Located very close to
the Kathmandu valley, Langtang region is the unique place
of nature, culture and religion. Driving about 150km from
Kathmandu, the Langtang valley starts from Syabrubesi(1450m)
and slightly goes northward up to about 4500m. Langtang national
Park is conserved to protect the fragile ecosystem in the
nature, holy lakes like Ganesh Kund, Gosain Kund, Bhairab
Kund, Saraswoti Kund, Surya Kund and Nau Kund and the Buddhist
Gompas. The region offers the unique opportunities to see
the wonderful views of the Himalayas like Ganesh Himal, Langtang
Lirung Himal and Morimoto Peak, faunal and floral species
like red panda, Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, musk deer,
barking deer, wild boar, Himalayan Munal, griffin, pheasant
etc, herbal plants, silver birch, alpine shrubs etc. religious
places like gompas, monasteries, temples and natural lakes.
There are many sacred lakes in Gosain Kund
area. It is believed that a terrible poison was spreading
all over the universe in Golden Era and that was destroying
almost all living things, human beings, gods and goddesses.
But the god of fate and destruction Lord Shiv, one of 3
major gods swallowed all poison to pacify the universe and
to quench his thrust he created the big lake by piercing
a glacier moraine with his magic trident. Nowadays people
see the shadow of Lord Shiv in the level of the lake Gosain
Kund. Trident is called Trishool in Nepali. Originated from
Gosain Kund, Trisuli River, a famous river of Nepal for
rafting is named by the trident/Trishool. Similarly other
gods and goddesses created lakes to quench their thrust
from the effect of poison around Gosain Kund.
Nowadays it is proposed to open the ancient
Nepal-Tibet trade pass 'Rasuwagadhi- Kerung pass by the
Nepalese and Chinese government that is only 22km motorable
road distance from Syabrubesi. Very recently, it is proposed
to join the cable car service from Dhunche to Gosainkund
via Bhairabkund and Saraswotikund that will be 30km distance.
Over 40000 Hindu pilgrims visit this area every year. After
linked the cable car service, it will be very easy and pleasant
to get Gosainkund.
Detailed itinerary
Day 01 : Arrive Kathmandu (1310m).
Day 02 : Drive to Syabrubesi (1450m).
Day 03 : Hike to Lama Hotel (2480m).
Trail follows along the Langtang Khola valley. Birds and
animals like jackal, wild boar, barking deer and others
can be seen. Trail is mainly up from Bamboo after crossing
the Khola.
Day 04 : Hike to Langtang(3541m), trail
passes through the pine forest and sub-alpine shrubs, more
animals and birds can be seen along the trail.
Day 05 : Explore the glacial valleys,
very important and ancient Kyanjing Gompa and the bee hive
settlement of Mangolian friendly people. There is the way
to enter the 'Trekkers' Paradise Valley'-the Helambu Valley
but it is technically difficult to pass the Ganjala(5120m),
no water in long way. However some trekkers do this, most
of the trekkers go back the same way to Syabrubesi then
Gosain Kund and Helambu. Some trekkers direct head to Sundarijal
and enter the Helambu area.
Day 06-07 : Hike back to Bamboo and
ascend up to Thulo Syabru(2200m).
Day 08 : Hike up to Shing Gompa (3584m),
trail passes through the cultivated and the forest, all
way up. Shing Gompa is the important place to see in the
village.
Day 09-10 : Hike up to Gosain Kund(4381m).
This is the highest point in the trail. It provides the
beautiful scene of the Himalayas like Ganesh Himal(7406m),
Manaslu Himal(8163m), mountains, River valleys and the excellent
view of Gosain Kund, Bhairab Kund, Saraswoti Kund, Surya
Kund and Nau Kund. Many Hindu pilgrimages from different
parts of the world, mainly from India visit this area during
spring. Over 6000 western people visit this area every year.
Day 11 : Hike to Tharepati(3600m) passing
by a beautiful cave before the La (Pass). There are two
options coming back to Kathmandu via Sundarijal and Melamchi
but the trail via Melamchi is more worthy and interesting.
Day 12 : Tharepati to Tarkeghyang(2550m).
The Helambu area is very famous for the ancient Buddhist
monasteries, Tibetan culture and the tradition of ethnic
group people. Tarkeghyang is the most interesting place
for the trekkers. Meditation Huts, monasteries, chortens
and local people's warm hospitality attract the trekkers.
Day 13 : Hike to Sermathang(2693m),
this is the another most interesting place to see like Tarkeghyang.
Day 14 : Hike down to Dubachaur(1400m).
Day 15 : Hike down to Melamchi(846m) by the road.
Day 16 : Drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 17 : Sightseeing and shopping in Kathmandu.
Day 18 : Fly back home.
