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13
Days Langtang Valley & Gosainkunda Lake Trek
DAY 01 :
We drive from Kathmandu to Trishuli via Kakani, an excellent spot to
view Mountain range, for about 4 hours and from Trishuli it's a steady
drive of about another 4 hours up to Dunche (1970m) and it's 110 km
in total. Dunche is our campsite for today. From here we have excellent
views of the high peaks. The most notable are Gheng (6581m), and Langtang
Lirung (7246m) to the north and Ganesh peak (7460m) to the west.
DAY
02 :
Crossing the Trishuli river (1680 m) as it drains away from the Gosainkund
Lakes, we climb steeply through beautiful Chir and Blue pine forest.
This is usually an excellent day for wildlife and birds. By the time
we reach Syabur (2130m), out camp site, the views the Langtang valley
are magnificent and more and more of the snow peaks of Tibet became
visible.
Day
03 :
We descend to the Langtang river (1890m), cross and head upriver through
an impressive gorge. For the rest of the day, there is almost no human
habitation but the forests of rhododendron and prickly leafed oak, alive
with birdlife. We camp at Gomna (1804M), just as the valley starts to
widen again.
DAY
04 :
The valley is now the typical glacier-worn-shaped valley,
in contrast to the steep water-worn V-shaped valley, we passed through
earlier. Keep our eyes open for the Himalayan Thar, a large mountain
goat often seen on the higher slopes. Views of the valley and its soaring
peaks are vary impressive. We lunch near the Tibetan village of Langtang.
After Lunch, we continue through the Yak pastures under the great snow
peaks to Kyangin Gompa (3800m) and camp.
DAY
05 :
Today is a rest and exploration day. From out campsite, the views of
Langtang Lirung (7246m), Langtang Ri (7239m), Lonpo Gang (7100m), and
Dorji Lakpa (6989m) are magnificent. This is a day to rest and relax
or if you wish, there are several worthwhile excursion up to the glaciers.
A 2 hours climb to Yala, a small cheese factory provides spectacular
views. The valley is in the midst of exceptionally rugged and beautiful
mountain ranges, ringed with glaciers, snowfalls and huge moraines.
DAY
06 :
We retrace our steps downhill to Gomna. A very pleasant walk.
DAY
07 :
We descend downhill to cross the Langtang river again. We have plenty
of time to enjoy the large stands of Larch, the flowers and the valley
views. After lunch, we climb steeply ton Syabru and camp.
DAY
08 :
A day climbing through forests of fir and rhododendron. The only signs
of human habitation are the occasional shepherd's huts. At the points
where water is found. We camp near the deserted Sing Gompa(3254m).
DAY
09 :
A steep rugged trail but adequately compensated for by
dramatic views: to the west-Himal Chuli (7893m), Manaslu (8156m), and
Ganesh peak (7406m). And possibly even the Annapurna ranges. Towards
the north, across the valley is Lngtang Lirung. We pass the few huts
in high yak pastures of Laurebina (3901m), cross a small ridge and have
our first views of the Holy Lakes. There are over a dozen lakes in the
Gosainkund Basin, the main three being Saraswatikund, Bhairavkund and
Gosainkund. According to the legend, Gosainkund was created by Lord
Shiva when he pierced a glacier with his trident to obtain water to
quench his thirst after swallowing some poison. Camp at Gosainkund (4300m).
DAY
10 :
We continue over rugged trails and pass several trains and pass several
other smaller lakes to the Thare Pati Pass (4602m), then descend along
a ridge to the treeline past beautiful waterfalls, through juniper and
rhododendron forest, we descend to the huts to Thare Pati. This is a
long but very interesting day and we camp at Thare Pati.
DAY
11 :
We drop steadily all day through fir and rhododendron forests and then
through prickly leafed oak forest. We camp at the Tamang village of
Gul Bhangjyang (2130 m). This ridgewalk provides excellent views of
the mountains and the Helambu valley.
DAY
12 :
The day's walk consists of gentle 'ups & downs' generally following
a ridge to camp just above Chisopani (2194m) with excellent panoramic
views of the Himalaya from Ganesh to Everest.
DAY
13 :
We climb to the small pass at Burlang Bhagjyang (2438m) and take our
last look at the great line of snow peaks of the Himalaya before descending
to the Kathmandu valley and Sundarijal (1457m) from where we drive back
to Kathmandu.
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