Langtang Gosaikunda Trek - 13 days

Kathmandu to Gosaikunda Lake Distance

Starting the journey from Kathmandu and following the standard trekking trail, with a drive to Dhunche, covers a distance of approximately 118 to 121 kilometres, with a 6-7 hrs of driving. Proceeding the hike further from Dhunche - the starting point of the trek, following the regular route via Syabru, Sing Gompa, and a final ascent to Gosaikunda Lake, covers around 34.8 kilometres, and gets completed just within 5 to 7 days, depending on your pace and itinerary.

On the other hand, as our itinerary is a combination of Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Trek, this Himalayan adventure covers approximately. total distance of 82 to 102 kilometres, i.e, 54 to 62 miles, with a daily coverage of 5-6 hrs and 8 to 12 kilometres per day, within 13 days coverage including drive and walking trail.

Best Time for Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

The ideal season for the combined Gosaikunda Langtang Trek stands out to be Spring, starting from March to May, and Autumn, which tends to be mid-September till the last November. This span of the year offers stable weather and climate conditions, rewarding trekkers with clear views of mountains and landscapes, without any risk of heavy precipitation. The terrain usually remains dry, free from muddy soak trailheads, which makes your trek easier and safer to navigate through. This makes the Langtang region a perfect time to trek, with jaw-dropping surrounding views that are unhindered, perfect for gazing at and keeping you persistent for long hours. 

Whereas winter and monsoon are not highly recommended, as the cloud cover is intense during this time, making the trekking route slippery to navigate, with gloomy clouds and unexpected weather situations, the trip becomes more challenging than it actually is. 

Spring (March to May)

Spring is marked to be one of the best seasons to traverse through the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek route, with the blooming rhododendrons decorating the lush green valley, and long hours of sunny days, to explore the pristine beauty. During this timeframe, the thriving woodlands, with colourful wild flowers, the chances of spotting the wildlife species, and the rare Himalayan migrating birds make the trek exciting.

While the first month of March still has the perk of the winter season, and spring is coming over, you can walk in the chill, humid, and cool weather. However, at higher terrains, the night temperature might fall below 5 to -10 degrees Celsius, with cold nights, so make sure to pack the gear accordingly and add warm layerings, to stay warm and avoid frostbite.

Meanwhile, April is the best month of the spring, with the fresh air, clear views of Himalayan peaks, and chill daytime yet warm nights to comfortably settle in, where the temperature is expected not to exceed 15 degrees Celsius, during a day hike, with less chance of precipitation. 

May, on the other hand, is considered the hottest span of the springtime, where you can feel the pre-monsoon/summer featuring, less amount of rain fall at lower terrains, and snowfall, at high elevation, however, perfect for those, who wants to meander along with quieter route, in peace, with the bloomed rhododendrons, and captivating himalayan peaks.

Autumn (Mid-September to November)

Autumn is one of the peak and best times of the year for Langtang Gosaikunda Trekking, where the months of September, October, and November bring stable weather and climatic conditions, bringing the unhindered views of the mountains and surroundings. As the monsoon season bids goodbye, the air becomes clear and fresh, with the new beginnings of the untamed beauty of the Himalayas. With almost zero risk of rain and snowfall, the trekking route remains dry, opening the trailhead to all kinds of hikers, from beginners to families with kids or senior citizens.

September marks the first month of the Autumn season, when the monsoon still hasn't left yet, especially at the beginning of September, when a little amount of rainfall is expected. However, by mid-September, the weather becomes completely clear, with the thundering vista of the Himalayan peaks, which will accompany you throughout the journey, without any gloominess.

Likewise, the month of October stands out as the peak month to visit the Langtang Gosainkunda Lake, because it is the time when the major festivals of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar, take place, where you can celebrate with locals, and connect with the Himalayan lifestyle even more. Not only that, the views of the mountains, lush green valley, with golden terraced fields, keep you engaged throughout the journey. As it is the crowded season, you can mingle with other hikers and make new friends, across the globe, with keen-minded people like you. 

On the other hand, November is the last month of Autumn, with a pre-winter season, where you can hike in chill weather in a day, with clear skies, where the snowcapped peaks surround the trailhead enchantingly. However, a little amount of snowfall, at higher elevations, is still expected, so make sure to be prepared accordingly.

Is this trip doable in winter and monsoon as well?

Summer and monsoon seasons are considered off-time for this adventure, as during this timeframe, a high level of precipitation makes the terrain strenuous to navigate, with heavy snowfall near the Gosaikunda lake, and Kyanjin gompa as well. Whereas the lower region experiences heavy rainfall, making the route slippery to pass through and filled with leeches and mosquitoes, meanwhile, the main attraction stands out to be the main festival "Janai Purnima", which comes in the full moon of August.

During this timeframe, many people come from across the globe, especially the Hindu followers, to seek blessings at the lake, which is known as a form of deity and holy itself, said to bring fortune and blessings. If you are up for the challenges and the heavy rain or snowfall doesn't bother you, and are prepared and trained beforehand, with comprehensive planning and packing, then winter and monsoon seasons can be enjoyable and full of cultural insights as well. 

To know more regarding the ideal span of the year, weather and temperature conditions, with major perks and cons, in each seasonal time, you can check our detailed article on the best time to visit Langtang, which entails indepth overview.

Langtang Gosaikunda Laurebina Pass Trek Difficulty

The Langtang Gosaikunda Lake with Laurebina Pass Trekking is considered a moderately challenging adventure, which demands continuous ascents and descents through the varied terrains, and higher elevation with thinning air. This trek covers 83 kilometres in total, with a daily coverage of 9 to 12 kilometres, with a daily pace of 5-6 hours of walking per day. Hence, one must be physically fit to pass through diverse trailhead sections and proceed on the long-duration hike; meanwhile, with the proper preparation, this trek can surely be achieved by beginners as well.

One of the major factors that makes this trip a bit challenging is the coverage of the two destinations in one single journey, while the Langtang route is quite easier to pass through with the best lodging and well-marked trails. Whereas the Laurebina Pass via Gosaikunda Trail is more remote, with several steep, dense forested areas and rugged trailheads, with less facilitated tea houses and unexpected weather challenges, which make the trip more strenuous, especially for beginners. 

The highest elevation, this trek takes you to 4984 meters at Tsergo Ri, with a continuous uphill walk through the rugged trailheads, which is the most challenging section of this trek. While venturing out to such a high altitude, you can feel the thinning air and lack of oxygen; hence, a proper acclimatisation is required for safe ascent, to proceed with the overall trek, with preventive guidelines beforehand. 

Likewise, our 13-day Langtang Gosaikunda Trek itinerary is customised with a gradual pace, with 300-500 meters per day, without ascending beyond that, ensuring that your body gets used to the rising elevation. Besides, our experienced licensed guide assists you in navigating through the safe terrains, making sure that you are on the safe and easy trailhead, while covering every highlighted aspect of the odyssey at the same time.

Nonetheless, with proper preparation physically and mentally and comprehensive planning with a well-customised itinerary, this trek becomes easily accessible to even those having no prior experience (beginners), smoothly.

Is the Langtang and Gosaikunda Trek safe to do?

Yes, the Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Trekking is surely safe to venture out; however, you must be physically prepared to proceed the long-distance hike, and must be mentally prepared for unseen challenges, like weather changes, and a minor dangerous situation. Besides, there are some challenging sections, where you must be cautious, like landslide-prone areas, dense forested routes without any trace, and trekking trails with no tea houses in between and not even marked properly, which is why a licensed trekking guide has been made compulsory since 23rd February 2025.

Our licensed guide has more than 10+ years of experience, will guide you throughout the trip, through a safe trekking trail, and is medically trained and equipped as well, making sure that you follow all the preventive guidelines to avoid certain risks called altitude sickness, and if any uncertain situations occur, then they will become your first-hand assistance.

Nonetheless, this trip is a family-friendly adventure and suits beginners as well, having no prior experience, with the navigation of our experienced licensed guide, and our perfectly tailored 13-day Gosaikunda Trek itinerary.

Does Travel Insurance remain mandatory for this trek?

Yes, even though the Langtang Gosaikunda Laurebina Pass Trek doesn't possess any hazardous conditions, travel insurance is crucial for this trek, as it is a Himalayan adventure, where the weather and climate change rapidly, with no sign of hospitals in between for emergency service. We are not stating that, this trek is dangerous, but at the same time, we also cannot ignore the fact that, this trek takes you to the highest elevation over 4000 meters, where the risk of altitude sickness, and the varied terrains, with the possibility of minor injuries, or any uncertain situations, always circulates, hence, having a trip insurance ensures safety, quick medical response, saves hundreds of dollars and let you hike in peace and free mind.

Make sure to opt for the insurance that includes the necessary policy, such as theft, trip cancellation/delay, minor injuries, medical expenses, and most importantly, the helicopter evacuation over 3000 meters. Our packages don't cover your travel insurance; however, the heli evacuation is managed quickly and covered by your insurance. Whatsoever, although the trip remains safe and danger-free, insurance remains crucial for a safe odyssey and the best medical assistance.

Accommodations along the Langtang Gosaikunda Trail

This Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Trek includes various lodging options, from basic lodges and standard tea houses, as this region only includes the tea houses run by the locals. Throughout the journey, you will be accommodated in traditional tea houses, with comfortable rooms equipped with basic facilities and the warm hospitality of locals. 

While being in the lower altitudes, you will get a private (attached) bathroom, with a single bedding configuration, comfortable beds, pillows, blankets, and even electric sockets attached, with a dressing cupboard and a table. Whereas, at the higher elevation, the rooms get simple, with ancient tea houses, a shared washroom, and twin bedrooms (2 beds in 1 single room), and must be shared with your hiking partner. Whereas, if you are a solo trekker or a female travelling solo, then, for your comfort, we can arrange private rooms as well. 

Despite that, all the rooms are on a twin-sharing basis, where you must share your room with your travel group; however, if you want a single room / private room, then the cost will be on the higher side.

Nonetheless, every tea house includes basic facilities such as wifi, charging, telephone service, hot water, laundry service, and hot shower facilities; however, it falls on the personal expenses side, and you must bear the charges on your own.

Meals and Drinking Facilities

Our 13-day Langtang Gosaikunda Trek package includes all the standard meals required for the trip, such as Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, including a cup of either tea or coffee at the same time. As the Langtang region is a famous trekking trail, where you can find a wide variety of meals and beverages, from vegan to vegetarian to non-veg options, you do not have to compromise in terms of taste and diet.

From western options to local ones, every tea house includes the meals, with a wide option, for three standard meals, where your hygiene and dietary choices are highly looked after, including all the nutrient factors, which comprise carbs, healthy fats, proteins, fibres, and so on, keeping you energised throughout the journey.

While the breakfast menu offers simple western breakfast choices like toasted breads with jam, cheese, and butter, oatmeal, porridge, pancakes, any kind of omelettes, like poached, boiled, fried, and masala. Some famous local options are Tibetan bread, with wheat chapati served with curry and eggs, paratha, pudding, sherpa khapse, and butter tea, etc.

For lunch options, on the other hand, it has a wide menu of options such as sandwiches, pasta, spaghetti, scrambled eggs, ramen, chowmein (noodles), mashed potatoes, hummus, with bread, any sort of pizza (veg to non-veg, and cheese ones), garlic ginger bread, dal bhat (cooked rice, lentil, curry (veg and non veg ones), spinaches, any kind of pickles, etc. Dinner options remain the same as lunch and are served before 7 to 8 P.M.

Meanwhile, for the beverages, you will find cold ones such as Coke, Fanta, Curd, Lassi, energy drinks, and even alcoholic beverages. However, we do not suggest having alcohol after moving to a higher elevation; instead, opt for the hot and healthy beverages such as tea, coffee, hot chocolate, butter tea, latte, ginger hot tea, ginger garlic hot water, and so on. 

What permits are required for the Langtang Gosainkunda Lake Trek?

This Langtang Valley with Gosaikunda Lake Trek covers and explores the Langtang National Park, thoroughly right from the very beginning till the end. To access this protected area, one must acquire two necessary permits, which stand out to be, firstly, the Langtang National Park permit, and secondly, the Trekkers Information Management System permit (TIMS Card). Whereas our package includes these required permits and makes all the arrangements, including the entry fee for sightseeing in Kathmandu, the trekking guide's extra cost is not required.

While the Langtang National Park permit cost depends on the nationalities that individuals hold, which means SAARC nationalities only have to pay USD 15 per person, whereas, for foreigners (other nationals), it remains Nrs 3000 per person (USD 27) per head. On the other hand, the TIMS card cost tends to be the same for everyone, which costs NRS 1000 per person (USD 8).

Booking Procedure

To make your bookings for this Gosaikunda Langtang Trek, you just have to pay 20% of the total trip cost in advance to secure your bookings and arrange the best lodging and logistics. The payment is fully secured. Being a member of NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association) and TAAN (Trekkers Association Agency of Nepal), we are highly experienced, licensed, and a locally based trekking agency, where your trip and payment are 100% secured and safe to navigate with expert teams' guidance. 

On the other hand, if you are looking for a last-minute booking for the Langtang and Gosaikunda Trekking, then 100% payment must be made, as we must arrange everything as soon as possible, ensuring your comfort on the very first hand. The payment can be made via the website. Just go through our "Book this Trip" section, and you can see the prices and payment modes, which take only 1 minute of your time. After the payment is made, we will notify you via mail or direct WhatsApp, with a receipt of advance or full payment, stating your trip is fully secured.

If you feel any confusion, then you can directly email us at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com, or just directly call or WhatsApp for a quick response. Nonetheless, feel free to contact us anytime for any kind of queries without any hesitation.

Suggested Packing List 

To consider the necessary gears and equipment, one must ensure that all the required checklists are looked after, considering all the seasonal variations at the same time. While packing, make sure that the following gear lists and layerings are stuffed in:

• Clothing for hiking: Moisture Wicked T-shirts (dry fit) - 3-4, Lightweight pants, hiking shorts or pants - 3/4 set, Trekking T-shirt and trousers, Fleece jacket, spare clothing, etc.
• Layerings while staying in the tea house: Comfortable T-shirt and pants, Slippers and flip-flops (1 pair), sleeping bag (not compulsory) - if required, will be provided by us.
• Footwear, what to wear: Comfortable sports shoes (1 pair), work as an alternative, and Hiking boots with proper grip
• Outer Layer: Down jacket or puffer jacket (1/2), Fleece jacket, windbreaker or waterproof jackets, raincoat (in monsoon), and rain cover
• Other layerings: Warm hat or brimmed hat, buff masks, waterproof gloves, scarf, sun hat or sports cap, etc.
• Equipments: 1 pair of trekking poles, sunglasses, hiking socks, long, thick trekking socks, head lamp, torch light, chargers, power banks, water bottles, thermas, ear buds, phones, cameras, etc.
• First Aid Kits: Precautionary medicines, oximeters - to check pulse rate, water purification tablets, bandages, etc.
• Documents: Trekking permits, photocopy of travel insurance and original as well, passport-sized photos (2/3) - for emergency, passport, and others.
• Toiletries: Bio-degradable soaps and shampoo, fresh towels, hair brush, hand sanitisers, tooth brush, tooth paste, wet wipes, sunscreen SPF 40+, and other skin care essentials.

Essential Travel Tips for Langtang Gosaikunda Trekking

• The tea houses, along the trail features a very basic accommodation hosted by the local (Tamang and Yolmo communities) with simple rooms, just with beds, and washrooms attached (at some places), whereas they do not include a charging socket or a pot in the room, where you have to go to the dining area to recharge your gadgets and batteries. Thus, it's better if you carry 1 powerbank along with you, to quickly charge your phones, or any devices/
• If you are a beginner, then make sure to engage in some cardiovascular exercises, to strengthen your body, such as running, walking, cycling and so on, and try to strengthen your muscles later, by engaging in some sort of weight workouts if time fits, if not, just try to make your physique active, via involving in exercises.
• Start your hike, before 7 to 8 A.M, to avoid the crowded trails, and enjoy the views from vantage points on your time, also, so you get enough time to meander around, without worrying about reaching the tea house before darkness. Meanwhile, during the hike to high points like Tserko Ri, Gosaikunda Lake or Laurebina La, try to start the hike before or around 5-6 AM, to avoid heavy winds, in the evening, and also, enjoy the panoramic sunrise vista, at the same time.
• Throughout the trip, navigate along with an experienced trekking guide assigned to you, entails a gradual pace hike, and follow what has already been planned in the itinerary, without being influenced by other fellow hikers you meet at the trailhead, as it is set with a moderate pace hike, that suits even first-time trekkers, or any kind of hikers, prioritizing safe ascent on the very first hand.
• Monitor your oxygen level or pulse rate via oximeter, and drink at least 4-5 L of water daily, consume only nutritious meals, and avoid smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages; instead, savour hot ginger garlic soups, which keep you energised and warm at the same time.
• Please, take note not to miss out carrying a basic first aid kit, which includes must-have medical essentials, such as Diamox, blister plasters, and your own personal medicines (suggested by doctors), for emergencies.
• Follow Leave No Trace, no lake pollution at Gosaikunda Lake, carry a bag or storage bag to store your garbage, waste, throughout the trail, and dispose of it after getting to the tea house, ask locals for a dustbin, and dispose of it properly, following sustainability and eco-friendly tourism.
• While the trip doesn't include any technical sections, if you are considering this trek during monsoon and winter times, then carry crampons, as this trip does include one pass, Laurebina La, which gets quite icy and slippery at off seasons.