1. Experiencing the unique culture of the Hyolmo people in the Helambu region.
2. Spotting the endangered Red Panda.
3. Taking a dip at the Holy Gosaikunda lake.
4. Wonderful mountain view from Laurebina pass.
5. Travel to Shin Gompa.
TRIP INTRODUCTION
Gosaikunda-Helambu Trek takes us to two beautiful valleys in the north of Kathmandu - Langtang and Helambu. This trek combines the best parts of Helambu circuit trek and Gosaikunda trek.
The Langtang valley is home to the Tamang people. Langtang visit provides a wonderful experience of the Tamang culture and way of life. Helambu valley is settled by the Hyolmo people, who are also known as the Helambu valley Sherpas. The Hyolmos are similar to the Sherpas but they have a distinct culture and way of living.
We will start our trek from Dhunche, the headquarter of Rasuwa district. We will head to the Thulo Syabru village from Dhunche. We will meet other trekkers in the Gosainkunda circuit trek at Thulo Syabru. Gosaikunda Lake is the highlight of our trek. The lake has mythical roots. People believe it was Lord Shiva who created the lake by opening the ground with his Trident. There are other lakes like Surya Kunda, Bhairav Kunda, Gauri Kunda etc. in the vicinity of Gosaikunda. All of these lakes are of religious importance.
We will visit the Helambu region once we have exited the Gosaikunda region through the Laurebina pass. The town of Melamchi lies at the center of Helambu. Helambu region provides an opportunity of living together with the Hyolmo people. The Hyolmos have a distinct culture and way of living. They are warm and hospitable. Living together with them will be a memorable affair.
Best Month: September to December and March to May
Important Notes and Safety Concerns
We prioritize your safety all the time while traveling with Ambition Himalaya Treks & Expeditions. We want our valuable guests and staffs to be safe thus we have given full authority to your tour leaders to modify, cancel or update any part of the itinerary if it is considered necessary due to safety concerns. Ambition Himalaya promises that we will do our best to stick with planned itinerary. However, natural disasters, weather disturbances, health conditions or any other mishap may force us to change the planned itinerary and we hope you understand these concerns. Our leaders will give you necessary information and discuss with you before changing the itinerary.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude : 1,300 m/ 4,264 ft
You will land at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,300 m). We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel in a private vehicle. You will be welcomed with typical Nepali dinner in the evening. The dinner will be complimentary on behalf of Ambition Himalaya and it will take place in a traditional Nepali restaurant. Dinner will be followed by traditional music and cultural dance.
Day 02: Sightseeing and trek preparation
Accommodation : Hotel and Lodge
Today is a free day. If you are willing then you can go for sightseeing around Kathmandu valley, which has ancient temples, monuments and shrines in abundance. The major highlights of sightseeing includes the Pashupatinath Temple, Swyambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa and the Kathmandu Durbar Square. You can shop for basic trek amenities in the evening. Trek items are easily found in the Thamel market – the place you will be staying.
Day 03: Drive to Dhunche
Accommodation : Hotel and Lodge Maximum Altitude : 1,950 m/6,435 ft Time :7-8 hour
We will have an early breakfast and head towards Dhunche – the district headquarter of Rasuwa district. We have two options to reach Dhunche – travelling via Kakani-Trisuli bazar or travelling via Galchii-Trisuli Bazar. We normally travel via Kakani, We will pass by beautiful places like Kakani, Ranipauwa, Betrawati and Trishuli Bazaar before we reach Dhunche (1,950 m). We rest at a tea house in Dhunche overnight.
Day 04: Trek to Thulo Syabru
Accommodation : Hotel and Lodge Maximum Altitude : 2,230 m/7,350 ft Time :5 -6 hours
We will trek to Thulo Syabru today. Thulo Syabru is a beautiful village that provides mesmerizing mountain view of the Langtang mountain range with other Tibetan mountains. This section of the trek is also a famous apple growing region. Our trek to Thulo Syabru (2,230 m) takes about 5-6 hours. The path passes through apple orchards and rhododendron forests. We will enjoy a wonderful evening with the local Tamang people in Thulo Syabru tonight.
Day 05: Trek to Shin Gompa
Accommodation : Hotel and Lodge Maximum Altitude : 3,330 m/10,925 ft Time : 5- 6 hours
Shin Gompa is a beautiful village at the height of 3,330 m. We will cross other scenic villages like Gardagaon, Phulung Ghyang and Chandanbari on our way to Shin Gompa. The path up to Dimsa village is uphill and it starts to go slightly flat from here. We will pass by forests of rhododendron, oak and hemlock trees. Chandanbari has an old Yak Cheese factory where you can taste fresh Yak cheese. This cheese factory was opened in association with the Swiss Government. We will enjoy beautiful sunset at Shin Gompa and rest here overnight.
Day 06: Trek to Lauribinayak
Accommodation : Hotel and Lodge Maximum Altitude : 3,950 m/13,035 ft Time :3-4 hours
Lauribinyak hilltop is one of the best places to watch the mountains in the region. It provides a mesmerizing view of the Langtang and Ganesh mountain ranges. It also provides a great view of the Langtang Valley. This section of the trek is also famous for Red Pandas. Red Panda is an endangered animal. It is called cat bear by the Nepalese. The trek to Lauribinayak (3,940 m) is slightly shorter but steeper compared to other days. We take a tea break at Cholangpati before climbing to the hilltop of Lauribinayak.
Day 07: Visit to Gosaikunda Lake
Accommodation : Hotel and Lodge Maximum Altitude : 4,380 m/14,454 ft
We will head towards the beautiful Gosaikunda lake today. The lake is at the height of 4,380 m and is accompanied by many other smaller lakes nearby. Hindus believe that a dip at this lake washes away all sins. It is also believed by the Hindus that Lord Shiva created the lake by striking the ground with his trident. The lake is formed from glacial melt. The place receives a lot of visitors in the full moon of August. The festival of Janai Purnima occurs during this period. We will gather by the fireplace in the evening and enjoy hot local dishes.
Day 08: Trek to Ghopte via Laurebina pass
Accommodation : Hotel and Lodge Maximum Altitude : 4,610 m/15,213 ft Time : 6-8 hours
We will trek to Ghopte village via Laurebina Pass today. Laurebina pass or the Gosaikunda pass is at the height of 4,610 m and is the highest point of our trek. We will get a beautiful view of Gosaikunda on one side and the path ahead on the other from Laurebina. The site of the tragic Thai Air Crash in 1992 is near Laurebina pass. We rest a while here and continue our journey. We will have lunch at a place called Dhupi Chaur. Once we move past Laurebina Pass, we will begin to meet beautiful Tamang villages. We will reach Ghopte after a long walk.
Day 09: Trek to Melamchi Gaon
Accommodation : Hotel and Lodge Maximum Altitude : 2,530 m/8,300 ft Time : 5-6hours
We will trek to Melamchi Gaon (village) today. Melamchi (2,530 m) is a beautiful village settled by the Hyolmo, Sherpa and Tamang people. It lies at the heart of Helambu Valley and is one of the largest settlements in the region. We first reach Thadepati (3,490 m) during our trek. Thadepati is a mountain watcher’s paradise. We then descend gradually from Thadepati. We will enjoy a beautiful night at Melamchi.
Day 10: Trek to Sermanthang
Accommodation : Hotel and Lodge Maximum Altitude : 2,590 m/8,497 ft Time : 5-6 hours
We will trek to Sermanthang today. Sermanthang is inhabited by the Sherpa and Hyolmo people. The village (2,590 m) has many monasteries, shrines and stupas. It is one of the centers of Tibetan culture and Buddhism in the region. We will have an easy walk today compared to previous days because we will not be gaining substantial altitude. The path will go somewhat up and down but will generally be flatter. We will experience the unique culture and the lifestyle of the local people tonight.
Day 11: Trek to Melamchi Pul and drive to Kathmandu
Accommodation : Hotel and Lodge Maximum Altitude : 870 m/2,858 ft (Melamchi Pul) Time : 4-5 hours
We will slowly trek down towards Melamchi Pul (870 m), walking through terraced fields, small villages and stoned steps. The trek to Melamchi Pul takes about 5-6 hours and we will board on a vehicle waiting for us and head to Kathmandu. The drive to Kathmandu takes about two hours. You can enjoy music and dance in the evening before resting in your hotel room.
Day 12: Departure
You will depart today. We will bid you goodbye after a small traditional ceremony and drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, from where you will fly to your destination. You also have the option of extending your trip and taking part in other treks.
Inclusion
Transportation
By Bus and Jeeb
Accommodations
Hotel and Lodge
Food
Breakfast , Dinner
Read in details what’s included and what’s not included.
What’s Included
Airport pickup and drop services by private vehicle including before and after the trek
Accommodation in Kathmandu as per the itinerary / with complimentary breakfast
All ground transportation by private vehicle in city and Kathmandu to Dhunche and Melamchi to KTM by Local bus (optional private jeep)
All required trekking permits and necessary paper works
Meals on full board during the trek [Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with 3 cups hot drinks in a day]
Accommodation in lodge/guest houses during the trek
Trekking Guide [English speaking, eco-friendly, Government licensed, Ministry of Tourism Trained, First Aid Trained] with salary, foods, accommodation, transportation and insurances
Assistant trekking guide for groups over 6 people with meals, accommodation, salary and insurance
Strong porters [1 porter shared between 2 paying people] with porter salary, foods, accommodation, transportation and insurances
Down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking map, Ambition Himalaya T-shirt and Duffel Bag [Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag have to be returned after completing the trek]
First aid medications / medicines with the guide
Necessary paper works, government and local taxes, company service charges
Complementary welcome dinner in Kathmandu at a typical Nepali restaurant
Certificate of Achievement signed by director of the company and your guide
What's Excluded
International Airfares, Visa Fees,($ 25 for 15 days, $ 40 for 30 days and $ 100 for 90 days)
Travel and Rescue Insurance, Emergency Evacuation
Bars and Beverage bills, cold drinks, mineral water, hot shower, telephone bills, laundry
Extra activities than mentioned in the itinerary, extra porter charges
Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu [Meals not included also in the cases of early returns from the trips]
Extra accommodation caused due to early arrival, flight delays, natural disasters etc.]
Tips / Gratitude for Guides and Porters
Any services not mentioned in Service Includes Section unless specified on booking of the trekking
Want to change this itinerary and create your own private experience? We will help you customize your holiday.
