Compare Langtang & Gosainkund Lakes by Exodus Travels vs Extension: The Splendor of Nepal by Road Scholar
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 15 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 2,400 | $ 1,499 |
| Price Per Day | $ 160 | $ 214 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | No | No |
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| Meals Included | Breakfast is included throughout the trip. In teahouses, breakfast comprises a choice of bread (a slice of toast, chapatti or Tibetan bread), a choice of egg (boiled, fried or omelette), and a choice between either muesli or porridge each day. Hot tea/coffee is also served. On specific days, there will not be a choice for breakfast and either a trekkers breakfast (egg, hash brown, baked beans and toast) or a pancake with jam/honey is served – these options are not available in all teahouses and so we have only included them in locations where they can be guaranteed. You may also be able to supplement your included breakfast with additional items on the teahouse menu should you wish, additional items that are not included in the set menu should be ordered and paid for separately. Please note, some more remote teahouses/lodges are unable to provide an extensive menu due to irregular delivery schedules and during periods of bad weather or a high volume of trekkers, there may be a more limited menu choice. Also, the higher altitude the more expenses the menus generally are. Lunch is at a teahouse en route – sometimes one of your guides will go ahead with the group’s order to make it more expedient. Dinner is in the same teahouse you sleep at (this is custom in Nepal as teahouses base their room rate on it). Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms but generally comprises some curried lentils and meat or vegetables, some rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos, a Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed and filled with meat or vegetables. Although meat is available in the teahouses, we advise against eating it on trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for several days before reaching the lodges and can cause stomach upsets or illness. If you have a gluten-free diet, we strongly recommend you bring extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will be little variety available for you, particularly for breakfast. Even many of the soups are powdered and contain gluten. Gluten-free breakfast options will be limited to vegetable fried rice and a choice of egg, and on specific days only, a trekkers breakfast (without the toast/with an extra egg) will be served. Breakfast options for vegans will be limited to a choice of muesli/porridge with water each day, and on specific days only, a trekkers breakfast (without the egg), or vegetable fried rice will be served. If you are lactose intolerant, the same will apply although you will also have a choice of egg each day. If you buy imported food and drink on trek, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Drinking water Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 100floz-135floz (3-4 litres) per day. However, we strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal. The lodge at Kyanjin has a UV water filter (donated by Exodus) and you will be provided with safe drinking water free of charge here. The teahouses sell boiled water for approximately 150-300 (US$1.15-US$2.30) per litre (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot-water bottle. Alternatively, all teahouses provide free cold water. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend you bring a reusable bottle/water bladder/Camelpak (ideally two) and use an effective form of water treatment. There are a wide range of products available including Steripens or purification tablets, which are the quickest and easiest options to use on trek – we recommend talking to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving all the time. Make sure to check the product’s performance in cold/freezing conditions and consider battery life (lithium batteries are best in cold conditions). Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates more than 99.99 percent of all microbiological contaminants from any non-saltwater source – visit Water-to-Go for more information. Exodus customers can claim 15 percent off their first order and, better still, 15 percent of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation. These bottles filter the water as you drink through the spout may not be the most efficient while on the go on a trek. Please note, if the water freezes it will clog up the filter. In this event, defrost before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes. |
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| Description |
The stunning Langtang Valley lies to the north of Kathmandu and sees fewer trekkers than the Annapurna or Everest regions. In autumn (fall), it is blessed with superb views of mighty Langtang Lirung (23,773ft/7,246m), while in spring it comes alive with birds and flowers. This trek takes us to the glaciers below Langtang Lirung, perhaps the summits of Kyanjin Ri or Tsergo Ri (optional) for some magnificent panoramas, and the spectacular holy lake at Gosainkund, an important place of pilgrimage. Parts of the Langtang Valley and Langtang village were devastated in the 2015 earthquake and, now the lodges have been repaired or rebuilt, the best way to show support is for trekkers and tourism to return. Our new route makes use of the best lodges and forms more of a circuit that the traditional trail. Why trek with Exodus? One of the highest staff-to-traveller ratios on the trek with one staff member to every four travellers More than 30 years’ experience organising treks in Nepal Carefully planned ascent rates and itineraries with built-in acclimatisation and contingency days Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid and trained to recognise and deal with altitude sickness All staff (leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair wage Staff carry oxygen, a first-aid kit, and self-assessment acute mountain sickness cards, used to monitor every traveller at altitude Speak to Exodus office staff who have done the trek themselvesDiscover quiet trails, massive mountains and a holy lake on this easily accessible Nepal trek |
Continue your learning adventure with a 6-day extension into Nepal. Explore grand temples, discover ancient palaces, and learn about Hinduism and Buddhism from local experts. |
Day 1 Start Kathmandu
The adventure begins in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Free airport transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied your flight details in advance and requested transfers. A representative meets you at the airport and you are transferred to the hotel. Upon arrival, look out for a noticeboard in the reception area with details of where and when to meet for your welcome briefing this evening. There is an Exodus desk in the hotel lobby should you require any assistance. Accommodation: Hotel Royal Singi (or similar)
Day 2 Drive to Syabrubesi
Leaving the Kathmandu Valley, we have a long drive ahead (approximately seven to eight hours) – the road condition is poor, so we use 4x4s. We drive out of the Kathmandu Valley and head northwards to Trisuli Bazaar. Continuing, the road climbs to Dhunche and the Langtang National Park before descending to the river where we reach Syabrubesi, a small town at 4,797ft (1,462m) where we spend the night. Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 3 Walk to Sherpagaon, a small village on terraces above the Langtang River
We begin our trek by descending to the river, which we cross by bridge. We then have a steep climb away from the river to Kanjim, where we have lunch. Climbing further, the trail contours around into the main Langtang Valley. We have wonderful views ahead and down to the river. We end today with a short descent to Sherpagaon, a small village perched on terraces high above the Langtang Khola at 8,170ft (2,490m). Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 4 Trek through forest to Ghora Tabela via Rimche and Chhunama
We continue up the valley towards Langtang. The walk starts easily, following an undulating trail through Sherpagaon and into the forest, past Rimche and further to Lama Hotel, a collection of lodges in a forest clearing. The trail undulates up further through the forest with glimpses of the mountains ahead. We pass Riverside and have lunch a little further on at Chhunama. In the afternoon, we have a shorter walk, mostly uphill, to Ghora Tabela (9,960ft/3,035m), where the valley opens out. Most of the area around here was destroyed in the earthquake and lodges are just now being rebuilt. Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 5 A poignant walk as the trail crosses the debris that engulfed Langtang village in the 2015 earthquake; continue to Kyanjin Gompa
The valley opens as we continue our climb. The trail ascends through the few teahouses at Thangshyap and we come to the moraine that was Langtang. This village was destroyed in the 2015 earthquake and was covered by rock and ice moraine. A path now leads across the moraine, a poignant and sad reminder of the power of nature. Once across the moraine, we come to a few newly built lodges and a memorial to those who lost their lives in this valley in the earthquake. Climbing out of Langtang, we pass the small settlement of Mundu. The valley opens out to reveal spectacular mountain views. To our left, the impressive Langtang Lirung towers above us, ahead is the great snow-covered bulk of Ganchempo. The trail climbs steadily past many prayer walls until we come to the teahouses at Kyanjin Gompa at 12,730ft (3,880m). Once there was only a small cheese factory here, now it is a bustling place with many lodges. Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 6 Daywalk to a viewpoint to see impressive peaks and glaciers; option to climb Tsergo Ri
Day 7 Retrace our route past Ghora Tabela to Lama Hotel, a cluster of lodges in the forest
We have a long day in terms of distance but it’s an easy walk, mainly downhill, with great views down the valley. We leave Kyanjin and retrace our route down past Mundu and across the moraine of Langtang to Ghora Tabela. Heading back into the forest, we take the trail down the valley through Chhunuma and Riverside back to Lama Hotel (8,200ft/2,500m). Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 8 Descend to the river; cross over and continue past Bamboo and Pairo, then climb to the ridgetop village of Syabru
Below Lama Hotel, we leave the trail we walked up the valley and turn left. A rough, rocky and narrow trail takes us steeply down to the river and a bridge across the Langtang Khola. From here, the trail undulates through the forest to Bamboo and further on to Pairo (5,580ft/1,700m) for lunch. After, we leave the river and climb steeply for an hour to a small teashop. From here, the trail contours round into a side valley and drops to cross the river by bridge. We then have another steep climb up to Syabru, a village straddling a ridge (7,380ft/2,250m). There are great views looking back to the Langtang Valley and, from just behind the lodges, we can see the Ganesh Himal on a clear day. Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 9 Steep climb through scrub forest and rhododendron thickets to Sing Gompa
We have a long, steep climb out of Syabru, walking through scrub forest and the occasional settlement among the fields, and then through magnificent rhododendron thickets until we reach the top of the ridge at Phoprang Danda (10,500ft/3,200m), where we have magnificent mountain views. After a well-deserved tea break, the trail continues up the ridge, but less steeply now, to the small settlement of Sing Gompa. There are a few lodges here, a small temple and a cheese factory. Red pandas have been spotted in the forests around here. In the afternoon, the energetic can walk up the hill behind the lodge for views on a clear day. Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 10 Spectacular ridge walk to Gosainkund Lake
Today is probably the best day of the trek for amazing panoramic mountain views. Climbing a little less steeply this morning, we follow the ridge for most of the day. We have fantastic panoramic views of the Annapurnas, Himalchuli, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal to the west and Langtang Himal to the northeast. We pass through Cholang Pati, where there are a few teashops; after, we gradually leave the trees behind. Climbing further up the ridge, we enjoy even-better views as we reach Laurebeneyak. We stop for lunch at one of the lodges here with plenty of time to admire the magnificent panorama. In the afternoon, we climb further up the ridge and, finally, contour round into the next valley. A fantastic path high above the first of the holy lakes. The trail undulates now until we reach the third lake, Gosainkund, at 14,535ft (4,430m). This lake is particularly sacred and a place of pilgrimage in the summer. It is said to have been created when the god Shiva, suffering from thirst due to a poison, thrust his trident into the mountainside, whereupon three streams burst forth and ran together to form the lake. We stay close to a shrine by the lake, where there are a few pilgrim shelters. As the sun sets, the reflection on the lake is incredible as the lake becomes one shimmering mass of gold – a magnificent sight. (Please note, there can be snow on this section in spring) Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 11 Cross the Laurebena Pass to Gopte
It’s a tough day as we cross the Laurebena Pass. The trail descends from the lodge past the pilgrim shelters to the lake. We then climb up though bare and rugged terrain, passing four smaller lakes before we reach the Laurebena Pass summit at 15,255ft (4,650m). It takes us approximately 2hr 30min to the top. There are magnificent views to the north and west; as we descend, there are superb panoramic vistas over the Nepal midlands. We now have a steep descent for about two hours on a rocky trail made of stone steps to Phedi, where we have lunch. After lunch, we have another 3hr 30min walk with some steep climbs. At first, we descend a little but the rest of the afternoon takes us on a rollercoaster trail up and down the valley. There are many short steep uphill sections followed by short downhill sections. We are now back in the forest and come to our lodge at Gopte (11,210ft/3,416m). Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 12 Descend the Helambu Valley to Kutumsang, visiting Tharepati en route
A long day but mostly downhill. The morning starts with a short downhill and then a climb up to Tharepati (11,975ft/3,650m). The climb is well worth the effort for the amazing views from here, looking north we can see the Jugal Himals. After a short break to admire the views, we start to descend into the Helambu valley. We continue walking on an undulating path through thick rhododendron forest with a short climb up to lunch at Mangangoth. After, it is all the way down to our last night in a teahouse at Kutumsang. There are fine views back to the Langtang and Jugal Himals. Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 13 Trek to Chunauti/Gul Bhanjyang (two route options available); drive to Kathmandu
We leave early this morning and start by descending from Kutumsang down into the valley below. We can either take the main trail to Gul Bhanjyang and then walk a jeep track to the main road where we meet our transfer back to Kathmandu or take a steeper trail through farms and rice terraces to the valley bottom at 3,415ft (1,040m) and meet our transport at Chunauti. We drive through Melamchi and back to Kathmandu (approximately five hours). Depending on traffic, we should arrive to our hotel in the early evening. Accommodation: Hotel Royal Singi (or similar)
Day 14 Free day in Kathmandu
After the long day yesterday, we have a free day to explore Kathmandu. You may want to visit the Durbar Square of Kathmandu, the Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath, the Hindu temple at Pashupatinath or the monkey temple at Swayambhunath. The Thamel district is a good place to explore with its maze of shops and restaurants. There is also the opportunity to take an early morning scenic Everest flight. This can be booked and paid for locally through your leader. Please read the Optional Excursions section in the Trip Notes for information regarding flying in Nepal. Accommodation: Hotel Royal Singi (or similar)
Day 15 End Kathmandu
The trip ends after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home, full of tales and memories to last a lifetime. If you’d like to spend more time in Kathmandu, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu, Transfer to Dhulikhel, Explore Dhulikhel
This program is an extension to program # 22519 (Highlights of India: Discover Delhi, Agra, Jaipur & Varanasi). Early morning flight from Varanasi to Kathmandu via Delhi. Flight time from Varanasi to Delhi is 1.5 hours and from Delhi to Kathmandu is 2 hours. Once in Kathmandu, the drive to Dhulikhel is approximately 1.5 hours. The walk around Dhulikhel is less than ½ mile on paved roads with occasional uphill and downhill sections.
Upon arrival in Dhulikhel we check in to our hotel. Our Group Leader will then conduct a program orientation to go through the itinerary, review safety guidelines and answer any questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. During this program extension, our field trips will be led by our Group Leader unless specified otherwise. Please be aware that indicated times are approximate and that program activities and schedules could change due to local circumstances such as weather, traffic conditions, etc. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We board our motorcoach and ride to the old town of Dhulikel, were we can lose ourselves in time exploring cobbled lanes, ancient houses with sagging wooden frame works, intricate carvings, hidden temples and thriving market squares. Dhulikhel was once a major trading hub between Kathmandu, Tibet and India. Historically Dhulikhel was a Newar settlement, one of the major ethnic tribes in the Kathmandu Valley. Newars are the oldest and the most traditional of Nepal's ethnic groups and have a culture strongly based on religion, celebrated with a calendar of festivals. After discovering the old town, we board our motorcoach and transfer back to the hotel.
Enjoy the sunset view of the Himalayas from our hilltop resort. Settle in and get a good night’s rest for our day ahead.
Welcome Dinner with complimentary welcome drink. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Day 2 Morning Hike, School Visit Dhulikhel
Morning hike is approximately 2 miles/2 hours over mainly level dirt paths with some uneven terrain and a few small ascents and declines. Comfortable walking shoes required. If normally used when hiking, a walking stick would be helpful.
We set out with our Group Leader and take a short hike around Dhulikhel to view traditional Brahmin and Tamang Villages with a view of Panchkhal Valley and the surrounding landscape. The Tamang villagers still closely follow their traditional lifestyle and beliefs. We return to the hotel for a presentation on the religion and culture of Nepal, led by our Group Leader.
We board our motorcoach and set off to visit a local school. Here we learn about the Nepalese educational system. During our visit we will meet and interact with local students (visit subject to change based on school holidays and exam schedules).
At leisure.
We have an early morning start for those who wish to see sunrise over the Himalayas. At the hotel, we will have a buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
At the hotel. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
At the hotel. Family-style meal. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Day 3 To Kathmandu, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Temple Kathmandu
Walking approximately 2 miles over paved surfaces, a few uneven surfaces and some stairs.
We check out of our hotel and transfer to Kathmandu, arriving mid-morning. Once in Kathmandu we explore Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. During the annual Shivaratri pilgrimage, thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva come from Hindu communities around the world to pay homage here.
After lunch, we explore Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated just beyond the Pashupatinath temple, it houses 108 Buddha images and 147 prayer wheel insets. The settlement of Boudhanath his home to a large community of Tibetans. We transfer to our Kathmandu hotel to check-in and relax. We come together in the early evening for a presentation on contemporary issues in Nepal, given by a local expert. Afterwards, we enjoy tea with university students to learn more about higher education in Nepal.
At leisure.
At the hotel. Buffet.
At a local restaurant. Family-style meal. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
At the hotel. We continue our conversations with university students over dinner. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Day 4 Swoyambhunath Stupa, Hanuman Square Kathmandu
Please note that in Durbar Square, some of the original shrines and monuments within the Square received significant damage during the earthquake of April 2015. Repairs are ongoing. Walking today for up to 2 miles on paved surfaces with a few uneven surfaces and some stairs at the sites.
Thsi morning we explore one of the icons of Kathmandu. Swayambhunath, the oldest Buddhist stupa — a place of meditation — was established more than 2,500 years ago and is also known as the Monkey Temple. With our Group Leader, we explore the stupa and learn about Nepalese Buddhism. Perched high on a hilltop, Swayambhunath commands a superb view of the entire Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath is also known as Sengu and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We transfer by motorcoach to Kathmandu Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square). Here we explore the many temples and monuments. With its old temples and palaces, Durbar Square epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that the kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Among the sites we visit are Taleju Temple, built by King MahendraMalla in A.D. 1549; the Temple of KalBhairav, the God of Destruction; Nasal Chowk; the GaddiBaithak; the statue of King Pratap Mallal; and the Jagannath Temple.
At leisure.
At the hotel. Buffet.
At a local restaurant. Family-style meal.
At own arrangements. This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on our own to enjoy what we like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Day 5 Patan Square, Patan Museum, Free Time Kathmandu
Walking up to 2 miles, mostly on paved paths with some uneven surfaces. For those participants intending to organize their own Mount Everest scenic flight, before breakfast this morning is the time to take this flight. This flight is not included in our program. Please refer to the Free Time section in your first Information Packet.
We transfer by motorcoach to Patan City, renowned for its marvelous monuments. Patan displays the sacred art of Nepal in an illustrious architectural setting. With our Group Leader, we explore Patan Square which is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. We view Krishna Mandir, the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and completely made of stone. We also visit Mahabouddha, a Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha are engraved. We also visit the Patan Museum. Here we can view exhibits that cover a long span of Nepal's cultural history, as well as the rare objects and cultural treasures for which Patan is famous.
We return to Kathmandu on our motorcoach. Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer other suggestions.
At leisure. Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends. Pack and prepare for departure tomorrow.
At the hotel. Buffet.
At the Patan Museum café. Family-style meal. The café has been crafted to complement the superb period ambience achieved by the architects and builders of the museum itself.
At a local restaurant. Family-style Farewell Dinner with complimentary farewell drink. Coffee, tea and bottled water included; additional drinks available for purchase.
Day 6 Free Time, Program Concludes In Flight
Hotel check-out 11:00am. Refer to the program’s travel details regarding transfers.
Free Morning. Hotel check-out 11:00am. Program concludes. Those who have booked their airfare through Road Scholar transfer by motorcoach to the airport for flights home. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
At the hotel. Buffet.
Day 7 In Transit From Program In Flight
Arrive North America.
