Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

Difficulty level of the trek

The difficulty level of the Langtang Gosaikunda Lake trek is graded as moderate to challenging. It is because the trek to the Gosaikunda is added to the normal langtang valley trek. 

There are other reasons too. For example, you have to walk through the Gosaikunda trekking route that has rocky terrain and demands steep ascents and descents. 

The highest elevation reached during the trek is 5,033 meters (16,512 feet). Trekking to this height can cause altitude sickness, adding challenges to the trek. 

Furthermore, the average walking hours per day are 5-7 hours daily for about 10 days covering 87 kilometers. For the normal person, facing this challenge with a smiley face is very difficult without proper preparation and training. 

Best time to go for the trek

The best time to go for the Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda trekking is from late February to early June and from early September to late November. During these months, the weather conditions become stable, temperatures become mild, and skies are clear, making the trek comfortable and enjoyable. 

It is the festival time from early September to late november. For the festive experiences, it is the best time. While for the serene experiences with the views of the blooming flowers, late February to early June is the best one. 

Also, the Langtang Gosaikunda trek cost is higher at this time, as most of the trekkers choose this time for the trekking to the Langtang and Gosaikunda. . 

Permits required for the trek

The permit required for the Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda trek is the TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) and the Langtang National Park Entry Permit. You can get these permits via a registered trekking agency or by visiting the related offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara. 

The documents needed for this permit are the original passport with copies, passport-sized photographs, visa, travel insurance details, and so on. 

Travel insurance required for the trek

Travel insurance is highly recommended for the Langtang and Gosaikunda treks, as they involve high-altitude trekking and potential risks like altitude sickness, injuries, and other emergencies. 

The travel insurance is required for the coverage of the medical emergencies and evacuation expenses, helicopter evacuation costs, and so on. Furthermore, the travel insurance will also help in recovering from the financial burden because of loss of belongings, trip cancellations, delays and other issues. 

Note: The expenses of the travel insurance are not included in the Gosaikunda trek cost inclusions. 

Accommodation and Food options during the trek

The accommodation option during the Gosaikunda Langtang trek is mostly teahouses. The facilities are basic, including beds, pillows, and blankets. In the lower regions, you may find the attached bathrooms but in the higher regions, there are mostly common bathrooms for all the rooms. 

In case of food options availability, you can have a variety of food options during trekking in Nepal. The common food options are dal-bhat, noodles, momos (Nepali dumplings), Tibetan bread, dhido (a type of cornmeal porridge), and chowmin. 

• Electricity, Telephone, and Internet

During the Gosainkunda Langtang trek, electricity is available in most of the teahouses. However, the sources may be either hydro-powered or solar powered. To charge the devices, a small amount of money is needed. 

You will need a local SIM card from Ncell or NTC for connectivity. The network is mostly stable in the lower regions, while it may be unavailable at some places like Tserko ri. So, for the communication, you can use the alternative methods. 

The Wi-Fi is available at most of the teahouses. Teahouse charges an additional fee for the service. The speed of the wifi may be unreliable during the peak seasons. Especially beyond the Kyanjin Gompa, the Wi-Fi reliability is less. 

Note: The personal expenses like device charging fees, telephone bills, and wifi service charges are not included in the Langtang Gosaikunda trekking cost inclusions. 

• Drinking Water

During the Langtang Gosaikunda Trekking, you can buy bottled water at teahouses and small shops. However, the availability of the bottled water becomes less when you trek to the higher elevation and the price becomes higher if found. 

Boiled or filtered water is available in teahouses. The teahouses charge a small fee for the water. The tap water is available but needs to be purified before being able to drink it. 

The Langtang Gosaikunda trek itinerary is 15 days so you can carry the reusable bottle to save money. Also, you can carry the portable purification system for the Gosaikunda trekking. 

Note: The expenses related to the hot water, or bottled water, are not included in the Langtang Gosaikunda trekking price. 

• Toilet and shower facility

In the lower regions of the Langtang Valley, you can find the western-style toilets in most of the teahouses and lodges. However, as you ascend to the higher regions, you will find the squat-style toilets. 

In terms of the shower facility, most of the teahouses offer hot showers with an additional costs. The shower options include solar rain showers or basic gas geyser showers. In some teahouses, you may only find the bucket-style shower for bathing. 

Altitude sickness issues and acclimatization

During high-altitude treks like the Gosaikunda trek, altitude sickness issues can be a serious concern. So, you need to be educated about altitude sickness and acclimatization before your trekking journey to gosaikunda. 

Some of the common symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. 

The acclimation strategy for the Langtang Gosaikunda trekking includes gradual ascent, including rest days in the itinerary, proper hydration, eating a balanced diet, and so on. 

Overall weather and temperatures

The overall weather and temperature depend upon the seasons and altitude levels. The Langtang Gosainkunda trek itinerary includes trekking through diverse altitude levels. 

The lower regions are generally warmer than the higher regions despite seasonal variations. And the nights are always colder than the day, regardless of region or season. 

Below is the seasonal breakdown of the overall weather and temperatures during the Gosainkunda Langtang trekking. 

• The spring season is known for the stable weather, clear skies, wildflower blooms, and best time for the treks. During the spring season, the daytime temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C, while the nighttime temperature ranges from 5°C to 10°C. 
• Summer season is a warm season. The average daytime temperature ranges from 27°C to 30°C in the lower regions, while the nighttime temperature can drop below 21°C. There is frequent rainfall during the summer season. 
• During the autumn season, the weather becomes stable just like the spring season. The skies are clear and the views can be seen clearly. The daytime temperatures can go up to 28°C. However, the nighttime temperature can drop below 10°C. 
• The winter is the time for freezing cold. During the winter, there is frequent snowfall with potential blizzards at the higher altitudes. The daytime temperatures vary from between -6° C and 10° C, while the temperature during the nighttime can drop below -15° C or colder. 

Group Leader and Crew

We, Mystic Adventure Holiday, provide a certified and experienced guide along with local Sherpa staff. If we have more than 8 guests for the Langtang Gosaikunda trek Nepal, we will arrange for a porter to carry your luggage, where 1 porter will carry the bags of 2 guests.

Flight, transportation and luggage

When going on the Langtang Gosainkunda trek, you should be serious about flight prebookings, transportation planning, and luggage packing. Below is some useful information regarding flight transportation and luggage for the trek to Langtang Valley.

• International and internal flights

If you are traveling from abroad, then you will need a visa and passport to enter Nepal. Visa on arrival is only for some countries. So, check your eligibility for the visa on arrival before booking the flight. 

You can carry 23 kg, including your hold baggage and hand luggage, on your international flight. For the extra weight of the duffel bag or day pack, you have to pay an extra amount of money.

• Luggage needed for the trek

You must have a duffel bag of 80L capacity and a 50-65L backpack; that is enough for carrying essential equipment like gear and other items. Typically, the porter will carry the duffel bag while you are responsible for carrying your backpack. You may need a small, 20–30-liter day backpack to carry your essentials during the day’s hike

Trekking Equipment and gears

Trekking gear and equipment are needed for the successful and enjoyable Langtang gosainkunda trekking. Below are some of the recommended gear and equipment needed for the trek. 

• Clothing including moisture-wicking tops and bottoms, thermal clothes, waterproof jackets and pants, Trekking Pants, Warm hats, gloves, hiking socks, undergarments, etc.
• Footwear like hiking boots/shoes and hiking boots/shoes.
• Gears include a backpack/rucksack, headlamp/torch, trekking poles, water bottles/hydration system with purification tablets/filter, and so on.
• Other items like power adapters/chargers, cameras & batteries, langtang gosaikunda trekking map, and more. 
• Personal items like toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, sunscreen, lip balm, first aid kit, sleeping bag, and personal medications. 

Customize Itineraries and Trip Extensions

The Langtang Gosaikunda Trekking itinerary can be customized, and trips can be extended further based on your preferences and fitness level. The customization of the trek itinerary means extra days for acclimatization days, side trips to nearby landmarks, and so on. 

The trip extensions of the Langtang Gosainkunda trek include visiting the nearby villages, monasteries, or viewpoints, or even extending your trek to include other destinations. As a mystic adventure representative, we will organize, customize, and extend your trekking journey through the Himalayas. 

In the customized itineraries, the gosaikunda trek package price also fluctuates. Some of the customized itineraries are: 

• langtang gosaikunda trek 11 days itinerary
• langtang gosaikunda trek itinerary 7 days
• langtang gosaikunda trek itinerary 9 days

Tips to make the journey smooth

• Pack the right equipment needed for the trek.
• Carry necessary emergency supplies like navigation tools and communication devices. 
• Pack light but don’t forget to include the essential items like personal medications, travel insurance papers, and other items. 
• Have a balanced diet and stay hydrated during the trek.
• Travel with the licensed guide for the additional safety. 
• Explore the villages, mpnasteries, and surrounding for the insights into the rural villages of Nepal.  
• Respect the local customs and customs. 
• Ask permission before taking a photo of the person or any objects. 
• Stay with the group when hiking to the Tserko Ri viewpoint. 
• You will need a little extra cash on hand during the trek to buy additional beverages, snacks, etc., so withdraw extra cash in Kathmandu, as there is no ATM along the route.
• Stay informed about the weather changes and trekking advisories.
• Don't get shy and try to ignite normal conversations with locals. Who knows, they'll share some interesting stories?
• Study the Langtang Gosaikunda trek map for better experiences during the trek.
• Become a responsible traveler and carry a reusable water bottle. You can refill drinking water on the route.
• The Langtang Valley trek without a guide is not possible, according to the new rule, implemented on April 1, 2023. The Nepali government has made it mandatory for all international trekkers to have a licensed guide for hiking the Langtang Valley.
• If you get confused about tipping, then follow this advice: USD 100 to the guide & porter, USD 5 to the tour guide, and USD 2 to the driver (for each member of the group).