Internationale groepsreis Langtang & Gosainkund Lakes

Langtang And Gosaikund

The trek involves a day’s bus journey from Kathmandu to the trailhead at Syabrubensi; a 4 day walk up the Langtag valley to Kyanjin Gompa; ascent of Tzergo Ri (4984m), Kyangin Ri (4350m) or Kyimoshung Ri (4620m); return down the Langtang valley; 4 day ascent to the holy Gosainkund Lake; traverse of the Laurebena Pass (4610m) and then a 2 day walkout through the foothills to Kathmandu. For Nepal, this is a mostly at a low level and there were no altitude issues within the group. The trek was on excellent trails giving easy walking, but days could be quite long e.g. 7+ hours. Despite the trek notes claiming it to be a remote part of Nepal, there were many other trekkers, a lot of them doing the trail independently. The highlight of the trek is the ascent of Tzergo Ri. This provides a 360 degree panorama of the mountains surrounding the head of the Langtang valley and is a breath taking view. It took about 7 hours to get to the top and back to Kyanjin Gompa. The path to the top is reasonably gradual. The weather had been bad the day before and there had been a dump of snow for the last 300 metres. If the weather had been colder and the wind greater, I would have put on my spiders (if you are really unlucky with the weather, maybe you’d require crampons). Note that neither spiders nor crampons were available for hire in Kyanjin Gompa. The ascent to Gosainkund is a delight. Starting in jungle, it progresses through pine forest and then follows a snowy broad ridge to the frozen lake. It was a bit early in the year and maybe this was the reason that there were relatively few (compared to Ghorepani on the Annapurna Circuit) rhododendron bushes in flower. It takes about ninety minutes to get to the top of the Laurebena Pass from the Gosainkund Lake. There is a tremendous view westwards to the Annapurnas, Manaslu and the Ginesh range from the top of the pass. The 2 day walk out through the foothills can get tedious, some of it along dusty roads. The alternative would be a 12 hour bus journey and given the option, I’d do the walk. This is a lodge trek. Most of the lodges are typical fayre for Nepal: warm, reasonably clean and wholesome food. Lodges at Gosainkund (and the day after) were slightly more basic but fine given the location. Out of 16 trekkers, only 3 of us (thankfully including me) didn’t succumb to a stomach upset – 3 had to drop out completely. I’d much prefer camping treks, but lodges seem to be the way forward in Nepal. The sherpa team were superb and I can’t fault Exodus for their organisation. I find it amazing that so much scenery and so many experiences can be squeezed into a 2 week holiday. The limited time means that there are no contingency days at the end of the trek and no real time for sight seeing in Kathmandu (actually a bonus for those who have been many times before). It would be good to get an extra day at Kyanjin Gompa – just in case you are unlucky enough to get bad weather there. Tzergo Ri (or the other viewpoints) are the highlight of the trip and it would be a big disappointment to miss that day. Given the tight timescales though, and the long days, I can’t see Exodus changing that. Photos of the trek can be seen at…https://www.dropbox.com/sh/o5854v8qsz1qxw3/ee5JJSLat5

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

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What did you think of your group leader?

see summary

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

see summary

Is there anything else you would like to add?

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LANGTANG & GOSAINKUND

This is a wonderful trek that delivers all that is promised and more.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Standing at the top of the Laurebena pass knowing we had achieved our goal was probably the most inspirational moment. The views were spectacular in every direction. However we had thoroughly enjoyed our days in Kyanjin Gompa where the views again were 360 degrees of mountain peaks. We chose the low level walk towards the Tibetan border with wonderful views of the mountains bordering Tibet. On a cultural note the little monastery there was a lovely special place covered in paintings and decorations.

What did you think of your group leader?

Gum is an excellent guide. He is very good at engaging all group members and facilitated our enjoyment of the trip immensly. He demonstrated a high level of skill in emergencies. We were very impressed.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It is a moderately strenuous trek so you should be prepared physically and mentally to ensure enjoyment of this part of the world. It is remote and less populated than some other treks in Nepal and you have to be prepared for very small lodge bedrooms and lack of bathroom facilities. Baby wipes and alcohol gel are essential as there is rarely any running water for handwashing. We were never cold as we took plenty of thermals and had good sleepng bags. We also felt well fed as there was plenty of high carbohydrate foods in the lodges. However we were pleased to have a stock of chocolate in our rucksacs. One thing we did, which we had not thought to do on other treks, was to order a chapati and omelette for breakfast in addition to our usual porridge.  We then made this into an egg sandwich for mid morning break. Regular fuel seemed the way to go. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We had a fabulous time and would not have missed any of it but the days walking always seemed longer than described in the trip notes - especially the last three days. Day 14 was described in the trip notes as " a short walk brings you to the road where we pick up our transport".... this was 4 hours at a brisk pace. Perhaps I am getting soft in my old age but I do like to look around and take a few photos. 

LANGTANG & GOSAINKUND

A fantastic trek through changing ever scenery.   Snow capped moutains, beautiful lakes, river valleys with waterfalls and rhodedendrons in full flower, together with many  birds and animals; so much to look at. We had a great leader in Sukman who made sure we all  had a really enjoyable trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

So many! The unspoilt beauty of the area. The absolute silence in the mountains. As always, the friendly, smiling local people for whom nothing is too much trouble and whose lives seem so hard in comparison to our own. I felt both amazed and humbled.

What did you think of your group leader?

Sukman was marvellous. He was professional, always friendly and cheerful,  highly organised and I felt that nothing was too much trouble for him.  He was both proud and knowledgable about his country and was happy to share infomation and to answer questions.  He made sure that he was aware how each member of the trek was feeling, and, if additional help and support was required (as in my case) it was arranged.  Both he and the guide Pemba helped me considerably for which I am very grateful. We had a good team looking after us who all worked hard to ensure we  had a great trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The lodges are basic but quite adequate.  Take wet wipes. antibac gel, but most things like snacks and toilet rolls are obtainable. Make sure that you are fit - the days can be long

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It was a wonderfuk trek in a truly beautiful part of the world,  a great bunch of people and a superb leader. If you get the chance - go for it!!

LANGTANG & GOSAINKUND

Great trip to a remote area of Nepal.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The Laurebina La was pretty damn good, as were the stunning rhododendron forests in full flower,but we also did the Golden Triangle extension in India, (BIG thanks to Natalie Shelton @ Exodus who arranged this!) and saw some special sights there too. How do you compare?

What did you think of your group leader?

We first met Sukman when he was sirdar on our first trip to Nepal in 2007. He earned the nickname "Superman" on that trip, and he still deserves it now he is a leader. Great guy, really involved and caring about all the trekkers. Lal, (sirdar) & Demba, now a world famous red panda spotter, and Bvimh (assistant guides) were part of a really good team too. These guys made it happen for us, so many thanks.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be aware that there are some pretty steep ups and downs on this trip-usually on the same day. The "C" days seem much more frequent than the "B" days, especially if you have some poor weather as we did. Take it slow and easy and it's all manageable though. Trekking poles are helpful. As is Everest beer! The big positive is that you visit some beautiful parts of Nepal that are not on the main tourist circuit, and see some stunning scenery. It's worth the shattered knee joints. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We had a great 2 weeks in Nepal with a diverse group of fellow travellers-in our experience the norm on Exodus trips. Loved it. If at all possible, and you fly to Kathmandu via Delhi, think about the Golden Triangle extension in India-completely different journey, different sights, different culture and splendid food! Still trying to decide if Nepali or Indian roads are the most scary! The Taj Mahal is all you have possible imagined. (Only 2 more of the Modern 7 Wonders of the World left to see now)

LANGTANG & GOSAINKUND

We had a brilliant trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Langtang valley is simply beautiful. The scenery we passed through (every day seemed a different terrain, it was all so varied) more than made up for the basic lodges (very basic, some, but we knew it was remote & weren't expecting luxury). Huge excitement: we saw a red panda! Luckily just about everyone saw it, otherwise we would have wondered about hallucination at altitude.... Rhododendrons in full cry. We had a really good set of people to walk with too: very interesting company.

What did you think of your group leader?

It was all very well organised (we've come to expect that from Exodus, especially in Nepal) and we had a great trip leader, Sukman.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The trek is rated B/C: however, a few found it  harder work than they had expected. Looking at the trip-notes, it could appear that the trip is basically a B grade with an optional mountain ascent which would account for the C element. That was by no means the hardest day! We gained and/or lost at least 1000m virtually every day, sometimes at altitude, sometimes not, which was pretty hard work (= Snowdon every day?). As long as you are fit and have good knees, you'll survive!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A great trip with surprisingly few Westerners around. Thoroughly recommended.

LANGTANG & GOSAINKUND

A fantastic trip with wonderful guide, asssitant guide and porters- very hard work physically

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

getting nearly to the end of Langtang valley -a superb day walking with amazing views all around , eagles above and the river alongside us

What did you think of your group leader?

superb

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

An Exodus category of 'moderate' requires you to have a significant level of basic cardio vascular fitness, and smokers would be well advised to quit well before attempting this kind of high altitude walking - Mkae sure your hand luggage tag is stamped each time you go through security -if not when you arrive at the plane you will be sent back [miles] to get it stamped

Is there anything else you would like to add?

we  booked as  agroup yet ended up in separate seats on the all the flights -I think Exodus could eiother have pre-booked our seats or suggested we do this oursellves -my assumption was that a groupo trip would atuomatically be offered seast togther We were also not sent any individual electronic tickets and were refused entry to Kathmandu airport without these-fortunately one person had printed out something that satisfied the soldier on the gate , but could have been a problem

LANGTANG & GOSAINKUND

Fantastic scenery, a great local team but very basic lodges. Most days are about 8 hrs including generous stops.  There are no particularly long or difficult days except the optional ascent of Tchergo Ri which, at almost 5000 mtrs, is quite a challenge in terms of acclimatisation on day 4.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Sunset at Gosaikunda has to be seen to be believed. The lake turns an amazing golden colour.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It was very cold at night at the higher lodges.  Take a good 4 season bag.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Lodges are not up to the standard we found in the Everest area 5 yrs ago. Be prepared for no lighting in the bedrooms, no running water in the morning (all frozen) and a sleepless night if you get a room near the toilet.

Nepal Trekking: Langtang and Goushekind

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Hard work, but rewarding

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Variety and Views

A tougher than expected trek, but it takes you on a journey through terraces, woodland, forests, scrub and snow to show you the various landscapes and habitats Nepal has to offer. This is a fantastic and rewarding trek and I recommend it.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

For me it was climbing over the Laurebena Pass in the frozen landscape and bright sunshine. I like being rewarded for effort and this was a rewarding day with views of Manaslu and the Annapurnas in the distance. I also found the walks through the forests of giant pine, oak and incredible rhododendrons just amazing.

What did you think of your group leader?

Prem has led me before on the Annapurna Sanctuary trek and as before his top priority is the group's wellbeing and enjoyment. Prem is an excellent guide and leader and I hope to have him again in the future.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Yes. I have done several treks and climbs to Nepal with Exodus now and I think this trek needs regrading. At the moment it is graded 4 (the same as Annapurna Sanctuary) but it is quite a bit harder. The days are longer with more ascents and descents that made for a succession of long, tiring days. It is an enjoyable and very worthwhile trek but I think a few of us were taken by surprise. As with any trip into the Himalayas, be prepared for any weather and a range of temperatures, both whilst trekking and at night.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This trip makes use of a range of teahouses and lodges from smart places with WIFI to basic rooms made from crates and corrugated steel that only have a freezing water hosepipe to wash from. So be prepared for all types. The food was generally of very good quality however and snacks were available to buy everywhere. The lakes were frozen and under deep snow on my trek, and my room at Gosainkund had ice on the floor, snow drifts in the corridor and snow drifted up over the window, so make sure you are prepared for the possibility of snow and cold. We saw plenty of bird and animal life which was great and you pass through a great variety of landscapes. Finally, I was expecting this trek to be quieter but the path up the Langtang valley was as busy as I've seen in other parts, it's not until you turn off towards Gosainkund that it gets much quieter.

Nepal Trekking: Langtang and Goushekind

A fantastic introduction to trekking in the high mountains. Interesting and varied landscapes. Each walking day was different.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The variety of landscape trekked through; suburban parkland, high meadows, sub alpine, alpine and snowy passes.

What did you think of your group leader?

The tour was very well lead by exeperience guide who possessed an excellent grasp of the English language. Also supported by porters who worked very hard and deserved every penny of their tip (I tried carrying a their load on my head- staggered a few steps and then gave up!).

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for some basic accommodation and make sure you are fit enough for days of 1000m ascent at altitiude.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A little extra time to explore Kathmandu at the beginning or end of the trip would have been useful.

Hard work, but rewarding

A very varied trek on not-too-busy trails. we were surprised at the amount of flowers we saw. Clear weather in the mornings provided spectacular views, even though it often clouded over after lunch.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The best scenery of the trip was, in my view, the last section of the walk up to the lake at Gosainkund - truly spectacular.

What did you think of your group leader?

Sukman takes his job very seriously (which meant we felt well looked-after) and got on well with the group. An excellent leader.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take lots of appetizing nibbles (we wished we had taken nuts, for example) - it can get very hard to eat at altitude, and while the food in the tea-houses is generally good it does get monotonous. If you can't eat, you can't walk! Beware of out-of-date Snickers bars on sale in some places...!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't be put off by the recent news stories about trekking in Nepal - it's a fabulous country and Exodus are very safety-conscious.