Langtang / Gossaikund / Helambu Trek | Nepal, 2008

Avg.Time:  10 days

Start / Finish:

• Syabrubesi – Sundarijal
• Regular transport to Kathmandu is available to and from both trailheads.

Season:

• October/November and March/April.

Difficulty:

• Moderate

Maps / Info:

• Nepa Maps/Himalaya Map House, 1:120,000 Langtang, Gosainkund & Helambu. Widely available in Kathmandu; you can also pick it up online at www.omnimap.com

• In addition, I used the trekking notes from Lonely Planet’s Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya.

Route / Conditions:

• For those with limited time in Nepal, this trek represents a great alternative to the Annapurna and Everest regions. Not so many crowds, relatively easy access from Kathmandu, yet with all the stunning mountain scenery of its two more famous cousins.

• My original plan for this hike was to link the Langtang and Gosainkund treks via the Ganja La. Unfortunately, during my time in the area, Ganja La was impassable due to snow. Depending on the weather and your level of experience, from all reports this would be a fantastic option.

• As an alternative, I instead walked back to the junction just west of the suspension bridge at Doman, and then linked up with the Gosainkund Trek via the hilltop village of Thulo Syabru. This trail eventually joins the Helambu Circuit at Therapati, from where you head south to eventually reach Sundarijal.

• Whilst at Kyanjin Gompa, there are two fantastic side trips which are virtual musts. The first is to continue further along the Langtang Valley to the spectacularly set Langshisha Kharka. The second is the climb up Tsergo Ri (4984m), the conical shaped peak which overlooks Kyanjin Gompa from the east. The panorama from the top is well worth the effort.

Sleeping:

• Tea Houses. In Kyanjin Gompa, there is a wonderful little (it only had 3 rooms) place called Sherpa House. Highly recommended.

Overview:

• This walk has a more laid back feel to it than some of the more popular trekking areas in Nepal.
• The views approaching Langshisha Karka and from the top of Tsergo Ri were the scenic highlights.