Langtang Helambu Trek

Today’s sightseeing itinerary encompasses the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, offering a diverse range of experiences at Stupas, Temples, and Palaces. Our city guide from TMG will expertly plan the most effective route for your sightseeing based on your interests and preferences.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Your exploration begins at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a place of historical significance. Once a ceremonial site and royal palace where coronations took place, it now serves as a palace-museum. This square immerses you in the royal lifestyle, surrounded by monuments, temples, and statues dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Prepare for an elevated experience at Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, due to its altitude and age of over 2,000 years. This Buddhist Stupa is of paramount importance in Nepal and features a captivating face of Lord Buddha on each side. The base of the stupa showcases stonework representing the wisdom of Lord Buddha through the Five Dhyani Buddhas: Vairocana, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, Amoghasiddhi, and Aksobhya. Visitors flock to this site for a bird’s-eye view of Kathmandu.

Pashupatinath

Pashupatinath, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands as an ancient marvel under the care of Nepal’s Hindu Committees. While only Hindus are permitted to enter through the main gate of the Pashupatinath Temple, as an observer, you can appreciate its architectural beauty from a distance. This temple is located in close proximity to the heart of Kathmandu, and you may have the opportunity to witness Hindu cremation rituals if you’re fortunate.

Bouddhanath

Bouddhanath, another remarkable stupa, holds deep significance for Buddhists and is considered one of their holiest pilgrimage sites. With its striking white dome resembling Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath is believed by some to house the bones of Kasyapa Buddha (a Buddha incarnation), while others attribute it to Lord Buddha himself. Encircling the base of the stupa are 108 small images of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha, creating a serene atmosphere for visitors to appreciate at any time.

Your journey commences in Nepal’s capital city as you board a bus bound for Syabrubesi, a picturesque village. As the bus navigates the highway, your window frames lush green hills and offers glimpses of the Trishuli River, renowned for its thrilling rafting adventures. The road carries you through the scenic route, eventually reaching Dhunche, another prominent village in the region. Along the way, terraced fields adorned with rice and maize crops dot the landscape, and your eyes are drawn to the majestic presence of Ganesh Himal, a snow-capped mountain gracing the horizon. As you continue your journey, the once-smooth highway transforms into a rugged path, signaling your approach to Syabrubesi.

Following a hearty breakfast, your trek embarks alongside the Langtang Khola, a graceful river that will be your constant companion on this journey. Your path meanders through a landscape of diverse terrains, where you’ll encounter both uphill and downhill sections. Enveloping you along this trail is an enchanting oak and rhododendron forest, with rhododendrons being the national flower of Nepal. As you venture deeper into this natural wonderland, you’ll come across a suspension bridge that spans the river. Crossing this bridge, you’ll begin a challenging ascent, a strenuous uphill climb that eventually leads you to a well-deserved resting place—Lama Hotel.

The trail ahead presents a challenging uphill climb, rewarding you with magnificent mountain vistas and the enchanting sight of cascading waterfalls. As you progress, you’ll reach a pastoral area known as Ghoda Tabala, which translates to “horse stable” in Nepali. From this vantage point, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Langtang Himal. Continuing your journey, you’ll pass through quaint villages, engage with local herders, and even visit a Buddhist monastery nestled within this valley. Amidst this valley lies the village of Langtang, not only one of the oldest settlements but also a place that offers unparalleled views of the majestic mountains that surround it.

Following breakfast, your journey continues with an uphill trek. Along the way, you’ll encounter several villages, including Mundu, Sindum, and Yamphu. These villages are adorned with water mills, prayer wheels, and Chortens—sacred sites for Buddhists to offer their devotion. Your path will also lead you to ascend a moraine, providing a vantage point from which you can marvel at the awe-inspiring Langtang Lirung mountain and a breathtaking icefall.

Further along the trail, you’ll arrive at a location featuring Nepal’s largest mani wall, intricately engraved with sacred Buddhist inscriptions. Your path then takes you to Kyanjin Gompa, a significant religious site, and the nearby Kyanjin Ri, a panoramic viewpoint situated at an altitude of over 4,000 meters. From here, you’ll be treated to exceptional vistas of the surrounding landscapes.

Your trek continues towards the summit of Tsergo Ri, a snow-covered peak that serves as a remarkable viewpoint. As you ascend this summit, you’ll encounter colorful Buddhist prayer flags adorning the landscape. From the summit of Tsergo Ri, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama featuring Kyanjin Ri (4,773 meters) and the majestic Langtang Lirung (7,227 meters) dominating the scenery.

Before embarking on this ascent or after reaching the summit, you have the opportunity to explore a nearby monastery and a cheese factory. Additionally, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of massive ice faces. Afterward, you’ll ascend Chorkari Ri, which stands at an impressive altitude of 5,050 meters. This vantage point not only offers the highest viewpoint on your journey but also provides a spellbinding and spectacular perspective of Langtang Peak.

The descent, although physically demanding, promises to be an enjoyable experience. You’ll follow a downhill trekking trail from Lama Hotel, reveling in the magnificent views of the snow-capped mountains that surround you. As you make your way downhill, take your time and savor the scenery because there won’t be any more steep ascents on this part of the trail. The effort you put into this descent will be rewarded by the continuous presence of stunning mountain vistas, including Langtang Lirung and others. You’ll find yourself surrounded by the serene beauty of nature throughout this portion of your journey.

The trekking trail leads you to the village of Rimche, where you’ll find yourself ascending even though the overall elevation is decreasing. As you descend, you’ll reach the Langtang Khola, a river that you can cross easily. From there, your journey takes you through Bamboo and Landslide Lodge. While you pass through these villages before reaching Thulo Syabru, it’s Thulo Syabru itself that stands out with its awe-inspiring view of Langtang Lirung (7,227 m). Along the way, you’ll also encounter enchanting forests of pine and juniper as well as a picturesque waterfall, making today’s trek a memorable experience.

As you continue your trek, the trail gradually widens as it leads you downhill through a lush forest comprised of rhododendron, hemlock, and oak trees. Eventually, you’ll arrive at Shin Gumba. Although this trail eventually leads to Gosaikunda, you won’t be heading there today as it’s crucial to acclimatize before ascending to an altitude of over 4,000 meters tomorrow.

En route to Gosaikunda, you’ll encounter Chortens, which hold great religious significance for Buddhists. This is a notable contrast since Gosaikunda itself is highly revered by Hindus. While the lake is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus, non-Hindus like yourself are welcome to visit. Along the way, you’ll pass through Garta village and a monastery before arriving at Shin Gumba. Here, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Langtang Lirung. Shin Gumba is not only home to a monastery but is also renowned for its picturesque landscapes and cheese production.

Today is a special day indeed, as you are making your way to Gosaikunda Lake, one of the highlights of the Langtang Helambu Trek. Along the route to this lake, you will encounter other beautiful lakes such as Saraswatikunda and Bhairab Kunda. In the Nepali language, “Kunda” translates to “pond” or “lake.”

As you trek, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the towering Himalayan mountains, including Manaslu (8,156 m), Annapurna, Hinchuli, and Ganesh Himal (7,422 m). Moreover, you’ll pass by a total of 12 lakes, with Saraswatikunda, Bhairab Kunda, and Gosaikunda being the most significant ones.

In Hindu mythology, Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge, while Bhairab represents another formidable form of Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. According to legend, Lord Shiva created Gosaikunda to quench His thirst. This sacred lake is nestled among the awe-inspiring Himalayan peaks, making it a truly extraordinary sight.

Your journey continues as you make your way towards the Laurebinayak Pass, which stands at an elevation of 4,610 meters. As you ascend to this pass, you’ll officially enter the Helambu Region. The summit of the pass offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the lakes below, providing a unique aerial perspective of the landscape.

From this point, your trekking trail will lead you into the Melamchi Valley. Along the way, you’ll traverse moraines and cairns, adding to the adventure. The trail will take you through small hills that offer stunning vistas of the Himalayas, and it will also guide you to Surya Kunda, a picturesque lake.

After taking in the natural beauty and landscapes, your journey proceeds to Ghopte, a village situated at an elevation of over 3,000 meters. Ghopte is another remarkable stop on your trekking route.

Your trekking journey continues with a mix of uphill and downhill paths as you pass through a dense forest. These variations in terrain add an element of adventure to your trek. Eventually, you arrive at the village of Thare Pati.

While en route to Thare Pati, you’ll encounter a ridge that offers a stunning view of Soli Danda, a beautiful hilltop area. From there, your path leads you to a suspension bridge. Crossing such bridges can be quite exhilarating, especially when you look down to see a glacial river beneath you.

After safely crossing the suspension bridge, you’ll make your way to Melamchi, one of the most picturesque villages in the Helambu Valley. Melamchi is renowned among Nepalese residents, particularly those living in Kathmandu, for its natural beauty and charm.

Your trek today takes you through a variety of landscapes and features as you continue your journey. You’ll encounter a stupa, cross a small stream, pass through a forested area, and ultimately reach Ama Yangri.

Throughout this part of the trek, you’ll come across numerous stupas and Buddhist prayer flags, which are common in the region and hold cultural significance. You’ll also be treated to breathtaking views of the towering peaks, including Mt. Shishapangma and the Langtang Ranges, which seem remarkably close.

As you make your way, you’ll ascend to an elevation of 3800 meters, and you’ll also pass through a yak pasture and negotiate stone steps. Finally, you’ll arrive at Tarkeghyang, a charming Sherpa village known for its beauty and cultural richness.

Today’s trek begins after a satisfying breakfast. The trekking trail ahead is relatively easy, taking you through lush forests and charming villages. Along the way, you’ll encounter significant cultural and religious landmarks such as Chortens (Buddhist stupas), monasteries, and a mani wall adorned with prayer stones.

You’ll pass through the villages of Parachin and Gangyul, where the residents practice Drukpa Kagyu Buddhism. As you continue your journey, you’ll gradually make your way to Sermathang. This village is not only beautiful in its own right but also serves as a fantastic viewpoint. From Sermathang, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal, and the Langtang Ranges, providing a fitting conclusion to your Helambu trek.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on your descent along the trekking trail. This path leads you through scenic meadows, cultivated fields, and charming villages. The cultivated fields offer a glimpse into the local agricultural practices in the region.

Your journey will ultimately bring you to Melamchi Bazaar, a small village market. Here, you might find various local goods and souvenirs that pique your interest, making it an excellent opportunity for some shopping or exploration before concluding your trek.

As you make your way back to Kathmandu, take some time to reflect on the beautiful memories and experiences you’ve gathered during the Langtang Helambu Trek. The trek has offered you breathtaking landscapes, cultural insights, and the opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of Nepal.

Upon your return to Kathmandu, our team will be ready to welcome you at our office. After resting and freshening up, if you have some free time, you can explore Thamel, the bustling tourist hub of Kathmandu, where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions to enjoy. It’s a great way to wrap up your journey before departing.

The day is yours to decide how you’d like to spend it. You have a few options to choose from:

1. Rest and Relax: If you’re feeling tired after the trek, you can spend the day relaxing at your hotel. Take some time to unwind, reflect on your journey, and enjoy the comforts of your accommodation.
2. Shopping: Kathmandu, especially Thamel, is known for its vibrant markets and shops that sell Nepali hand-made goods, souvenirs, and gifts. You can explore these markets and pick up some unique items for your friends and relatives. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide for recommendations or bargaining tips.
3. Exploring Thamel: Thamel is a lively neighborhood filled with restaurants, cafes, and cultural attractions. You can take a stroll through its bustling streets, visit local shops, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.

In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to join a farewell dinner with the Travel Max Guide’s team. It’s a wonderful way to share your experiences, express gratitude, and enjoy a delicious meal together as you bid farewell to Nepal.

The choice is yours, and you can tailor your day to your preferences.

A company representative will provide you with a private vehicle transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your departure. They will ensure that you reach the airport in a timely manner, allowing you to catch your flight. If you have any specific flight details or requirements, please communicate them with the representative, and they will assist you accordingly.

Safe travels, and we hope you had a memorable experience during your Langtang Helambu Trek in Nepal! If you ever plan to return or have any more questions in the future, feel free to reach out.