The Langtang Valley trek takes 7 to 8 days and goes up to Kyanjin Gompa at 3,870 m and back. Adding Gosaikunda takes 10 to 12 days: after the valley you climb to the holy lakes at 4,380 m, and many trekkers continue over the Laurebina La at 4,610 m and out through Helambu. Add the lakes if you have the days and want variety and a higher point.
Langtang Valley and Langtang with Gosaikunda at a glance
- Days from Kathmandu. Langtang Valley: 7 to 8. Langtang with Gosaikunda: 10 to 12; up to 14 with Helambu.
- Highest sleeping point. Langtang Valley: Kyanjin Gompa, 3,870 m. Langtang with Gosaikunda: Gosaikunda, 4,380 m.
- Highest point. Langtang Valley: optional Tserko Ri, about 4,980 m. Langtang with Gosaikunda: Laurebina La, 4,610 m.
- Shape. Langtang Valley: out and back. Langtang with Gosaikunda: a linked route, ending at Dhunche or in Helambu.
- Main interest. Langtang Valley: glacial valley, Tamang culture, Langtang Lirung. Langtang with Gosaikunda: sacred lakes, ridge views to Manaslu and Annapurna.
- Grade. Langtang Valley: moderate. Langtang with Gosaikunda: moderate to hard.
How the link works
After returning down the Langtang valley to Lama Hotel or Thulo Syabru, the trail turns south and climbs through forest to Sing Gompa (Chandanbari), known for its cheese factory, then up an open ridge by Cholangpati and Laurebina to the lakes. The ridge gives one of the widest views in central Nepal, from the Annapurnas and Manaslu to Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung. See the Gosaikunda Lake trek guides.
The lakes
Gosaikunda is the largest of a group of lakes held sacred to Shiva. At the August full moon, Janai Purnima, thousands of Hindu pilgrims and shamans climb here to bathe. Lodges stand on the shore. Nights are very cold, and at 4,380 m some people feel the altitude, particularly those who come up fast from Dhunche.
Altitude: the order matters
Doing Langtang first is the safe way round. Nights at Kyanjin Gompa prepare you for the lakes. Climbing to Gosaikunda directly from Dhunche in two days gains more than 2,400 m and causes altitude sickness every season.
Finishing over the Laurebina La
From the lakes you can return to Dhunche in a day and a half, or cross the Laurebina La and descend through Ghopte and Tharepati into Helambu, reaching the Kathmandu valley on foot at Sundarijal. The pass is not technical, but the section to Ghopte is rough and exposed in snow. See the Helambu guides.
Season
October to November and March to May. The lakes freeze from December to March and the pass may be closed by snow. In the monsoon the forest is wet, but the pilgrimage brings the trail to life.
Lodges and food
Lodges are good throughout the Langtang valley. On the Gosaikunda side they are simpler and, at the lakes, crowded in peak weeks and at festival time. Sing Gompa is worth a slow lunch for its yak cheese. Above Cholangpati water is scarce and everything is carried up, so prices rise.
Permits and guide
Both versions need the Langtang National Park entry permit and a TIMS card, and are walked with a licensed guide. If you finish through Helambu, you also pass through Shivapuri National Park, which has its own entry fee at the exit.
Which is the better first trek?
For a first trek, the valley alone is the easier and more predictable choice. The longer route suits people who have walked for a week before and know how their body handles 4,000 m. Either way, starting in Langtang gives you the option of deciding once you are back at Thulo Syabru: head down to the road, or turn uphill for the lakes.
Choose Langtang Valley if
- You have about a week.
- You want a straightforward out-and-back trek.
- You prefer to sleep below 4,000 m.
- You want time for Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri.
Choose Langtang with Gosaikunda if
- You have ten days or more.
- You want a sacred site as well as a mountain valley.
- You like finishing a trek by a different route.
- You are comfortable sleeping at 4,380 m.
Plan it
See the Langtang guides, or ask us for both itineraries.
Common questions
How many extra days does Gosaikunda add?
Three to four days to the Langtang Valley trek.
Is Gosaikunda harder than Langtang?
It is higher, and the climb is steeper.
Can I do Gosaikunda without Langtang?
Yes, in four to six days from Dhunche, with care over altitude.
How high is the Laurebina La?
4,610 m.
Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.
