Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

Useful Information

Myths Relating to Gosaikunda Lake and its Cultural Importance
Gosaikunda Lake is one of the sacred sites with deep rooted connection with the Hindu religion and Tibetan Buddhism. The site attracts hundreds of pilgrims who trek to the Lake especially during the festival of Shiva Ratri and Janai Purnima, the trail can get crowded due to the religious and cultural importance of the destination. According to the Hindu Mythology, it is widely believed that Lord Shiva created the lake during the Smundra Manthan(Churning of the Ocean). Lord Shiva had struck the ground to create a lake with his trident in order to quench his thirst after consuming poison. It is also believed that he meditated on the shore of the lake and purified himself. It is also widely believed that Pandavas(from the epic Manabharat) also visited the holy lake and purified themself after their exile pof twelve years. The lake, thus also is renowned for spiritual cleansing. 

Itinerary Disclaimer
The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek  is a pre planned journey for which all the necessary facilities and services mentioned in the Trip include section will be provided to the clients. The trip commences and ends according to the agreed upon itinerary by the clients and company until and unless any unseen events which are outside the control of the team arise. During these circumstances there will be adjustments made in the itinerary by the Guide and team representatives ensuring the safety of the whole team. The trekkers are requested to coordinate with the team members during these circumstances, the trip can be extended during these circumstances during which the trekkers will be required to cover for their own expenses for the additional days.

Transportation Provided by the company  
The clients of the team will be provided with the transportation facility for the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek as mentioned in the cost include section which includes the sightseeing vehicle, Airport Pickup and drop, tickets for Kathmandu to Syabrubesi and Dhunche to Kathmandu. The commutes have fixed routes ensuring the travelers will have a smooth journey and travelers' requests for any detour will not be entertained and if considered then they will be required to pay a certain fee directly to the vehicle operator. The travelers will be traveling to Syabrubesi in a public bus which will be comfortable, however if the trekkers want to upgrade for their journey then they can inform the team as for an additional 150 USD, the team will be arranging for a 4WD vehicle.

Minimum Age And Fitness 
The trekkers participating in the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek with the Mountain Ram Adventures should be above the age of 16 if they want to trek independently and for the trekkers below the age of 16 should be accompanied by their guardian for the entirety of the journey. There are no age restrictions so,  trekkers of all ages can enjoy the trek however, their physicality and mentality plays a crucial role in the success of the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. trekkers will need to be prepared to tackle the harsh conditions of the Himalayas therefore, the team suggests the trekkers to have regular exercise which will help them adjust better with the terrain and avoid fatigue. Having a medical checkup before participating in any adventure activities in the Himalayas also is crucial as it will help to avoid any health complications which may arise during trekking.

Solo Trekking
Solo trekking is not permitted in the trail of the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek or any trekking trails within the protected areas of Nepal due to the increase in the mortality rate. The policies are updated by the concerned authorities and the solo trekker must be accompanied by a licensed guide for their journey. Here, at the Mountain Ram Adventures company the solo trekkers will be assigned experienced guides for their journey who will make their journey to the Himalayas a lot more relaxed and comfortable. Solo trekkers can also join the fixed departure groups (if any) for the trek during which they will be able to meet new trekkers along their journey.

Accommodation and Meals During The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek
The trekkers during the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek will be provided with a room in a 3 star hotel or similar while in Kathmandu for 3 Days as mentioned in the cost include section. The rooms provided for the entire tour will be on twin sharing basis, while in Kathmandu trekkers will be staying in B & B basis(Bed and Breakfast) and while trekking they will be staying in AP plan(Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner). The solo trekkers will be able to be provided with single rooms while in Kathmandu and if available in the Himalayas too, but during peak trekking season single rooms in the Himalayas cannot be guaranteed.

While in the Himalayas the team will be providing the trekkers with 3 meals a day, any one item of the menu. The trekkers will be able to enjoy hearty meals during the trek which will be fueled up for their journey. The trekkers need to inform their guides and team members if they have any medical conditions, allergies or if they are vegetarian so the team will be able to manage them with proper meals and not cause any health hazards. During the trek the trekkers will be able to try the authentic dishes from the Tamang Community and also many popular dishes with local twist and fusion.

Permits For The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek
The trekkers participating in the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek with the Mountain Ram Trekkers will need to provide their information  to the representatives as they will be applying and collecting the permits of the clients on their behalf. All the permit costs are included in the Package and trekkers will not be required to pay any additional fees. The trekkers will need to obtain the  Langtang National Park Permit  and the TIMS Card( Trekking Information Management System).  The trekkers who are trekking in the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek independently can apply for the permits  online through the department of Immigration, Nepal’s website and collect it from the office located at Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.

Cost of the Permit
Langtang National Park Permits:

1. Langtang National Park permit cost for other nationals: Rs 3000
2. Langtang National Park permit cost for SAARC nationals: Rs 1500
3. Langtang National Park permit cost for Nepali citizen Rs 100

TIMS Card

1. TIMS Card is not required for Nepali citizens
2. TIMS Card cost: NPR 2,000 per trekker.

Blisters Prevention
The trekkers will need good quality trekking shoes for their journey to avoid spraining their ankles and blisters. Trekkers are suggested to purchase trekking shoes which will cover their ankles as it will be stable and will avoid spraining of ankles while trekking. Trekkers will be trekking through the offbeat trails where the trekkers will need to watch their steps to avoid any injuries. Their guides will also help them navigate through the trail comfortably and assist the trekkers when necessary.

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Difficulty
The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is one of the most beautiful trekking destinations within the Himalayas which falls in the moderate trekking grade, which means the trails are adventurous and perfect for both seasoned and beginners. The trekkers participating in the trek will be able to enjoy the beautiful Himalayan views. At some parts of the trail it is a bit challenging to navigate through as the trails are rugged due to which trekkers will need to watch their footing. The trekkers if they feel any discomfort during the trek they are requested to inform their guides about it as they will do their absolute best to mitigate the solution and if trekkers are unable to continue their trek they will request for immediate medical evacuation transfering the trekkers to a hospital within Kathmandu valley. Overall, the Langtang Trek is a comfortable journey in which altitude might not be a problem if acclimatization hikes are done, balanced meals are consumed and trekkers trek according to their own capacity/ pace then their journey will simply be mesmerizing and relaxed.

Best time to participate in the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek  
The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is a beautiful adventure through the Langtang Himalayas filled with exciting views and trails perfect for trekkers of all ages and experiences. The trekkers, depending on their month of travel can have a different experience due to the weather conditions. The climate of the Himalayas is categorized into four seasons, each lasting for a duration of around three months. Trekkers will have a unique experience in the trail of the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek depending upon their time of travel. Many past trekkers have returned to trek in the trail during different seasons to experience the beauty of the Langtang region.

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek During Autumn:The Autumn season is considered to be the peak season of trekking in the Himalayas, as most of the popular trekking trails are jam-packed with trekkers from all around the world. The weather condition is perfect for trekking and the views are simply immaculate and pristine. The months of September to November cover the Autumn season in the Himalayas and are simply perfect for adventure in the Himalayas. Trekking during the Autumn season is not a good time for trekkers who want to avoid the tourist crowd in the Himalayas and trekkers are requested to plan their time during the month of December or Spring season instead. 

Average Temperature of the Region During Autumn Season
Lower Elevation: Daytime temperature 100 to 200 Celsius and nighttime temperature from 50 to 100 Celsius.
Middle Elevation: Daytime Temperature 50 to 150 Celsius and nighttime temperature from -50 to 50  Celsius.
Higher Elevation: Daytime Temperature 00  to 100  Celsius and nighttime temperature from -100  to -50 Celsius.

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek During Spring Season: The Spring Season is another popular trekking season in the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek due to the stable and favorable weather conditions, pristine blue skies and blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers. Trekkers participating during the months from March to May will experience the Spring season, which will be absolutely majestic. The aromatic smell of the wild flowers and the scenic views of the stunning Himalayas and valleys make the journey even more captivating and fulfilling. The Spring season is a bit less crowded than the Autumn season but still, there can be trekkers in the popular destinations. The spring season begins swiftly as the winter season ends due to which the month of March may be a bit on the chilly side and during mid to late May trekkers may need to trek during rain as monsoon season begins right after the spring season.

Average Temperature of the Region During Spring Season 
Lower Elevation: Daytime temperature 100 to 180 Celsius and nighttime temperature from 50 to 90 Celsius.
Middle Elevation: Daytime Temperature 60 to 160 Celsius and nighttime temperature from -40 to 50  Celsius.
Higher Elevation: Daytime Temperature 00  to 100  Celsius and nighttime temperature from -100  to -50 Celsius.

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek During Winter: The winter season is the coldest time to trek in the Langtang Range during which the temperature can be unpredictable and extreme at times especially above the elevation of 3800 M. The skies are clear during the winter season but the  temperature can be extremely cold and trails in the higher region will be covered under the pile of snow making it difficult to trek through. Trekkers will have a tranquil journey through the himalayas during the Winter season due to the fewer number of trekkers in the trail. During the peak Winter season the residents of the higher elevation including the Kyanjin Gompa area can migrate to the lower region to avoid the punishable conditions of the Himalayas so trekkers should be prepared to face such conditions as well. If  trekkers are planning to trek without Guide and porter during the Winter season then the Mountain Ram Adventures suggests strongly to not trek independently and appoint a guide and porter for their journey.

Average Temperature of the Region During Winter Season 
Lower Elevation: Daytime temperature 50 to 150 Celsius and nighttime temperature from 50 to -50 Celsius.
Middle Elevation: Daytime Temperature 00 to 100 Celsius and nighttime temperature from -100 to -50  Celsius.
Higher Elevation: Daytime Temperature -50  to 50  Celsius and nighttime temperature from -100  to -150 Celsius.

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek During Monsoon/ Summer: The monsoon season witnesses heavy rainfall and humid weather conditions which is not ideal for trekking. The beautiful trail turns muddy which is not easy to navigate through. The trekkers will be required to have proper waterproof gears and poncho for their journey. The trail is less crowded during the Monsoon season and as it frequently rains during the day time trekkers may not be able to enjoy the beautiful views of the Himalayas. The insects and bugs usually cause havoc in the lower region of the Langtang region so carrying insect/ bug repellent for the journey is a must if trekking during the Monsoon season.

Average Temperature of the Region During Summer/ Monsoon Season 
Lower Elevation: Daytime temperature 150 to 250 Celsius and nighttime temperature from 150 to 100 Celsius.
Middle Elevation: Daytime Temperature 60 to 170 Celsius and nighttime temperature from -50 to 50  Celsius.
Higher Elevation: Daytime Temperature 00  to 100  Celsius and nighttime temperature from -100  to -50 Celsius.

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Tips
Internet: During the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek the trekkers will need to pay for the internet facility directly to the tea house and is not covered by the package, it is much better and cheaper to purchase a data pack which will last them for the entirety of the trek. The trekkers will firstly need to obtain a Nepali Sim card which can be obtained from the Tribhuvan International Airport upon their arrival. The Data packs will be much more reliable as it can be used anywhere but whilst in the Himalayas the internet facility will be laggy and slow.

Hot Shower: The trekkers can take a hot shower up to Kyanjin Gompa, which will be charged a certain fee which they are required to pay directly to the tea house operators. The trekkers are strongly suggested to not shower while in the Higher region as it can lead to several health complications which can lead to requiring immediate medical attention.

Charging: The trekkers will be able to charge their phones or electronics in the Tea Houses but trekkers will need to pay certain fees per device inorder to charge them. The trekker can instead carry a fully charged Power Bank with them for their journey which will keep their devices charged during the trek. The trekkers can charge the devices free of cost on the lower elevations of the trekking trail.

Snacks and Protein Bars: the trekkers can carry snacks and protein bars for their journey but are highly requested to dispose of the waste in designated spots only. Trekkers can carry protein bars, chips, sweets, gums and many more. The trekkers can munch down on their snacks while trekking which will provide them with an extra nudge of energy to reach their destination for the day.

Guides and Porters For The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek
The guides will be assigned by the Mountain Ram Adventures team to the trekkers for the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek ensuring the trekkers will have a comfortable journey. The guide's salary, insurance and allowance are covered by  the package and trekkers will only be required to Tip their guides for their assistance throughout the trek. Trekkes will not be assigned Porters for their Langtang Gosaikunda Trek however, if the trekkers pay additional charges porters will be arranged for the trip. The porters assigned for the journey will be carrying 20 KG in total of two trekkers(10 KG each). Trekkers will be accompanied by their guides for the entirety of the trek making sure the trekkers have a comfortable journey. The trekkers are requested to treat their guides and team members with respect as they are part of the Mountain Ram Adventures family and without guides and porters trekking and adventures with the Himalayas is near to impossible.

Insurance For The Langtang Gosaikunda Trek
The trekkers participating in the Mountain Ram Adventures team will need to be insured compulsorily to trek in the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. The insurance plan will help to cover the medical bills and evacuation fees fully during any emergency situation which can arise during the trek. Having an insurance plan makes the journey more relaxed as it acts as a safety net during any  emergency and the team members can make decisions without hesitation. As the saying goes “ It is better safe than sorry”, having an insurance plan will come in handy during any such  cases.

Contact Details Of The Team 
The team members can be contacted by the trekkers to discuss the itinerary and make adjustments to it accordingly. info@mountainramadventures.com is the mail address of the team. The  team will be reaching out to the trekkers as soon as possible via mail. +977 014701168 is the number of the head office of Mountain Ram Adventures company located at Z-Street, Thamel. The clients can contact the travel expert of the team to make adjustments to the itinerary or have any trekking inquiries at +977 9851074270 directly via sim or through Whatsapp or Viber. The team will  be providing their clients with the representative number before their arrival in Kathmandu for the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek.

Visa Formalities
The trekkers will firstly need to obtain a valid visa of Nepal to participate in the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. The Mountain Ram Adventures will not be involved in any of the visa formalities of the trekkies and trekkers will solely be responsible for their visa and if due to any reasons the clients fail to obtain a visa then refunds will be made according to the Terms and Conditions of the company. The travelers can obtain a valid visa by visiting the Embassy of Nepal or the consultant office of Nepal in their respective country and begin the process from there. The trekkers can also check their eligibility for Visa on arrival in Nepal through the official website of the Department of Immigration Nepal. The travelers can obtain the visa for Nepal from the various entry points including the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Personal and Emergency Funds
The trekkers participating in the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek with the Mountain Ram Adventures will need to carry additional funds for their trek to cover for their personal expenses and emergency funds. In the Himalayas the tea houses and other accommodation sites usually only accept NPR (Nepalese Currency) as payment due to which trekkers will be required to convert their currency into NPR or withdraw the funds from ATMs in Kathmandu. 200 USD equivalent in NPR will be sufficient for the trekkers personal and emergency expenses which may arise during the trek. The trekkers, if required, can request assistance from the members of the Mountain Ram Adventures team for money exchange.