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The trip was FABULOUS. We're already talking about what we want to do next time and how soon we can schedule another visit. Every time I look at the photos from
our Nepal excursion I still can't believe we
were there. The whole experience was
so other worldly and extraordinary.
Mathilda Cox -- Friends in High Places guest
Trek to Holy Gosainkund Lake
17 Days: 10 days Trekking, 3 days Jungle Safari
from only $1,399 per person fully inclusive Trek-only from $899
Full-service tented trekking from $1,699
The Langtang Massif is a day's drive north of Kathmandu, a wild and high area with very few western visitors. The route follows an ancient pilgrimage route to Gosainkund Lake, created it is said by the Hindu god Shiva.
Legend tells that Shiva drank a great poison to save the world at the beginning of time, and so great was his thirst for water to quench his parched throat that he opened the ground in the Himalayas with a trident. For thousands of years pilgrims have come here to worship and be cleansed by the lake's water. You will see pilgrims and Sadhus (mendicant Hindu holy men), but few westerners.
You will also visit an old, abandoned Buddhist monastery and be able to taste some of the Yak cheese for which this region is justly famous. You will see many yak and pony trains, carrying loads of rice, sugar, and other staples which don't grow at these altitudes.
After reaching the lake, you'll cross over a pass (16,500 feet) from the Langtang region into Helambu, and later as you descend towards the roadhead you will be able to see the Kathmandu valley spread out before you.
Then on to the Chitwan National Park, for three fun days of wildlife watching, elephant riding and nature walks with professional English speaking naturalists. Visit a local village of the Tharu people and ride an ox cart. Includes flights, accommodations, meals and full program.
Trip Highlights Include...
A first-class expedition with a march of porters, cooks, and English speaking Sherpas
Beautiful forested valleys, charming towns, rushing rivers, monasteries and even a Yak cheese factory! Holy Lake Gosainkund, sparkling pure.
The treasures of the Kathmandu valley - Dazzling temples and palaces, beautiful arts and crafts, God-Kings and reincarnate Lamas, and two thousand years of high culture.
Accommodations in good tourist hotels in Kathmandu, Luxury tents on Trek, and a comfortable lodge on Safari.
Wildlife safari by elephant and aboard dugout canoes, to spot rhinos, deer, monkeys, and maybe even a tiger.
All transportation, permits, fees & taxes.
Unforgettable Memories
Trek and Jungle Itinerary
- Day 1
- Arrive Kathmandu, airport pickup, hotel check-in.
- Day 2
- Morning guided sightseeing in
Kathmandu, afternoon free. Evening
trek briefing.
- Day 3
- Today you travel from Kathmandu to Dhunche on roads which pass through hills and cultivated valleys. Dhunche is the roadhead which serves the Langtang area, and you will walk a bit out of town before setting camp, to avoid any other groups which might be in the area.
- Day 4
- This first day's route follows a common entry way into the Langtang area, to Syabru Gaon (gaon, pronounced as a Frenchman might, means "town" in Nepali). The climb is gentle, through forested hills. Syabru is a junction point for many Langtang trails
- Day 5
- Today is a steeper walk, mostly uphill with some characteristically Himalayan ups and downs. The terrain remains forested, with open areas which give views back the way you've come. Your stop today is Sing Gompa (monastery), at the town of Chandan Bari. You can visit the old monastery from your camp nearby.
- Day 6
- This morning you take one of the less-trekked trails, towards Gosainkund lake. It's a steep climb, but spectacular. The town of Chalang Pati, about halfway to the lake, will be your camp in a short day for altitude acclimatization.
- Day 7
- Gosainkund Lake. At about 14,500 feet, this is one of the highest lakes in the world. You may have some mild altitude symptoms here, such as a loss of appetite or head-ache. The pilgrims consider it a sign of Shiva's blessing.
- Day 8
- After Gosainkund and the morning's passage over a high pass, the air today will seem positively thick. Up early to climb to the pass above the lake, followed by a steep downhill section on a high trail to camp.
- Day 9
- The trail continues through rough terrain with great views, and finally over a ridge is Tharepati, where you will be especially pleased to find camp set up and dinner cooking.
- Day 10
- More downhill today, with only one small ridge to cross en route. The camp is near Khutumsang, an interesting, typically old-fashioned Helambu village, at a little over 8,000 feet.
- Day 11
- A shorter day, but with two descents and climbs, to Chisopani ("cold water"), where the view of the whole central Himalaya is breathtaking. Take photos in the evening and early morning hours to remember this scene.
- Day 12
- More super views today, as you descend to the road through oak and rhododendron forests, with some pine at lower altitudes. Continuing on down towards Sundarijal you will intersect a road and waterworks project which supplies much of Kathmandu's drinking water. Where the road becomes passable, your vehicle will meet you and take you back to Kathmandu, where you can shower and drop into bed.
- Day 13
- Free day in Kathmandu.
- Day 14
- Late morning flight to the Chitwan. On arrival there you will be met by jeeps for the drive into the park. Walk the last few minutes to the camp. You luggage will transferred. After you settle in you have a chance to talk with the camp manager, and then you're off to watch the wildlife. Dinner and overnight at the camp. (Bring a star map - the star watching should be excellent.)
- Day 15
- A full day's program in the jungle, including an elephant talk and feeding, followed by an elephant safari. Evening presentation and overnight at the camp
- Day 16
- Morning elephant safari or bird walk. Then drive to the airport and return to Kathmandu. Shopping or sightseeing on your own in the afternoon.
- Day 17
- Transfer to the airport and depart. Baggage and check-in assistance, of course!
First Class camping
Forget about heating up baked beans on a campfire! Camping Himalayan style means a professional English-speaking Sherpa guide with years of experience, plus English-speaking Sherpa staff; an excellent cook and kitchen crew; and a march of porters carrying the best equipment including large two-person sleeping tents (designed for four), foam mattresses, dining tent with folding chairs and table, bathroom and bathing tents, gas lights, and many extras.
Hot water for washing in the morning, incidentals laundry service, and meals tuned to everyone's taste are standard. So are tables and chairs, smiling service, and incredibly varied, tasty food. Everything scrupulously clean and healthy.
The tents are set up and whisked away, and ever cheerful porters take the camp and your main pack or duffel away to the next stop. You carry only a daypack with water bottle, camera, and a jacket.
Everything is included - trek, staff and porters, transpiration, lodging, meals, permits and fees; except alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, available along some of this route. All arrangements and details are attended to by us. You are free to concentrate on the mountains and the people. After all, it's your holiday!
Extend Your Trip
India: 5 Days from only $575
Visit the Taj Mahal, ride camels in
the desert, stay in a palace, and
wander ancient bazaars.
Tibet: 8 Days from only $900
Journey overland to Lhasa thru high
Tibet. 3 days sightseeing in Lhasa,
and fly back to Kathmandu.
Both Programs include hotels, transportation, sightseeing with English-speaking guide, all
permits and entrance fees.
Program Summary
17 Days: Kathmandu, Langtang Trek, Jungle Safari
4 days Kathmandu, 10 days trek, 3 days Chitwan National Park
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