Trek through three distinct regions of the Langtang National Park from glacial valleys to sacred alpine lakes to traditional Sherpa villages in 17 days
Langtang Valley, Gosainkunda, and Helambu in a single continuous trek
Entire route accessible by road from Kathmandu, no weather delays
Langtang-based guides who know every trail, village, and pass
One of Nepal's most sacred alpine lakes, revered by Hindus and Buddhists
The Langtang, Gosainkunda and Helambu Trek connects three separate trekking regions in a single 17-day circuit without a domestic flight. The route starts with a drive north from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, climbs through the glacial Langtang Valley to Kyanjin Gompa, crosses to the sacred lakes of Gosainkunda, then descends through the traditional Sherpa villages of Helambu to Melamchi Pul Bazaar before returning to Kathmandu by road.
Daily walking is 5 to 7 hours. The trail reaches 4,610m at Laurebina La Pass and an optional 5,000m at Tserko Ri. Altitude sickness is a real risk above 3,500m and the itinerary is paced to allow proper acclimatization. This trek is rated challenging. Previous hiking experience is beneficial and good cardiovascular fitness is required before departure.
MountainKick runs this trek with licensed local guides who handle all permits, transport, and logistics from day one. No domestic flights means no weather delays and no added flight costs. Kumar answers personally if you have questions before booking.
For a shorter Langtang option see our Langtang Valley Trek. For a more demanding route see the Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek.
A MountainKick representative meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. Your guide runs a brief intro covering the full 17-day route, gear check, and what to expect across all three trekking regions. The evening is free to explore Thamel and pick up any last-minute gear
A full-day drive northwest along the Trishuli River valley through Trishuli Bazaar and the Nuwakot countryside. The road climbs gradually from the Kathmandu Valley toward Syabrubesi, the gateway town to Langtang National Park. On clear days you get distant views of Ganesh Himal and Manaslu from the highway
The trek begins with a steady climb following the Langtang Khola through dense forest of oak, rhododendron, and bamboo. The trail crosses several rivers via suspension bridges and passes through Bamboo village and Rimche before reaching Lama Hotel, a cluster of teahouses in a forest clearing. This section is prime habitat for red pandas and Himalayan black bears
The trail steepens above the tree line into vast yak pastures with the first full mountain panoramas coming into view. You pass Ghoda Tabela, a former army checkpoint, then Langtang Village, completely rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake landslide. A further 30 minutes uphill brings you to Mundu with dramatic views of Langtang Lirung at 7,234m
A shorter day designed for acclimatization. The trail follows the valley floor through meadows past what is reportedly the largest Buddhist prayer wall in Nepal to Kyanjin Gompa, surrounded by a glacial amphitheater of peaks. The ancient monastery and the yak cheese factory, established with Swiss assistance in the 1950s, are both worth a visit
The trek’s highest point and one of the finest accessible viewpoints in Nepal. The ascent follows a steep zigzag trail over loose and sometimes snow-covered rock from Kyanjin Gompa to the summit, where a 360-degree panorama takes in Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Ri, Ganesh Himal, and the Langtang Glacier below
A long descent retracing the Langtang Valley trail from a new perspective. The 1,490m drop covers familiar ground but the views read differently going downhill and the forest sections feel slower and richer. The easier breathing at lower altitude is noticeable and welcome after two nights above 3,800m
Rather than returning to Syabrubesi the trail branches off toward Thulo Syabru, a traditional Tamang village perched on a ridge with wide mountain views. This marks the transition from the Langtang Valley section to the Gosainkunda section of the trek. The route descends through forest before climbing to the village at a natural junction between the two trail systems
The climb to Shin Gompa, also known as Chandanbari, takes you through dense rhododendron forest past Dimsa village. On clear days views of Langtang Himal open up behind you as you gain height. The area around the monastery and its nearby cheese factory is one of the best red panda habitats in Nepal, though sightings are rare
The trail climbs through rhododendron forest before emerging into rocky alpine terrain, passing Lauribinayak at 4,000m where the landscape shifts dramatically. The final approach follows a rocky trail past several smaller lakes before the main Gosainkunda Lake appears, a 13.8-hectare body of water in a stark alpine bowl sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists
The toughest day of the trek. The trail climbs past several alpine lakes to Laurebina La Pass at 4,610m, the highest point on the trekking route itself. The pass is non-technical but physically demanding at altitude and weather can change rapidly. The descent from the pass is steep and rough, dropping through Phedi and forested hills to Ghopte, your entry point into Helambu
The trail descends through rhododendron forest before climbing to Thare Pati at 3,690m, a ridge-top settlement with views in every direction. From there the trail drops through forest and a series of small settlements to Melamchigaon, a traditional Sherpa village in the heart of Helambu where local traditions have been preserved for centuries
An uphill walk to Tarke Ghyang, the largest village in the Helambu region and home to indigenous Sherpa people who have maintained traditional ways of life for generations. The village monastery is the oldest in Helambu and worth spending time in. The shorter day leaves the afternoon free for cultural exploration
The trail crosses a valley and passes through the villages of Parachin and Gangyul before reaching Sermathang. This stretch gives you an extended look at traditional village life in Helambu, terraced fields, Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and prayer wheels lining the path. Mountain views accompany you throughout the day
The final trekking day descends through agricultural terraces to the road-head town of Melamchi Pul Bazaar. This completes the three-region circuit from the glacial peaks of Langtang through the sacred lakes of Gosainkunda to the cultural heartland of Helambu. The warmer air and lower altitude at the valley floor feel like a different world after two weeks above 2,000m
A scenic drive through mountain valleys back to Kathmandu, arriving by early evening. Farewell dinner with traditional Nepali food and cultural performances closes out the three-region circuit
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure. MountainKick handles the airport drop-off. Depending on your flight timing, there may be time for a final breakfast or last-minute shopping.
Activity: Airport drop-off | Time: As per flight schedule
In Kathmandu you stay in a 3-star hotel in Thamel on twin-sharing basis with breakfast included. Rooms have private bathrooms, hot water, and Wi-Fi. On all trekking nights you stay in teahouses across the Langtang Valley, Gosainkunda, and Helambu sections. Rooms are simple with beds, pillows, and blankets provided. Bathrooms are shared throughout. Facilities get more basic as you gain altitude. At Gosainkunda at 4,380m expect the most stripped-back conditions on the route, with limited electricity and no reliable hot showers. Single supplement is available on request at lower elevations but cannot be guaranteed above 3,500m.
Breakfast is included at the Kathmandu hotel. All meals on trek days are your own cost, ordered and paid at each teahouse. Teahouses serve dal bhat, noodle soups, fried rice, eggs, pasta, porridge, and chapati. Vegetarian options are available throughout. Food prices increase with altitude. Budget $30 to $40 per day for three meals and drinks on the trail. Avoid meat above Syabrubesi as supply chains are unreliable at higher elevations.
| Meals and drinks per day | $30 to $40 /day |
| Hot shower | $3 to $5 |
| Wi-Fi | $2 to $5 per day |
| Battery charging | $1 to $2 per device |
| Bottled water | $2 to $4 per litre |
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This trek is rated challenging. It involves 15 days of walking reaching 4,610m at Laurebina La Pass and an optional 5,000m at Tserko Ri. All trails are walkable without technical climbing equipment. The main challenges are the duration, altitude exposure, and some demanding ascent and descent days. Previous hiking experience is beneficial and good cardiovascular fitness is required before departure.
The highest point on the trekking route is Laurebina La Pass at 4,610m. The optional Tserko Ri climb reaches 5,000m. The highest sleeping altitude is Gosainkunda at 4,380m. All three are well above 3,500m where acute mountain sickness commonly occurs, so proper acclimatization is essential. Read our altitude sickness guide before departure.
Autumn from September to November offers the best conditions with clear skies and stable weather. October is peak season for good reason. Spring from March to May is excellent too with rhododendron forests in full bloom between 2,500m and 3,500m. Monsoon from June to August brings rain, leeches on lower sections, and poor visibility. Winter from December to February is possible but expect snow on Laurebina La and reduced teahouse availability at higher elevations.
No. Unlike the Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek which requires ropes, crampons, and ice axes, this entire route is walkable without technical equipment. Good trekking boots, trekking poles, and appropriate layered clothing are sufficient for both Laurebina La Pass and the optional Tserko Ri climb.
Two permits are required: the Langtang National Park Entry Permit and the TIMS card. Both are arranged by MountainKick in Kathmandu before the trek starts and are included in the package price. You do not need to arrange these yourself.
Meals are not included during trekking days. You order and pay at each teahouse along the route. Budget $30 to $40 per day for three meals plus drinks and snacks. Breakfast is included at the Kathmandu hotel and the farewell dinner on Day 16 is included. Teahouse menus offer dal bhat, noodle soups, fried rice, eggs, pasta, and chapati.
Gosainkunda is a sacred alpine lake at 4,380m in Langtang National Park. Hindu mythology holds that Lord Shiva created the lake by thrusting his trident into the mountainside. The lake is one of 108 in the cluster, covers 13.8 hectares, and is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. During the Janai Purnima festival each August thousands of pilgrims make the journey here.
The Langtang Valley Trek covers just the first section of this route in 10 days from $510. This combined trek adds Gosainkunda and Helambu, making it the most comprehensive single trek in the Langtang region. Doing all three sections separately would require multiple trips from Kathmandu and cost significantly more overall.
Gosainkunda at 4,380m has the most basic accommodation on the trek. Expect simple twin rooms, limited electricity, and no reliable hot showers. Teahouses provide bedding but bringing a sleeping bag rated to at least 0°C is strongly recommended for warmth and hygiene. Single rooms are extremely limited at this elevation, particularly in peak season.
You should comfortably hike 5 to 7 hours per day for consecutive days. This is a 17-day commitment with limited rest days. Prepare with 3 to 4 months of regular hiking, running, or cycling, and practice hikes with significant elevation gain. You do not need to be an athlete but good baseline fitness makes a real difference on the harder days.
Travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation to at least 5,000m is mandatory on this trek. Helicopter rescue costs approximately $4,000 to $6,000 without insurance. Purchase your policy before arriving in Nepal and carry a printed copy on the trail. Confirm trekking coverage and helicopter evacuation are explicitly included in your policy.
No ATMs exist beyond Kathmandu on this route. Withdraw all cash before departure. Budget $30 to $40 per day for teahouse meals plus additional trail costs for hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging. Carry small denominations as change is limited at teahouses, particularly at higher elevations.
The EBC Trek (14 days, from $1,160) reaches higher altitude (5,545m at Kala Patthar) and requires a domestic flight. The Annapurna Circuit (16 days, from $770) crosses Thorong La at 5,416m. The Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu Trek reaches lower maximum altitude (4,610m on route) but covers more diverse terrain and culture across three regions. It is less crowded than both, does not require flights, and is more affordable. It is a strong alternative for trekkers who want variety over extreme altitude.
Gosainkunda is one of Nepal’s most important pilgrimage sites. Hindu mythology holds that Lord Shiva created the lake by striking the mountain with his trident to obtain water. The lake is one of 108 in the area, sits at 4,460m, covers 13.8 hectares, and is considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists. During the annual Janai Purnima festival (August), thousands of pilgrims make the journey here. Even outside festival season, the spiritual atmosphere – marked by prayer flags, mani stones, and small shrines – is powerful.
No. Unlike the Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek (which requires ropes, crampons, and ice axes), this entire route is walkable without technical equipment. The Laurebina La Pass at 4,610m is physically demanding but non-technical. Good trekking boots, trekking poles, and appropriate layered clothing are sufficient.
Langtang National Park is home to red pandas, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, Himalayan tahr (wild mountain goats), langur monkeys, and over 250 bird species. Red pandas are the park’s flagship species – the forest sections between 2,500-3,500m (particularly around Shin Gompa) are prime habitat. Sightings are rare because the animals are shy and largely nocturnal, but your guide will point out signs of their presence.
Yes. MountainKick offers full customization. Common modifications include shortening the trek by skipping the Helambu section (ending at Dhunche after Gosainkunda, reducing to 13-14 days), adding extra acclimatization days, upgrading transport to private vehicle, or combining with the Tamang Heritage Trek for deeper cultural immersion. Visit our customize your trip page.
Essential items: layered clothing (base layer, insulating mid-layer, waterproof shell), warm down jacket, trekking boots (well broken-in), trekking poles, sleeping bag rated for 0C to -5C, 25-35L daypack, headlamp, water bottles, sunscreen SPF 40+, and personal medications. A detailed packing checklist is available on the trip page. Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented from MountainKick for approximately $35 each.
Teahouse menus are similar across the route. Standard options include dal bhat (the Nepali national dish of rice, lentils, vegetables, and pickles – typically with unlimited refills), noodle soups (thukpa), fried rice and noodles, momos (Tibetan dumplings), eggs, pancakes, chapati, and simple pasta dishes. Food prices increase with altitude. Tea and instant coffee are available everywhere. Bottled water and soft drinks are available but contribute to mountain waste – consider water purification tablets or a SteriPen instead.
Submit an inquiry through the trip page or contact MountainKick directly. A deposit confirms your dates (private departure or group). MountainKick provides a detailed equipment checklist and pre-trip coordination. Full payment is due before departure. The team handles all permits, transport, accommodation, and guide/porter arrangements. MountainKick has representatives in Australia, the USA, and Europe for local support during the booking process.
| Trip Starts | Trip Ends | Status | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEPTEMBER 2026 | ||||
| 4 Sep 2026 17 days | 20 Sep 2026 | available | $750 | |
| 11 Sep 2026 17 days | 27 Sep 2026 | available | $750 | |
| 18 Sep 2026 17 days | 4 Oct 2026 | available | $750 | |
| 25 Sep 2026 17 days | 11 Oct 2026 | available | $750 | |
| OCTOBER 2026 | ||||
| 2 Oct 2026 17 days | 18 Oct 2026 | available | $750 | |
| 9 Oct 2026 17 days | 25 Oct 2026 | available | $750 | |
| 16 Oct 2026 17 days | 1 Nov 2026 | available | $750 | |
| 23 Oct 2026 17 days | 8 Nov 2026 | available | $750 | |
| 30 Oct 2026 17 days | 15 Nov 2026 | available | $750 | |
| NOVEMBER 2026 | ||||
| 6 Nov 2026 17 days | 22 Nov 2026 | available | $750 | |
| 13 Nov 2026 17 days | 29 Nov 2026 | available | $750 | |
| 20 Nov 2026 17 days | 6 Dec 2026 | available | $750 | |
| 27 Nov 2026 17 days | 13 Dec 2026 | available | $750 | |
| DECEMBER 2026 | ||||
| 4 Dec 2026 17 days | 20 Dec 2026 | available | $750 | |
| 11 Dec 2026 17 days | 27 Dec 2026 | available | $750 | |
| 18 Dec 2026 17 days | 3 Jan 2027 | available | $750 | |
| 25 Dec 2026 17 days | 10 Jan 2027 | available | $750 | |
| MARCH 2027 | ||||
| 2 Mar 2027 17 days | 18 Mar 2027 | available | $750 | |
| 9 Mar 2027 17 days | 25 Mar 2027 | available | $750 | |
| 16 Mar 2027 17 days | 1 Apr 2027 | available | $750 | |
| 23 Mar 2027 17 days | 8 Apr 2027 | available | $750 | |
| 30 Mar 2027 17 days | 15 Apr 2027 | available | $750 | |
| APRIL 2027 | ||||
| 6 Apr 2027 17 days | 22 Apr 2027 | available | $750 | |
| 13 Apr 2027 17 days | 29 Apr 2027 | available | $750 | |
| 20 Apr 2027 17 days | 6 May 2027 | available | $750 | |
| 27 Apr 2027 17 days | 13 May 2027 | available | $750 | |
| MAY 2027 | ||||
| 4 May 2027 17 days | 20 May 2027 | available | $750 | |
| 11 May 2027 17 days | 27 May 2027 | available | $750 | |
| 18 May 2027 17 days | 3 Jun 2027 | available | $750 | |
| 25 May 2027 17 days | 10 Jun 2027 | available | $750 | |
| 30+ days before departure | Deposit forfeited, balance refunded in full |
| 15–29 days before departure | 50% of total trip cost charged |
| Under 15 days | No refund |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
We give you the power to choose the departure date that suits your group best. A private trip is a perfect solution if you can’t find a published departure date that you and your companions agree on. You can set up a private departure for most of the trips we offer.
| Travellers | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1075 |
| 2-3 | $680 |
| 4-9 | $556 |
Ready to go? Request your preferred dates or message Kumar directly on WhatsApp — he'll confirm availability within a few hours.
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
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| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture-wicking base layer tops | 2 | Long sleeve. Merino wool or synthetic. No cotton. |
| Fleece jacket | 1 | Mid layer. Keep it accessible at the top of your bag. |
| Down jacket | 1 | For evenings and mornings above 3,000m. Packable. |
| Waterproof shell jacket with hood | 1 | Rain is more likely here than on the EBC trail. |
| Trekking trousers | 2 | Quick-dry. Zip-off legs useful for lower warm sections. |
| Waterproof overtrousers | 1 | For rain in the lower forest sections. |
| Thermal base layer bottoms | 1 | For cold nights at Gosainkunda and Kyanjin Gompa |
| Underwear | 3 | Quick-dry. |
| Warm beanie | 1 | Mornings at Kyanjin Gompa drop below zero. |
| Sun hat or cap | 1 | UV exposure increases sharply above 3,000m. |
| Buff or neck gaiter | 1 | Dust on lower trail sections and warmth higher up. |
| Thin liner gloves | 1 pair | For cool mornings on the trail. |
| Insulated gloves | 1 pair | Essential for Tserko Ri and Laurebina La Pass crossing |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof trekking boots | 1 pair | High ankle support. Break them in before arrival. |
| Merino wool trekking socks | 3 pairs | Enough for 10 days with teahouse washing. |
| Camp sandals or flip flops | 1 pair | For teahouses and shower blocks. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping bag rated to -10°C | 1 | Gosainkunda at 4,380m is the coldest sleeping point. Teahouses provide blankets but rooms are unheated and electricity is unreliable. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Trekking poles | 1 pair | Highly recommended. Steep descents punish knees. |
| Headlamp with spare batteries | 1 | For early summit starts and teahouse power cuts. |
| Daypack 20 to 25 litres | 1 | Carries everything you need on trail each day. |
| Duffel bag 50 to 60 litres | 1 | For porter. MountainKick provides one. |
| Dry bags or packing cubes | 1 | Protect clothes and electronics from rain. |
| Water bottles or hydration bladder | 2 litres | Drink 3 to 4 litres per day above 3,000m. |
| Water purification tablets or filter | 1 | Cheaper and less plastic than bottled water. |
| Sunscreen SPF 50 | 1 | UV intensity is high above 3,000m. Reapply often. |
| Sunglasses with UV protection | 1 | UV intensity is high above 3,000m. Reapply often. |
| Trekking map of Langtang and Helambu region | 1 | Useful for following daily progress across all three sections |
| Power bank 10,000mAh | 1 | Charging costs $2 to $3 per device at teahouses. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | 1 | Valid for 6 months beyond arrival date. |
| Nepal visa | 1 | Obtainable on arrival at Kathmandu airport. |
| Travel insurance documents | 1 | Printed copy. Must cover helicopter rescue to 5,000m. Mandatory on this trek. |
| Emergency contact card | 1 | Leave one copy with MountainKick before departure. |
| Nepali Rupees cash | No ATMs after Kathmandu. Carry full budget for trek. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| item_nameitem_qtyitem_noteBiodegradable soap and shampoo | 1 each | Protects the river and water sources in the park. |
| Hand sanitiser | 1 | Soap is not always available before meals. |
| Toilet paper and lighter | 1 | Burn or pack out. Do not bury in the national park. |
| Personal medication | Include any regular prescriptions. | |
| Altitude sickness tablets (Diamox) | Consult your doctor before trek. Not a substitute for pacing. | |
| Lip balm with SPF | 1 | Lips crack quickly at altitude. |
| Wet wipes | 1 pack | Useful between hot shower days. |
| Small padlock | 1 | For duffel bag zip when left with porter overnight. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Blister plasters | 10 | Broken-in boots reduce need but carry anyway. |
| Ibuprofen and paracetamol | For headaches and muscle pain. | |
| Rehydration sachets | 5 | Essential if you experience diarrhoea at altitude. |
| Antiseptic wipes and cream | 1 | For cuts and grazes on rocky trail sections. |
| Bandage and tape | 1 | For sprains on steep descents. |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Heavy down jacket rated to -20°C | Gosainkunda drops to -15°C at night in winter. Upgrade from standard down. |
| Balaclava | Covers face and neck on exposed summit approaches. |
| Insulated waterproof gloves | Liner gloves alone are not enough below 3,500m in winter. |
| Microspikes or crampons | Trail above Langtang Village and Laurebina La can ice over in winter. Check with guide before departure. |
| Gaiters | Keep snow and ice out of boots on upper sections. |
| Sleeping bag rated to -20°C | Upgrade from standard -10°C bag for winter nights at Gosainkunda and Kyanjin Gompa. |
| Hand and foot warmers | Single use. Useful on summit days and cold bus rides. |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Rain poncho | Covers both you and your daypack on heavy rain days. |
| Leech socks | Essential between Syabrubesi and Lama Hotel from June onwards. Not needed above Thulo Syabru. |
| Extra merino socks x2 | Wet socks are unavoidable. Rotate daily. |
| Dry bags x2 extra | Everything in your daypack needs double protection. |
| Waterproof phone case | Humidity damages phones even without direct rain. |
| Quick-dry camp towel x2 | Drying time is long in monsoon humidity. |
Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented through us in Kathmandu before departure. Trekking poles are best purchased or rented in Thamel. MountainKick provides a duffel bag for every trekker and connects you with trusted gear shops at the pre-trip briefing.
Kumar and the team have guided this route for over a decade. Ask anything — gear, fitness, altitude, private groups — before you commit.
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