Langtang Valley and the sacred lakes of Gosainkund
In summary
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Sports
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Duration17 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationNepal / Langtang
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions4409.49 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
Nepali
In a few words
Discover the very essence of Nepal on a legendary route linking the Langtang Valley to the sacred lakes of Gosainkund . This trek is the ideal experience for a first major Himalayan trek , offering a comprehensive panorama without the constraints of extreme altitude.
Your adventure begins in Syabru Besi , near the Tibetan border. The trail climbs gently from verdant rice paddies into a lush rainforest , a haven for monkeys and pheasants. Along the way, you'll experience a complete cultural immersion in the Sherpa and Tamang ethnic groups, whose traditions permeate every hamlet you pass through.
Above 3,000 meters, the landscape transforms into a spectacular mineral desert . From the village of Kyanjin Gompa , the viewpoints of Kyanjin Ri and Tsergo Ri offer breathtaking views of peaks exceeding 7,000 meters . After a gradual acclimatization, you reach the crystal-clear waters of the Gosainkund lakes before crossing the Laurebina La pass at 4,680 meters. A final descent through the Nepalese countryside concludes this journey through untamed nature and spirituality .
The highlights
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A full range of Himalayan landscapes
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A preserved region and authentic villages
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A relatively moderate altitude
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This trip includes 10 days of trekking in the mountains, on trails that are generally not very technical.
The most challenging days involve up to 6-7 hours of walking, with an elevation gain of up to 1300 meters in a single day, a significant elevation gain but spread gradually over the entire day.
The trek begins at relatively moderate altitudes. Acclimatization to the altitude is gradual before reaching higher altitudes at the end of the trek (4680 m at the Laurebina pass).
This trip is suitable for anyone in good physical condition with experience hiking for several days. For those with a sedentary lifestyle, preparation in the months leading up to departure is essential (endurance activities 2 to 3 times per week).
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 768 m
- Average daily descent: 708 m
Management
Program
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Departure for Kathmandu
- Transportation Plane - 13h - 7240km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure from France during the day.Day 1 -
Kathmandu
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, we are met by our guide and taken to the hotel. Lunch and the afternoon are free to relax or explore the city center. At the end of the day, we meet at the hotel for a general briefing with the guide and final preparations for the trek. Welcome dinner.Day 2 -
Kathmandu - Syabru Besi (1460 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 07h - 500km
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A long day's drive to reach the Langtang massif. We mostly travel on a winding, bumpy track, typical of Nepalese roads, heading north towards the Tibetan border. We traverse the countryside sculpted with rice paddies until we reach the high Himalayan mountains. We have lunch and take advantage of the drive to explore the region and take photos. We finally arrive in the vast Bhote Koshi valley and pass through the two main towns of the region, Dunche and Syabru Besi, our final destination for the day.Day 3 -
Syabru Besi - Lama Hotel (2480 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 1300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
First day of trekking. The elevation gain is significant, but the climb is fairly gradual. We leave the cultivated fields and the Bhote Koshi valley behind us. Today we're walking through the rainforest, giving us the chance to admire the valley's wildlife: monkeys, multicolored pheasants, deer, tropical birds, and (with luck) a red panda! We follow the Langtang Khola upstream and then climb a bit more steeply to Rimche. We soon reach the end of today's trek, at Lama Hotel, in the heart of the forest.Day 4 -
Lama Hotel - Mundu (3550 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 1175 m
- Negative elevation 275 m
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We follow the glacial riverbed and soon admire the summit of Langtang Lirung (7250 m), the highest point of the Langtang massif, whose imposing south face dominates the valley. The valley gradually widens as we emerge from the forest. After passing the hamlet of Godhe Tabela, we begin a steep but steady climb to reach the upper glacial valley. Along the way, prayer wheels, Tibetan prayer flags, and mani (engraved sacred stones) remind us of Tibet, which is very close here. We arrive at the site of the former village of Langtang, now a vast scree slope (the 2015 earthquake triggered a massive avalanche of rock and ice on the village, killing more than 200 people instantly). We then arrive in Mundu, at an altitude of 3550 m. We visit the village and have free time at the end of the day.Day 5 -
Mundu - Kyanjin Gompa (3860 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 320 m
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin a short but nonetheless beautiful day of trekking through the high-altitude pastures of Upper Langtang, reaching Kyanging Gompa, the last village in the valley. We encounter our first herds of yaks at the foot of the peaks, whose milk is used to make cheese. We are ideally situated to admire the great peaks that dominate the valley: Langtang Lirung (7246 m), Naya Kang (5844 m), Ganchenpo (6387 m)...Day 6 -
Kyanjin Gompa: Ascent of Kyanjin Ri (4770 m) or Tsergo Ri (4985 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day dedicated to the optional ascent of one of the two viewpoints overlooking Kyanjin Gompa. Kyanjin Ri is the most popular viewpoint, located very close to the village. Tsergo Ri is a similar option (elevation gain/loss +/- 1100 m). There are no technical difficulties on these climbs, apart from the altitude and some sections that may be daunting for those prone to vertigo. From the summit, Tibetan prayer flags flutter in the wind, under the watchful gaze of the surrounding ice giants... Return to Kyanjin and the rest of the day is free. Note: Those who wish can stay in Kyanjin or explore the surrounding alpine pastures.Day 7 -
Kyanjin Gompa - Lama Hotel (2480 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 275 m
- Negative elevation 1175 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we retrace our steps and admire the Langtang Valley from a different perspective, with panoramas that never cease to amaze us. We descend back to Lama Hotel and its lush forest.Day 8 -
Lama Hotel - Thulo Syabru (2200 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 790 m
- Negative elevation 1270 m
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We continue our descent through the rainforest to the village of Bamboo. From there, a path winds its way between terraced fields, leading us back up the mountain to the charming Tamang village of Thulo Syabru, its entrance marked by a white chorten (Buddhist stupa). We enjoy the beautiful view over the rice paddies and the Ganesh Himal massif, whose evocative name, inspired by the Hindu god Ganesh, comes from the resemblance of the Pabil peak (Ganesh IV) to an elephant...Day 9 -
Thulo Syabru - Singh Gompa (3350 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 1230 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The trail climbs gently to Singh Gompa, also known as Chandanbari. It winds through oak forests, past small traditional villages and ancient chortens. After crossing to the southern slope of the mountain, we soon reach Singh Gompa, where the views of the surrounding area are superb. We visit its local yak cheese factory and Buddhist monastery. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the surroundings.Day 10 -
Singh Gompa - Gosainkund (4380 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 1250 m
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning we hiked to Lauribinayak via a steep trail. We admired the spectacular views of the Nepalese and Tibetan Himalayas, facing the neighboring Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Annapurna ranges! We then continued along the ridge and took a balcony path that led to the sacred lakes of Gosainkund. The largest of the lakes is associated with the Hindu god Shiva, who is said to have planted his trident in the ground after quenching his thirst following the ingestion of poison. This lake, frozen from October to June, has thus become an important Hindu pilgrimage site for the full moon festival in August.Day 11 -
Gosainkund - Laurebina La (4680 m) - Gopte (3430 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day of trekking in the high mountains! We begin with the ascent to the Laurebina La pass, located at 4,680 meters altitude, a climb that presents no technical difficulties. We progress gently from lake to lake, reaching the summit of the pass without exertion. From here, we are in the heart of the Himalayan peaks, an opportunity to savor the unique atmosphere of the high mountains! The descent on the opposite slope leads us to Phedi, a small base camp. We then return to the forest and hike along a balcony trail that leads to the village of Ghopte.Day 12 -
Gopte - Kutumsang
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 360 m
- Negative elevation 1050 m
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we set off for the Helambu region. A short descent precedes a gradual climb to Kharka, through cypress and pine forests. A relatively steep ascent leads to the Thadepati Pass (3690 m). From the pass, the trail descends quite steeply through pine and rhododendron forests to the village of Kutumsang, where we spend the night.Day 13 -
Kutumsang - Chisapani
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 910 m
- Negative elevation 1215 m
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we hiked along a ridge, giving us a beautiful view of the peaks and the lower valleys. We passed through several Sherpa villages before arriving in Chisapani, which offers a splendid view upon arrival, even more so at sunset.Day 14 -
Chisapani - Kathmandu
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 100km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Another breakfast with a view of the Himalayas! We set off on our hike for the day. We cross a pass at 2450m before descending to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. We walk through a rhododendron forest to reach Sundarijal, where we meet our vehicle. Transfer to our hotel in Kathmandu.Day 15 -
Kathmandu - France
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Last day in Nepal. You are free to enjoy the day as you wish. Shopping or visiting the valley's cultural sites are possible (depending on available time). Transfer to the airport and return flight to France. If your flight is scheduled for the following day, overnight stay at the hotel and early morning transfer the next morning. *Check-out time is 12:00 PM.Day 16 -
France
- Transportation Plane - 13h - 7240km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight and arrival in France on the same day.Day 17
Note
Accommodation
Access
Price details
The price includes
- Round-trip flights Paris / Kathmandu
- Guided by a French-speaking local guide
- The services of a local team during the trek
- Land transport
- The excursions detailed in the program
- The necessary permits (TIMS and national park)
- The accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Full board, except for meals listed as "free" in the itinerary.
- Essential safety equipment for the trek: first aid kit and satellite phone
The price does not include
- Visa fees (see section "Formalities")
- Drinks and mineral water during your stay, including during meals
- Meals listed as "free" in the daily schedule. Expect to pay €5 to €10 per meal.
- Showers in the lodges (from €2 to €6 for a hot shower)
- Tips for local teams
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- First aid kit
- Satellite phone
Equipment to bring
- Sleeping bag (ideally comfort temperature -5°C)
- Telescopic hiking poles
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- One 1.5 litre water bottle or two equivalent ones (camel bag or rigid water bottles)
- Water filter or tablets for water treatment
- Toiletries (preferably biodegradable products)
- Quick-drying towel
- Biodegradable cleaning wipes
- Sunglasses with a high protection rating
- High protection sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Handkerchiefs
- Toilet paper
- Books, card games... to keep busy at the end of the day
Note: Some equipment can be rented on-site (sleeping bag, down jacket, crampons, etc.). Expect to pay around €35 per item for a 2-week trip and €50 for 3 weeks (payable locally). If you wish to rent one or more items, please let us know before your departure so our local team can ensure everything is available upon your arrival. Feel free to contact us for more information.
For those who wish to use their trip to Nepal to help local communities, you can bring clothing, hiking equipment, or school supplies with you. Our local team will take care of delivering everything to a local NGO.
Clothing to bring
Appropriate mountain trekking gear is essential for this trip. Please note that temperatures can vary from +30°C at the base to -15°C at the summit.
Recommended equipment for the trek:
- Cap or hat
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Warm hat and gloves
- Synthetic material T-shirt
- Thermal underwear (for evenings or days at high altitude)
- Warm fleece jacket
- Windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket
- Compact down-type jacket (for breaks or evenings)
- Comfortable walking pants
- Walking socks
- Sturdy and comfortable mountain hiking boots
- Light shoes for the evening