Langtang Valley with Gosaikunda Trek – 13 to 14 Days
Two treks in one — the glacier-walled Langtang Valley to Kyanjin Gompa, then over Laurebina Pass to the sacred lakes of Gosaikunda at 4,380m.
Trip Facts
| Duration | 13–14 days (10–11 trekking days) |
|---|---|
| Max altitude | 4,610m — Laurebina Pass |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Strenuous |
| Trek start / end | Syabrubesi to Sundarijal (Kathmandu) |
| Best season | Mar–May, Sep–Nov |
| Accommodation | Teahouse + 2 nights hotel |
| Group size | 2–14 |
| Permits | Langtang National Park + TIMS |
| Daily walking | 5–7 hours |
Overview
Langtang is the closest high Himalayan valley to Kathmandu — a seven-hour drive rather than a flight — and combining it with the Gosaikunda lakes gives you the most varied fourteen days available anywhere within reach of the capital.
The valley itself is a classic glacial trough. You climb through oak and rhododendron forest along the Langtang Khola, past red pandas' territory and langur troops, until the valley opens out at Langtang village and the walls close in on both sides — Langtang Lirung (7,227m) to the north, Dorje Lakpa and the Tibetan border ridges to the east. Kyanjin Gompa at 3,870m is the road's end, and the day hike to Tserko Ri at 4,984m is one of the best value-for-effort viewpoints in Nepal.
Langtang village was destroyed by a landslide triggered by the 2015 earthquake, which killed a large proportion of the population. It has been rebuilt by the surviving Tamang families and by returning trekkers' spending. Walking this valley is a direct and meaningful contribution to that recovery, and your guide will tell you the story properly.
The second half crosses to Gosaikunda — a chain of glacial lakes at 4,380m held sacred in Hinduism as the place where Shiva struck the mountainside with his trident. Thousands of pilgrims walk up each August for Janai Purnima. The crossing of Laurebina Pass at 4,610m is the physical crux, and the descent to Sundarijal brings you back to Kathmandu on foot.
Highlights
- Kyanjin Gompa at 3,870m, ringed by Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa and the Tibetan border peaks
- Optional Tserko Ri (4,984m) or Kyanjin Ri (4,773m) sunrise ascent
- The sacred Gosaikunda lakes at 4,380m and the Laurebina Pass crossing at 4,610m
- Tamang villages, yak cheese factory at Kyanjin, and langur and red panda habitat
- Directly supports the earthquake-affected Langtang community
- No domestic flight needed — drive from Kathmandu, walk back to Kathmandu
Itinerary
Arrive Kathmandu; briefing and permits
Drive Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel
Lama Hotel to Langtang village
Langtang to Kyanjin Gompa
Kyanjin Ri (4,773m) or Tserko Ri (4,984m) acclimatisation ascent
Kyanjin to Lama Hotel
Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru
Thulo Syabru to Sing Gompa (Chandanbari)
Sing Gompa to Gosaikunda lakes
Gosaikunda to Laurebina Pass (4,610m) to Ghopte
Ghopte to Kutumsang / Chisapani
Trek to Sundarijal; drive to Kathmandu
Final departure
13-day version: exits from Gosaikunda via Dhunche by road, skipping the Laurebina Pass crossing. Suitable if the pass is snowbound or if you prefer a lower-risk finish.
What the Price Includes
Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (private vehicle)
- All ground transport per itinerary
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation throughout the trek (twin share)
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu/Pokhara per itinerary (3-star, B&B)
- Three meals a day on trek — breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Tea/coffee with meals on trek
- Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers, max 25kg)
- All staff wages, insurance, equipment, food and lodging
- All required trekking permits and entry fees
- TIMS card
- Seasonal fresh fruit after dinner
- First aid kit and pulse oximeter carried by guide
- Duffel bag, trekking map and company T-shirt
- All government taxes and service charges
Cost Excludes
- International airfare and Nepal visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory — must cover helicopter evacuation to 6,000m)
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except where stated)
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging and bottled drinks on trek
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses — laundry, phone, souvenirs
- Emergency evacuation costs (recoverable from your insurer)
- Tips for guide and porters
- Anything not listed under "Cost Includes"
Best Time to Trek
The most reliable season. Clear skies, stable weather, firm trails and the sharpest mountain views of the year. Book early; this is peak season on every route.
The second-best window and the finest season for scenery below 4,000m, when rhododendron forests are in full bloom. Warmer nights and longer days, with some afternoon haze building through May.
Clear, quiet and cold. Excellent for lower routes such as Poon Hill, Mardi Himal and Kathmandu Valley. High passes may close under snow.
Wet and leech-prone on most routes, but this is the right season for the rain-shadow trails: Upper Mustang, Nar Phu and Upper Dolpo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moderate to strenuous. The Langtang Valley section alone is moderate. Adding Gosaikunda and the Laurebina Pass at 4,610m makes it considerably harder — expect a long, cold, high crossing followed by a steep, rough descent.
Yes. The valley has been geologically assessed, trails rerouted where necessary and the village rebuilt on a safer site. Trekker numbers have returned steadily, and lodges are new and well-built.
Yes — a standalone Langtang Valley trek runs 8–9 days including Kyanjin Ri, and is one of the best moderate treks in Nepal. Ask us for that itinerary if Laurebina Pass is more than you want.
Heavy snow can close it from late December through February, and occasionally after early autumn storms. If your guide judges it unsafe you will descend via Dhunche instead — this is a safety call, not a negotiation.
Ready to Book This Trek?
Departures run year-round on your dates — private groups, couples and solo trekkers all welcome. Tell us your dates and we will send a full quote within 24 hours.
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