 26 Apr 2025 | $3150 USD | Open | Book Now |
3 May 2025 | 24 May 2025 | $3150 USD | Open | Book Now |
6 Sep 2025 | 27 Sep 2025 | $3150 USD | Open | Book Now |
4 Oct 2025 | 25 Oct 2025 | $3150 USD | Open | Book Now |
8 Nov 2025 | 29 Nov 2025 | $3150 USD | Open | Book Now |
16 Dec 2025 | 6 Jan 2026 | $3150 USD | Open | Book Now |
Trip Summary
- Day 1 :Arrive Kathmandu: meet-and-greet
- Day 2 :Guided half day tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Day 3 :Private transfer to Syabru Besi (1,492m; 8 hrs)
- Day 4 :Trek to Gatlang (2,200m; 5 hrs)
- Day 5 :Trek to Tatopani (2,600m; 6 hrs)
- Day 6 :Trek to Nagthali La (3,228m; 5-6 hrs)
- Day 7 :Rest day with optional excursion to Yang Ri viewpoint (4 hrs)
- Day 8 :Trek to Thuman (2,238m; 3-4 hrs)
- Day 9 :Trek to Briddhim (2,229m; 6-7 hrs)
- Day 10 :Trek to Sherpagaon (2,563m; 5-6 hrs)
- Day 11 :Trek to Thulo Syabru (2,120m; 4-5 hrs)
- Day 12 :Trek to Sing Gompa (3,250m ; 5-6 hrs)
- Day 13 :Trek to Lauribinayak (3,920m; 4-5 hrs)
- Day 14 :Trek to Gosainkunda (4,380m; 4-5 hrs)
- Day 15 :Trek via Lauribina La (4,610m) to Phedi (4,000m); 6-7 hrs
- Day 16 :Trek to Tharepati (3,640m; 4-5 hrs)
- Day 17 :Trek to Melamchi Gaun (2,530m; 4-5 hrs)
- Day 18 :Trek to Tarke Ghyang (2600m; 4-5 hrs)
- Day 19 :Trek to Sermathang (2,612m; 5-6 hrs)
- Day 20 :Drive to Kathmandu (7-8 hrs)
- Day 21 :Rest day at Kathmandu
- Day 22 :End of Trip
Daily Movements
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu: meet-and-greet
Upon your arrival at the international airport at Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our local staff and transferred to your accommodation in Boudhanath.
Depending upon the time of your arrival, you can join us for an an evening meal – a great way to break the ice with the rest of your trekking group.
Overnight at a hotel Tibet (D)
Day 2: Guided half day tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
You will embark on a guided tour of two UNESCO world heritage sites; Pashupatinath Temple, the temple devoted to Lord Shiva – the god of creation and destruction, and Boudhanath Stupa – a Buddhist shrine worshiped by Hindus & Buddhists alike.
In the afternoon, your trek guide will brief you about the upcoming days and preparation requirements.
Overnight at a hotel Tibet (B)
Day 3: Private transfer to Syabru Besi (1,492m; 8 hrs)
While the drive to the Tamang heritage trail head at Syabru Besi is exciting; its equally long and exhausting.
You will drive along the Trishuli river for the better part of the morning and stop for lunch Trisuli Bazaar, the location of an interesting dam and hydroelectric project which was completed by the Indian Technical Mission. Along the way, distant view of Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh, and Langtang auspices of the views ahead.
The second leg of the journey can be grueling as the roads are partly tarred, partly graveled, and can have ongoing road works. Hence, depending upon the road and weather conditions (during monsoon the roads can be slippery), the total driving time can vary by a few hours.
If everything goes according to plan, you will arrive at Syabru Besi by mid to late afternoon.
Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)
Day 4: Trek to Gatlang (2,200m; 5 hrs)
The trek starts as you cross the village of Shyabru, and climb steadily through terraced hillsides and a thick forest of oaks, alders and bamboos. A slightly steep climb leads you to the vantage point at Bahun Danda for a spectacular view of Ganesh Himal and the Goljang Valley below.
Thereafter, the trail descends gently through a little frequented track to the village of Gatlang. If you are up for it, you can climb another 300m to Parbati Kunda (2,550m), a wetland surrounded by forests on all sides. While the climb can be daunting after a long day, its well worth the effort.
Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)
Day 5: Trek to Tatopani (2,600m; 6 hrs)
Descending down the village on the north-eastern flank above Bamdang Khola, you will hike again through pine and rhododendron forest and terraced fields, eventually arriving at the river. After a river crossing, you will arrive at the Chilime hydropower project. It is a run-of-the-river hydropower 22 mega watt project.
After lunch on the banks of Chilime river, you will cross a suspension bridge. The undulating trail now steeply ascends to the village of Gonggang and, eventually, Tatopani. Unlike the Langtang valley, agriculture is the main occupation in the valley and the villages are well populated.
Tatopani literally translates to ‘hot water’, and the village did have hot springs, but the 2015 earthquake caused the hot springs to disappear. Nevertheless, the views and hospitality are an exceptional experience.
Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)
Day 6: Trek to Nagthali La (3,228m; 5-6 hrs)
Today is one of the best days for mountain views on the Tamang heritage trail.
You will hike through a forested stretch of trail that climbs lazily along the undulating curvature of the ridge back to the south for about an hour and arrive at the village of Brimdang.
The trail then climbs above the village, first to the east and then swings back on itself to the top of the Nagthali La pass (3, 228m). The pass has great views of the mountains
Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)
Day 7: Rest day with optional excursion to Yang Ri viewpoint (4 hrs)
Today you will have a rest day at Nagthali La but you can go on an excursion to Yang Ri.
The hike through a pine and rhododendron forest is pleasant and has chance encounters with wildlife. Plus you will have views of Kerung, Lantang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Shishapangma, and even into Tibet, on clear days.
Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)
Day 8: Trek to Thuman (2,238m; 3-4 hrs)
After lunch on the pass, you will start the descent to Thuman, a Tamang village with strong Tibetan influence. The trail descends along a gradual slope through verdant forests; chances are you will see large troops of grey langur monkeys. Before Thume, you arrive at a large open pasture that has great views of surrounding peaks across the valley to the east, a small stream, and a couple of ruined stone buildings that are quite photogenic.
Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)
Day 9: Trek to Briddhim (2,229m; 6-7 hrs)
Continuing on the old Tibetan trade route, you will hike through meadows and rhododendron forests via Lingling to Briddhim.
The initial length of the trail is flat through a pine forest. But after lunch at Lingling, the trail gently ascends to Briddhim village. Homes in the village are spread out in an interesting ‘Z’ configuration, most being built with stone walls and have split shake roofs.
Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)
Day 10: Trek to Sherpagaon (2,563m; 5-6 hrs)
Today, you leave the Tamang Heritage trail and start on the Gosaikunda Trek trail.
You will follow a winding trail that meanders around the stone walls to a well-maintained trail that eventually passes through a forest and arrives at a junction. There are two paths; one leads to Syabrubesi via Wangel while the other leads to Khanjim and the Langtang valley.
You will take the higher trail that ascends until Khanjim where you stop for lunch. You will now follow the upper trail to Langtang Valley and continue the trek to Sherpa Gaon, where you will have marvelous view of high Himalayan range.
Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)
Day 11: Trek to Thulo Syabru (2,120m; 4-5 hrs)
You will follow the Langtang Valley trek trail to Rimche and then follow the Langtang Khola to Thulo Syabru. From here you connect to the Gosaikunda trek trail.
The hike is pleasant as you walk through bamboo forest with views of the mountains in between.
Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)
Day 12: Trek to Sing Gompa (3,250m ; 5-6 hrs)
Today, you start the trek by ascending a steep uphill to Phoprang Danda. Phoprang Dada, at an elevation of about 3200 m, is an ideal place to see the sunset over Ganesh Himal.
Through gaps in the forest you will see Ganesh Himal and peaks located on border with Tibet. This leg of the journey is really colorful in Spring as you will be walking through beautiful rhododendron, hemlock and oak forest.
Sing-gompa, also known as Chandan Bari, is a small village with several lodges, a gompa and a cheese factory.
Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)
Day 13: Trek to Lauribinayak (3,920m; 4-5 hrs)
Today is a relatively short day to Lauribinayak. Most trekkers hike all the way to Gosaikunda but there is danger of altitude sickness. Plus, we suggest you visit the yak cheeses factory early morning and sample their cheese.
The trail passes through magnificent rhododendron and pine forests, which means you will have another chance to see the endangered red panda. From Cholang Pati (3,620m) you the trail steepens as you follow the rodge till Lauribinayak.
Lauribinayak, perched atop a ridge, has distant views of the Annapurna Massif and the Makalu mountain.
Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)
Day 14: Trek to Gosainkunda (4,380m; 4-5 hrs)
After lunch in Laurebina you will first ascend and then descend to reach Gosainkunda.
The tail moderately climbs to Buddha Mandir and then gradually climbs to the first lake – Saraswati Kunda, second lake – Bhairab Kunda and finally to the sacred Gosainkunda lake. You will spend the night in the peaceful and tranquil setting of charming Gosainkunda lake.
Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)
Day 15: Trek via Lauribina La (4,610m) to Phedi (4,000m); 6-7 hrs
Today is the hardest day of the trek. You will cross over the Lauribina La (4,610m) with superb views of the Lantang Lirung, Himal Chuli (7,893 m), Manaslu (8,156 m), and Ganesh Himal (7,406 m) on the west.
The trail goes through the high valley across several other lakes and from Surya Kunda descends down to the quaint little hamlet of Phedi.
Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)
Day 16: Trek to Tharepati (3,640m; 4-5 hrs)
After breakfast, you’ll continue your journey along the undulating trail from Phedi to Thadepati. At first, the trail descends steeply from Phedi towards a small footbridge. Crossing the bridge over a small stream, you’ll start a steep climb and then slightly descends to Ghopte.
Along the way, you’ll get to enjoy the marvelous view of Helambu and Tadhi Valley. From Ghopte, you’ll walk through the dense forest of oak, juniper, and rhododendron. This trail is considerably remote, and only a few trekkers make their way from their route.
Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)
Day 17: Trek to Melamchi Gaun (2,530m; 4-5 hrs)
Today is a short hiking day but you will have a wonderful time exploring the Helambu region.
You will follow the eastern trail that rapidly descends down a ravine, through mixed fir and rhododendron forest rich with bird life, to the small Sherpa village of Melamchi Gaun. The village was devastated by the 2015 earthquake but has now been rebuilt. There are splendid lodges and fine old and artistic Gompas for you to venture.
Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)
Day 18: Trek to Tarke Ghyang (2600m; 4-5 hrs)
Another easy day on the trek, you will get to explore the Hyolmo settlements of the Helambu region.
Starting with a short descent to the Melamchi river, where, if you fancy, you can enjoy a dip in the cool yet crystal- clear river, you will climb a short ascent to the other side of the valley. Hereon, passing through Sherpa settlements, the trail takes you to Tarke Ghyang.
The village has a monastery which is one of the oldest and biggest in the region. The village is more popularly known as Helambu, since most of the inhabitants belong to the Helmu or Hyolmo caste. Tarkeghyang also has an 18th century Gompa with huge brass prayer wheel.
Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)
Day 19: Trek to Sermathang (2,612m; 5-6 hrs)
Alas the final day of the trek, you will finish your trek with a long descent.
Initially, you will descend gently through small stretches of forest, streams, waterfalls and rivers to arrive at a Gyangyul, a Sherpa village located in a wide valley. After lunch, you will follow the famous Nepali “flats” – plenty of undulations – to Sermathang (2,621m).
Overnight at a local lodge (B,L,D)
Day 20: Drive to Kathmandu (7-8 hrs)
Today you will drive back to Kathmandu on a scenic road through picturesque villages, lush green forests, and terraced fields dotted with traditional farmhouses in the Himalayan foothills.
Along the way, you will have the opportunity to witness the local culture and daily life of the Nepalese people. The drive takes around 7-8 hours and provides breathtaking views of the mountains in the distance.
Overnight at a hotel Tibet (B)
Day 21: Rest day at Kathmandu
You will have the full day at leisure to explore the city. In the evening, you will join Keep Walking Nepal family for an evening dinner celebrating your successful trek.
Overnight at a hotel Tibet (B)
Day 22: End of Trip
A Keep Walking Nepal representative will drop you the international airport in time for your flight back home.
(B)
Cost - US $ 3150 (joining Kathmandu)
(Single Supplement: additional US $ )
Cost Includes:
- Accommodation and most meals, road transport, and airport transfers.
- A sleeping bag and kit bag are provided for use while on the trek, with Sherpas and porters to assist you en-route and carry your gear.
- A medical kit will be carried by staff.
TRIP FACTS
-
Duration
22 Days -
Best Season
Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov -
Max-Altitude
4,700m -
Difficulty Level
Moderate -
Group Size
2-14 pax persons -
Accomodation
Local Lodge