Langtang Helambu Trek – 17 Days

Early in the morning, we drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi which takes about eight hours on a private tourist vehicle. Driving through scenic foothills and ridgeline vistas to Syabru Besi passing Dhunche, we’ll get a glimpse of Ganesh Himal after driving along the mighty Trishuli River. Terraced green hills and lush forests make the drive very pleasurable. Parts of the road though may be bumpy and under construction.

The first part of the trail crosses through the Bhote Koshi River and follows the Langtang Khola. This trail gradually ascends up to Bamboo (1,970 m) passing rugged paths. Afterward, our trek climbs gently to Rimche (2,400 m). We can have lunch at this place and at the end of our trail is the Lama Hotel. En route we could see red pandas, monkeys and bears if we are lucky.

The trek route follows Gumanechok at Ghoda Tabela which literally means the Horse Stable. After this the trail climbs gradually to the beautiful valley with yaks about. Langtang is a typical village and one of the oldest along this trekking route. The views of the mountains are spectacular and become more imposing as we trek closer.

It is shorter walk today, but adequate for acclimatizing. There are some interesting things to explore, especially the famous cheese factory – don’t forget to try some locally produced cheese as fresh as you could get. This beautiful valley is on the lap of the Langtang Lirung. This is the spot where we can explore the valley and climb several small peaks (hillocks).

Today is a day to rest as we explore the area. You can visit the monastery and the cheese factory, walk up the moraine to see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung, or ascend Kyangjin Ri (4,773 m) which is the highest point of this trek, directly behind the village, for a breath-taking panorama of the Langtang peaks.

We rejoin the trail to Lama Hotel.

The beginning of the trail gently descends and then goes steeply up to Thulo Syabru. En route we could see red pandas, monkeys and various species of birds. Thulo Syabru is a wonderful village from where we can enjoy the amazing land feature and the magnificent nature with splendid views of Ganesh Himal (7,110 m) and Langtang Himal (7,234 m).

The trails from Thulo Syabru to Foprang Danda (3,200 m ) follows a steep ascent path passing through Dursagang (2,660 m) along with the views of Langtang Himal and Ganesh Himal. Now the path gently ascends for a while and then it follows a flat level to Sing Gompa. There is a well managed local cheese factory and a Buddhist Monastery. Sing Gompa provides panoramic views, exhilarating nature and a yak cheese factory. The cheese manufactured here is considered the best in Nepal.

The first part of the trail emerges and we steadily climb up to Laurebinayak. With a steep ascent all the way to Gosaikunda, we follow a rugged trail with dramatic views of the Manaslu range, Ganesh Himal range, Tibetan peaks and Langtang Lirung.

On a clear day, even the Annapurna range can be seen rising up behind. You pass a few huts in the high pasture of Laurebinayak, cross a small ridge and have your first views of the holy lake of Gosainkunda.

There are about a dozen lakes in the Gosainkunda Basin – the three most important ones are Saraswatikunda, Bhairabkunda and Gosainkunda. According to legend, Gosainkunda was created by Lord Shiva when he pierced a glacier with his trident to obtain water to quench his thirst after swallowing poison that threatened to destroy the world.

The trail leaves Gosaikunda and climbs through rugged country, past four small lakes to the Laurebinayak Pass (4,610 m), the highest point of this trek. Keep looking back at the spectacular views of Manaslu and the mountains of the Ganesh Himal, as well as the now familiar Langtang Lirung. We then descend steeply to camp near Gopte.

The first part of the trail slightly descends and then begins to ascend through the rhododendron forests until Thearepati, after which we climb down to lower altitude. Before climbing to Tharepati, you can see settlements of cattle herders (mainly huts and mud houses) at 3,579 m as we cross a stream after coming through rhododendron, oak and juniper forests. From Tharepati the trail gradually descends through pine and rhododendron forests with good views of the Helambu valley and across to Jugal Himal and Numbur in the Solukhumbu. Melamchi Gaon is surrounded by beautiful forests, which is mainly inhabited by Sherpa people with their distinctive culture. There are also some Buddhist monasteries along the way.

The early part of the trek descends until we cross the Melamchi stream. We trek gently up to Tarkeghyang passing through Sherpa settlements. Tarkeghyang is a beautiful Sherpa village with one of the oldest and biggest monasteries.

Today the trail is quite easy through flat land with beautiful forests on the way. We trek on crossing some small streams on the way. Situated in a beautiful village on the half way to Shermathang, another picturesque Sherpa village where we can visit many ancient monasteries. Jugal Himal range can also be seen from the north face of Shermathang village.

The trail gradually descends all the way to Melamchi Pul Bazaar through meadows and cultivated fields. Along the way, we come across several old villages with their own particular traditions. Walking today is quite pleasant with mountain views and the possibility of interacting with the friendly locals.

After breakfast, we travel along a bumpy gravel path up to Lamidanda and then follow the metalled road up to Kathmandu.

The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop you to Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.