On the Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek, you will explore lush foothills, beautiful villages, and high-altitude lakes. The journey offers breathtaking landscapes, stunning mountain vistas, and incredible glacier views.
You will explore the picturesque Langtang Valley, hike to the holy Gosainkunda Lake, cross the Lauribina Pass, and uncover the attractive highland villages of the Helambu region.
The Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek is adventurous and immersive. Every year, hundreds of travelers explore these destinations. Gosaikunda Lake is especially crowded during the Janai Purnima festival in August.
Also known as the Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lauribina Pass trek, this trek takes you north of Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. From here, you will begin trekking in the Langtang National Park and then enter the Shivapuri National Park, crossing the Laurabini Pass.
The Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek 14 days is fairly challenging, so we recommend it to experienced trekkers. It is also a great option for trekkers who want to try advanced trekking routes but are not ready for treks like Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu Circuit, and Everest Three Passes.
With adventure and challenges, the Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek is also rich in cultural experiences and offers ample opportunities to rest and unwind.
Highlights
- Explore lush foothills, beautiful villages, and high-altitude lakes
- An incredible journey packed with breathtaking landscapes, stunning mountain vistas, and incredible glacier views
- Trek through rhododendron, bamboo, oak, and pine forests in the Langtang National Park and Shivapuri National Park
- Discover many plants, birds, butterflies, and wildlife along the trail
- Explore the beautiful villages and alpine pastures of Langtang Valley
- See ancient murals and inscriptions in Kyanjin Gompa and hike to Tserko Ri to see an outstanding mountain panorama
- Visit local yak cheese factories where you can taste different types of cheese and buy them as a souvenir
- Explore Shin Gompa and follow the narrow, steep trail to Gosaikunda Lake
- Cross the Lauribina Pass and travel the Helambu region
- See the daily lives and traditions of the Tamang and Hyolmo communities
- Experience warm hospitality and spend time with friendly locals
What to expect during the Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trekking?
During the Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek, you will walk 6 hours a day every day. The trail mostly ascends and descends through lush hills until you go above the treeline. You will explore many old stupas, chortens, and mani walls during trekking.
Kyanjin Gompa and Shin Gompa are the two main monasteries on Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek route. Kyanjin Gompa is the highest settlement in Langtang Valley.
From here, you will go on a side hike to Tserko Ri and return to the Lama Hotel, from where the Gosaikunda Lake route starts. Tserko Ri is a viewpoint. You will witness a heavenly sunrise and spectacular mountain panorama from here.
In fact, throughout the journey, you will see wonderful landscapes and mountains like Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lhakpa, Shishapangma, Yala Peak, etc. The beauty of Gosaikunda Lake is also ethereal. In Helambu, you will see picture-book-like scenery.
Adventure and landscapes come wrapped with the warm hospitality of the locals. There will be many moments where you will be challenging yourself and, at the same time, enjoying nature and tranquility!
Langtang Valley
Langtang Valley is located north of Kathmandu Valley. It is the nearest trekking region from Kathmandu. The Langtang Valley is located in the Langtang National Park, which borders Tibet in the southwest.
Everyone knows that the 2015 earthquake destroyed the Langtang Valley. After the earthquake, the flow of trekkers drastically reduced in the Langtang Valley. Gradually, the locals rebuilt the villages and trails.
Still, compared to Everest and Annapurna, Langtang remains less crowded regardless of its popularity. On a good note, the region is now welcoming trekkers who want peaceful trails and intimate experience.
The Langtang Valley houses varied climatic zones. Trekking through lush rhododendron, oak, bamboo, and pine forests, you will ascend to alpine pastures and the glacier zone. The valley is also home to numerous birds, plants, and wild animals.
Gosaikunda Lake
Gosaikunda Lake is also located in the Langtang National Park but not in Langtang Valley. It is situated at 4,380 meters above sea level. There are many other lakes around the Gosaikunda Lake. It is a designated Ramsar Site.
As per the Hindus, the lake is believed to have been formed when Lord Shiva pierced a glacier with his trident during the great “Samudra Manthana” event to soothe his throat after swallowing the poison to protect the world.
The Gosaikunda Lake also holds religious importance for Buddhists.
Lauribina Pass
Lauribina Pass connects the Langtang region with the Helambu region. It is 4,610 meters (15,115 ft) high. Crossing the pass is tough. You will follow a steep, uphill route filled with loose rocks to reach the top of the pass.
The mountain views from the top of the pass are heavenly. It will make you forget the challenging climb. From here, the trail descends to the Helambu region.
Helambu
Helambu is a not-so-popular but very beautiful part of the Himalayas. It is located around 80 km from Kathmandu. The Helambu region majorly presents stunning highland villages, lush hills, picturesque terraces, and definitely snow-capped mountains.
The region is unbothered by the crowd of travelers. Only a handful of trekkers explore Helambu every year, keeping its authenticity and beauty untouched. The trail goes through the Shivapuri National Park and descends to Sundarijal, where the trail ends.
Culture and lifestyle of Tamang and Hyolmo communities
Tamangs and Hyolmos are the two main ethnic groups you will meet during the Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek. Tamangs are an indigenous group from the Langtang region. Hyolmos are an indigenous group of the Helambu region.
Tamangs are the descendants of Tibetans. As per the Wiki, they have 59% Tibetan genetics and 41% Nepalese genetics. While trekking in the Langtang region, you will closely see their lifestyle and traditions.
Likewise, Hyolmos are native to the Helambu region. They have their own language and traditions. They primarily follow Tibetan Buddhism of the Nyingmapa school, intermixed with animism and paganism.
Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek itinerary
The Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek 14 days starts a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. It will be around 7 to 9 hours of drive. You will register the trek permits at the police checkpost and start trekking to the Lama Hotel.
First, you will explore the Langtang Valley. The trail ascends to Kyanjin Gompa, which is the highest settlement in the Langtang Valley. On the way, you will spend nights at Lama Hotel and Langtang Village.
The trail goes through rhododendron forests and small settlements. From Kyanjin Gompa, you will go on a side hike to Tserko Ri, which offers breathtaking mountain vistas, and explore a local yak cheese factory.
Return to Langtang Village the same day. The trail then descends to Lama Hotel, and you will begin your journey towards Gosaikunda Lake. The trail now ascends to Thulo Syabru and passes by ancient Shin Gompa on the way to the Laurebina settlement.
From here, you will follow the steep, narrow trail to Gosaikunda Lake. Explore Saraswati Kunda and Bhairav Kunda on the way. Spend a night at Gosaikunda Lake and start hiking to Lauribina Pass the next morning.
You have to cross the pass before the mid-morning to avoid strong winds. The trail is steep and covered with rocks. After a challenging climb, you will be rewarded with blissful mountain views from the top of the Lauribina Pass.
Relish the views and descend to Phedi to spend the night. From here onwards, you will traverse the beautiful Helambu region. The trail from Phedi descends to Tharepati via Ghopte village and Mera Kharka.
You will then descend to Chisapani, spending a night at Kutumsang on the way. The trail is covered with dense forests and follows lush hillsides. The final hike involves descending from Chisapani to Sundarijal, where the trek ends.
From Sundarijal, you will drive back to Kathmandu. It is around an hour drive. The guide will drop you at the hotel.
Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek distance, duration, and altitude
Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,503 m/4,655 ft) → 122 km/75.8 miles | 7-9 hours
Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2,470 m/8,103 ft) → 11.3 km/7 miles | 6 hours
Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3,430 m/11,255 ft) → 14.8 km/9.1 miles | 6 hours
Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,865 m/12,675 ft) → 6.8 km/4.2 miles | 4 hours
Hike to Tserko Ri (5,033 m/16,512 ft) and descend to Langtang Village (3,430 m/11,255 ft) → 7-8 hours
Langtang Village to Lama Hotel (2,470 m/8,103 ft) → 14.8 km/9.1 miles | 6 hours
Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru (2,210 m/8,500 ft) → 13 km/8 miles | 5-6 hours
Thulo Syabru to Laurebina (3,920 m/12,861 ft) → 8.1 km/5 miles | 6 hours
Laurebina to Gosainkunda Lake (4,380 m/14,370 ft) → 3.7 km/2.2 miles | 4 hours
Gosainkunda to Phedi (3,630 m/11,909 ft) via Lauribina Pass (4,610 m/15,115 ft) → 16 km/10 miles | 7-8 hours
Phedi to Tharepati (3,650 m/11,975 ft) → 9 km/5.5 miles | 5-6 hours
Tharepati to Kutumsang (2,450 m/8,038 ft) → 11 km/6.8 miles | 6 hours
Kutumsang to Chisapani (2,295 m/7,655 ft) → 8 km/5 miles | 4 hours
Chisapani to Sundarijal (1,380 m/4,530 ft) to Kathmandu (1,350 m/4,450 ft) → 9.8 km/6 miles | 4 hours trek & 1-hour drive
Is the Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek suitable for you?
The Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek is suitable for trekkers who are physically fit and have previous trekking experience. It is like a circuit trek that explores two trekking regions and crosses a mountain pass.
Though the Lauribina Pass is not as high as the Larkya La and Thorong La passes, you will still cross 4,610 meters (15,115 ft). So, the first thing to consider is whether you are ready for a high-altitude challenging trek like this or not.
If you are a beginner trekker, consider doing the Langtang Valley trek or Helambu trek. You can also do the Gosaikunda Lake trek. In short, the Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek combines three treks.
Trekkers who are interested in trekking but do not want to travel far away from Kathmandu. Langtang region is closest to Kathmandu. Moreover, you will return to Kathmandu in just a one-hour drive from the trek ending point, Sundarijal.
The Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek is also suitable for trekkers who want to experience less busy trails.
How to prepare for the Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek?
The Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek is demanding. So, the first thing you have to work on is your fitness. Improve your strength and stamina. Make a workout routine that is accessible to you.
If you have the budget, you can also look for training centers around you and train for 2 to 3 months. Running, jogging, swimming, and cycling are some great activities to build stamina and endurance.
Then, if you are a first-time trekker, you also have to consider high altitude. The best and most economical way to gain high altitude experience is by doing a few day hikes or short 1-2 day treks near you.
With physical preparation, make sure you are also mentally preparing for the trek. Learn about the trail. Read the related blogs and watch vlogs of trekkers who have done these treks.
It is best to know beforehand what it is like to Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trekking to avoid disappointments during the trip!
The Suryakunda Pass and Tamang Heritage Trail
The Suryakunda is a holy lake not often visited by many trekkers. It takes around two hours of walking from Gosaikunda Lake to reach Suryakunda Lake. From here, you can hike to Suryakunda Pass, which connects the Langtang region to the Helambu region.
If you are looking for a less-used route or something unique, you can try the Suryakunda Pass instead of the Lauribina Pass!
Tamang Heritage Trail is a less famous but a very loved eco-trekking route in the Langtang region. It explores the lower Langtang region, takes you close to the Tibetan border, and presents a close look into Tamang life.
Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek cost 2025/2026
Our 14 days Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek cost USD 1000 per person. It is the best price for this trek in the market. We also have group discounts available.
Bookings are open for 2025 and 2026 departures. If you have any questions or want to customize the trek, feel free to talk to our team.
Why do the Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek with Walkers Expedition?
- 100% guaranteed departure and top-notch service
- Safety assurance
- Trek with an expert guide and local porter
- 24/7 support
- No hidden charges
- Easy booking system
- Flexible itinerary
- Duffel bag to use during the trek
- First aid kit and oximeter to monitor your blood saturation levels that indicated signs of altitude sickness
- Complimentary Langtang Valley Gosaikunda Lake Helambu trek map