Arrival KATHMANDU (1300m/4265ft)

Kathmandu - Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this historic and vibrant city. Meals: Welcome Dinner

Drive to DHUNCHE (1950m/6398ft)

Dhunche - In the morning after breakfast, there will be a trip orientation meeting, followed by a drive to Dhunche, 117km from Kathmandu, where an entrance fee to Langtang National Park is required. Just below Dhunche is the Trisuli Ganga River, which flows from Gosaikund. Dhunche has a small Tamang Museum that provides insight into this ethnic group of Nepal. Meals: Breakfast

Trek to CHANDANBARI (3330m/10926ft) 6-8 hours/1380m ascent

Langtang National Park - The trek from Dhunche to Chandanbari is steep and challenging, climbing more than 1300m. A shortcut down a ravine rejoins the road at the bottom of the village. The trail follows the south bank of the Trisuli Ganga eastward through fields and pastures, then the north side of the river for a short while before beginning the steep climb towards the ridge. After the initial climb, the trail levels a bit, passes through the tiny village of Deorali (2660m), and continues up to the ridge. The path then ascends through a forest of firs and rhododendrons, reaching a trail junction at Dimsa (3030m). From here, the trail turns right, continues past an army camp, and ascends through scrub and oaks to Sing Gompa, also known as Chandanbari. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to GOSAIKUNDA (4400m/14436ft) 4-5 hours/1130m ascent

Gosainkunda - The trail climbs steeply up a ridge with stunning views of the village framed by snowcapped Ganesh Himal. The northern slope is a sanctuary for the endangered red panda. The trail crosses behind the ridge and stays in deep forests to reach a saddle at Chalang Pati (3550m). From here, the Gosaikund protected area begins, where killing animals, lighting wood fires, and grazing goats are prohibited. The trail ascends with great views to Laurebina Yak (3920m), offering magnificent views of the Annapurnas, Manaslu (8156m), the four peaks of the Ganesh Himal (with Paldor Peak), unnamed peaks in Tibet, and Langtang Lirung. The trail ascends into the alpine country above the treeline, up the ridge to a small concrete temple with a statue of Sakyamuni. It continues to goths for views of the waterfalls from the first of the lakes, Saraswati Kund. The trail leaves the ridge and heads high above the Trisuli Valley, which can be dangerous if covered with snow. The trail climbs gently to a spur marked by prayer flags and two rock carvings of Ganesh, leading to the second lake, Bhairav Kund, and finally to the third and largest lake, Gosaikund. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Acclimatize GOSAIKUNDA

Gosainkunda - At Gosaikund, there is a Shiva shrine, helipad, and numerous stone shelters for pilgrims. Gosaikund has a black rock in the middle, said to be the head of Shiva. According to legend, Lord Shiva created this high-altitude lake by piercing a glacier with his trident to obtain water to quench his thirst after consuming poison gathered from the churning of the oceans. A white rock under the water is said to be the remnant of an ancient Shiva shrine. It is also believed that the water from this lake disappears underground and surfaces in Kumbheswor pool next to the five-story Shiva temple in Patan, more than 60 km away. For the best views of the lake, climb the ridge to two viewpoints (4640m) decorated with prayer flags. It is also possible to follow faint trails south from the southeast corner of the lake to a series of smaller half-frozen lakes: Dudh (Milk) Kund, Chandra (Moon) Kund, Ragat (Blood) Kund, and finally Ama (Mother) Kund, along with views of Chhyarkung Chuli peak to the right. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to LAUREBINAYAK PASS (4610m/15125ft) down to THAREPATI (3640m/11943ft) 8-9 hours/1320m ascent; 630m descent

Langtang National Park - This day involves a long and arduous trek, starting with a climb on a rocky trail from the northern side of Gosaikund lake, passing through more small lakes, and finally reaching Laurebina Yak Pass. Here, explore the fine views of surrounding hills and the large lake Surya (sun) Kund to the southwest. From the pass, the trail descends alongside a stream to reach Bhera Goth. It is important to take the lower, safer trail because the upper trail has several very steep parts that are extremely dangerous when there is snow, and there is no food or accommodation until reaching Tharepati. Following the lower trail along a rough, knee-busting descending route, the path reaches the middle of the valley of Phedi. The concrete chorten beside the Dawa baby is a memorial to a Japanese victim of the Thai Airbus crash in 1992. From Phedi, the route drops to a stream and then climbs through scrub bamboo to a crest, crossing through difficult rocky trails across moraines and dry streams, then descending through forests, climbing in and out of ravines below the towering cliff of Thare Danda to reach Gopte (3440m). Descending from the ridge at Gopte, the trail makes numerous ups and downs across ravines and the boulders of old moraines, then makes a final descent to Tharepati, where one can climb to the ridge top for early morning views of Dorje Lakpa, Shisha Pangma, and a line of peaks all the way to Khumbu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to GUL BHANJYANG (2140m/7021ft) 5-6 hours; 210m ascent, 1650m descent

Langtang National Park - From Tharepati, descend steeply through dense pine forest to the appealing village of Magin Goth (3285m), passing many locals hauling bamboo and reaching Mere Danda (3510m). After climbing Yurin Danda ridge, the sawtooth peaks above Langtang and Gosaikund come into view, and the trail ducks in and out of fir and rhododendron forest to reach Kutumsang (2450m). Continuing over a small pass, descend down the hill to reach the Tamang village of Gul (Golphu) Bhanjyang. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to CHISOPANI (2140m/7021ft) 5-6 hours; 970m ascent, 790m descent

Chisapani - Passing a gleaming white chorten, the path leads to the friendly, sprawling Tamang village of Thotong at 2260m. Enjoy good views of the peaks while climbing through rhododendron forests to the village of Lapchu Danda (2420m). Descend 200m past a series of ruined huts and through fields and secondary growth forest to the larger village of Chipling (2170m). Descend steeply to a small chorten at the Sherpa village of Thakuni Bhanjyang, then a gentle descent takes you to the Chhetri village of Pati Bhanjyang (1770m). Finally, through a muddy zigzagging path with good mountain views, the trail continues level among pine plantations to reach Chisopani village. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek back SUNDARIJAL (1350m/4429ft), KATHMANDU

Kathmandu - Trek back from Chisopani, crossing Borlang Bhanjyang (pass) at 2440m, then trek down the Shivapuri ridge to the road at Sundarijal, Kathmandu, where you will be picked up and dropped off at the hotel. This is a leisure day, perfect for buying gifts and souvenirs for friends and family. In the evening, join a FAREWELL event to review great photos and share experiences of the trip. Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Fly back HOME or extend your HOLIDAYS

Kathmandu - If you prefer to stay longer, consult us for short tours such as game drives at national parks, rafting, mountain biking, or tours to Tibet, India, or Bhutan.

• Welcome and Farewell Meals, Breakfasts in Kathmandu
• Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, and Tea/Coffee during trek
• Complimentary Down Jacket and Sleeping Bag (to be returned)
• National Park Permit and TIMS for Langtang
• Fuel, Road Taxes and Parking Fees included
• 2 Nights in Kathmandu at Alpine Hotel with breakfast
• Driver’s salary, meals, and accommodation covered
• 7 Nights in Lodge/Guest House during trek
• Transfers: Kathmandu-Dhunche by Jeep, Sundarijal-Kathmandu by Car
• Exclusive ACH Kitbag and T-shirt
• Experienced English speaking Trekking Guide and Porter
• All airport/hotel transfers in private car/van
• Guide and porter salaries, insurance, and lodging

• Nepal entry visa fees.
• International airfare and departure tax.
• Bar bills, laundry and other expenses of personal nature.
• Travel insurance including evacuation.
• 1 Lunch in Kathmandu
• Tips for local staffs, guides and porters.
• Desserts, Mineral Water, Hot Shower, Hot Water, Wi-Fi
• Entrance Fees in Kathmandu

This modestly challenging, brief journey to the Langtang Valley allows for exploration of the customs and heritage of the Tamang ethnic group, who speak Tibeto-Burman language and have connections to Tibet with their practice of a variant of Tibetan Buddhism. Our route will take us through numerous Tamang villages in a remote, elevated region, leading us to the sacred mountain lakes of Gosaikund. These waters attract thousands of Hindu pilgrims during the full moon festival in August.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.