Langtang Valley plus the holy lakes of Gosainkunda: a two-week trek from Kathmandu that crosses Lauribina La (4,610 m) and can walk all the way back to the Kathmandu valley rim.
The route
This trek combines two of the best things about the Langtang region: the glacier-carved Langtang Valley and the holy lakes of Gosainkunda. Then it crosses Lauribina La and walks through the Helambu hills all the way back to the edge of the Kathmandu valley. You can step off a bus at the start and walk home.
Trekkers with two weeks who want variety, culture and a high pass without flights. Good for people who have done Poon Hill or Langtang and want more.
The first half follows the Langtang Valley Trek up to Kyanjin Gompa. On the way back down you leave the valley at Lama Hotel or Rimche and traverse to Thulo Syabru, a Tamang village on a ridge.
From there the trail climbs through forest to Sing Gompa and a cheese factory, then up to Laurebina and the lakes of Gosainkunda. Hindus believe the lake was created by Shiva, and the shores are lined with shrines. Next morning you cross Lauribina La (4,610 m) and drop to Ghopte and Tharepati, then walk through Helambu to Chisapani and Sundarijal.
October to November and March to May. In August, Gosainkunda hosts the Janai Purnima pilgrimage, which is crowded and wet but special. Winter often brings snow to the pass.
Moderate overall, with one hard section: from Gosainkunda over the pass to Ghopte, where the trail is narrow, rocky and exposed. Fog can make route-finding hard.
You need the Langtang National Park permit (NPR 3,000) and TIMS (NPR 2,000). If you exit through Sundarijal you pass through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, which charges a separate entry fee. The price on this page is a typical starting price; message us for a quote.
Langtang National Park falls under the 2023 licensed-guide rule. The pass section is where you will be glad to have one.
Start and finish in Kathmandu. See our Kathmandu hostels, including Alobar1000.
Do the shorter Gosainkunda trek from Dhunche, or just the Langtang Valley Trek.
Day by day
Day hike and back to Kyanjin Gompa.
Leave the Langtang trail and traverse to the Tamang village of Thulo Syabru.
A cheese factory and forest monastery.
Past Laurebina with huge views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal.
Over the pass and down a rough, exposed trail.
Through the Helambu region.
Walk through Shivapuri National Park to the valley edge.
Good to know
A group of high alpine lakes at about 4,380 m, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. Thousands of pilgrims visit during the Janai Purnima festival in August.
Moderate to hard. Lauribina La (4,610 m) and the descent to Ghopte are the tough parts.
Eleven to fourteen days, depending on whether you exit at Dhunche or walk to Sundarijal.
Yes. A shorter 5–7 day trek goes Dhunche – Sing Gompa – Gosainkunda and back or onwards to Helambu.
Langtang National Park falls under the 2023 licensed-guide rule.
October to November and March to May. Lauribina La can be snowbound in winter.
Langtang National Park entry and TIMS, plus Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry if you finish at Sundarijal.
About US$30–40 a day plus permits and transport.
The section from Lauribina La to Ghopte is exposed and easy to lose in fog or snow. Walk it with a guide.
Thamel. See our Kathmandu hostel list.
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