Overview And Highlights

Trip Facts

Trip Type

Tea House / Lodge

Grade

Moderate

Altitude

4610 m.

Transportation

Bus / Jeep

Group Size

1 or more

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

Duration

8 Days

Best price guaranteed
Book now, pay later

Request Cost Make Inquiry

Gosainkunda – Helambu trek offer an opportunity for the trekkers and adventures to follow in Bill Tillman’s footsteps and rediscover the Himalayan passes, pristine valley and diverse ethno culture.

This trek is a short one as compared to other treks but is really adventurous and slightly strenuous. You have to walk through the high passes at times. You will come across splendid frozen lakes, beautifully woven Sherpa and Tamang hamlets, vibrant rhododendron shrubs, exotic orchids, wildlife and many other eyes soothing landscapes. You will also witness the magnificent view stretching from Dhaulagiri to Mt. Everest, the holy Gosaikunda Lake and alpine yak pasture of Kyanjin Gompa, while the mountain views are genuinely inspiring.

You will experience the Yolmo culture of high mountains villages, marvel at vistas of lonely high mountains and watch enthralled as the farmers toil in the fields using hand made tools and teams of water buffalo. Gosainkunda - Helambu valley trek is noted for its scenic grandeur and pleasant climate and lies north of the Kathmandu Valley across the Laurebinayak Pass at an altitude of 4620m.

Itinerary Expand All Close All

Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche (1960m.) takes about five hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

1960

You head north out of Kathmandu driving through scenic foothills and ridgeline vistas to Dhunche. The first part of your drive up to Trishuli Bazaar is quite smooth. The path now moves along a gravel road. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 2 : Trek from Dhunche to Sing Gompa (3330m.) it takes about five hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

3330

The first part of the trail ascends gradually through mineral water factory up to Ghatte Khola (stream). Crossing a suspension bridge over this stream, you begin to trek steep up until you reach Sing Gompa through pine, silver oak and rhododendron forests with marijuana plants. There is an old cheese factory at Sing Gompa. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 3 : Trek from Sing Gompa to Gosainkunda (4380m.) via Laurebina La (3910m.) takes about five and half hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

4380

You follow a rugged trail with dramatic views; to the west lie Himal Chuli (7893m.,) Manaslu (8156m,) and Ganesh Himal (7406m.) On a clear day, even the Annapurna range can be seen rising up behind and to the north across the valley is Langtang Lirung. You pass a few huts in the high pastures of Laurebina, cross a small ridge and have your first views of the holy lakes. There are about a dozen lakes in the Gosainkunda Basin, the main three being Saraswatikunda, Bharab Kunda and Gosainkunda. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 4 : Trek from Gosainkunda to Lauribina Pass (4610m.) to Ghopte (3430m.).

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

4610

The trail leaves Gosainkunda and climbs through rugged country, past four more small lakes to the Lauribina La [4610m], the highest point of this trek. Keep looking back for spectacular views of Manaslu and the mountains of the Ganesh Himal, as well as the now familiar Langtang Lirung. You then descend steeply to camp near Gopte. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 5 : Trek from Ghopte to Melamchi Gaon via Tharepati Pass (3690m.).

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Loge

Elevation

3690

The first part of the trails slightly descends and then begins to ascend through rhododendron forests until Tharepati and then your hike gets into a descending mode. Before climbing to Tharepati, you cross a stream after coming through rhododendron, oak and juniper forests. From Tharepati the trail gradually descends through pine and rhododendron forest with good views down into the Helambu valley and across to Jugal Himal and Numbur in the Solu Khumbu. Melamchi Gaon is surrounded by beautiful forests, which are mainly inhabited by Sherpa people with their distinctive culture. You will also find some Buddhist monasteries around here. Stay overnight at lodge (tea house).

Day 6 : Trek from Melamchi Gaon to Tarkeghyang (2743m.) takes about three hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

2743

The early part of the trek descends until you cross the stream named as Melamchi. Now you trek gently up to Tarkeghyang passing through Sherpa settlements. Tarkeghyang is a beautiful Sherpa village with one of the oldest and biggest monasteries. Stay overnight at lodge (tea house).

Day 7 : Trek from Tarkeghyang to Shermathang (2621m.) takes about five hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

2621

This day the trail gets quite easier through flat land with beautiful forests on the way. You trek on crossing some small streams on the way. There is also a beautiful village on the half way to Shermathang. To add to your joy, Shermathang is another pretty Sherpa village where you can visit several ancient monasteries. From here you can see Jugal Himal range from the north face of Shermathang village. Stay overnight at lodge (tea house).

Day 8 : Trek from Shermathang to Melamchi Pul Bazaar (846m.) and drive to Kathmandu.

Food

Breakfast & Lunch

Elevation

1400

The trail gradually descends all the way to Melamchi Pul Bazaar through meadows and cultivated fields. It takes about 4 hours to reach Melamchi Pul Bazaar from Shermathang. On the way, you come across several old villages with their own particular traditions. Same day, you will drive back to Kathmandu that takes about 4 hours.

What Is Included ?

Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private A/C vehicle
Trekking guide
One porter for every 2 trekking participants (1 porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Accommodation in Lodge (Tea houses) during the trek
Trekking equipment: Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags, trekking poles, etc.
Entry Permits for Langtang & Shivapuri National Park
Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
Land transportation from Kathmandu to Dhunche and Melamchi Pul Bazaar to Kathmandu by bus/jeep
Insurance and equipment for guides and porters
First aid kit
Tax, VAT and our service charge
Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost.)
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
Souvenir

What Is Excluded?

Personal nature expenses (Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages)
Travel insurance
Tips for involved staffs
Meals and hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking due to any personal reason than the scheduled itinerary)

Gosainkunda - Helambu Trek Altitude Profile

FAQs

This trek is considered moderately challenging. It involves steep ascents, high-altitude passes, and rugged trails, especially around the Lauribina La Pass. While no technical climbing is required, good physical fitness and some prior trekking experience at altitude are recommended. The daily walking hours range from 5 to 7 hours, and the highest point is over 4600 meters, where altitude sickness can be a concern if not acclimatized properly.

The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is generally stable, with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and excellent mountain views. Spring offers blooming rhododendron forests, while autumn provides crisp air and colorful landscapes. While it's possible to trek in winter, snow can block the Lauribina La Pass, and in monsoon (June to August), trails can be slippery with limited visibility.

The trek usually takes 7 to 10 days, depending on your starting and ending points and how much time you want to spend acclimatizing. A standard itinerary includes 1-2 days of ascent to Gosainkunda, crossing Lauribina La, and 3-4 days descending through Helambu villages like Tharepati, Melamchi Gaon, and Kutumsang before ending at Sundarijal or Melamchi Pul Bazaar.

Yes, altitude sickness (AMS) is a real concern, particularly when ascending to Gosainkunda (4380m) and crossing Lauribina La (4610m). It’s essential to ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and take proper acclimatization breaks. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite. If you feel unwell, it’s crucial to rest or descend. Medication like Diamox can help, but should be used under medical advice.

You will need:

TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
Langtang National Park Entry Permit
Shivapuri National Park Entry Fee

Yes, it is possible to trek independently, especially if you’re experienced, but a guide is still recommended due to the remote areas and occasional route confusion near the pass. Weather in the high pass area can change quickly. Solo female travelers may prefer hiring a guide for added safety and local knowledge.

Most treks start from Dhunche or Syabrubesi, both of which are accessible by local or private jeep/bus from Kathmandu, taking 6–8 hours. The road is rough in places, so a private jeep is more comfortable though more expensive. The trek usually ends in Sundarijal or Melamchi, both connected by road to Kathmandu.

The trek passes through regions inhabited by Tamang, Sherpa, and Hyolmo people. You’ll encounter Buddhist monasteries, chortens, prayer wheels, and colorful mani walls. Gosainkunda itself is a sacred lake to both Hindus and Buddhists, believed to have been created by Lord Shiva. The Helambu region, particularly, offers insight into Yolmo Buddhist culture, with charming villages, kind locals, and spiritual ambiance.

The trek is relatively safe for most travelers, even solo trekkers, especially during peak seasons. Tea houses are abundant, and locals are friendly and helpful. However, beginners should ideally go with a guide or group, as the high altitude and remote location can be challenging. Stick to marked trails, check weather updates, and inform someone of your plans for added safety.

Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition ensures you to provide a well planned itinerary for Gosainkunda - Helambu trek. An experienced and highly professional climbing guide will be assigned to each climbing member. All necessary logistics will be taken care from our side. However, we expect to maintain good health and physical condition as well as well good mental preparation from your side.

Additional Information

Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.

General Items:

Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)

Clothing Items:

Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff

Sun-worn Items:

Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm

Gadgets:

Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),

Liquid/Snacks:

Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks

Medical Essentials:

First Aid Kit

Optional:

Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc

Additional items for camping trek:

Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses

Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.