Trek Helambu Gosaikunda 10 Days
INTRODUCTION
GOSAINKUNDA & HELAMBU TREK A superb introductory itinerary in the traditional Himalayan trekking - 10 days A superb introduction to Himalayan trekking including all the main elements: excellent and exciting trails, ridgetop paths with extensive views on both sides, campsites with wonderful outlooks (watch the sunrise over Nepal from your tent door!), continually changing environments as we climb and descend, different cultures and religions, a high pass to cross (the Laurabina La at 4610m.), a sacred site to visit (the lake at Gosiankund) and new and dramatic vistas from day to day. Views on this route include all the main peaks between the Annapurnas in the west and Everest in the east. Who could ask for more!? The trek begins at Sundarijal on the outskirts of Kathmandu, finishes at Dhunche and is followed by a bus journey back to the capital.
TRIP FACTS
ITINERARY
Trip duration: 10 Days Grade: Moderate Trek Activity: Sightseeing and trekking Starts in: Kathmandu Ends in: Kathmandu Trek type: FOT Accommodation: Camping/ Lodge (Teahouse) Transportation: Private car or tourist bus Maximum altitude: 4610m
Day 01 Arrive Kathmandu Day 02 Sightseeing Kathmandu Day 03 Drive to Sundarijal & Trek to Chisopani (2300m.) Day 04 Gul Bhanjyang (2130m.). Day 05 Magen Goth (3150m.) Day 06 Phedi (3500m.) Day 07 Laurebina Yak (3950m.) Day 08 Dhunche (1950m.) Day 09 Drive back to Kathmandu Day 10 Depart Kathmandu
[FOT: Fully Organized Trek or Camping Trek
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PRICE Camping (FOT) PRICE: per person on twin sharing basis 2 persons: USD 1305 3-5 persons: USD 1185 6-9 persons: USD 1070 10-15 persons: USD 955 Single supplement: USD 50 Price Includes: Fully catered camping trek (FOT) English speaking local expert guide, porters National park fees 3 nights accommodation at 3 star hotel in Kathmandu on double sharing with breakfast All guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and entry fees. Airport transfers and escort Equipment clothing for porter & staffs Insurance for all staff & porters Private trek transfers Price Excludes: Any flights (Domestic or International) & departure tax Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu Personal gears & clothing (available on hire) Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance.
DETAILED ITINERARY Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities. Day 02 Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath. Day 03 Drive to Sundarijal & Trek to Chisopani A short drive takes us to Sundarijal and the start of the trek. We follow Kathmandu's water supply pipe steeply uphill and come out into typical terraced farmland and already the views back to the city are good, planes landing at the airport looking like toys! Continuing up onto a ridge, we enter the forests of the Shivapuri, bamboo, holly-leaved oak and epiphytic ferns and orchids. Glimpses through the trees show that we have crossed the watershed and are beginning to descend a ridge on the opposite side and, as the trees clear even more, views open up towards the Jugal Himal, the Langtang peaks and the Ganesh Himal. We soon reach Chisopani (2300m.), a ridgetop collection of teahouses, for the night - choose a tent position ready to watch the sunrise over the eastern Himalaya in the morning!
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DETAILED ITINERARY Day 04 Gul Bhanjyang (2130m.). Gul Bhanjyang - Excellent open views and a gentle downhill start the second day. We pass through the village of Pati Bhanjyang at a pass over the ridge. We contour around the next hill on the ridge and then start a steep climb to the village of Chipling. A further climb again after the village, up a steep stone staircase, takes us over the next hill on the ridge, passing through forest and before descending the main ridge to Gul Bhanjyang (2130m.). On the way we pass a couple of large 'chorten', indicating that we are already crossing into Buddhist country. Gul Bhanjyang is a delightful, classic hill village and is also situated at a pass on the ridge. We will stop for the night here or further on up the next climb - 'Dragon Lodge' and campsite is quiet and has a superb outlook back towards Kathmandu. Day 05 Magen Goth (3150m.) Magen Goth - We soon cross over the ridge at a teashop and follow a delightful path through forests and meadows to Khutumsang (2470m.), yet another village set on a saddle on the ridge. We should glimpse some of the higher peaks away to the east at this time. From here there is a long climb up through an enchanting forest of holly-leaved oak, partially on stone steps and with the occasional view to the rice and millet terraces way below. This climb also marks quite a change in the character of the trek, from the warm, terraced and populated 'middle hills' to the higher, and refreshingly cooler, 'temperate' and 'sub-alpine' zones. By the time we reach the top of the climb, we are in amongst rhododendrons and conifers. We cross a prayer flag bedecked pass and descend into a new landscape of meadows, streams and dark woods. We stop for the night at the hamlet of Magen Goth (3150m.). Day 06 Phedi (3500m.) An excellent morning's walking takes us back up onto the main ridge, with sensational views across a middle ground of blue ridges, to the peaks of the Rowaling and the western Khumbu. Undulations, traverses and short climbs bring us along the crest to Tharepati (3490m.). In the spring there will be flowering rhododendrons, in the autumn, the reds and yellows of berberis and birch. Our trail now swings away from the ridge and crosses some very steep ground at the head of the valley of the Tadi Khola, aiming for the distant Laurebina La. The path takes a series of quite short but steep ups and downs, past the tiny settlement of Ghopte, to the equally small one of Phedi (3500m.) for the night. The surrounds are dramatic, deep gullies and waterfalls, pinnacled ridges and scatterings of pines and arching bamboo, silhouetted against a blue sky - or ethereal in the mist! Day 07 Laurebina Yak (3950m.) This morning we have a long and steady climb upto the Laurebina La (4610m.), the high point of this trek, through pastures and past small crags, to reach the pass, just above a small lake. The views do not really appear until you have walked a bit further, rounding a corner and then looking down towards the Gosiankunda (4336m) - the very best views are to be had by climbing one of the small hills, either to the right or left, for a panorama of the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal and the very close looking and very snowy peaks of the Langtang. We soon reach the holy lake of Gosiankund, the black rock in the middle said to be the head of Shiva, the waters formed by him from a glacier, to slake his thirst after drinking poison. During the full moon in August, the place is thronging with Hindu pilgrims. We now follow an excellently constructed path, contouring the north side of the valley, now the headwaters of the Trisuli Khola, to come out onto a ridge that overlooks the main Langtang Valley, with Syrabrubensi almost 3000m. below! We descend the ridge to the few lodges of Laurebina Yak (3950m.) where we can leisurely watch the sunset behind Manaslu and the Ganesh, and rise again, making the mountains glow pink, beyond the misty depths of the valley of the Bhote Kosi. The mountains of Tibet are clearly in view, just right of the Ganesh peaks. Day 08 Dhunche (1950m.) To-day's theme is 'down'! We have 2000m. to descend to reach the road at Dhunche, but it is a wonderful walk, with the white mass of Langtang Lirung to our right all morning, with the Ganesh Himal in front and pines, barberries and rhododendron all about us. Sing Gompa (3250m.) is a collection of hotels, teashops and a cheese factory; there is also the gompa which may be visited. From here we plunge down through forests, clearings and then fields and pastures, meeting the dirt road for the last few minutes into bustling Dhunche (1950m.). Suddenly we are back in the world of electric light and motorised transport (not a lot!) A good time to reflect on a memorable trek through the empty spaces of the mountains.... Day 09 Drive back to Kathmandu By bus, via Trisuli Bazaar and the long climb over the mountains and into the Kathmandu Valley. In the vicinity of Ranipauwa, there is a classic panorama, including the Annapurnas, the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal, the now familiar Langtang Lirung and much of the earlier part of the trek. And then thoughts turn to a hot bath and a hotel bed! Day 10 Depart Kathmandu Transfer to the International airport to take flight back home.
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GENERAL INFORMATION TRIP GRADE Moderate to fairly challenging This trek is quite demanding. It involves approximately 6 to 8 hours of trekking on up and down well marked trails. No previous experience is required, you should be moderately fit, used to some regular exercise and enjoy walking in the high altitude conditions. TREK TYPE Camping trek (lodge not available in all places) Includes: Guide, Porters, Cook, All meals and tents ACCOMMODATION Camping trek means sleeping in tents. On a camping trek, the tents provided are 'Two men dome' or 'A' shaped. Foam mattress with insulation underneath is provided for sleeping. Clients need to have their own sleeping bag. Bags or cloth packs are used as pillows. If you wish, you can bring your own 'Air pillow'. We have a pool of hotels in Kathmandu under 3 Star categories which we provide to clients in connection to this itinerary, unless it is mentioned otherwise or clients have a special choice. You can check on the description of such hotels through our website. MEALS & DRINKING WATER We provide three tasty, plentiful and nutritious meals daily with a variety of local and Western dishes. To start the day, breakfast consists of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereal followed by omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads. After a long day on the trail, dinner is a hearty 3 course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetable, meat, rice and pasta dishes and completed with a simple dessert. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also provided at all meals. We use as much fresh produce as possible and special diets are regularly catered for. The leaders are able to maintain very tight controls on health and hygiene in the kitchen with respect to general cleanliness and food preparation and also within the group with respect to personal hygiene. This has allowed us to maintain remarkably high standards of health over many years of trek organization - and good health is vital to an enjoyable and successful trek and climb. All foods are well cooked and vegetables are treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. Boiled water is served for drinking. Antiseptic soaps and potassium or iodine treated water are provided for washing. Special dietary requirements can always be catered for. LUGGAGE WHILE TREKKING During trek your main luggage will be carried by porters or pack animals (usually yaks or cross breeds). You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc. - a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during trek which you can leave at hotel's locker room/safe deposit box in Kathmandu for free of charge. Weight allowance at Nepal's domestic airlines is 15 Kgs, excess weight is chargeable at USD 1 or more per Kilo depending on sectors. GROUP LEADER AND CREW We provide different options concerning leadership in order to match your requirements: 1) Western leader 2) Trained Nepali Trek leader (experienced and knowledgeable) 3) Sherpa Guide (handles the logistics and guides you and your team on the trek) The Sherpa guide (commonly called Sirdar) will be accompanied by a crew of porters. On camping trek, there will be 2/3 porters for each members. JOIN A GROUP OR PRIVATE TRIP Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private basis. If you are looking for a group to join this trip please check our '2008/09 departures' link for availability, dates and price. If you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient timeframe for any number of people (minimum 1 & maximum 100 at a time). If you want to do something that is not included in our trip list we are ready to tailor a trip to suit your exact requirements. In short, we will make every effort to get you on the trip you want, when you want. GROUP SIZE ON FIXED DEPARTURE TRIP If you opt to join our 'fixed departure trip', you are likely to be joining people from different countries of any age group except minors. The size of group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate a trip is 2 the maximum is 12 people. PERSONAL EXPENSES Personal expenses depend largely on the type of trek, duration and the trekking region. On this trek all meals will be provided. You only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (a few smaller shops are available along the trail in some areas) tips, souvenirs, hot shower (available in some places). Tips are appreciated by your support team after the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. As a suggestion, we advise you to allocate 5 - 10% of the total tour cost as tips.
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GENERAL INFORMATION LAND TRANSFERS The starting point of the trek is Sundarijal, which is connected by approx 2.5 hours drive from Kathmandu. On your return, our car/bus shall pick you from Dhunche and drive to Kathmandu. We will arrange the transportation from your hotel to the airport (Kathmandu). COMMUNICATION While trekking in the remote parts you may not have an access to telephone facility for some days or weeks. However, en route there may be few places where telephone facilities may be available and likely to be working. If it is crucial for you to keep in contact with your family or others, EXPLORE HIMALAYA can provide you a mobile satellite phone (rental charge on request). TREKKING GEARS & EQUIPMENT Trekking: You will need walking boots, sleeping bag (4 seasons/ -20C rated), waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, sun-screen and day pack. Comprehensive list of equipments will be provided once you book your trip or check CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT LIST LINK. GEARS AVAILABLE IN KATHMANDU It's not necessary to spend a lot of money buying extra equipment and clothing before your trip. Majority of these gears can be bough or hired at reasonable rates in Kathmandu. Explore Himalaya owns a gear shop in Kathmandu selling and renting out climbing and trekking gears, both Nepali made and original. Please check out www.trekkinggearsnepal.com TYPICAL DAY ON TREK Each morning after packing our bags and a hearty breakfast, we set off on the day's walk. After walking for 3-4 hours we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon's walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day's adventures, before retiring for a well-earned sleep. However, on a camping trek, you begin your day with a hot cup of tea which is served to you in the tent at 6 am, followed by a bowl of hot water for washing. Other day activities are the same as mentioned above. MEETING AND GREETING IN KATHMANDU You need to pass on your International flight details to us for a 'meeting and greeting' service at the Airport. You just pass on the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see someone standing with a placard with either 'Explore Himalaya' or your name written on it. Our airport representative or tour officer will greet you and welcome you with a floral garland. CLIMATE AND BEST TIME TO GO The Langtang-Helambu trek can be done anytime of the year except the monsoon season (June to September). Temperatures will drop considerably as you trek higher everyday. The nights can be chilling cold (between -5C to 5C) but the days can be sunny and hot (between 10C to 20C). Temperature starts to drop as you gain altitude. The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon, disappearing at night. Trekking during the monsoon is not recommended, as the visibility during monsoon is limited. Trekking during the winter is possible; however, it is much colder than Autumn and Spring. March, April, October and November are the most popular and favored months for traveling. Please choose the date that is convenient for you. PEOPLE AND CULTURE Langtang region is the home of several ethnic groups. The majority of people are Tamang, Sherpa and Bhotia. Their religion is related to the Bon and the pre-Buddhist doctrines of Tibet. Today this religion has merged with the newer teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. Helambu situated at the north side of Kathmandu valley, which comprises of highland villages, such as Melamchi and Tarkeyghyang. Beautifully situated in alpine meadow, beauty of this region is worth spectacular. The region is mostly inhabitants by friendly and helpful Sherpa people. It is home to two major races of peoples, the Hyolmo or Yolmo and the Tamang. Helambu offers an opportunity to experience Sherpa culture. Helambu is also famous for its sweet apples and artistic Buddhist monasteries. ITINERARY CHANGES The itineraries for each trip should be taken as a guideline only. Depending on prevailing situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into a remotest mountain region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original program.
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GENERAL INFORMATION TREK DURATION We ensure liability as per indicated in the itinerary and list of services. If the holiday is cut short or completed earlier than the projected period upon client's wish, we shall not be responsible or make refund against unutilized days or services. Clients need to pay extra for Hotels/services incurred in Kathmandu or elsewhere in such cases. VISA All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the air port or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph. So, please download form from the link below an get ready while you are passing through the immigration Point. Gratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries Multiple entry 15 days - US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency Multiple entry 30 days - US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency Multiple entry 90 days - US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency Tourist Visa Extension * Visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible currency and visa extension fee for more than 15 days is US$ 2 per day * Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January - December). HEALTH ISSUES As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you to consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the beginning of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio. The main health consideration in high altitude is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may experience some mild symptoms initially, such as headache, lethargy, nausea and difficulty sleeping, but these should lessen within a few days. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), people take pills called 'Diamox'. You can also use these pills after consulting with your doctor and purchase them in Kathmandu. Our itinerary will allow your body to acclimatize properly and to handle the low oxygen rate. For your service, we carry a medical kit with standard prescribed medicines along with a users' manual which you can use upon your own risk. We do not take any medical liability since our staffs are not qualified to prescribe medicines. If you have ever suffered from altitude sickness, or have a heart or breathing complaint, we highly recommend you consult your doctor about your suitability for trekking in high altitude areas before booking. We suggest that you take some pain-killing pills with you and enough medicine for cold, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills will greatly be of help for those who are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions. RESCUE / EVACUATIONS In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen; we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu. INSURANCE Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. There are good hospitals in Kathmandu where you can get good care. RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL The beautiful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. At Explore Himalaya, we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize the detrimental impact on the environment as much as possible. As deforestation is one of the greatest environmental threats, we do not have camp fires and use kerosene as cooking fuel. We also discourage trekkers from using wood-fuelled hot showers in lodges along the way. Many lodges, however, now provide solar hot showers, a far more eco-friendly alternative. Garbage disposal is another major problem. Some of the busier trails are at times strewn with litter and garbage thrown by irresponsible trekking groups. Our staff members are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices. We carry the non-biodegradable garbage, apart from that which can be safely and easily burnt at the campsite. Our aim is to help protect and preserve this beautiful environment for future generations of trekkers to enjoy.
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GENERAL INFORMATION SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Explore Himalaya works with the motto 'Development through Tourism'. Keeping in line with this motto, Explore Himalaya Community Service Project (EHCSP) was conceived to empower underprivileged, marginalized, poor and minority segments of Nepal. Since its inception, EHCSP has been incessantly facilitating and advocating for school education, health, community development, forest conservation, agriculture, culture preservation and fund raising. Explore Himalaya encourages its clients who besides trekking and climbing the Himalayas are also interested in contributing for the development of Nepal. CARE FOR PORTERS AND STAFF We ensure that all porters and all other staff going into high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. We are the first ever company to supply high-altitude porters with crampons. We run the trek according to the guidelines of the International Porter Protection group (IPPG - www.ippg.net). BOOKING CONDITIONS 1) It is a fundamental condition that you acknowledge that this is an adventure tour. This requires some flexibility. The day to day itinerary is taken as a guideline only. We cannot be held responsible for any delays caused by International or domestic flights, strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural casualties etc. In such cases, Explore Himalaya shall be responsible for providing suitable alternatives which could be decided upon mutual agreement. If an agreement cannot be made, Explore Himalaya shall be only responsible for refund after deducting expenses already incurred. 2) Your booking will be confirmed by email once we have received the deposit of USD 300 and the signed copy of booking form and contract. The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 month prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us. 3) If you cancel, the following scale of charges will apply: 2 months before departure loss of deposit 29 days to 2 months before departure 30% of total trip cost 10 to 28 days before departure 60% of total trip cost less than 10 days before departure 100% of total trip cost BOOKING PROCEDURE If you still have any queries regarding this trip, please don't hesitate to contact our office staff. We will respond to you within 24 hours. You can book a trip by e-mailing us at office@explore-himalaya.com or by phone: 977-1-4418-100 or fax 97714412888
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Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure 745, Amrit Marg, Bhagawan Bahal, Thamel P.O. Box 4902, Kathmandu, Nepal. Tel:(+977 1) 4418100, 4418400, Fax : +977-1-4412888, E-mail: sales@explorehimalaya.com
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