Langtang Cultural Tour With Gosainkunda – 10 Days

Langtang Cultural Tour with Gosaikunda is a medium trek of 10 days. Taking you to the nearest trekking destination from the Valley of Kathmandu. The region is ideal for various types of treks and the trails are far less crowded. This trail is regarded as the 3^rd most popular trekking destination in the country. Taking you past lush woodlands, raging rivers, lakes, high mountain terrain, and ridges.

Langtang Cultural Tour with Gosaikunda is a perfect opportunity to learn and observe the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the people exploring hidden settlements around the region. The side of Nepal you don’t think of when planning a vacation. Be a part of this extraordinary trip with The Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Overview:

Langtang Cultural Tour with Gosaikunda is a blend of culture and nature. Taking you to the settlement of indigenous mountain people. Learn about their wonderful legend on the foothills of the Himalayas. Langtang region is the country’s first Himalayan National Park. Previously known as Langtang Snow Leopard-Red Panda Conservation Area. Boarded by Tibet on the northern side and the western boundary by the Koshi and Trishuli river. Covering an area of 1710 sq. Km of three districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Sindupalchowk. It is one of the most beautiful national parks in Nepal. It is a paradise for the birds, and where you can find more than 7 types of rhododendrons. The trek takes you to another national park in the country Shivapuri National Park. Lies in the mid-hills on the northern fringe of Kathmandu Valley. Linked with Langtang National Park and the migration route of various animals.

Starting of our tour from Kathmandu

The Langtang Cultural Tour with Gosaikunda starts with a drive from Kathmandu Valley towards the settlement of Dhunche. The drive takes you past various villages and a series of central hills of the country. Dhunche is the starting point of your trek. From Dhunche head towards Chandanbari. On a steep off-ridge trail where on most of the sections you’ll be traversing uphill, gaining elevation.

Next, head towards Gosaikunda Climbing steeply up a ridge with great views of the village framed by snowcapped Ganesh Himal.  From Laurebina the trail ascends into the alpine country above the tree line. With majestic views of the Annapurna, Manaslu, the four peaks of the Ganesh Himal including Paldor Peak, and some enticing unnamed peaks in Tibet and Langtang Lirung.

Gosaikunda Lake is regarded as a holy lake and pilgrimage site by Hindu, Buddhist, and Bon followers. Gosaikunda is an alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake nestled on the laps of rocky mountains at an elevation of 4,380 meters (14,370 ft). There are 108 lakes in the vicinity and some of them are located in remote isolated regions. Explore the lake and sit beside the waters and witness the change in colors. In the afternoon don’t forget to witness the sun setting over the horizon.

From Gosaikunda head towards Laurebinayak Pass at an elevation of 4610 meters and down towards the village of Tharepathi. This trail is covered with other various lakes in the region. Next head towards Gul Bhanjyang crossing various settlements along the trail with views of Dorje Lakpa, Shisha Pangma, and a line of peaks to Khumbu.  Next head towards Chisopani, passing various villages and ancient chorthen of the region. From Chisopani head towards Sundarijal and back to Kathmandu.

Meals and drinking water:

Along the Langtang Region Trek, you’ll be provided with various Nepali, and Tibetan ethnic cuisines and varieties of Western meals to choose from. The region has several tea-house every hour so typically run by local inhabitants providing basic and minimal facilities. Try various traditional cuisine and popular snacks including locally made dairy items such as cheese, Churpi, and milk-based delicacies and baked items. Also try Sea buckthorn juice, a Himalayan delicacy.

Similarly, drinking water taps are accessible with natural water supplies which are untreated, due to which  direct use of the water is not recommended, you may refill boiling water or cold filter water from any of the teahouses. However, if you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.

Accommodation:

Local accommodations are available in trekking lodges and teahouses which are located all along the trail every hour or so, providing basic accommodation, food, and electricity. The room mostly includes twin sharing beds as well as a single bed, with a hygienic and clean atmosphere and good mattresses which reduce your backpack weight. The accommodation usually has a central heating system used by firewood located in dining rooms, providing heat and space for travelers to rest and exchange their stories. Campsites are also available along the trail providing a special opportunity for the campers.

Best Time to Visit?  

The best season for the Langtang tour is during the season of autumn and spring.  The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions providing good conditions for exploring the high mountain terrains.

During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November bring clear weather with great visibility and warm temperatures providing a perfect opportunity to trek on high Himalayan terrains.

The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit Langtang Valley, the end of winter brings a change in the topography of the region with varieties of lush blooming trees of Rhododendron, the mixture of Confers, Oaks with Orchids and ferns with high pasture lands covered with colorful wildflowers with mild temperatures and clear weather.

Trekkers mostly avoid the monsoon season because the weather gets harsh, and it’s hard to get around the country.

In the winter season, the area receives high snowfall, covering most of the trail, and access is denied to most of the regions of the Langtang region making it quite impossible to trek to higher grounds.