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Gosaikunda
Langtang Ganja La trek
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The Langtang valley is aptly called 'the valley
of glaciers'. Here, mountain rise, soaring
towards the sky. The valley offers pine forest,
swift mountain streams, rugged rock and
snowcapped peaks, grassy downs and meadows
strewn with daisies and wild primal. A variety
of sights including Buddhist monasteries, a
cheese factory, yaks, glaciers and mountain
lakes make this trek an exciting one. This trek
offers the experience of being in a typical
Sherpa village and many ancient monasteries. It
is a golden chance to learn about life in our
villages.
You follow a rugged trail with dramatic views;
to the west Himal chuli (7893m) Manaslu (8156mm)
and Ganesh Himal (7406m). On a clear day, even
the Annapurna range can be seen rising up behind
and to the north across the valley is Langtang
Lirung. You pass a few huts in the high picture
of Laurebina, cross a small ridge and have our
first views of the holy lakes. There are about a
dozen lakes in the Gosainkunda Basin, the main
three being Saraswatikunda, Bhairabkunda, and
Gosainkunda. According to legend, Shiva created
Gosainkunda when he pierced a glacier with his
trident to obtain water to quench his thirst
after having swallowed a poison that threatened
to destroy the world.
This trek brings you to the Langtang Valley
surrounded by Himalayan Peaks. Langtang
Lirung-7240m and Ganesh Himal are the highest in
the region. Trek upto Kyanjingompa and excursion
to Tshergo Ri would acclimatize you well for
further trek to Ganja La pass. The trek then
turn straight south into the valley of Helambu
via the Ganja La pass which is more exciting and
challenging as well.
Facts of the Trek
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Duration: 20 Days
Trek type: Camping/Tea
House
Max Altitude: 5106 m.
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Minimum Pax: 1 +
Mode of travel: Land
Grade: Moderate
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Itinerary in Detail
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Day 01 : |
Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1350m.)
which takes about one hour and then the uphill
walk to Chisopani. The unpaved road from
Kathmandu turns into a trail near a small
hydroelectric plant. The trail will enter
through the Shivpuri Watershed and Wildlife
Reserve. The first settlement you will come
across is Mulkharka with Tamang inhabitants. The
route heads down the ridge through a forest of
oaks and rhododendron to Chisopani (2300m.)
Chisopani is a weird place. It has magnificent
views from Annapurna to Everest. |
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Day 02 : |
Trek from Chisopani to Kutumsang (2446m.) and it
takes about six and half hours. The trail
continues to drop from Chisopani on a good,
sometimes level, trail that crosses meadow and
fields. You will then descend through Pathi
Bhanjyang till Gul Bhanjyang. The trail climbs
the ridge from Gul Bhanjyang to another pass at
2620m. The meadow makes a good camping spot, its
downhill to Kutumsang at 2470m, in a saddle atop
the ridge. |
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Day 03 : |
Trek from Kutumsang to Ghopte via Magen Goth
(3514m.) and Tharepati Pass (3650m.) which takes
about six hours. The trek continues north up the
Yurin Danda ridge and affords views of the
peaks. The trail climbs above Kutumsang on a
steep, eroded trail mostly through fir and
rhododendron forest where there are no permanent
settlements. The trail then descends to Magen
Goth. Next, you have to climb, steeply at first
then more gradually, the trail makes some ups
and downs passing through the forest, across
flower strewn meadows and crossing streams. You
will reach Tharepati which consists of a few
Goths and lodges. From the top of this famous
ridge the trail ascends through the forest,
climbing in and out of ravines across the head
of the valley, Giant cliff towers far above.
There are only two tea houses at Ghopte.
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Day 04 : |
Trek from Ghopte to Gosaikunda (4361m.) that
takes approximately seven hours. The trail
ascends through the meadow of bushes and some
rhododendron trees. The trail gradually ascends
to Phedi (3500m.) The trail ascends along side a
stream through alpine trees. The trail then is
bit rough and crosses moraines but it is well
marked with rock cairns.
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Day 05 : |
Rest at Gosaikunda. The large lake Gosaikunda is
at an elevation of 4361m. There are several
small stone shelters for pilgrimage on the
north-western side of the lake. Hundreds of
people come here to worship and bath in the lake
during the full moon festival each August. You
will witness some black and white stones in the
lake with an individual story about Lord Shiva
and his creation. |
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Day 06 : |
Trek from Gosaikunda to Chandanbari (2350m.)
which takes about five hours. The trail gently
ascends for a short through different chortens
and small Shiva temples. The trail then descends
to Laure Binayak to Singh Gompa. The Gompa,
which houses a statue of the Green Tara, is one
of the famous destinations for the trekkers. You
can witness small cheese factories and several
lodges here. The trail now will go through the
forest and reach Chandanbari. |
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Day 07 : |
Trek from Chandanbari to Syabru Gaon (2210m.)
that takes approximately four hours. The trail
descends through the forest; you will come
across the Chortens on the route specially built
for offering prayers by Buddhist. You will then
reach Syabru Gaon which is densely populated by
Buddhist people. |
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Day 08 : |
Trek from Syabru Gaon to Lama Hotel (2380m.) and
it takes about five hours. The trail initially
crosses the Langtang Khola (stream) and then
gradually limbs up through the sub-tropical
forests, teeming with bird-life, to join the
trail from Syabru. You then follow the river,
climbing through uninhabited forest of oak and
rhododendron and maybe catching a glimpse of
langur monkeys roaming through the trees. You
climb along a steep trail to the forest. There
are some basic lodges for you to stay
surrounding the forest. |
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Day 09 : |
Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang (3500m.), it
takes about five hours. As you
continue ascending there are occasional glimpses
of Langtang Lirung between the trees. At Ghora
Tabela (3000m), the trail emerges from the
forest. Once there was a Tibetan resettlement
project here, but now it is a Nepalese army post
though it has nonpermanent inhabitants. The
trail continues to climb gently and the valley
widens, passing a few temporary settlements used
by herders who bring their livestock to graze in
the high pastures during the summer months.
There is a monastery which you can visit shortly
before arriving at the village of Langtang, the
headquarters of the Langtang National Park. The
houses of Langtang and its neighboring villages
are of the flat- roofed Tibetan style,
surrounded by stone walls enclosing fields of
buckwheat, potatoes, wheat, turnips and barley.
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Day 10 : |
Trek from Langtang to Kyangjin Gompa (3800m.)
and it takes about three hours. The
trail ascends gradually through small villages
and yak pastures as the valley opens out further
and the views become more extensive. After
crossing several small streams and moraines, the
trail reaches the settlement at Kyangjin. Here
there is a small monastery and a
government-operated cheese factory. You arrive
at Kyangjin by lunch time allowing time to
acclimatize and explore the area. It is a
dramatic setting, with snow covered peaks such
as Langtang Lirung, Ganjala peak, Tserko ri,
Langsisa ri surrounding you in all directions.
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Day 11 : |
Rest at Kyangjin Gompa for excursion. This day
you can hike upto Langtang glaciers and back to
Kyangjin Gompa. This is a day to rest and
explore the area. You can visit the monastery
and the cheese factory, walk up the moraine to
see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling
glaciers of Langtang Lirung or ascend Kyangjin
Ri [4350m], directly behind the village, for a
breath-taking panorama of the Langtang peaks. |
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Day 12 : |
Trek and climb up to Tserko Ri (5033m.) and trek
back to Kyangjin Gompa which takes about seven
hours. This you trek through steeply ascent path
all the way to the top. The path you follow is
rocky and you pass through small bushes along
side. You can see Himalayan peasants, Himalayan
deer and outstanding views of surrounding peaks
and mountains. From Tserko Ri, you are quite
captivated by the panoramic views of Sisapangma,
Langshisa Ri, NayaKang, Yala peak, Langtang
Lirung and many others.
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Day 13 : |
Trek from Kyanjing Gompa to Ngegang (4000m.)
which takes about five hours. There you can not
see any villages. The trail goes on ascending
and area is covered with little natural
vegetation. Since there are not available any
lodge, you need to camp. |
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Day 14 : |
Trek from Ngegang to Keldang (5106m.) via Ganja
La (5100m.) which takes about five and half
hours. This day is comparatively strenuous as
you need to cross the Ganja la pass. On the
Ganja la pass, you can find it covered with
snowy ice most of the times through out the
year.
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Day 15 : |
Trek from Keldang to Dukpu (4080m.) which
takes about five and half hours. Your camping
site will be inside the forest. This day will be
long day walking along ridge, grassland with
amazing views of Mountains. |
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Day 16 : |
Trek from Dukpu to Tarkeghyang (2740m.) that
takes approximately five hours. The trail
descends about 200mtrs, climb the 4100m pass.
Views from Pass are spectacular to the Annapurna
Region and Mt. Everest region too. From pass
trail descends through pine forest, rhododendron
forest past tiny herder’s settlement to
Tarkeghyang. You can visit one of the oldest
Buddhist monastery and Sherpa villages. These
villages are well settled where friendly and
cheerful natured people inhabit. |
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Day 17 : |
Trek from Tarkeghyang to Kakani (1991 m.) via
Shermathang (2740 m.) which takes about five
hours. You trek along leveled path and somewhere
you cross gentle ascent and descent path through
the forest with oak and some rhododendron trees.
Middle way is situated a small village,
Gangjawal with its distinct culture. There is a
beautiful monastery and people are mainly
involved in agriculture. From Shermathang, you
can enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Rolwaling, Mt.
Dochelapcha, Langtang, Sesapangma, and also many
other snow caped peaks in north-east whereas you
can see terraces stretching in south. Moreover,
you can visit monastery and chorten to discern
into original Sherpa people’s culture. Leaving
Shermathang, you trek downhill passing small
forest in the early part of trek and later you
pass through open terraces. While trekking, you
can the scenic beauty of hill surrounded around
you. You stay overnight at Kakani. People coming
from surrounded villages have made new
settlement there. You will be mesmerized by the
views of Rolwaling, Mt. Dochelapcha,
Gaurishankar, Sesapangma and many unnamed
mountains. On a clear day, Kakani is an
excellent view point for sunrise and sunset.
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Day 18 : |
Trek from Kakani to Talamarang (960 m.) and it
takes about four hours. The trail begins with
steep descent through the fields and villages
with multi ethnic cultures till Talamarang. It
lies at the bank of Melamchi river. You can swim
and relax at the bank of Melamchi river.
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Day 19 : |
Trek from Talamarang to Chisopani (2215 m.) and
it takes about seven hours. This day the trek is
little bit strenuous in comparison to earlier
day. In the beginning, the trail moves steep
uphill for few hours and after you reach a ridge
the trail becomes easier. Passing Thakani, a
picturescue village with beautiful views at both
side you trek decent trail up to Pati Bhanjyang.
Again, the trail moves uphill though steep at
some point to reach Chisopani. While trekking
you pass through terraces, hills at a distance
and villages with its unique culture. There are
good lodges with splendid views of Manaslu,
Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Rolwaling, Mt.
Dochelapcha, Gaurishankar, Sesapangma and many
more.
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Day 20 : |
Trek from Chisopani to Sundarijal which takes
about four hours and drive from Sundarijal to
Kathmandu by bus which takes about one hour.
Today you will have the final trail, the trail
will be an easy one as it descends through the
settlement Mulkharka with Tamang inhabitants and
Shivpuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve then
finally reach Sundarijal. The trail ends, you
will be driving from Sundarijal to Kathmandu by
bus.
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Services
Included
National Park entry permit, Trekking permit,
Land transportation to and fro, Accommodation in
lodges during the trek, Food: three meals a day,
A guide & required number of porter(s),
Essential equipment.
Services
Excluded
Personal expenses, Insurance, Tips, Emergency
evacuation by Helicopter, Alternative
transportation in case of heavy rain, landslide,
strike, road blockade etc.
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