Langtang, Gosainkund and Helambu Trek Travel Guide
Amazing Trekking Close to Kathmandu
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The Langtang Valley lies to the north of Kathmandu and is reached by a bus ride to the little trailhead of Dhunche. From here the valley runs northeast to Langtang village and beyond it Kyanjin Gompa and Langshisha Karka. From Kyanjin Gompa a serious 5,100m pass leads down into the Helambu valley, whilst back down the Langtang Valley a trail leads up past Sing Gompa to the Gosainkund Lakes, over the 4,610m Laurebina La and down into Helambu via a village called Gopte. From Kyanjin Gompa the nearby hillock of Tserko Ri (4984m) gives outstanding views and is recommended, as is the walk to Langshisha Karka should time allow. The Langtang Valley can be walked straight up and down but if you want to include Helambu you clearly have to cross some fairly meaty passes.
Langtang/Gosainkund/Helambu is approximately 16 days trekking, the Langtang/Ganja La/Helambu route around the same. Note that the Ganja La route is hazardous and should on no account be attempted without a guide; there are no lodges so camping gear is essential too: take this route only if an experienced mountain walker.
The Gosainkund/Laurebina route is easier, but still a tiring walk. The lakes and pass often gets snowy and the route can be indistinct. If you take the steep upper trail after the pass there can be steep and icy paths to walk with massive drop-offs at the side – a slip could be disastrous. Note that whilst the pass is not particularly high, altitude sickness might be a possibility for the unlucky. In 1991 a trekker was lost for 43 days in this area and nearly died, so due deference should be given to the mountains.
Helambu is a completely different region to that you have come from. Relatively low at 2000m to 3000m and south facing it’s a kind of Shangri La, home to Sherpa people whose customs are distinct from those of the Solu-Khumbu region. Agricultural lives continue largely unchanged in Helambu. Helambu can also be walked as a circuit starting at Sundarijal, trekking up to Tharepati via Chipling and Khutumsang and returning via Tarke Gyang, Sermathang and Talamarang.
The Langtang/Gosainkund/Helambu reveals fabulous mountain views, glaciers, holy lakes, challenges aplenty and classic Nepal vistas. The season runs is October and November; March and April.
Relaxing
At Gosainkund climb up the ridge behind the lodges for sunset views to the west.
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