Langtang Gosaikunda Trek 13 Days Itinerary

The 13-day Langtang Gosaikunda trek with Radiant Treks is a guided walk in Nepal’s Langtang National Park. The park lies in Rasuwa district, north of Kathmandu. The route joins the Langtang Valley with the sacred Gosaikunda lakes. You drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche, then trek to Kyanjin Gompa, Tserko Ri, and Gosaikunda. The package covers permits, a licensed guide, teahouse stays, and meals on the trail. Kathmandu hotels are not included.

The Langtang Gosaikunda trek takes 13 days from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu. Two of those days are road journeys, and 11 are trekking days. You walk about three to seven hours a day. The plan includes the early climb to Tserko Ri and a visit to Gosaikunda Lake. If your dates are tight, you can ask us to adjust the itinerary.

The trek is famous for joining Langtang’s glacier valley with the sacred lakes of Gosaikunda. You visit Kyanjin Gompa and climb Tserko Ri, which stands at about 4,984 m. The trail also passes Tamang villages and forests of rhododendron and oak. Gosaikunda draws Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, especially during Janai Purnima. Few other routes offer both a mountain valley and a holy lake in one trip.

Yes, the Langtang Gosaikunda trek is worth it for trekkers who want variety close to Kathmandu. You see two landscapes in one trip: a glacier valley and a high alpine lake. You also drive to Dhunche, so no domestic flight is needed. The views from Tserko Ri and Gosaikunda reward the effort. The trek is demanding, so allow time to train beforehand.

The trek suits walkers who want a high Himalayan trip without technical climbing. First-time trekkers can complete it after about two months of training. It also appeals to travelers who are interested in Tamang culture and pilgrimage sites. Because you drive to the trailhead, it works well for people who prefer to avoid flights. It is not ideal for anyone who struggles with steep climbs, cold nights, or altitude above 4,000 m.

The trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche. You then walk up the Langtang Valley to Langtang Village and Kyanjin Gompa. After climbing Tserko Ri, you walk back down the valley. The trail then turns toward Thulo Syabru and Sing Gompa. A steep climb leads to Gosaikunda Lake. You finish by descending to Dhunche and driving to Kathmandu.

The trek begins and ends in Dhunche, the headquarters of Rasuwa district. Dhunche lies at about 1,950 m, roughly 120 km from Kathmandu by road. You travel there from Kathmandu by road on the first day. After Gosaikunda, you walk down to Dhunche again. The same road then takes you back to the capital.

A recent flood in the Rasuwa district damaged the road to Syabrubesi, so vehicles cannot use it for now. Dhunche is still reachable by road from Kathmandu, so we start the trek there. The trail from Dhunche passes through quiet forest and villages. It also gives you a gentle warm-up before the higher days. We may return to the Syabrubesi start once the road reopens.

It is a partial loop. You walk up the Langtang Valley and return along the same trail toward Lama Hotel. Beyond that, you take a different path through Thulo Syabru and Sing Gompa. After Gosaikunda, you take a different trail down to Dhunche. So you repeat only the valley section, and the rest is fresh ground.

Yes, you can opt only for the Langtang Valley trek and complete it. Tell us your dates, and we will suggest the best option. These changes depend on the season and your fitness.

Yes, you can add on the trek to Helambu via Laurebina La. The pass stands at about 4,610 m, beyond Gosaikunda. The extension adds about three to four days. The route then continues through Helambu villages and ends near Kathmandu. Snow can block the pass in winter and early spring. Please ask for this extension before booking, so we can plan the days. We also have the 9-day Gosiakunda Helambu Trek.

Tserko Ri is a steep, tiring climb at high altitude. It rises from Kyanjin Gompa at 3,870 m to about 4,984 m. The ascent takes around three to five hours, and the descent about two. Most trekkers start between 3:00 and 5:00 AM to reach the top by sunrise. You need no climbing skills, but you need good stamina. A headlamp and warm layers are essential.

Tserko Ri is higher, at about 4,984 m, and offers broader views of the Langtang range. Kyanjin Ri reaches roughly 4,773 m and is shorter, taking about two to three hours up. Choose Tserko Ri for the best panorama. Choose Kyanjin Ri if you prefer an easier morning. You can do both with an extra day at Kyanjin Gompa. Our standard plan keeps Tserko Ri.

Yes, we can shape the trek around you. Tell us your dates, your fitness level, and what you want to see. Many trekkers ask for an extra rest day, the Kyanjin Ri hike, or the Helambu extension. We can also shorten the trip if you are short on time. We keep the daily height gain safe, and weather may change the plan on the trail. Send us your wishes, and we will confirm the final itinerary.

Our standard package uses a public bus from Kathmandu to Dhunche. It costs less, but the bus is slow and often full. If you want more comfort, you can switch to a private jeep for an extra fee. A jeep also lets you stop for photos along the way. Your guide travels with you and handles the luggage.

The drive covers about 110 km and takes seven to eight hours. The road follows the Trishuli River. It is paved at first, then narrow and bumpy in places. Rain makes it rougher, especially in the monsoon. We leave early in the morning and reach Dhunche by late afternoon. The drive back on Day 13 takes about the same time.

No. There is no scheduled flight to Dhunche or the Langtang trailhead, so everyone travels by road from Kathmandu. This keeps the journey simple and avoids weather delays at mountain airstrips. In an emergency, we can arrange a helicopter. Please check that your travel insurance covers helicopter evacuation before you leave home.

Try to reach Kathmandu at least one day before the trek starts. Our team will sit down with you and review the plan. Your guide will then brief you on the route, safety, and gear. Use the spare time to rest, change money, and pick up anything you forgot. An extra day also covers late flights and jet lag.

Most Kathmandu hotels will keep your extra bags while you trek. Some do it free, and others charge a small fee. Pack only your trail items in one duffel bag. Lock the bags you leave behind. Keep your passport, cash, and valuables with you or in the hotel safe.

Yes. Many trekkers add a few days in Nepal before or after the trek. Kathmandu sightseeing, Chitwan National Park, Pokhara, and Lumbini are the common choices. Keep one spare day after the trek, since road delays happen. Let us know your dates and interests, and we will help you build a plan. 

The trek is moderately difficult. You do not need climbing skills, but you do need steady stamina. Most days involve long climbs and descents on rocky trails. The hardest part is the altitude, since you reach about 4,984 m on Tserko Ri. Cold nights add to the effort. With good preparation, most fit walkers finish it comfortably.

You walk about three to seven hours a day. Day 5 is the shortest, at three to four hours. The hardest days are Day 6 up Tserko Ri, Day 9 to Sing Gompa, and Day 10 to Gosaikunda. Each gains over 1,000 m. Day 4 to Langtang Village is also long, at six to seven hours.

It can suit beginners who are healthy prepared. You will not need ropes, ice axes, or technical skills. But the trek is long, and some days are steep. We suggest about two months of regular training before you arrive. If you have never hiked uphill for hours, tell us. We can add rest days to the plan.

Healthy trekkers in their 60s and 70s can complete this trek with a slower pace and extra rest days. Please see your doctor before you book. Children who are active and used to hiking can also join. The cold and altitude affect young trekkers too. Tell us your group’s ages, and we will plan a safe pace.

Start training two to three months before the trek. Walk or hike three to four times a week, and work up to five or six hours on hills. Carry a light pack on longer walks. Add stair climbing, cycling, or running for stamina. Do some leg exercises, like squats and lunges. Break in your boots well before you fly.  

 Gosaikunda Lake sits at 4,380 m, and it is the highest place where you sleep on this trek. The highest point overall is Tserko Ri, at about 4,984 m. You reach it on Day 6, with an early climb from Kyanjin Gompa. You return to Kyanjin to sleep. Both places are cold, so pack warm layers.

Yes, altitude sickness is a real risk on this trek. It can affect fit trekkers as well as beginners. You will first sleep above 3,000 m at Langtang Village on Day 4. The risk peaks around Kyanjin Gompa, Tserko Ri, and Gosaikunda. Watch for headache, nausea, poor sleep, and dizziness. Walk slowly, drink water, and tell your guide early.

The trek gains height in stages. Dhunche is at 1,960 m, and the valley days climb slowly toward Kyanjin Gompa at 3,870 m. Day 5 is short, so you arrive with energy to spare. On Day 6, you climb Tserko Ri and sleep back at Kyanjin. This follows the “climb high, sleep low” rule. Your guide checks everyone each evening.

It is safe for healthy, prepared trekkers, but it is steep and needs respect. On Day 10, you gain about 1,050 m, from Sing Gompa at 3,330 m to the lake at 4,380 m. Walk slowly and rest often. Your guide watches everyone for signs of altitude sickness. Turning back early is sensible if you feel unwell. Snow can make the trail harder in colder months.

Mild headaches and nausea often ease with rest and water. Do not climb higher while symptoms last. Confusion, breathlessness at rest, or loss of balance means you must descend at once. Some trekkers take acetazolamide (Diamox) to help prevent altitude sickness. Please ask your doctor before using it. Medicine never replaces a slow pace and enough rest. 

The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November). Skies are clearer, and the trails are drier in these months. Spring brings rhododendron blooms. Autumn gives crisp mountain views and steady weather. Winter and the monsoon are possible, but they are harder. Pick the season by what you most want to see.

Spring is colorful. Rhododendrons bloom in the forests, especially on the climb from Thulo Syabru to Sing Gompa. Days are warm at lower levels, and nights stay cold higher up. Clouds often roll in after lunch, so mornings give the best views. Early in the season, some snow may still lie near Gosaikunda.

Autumn is the most popular season. The air is dry, and the skies are usually clear. Mornings give sharp views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu. Days feel comfortable while you walk. Nights turn freezing at Kyanjin Gompa and Gosaikunda. Autumn is a busy season, so book early.

 You can trek in the monsoon (June to August), but it is not easy. Rain makes the trails slippery and the Dhunche road rougher. Floods and landslides can close roads in Rasuwa. Leeches live in the damp lower forests. Clouds often hide the peaks. We check road conditions before every departure.

Yes, but only if you are well equipped and flexible. Often, winter days are sunny, and the trails are quiet. Nights are freezing, and snow can cover the path above Sing Gompa. Gosaikunda has few lodges even in the best seasons. Weather may force changes to the plan. Ask us about current conditions before you book.

Yes. The lake freezes over in winter and thaws in late spring. In other seasons, ice often forms along the edges overnight. Snow patches may stay on the surrounding slopes. Snow is most likely in winter and early spring. At 4,380 m, the weather can change quickly, so carry warm layers in every season.

Nights are mild in Dhunche and the Lama Hotel. They are cold at Kyanjin Gompa, Sing Gompa, and Gosaikunda. At Gosaikunda, temperatures often fall below freezing, even in the main seasons. The rooms are basic and unheated. Bring a warm sleeping bag, a hat, gloves, and dry layers for the evening. A hot drink before bed helps.

The weather changes a lot between the forests near Dhunche and the high camps at Gosaikunda. The table below shows what to expect in each season.

You need to obtain the Langtang National Park entry permit. We take care of it for you. All we need from you is a clear scan of your passport before you arrive. At Dhunche, your guide does the permit check at the park office. Carry the permits on the trail, since checkposts do ask for them.

Yes. Recently, Nepal has asked foreign trekkers in national parks to walk with a licensed guide. Your guide comes with the package and stays with you from Dhunche to Dhunche. He handles permit checks, plans the route each day, and monitors your health. If the rule changes, we will update this page.

Most visitors need a Nepal tourist visa. You can apply online before you travel or get one at Kathmandu airport when you land. Pick a visa that covers the full trek plus your spare days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months. Fees change from time to time, so check the immigration website.

Keep your passport, a printed copy of your visa, your insurance papers, and our booking confirmation in one waterproof pouch. Put the pouch in your daypack, not the duffel. A few passport-size photos are handy if some paperwork comes up late. Leave photocopies at your Kathmandu hotel. Also save scans on your phone, just in case.

You sleep in simple teahouses, which are family-run lodges along the trail. Rooms are small, with two single beds and thin walls. Most lodges give you a mattress and blanket, but a sleeping bag keeps you warmer. The dining room is the warmest spot, and some lodges have a stove. Gosaikunda has only a few lodges, so rooms there are the most basic. 

Toilets are basic and shared. Lower down, in places like Dhunche and Thulo Syabru, you may find a flush toilet. Higher up, most are squat toilets, often outside the lodge. Water can freeze at night near Gosaikunda. Carry your toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a small headlamp. Use the toilet before you leave in the morning.

Teahouse menus are simple and filling. Dal bhat, the Nepali meal of rice, lentils, and vegetables, is the most popular choice. You will also find noodles, fried rice, momos, soup, pasta, eggs, and porridge. Kyanjin Gompa has bakery cafes and fresh yak cheese. Menus get shorter as you climb because every supply is carried up. Eat well, even if your appetite drops.

Vegetarian food is easy, since most teahouse meals have no meat. Vegan meals are also possible, as dal bhat, noodles, and vegetable dishes need no dairy. Gluten-free choices are limited, but rice and potato dishes help. Please tell us about any allergy when you book. Your guide then passes the message to each kitchen on the way.

Do not drink water straight from taps or streams. Teahouses sell boiled water and bottled water at a fair price. Boiled water is better, since it cuts down plastic waste on the mountain. You can also treat water yourself with purification tablets or a filter. Bring a reusable bottle. Drink three to four liters a day to help with altitude.

At lower stops, some lodges offer a hot shower for an extra charge. These are gas or solar showers, so hot water is not always certain. Above Kyanjin Gompa and at Gosaikunda, a proper shower is rare, and the air is freezing. Most trekkers wash with a bucket of warm water. Pack wet wipes and a quick-dry towel.

Yes, most lodges let you charge devices, usually for a small fee. Sockets are often in the dining room, and power can be weak. Cold drains batteries fast, so keep them in an inside pocket at night. A power bank is a smart backup. Bring a plug adapter, since Nepal uses types C, D, and M sockets.

Coverage is patchy. Dhunche and Thulo Syabru usually have a signal. Lama Hotel has very little, and the forest blocks most of it. In Langtang Village and Kyanjin Gompa, some lodges offer wifi, but the speed is slow. Gosaikunda is often out of range. Tell your family to expect silence on some days, and download maps and music before you leave.

The package covers the things that are hard to arrange alone. These are the Langtang National Park permit, a licensed guide, and teahouse rooms on the trail. It also covers your meals during the trek and the bus ride between Kathmandu and Dhunche. Your guide’s wages, food, and insurance are included too. Ask us for the full inclusion list before you book.

Some costs stay with you. This package does not include the cost incurred for your international flights, Nepal visa, and Kathmandu hotel nights. You also need to buy travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation. On the trail, you pay for extra drinks, snacks, hot showers, device charging, and wifi. Personal gear and tips are extra. A private jeep or a porter costs more.

Several things move the price. Group size matters, since a larger group shares the guide and transport costs. A private jeep, a porter, or extra nights in Kathmandu will raise it. Extra rest days or the Helambu extension add more trail days. Busy seasons can also affect rates. Send us your dates and group size, and we will give you an exact quote.

Yes, bring enough Nepali rupees in cash. Teahouses, bakeries, and small shops on the trail do not take cards. There are no reliable ATMs once you leave Dhunche, so withdraw money in Kathmandu first. Small notes work best, since shopkeepers often lack change. Carry a little extra for snacks, showers, and charging. Keep your cash in a waterproof pouch.

Tipping is not required, but it is a warm and common custom in Nepal. Guides and porters work long days for modest pay. Most trekkers pool a tip as a group and hand it over at the farewell dinner in Dhunche. Give it in cash, in rupees or dollars. If you are unsure how much to give, ask us for a fair guide.

You can send us your dates and group size through our website, email, or WhatsApp. We return details and a link to pay. Your trek is confirmed once you pay the 20% booking fee. We then book your lodges and transport and arrange your permits. If you pay by wire transfer, send us a screenshot of the receipt.

We suggest booking two to three months ahead for spring and autumn. Lodges fill early in these seasons, and Gosaikunda has only a few. For Janai Purnima in August, please book even earlier. Early booking also gives us time to arrange permits and transport. Late requests can still work if space is open. Send us your dates, and we will check.

The booking fee is 20% of the total trip cost. You can pay it by card or wire transfer. The balance is due in Kathmandu before the trek starts. Pay it in cash or by card. You may also pay in full when you book. Card payments carry a 4% processing fee. We do not accept wire transfers for the balance.

The 20% booking fee is non-refundable. If you paid in full and cancel seven days before departure, we charge 30% of the trip cost. Please tell us in writing. We start any refund within five working days, using the same payment method. You cover any bank fees. If an emergency forces you to cancel, you can postpone instead. No refund applies once you leave the trek early.

Yes, you can postpone your trek. You pay the costs we have already spent, plus any difference in the new trip price. Write to us as early as you can so we can hold your place. If an emergency stops you from travelling, postponing is better than cancelling. Tell us the new dates, and we will check availability.

A licensed local guide stays with you from Kathmandu to the end of the trek. Your guide speaks English and knows these trails well. Along the way, your guide sets the pace, handles permit checks, and explains the next day’s walk over dinner. Every evening, your guide also checks how you feel. Tell us your group size, and we will match the right guide.

A porter is optional, but we recommend one. Your porter carries your duffel bag, and you carry only a daypack with water, a rain jacket, and a warm layer. One porter usually carries the bags of two trekkers, so plan on about 10 kg each. Pack light, since weight limits apply. Tell us when you book if you want a porter.

 Yes, you can book as a solo traveler. You will not walk alone, because your guide goes with you every day. Many solo trekkers enjoy the quiet pace and the chats at teahouse dining tables. If you would like company, please ask us about other trekkers on your dates. We will tell you what is possible.

Both are possible. You can trek privately with family or friends, and we plan the dates around you. You can also join other trekkers on a shared departure when one is available. Smaller groups walk at an easier pace and get more time with the guide. Tell us your group size, and we will suggest the best setup.

 For fit, well-prepared trekkers, yes. The real risks are altitude, steep paths, and weather, and your guide walks with you to manage them. The 2015 earthquake destroyed Langtang Village, but local families rebuilt it. Floods in Rasuwa have damaged some roads, so we check conditions before every departure and start from Dhunche. If safety demands it, your guide changes the plan.

Solo women can trek this route, and your guide is with you every day. Teahouses are run by local families, and the trail sees a steady flow of trekkers and porters. Take the usual travel care. Lock your room, keep valuables on you, and speak up if anything feels wrong. If you have worries before booking, ask us. We will answer plainly.

Pick a policy that covers trekking up to 5,000 m, since Tserko Ri reaches 4,984 m. It should pay for medical care, helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost belongings. Check the altitude limit with care, because some policies stop at 4,000 m. We need proof of cover before you start. Carry a printed copy and the insurer’s 24-hour number.

Tell your guide straight away. Your guide gives first aid and decides whether you can go on or must walk down. In serious cases, we arrange a helicopter to Kathmandu once the weather allows. Your insurance should pay for it. Helicopters cannot fly in clouds or storms, so a rescue can take time. That is why we keep the pace slow.

Most visitors need no compulsory vaccine for Nepal. Still, see your doctor or a travel clinic four to six weeks before you fly. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus shots are often advised, along with your routine ones. A checkup makes sense if you have heart, lung, or blood pressure trouble. Mention any health condition when you book.

Sometimes the weather or the road has other plans. Your guide may wait a day, shorten a stage, or pick a different route. If extra days are needed on the trail, you pay for the food and lodging. Floods and landslides can close the road, so keep a day or two spare at the end. Do not book an evening flight on Day 13.

Think in layers. Pack moisture-wicking base layers, a fleece, a down jacket, and a waterproof shell. And add a beanie, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Pack good boots, thick socks, and camp shoes. Carry a headlamp, a water bottle, purification tablets, and a small first aid kit. Your daypack holds water, a rain jacket, and a warm layer. The rest goes in your duffel.

Yes, bring a warm one. Teahouses give you a blanket, but nights at Kyanjin Gompa, Sing Gompa, and Gosaikunda are cold. The rooms have no heating. A bag rated to about -10°C suits most seasons. A liner adds warmth and keeps the bag clean. If you do not own one, rent one in Kathmandu and check it for damp patches.

Usually not in spring or autumn. The trail is rocky, and snow is rare below Gosaikunda. In winter or early spring, ice and snow can cover the path above Sing Gompa. Microspikes help a lot then. You do not need crampons, since the route has no glacier travel. Ask us about conditions before you pack, and we will advise you.

Wear sturdy, waterproof boots with good ankle support. Break them in for at least a month before you fly. Bring thick socks and a spare pair, plus light shoes for the evenings. We strongly advise trekking poles. They take strain off your knees on the long descents and the steep Tserko Ri climb. Adjustable poles also pack away easily.

Yes, Thamel is full of gear shops. You can rent a sleeping bag, down jacket, and poles, or buy items outright. Quality varies, so check zips, seams, and warmth before you pay. Many items are copies of big brands, though the warmth can still be fine. Buy your boots at home, since fit matters. Leave a spare half day in Kathmandu to shop.

Pack your trail gear in one duffel bag, at about 10 kg per person. A porter shares the load between two trekkers, so weight matters. You carry only your daypack with water, a rain jacket, and a warm layer. Leave extra bags at your Kathmandu hotel. Lock your duffel, and keep your passport, cash, and valuables in the daypack.

Gosaikunda is holy to both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindus believe Lord Shiva created the lake with his trident to cool his throat after swallowing poison. A small Shiva shrine stands on the shore. Pilgrims leave flowers and coins there as offerings. Two smaller lakes, Saraswati Kunda and Bhairav Kunda, lie nearby. It is a place of prayer, so keep your voice low.

Janai Purnima falls on the full moon day of the month of Shrawan, usually in August. It is the biggest event of the year at Gosaikunda. Thousands of pilgrims climb up on foot, and many bathe in the lake. Trekkers can join, but lodges fill fast and food runs short. If you want quiet, avoid that week. If you want the festival, book early.

We do not advise swimming. The water is icy, and the lake sits at 4,380 m. Cold shock and thin air make a swim risky. The lake is also sacred, so local custom matters. Pilgrims bathe in it during Janai Purnima as a ritual. If you want to touch the water, do it gently at the shore, and ask your guide first.

Most people in Rasuwa and the Langtang region are Tamang. They practice Tibetan Buddhism, and many villages keep a small gompa with its own Lama. Farming and yak herding are the mainstays for families, and many now also run teahouses. You will pass prayer wheels in the lanes and flags fluttering over rooftops. Over dinner, your host may tell you about village life. Please ask before you photograph anyone.

Yes. You can visit Kyanjin Gompa on Day 5, and a small monastery stands at Sing Gompa. Walk clockwise around mani walls and chortens, keeping them on your left. Dress modestly and speak softly near sacred places. Ask your guide before you take photos inside. A small donation is welcome. These visits make a calm break from the climbing.

On a clear day, the views are huge. Langtang Lirung (7,227 m) rises above the valley. You also see Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m), Gangchempo, Yala Peak, and Naya Kang. From Tserko Ri, Shishapangma (8,027 m) is visible across the border in Tibet. Ganesh Himal appears from Thulo Syabru and Phoprang Danda. From Gosaikunda, you may spot Manaslu and occasionally the Annapurna range.

Langtang National Park shelters red pandas, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, black bears, and langurs. Snow leopards live here too, but sightings are very rare. Your best chance is the forest between Ghoda Tabela and Lama Hotel. Walk quietly and watch the trees. Higher up, you will see yaks grazing on the pastures. Never feed or chase any animal.

Carry all your trash back down with you. Stay on the trail, and step to the inner side when yaks and mules pass. Use boiled water or purification tablets to cut down on plastic bottles. Ask before photographing people, and dress modestly near religious sites. Stay in local teahouses and eat local food. Your money helps Langtang’s families rebuild and keep the valley alive.