Langtang Gosaikunda Trek
A Himalayan valley located in the north of Nepal bordering Tibet, Langtang is a region containing thirteen total peaks over 5500 meters above sea level among which the highest Langtang Lirung stands at an elevation of 7,234 m. The region is majorly inhabited by people from the Tamang ethnicity with Buddhism as their religion. Langtang National Park is located in Langtang region. Park is home to several endangered flora and fauna including Himalayan Tahr, Red Panda, Rhesus Monkey, and Himalayan Black Bear. It is believed that this region has offered sightings of the enormous snow Bigfoot or Yeti in Nepali. Langtang Gosaikunda Trek comprises the remoteness of the region with the high-mountain lake of Gosaikunda at the end of the expedition. Gosaikunda is a sacred lake covering a surface area of 34 acres, where every August, Hindus from across the country come. According to Hindu mythology, Gosaikunda is believed to have been formed by the God of Death Lord Shiva when he pushed his Trishul into the mountain so he could extract water to drink and cool his throat after he had poison. Almost 50,000 crowds of people gather every year to pay their homage to the Lord Shiva.
The trek begins from Syabru Besi and concludes in Dhunche. Syabru Besi is a Sherpa village -situated at the edge of Langtang National Park. After 7-8 hrs of long drive from Kathmandu, all that is left from thereon will be walking literally. If you can walk for 4-5 hours daily, this trek is the right choice. The Gosaikunda Lake lies south of two major rivers where one is Helambu and the other is Trishuli. The major attraction of this region is the remoteness itself. The beautiful landscapes and rural villages are the reason why tourists these days particularly pick Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. The uninhabited Langtang region has more to offer than just nature. Even though less populated, this region has the world’s most polite and warm-hearted people. 95 percent of the total population in Langtang follows Buddhism. You will come to know when you will see prayer flags on your way from the bottom to the top of the expedition. Monasteries are another major point of interest for trekking in the mountains of Nepal. Some of the monasteries are very old dating back centuries. Rhododendron Forests are common in the mountains. Other than that the valley offers pine forest and green grassland where the beautiful daisy grows. So if you are a nature enthusiast this trek will most probably be your best call so far. Not only Langtang is a naturally abundant place, but it is also a culturally rich place. Tamang are the residents in this part of the mountains. In case you don’t find a good hotel to stay, one of the villagers is worth asking for help. And when you do stay at one of their house, you will learn their lifestyle which is one of a kind and they will treat you no less than a VIP.