Langtang & Gosainkund Lakes

The stunning Langtang Valley lies to the north of Kathmandu and sees fewer trekkers than the Annapurna or Everest regions. In Autumn it is blessed with superb views of the great peak of Langtang Lirung (7246m), while in spring it comes alive with birds and flowers. This trek takes us to the glaciers below Langtang Lirung, perhaps the summits of Kyanjin Ri or Tsergo Ri (optional) for some magnificent panoramas, and the spectacular holy lake at Gosainkund, an important place of pilgrimage. Parts of the Langtang Valley and Langtang village were devastated in the 2015 earthquake and now that the lodges have been repaired or rebuilt, the best way to show support is for trekkers and tourism to return. Our new route makes use of the best lodges and forms more of a circuit that the traditional trail.

This trip spends three nights in a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu and 11 nights on trek in basic lodges (teahouses).



In Kathmandu, we usually stay at the Hotel Royal Singi, located within walking distance of the buzzy Thamel district. There is a restaurant, bar and outdoor courtyard. There is complimentary wifi in the hotel lobby and wifi codes are available from reception for the rooms. There is an Exodus desk in the hotel reception area and an Exodus representative is usually available daily in the mornings and evenings.



The teahouses are basic but adequate; please be realistic about what to expect in the mountains.



The lodges in Lama Hotel, Gosainkund and Gopte belong to the national park and are not privately owned. Because of this, they are not as well-kept, and the standard is lower than that of the other lodges we use. They are the only options in these locations.



The hub of the teahouse is the dining room, usually decorated with colourful traditional rugs, sometimes with a stove or heater (some lodges charge a fee to put the heater on). Some teahouses above 9,845ft (3,000m) may not be heated due to local environmental restrictions.



Occasionally, kerosene burners can be used to heat common areas if requested. We recommend against using these due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and your leader will not offer this to you. Most teahouses sell snacks and other essentials such as tissues, soap and toilet paper. Almost all lodges have electricity, but it is not wholly reliable, and lighting may not be bright enough to read by – a torch (flashlight) is essential. Electrical charging facilities are generally available only in the dining room, charged at approximately 150-350 Nepalese rupees (US$1.15/US$2.65) per hour per device.



Please note, many of the lodges use solar power so sometimes there is not enough electricity for charging. Many lodges have wifi – in some areas it works well but in others it is slow and temperamental.



The bedrooms are now almost all twin-share (although very occasionally during peak seasons you may be asked to share with three to five people to a room for the odd night). Beds with foam mattresses, bedsheets and a pillow are provided. Bedrooms are unheated and can get cold at night, so you need to bring or hire a sleeping bag.



Most lodges have only one or two basic toilets and sometimes these are outside the main lodge building. Toilets are usually Asian squat style; although some lodges have now installed seated ones. Toilet paper is not provided, so bring your own or buy it locally (please dispose of it in the waste can provided – do not put it in the bowl). If there is not a flush handle, there should be a container of water to pour down – if it is empty (or frozen) please either refill it or ask the lodge to.



Some lodges now have hot gas or solar showers (charged at approximately 250-500 rupees per shower) but don’t expect them every night. Sometimes a hot shower is simply a bucket of hot water and not a showerhead.



Standards of cleanliness vary, especially in the peak trekking season and in winter when the water freezes at night. Please report any problems to your leader or the lodge and be vigilant in your personal hygiene regime – use soap or hand-sanitiser gel before and after toilet breaks, snacks, mealtimes and after handling money.



As a general rule, the higher altitude you go to, the more basic the lodges and the more expensive food and services become.



Extra accommodation



If you require any additional accommodation in Kathmandu either before or after the tour, we can book this for you (subject to availability), please enquire with your sales representative.



Single accommodation



If you prefer your own room, we offer a single supplement for the hotel nights in Kathmandu only (subject to availability). While in the teahouses, single rooms cannot be guaranteed so these have not been included in the single supplement price paid in advance. However, if a single room is available on arrival to a teahouse, you can pay locally on a day-by-day basis.