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Langtang and Gosaikunda Trek

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15 day, 14 nights
Availability : March through June and September through December
Min Age : 12+

LANGTANG AND GOSAIKUNDA TREK:

The Langtang and Gosaikunda Trek route is along an ancient Hindu pilgrimage trail. Sandwiched between the main Himalayan range to the North and a lower range of peaks to the South, the Langtang region was designated as Nepal’s first Himalayan national park in 1971. Despite its proximity to Kathmandu Langtang and Gosaikunda receive far fewer trekkers compared to the Everest and Annapurna regions.

The Gosaikunda lakes, believed to be the abode of the Hindu God Shiva and his consort Gauri, lies east of Langtang. According to legend, after Lord Shiva had swallowed poison, he thrust his trident into a mountain to extract water to cool his stinging throat creating a lake. There are 108 big and small lakes in the area.

THE TREK

The Langtang and Gosaikunda trek begins with an ascent up the Langtang valley. Thereafter, after ascending Kyanjin-ri for mountain views, descend back to just below Lama Hotel. Then turn north-east to the austere, high-elevation Gosainkund Lakes. After reaching Gosaikunda, continue east over the Laurebina La pass (4,610m/15,100ft). Finally, the trek ends at the sacred Helambu Valley where Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) is believed to have frequented.

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS

The Langtang and Gosaikunda Trek is a lodge trek. Consequently, you will sleep and eat meals in local lodges along the trail. The quality of the lodges on the Langtang portion of the trek are comparable to those on the Annapurna treks. However, the lodges on the Gosaikunda portion are slightly more basic but, still, clean. Meals are also varied with many options including rice with veggies, noodles, local breads etc. Read our article about food options on Lodge treks in Nepal.

BEST SEASON

Like most treks in Nepal, the best seasons for the Langtang and Gosaikunda Lakes trek are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November). Additionally, it is also possible to do this trek in December. Furthermore, while it will be cold (-20C/-4F), it is possible to do the Langtang section of the trek even in the Winter months of January and February too.

TREK RATING

The Langtang and Gosaikunda Lakes trek is rated “STRENUOUS”. It is rated 4 on a rating scale from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). The highest altitude reached on the trek is at Laure Binayak la (4,380 m/14,370 ft). The highest overnight elevation is at Laure Binayak (3,910m/12,380 feet). Average daily hiking times is 5 to 6 hours with one long day of around 7 hours on the crossing of the pass. Regardless of this, it is important to prepare for any trek in Nepal. Read our advice on training for treks.

WHY TREK WITH US?

All our Langtang and Gosaikunda treks are private treks for a minimum of two participants. We do NOT nickel-and-dime on services – all inclusions and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. Some companies may advertise trips for very low prices. But they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. With over 30 years of experience, most of our trekkers are either repeat clients or referrals. We employ the most professional and friendly staff.

We are also proud to give back to our community through 3 Summits For Nepal managed by Crystal Mountain Treks staff. Contact us to learn more…

Trip at a glance

Brief Itinerary (LANGTANG TREK)

Day Description Overnight Altitude
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu Kathmandu 1,340m/4,300ft
Day 2 Exploring Kathmandu Kathmandu 1,340m/4,300ft
Day 3 Kathmandu to Syabrubesi Syabrubesi 1,460m/4,790ft
Day 4 Trek to Lama Hotel Lama Hotel 2,470m/8,100ft
Day 5 Trek to Langtang Village Langtang Village 3,430m/11,250ft
Day 6 Trek to Kyanjin Gompa Kyanjin Gompa 3,800m/12,467ft
Day 7 Hike Kyanjin Ri and descend to Thangshyap Thangshyap 3,260m/10,700ft
Day 8 Trek to Bamboo Bamboo 1,990m/6,550ft.
Day 9 Trek to Upper Thulo Syabru Upper Thulo Syabru 2,560m/8,400ft.
Day 10 Trek to Laure Binayak Laure Binayak 3,910m/12,830ft
Day 11 Trek to Phedi Phedi 3,770m/12,365ft
Day 12 Trek to Melamchi Ghyang Melamchi Ghyang 2,550m/8,375ft
Day 13 Descend to Timbu. Vehicle back to Kathmandu. Kathmandu 1,340m/4,300ft
Day 14 Explore Kathmandu Kathmandu 1,340m/4,300ft
Day 15 Final departure
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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu

You will be greeted on arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport by a representative of Crystal Mountain Treks holding a placard at the arrival gate. You will then be escorted to your hotel in Kathmandu. Once in the hotel you can refresh and take a rest as the day will be free. In the evening you will be entertained with a welcome dinner (included).

Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar

Meals: D

Day 2Exploring Kathmandu

After breakfast, drive to Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Shiva, meaning “The Auspicious One”, also known as Mahadeva (“Great God”), is a popular Hindu deity and is considered to be the Supreme God within Shaivism, one of the three most influential denominations in Hinduism. Here, you’ll probably witness a Hindu cremation along the banks of the Bagmati River and many ascetics and Sadhus.

Then on to Bhaktapur, which is located about 20 km east of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is known as the ‘City of Devotees’, the ‘City of Culture’, the ‘Living Heritage’, and ‘Nepal’s Cultural Gem’. It is one of the 3 royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley. The others are Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and Patan. Bhaktapur is filled with monuments, most terra-cotta with carved wood columns, palaces and temples with elaborate carvings, gilded roofs and open courtyards. As a World Heritage site listed by the UNESCO, Bhaktapur has been heavily restored since a 1934 earthquake severely damaged the city.

In the afternoon, final preparations for your Langtang trek.

Overnight at Hotel Tibet or similar.

Meals: B, L

Day 3Kathmandu - Syabrubesi

Board a chartered vehicle early in the morning for a 7-8 hour drive to Syabrubesi where our trek begins. Though the distance is only 82 miles (132 Kilometers), most of it is on unpaved jeep track. After the 2015 earthquake the Kodari-Zhangmu border (East of Kathmandu) between Nepal and Tibet was closed and the Kodari highway is no longer used for entry into Tibet. Instead, Kerung which lies just above Syabrubesi is the new entry point into Tibet and work is underway to widen this highway.

Overnight Lodge.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel

The trek begins today and soon you cross a suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi to the village of old Syabrubesi. Cross another bridge over the Langtang khola and start a gentle but continuous ascent trekking past several landslides, many of which were triggered by the 2015 earthquakes. Today’s and tomorrow’s trail is mainly along the river through forests which abound in fauna including the wild boar, red panda, langur monkey and the Himalayan black bear. You will most likely stop at Bamboo for lunch where wild bee combs can be spotted across the river on the rocky cliffs.

After lunch, it is again a continuous ascent with ocassional steep ascents to camp at Lama Hotel.

Overnight Lodge.

Meals: B, L, D

SYABRUBESI TO BAMBOO:
Total Distance: 6.06 miles (9.75 Kilometers)
Ascent: 2,357 feet or 718 meters
Approximate ascent time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Descent: 547 feet or 167 meters
Approximate descent time: 40 minutes to an hour
Approximate flat time: 30 minutes

BAMBOO TO LAMA HOTEL:
Total Distance: 1.88 miles (3 Kilometers)
Ascent: 667 feet or 204 meters
Approximate ascent time: 2 hours
Descent: 196 feet or 60 meters
Approximate descent time: 20 minutes
Approximate flat time: 5 minutes

Day 5Lama Hotel To Langtang village

The trail continues to climb through thick forests of oak, maple and rhododendrons. Langtang Lirung is visible directly ahead. Soon the trail becomes more gradual as you pass Ghoda Tabela which once was where Tibetans were resettled. Cross a suspension bridge and ascend to Thanshyap and continue a steep ascent to Langtang village. Just before you enter Langtang village is the site where a huge landslide triggered by the 2015 earthquake buried several locals, trekkers and army personnel.

Overnight Lodge.

Meals: B, L, D

LAMA HOTEL TO GHODA TABELA:
Total Distance: 6.86 miles (11 Kilometers)
Ascent: 1,966 feet or 600 meters
Approximate ascent time: 2 hours
Descent: 224 feet or 69 meters
Approximate descent time: 20 minutes
Approximate flat time: 1 hour

GHODA TABELA TO LANGTANG:
Total Distance: 2.5 miles (4 Kilometers)

Day 6Langtang to Kyanjin Gompa

The trail continues to ascend gradually as the valley widens. Climb a moraine from where you can finally see Kyanjin Gompa and the ice-fall flowing from the peaks of Langtang Lirung and Kangshung. Continue over another ridge and descend to Kyanjin Gompa with its ugly collection of concrete lodges – most of which were built after the earthquake.

Overnight Lodge.

Meals: B, L, D

LANGTANG TO KYANJIN GOMPA:
Total Distance: 4.22 miles (6.8 Kilometers)

Day 7Kyanjin Gompa to Thangshyap

Wake up early to ascend Kyanjin Ri for a better view of the entire valley and the surrounding mountains. Those who are more fit and have acclimatized can attempt to climb Tsergo Ri which is twice as harder than Kyanjin Ri. From the top of Kyanjin Ri, it is possible to have a better view of Lantang Lirung and it’s icefalls (See picture above) along with the other mountains.

After the Kyanjin Ri excursion, follow trail back to Thangshyap which is an hour or so past Langtang Village.

Overnight Lodge.

Meals: B, L, D

KYANJIN GOMPA to Kyanjin Ri (same applies for return to Kyanjin Gompa):
Total Distance: .91 miles (1.5 Kilometers)
Ascent: 1,453 feet or 443 meters

KYANJIN GOMPA TO THANGSHYAP:
Total Distance: 5.55 miles (9 Kilometers)
Ascent: 245 feet or 75 meters
Approximate ascent time: 20 minutes
Descent: 2,086 feet or 635 meters
Approximate descent time: 2 to 3 hours
Approximate flat time: 30 minutes

Day 8Thangshyap to Bamboo

Continue descent on the same trail to Bamboo.

Overnight Lodge.

Meals: B, L, D

THANGSHYAP TO BAMBOO:
Total Distance: 7.16 miles (12 Kilometers)
Ascent: 380 feet or 116 meters meters
Approximate ascent time: 32 minutes
Descent: 3,157 feet or 962 meters
Approximate descent time: 2.5 hours to 3 hours
Approximate flat time: 10 minutes

Day 9Bamboo to Upper Thulo Syabru

Continue descent to Pairo. A little beyond Pairo, a sign shows the route towards Thulo Syabru. Follow this steep trail and ascend rapidly to a lone tea shop from where Sherpa Gaon is visible high above on the other side of the river. Also, the Ganesh Himal range is visible in the distance. The trail then becomes level and is on a cliff until we cross a long suspension bridge and begin the ascent to Thulo Syabru. We continue past Thulo Syabru for about an hour to Upper Thulo Syabru. If all are feeling well, we continue to a meadow at Mu Kharka which is a little higher up.

Overnight Lodge.

Meals: B, L, D

Bamboo to Upper Thulo Syabru:
Total Distance: 5.28 miles (8.5 Kilometers)
Ascent: 3,005 feet or 916 meters
Descent: 1,271 feet or 388 meters

DAY 10 Upper Thulo Syabru to Laurebinayak

Continue ascending through the forest which slowly gives way to a couple of meadows. The Upper meadow is Mu Kharka. Re-enter the forest (mainly Rhododendrons and Oak) and ascend steeply gaining altitude rapidly to Cholang Pati where the forest gives way to barren alpine landscape. Looking back, in the south west are the Ganesh Himal range and Manaslu. In the West is Langtang Lirung. From Cholang Pati, continue steep ascent to Laurebinayak.

Overnight Lodge.

Meals: B, L, D

THULO SYABRU TO CHOLANGPATI:
Total Distance: 3.63 miles (5.9 Kilometers)
Ascent: 3,697 feet or 1,126 meters
Approximate ascent time: 4 hours
Descent: 0

CHOLANGPATI TO LAUREBINAYAK:
Total Distance: 1.02 miles (1.6 Kilometers)
Ascent: 1,032 feet or 315 meters
Approximate ascent time: 1 hour
Descent: 10 feet or 3 meters

DAY 11 Laurebinayak to Phedi

Wake up early to begin the ascent over Laurebina la pass. This is mostly windy and hence chilly so dress appropriately. From Laurebinayak, it is a steep ascent to the top of Buddha hill where there is a Buddha statue. The views from here are quite marvelous. The trail then become more gradual. The trail which is along a high cliff has now been widened but still isn’t advisable for those with vertigo issues.

We stop for lunch at Gosaikunda where there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. From Gosaikunda, it is another hour or so (1.77 miles with 916 feet ascent) to the pass at Laurebina La. After the pass, it is a steep descent to Phedi. We continue further to Ghopte.

Overnight Lodge.

Meals: B, L, D

LAUREBINAYAK TO GOSAIKUNDA:
Total Distance: 2.5 miles (4 Kilometers)
Ascent: 1,735 feet or 530 meters
Approximate ascent time: 2 hours
Descent: 112 feet or 35 meters
Approximate descent time: 10 minutes
Approximate flat time: 30 minutes

GOSAIKUNDA TO PHEDI:
Total Distance: 4.31 miles (7 Kilometers)
Ascent: 916 feet or 280 meters
Approximate ascent time: 1 hour
Descent: 3,030 feet or 924 meters
Approximate descent time: 2-3 hours

Day 12Phedi to Melamchi Ghyang

The trail continues up and down through the forest past Ghopte. After a short gradual ascent, arrive at Tharepati from where the entire Helambu valley is visible along with Dorje Lakpa and Ama Yangri.

From Tharepati, it is a steep descent to Melamchi Ghyang.

Overnight Lodge.

Meals: B, L, D

PHEDI TO THAREPATI:
Total Distance: 5.31 miles (8.5 Kilometers)
Ascent: 2,243 feet or 683 meters
Approximate ascent time: 2 hours
Descent: 2,612 feet or 797 meters
Approximate descent time: 2 hours
Approximate flat time: 15 minutes

THAREPATI TO MELAMCHI GHYANG:
Total Distance: 3.1 miles (5 Kilometers)
Ascent: 143 feet or 43 meters
Approximate ascent time: 10 to 15 minutes
Descent: 3,707 feet or 1,130 meters
Approximate descent time: 2 – 3 hours

DAY 13 Melamchi to Timbu. Drive to Kathmandu

It is possible to drive back to Kathmandu from Melamchi but some sections of the road are scary and hence we choose to hike to Timbu. (This option is still available).

From Melamchi, descend steeply to the Melamchi river. Enroute, we will see a rock with a foot imprint which is believed to be that of Padmasambhava. We cross the river and continue along a forest and again cross another suspension bridge. A little later we arrive at the site of Melamchi Water Supply which through a man-made tunnel will provide much needed drinking water for the Kathmandu valley. A little further is Timbu from where we board a chartered vehicle back to Kathmandu.

Overnight Lodge.

Meals: B, L, D

MELAMCHI TO TIMBU:
Total Distance: 8 miles (12 Kilometers)
Ascent: 900 feet or 275 meters
Approximate ascent time: 1 hour
Descent: 5,000 feet or 1,524 meters
Approximate descent time: 3 – 4 hours
Approximate flat time: 30 minutes

DAY 14Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu. You will be accompanied by our in-house city guide. In the morning, visit Bodhanath to watch monks and devotees circumambulate the largest stupa in the world. Then visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Drive to Patan for lunch in the garden of the Patan Museum Café. After lunch, visit the well-maintained Patan Museum storing ancient Nepali artifacts, followed by a tour of Patan Durbar Square. Drive back to Kathmandu.

Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar.

MEALS: B, L

Day 15Final Departure

Transfer to the airport for final departure.

Meals: B

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Per Person Price (Langtang and Gosaikunda Trek)

Per person price (valid until December 31, 2024)

1 persons: US$3,000 per person (includes single supplement)

2 – 4 persons: US$2,400 per person

5 or more persons: US$2,100 per person

Single supplement: US$250

Please inquire for quote in GB£ or Euros.

Current Promotions for this trek:

  • US$ 200 per person discount on Winter treks in November, December, January and February.

Payment policy:

  • A 20% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.
  • Balance is payable a week prior to departure.
  • Contact us for coupon code if you are eligible for a US$150 low season discount or a US$150 alumni discount. Only one discount is applicable.

Cancellation policy:

  • Deposit is non-refundable.
  • No refunds for unused services once trek begins.

Price Includes

  • All airport transfers
  • Two full days sightseeing in Kathmandu as indicated in the itinerary and entrance fees to monuments
  • Four nights twin sharing hotel accommodation at Hotel Tibet (3 star) in Kathmandu
  • Chartered vehicle: Kathmandu to Syabrubesi and Timboo to Kathmandu
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Lodge trekking as indicated in the Langtang-Gosaikunda itinerary
  • Boiled water for your bottles two times a day
  • Use of Steripen to sterilize water
  • Guide and staff wages; equipment and meals
  • Guide and staff insurance
  • Langtang National Park Fee
  • Trekkers Information Management Card (TIMS card)
  • Gamow Bag (High altitude pressure chamber)

Price Excludes

  • Your international airfare
  • Nepal Visa
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal equipment (a suggested list will be mailed to you)
  • Travel insurance (Required)
  • Other expenses of a personal nature
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Trip Gallery (Langtang and Gosaikunda Trek)

Options

This itinerary IS customizable. You can add days and reduce days. You can do the whole trek at a faster pace if you are very fit. (Very fit could mean you are currently a long distance runner or a trail runner, a mountaineer or you do several backpacking trips every year hiking between 15 to 20 miles a day.)

You can also just do the Gosaikunda or the Langtang portion. The itinerary would be:

LANGTANG TREK (11 days/10 nights):

DAY 01: Arrive Kathmandu. DAY 02: Explore Kathmandu. DAY 03: Drive to Syabrubesi. DAY 04: Trek to Lama Hotel. DAY 05: Trek to Langtang. DAY 06: Trek to Kyanjin Gompa. DAY 07: Ascend Kyanjin Ri and descend to Thangshyap. Day 08: Descend to Pairo or Bamboo. Day 09: Trek end at Syabrubesi. Drive to Kathmandu. Day 10: Free day in Kathmandu. Day 11: Final departure.

GOSAIKUNDA TREK (10 days/09 nights):

DAY 01: Arrive Kathmandu. DAY 02: Explore Kathmandu. DAY 03: Drive to Dhunche. DAY 04: Trek to Sing Gompa. DAY 05: Trek to Laure Binayak. DAY 06: Trek to Gosaikunda and descend to Phedi. DAY 07: Trek to Melamchi Ghyang. Day 08: Descend to Timbu and drive to Kathmandu. Day 09: Free day in Kathmandu. Day 10: Final departure.

Another similar trek to consider is the Khopra ridge trek.

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ (LANGTANG AND GOSAIKUNDA TREK)

When is the best time to do the Langtang-Gosaikunda Trek?

There are two preferred seasons for the Langtang and Gosaikunda trek: Spring (March through May) and Fall/Autumn (October through December). Day time temperatures range in the 50’s and 60’s (10 to 15 Centigrade) while night-time temperatures are in the 30’s and 40’s (0 to 5 Centigrade). Spring is around 10 degree Fahrenheit warmer than the Fall/Autumn.

In late November and December, expect night time temperatures of below Freezing near Kyanjin Gompa and Gosaikunda. And expect some late-afternoon showers in the Spring which is the season for rhododendrons and magnolias. The whole hill is painted red with the rhododendrons in bloom. October is historically regarded as the best month to trek with clear skies and better views of the mountains.

We highly encourage you to trek in the winter months of December, January and February when days can be quite sunny and warm (40/50 Fahreheit – 5/10 Centigrade) although you should expect temperatures below freezing on most nights above 10,000 feet. But the trails and lodges aren’t as crowded. We offer a $150 per person discount for treks in the Winter.

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Anyone who is reasonably fit and can hike 8-10 miles a day can sign up for the Langtang/Gosaikunda Trek. This is a roller-coaster trek with a lot of ascents and descents (some quite steep). So the better shape you are in, the more you will enjoy the trek.

We rate the Langtang/Gosaikunda trek a 4 (Strenuous) on a scale of 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging).

It is advised that anyone with a pre-existing condition consult their doctor before signing up for a trek.

What kind of food should I expect on the trek?

In general, expect porridge (Oatmeal), toast, eggs (any style), muesli, hash browns, sausages etc for breakfast. And sandwich, pizzas, momos, noodles (dry and with soup), rolls, fried rice, Indian bread with vegetables etc for lunch and dinner. And expect Nepali dal-bhat (rice-lentils with vegetables and/or meat) at all the lodges.

Ours is an OPEN menu. Meaning we allow our clients to order anything from the lodge menu besides bottled beverages, specialty coffee and packaged snacks. We also don’t limit the number of items per meal as long as you aren’t wasteful. When choosing your trekking company, ask if meals are fixed or if you are only allowed to order one item from the menu.

Check out our article on food options for vegetarians.

What are the toilets like? Will there be hot shower?

Most tea houses have a common toilet. Some tea houses have en suite rooms. While squat toilets are more prevalent, newer lodges have Western style toilets.

It is possible to shower in a few of the lodges. And hot shower usually means a bucket of boiled water. Be prepared to pay anywhere from $2-$5 for this service.

What gear do I need for this trek? Can I buy/rent gear in Kathmandu?

Layering is key. And it’s always recommended to trek with good branded gear. A good pair of hiking boots that’s been broken in is very important. Good top and bottom base layers, a mid layer (fleece or capilene), and an outer layer (Gore-tex or other material). If you tend to get cold quickly, bring a down parka especially for the evening at the lodge. On most days, you’d be hiking in a convertible hiking pant that can be converted into shorts and one or two top layers.

if you’re trekking with Crystal Mountain Treks, we provide a sleeping bag (rated to 0 degree F or -17 degree C), duffel bags, down jacket and Steripen for water purification to our clients for no charge.

It is possible to buy cheap and relatively functional gear in Kathmandu – convertible pants, down jackets, fleece, Gore-tex jackets. But remember, you get what you pay for. Wool gloves, hats, socks are available too.

There are quite a few branded stores too. North Face, Moutain Hardwear, Marmot and Sherpa. If you’re coming from Australia or Europe, items in these shops are probably cheaper than back home. But if you’re coming from the US, it’s better to buy branded gear at home.

Can I drink tap water? How can I get water that is safe to drink?

Nepali tap water is NOT safe to drink. Even if you see the locals drinking water straight from the tap, never drink water before boiling or sterilizing. Bring water purifying tablets or other water purifiers. At higher elevations during the coldest times of year the water will freeze, so you’ll need to buy boiled water from teahouses. If you plan to use a STERIPEN, bring wide mouth water bottles. You would need at least 2 one-liter water bottles for the trek. Even if you plan to bring a hydration pack, bring 1 one-liter water to sterilize the water before pouring into your hydration pack.

Crystal Mountain Treks will provide you with a Steripen to use on the trek for no charge.

Do read our blog on safe drinking water options: Hydration on treks in Nepal

How should I prepare for this trek?

The more physically fit you are, the more you will enjoy the trip. There are three aspects to training for any trek.

1) Cardiovascular Training will make your body more efficient in using oxygen. Running, walking, swimming or biking, or any combination of these are great for cardiovascular conditioning.

2) Strength Training by either using free weights or machines at the gym will build hiking strength. Walking stairs, especially with a pack will simulate the hiking environment. We also recommend practicing squats. Trekkers will encounter low hanging obstacles to duck under, and many toilets are at ground level, which requires a low squat.

3) Endurance Training is where you build endurance in the months leading up to your trek, slowly increase your length of training sessions. By the time you are 2 weeks from the scheduled trek date you should be able to ascend 3,000 ft. in a 3-4 hour period.

In the end, the more your training simulates a trek, the better off you will be. So hiking 4-5 hours outdoors, uphill and downhill, about once or twice a week in addition to other cardio vascular training at the gym or at home will greatly benefit and prepare you for the trek.

https://crystalmountaintreks.com/tour/tengboche-trek/

Is there mobile signal on the trek? Wi-fi?

Most of the places on the Langtang and Gosaikunda route now have cell coverage. There are 3 or 4 different operators in Nepal. In most of the rural areas including Langtang, CDMA/Sky phone provides coverage. It is only in Kathmandu that NTC or N-Cell are popular.

In some locations, lodges will offer wi-fi for between $1 to $10 per hour. Near Langtang, lodges charge $5 for 300/400 MB and $10 for 1 GB data.

You can also buy a Sim card with 5GB or 10GB data for under $25: do this in Kathmandu but this may not have coverage in all the places.

Are ATM's available on this trek?

No, ATM’s and/or credit card facility is not available on this trek. Cash is king.

Are immunizations required for trekking in Nepal?

No vaccinations are REQUIRED. There are some that are recommended. Check out websites of the following for immunization that are recommended:

1) CIWEC hospital in Nepal

2) CDC (Center for Disease Control)

Map (LANGTANG AND GOSAIKUNDA TREK)
Langtang and Gosaikunda trek map
Langtang and Gosaikunda trek map
1 Review
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Jerilyn Young

Group Traveller

This was my second trip to Nepal with Crystal Mountain Treks (the first was Annapurna Sanctuary Trek in 2009). Like my first trip, CMT took excellent care of us – from preparations before we even left home to dropping us back off at the airport for our final departure. Due to schedules, our group arrived separately in Kathmandu and CMT was very accommodating, which was much appreciated.

The Langtang trek, which we did in early October, took us up through the valley and along the raging river rewarding us with glimpses of the Himalayas along the way. Our pace up the mountain was slow and steady, allowing us to acclimate to the altitude. One person in our party was more impacted by the altitude and our very experienced guide was ready and able to make adjustments as needed. Fortunately, we all made the climb up Kyanjin Ri, the weather cooperated, and we got some excellent views of the mountains.

Two things stand out for me as I reflect on this trip: (1) passing through Langtang Village and (2) interacting with our guides, porters, and hosts. First, because the valley is narrow, we had to walk through the “old” Langtang Village that was destroyed by a landslide following the 2015 earthquake. We passed through remnants of structures and over a vast field of rocks that covered what used to be home. The “new” Langtang Village they rebuilt just beyond the landslide area seems so small in comparison. While these villagers always overlook this very stark reminder of what was lost, by rebuilding they demonstrated their strength and fortitude in a life full of challenges.

Second, we had Pema Sherpa as our fearless leader. He is a veteran guide that was able to share not just information about Langtang and Nepal, but also his personal stories about being a guide/cook/porter on Everest and other peaks. It was these interactions with Pema (plus our porters and guest house hosts) that really made our trip truly unique. They showed us a great time and some wonderful Nepali hospitality. They invited us into their space, traded stories, and did everything with a smile. All in all, absolutely unforgettable.

October 18, 2018