Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

Best season and weather

Morning Star Trek offers a 12-day Langtang Gosaikunda Trek itinerary package year-round. However, the best seasons to travel in the Langtang region are autumn (fall) and spring. From September to November, you can experience crystal-clear skies, crisp Himalayan views, and pleasant hiking conditions. The temperature in this season averages from 10°C to 15°C (50°F–59°F) at lower elevations.

Likewise, from February to May, the trails are adorned with rhododendrons in full bloom across the alpine slopes, creating picture-perfect scenes that nature lovers and photographers can’t resist. You can experience the temperatures between 10°C and 20°C (50°F–68°F) during the daytime, which is perfect for trekking.

Although the routes are calmer, the trekking conditions are challenging due to rain and slick ground. Furthermore, while winter has its own appeal in nature, heavy snowfall can make access to the high-elevation Gosaikunda lakes difficult.

Difficulty

The trek to Gosaikunda Lake is regarded as a moderate-level hike, with its challenges including a rugged path and remote location, and it often involves frequent descents and ascents. This adventure will take you to a higher altitude, where limited facilities are available and the weather is unpredictable.

Without enough preparation, this journey can be exhausting, as daily walks of around 6 to 7 hours can be challenging to continue. So, correct packing and preparation are a must in order to embark on this excursion without much difficulty or trouble. Morning Star Trek will also guide you with packing and how to prepare for this trek, so don’t worry.

Altitude Sickness

One of the risks when embarking on the 12-day Langtang Gosaikunda Trek itinerary is altitude-related sickness. This adventure will take you above 3,000 meters, which increases the likelihood of suffering from acute mountain sickness, no matter how fit or how old you are.

If you notice signs such as headaches, vomiting, nausea, shortness of breath, or other symptoms, the right and only thing to do is to inform your guide immediately. Your guide will help you with the remedy. So, always follow the instructions of your guide when traveling to high-altitude locations.

Preparation and Fitness

One of the key benefits of the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek package is that it doesn’t require any technical climbing skills to complete the journey. Nevertheless, it does need visitors to be in good shape and health, as well as have a strong positive mindset, to enjoy the adventure without too many troubles.

You can prepare by engaging in light exercises like jogging, running, swimming, and cycling regularly for 2 or 3 months before your journey in the Langtang region. You should focus on exercises that strengthen your legs, especially your calves and thighs, to handle any kind of steep descents and ascents.

Food and Accommodation

On this Langtang Gosaikunda Trek package, you will spend the nights in a trekking lodge that offers twin-sharing accommodation. The facilities can depend upon the altitude. The higher you trek, the fewer facilities there will be in the Langtang region. Similarly, every lodge or teahouse you stay at will offer a clean and cozy dining area.

The food options include simple dishes and classic Nepali staples such as dal bhat (rice, green vegetables, lentils, and pickles), chow mein, momos, noodles, porridges, eggs, pancakes, chapati, and many more, which are nourishing and healthy and will fuel your body all the time while trekking in the mountains.

Transportation

The transportation costs will already be included in the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek package offered by our company, Morning Star Trek. However, the airport pick-up and drop-off are excluded. You will take a public bus from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi Village to save money on your tour.

If you prefer a more comfortable choice, you can upgrade to a private shared jeep, which will cost more. Moreover, if you want to visit Kathmandu after the 12-day trek in the Langtang region, we can organize a car with a private guide for you.

Communication

During the 12-day Langtang Gosaikunda Trek itinerary, mobile coverage is minimal and can be unreliable, especially when you are trekking in secluded locations and high-altitude areas. Similarly, the teahouse in the lower regions has internet access, but the speed can be low.

We recommend satellite phones or portable Wi-Fi devices to enhance your ability to communicate in urgent situations significantly. Furthermore, you can buy a local SIM card at the airport to buy data packs for internet usage in the mountains.

Permit

Before you begin the 12-day Langtang Gosaikunda Trek itinerary, all trekkers are required to carry two essential permits, which are the Langtang National Park Entry Permit and the TIMS card. The TIMS card comes in three types: blue for groups, pink for citizens of SAARC nations, and green for individual trekkers.

It will cost approximately USD 20, which can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. However, the Langtang National Park Entry Permit will cost USD 30 for foreign nationals and USD 15 for SAARC nationals.  It can be purchased at the park entry in Dhunche or via the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.

Visa

During this trek to Gosaikunda Lake, all international visitors except Indians need a tourist visa to enter Nepal for their respective purposes. The visa will cost USD 30 for fifteen days, USD 50 for thirty days, and USD 125 for ninety days. They can get their visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.

Similarly, if you are a citizen of the SAARC nations except Afghanistan, you are eligible for a Gratis Visa, which allows a free 30-day stay per calendar year. To obtain a visa, you must have a legitimate passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the arrival date and provide the necessary documents.

Travel Insurance

Please note that Morning Star Trek does not include travel insurance in the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek package. It will be your sole responsibility to purchase reliable travel insurance. As you are traveling above 3000 meters above sea level, it will act as your safety net.

So, you should purchase such insurance that covers risks above 3000 meters with emergency helicopter evacuation. Likewise, your insurance should be able to cover uncertain possibilities like trip cancellations, theft, lost baggage, unexpected delays, and medical emergencies.

Extra Expenses

The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek package does not cover everything, so you should plan accordingly for the trip. For instance, car services to and from the airport where your international flight departs and arrives, food, and even your hotel in Kathmandu are all costs that you have to take care of by yourself.

Moreover, you will have to get a Nepal entry visa (USD 30 for 15 days on arrival) and self-insure your trip, which is strongly advised. International airfare and personal expenses are excluded from the package, as well as desserts such as chocolate, cake, pie, and pudding.

Finally, a tip for your guide, porter, and driver, who are the people you always wish to have by your side during the trip. Since you’re grateful for their service, it is recommended to reserve a gratuity budget.

Private vs. group trek

The cost package for the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek can be chosen either for a group or a private trip. Based on your liking, you could buy either of them. The private trek gives you more freedom to control the time of your trip, be more flexible, and get more personalized attention from your instructor. A private tour is perfect for a couple, friends, or families who are looking for an enjoyable and tranquil experience.

In contrast, a group trek is ideal for social travelers who enjoy meeting like-minded adventurers and sharing the experience. The merit of a group trek is that you will get a lower cost per person, fixed departures, support, and social experience, offering unforgettable memories during the trip.