Helambu & Gosainkund Trek
This challenging trek has it all: a high pass, a peak, high altitude lakes, and incredible Himalayan views in just 9 days. The Helambu region is conveniently located a short drive from Kathmandu so you even get in some trekking on the first day of your trip.
While many roads have been built in Helambu, this version of the trek avoids the roads and showcases the best of the Helambu and Gosaikund regions.
- Starts In: Kathmandu
- Ends In: Kathmandu
- Duration: 9 Days
- Difficulty Grade: Strenuous
Highlights
- A short drive from Kathmandu
- Mountain views of the Langtang peaks
- A high pass (4600m) above Gosai Kunda Lake
- Spend a night at the high altitude Gosai Kunda Lake
Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Timbu, Trek from Timbu to Tarkegyang [2565m]
Today we leave early to get out of town before the traffic become too busy. We head out of the Kathmandu Valley at the pass known as Sanga and continue to the old trading town of Dhulikhel where, if the weather is clear, we will have excellent views of the Himalayan Range. From here we descend to the large river called the Indrawati coming down from high mountains to the north and here we leave the highway to Tibet and turn north-west to follow the river. We reach the road head town of Timbu where we will have lunch before hitting the trail.
Our trek commences with a lively trail up through very nice forest to the beautiful old village of Tarkegyang, a Helambu Sherpa settlement that has had beautiful old houses and an important monastery. Much has been damaged by the 2015 earthquakes but the spirit of the town is undaunted and the landscape as stunning as ever. Your visit to the area is helping people to rebuild their livelihoods and their village.
Driving time: Approx. 4 hours
Walking Time: Approx. 4 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Lunch, Dinner
Day 02: Climb Ama Yangri [3750m]
We make an early start today for the 1000m ascent to Ama Yangri peak. The trails take us out of the village through terraces and farms to eventually attain the pine and juniper covered ridge line. Ama means mother in Nepalese and this peak is believed to be the goddess protector (dakini) of the entire Hyolmo valley region. Her top is covered in colourful prayer flags and beautifully painted stupa. She stands alone, affording an uninterrupted view of Dorje Lhakpa, Gaurishanker and many, many more of the Himal. After packed lunch and lots of photos we head down the way we came up and late afternoon we will be back in our tea house relaxing and enjoying a well earned dinner.
Walking Time: Approx. 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03: Trek from Tarkegyang to Melamchi Gaon [2540m]
This morning keep an eye out for beautiful Langur monkeys roaming through the village in packs, playing and stirring mischief. From Tarkegyang we follow the trail down to the river and then we get into low gear for a steep climb up to the large Sherpa village of Melamchi Gaon. A very old settlement, Melamchi Gaon has an important gompa (monastery) which was sadly destroyed in the 2015 earthquakes, as were many of the traditional Sherpa houses. The people of the town are pulling together and have rebuilt their health post and are in the process of restoring the Gompa, which has been the pride of the village. There is a sacred meditation cave above the village where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated and it’s a lovely walk above the village to visit it and pay your respects.
Walking Time: Approx. 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Trek from Melamchi Gaon to Thade Pati [3640m]
Get your legs ready for a day in low gear as we have a steep climb of about 7-8 hours today to reach the little ridgetop settlement of Thade Padi. It is perched high on a ridgeline, far above the old town of Melamchi gaon. The trek is through some of the most beautiful forest in Nepal, with huge old oak and rhododendron trees with hanging moss and lichen. Its definitely beautiful enough to take your mind off the steep climb, as is the knowledge that you can have fabulous Himalayan views if the weather is clear at the top!
Walking Time: Approx. 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05: Trek from Thade Pati to Phedi [3754m]
It’s well worth getting up early this morning to walk up to the ridgeline and see the sunrise over the Himalayan peaks above you. You can also take an acclimatisation walk up to a small peak behind the highest tea house, a lovely walk through forest to gain excellent views and an extra boost for your acclimatisation schedule.
Today we trek on undulating trails through beautiful forests of firs, oaks and rhododedrons. It’s relatively gentle on the legs today so you can appreciate the beauty of the forest, although some sections cross old landslide areas with loose rocks on the trail and some sections are steep. We cross kharkas or grazing fields with seasonal settlements, which can also be used my pilgrims at the festival times – you wouldn’t recognise this peaceful trail at the time when pilgrims flock to the high lakes above you!
Finally, we reach a point where you can see up to Phedi, our destination for the evening and views up to the Laurebina La (Pass) far above us. Crossing a stream we have a steep pitch up to our tea house with charming hosts and a cosy fireplace!
Walking Time: Approx. 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06: Trek from Phedi to Gosainkunda [4420m]
Phedi is comprised of two tea houses with a steep trail separating them. From the upper tea house the trail continues steeply upwards and the vegetation really begins to change at this point, with the trees disappearing to be replaced by tough bushes and heather. The wildflowers are beautiful on this section of the trail and keep a look out for wildlife on the hills above the trail as the lower vegetation opens up the views.
After several hours we will reach remains of a tea house and the trail becomes less steep as the valley becomes wider and flatter. We are entering a kind of huge hollow in the mountains, leading up to the pass and it’s very beautiful with fabulous views out to the surrounding ridgelines and valleys. After another several hours we reach the pass, the high point of the trek at 4650m. It’s simply stunning with views out across the high altitude sacred lakes of Surya Kund, Gosainkund and many more – this is a truly sacred region dedicated to the gods of Hinduism but sacred also for Buddhists.
From here it’s a relatively gentle descent to the tea houses at the foot of Gosainkund, where you can relax with a well earned mug of hot tea while taking in the beautiful view of the lake before you. It’s lovely to loosen up your legs a little with a gentle stroll around the lake in the late afternoon.
Walking Time: Approx. 8-9 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07: Trek from Gosaikunda to Sing Gompa [3350m]
This morning there is time to explore a little around Gosainkund before we need to head down. From the tea houses the trail descends a little way from the Gosainkunda Lake before a small climb to a charming pass where you find a shrine and Bhuddhist prayer flags as well as a lovely view back up towards Saraswati Kund to Gosainkund. From here the trail contours around the mountain through a spectacular rock strewn landscape, leading downwards to a chorten on the ridgeline above the little tea house village of Laurebina. From here you can have magnificent views across Langtang valley to Langtang Lirung and to the west are Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu. From Laurebina, we descend to Sing Gompa on a beautiful forested trail. There is a small monastery, still intact after untold years and a small cheese factory in Sing Gompa.
Walking Time: Approx. 5 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 08: Trek from Sing Gompa to Dunche [1950m]
Today after breakfast we trek down all the way to Dhunche, pausing often to rest our weary knees, which will get tired from the steep descent. the trail leads through an incredibly stunning forest of ancient oaks, firs and rhododendrons. When we reach the river the trail levels out and we will come to a sacred pond dedicated to Shiva and not far head is our chance to enjoy a last cup of Nepali tea on the trail at a little tea house nearby a small temple also dedicated to Lord Shiva. From here the trail is undulating and takes us down, out of the forest and into Dhunche, the district headquarter of Rasuwa.
Walking Time: Approx. 5 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 09: Drive from Dunche back to Kathmandu
Today we conclude the trip with a jeep drive back to Kathmandu, which takes approximately 7 hours and takes us through stunning landscapes.
Driving Time: Approx. 7 hours
Accommodation: None
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch
Gallery
Included In Price
- Tea house accommodation while on trek
- Meals as per the itinerary (all meals on trek, with filtered drinking water)
- Transportation as per the detailed itinerary
- Your trekking guide, sherpas, and porters, with all their transport, equipment, insurance, meals and accommodation
- A first aid kit with basic supplies appropriate for the group size and trek route – if you require or are taking specific medications it is critical that you discuss this with us prior to your trip departure
- Trekking permits and registration fees
Note: The local tea houses are basic but clean and they do not often have attached bathrooms or hot showers. The price is based on twin share and does not include any extra charge that lodge owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms or hot showers (if these facilities are available) or for battery charging. We can’t know in advance what they may charge for such things in the different lodges along the way, so we prefer to leave this cost out, rather than pass along an estimated charge to you.
The meal inclusions on the trek are breakfast (one set breakfast and tea or coffee), lunch (one main meal and tea or coffee) and dinner (soup, main and dessert with tea or coffee)
Not Included In Price
- Services and activities not mentioned in the detailed itinerary
- Any gear or equipment that you may need to rent/buy – please ask us if you would like any advice about gear to bring/buy/rent
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fees and international airport taxes
- Any excess baggage charges
- Comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and rescue evacuation should this be required for any reason (we require this as the minimum insurance cover)
- Additional nights, optional trips and sightseeing tours outside the detailed itineraries above
- Single supplement
- Personal expenses (eg mineral water/soft drinks/bar bills, entrance/photography fees at monasteries, laundry, telephone calls, postage, donations, extra snacks, etc)
- Any extra charge that tea house owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms, or hot showers (if these facilities are available) and charging of batteries
- Tips for your trekking crew, city guide, drivers, hotels, restaurants, etc (please ask if you would like guidance about appropriate tips)
- Costs incurred due to unforeseen events (eg caused by natural disasters, adverse road conditions/flight delays, labor strikes, fuel shortages, extreme exchange rate changes, etc)
