Kyangjin Gompa and Gosainkund

  • 12 - 14 day
  • Age 18+
  • Year-round

The Langtang Massif is a day's drive north of Kathmandu, a wild and high area with very few western visitors. The route tracks up the Langtang Khola Valley to Kyanjin Gompa monastery; then connects to the ancient pilgrimage trail to Gosainkund Lake, created it is said by the Hindu god Shiva. After reaching the lake, you'll cross over a pass (4,600 m. / 15,200 feet) from the Langtang region into Helambu, and later as you descend towards the roadhead you will be able to see the Kathmandu valley spread out before you. Max altitude 15120 feet / 4610 meters.

12 to 14 Days Kathmandu to Kathmandu

Day 1

Travel from Kathmandu to Syabru Gaon by bus - a seven-and-a-half hour drive north on roads which pass through hills and cultivated valleys. Overnight in town.

Day 2

Head to Syabru but pass it by on a lower trail and then follow the river north, first through an impressive gorge and then above the river, to Lama Hotel

Day 3

Follow up the valley all day, past the disused Tibetan refugee settlement at Ghora Tabela. From here you are in a glacial valley rather than a water-cut valley as lower. Press on 2 hours to Langtang Village.

Day 4

Take the day here to visit the monastery and cheese factory at Kyangjin.

Day 5 -6

Trek back towards Syabru.

Day 7

This morning connect th the trail system leading to Gosainkund lake. It's a steep climb, but spectacular. The town of Chalang Pati, about halfway to the lake, will be your camp in a short day for altitude acclimatization

Day 8

Gosainkund Lake. At about 14,500 feet, this is one of the highest lakes in the world. You may have some mild altitude symptoms here, such as a loss of appetite or head-ache. The pilgrims consider it a sign of Shiva's blessing.

Day 9

After Gosainkund and the morning's passage over a high pass, the air today will seem positively thick. Up early to climb to the pass above the lake, followed by a steep downhill section on a high trail.

Day 10

The trail continues through rough terrain with great views, and finally over a ridge is Tharepati, where you will be pleased to see your lodge for the night.

Day 11

More downhill today, with only one small ridge to cross en route. The camp is near Khutumsang, an interesting, typically old-fashioned Helambu village, at a little over 8,000 feet.

Day 12

A shorter day, but with two descents and climbs, to Chisopani ("cold water"), where the view of the whole central Himalaya is breathtaking. Take photos in the evening and early morning hours to remember this scene.

Day 13

More super views today, as you descend to the road through oak and rhododendron forests, with some pine at lower altitudes. Continuing on down towards Sundarijal you will intersect a road and waterworks project which supplies much of Kathmandu's drinking water. Where the road becomes passable, a vehicle will meet you and take you back to Kathmandu, where you can shower and drop into bed.