Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu Trek

Transcription

1 Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu Trek OVERVIEW The Langtang region is the quietest of the main trekking regions and a favorite among our guides close up mountain views and a good taste of rural life is what this region gives trekkers. Langtang is surprisingly quiet, that is, if you ve been to the crowded Everest and Annapurna trekking regions. Our 15 day Langtang, Gosainkunda & Helambu Trek takes you across two geographically diverse valleys looked upon by towering peaks and villages that are quiet and interesting in every way. And if you have a spiritual side, there are the holy Gosainkunda lakes, which according to legends was created by the Hindu god Shiva himself. The trek begins in Syabrubesi and then the trail passes through the Tamang country and across different landscapes, including a tight river valley, an open glacial valley, towering peaks and several lakes. Langtang is a narrow valley that lies just south of the Tibetan border. It is sandwiched between the Himalayan range to the north and a slightly lower range of peaks to the south you can encounter really wonderful valley views during the trek from Lama Hotel to Kyanjin Gompa. From Kyanjin Gompa the scene gets even better as you walk mostly uphill before you come across the Gosainkunda lakes.

2 Gosainkunda is not just a trekking destination it is a pilgrimage. The area is believed to be the abode of the Hindu god Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, the holy lakes of Gosainkund was created by Lord Shiva s Trishul (three pointed weapon) so that he could drink it s cold water and quench the heat that he felt in his throat after he drank poison from Samudra manthan. From Gosainkunda you ll follow a trail that passes through forests, suspension bridges and several peaceful villages as you walk right across Helambu. Among these villages, Tarke Gyang and Sermathang have some very interesting Gompas (monasteries). You can also see the sun rise over the Himalayas from Sermathang and the sun set, when seen from there, is quite extraordinary too. ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to Hotel. After your arrival in Kathmandu our representatives at the airport will transfer you to your hotel and help you in checking in. Day 2 Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. It takes about 11 hours on a bus for us to reach Syabrubesi. Since tourist buses do not travel to this region we make our journey in a local bus. Overnight stay in Syabrubesi. Day 3 Syabru Besi to Lama Hotel. O/N in Lama Hotel. Today we walk along the Langtang river, continue hiking across waterfalls and finally stop in Rimche before the

3 trail descends to a settlement known as the Lama Hotel. Day 4 Lama Hotel to Langtang Valley. O/N in Langtang Valley. A three hours hike from Lama Hotel takes us to Ghortabela and another 30 minutes of climbing brings us to a point where the Langtang Valley begins. Day 5 Langtang Valley to Kyangin Gompa. O/N in Kyangin Gompa. From Langtang, it takes us about four hours of gentle ascension to reach Kyangin Gompa. Day 6 Leisure day in Kyangin Gompa. O/N in Kyangin Gompa. A day in Kyangin Gompa gives us the opportunity to visit the famous Kyangin Monastery. After visiting the monastery we always have the option of going to the Yala cheese factory or the small lake behind Yala. Day 7 Kyangin Gompa to Lama Hotel. O/N in Lama Hotel. After breakfast in Kyangin Gompa retrace our steps to Lama Hotel. Day 8 Lama Hotel to Syabrugaun. O/N in Syabrugaun. From Lama Hotel we head to Syabrugaun and stop in between at Bamboo for lunch. Day 9 Trek to Sing Gompa. O/N in Sing Gompa (3,330m). From Syabrugaun we cross rivers, pass through forests

4 and walk mostly uphill before we stop for an over night s stay in Sing Gompa. Day 10 Trek to Gosainkunda. O/N in Gosainkunda (4,380m). The trail leading to Gosainkunda is mostly steep and rugged. According to Hindu mythology, the holy lakes of Gosainkuda was created by Lord Shiva s Trishul (three pointed weapon) so that he could drink it s cold water and quench his thirst Day 11 Gosainkunda to Tharepati. O/N in Tharepati. Today the trail passes through a rugged country across three small lakes as we head towards the Laurebina pass before finally arriving in Tharepati. Day 12 Thare Pati to Targe Gyang. O/N in Targe Gyang (2,600m). The trek to Targe Gyang from Thare Pati is a gentle climb across a school and a meadow. Day 13 Targe Gyang to Sermatang. O/N in Sermatang (590m). Today the trail passes through dense forests and crosses a number of streams before we make a gentle climb to the village of Sermatang. Day 14 Sermatang to Melamchi Bazaar. O/N in Melamchi Bazaar (870m). From Sermatang the trail drops as we reach Nigale, Gyalsha and Raithani Gyang. We finally arrive in Melamchi Bazaar after a down hill hike from the village

5 of Dubha Chaur. Day 15 Melamchi Bazaar to Kathmandu. A long bus ride brings us back to Kathmandu from Melamchi Bazaar. Once in Kathmandu you have the option of being transferred to the airport or staying at a hotel. Note: Above holiday itinerary can be customized as our guest specific requirements and can make shorter and longer. We design your holidays accordingly. INCLUDES Return transfers from International airport to your hotel. one night stay at the hotel in Kathmandu. All government taxes and Langtang national park entry fees. TIMS CARD (Trekking Management System). Required number of experienced English speaking guides and support staff (we pay for their daily wages, insurances, trekking equipments, food and accommodation). Lodge accommodation during the trek on tea house services. necessary ground transportation depending upon your request (via tourist bus or private vehicle). Trekking poles, sleeping bag (we provide these if necessary). Trekking maps. Rubbish disposal. PNT service charge and government taxes. Medical support: An emergency first aid kit is carried by the

6 support staff at all times. Accommodation and meals: During tea house treks our guests pay for their food (breakfast/lunch/dinner) at the lodge while we provide guides/accommodation/necessary permit and transportation. Water: Mineral waters are available at all stops during tea house treks. You can also use tap water if you choose to use water purification tablets. EXCLUDES All meals in Kathmandu & on trek. Tips to guides and support staff. extra nights hotel in Kathmandu Additional costs in case of emergency (You must have adequate travel insurance to cover any kind of emergencies). Additional medication for altitude sickness (Acetazolamide etc). Personal expenses and any other unforeseen expenses. Personal trekking equipment. Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients who choose to trek or climb with us. The insurance should cover you in case of emergencies like accidents, altitude sickness and ambulance and helicopter rescue charges if required. Please carry a copy of your insurance papers while travelling in Nepal and do send us a copy as well. This will help us in making all the necessary arrangements in case of any sort of emergencies.

7 SEASONS Nepal has four climatic seasons Spring : March May Summer: June August Autumn: September November Winter: December February While there are no seasonal constraints on traveling to Nepal, different regions are best visited in different seasons. Once you inquire about any trekking itinerary we ll you regarding the best season for that particular trek. EQUIPMENTS Check-list of personal equipment: Good standard trekking boots Camping shoes/thongs Socks-polypropylene Down Jacket Fleece T-shirts Trekking trousers Shorts (both casual and for treks) Swim wear Sun Hat Woollen Hat Nylon Windbreaker Gloves Gaters Strong Rucksack Sleeping Bag Water Bottle

8 Torch/headlamp (with spare batteries) Toiletries/soap Toilet paper Sun block Travel Towel Wet-wipes Medication (cough medicine, throat soothers, water purification tablets) Sunglasses Binoculars Camera & lenses Memory cards GPS Tracking Units may be helpful Altimeter Compass Book/music player/pack of cards Padlock A plastic bag for waste Energy/snack bars The following equipment are needed during the Climbing period: (Warm Down Jackets, Sleeping Bags, Warm Trousers, Koflach Shoes, Trekking Shoes and Sandals, Perfectly fitting Crampons, Gaiters, Ice Axe, Jumar, Ice Screw, Rock, Picton, Snow Bar, 2 locking Carabiners, Gloves, Sun Glasses, Head Light, Helmet, Rope, Stove, Harness, Figure -8, Gore Tex Jackets).