Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

In Nepal, Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November) are considered the peak seasons for trekking. However, trekking on the Langtang Gosaikunda trek can be accomplished in any season. Each season contains its own unique features and specialties.

Autumn Season: Autumn is the peak season for this trek. The routes are in excellent shape. Due to moderate temperatures and more consistent weather, hiking or trekking is mostly done in this season. The mountain peaks are seen with wonderful clarity under the brilliant blue skies.

The temperature in this season ranges between 10° C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F) in the daytime, whereas 5° C (41°F) at night. You may take benefit from the pleasant and dry weather with an obstructed view of the valleys, mountains, and peaks along the walk.

Spring season: This is one of the best seasons for the Langtang Gosainkunda Trek, as you can enjoy the blooms of local flora in Langtang National Park along with the scents of pine and maple. The views of entire sections of forest covered in pink, red, and yellow blooms of the rhododendron. The wildlife also comes alive after the winter slumber, so you may get the chance to spot the endangered red panda on the trek.

The weather conditions are also quite suitable, so the walk is more delightful in cool, dry, and warm weather. The average temperature ranges from 10° C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) in this season.

Summer Season: Due to heavy rainfall, slippery trails, and muddy routes, trekking during the summer monsoon season is generally avoided. Although summer temperatures can reach around 30°C (86°F), temperatures become cooler during the monsoon, with July averaging around 12.1°C (53°F) in the higher elevations.

Despite the challenging weather, Gosaikunda Lake attracts a large number of pilgrims and trekkers during the Janai Purnima festival. The sacred lake holds great religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists, making it an important pilgrimage destination during this festival.

Winter Season: Winter starts in September and ends in November. The weather and temperature at Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Lake are extremely cold, ranging between 6°C and 9°C (42.8°F to 48.2°F) during the day and 0° to -3° (32°F to 26°F) during the night, and sometimes the route may be covered with fog and snow, which makes it difficult to trek. So, trekking in the winter season is quite avoidable.

The difficulty level of any trekking trail is measured by the elevation gain and physical fitness of the trekkers. The multiple abrupt ascents and high passes make your trek a little challenging.

The Langtang Gosaikunda Lake trek is graded as a moderately difficult trek. The walk will go up to an altitude of 4,610 meters/15,124 feet at Lauribina La Pass, starting from an altitude of 1,500m/4,921ft at Syabru Besi. Most of the days, you will spend at an altitude higher than 3,000 meters, so there is a quite possible chance you may suffer altitude sickness.

For trekkers who have below-average physical fitness, the route might be quite challenging since you will be walking around 6 to 7 hours per day, sometimes exceeding an altitude of 1,000 meters in a day. For trekkers with good physical fitness and hiking experience, the Langtang Valley Gosaikunda trek is just a piece of cake if guided properly.

Make sure to read Things to Know before going trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal.

The Langtang Gosaikunda trek costs $1180 per person, but the price may vary according to group size, duration, and level of services. The cost includes pick-up and drop-off, required permits, accommodation, and meals.

Other additional costs, like charging your appliances, internet, laundry facilities, and other expenses, should be paid by you during the trek. So, it is advisable to carry extra money while on the trek.

Accommodation on the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is provided in comfortable local teahouses and family-run mountain lodges along the trail. These traditional guesthouses offer a warm, welcoming place to rest after each day of trekking while allowing you to experience the hospitality and lifestyle of the Himalayan communities.

In lower areas such as Syabrubesi, Thulo Syabru, and Langtang Village, you can find relatively comfortable lodges with clean rooms, twin beds, blankets, dining areas, and, in some properties, attached bathrooms and hot showers. As the trail climbs toward Kyanjin Gompa and Gosaikunda, accommodation becomes more basic due to the remote location and high altitude.

Meals on the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek are served mainly at local teahouses and lodges along the trail. Despite the remote mountain setting, you can enjoy a good variety of Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, and basic international dishes. Meals are prepared fresh at the teahouses, providing the energy you need for long days of walking at high altitude.

Breakfast usually includes options such as Tibetan bread, chapati, pancakes, porridge, eggs, toast, potatoes, noodles, and tea or coffee. A warm and filling breakfast is especially important before starting the day’s trek.

For lunch and dinner, the most popular choice is Dal Bhat, Nepal’s traditional meal of rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles. It is a nutritious and filling option that is widely available and can often be refilled. Other common choices include momo, thukpa, fried rice, noodles, pasta, macaroni, Sherpa stew, soups, and simple rice or potato dishes.

At higher elevations, particularly around Lauribinayak and Gosaikunda, the variety of food becomes more limited because supplies have to be transported along the mountain trail. Prices also generally increase with altitude. Nevertheless, teahouses continue to provide warm meals, hot drinks, and basic snacks for trekkers.

The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek passes through Langtang National Park, so trekkers need the appropriate entry permit and trekking registration before starting the journey. For the standard Langtang Gosaikunda route, the two main requirements are:

1. Langtang National Park Entry Permit
2. TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System Card)

Altitude sickness is a health issue that occurs when one ascends rapidly to high altitudes. The body should be given time to adjust to increasing altitude. Altitude sickness can be a concern during this trek since you will reach high altitudes during this tour.

The adventure begins at a height of 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) and ascends to reach a peak elevation of around 4,610 meters (15,124 feet) at the Lauribina La Pass. Altitude sickness may arise at altitudes above 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) and can impact individuals regardless of their age, gender, or physical condition.

Headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, exhaustion, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping are some of the symptoms of AMS, which can range from mild to severe. In severe circumstances, AMS can cause High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), both of which can be fatal if not treated.

To prevent altitude sickness, it’s important to climb to elevations, giving your body time to acclimate. Staying hydrated, steering clear of alcohol and cigarettes, and opting for rich meals can also be beneficial. In case of symptoms, taking it easy and using medication can provide relief. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, it’s crucial to descend to a lower altitude and seek help.

Tea houses and lodges offer mineral water, bottled water, or hot water for drinking, but you may have to pay some fees.

Besides, drinking water can be facilitated through taps or springs during your trek to the Langtang Gosaikunda trek. Concerning your safety, it is advisable to use a water purifier or filter before drinking.

Electricity is available at every tea house and lodge where you will stay to spend the night. The charging of appliances might be costly, so it is a good idea to carry a power bank or portable charger to charge your electronics.

At lower altitudes, you can get strong access to mobile networks and the internet, but at higher altitudes, there is no guarantee of mobile networks or the internet.

Tea houses or lodges at higher altitudes offer internal facilities via a WiFi router to the trekkers. But you will be charged some fees to get internet access on your phone.

There is another way of getting mobile network or internet access by using the Nepali SIM NCELL or NTC while on the trek.

Trekking with a guide will ensure you are safe and right on a path during trekking. Our experienced guides will facilitate you with permits, food, and lodging during the trek. They can assist you by providing information about the locality, people, and their culture.

For a Langtang Gosaikunda trek, we provide a single guide for a group size of six trekkers, but for a larger group, an additional guide is required to maintain a ratio of one guide for six people’s group each.

Porters are the people who will carry your luggage throughout the trek to make sure you have a comfortable journey. You will have to book a porter at an additional cost. They can carry up to a weight of 20 kg of luggage or equipment, which allows you to focus on the trek with peace of mind.  It is recommended to pack lightweight and book a single porter for two people.

If you are planning to trek in the Langtang Gosaikunda trek of Nepal, you should be prepared. The Langtang Gosaikunda trek will lead you up to an altitude of 4,610 meters/15,124 feet, which can be quite challenging for beginner trekkers with average fitness levels.

To avoid challenges, trekkers should start doing cardio exercises like running, jogging, long walks, cycling, swimming, and also short hiking if possible, two months before your trek. With good physical fitness and a perfect guide, you can easily accomplish this trek without any stress or worries.

Clothing

• Fleece jacket/pullover
• trekking or hiking boots
• a few pair of comfortable trekking socks
• comfortable sandals
• Bandana or scarf
• A few pair of thermal tops
• waterproof or windproof Down Jacket
• Trekking pants
• woolen gloves
• underwear
• sunhat and glasses

Gears or Accessories

• Headlamp or torch light
• Trekking poles
• Water bottles

Toiletries

• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Toilet paper
• Quick drying towel

Miscellaneous items

• Cameras and Binoculars
• Portable charger
• enough Nepali rupees
• water purifier or filter