INTRODUCTION
The region north of Kathmandu offers a multitude trekking destination with combination of three major areas - Langtang in the north, Gosaikunda to the west and Helambu in the south-east are accessible without flight from Kathmandu.
TRIP OUTLINE
For the first few days we will trek from the tropical valleys of Trisuli and Indrawati to the alpine pastures of Langtang/Kyangjin Gompa through luxuriant temperate forest. A government rest house, cheese factory and an old monastery are located here. Beyond Kyangjin Gompa , there are possibilities for side excursion either immediately above the Gompa to the foot of the Langtang Lirung glacier, or eastwards to Langsisa glacier or a tougher ascent of the northern flank of the valley towards Yala Peak. The views of Langtang Lirung (7234m) and Ganesh Himal to the west and Ganjala Himal to the south are magnificent.
We will retrace the same way back to Syabru village at 2901m. Beyond Syabru a hard morning pull up the hill, the trail leads to a ridge line offering views north into Tibet and west towards the Annapurna Himals. The afternoon walk contours through ancient hemlock and rhododendron forest to the small settlement of Sing Gompa. Thereafter, the country changes again and becomes alpine and it approaches the famous holy lake of Gosaikunda through harsh granite above the tree line. We immediately climb away out of the bowl housing the lakes for 305m on to the pass leading south and across the snow and scary before a jolting descent and the path turns east wards and will slowly enters the Helambu region.
We will walk across many villages, which are predominated by Tamang ethnic group such as Melamchi, Tarke Gyang, Shermathang, Taramarang and Pati Bhanjyang through primary oak and rhododendron forest.Beyond Pati Bhanjyang, a lovely day's walk with some Tamang and Chettri/Brahaman villages leads to a steep climb up the hill to Chisopani, elevation 2194m. On clear days, the whole Himalayan ranges from Everest to the east and Annapurna to the west are visible.
Finally, we descend down to the village of Sundarijal, where our vehicle is ready for the return trip to Kathmandu.
Trek Grade
Adventurous
Highest elevation
4500m
Days 1
Drive from Kathmandu to Dunche (1866m) approx. 7/8 hour's drive. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 2
Trek from Dunche to Forest Camp (1982m) about 6 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 3
Trek from Forest Camp to Ghora Tabela (3048m) about 6 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 4
Trek from Ghora Tabela to Kyangjin Gompa (3840m) about 6 hour's walk. O/n at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 5
Rest day at Kyangjin gompa and explore around the surrounding area. O/n at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 6
Trek from Kyangjin Gompa to Lama Hotel about 6 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 7
Trek from Lama Hotel to Syabru (2901m) about 6 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 8
Trek from Syabru to Sing Gompa (3254m) about 5 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 9
Trek from Sing Gompa to Gosaikunda (4180m) about 7 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 10
Trek from Gosaikunda to Ghopte Cave (3566m) about 6 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 11
Trek from Ghopte Cave to Melamchi Goan (2560m) about 6 hour's walk. O/n at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 12
Trek from Melamchi Goan to Shermathang (2664m) about 7 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 13
Trek from Shermathang to Taramarang (960m) about 6 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 14
Trek from Taramarang to Pati Bhanjyang (2438m) about 6 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.
Days 15
Trek from Pati Bhanjyang to Chisopani (2194m) about 2 hour's walk. Rest of the day free. O/n at camp or Lodge.
Days 16
Trek from Chisopani to Sundarijal (1585m) about 5 hour's walk. Overnight at tented camp or Lodge.