Lantang, which is a region in Nepal that lies between the north of Kathmandu and the Tibetan border.It was gazetted as the Langtang National Park in 1976 and is considered to be the first Himalayan National Park. According to legend, it was discovered by a lama (Buddhist priest) as he was following a runaway yak. Hence, the name: LANGTANG “Lang” meaning “yak” and “Tang” meaning “to follow”.
This park contains a wide range of climatic zones, from subtropical to alpine. Oaks, fir, pine, spruce, maple make up the main forest species. Approximately 25% of the park is forested. The variation in the altitude and different topography allows it to be shelter different animals such as red Pandas, himalayan black bears, rhesus monkeys, and ghorals. The Langtang valley trek is the most popular trekking trail in this region. It is a remote valley enclosed by snow-capped mountains and extending till Langtang Lirung (7246m), the highest peak of this region. The residents of this place are mostly Tamang people who are traditionally farmers and cattle breeders. However, they are especially well-known for their weaving. Being very close to Tibet, the culture of this place is similar to that of the Tibetans. As we get close to the head of the valley, we get to explore larches and rhododendron forests, glaciers, and mountains. Breathtaking views of mountains such as the Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal are visible from the region.
Gosaikunda holy lake, a religious site for both Buddhists and Hindus, is another major point of attraction for the visitorstrekking in the Lantang region. Thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and the surrounding countries visit this place in August, during the festival of Janai Purnima, to worship the numerous shrines of Lord Shiva. They believe this area to be the adobe of Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri and consider the water of this lake to be sacred. They also believe that Lord Shiva formed this lake by digging the land with his Trishul (Holy Trident). Gosainkunda can be reached either from Dhunche, which lies in the Langtang region, or from Sundarijal, which lies in the eastern part of the Kathmandu Valley.
Itinerary
Day 01 : Kathmandu to Syabru Bensi (1462m/4795ft) (6:30 hours)
Drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Bensi by bus via Trisuli Bazar and Dhunche( popular town). You will witness nice scenery of White Mountains of Mt. Annapurna II, Manasalu, Ganesh Himal and other minor peaks are visible from Kakani (along the route) and as well as green scenery of hillock, rivers, village, while driving to Syapru bensi. Syabru bensi is an attractive village with large stone houses. (B,L,D)
Day 02 : Syabru Bensi to Lama Hotel (2510m/8232ft)
From Syabrubensi we begin our trek by following the Langtang River, a river we will be following over the next few days, all the way to the head of the valley. After crossing the suspension bridge, the trails ascent ridge to Paira Lodge and after Paira Lodge, the trails, gradually ascent until to New Bridge and the trail climbs up to Rimche and after 40 minutes, we get then to Lama Hotel. This day, you might be feel wilderness and might get opportunity to see wild animals like monkeys, red Pandas, Himalayan Black Bears etc. (B,L,D)
Day 03 : Lama Hotel to Langtang village (3307m10846f)
From Lama Hotel the trail gradually climbs up to Ghora Tabela through a forest of hemlock, oaks, maples and rhododendron with spectacular, fleeting glimpses of Mt. Langtang Lirung (7,244m). Leaving Ghora Tabela, the path follows the delightful Langtang Khola, climbing steadily up to the spread-out Langtang village (3,500m). At the afternoon, we hiking up to Kyanjin Ri and back to Kyanjin Gompa. (B,L,D)
Day 04 : Langtang village to Chorka ri Ri (5050m/ 16564ft) and back to Kyanjin Gompa
Get up an early morning at 5:30 am. The trail climbs gradually to Sindum and to Yamphu (3640m). Crossing the Laja Khola then climbs a moraine to a viewpoint where you can see Kyanjin Gompa and the dramatic icefall flowing from Langtang Lirung. After Kyanjin Gompa, climb to the top of Chorkari ri (5050m). Enjoying spectacular panoramic mountain views of the whole Langtang Himalayas, including Langtang Lirung (7,244m), Langshisa Ri (6,810 m.), Gyanghempo (6,888 m.) Ganjala peak, Nayakang more….
Besides, incredible mountain views, Langtang valley views with dramatic icefall flowing from Langtang Lirung and Gyanghempo peak can be seen. (B,L,D)
Day 05 : Trek down from Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel(2510m/8232ft). O/N at the lodges
Day 06 : Lama Hotel to Thulo Sybru Village (2210m7248ft)
From Lama Hotel the trail descends till Paira Lodge. Then the trail ascent through the forest after crossing the river, climbing to Syabru Village. (B,L,D)
Day 07 : Sybru Village to Sing Gompa (3210m/10528ft)
Passing Schools and gompas the trail ascent through the forest of hemlock and oak until trail Dursagang (2660m). Then the trail gradually ascent through forest Sing Gompa. Sing Gompa is popular for Yak cheese factory and Buddhist monastery. (B,L,D)
Day 08 : Sing Gompa to Gosaikunda (4380m14366ft)
The trail climbs gradually up to Lauirbina Yak (3920m). From Lauirbina Yak, you can see panoramic mountain views of Nepal and Tibet Himalayan range. Then continue trek up to a small temple with a statue of Sakyamuni and further climbing you can see good views of Saraswati kunda and Bhairav Kunda and reach to Gosaikund. (B,L,D)
Day 09 : Gosaikunda to Gopte (3440m/11283f)
The trail leads to the northern side of Gosaikunda Lake and passing three more small lakes; you will reach Laurebina pass (4610m15120ft). The trail descends to Phedi (3740m). We continue trek to Ghopte with following up and down trail. (B,L,D)
Day 10 : Ghopte to Kutung sang(2621m/8596ft)
From Ghopte, the trail ascent from and again trail ascent to Tharepati. The trail descends through fir and rhododendron forest observing the beautiful mountain views of Mt. Dorje Lakpa range on its way to Khutumsang (2450m). (B,L,D)
Day 11 : Kutung sang to Chisopani(2194m/7196ft)
The trail descends to the delightful hill village of Gul Bhanjyang. And again trail ascent until Thodang Betini and we continue trek down to Pati Bhanjyang (1860m) and exploring a Brahman and Chhetri village. Then the trail proceeds to Chisopani. (B,L,D)
Day 12 : Chisopani to Kathmandu via Sundari jal
The route goes forward through the forest of oak and rhododendron, and brings you to Borlang Bhanjyang (2440m). After we trek down to Mulkharka (1800m) from where you can see spectacular view of Kathmandu valley. Descending through the forest to Sundarijal. And we drive back to Kathmandu. (B,L)
What is Included
All transportations as per itinerary & airport transfers
All accommodations and all meals (B,L,D) during the treks no extra charge for single travelers
An experienced Guide and sherpa(potter), a sherpa assistance leader(s) for big group and assistance Trek leader help each individuals while on trek
All necessary paper works and permits.
All government and local taxes if necessary.
What is Not Included
Nepal Visa fee (International airfare to & from home city)
Hotel, Lunch & evening meals during Kathmandu stay.
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters
Gratuity for staffs
Optional trips and sightseeing