Langtang Gosaikunda and Helembu Trek Overview
Langtang Gosainkunda Lake and Helembu Trek is a beautiful journey that takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Langtang region. This epic trek will deliver you stunning Himalayan landscapes, Traditional Tamang Villages, towering peaks, alpine lakes, and lush valleys.
Langtang and Helembu Valley is one of the closest trekking destinations to the Capital City of Kathmandu. For anyone looking for a rewarding yet challenging trek within a short period of time frame, this Langtang Circuit Trek will be an ideal choice. It takes you deep into the Tibetan origin Tamang community through diverse Himalayan terrain.
Furthermore, you will explore the Langtang National Park which is home to diverse flora and fauna including the endangered RED PANDA. It is a beautiful Langtang Circuit Trek that provides you with a great opportunity to visit the sacred Gosaikunda Lake.
The Langtang Gosainkunda Lake Trek through Lauribina Pass certainly promises an unforgettable adventure. You can experience terrain transformation from tropical to alpine which gives you a real trekking experience. Significantly Langtang Valley is relatively less crowded as compared to Popoulra Everest Trek or Annapurna Treks.
This 13-day Langtang Gosaikunda and Helambu Trek includes a stopover at the holy Gosaikunda Lake at an altitude of 4, 380 m/14,370 feet which remains frozen for 6 months in the winter. Being less crowded you will definitely enjoy solitude and serenity amid stunning mountain views and cultural experience.
Besides, like in Everest or in Annapurna you don't have to make it strenuous or go high to experience the thrill of trekking. Being at a lower altitude and making it less strenuous you can equally enjoy the trekking thrill. Furthermore, you can do this thrilling trek in a relatively shorter duration, and overall it's affordable in terms of permits, logistics, everything.
There is a beautiful legend over how the name LANGTANG came into existence. Legend speaks that a Lama (Buddhist Monk) discovered the valley of Langtang while following a runaway yak. Accordingly, the name Langtang represents "follow Yak" where 'Lang is Yak' and 'Tang is Follow'.
You can also do this Langtang, Gosaikunda, and Helembu Trek anticlockwise. Check Lantang Gosaikunda and Helembu Trek Anti Clockwise.
Langtang Gosaikunda and Helembu Trek Highlights
- Scenic Drive to Syabrubesi with the majestic view of Ganesh Himal.
- Trek to picturesque Langtang Valley surrounded by towering peaks, lush forests, and traditional Tamang villages.
- Receive homely hospitality from the most hospitable Tamang People.
- Stay at Kyanjin Gompa, a settlement in the lap of Langtang Lirung with a magical view.
- Visit the historic Swiss cheese factory, the First Cheese Factory of Nepal.
- Excursion to Kyanjin Ri (4770 m) or Tsergo Ri (4980 m) offering grandiose views of mountains and surrounding landscapes.
- Hike to the sacred Gosainkunda Lake, a popular pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
- Witness the stunning beauty with the serene and spiritual ambiance of the lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
- Cross the challenging alpine Lauribina Pass at an elevation of 4,610 m.
- Descend through the pristine alpine meadows and dense forests towards a different valley of Helembu.
Shin Gompa or Sing Gompa (3,330 m/10,925 feet)
It is believed that Shin or Sing Gompa played an important role in conserving Tibetan Buddhism and Culture in the Langtang region. This traditional village is located at the Himalayan ridge at an elevation of 3,330 meters. The village is popularly known for its tranquil settlement and its prominent Buddhist monastery.
People from different parts of the world travel to Shin Gompa to witness its peaceful ambiance and learn about Tibetan Buddhism. Furthermore, both domestic and international travelers hike to this peaceful settlement to meditate and to witness the daily rituals performed by the monks. Besides, you can also visit the cheese factory.
However, there aren't any written records that would give you an extensive history of Shin Gompa. It is believed that the legends and their traditions have been passed down to generations through oral tradition and local legends. Legends state that Shin Gompa or Sing Gompa was established by Buddhist monks and hermits who sought refuge in the pristine landscapes of the Langtang Valley.
It was more like an asylum where the monks would pray, meditate, and get enlightened in such a tranquil environment. Over time, with the coming of tourism, this pristine monastery has grown in prominence and significance. The area offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and the Langtang Valley. It is a perfect place for trekkers to find both spiritual experience and natural beauty.
Staying overnight at Shin Gompa's serene surroundings will be a great experience for trekkers exploring the Langtang area.
Holy Gosaikunda Lake (4,380 m/ 14,370 feet:
Holy Gosaikunda Lake is a sacred gem of the Langtang Valley situated at an altitude of 4,380 meters which is 14,370 feet. This gorgeous glacial lake is surrounded by rugged mountains offering amazing panoramic views. Since not many people travel to this region, trekkers can experience the most peaceful environment in the wilderness. Trekkers will have ample space for meditation, mindfulness, or self-seclusion.
The ambiance has a pristine wilderness where the clear water of the lake reflects the surrounding snowcapped peaks. This holy glacial lake has great religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. According to Hindu mythology, Gosaikunda Lake is believed to have been created by Lord SHIVA, the highest deity in Hinduism. It is said that He drank poison that was released from the ocean which could have put an end to the universe. The powerful poison burned his throat and to cool his burning throat he pierced the glacier with his powerful Trident (Trishul) which later on formed the Gosaikunda Lake.
Every year thousands of devotees from Nepal and India take a pilgrimage trip to Godaikunda Lake to pay homage to Lord Shiva. The Janai Purnima festival, also known as the Raksha Bandhan festival is one of the most celebrated festivals at Gosaikunda Lake. This festival falls on the full moon month of Shrawan (July-August).
During this full moon Janai Purnima festival, pilgrims gather at the sacred lake to perform rituals and also take a holy dip. Taking a dip on this auspicious day is believed to give salvation and bring good fortune. The trek to Gosaikunda Lake is certainly a spiritual adventure.
Lauribina pass (4,610 m / 15,124 feet):
Lauribina Pass is a beautiful high-altitude mountain pass at an altitude of approximately 4,610 meters which is 15,125 feet. This alpine mountain pass stands as a bridge that connects the Valley of Helembu and the Valley of Langtang. Being at an alpine altitude of 4610 meters the pass is challenging but the reward it presents is unimaginable.
Whether you do the Lauribina Pass Clockwise or Anti-Clockwise, both ways give you a wonderful trekking experience. The experience of exploring two different valleys treats travelers with diverse landscapes through traditional villages, farming fields, valleys, lush forests, and alpine Himalayan meadows.
As trekkers ascend to the summit of Lauribina Pass they will be treated with a grandiose panorama view of pristine landscapes and several other lakes. The experience of raw wilderness as you walk this alpine Himalayan meadow is the highlight of this trek. Among other high mountain passes in Nepal, Lauribina Pass stands out as a raw and scenic pass that will lead you to Himalayan paradise.
Crossing Lauribina Pass itself has religious importance. According to local folklore, those who go over the pass receive blessings and a sense of spiritual upliftment. There are too many legends regarding Gods and Goddesses residing in the surrounding areas of Lauribina Pass. A trek to Laruibina Pass is an unforgettable experience that offers you genuine authenticity with spiritual significance.
Langtang and its People:
Lantang is the first Himalayan National Park of Nepal, established in 1976. The valley of Langtang is less visited by tourists but still it happens to be the most popular destination. It is a highly sought trekking destination after Everest and Annapurna.
Langtang Valley is highly traveled by travelers who have limited time but at the same time want to experience the alpine wilderness. It is certainly fascinating and also commonly known as the home of RED PANDAS. The settlement in this region dates back to 300 years when Tibetan migrants traveled and took refuge. They blended very well with the local people known as TAMANGS living in the lowlands and over time these migrants considered themselves as Tamangs.
This is the reason why as you travel through the Lantang Valley you will witness the Tibetan culture influence, unlike the Tamangs. Despite them being the Tibetan origin, they are warm-hearted peace peace-loving people providing you with home-like hospitality.
The Valley is adorned with prayer flags, Mani (prayer) walls, Mani stones, and ample monasteries. Unlike lowland Tamangs, these people have their own distinct language, traditional costumes, rituals, traditions, and festivals. They are very welcoming and always bore a beautiful smile on their face. They have faced the worst during the 2015 tragic earthquake but still you will witness the positive attitude in their everyday life.