Trip Overview
Langtang Circuit Trek is an adventurous journey that traverses the beautiful Langtang region, ascends to the holy Gosaikunda Lake, and ends in the serene Helambu region.
Langtang circuit trek is one of the most beautiful routes in the Himalayas and offers breathtaking landscapes, huge glaciers, stunning snow-capped Himalayan Mountains, and the vibrant culture of the locals. Located north of Kathmandu valley, one can quickly access the trail. Despite being close to Kathmandu, not many trekkers are well aware of the phenomenal beauty and adventurous trail that the Langtang region have to provide, therefore, only a handful of travelers trek here. And because of that, the trail is relatively less crowded than other famous trekking trails in the Himalayas.
Moreover, Langtang Circuit Trek is also a great alternative to the famous Annapurna Circuit Trek. The trail is challenging, goes through picturesque villages, leads you to the holy Gosaikunda Lake, and crosses the Lauribinayak Pass (4,610 m). We also have added the pristine routes of the Helambu region in the trek. During the trek, you will get to see the lifestyle and culture of Tamangs & Sherpas.
Trekking through dense forests of bamboo and rhododendron, you pass by Langtang village and ascend to Kyanjin Gompa. The trail then takes you to Sing Gompa via Thulo Syabru and climbs to the Gosaikunda. Following a steep and rugged path, you reach the top of Lauribinayak Pass and descend to Kutumsang via Ghopte. Further, the trail drops down to Chisapani through Shivapuri National Park, and a short drive from Sundarijal leads you back to Kathmandu.
Major Attractions of Langtang Circuit Trek
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
There are many monuments in Kathmandu worth visiting. For your sightseeing, we have selected a few close and famous ones. After having breakfast, you meet with the tour guide in your hotel lobby and begin driving towards the places like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. The guide will brief you about the monuments and show you Nepali art & architecture.
A scenic drive to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu
Syabrubesi is the starting point of the Langtang Circuit Trek. 7 to 8 hours long drive from Kathmandu will take you there. The views along the drive are beautiful. In the blink of eyes, you will find yourself out of the chaos of the city into the tranquil outskirts. Lush green hills, small settlement areas, and terraced fields keep you accompany during the drive.
Trek through Langtang National Park
The trail goes through the Langtang National Park, home to wildlife like Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, red panda, serow, ghoral, and many others. More than 250 species of birds reside in this village and the vegetation range from subtropical to perennial ice. Most of the route goes through dense forests of pine, rhododendron, oak, bamboo, etc, along with green meadows.
Get to see the culture and tradition of the Locals
During the trek, you go through many small and big villages, which are mostly resided by Tamang. This community of people is said to be the descendants of the Tibetans. Their language, dress, culture, and practices are closely tied with Tibetan Buddhism. Get to see unique craftsmanship and precisely carved wooden porches of the locals. As the trek involves the guesthouse stay, you can closely see the lifestyle of the locals as well.
Visit Kyanjin Gompa & hike to Tserko Ri
Kyanjin Gompas is one of the oldest monasteries in the Himalayas, built more than 600 years ago. The monastery is located at 3,870 meters and offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains. Kyanjin Gompa is closely tied with Tibet, and the paintings inside the gompa are bought centuries ago from there. You can also see numerous butter lamps, prayer flags, statues, and antiques in the gompa.
Tserko Ri (4,984 m) is a viewpoint that offers gorgeous sunrise and breath-taking scenery. The route ascends following a steep ridge side to the top of the viewpoint, marked with several prayer flags. Hiking up to this point is also good acclimatization.
Explore the holy Gosaikunda Lake
Gosaikunda Lake is situated at 4,380 meters and surrounded by 108 different lakes around its vicinity. It is an alpine freshwater lake and part of the Ramsar site. Beside it, there are three other holy lakes around it - Parvati Kund, Bhairav Kunda, and Dudh Kunda. According to Hindu mythology, Gosaikunda Lake is the abode of Shiva and Gauri. Moreover, the origin of this lake is also directly related to Samundra Mantha, which is a great event as per Hindu scriptures.
Cross Lauribinayak Pass
The trail from Gosaikunda ascends towards Lauribinayak Pass at 4,610 meters. The pass is difficult to cross and involves steep climbing. Likewise, the route is rocky and needs proper guidance. Upon reaching the top of the pass, you get to see jaw-dropping views of the Himalayan Mountains, valleys, and glaciers.
Traverse through the fine villages of Helambu
Refers as the humble heaven in the Himalayas, the Helambu region is resided by Hyolmo people. This region has got highland villages. On the way, you pass by villages like Ghopte, Tharepati, Magin Goth, Kutumsang, Gul Bhanjyang, Pati Bhanjyang, and Chisapani. The trail is beautiful and calming.
Witness stunning Himalayan mountain views and gorgeous landscapes
On Langtang Circuit Trekking, you get to see many snow-clustered mountains like Langtang Lirung (7,234 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Mt. Gangchempo (6,387 m), Dorje Lhakpa (6,966 m), Shishapangma (8,013 m), Yala Peak (5,520 m), Ganja La Peak (5,844 m), Naya Kanga (5,846m), Kimsung (6,781 m), Yansa Tsenji (6,575 m), and many others. Similarly, the trail also offers stunning views of glaciers and lovely waterfalls.
