The Langtang and Gosaikunda Trek – a beautiful trek in Nepal

Last Updated on September 11, 2025

Updated: January, 2025

The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is one of the prettiest trekking trails in Nepal. It combines the spectacular hidden valleys of Nepal’s Langtang National Park with the holy lake of Gosainkunda at an altitude of 4.600 meters. In 2016, right after the 2015 earthquake, I decided to make this trek. Together with a Nepalese friend, a guy from Swiss and a local guide, I hiked for 7 days through the Langtang Valley. In this article, I share my experience of the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek.

The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek takes you to a picturesque Langtang Valley, surrounded by several glacial high-altitude lakes and the holy lake of Gosainkunda at an altitude of 4.600 meters. It’s a lovely walk that entails exploring Langtang National Park and several ethnic settlements.

You can either choose to start the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek in the Dhunche Village, in Syabru Besi or in Sundarijal in the Kathmandu Valley. I did the last one. Below you can see the planning of my trek:

• Day 1: Sundarijal (1460m) to Chisapani (2200m)
• Day 2: Chisapani (2200m)to Gul Bhanjyang (1800m)
• Day 3: Gul Bhanjyang (1800m) to Magin goth (3200m)
• Day 4: Magin goth (3200m) to Tharepati (3900m)
• Day 5: Tharepati (3900m) to Melamchigan (900m)
• Day 6: Melamchigan (900m) to Sermathang (2590m)
• Day 7: Sermathang (2590m) to Kathmandu

Day 1: Sundarijal to Chisapani

The route from Sundarijal to Chisapani was almost entirely uphill (about 90% of it, to be exact). And the first three hours? Pure leg-burning, lung-busting hell. A relentless, steep climb that felt like it would never end.

Early on, we officially entered the national park, where my guide had already sorted out my permits and entrance tickets. If you’re just planning a one-day hike to Chisapani and back, you can grab your entrance ticket right at the gate 😉

After three hours of climbing, we finally took a well-earned break at a local restaurant for lunch. From there, the trail led us through a peaceful forest, offering some much-needed shade and a break from the intense incline.

Another three hours of hiking later, we reached Chisapani. For the night, we stayed at a simple, but decent place to rest. The best part? The hearty plate of Dal Bhat at the hotel’s restaurant. Nothing beats a warm Nepali meal after a tough day on the trail.

This was just the beginning of the Gosaikunda Trek, and if Day 1 was any indication, the adventure ahead was going to be unforgettable.

Day 2: Chisapani to Gul Bhanjyang

The next morning, we woke up early, fueled up with breakfast, and set off towards Gul Bhanjyang. Compared to the brutal climb of the previous day, this stretch was much easier (less uphill), a few kilometers of glorious downhill, and overall a more relaxed hike. Along the way, we passed through small villages, watched goats lazily grazing, and met playful local children who greeted us with big smiles.

After seven hours of walking, we finally reached Gul Bhanjyang. But what we saw there was heartbreaking. The devastating 2015 earthquake had left all the hotels in ruins, and even years later, they still hadn’t been rebuilt. It was a harsh reminder of how much the locals were still struggling.

A kind-hearted local family welcomed us into their home, offering two of their rooms and treating us to a warm, home-cooked meal. I had my own room, but there was no electricity, no toilet, and no shower. It made me realize how tough life still is for the people here, living under such bare conditions. Hopefully, as more trekkers take on the Gosaikunda Trek, the locals can earn enough to rebuild their homes and businesses faster. They deserve it.

Day 3: Gul Bhanjyang to Mangin Goth

Day three brought another tough uphill climb. We started from Gul Bhanjyang (1,800 meters) and pushed our way up to Mangin Goth (3,285 meters). The trek itself was an adventure. We hiked through rain, battled snow, and even heard thunder rumbling in the distance. By the time we reached Mangin Goth, we were more than ready to call it a day and decided to stay at Hotel Green View and Lodge (location).

What we didn’t expect? The freezing temperatures. Snow covered everything, and it was a brutal -10°C, both outside and inside the hotel. Huddled around a fire kiln in the restaurant, we did our best to keep warm.

The highlight of the evening? A long-overdue hot bucket shower! After three days of trekking, that simple bucket of warm water felt like pure luxury. Clean and cozy (or at least, as cozy as you can be in subzero temps), we played some games together before calling it an early night. Sleep didn’t come easy in the cold, but with the Gosaikunda Trek ahead, we needed all the rest we could get.

Day 4: Mangin goth to Tharepati

Luckily, yesterday’s storm had cleared, giving way to a crisp, sunny morning. It was still freezing, but the clear skies made up for it. Our hotel sat perched on a hill, offering an absolutely breathtaking view of the Himalayas, one of those moments that makes every tough climb worth it 😀

The trek continued uphill (again!), but the scenery was nothing short of magical. For five hours, we hiked through snow-covered mountains, each step crunching beneath our boots. Just as we started to enjoy the rhythm of the trail, the weather took a turn for the worse again. Thick clouds rolled in, the wind picked up, and we knew we had to find shelter fast.

We reached a small restaurant in Tharepati and decided to wait it out. Luckily, they had a simple shed with a few beds where we could stay the night. With a fire kiln inside, we spent the night taking turns stoking the flames, our only defense against the biting cold. It wasn’t luxury, but after a long, icy day on the trail, it felt like home.

Day 5: Tharepati to Melamchigan

The view was again amazing when we woke up. The clouds were gone and we could enjoy the sunrise over the Himalayas. After taking plenty of pictures, we had to make a big decision; either continue our way to Gosaikunda and face unpredictable weather conditions or go for safety and return to Kathmandu. We decided to do the last option.

We walked through several forests, across a ravine and crossed the river via a suspension bridge. Then, we arrived in Malamchigaon at an altitude of 900 meters and spent the night in a tent of a local.

Day 6: Melamchigan to Sermathang

From Melamchigan, the trail first dipped over a ridge before climbing steeply through dense, towering forests. The hike was challenging but beautiful, with nature all around us. Along the way, we passed the large gompa at Chumnik, a nice sight in the middle of the wilderness.

By the end of the day, we reached Sermathang, a peaceful village perched at 2,590 meters, about 40 kilometers from Kathmandu. Sadly, like many places in the region, Sermathang was still struggling to recover from last year’s earthquake. With no hotels available, we had to improvise once again.

A kind local family welcomed us into their home for dinner, serving us a warm meal as we watched the sun set over the mountains. With no other options, we spent the night in a tent of a local, far from luxurious, but under a sky full of stars, it was an unforgettable way to end the day.

Day 7: Sermathang to Kathmandu

On our last day, we visited the Palri Padma Odsal Ling in Sermathang (location). This beautiful stupa was just an hour’s walk from the village, making for a perfect final trek. The temple itself was stunning, but the real highlight? The breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayas. After snapping some photos and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, we made our way back to Sermathang to wait for our jeep to Kathmandu.

What followed was a four-hour bumpy, bone-rattling ride back to the city. As soon as we reached our hotel in Kathmandu, we did two things: jumped straight into a hot shower (finally!) and switched on our phones to share our adventure with family and friends.

Even though we didn’t make it to the legendary Gosaikunda Lake, we had an unforgettable time exploring Langtang National Park and meeting the incredibly kind locals. The journey was tough, but the experience? Absolutely worth it!

Essential tips for trekking in Nepal

Based on my journey, I’m sharing some essential tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable trek:

1. Preparation & Planning

• Choose the Right Trek: Research different trekking routes to find one that matches your fitness level and interest. The most common options include Langtang Gosaikunda, Annapurna Circuit, and the Manaslu Circuit.
• Plan for Altitude: Many treks reach high altitudes (e.g., Gosaikunda at 4,600m). Acclimatization is important to prevent altitude sickness.
• Hire a Guide or Porter: Guides provide valuable insights and ensure your safety. Porters help lighten your load so you can enjoy the trek. I recommend arranging your trek via a local company. For example, The Nepal Hiking Team offers an organized Langtang Gosaikunda Trek (16 days) or Manaslu Circuit trek.
• Get Necessary Permits: Most treks in Nepal require TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) and national park permits. Arrange these in Kathmandu or through a trekking agency.

2. Packing Essentials

• Clothing: Layered clothing is best. Carry moisture-wicking base layers, an insulated jacket, a waterproof outer shell, gloves, and a hat. Have a look at my hiking packing list for more inspiration.
• Footwear: High-quality, waterproof trekking boots with ankle support are very important.
• Backpack: A comfortable 40-60L backpack with rain cover is ideal.
• Sleeping Bag: Many teahouses provide blankets, but a warm sleeping bag (rated for -10°C or lower) is recommended.
• First Aid Kit: Include altitude sickness pills (Diamox), pain relievers, antiseptics, and personal medications.
• Water & Purification: Carry a reusable water bottle and purification tablets or a filtration system to avoid buying plastic bottles.
• Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits help maintain energy levels on long hikes.
• Headlamp: Power cuts are common, so a reliable headlamp with extra batteries is a must.

3. Best Time to Trek

• Spring (March-May): Rhododendron forests bloom, and weather is mild. My favorite season 🙂
• Autumn (September-November): Clear skies and stable weather make it the most popular trekking season.
• Winter (December-February): Cold, with snow at higher elevations but fewer crowds.
• Monsoon (June-August): Rainy season, with leeches and poor visibility, but some regions like Upper Mustang are still good for trekking.

4. Cultural Respect & Responsible Trekking

• Respect Local Customs: Greet with “Namaste,” ask before taking photos, and please dress modestly in villages.
• Follow “Leave No Trace” Principles: Carry out your trash and avoid single-use plastics. Have a look at my list with ‘20 easy ways to save plastic while traveling‘. It’s not as hard as it seems! 😉
• Support Local Businesses: Please buy from local shops and teahouses rather than carrying excessive supplies from cities.

5. Accommodation & Food

• Teahouse Lodging: Most treks have teahouses with basic amenities. Bring a sleeping liner for extra warmth and hygiene.
• Local Cuisine: Dal Bhat (rice and lentils) is the staple meal, providing plenty of energy. I loved it 🙂
• Avoid Meat & Unfiltered Water: Meat is often transported for days without refrigeration, and untreated water can cause stomach issues. Just be careful…

6. Health & Safety

• Acclimatize Properly: Follow the golden rule: “climb high, sleep low.” Take rest days when ascending.
• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration increases the risk of altitude sickness.
• Listen to Your Body: If you experience headaches, dizziness, or nausea, descend immediately.
• Insurance: Get travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuations. Have a look at my list with ‘the best travel insurances for backpackers (according to me)’.

By following these tips, I’m sure you’ll have a safe, enjoyable, and enriching trekking experience in Nepal.

Conclusion of the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek was an absolute adventure! We experienced some tough climbs, amazing views, cozy homestays, and some unexpected surprises along the way! Even though we didn’t make it to Gosaikunda Lake, the journey through Langtang National Park was nothing short of amazing. From snowy mountain trails to warm cups of Nepali tea with friendly locals, every moment was an experience to remember.

If you’re up for a mix of challenge, adventure, and stunning scenery, this trek is definitely worth it! Have any questions or planning your own trek? Drop a comment below. I’d love to hear from you! 😊🏔️

Author: Daphne

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