Helambu-Gosainkunda Trek

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

7 Days

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Helambu Gosainkunda Trek is famous for its own natural beauty, wonderful climate and magnificent views of snow mountains. Trekkers love to do Helambu Gosainkunda Trek because it is less crowded even in peak season. The main season is spring and autumn.

The main inhabitants of the Helambu valley are Sherpas and Tamangs, whose culture is similar to by Tibetan culture. Gosainkund at 4300m is a high altitude lake which is covered by snow during winter. This trek offers variety of natural scenery and experience of jungle walk. This trekking region is also famous for sub-alpine vegetation and wildlife such as, Birds, Deer, Monkey and Thars.

Itinerary Expand All Close All

Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1350m.) takes about one hour and then take an uphill walk to Chisapani (2300m.).

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

2300

The trail will enter through the Shivpuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. The first settlement you will come across is Mulkharka which is inhabited by Tamang. The route then goes down the ridge through a forest of oaks and rhododendron to Chisapani (2300m.) Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 2 : Trek from Chisapani to Kutumsang (2446m.) takes about six and half hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

2620

The trail descends from Chisapani and continues to descend through Pathi Bhanjyang until Gul Bhanjyang. The trail then climbs the ridge from Gul Bhanjyang to another pass at 2620m. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 3 : Trek from Kutumsang to Ghopte via Magen Goth (3514m.) and Tharepati Pass (3690m.) takes about 7 hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

3690

The trek continues north up the Yurin Danda ridge and offers views of the peaks. The trail climbs above Kutumsang on a steep, eroded trail mostly through fir and rhododendron forest where there are no permanent settlements. The trail then descends to Magen Goth. You will reach Tharepati consisting of a few Goths and lodges. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 4 : Trek from Ghopte to Gosaikunda (4380m.) via Lauribina Pass (4610m.) takes approximately seven hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

4610

The trail ascends through the meadow of bushes and some rhododendron trees and up to Phedi (3500m.) The trail continues to ascend beside a stream through alpine trees. The trail then is bit rough and crosses moraines but it is well marked with rock cairns. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 5 : Trek from Gosaikunda to Sing Gompa (3330m.) or Chandan Bari (3330m.) takes about four and half hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

3330

The trail descends all the way to Sing Gompa passing Lauribinayak with magnificent mountain views and forests. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 6 : Trek from Sing Gompa to Dhunche (1960m.) takes about six hours.

Food

Breakfast/lunch/dinner

Accomodation

Lodge

Elevation

1960

The first part of the trail descends through pine, silver oak and rhododendron forests with marijuana plants all around until you cross a suspension bridge over the Sing Gompa Stream. Now, the path stretches at a flat level through some human settlements and mineral water factories up to Dhunche. It is a small town and the headquarters of Rasuwa district. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 7 : Drive from Dhunche to Kathmandu takes five hours.

Food

Breakfast & Lunch

Elevation

1400

It takes about five hours. It's a pleasant drive back to Kathmandu.

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 Sundarijal and Dhunche to Kathmandu bu 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)

Helambu-Gosainkunda Trek Altitude Profile

FAQs

This trek is considered moderate to challenging. While it doesn’t involve technical climbing, the trail includes several steep ascents and descents, especially when crossing Laurebina La Pass (4610m). Trekkers must also be prepared for hiking at high altitudes. Good physical fitness and a slow, steady pace are key to enjoying the journey. It’s doable for fit beginners with proper preparation, but more comfortable for those with previous trekking experience.

The trek typically takes 6 to 8 days, depending on your pace and the specific route. A common itinerary starts from Sundarijal or Melamchi, climbs through Helambu villages to Tharepati, continues to Gosainkunda, and ends at Dhunche or Syabrubesi. Some itineraries go in reverse. You can also extend the trek by linking it with the Langtang Valley or Ganja La Pass for a longer adventure.

The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and stunning views of the Langtang, Ganesh, and Manaslu ranges. In spring, the rhododendrons are in full bloom, and in autumn, the air is clear and the trails are dry. The trek is possible in winter (December–February) too, but Gosainkunda Lake may be frozen, and the high pass can be snow-covered and more difficult to cross.

Yes, since you’ll be reaching elevations above 4,000 meters, there is a risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS), particularly around Gosainkunda and Laurebina La Pass. To minimize the risk:

Ascend slowly and allow time for acclimatization
Stay well hydrated
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Recognize symptoms like headache, nausea, or fatigue

If symptoms worsen, descending to a lower altitude is crucial. Traveling with a guide who understands altitude management is recommended.

While the trail is well-trodden and marked, hiring a guide adds safety, cultural understanding, and logistical ease—especially around Tharepati and Laurebina La, where the trail can be challenging and weather unpredictable. A porter is helpful for carrying your gear, allowing you to trek more comfortably. Though not mandatory, a guide is strongly recommended if you're not experienced in high-altitude trekking.

You’ll need:

Langtang National Park Entry Permit
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Entry Permit

The highest point of the trek is Laurebina La Pass, sitting at 4610 meters (15,125 feet) above sea level. This is a scenic and spiritually significant point that offers sweeping views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and even peaks in Tibet on clear days. It’s often windy and cold at the top, so warm layers and wind protection are essential.

The trek takes you through Tamang and Hyolmo (Yolmo) villages, where you can experience Tibetan-influenced Buddhist culture. You’ll see Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, mani walls, and even yak pastures in higher areas. Gosainkunda Lake is a sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site, believed to have been created by Lord Shiva. If you're trekking during Janai Purnima (August), you’ll witness thousands of pilgrims making the journey to bathe in the holy lake.

Yes, the Helambu–Gosainkunda Trek can be easily customized:

You can combine it with the Langtang Valley Trek for a 14–18 day circuit.
Adventurous trekkers can continue via Ganja La Pass to Kyanjin Gompa.
For shorter versions, you can exit early at Kutumsang or Tarkeghyang.
It also connects well with Tamang Heritage trails or Ruby Valley for extended cultural routes.

Customization depends on your time, fitness level, and interest in combining scenic beauty with cultural depth.

Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition ensures you to provide a well planned itinerary for Helambu-Gosainkunda 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.

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