Destination
Nepal
Region
Langtang
Trip Grade
Moderate/High Pass
Highest Elevation
4610m.
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Tea House/Basis
Trek Duration
13 Days
Group Size Min
02 Trekker's
Best Time
Sept-December & February-May
Start/End Point
Syabrubesi to Melanchipul

Trip Overview

Experience the Magic of Langtang Gosaikunda Trek: A Trekker’s Ultimate Escape

Looking for an ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life? Look no further than the Langtang Gosaikunda trek! This trek promises to take you on a journey of a lifetime, with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. It’s a perfect escape for anyone seeking adventure, tranquility, and a chance to connect with nature. The trek is not only a treat for the eyes but also offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich culture of the Himalayas. You’ll get to witness the traditional lifestyle of the Tamang and Sherpa communities and their warm hospitality. The trek also takes you through the beautiful Langtang National Park, where you’ll get to spot rare wildlife species, including the elusive Red Panda. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of the Langtang Gosaikunda trek- an ultimate escape for every trekking enthusiast.

Trip Highlight

  • A short drive towards Syabrubesi from Kathmandu
  • Pass through the dense forest with various flowers and wildlife
  • Get a chance to explore the beauty of sacred lakes
  • Explore to see the lifestyle and culture of the Tamang people
  • Get to visit Kyanjin Gompas and Singh Gompa
  • Mesmerizing views of the mountain views and diverse landscapes
  • Get a chance to explore sacred Goshaikunda Lake
  • Beautiful views of nature on the trail
  • Run through Langtang National Park
  • Get a chance to endanger wildlife animals like Red Pandas

Langtang Gosainkunda Lake Trek Route

This beautiful trek begins with a drive along the Trishuli River towards the north of Kathmandu Valley. This sacred place is one of the nearest trekking destinations from Kathmandu where you will get a chance to see many things throughout the way. The route heads north from Kathmandu through Trishuli Bazaar, Dunche, and finally to Syabrubesi which is the starting point of every trekking of Langtang region. While trekking in this beautiful route lets you experience a deep gorge, rocky terrain, pine forest, yak pastures, an old monastery, beautiful villages, hillside terraces, and breathtaking mountains and glaciers. The path of this wonderful land is full of rich beautiful forests and the holy Gosainkunda Lake with mesmerizing views of the Mountain.

Best time to trek in Langtang Gosainkunda Lake

Langtang Gosainkunda Lake trek is one of the best trekking destinations in the Langtang Region where you will get a chance to see mesmerizing views of the mountain. It is an adventurous trekking destination where the trail passes through the lush forest, picturesque villages, and mesmerizing mountain views. If you are planning to trek in this beautiful destination then the season of the year is perfect for trekking. But especially autumn and spring is the best season for trekking in every corner of Nepal. It is just because in these seasons you will get awesome views and scenery. The weather is comparatively more stable than other times of the year and this season is the best season for trekking all over Nepal.

These seasons are popular for trekking in Nepal because of their moderate and stable weather and temperature where the spring is the perfect time for all the trekkers to capture the best scenery and autumn is best because in this season the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. The weather is highly pleasant and favorable for long walks and the trails are blooming with fresh leaves and flowers. You can also trek in winter and summer seasons also in this route but this season is not perfect. It is because, in the winter season, the environment is covered with fog, and can’t see the beautiful scenery. And in the summer season, there will be rain all over Nepal and the way is slippery and not good for trekking.

About Gosaikunda Lake Pilgrimage

Gosaikunda Lake is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal. According to Hindu mythology, the lake was created by Lord Shiva when he thrust his Trishul (holy trident) into the mountain to extract the water to quench his thirst after he swallowed poison during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). It is believed that the lake has 108 smaller lakes and ponds surrounding it, which are also considered sacred. The name “Gosaikunda” comes from the words “Gosaikuntha” which means “the abode of Lord Shiva”.

Every year, thousands of pilgrims from Nepal, India, and other parts of the world visit Gosaikunda Lake during the Janai Purnima festival, which usually falls in August. On this day, Hindu men change their sacred thread (Janai) and take a holy dip in the lake, believing that it will wash away their sins and bring them blessings.

In addition to its religious significance, Gosaikunda Lake is also known for its natural beauty and the surrounding trekking routes. The lake is located at an altitude of around 4,380 meters (14,370 feet) and can be reached after a challenging trek through the Langtang National Park. Along the way, trekkers can enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas, lush forests, and local villages, making it a popular destination for both spiritual and adventure seekers.

Langtang Gosaikunda Lake Alternative Route

There are a few alternative routes to the Langtang Gosaikunda Lake trek, which offer different landscapes and experiences. Here are some of the popular alternative routes:

  1. Helambu Trek: This trek takes you through the scenic Helambu region, located to the north of Kathmandu. The trek starts from Sundarijal and passes through Shivapuri National Park, where you can see a variety of flora and fauna. The trail then leads through traditional Tamang and Sherpa villages, offering insights into the local culture and lifestyle.
  2. Tamang Heritage Trail: This trek takes you through the Tamang ethnic villages, located to the north of Kathmandu. The trail passes through the traditional villages of Gatlang, Tatopani, Thuman, and Briddim, offering an opportunity to experience the unique Tamang culture, traditions, and lifestyle.
  3. Langtang Valley Trek: This trek takes you through the beautiful Langtang Valley, located to the north of Kathmandu. The trail passes through lush forests, traditional villages, and yak pastures, offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. The trek also takes you to the Langtang National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the elusive red panda.
  4. Ganja La Pass Trek: This trek takes you through the challenging Ganja La Pass, located to the west of Langtang Gosaikunda Lake. The trek passes through remote and rugged terrain, offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu. The highlight of this trek is crossing the Ganja La Pass, located at an altitude of 5,122 meters (16,798 feet), which requires good physical fitness and mountaineering skills.

Details Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

Trek time: 20 minutes drive to hotel
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,550m/5,100ft): 5-6 hours

Trek time: 5-6 hour drive to syabrubesi
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 03: Trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2,380m/7,830ft): 6 hours

Trek time: 6 hour trek
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 04: Trek to Mundu (3543m/11,621ft) via Langtang village: 6-7 hours

Trek time: 6-7 hour trek
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 05: Mundu to Kyangjin Gompa (3,870m/12,697ft): 3 hours

Trek time: 3 hour trek
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 06: Acclimatization: explore Tserko Ri (5,000m/16,404ft) 7-8 hours

Trek time: 7-8 hours Acclimatization: explore Tserko Ri
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 07: Kyangjin Gompa to Lama Hotel: 5-6 hours

Trek time: 5-6 hour trek
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 08: Lama Hotel to Thulo Syabru (2,230m/ 7,316 ft): 5-6 hours

Trek time: 5-6 hour trek
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 09: Thulo Syabru to Shing Gompa: 3-4 hours

Trek time: 3-4 hour trek
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 10: Shin Gompa to Gosaikunda (4,460m/14,632ft): 5-6 hours

Trek time: 5-6 Hour trek
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 11: Gosaikunda to Ghopte (3,440m/11,286ft): 6-8 hours

Trek time: 6-8 hour trek
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 12: Melamchigaon to Tarkeghyang (2,590m/8,497ft): 5-6 hours

Trek time: 5-6 hour trek
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 13: Tarkeghyang to Sermathang (2,610m/8,563ft): 3-5 hours

Trek time: 3-5 hour trek
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 14: Trek to Melamchi Bazaar, drive to Kathmandu: 3-4 hours trek, 2 hours drive

Trek time: 2 hour drive to Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 15: Final International departure

Trek time: Final departure
Accommodation: Home

Cost Include/Exclude

Cost Includes

  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up and Drop by private car/van/bus.
  • Hotel In Kathmandu: 2 Nights standard accommodation in Katmandu BB Plan
  • Kathmandu to Syabrubesi and Melanchepul to Kathmandu by Express Bus
  • You’re Meal During the Trekking as (8 Breakfast, 8 Lunch, and 7 Dinner)
  • All Trekking Permit (Langtang National Permit) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Permit.
  • Accommodation in Trekking: All accommodations in lodge/tea houses during the treks.
  • Trekking Guide: An experienced, helpful, friendly, and English-speaking Trekking Guide. His well-paid salary, meals, accommodation insurance, etc.
  • Trekking Porter: porters (1 porter for 2 people). Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation.
  • After the Success Trip, Everest Trekking Routes will Provide Adventure Certificate.
  • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid for by your Travel insurance company.
  • Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • All government taxes & service charges.

Cost Excludes

  • Meals and Etra Accommodation in Kathmandu
  • personal expenses (bar bills, beer, coke, a bottle of water, hot water, phone call, laundry service, Helicopter rescue, Electronic device recharge such as Mobile, Camera, Private car, etc.)
  • Tips for guide, porters, and driver.

Trip Map

FAQ

Fixed Departure Booking

Departure Date Duration Availability Cost Booking

Recent Client Reviews

Liau Gii Hau

Malaysia

LangTang 8 days tour

I requested Mr. Rabin Gurung to have a guide/porter before starting my journey, and he sent a very experienced guide Mr. Phul to be my guide/porter. Mr. Phul has more than 25+ years of experience becoming a mountain guide. I had problems during the hike up to the mountain but Mr. Phul always gave me support all the way, he shared the newer things in the jungle with my brother along the trek.

Source by: TripAdvisor

Yap Chun Sing

Singapore

Wonderful Experience trekking in Manaslu

Had a wonderful time hiking at the Manaslu area with my tour guide Sushil Gurung and porter Madan Gurung. They helped us with our every need from last minute rental gear like sleeping bags to telling us more about Nepal and being knowledgeable about the area. Both of them are experienced and knowledgeable. Both of them are very observant about how you are coping with the pace and terrain and will change pace to suit your pace.

Source by: TripAdvisor

Deon Poh

Singapore

Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Positive experience liaising with Everest Trekking for our Manaslu Circuit Trek.
The guide made adjustments to our plans based on our comfort/fitness level and the weather so that we managed to finish the trail.
Our guide helped us secure some last-minute stuff for us like our sleeping bag rentals.
Most importantly the hike itself was great as well thanks to our guide for his hospitality and our porter’s hard work.
Appreciate the apples cut for us every night during the hike carried by the guide and to the porter for pushing through even though his eyes hurt from the sun glare from the snow.
Thank you for this great experience.
Everest Trekking liaison: Rabin Gurung
Guide: Sushil Gurung
Porter: Madan Gurung

Source by: TripAdvisor

Mook Kunnapat

Bangkok, Thailand

Annapurna Base Camp trekking

ในช่วง 5 ปีที่ผ่านมาได้มีโอกาศไปเดิน Trek ที่เนปาลกับไกด์ Rabin มา 3 ครั้งแล้ว ประทับใจทุกครั้ง ทีมงานลูกหาบดีเรียบร้อยใส่ใจ บริการดี ไว้ใจได้ ราคาสมเหตุสมผล ใครจะไปเนปาลแนะนำเลยครับ!!

I’ve trekked in Nepal with Rabin 3 times in the past 5 years, and it’s been awesome!! Great team, reliable services, and reasonable price. Highly Recommended!!

Source by: TripAdvisor

Mike Q

Austral

Manaslu basecamp and Circuit and Tsum Valley

I have just completed a trek of the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum valley with three other friends. The trip was magnificent, stunning mountain peaks, ancient forest, impressive rivers and waterfalls and interesting villages. During the trip we were very well looked after by our guide, Dhansingh Gurung who gently and efficiently took us through 21 days of trekking over diverse terrain and Sangam (Durga) our porter who was always helpful and cheerful. Both Dhansingh and Durga added considerably to the enjoyment of the experience with their friendliness and local knowledge. If I return to Nepal, I will definitely use our guide and porter again.

Sorce on: TripAdvisor

Jasmin H

Germany

Gokyo Lakes with Gokyo Ri

The trekking was an extraordinary experience. Breathtaking views of Everest and the surrounding 8000s. Rabin Gurung always made sure we have a nice accommodation, enough for eating and drinking, warm and comfortable. He is a really caring guide. I would do another trip with him right away. He organised everything so that we could totally focus on the hiking.

Source from: TripAdvisor

Tuffy Kin Leung

USA

Gokyo Lake — EBC

My wife and I had an amazing experience with both Dhansingh and Rabin Gurung. We took a 2 weeks trek with them from Lukla — Gokyo Lake — EBC . What a blessing we had them along the way , we will never forget and be grateful and thankful for the unquie, warm , genuine hospitality that we had , plus all the priceless encounters within the nature. Namaste!

Email: tuffyl@yahoo.com

Sources from: TripAdvisor

Toft Lars

Denmark

Mera Peak Climbing Guided & Trip Operation by Everest Trekking Routes

My brother and I had the pleasure of having Rabin as our guide on the trip to Mera Peak Expedition.
Everything was planned to perfection and we had a great time with Rabin, who is friendly, funny, and always helpful.
Last but not least, we reached the summit.

Source: TripAdvisor

Soren Dorfhoff

Denmark

Island Peak, Everest Base Camp and Lobuche Peak Climbing (October 2022)

I have now used Everest Trekking Routes for two trips to Nepal. I can’t put my finger on anything that needs improvement. The initial communication part is spot on. They are quick to respond and I usually my questions answered on the first reply. Both times I have been greeted at the airport by a super polite guide. I’ve felt welcome and gotten all my needs tended to.
On my second trip, we could not fly to Lukla, because of bad weather. Instead of waiting for the weather to clear up, they arranged alternative transport to the mountains, to avoid wasting precious days in Kathmandu.

The whole city experience has been an absolute pleasure. Except for the hard work, summiting a mountain 😅

Best recommendations to the guys from Everest Trekking Routes 👌

Source: Tripadvisor

Family Tour in Nepal

Alex Lim

Singapore

Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Rabin Gurung

This is my second trip with Rabin and I am already looking forward to a third trip with him soon. That shows how much I value his services, his extensive experiences with the treks, his honesty, and of course, the great supporting staff he have.

I feel safe and well taken care of with Rabin as my guide. He is a man with integrity and deal in a most honest way with us. This is unlike lots of horror stories you read about guides and tea-house owners collaborating to fleece hikers. We pay exactly what we consumed at the tea houses based on the published menu prices, no more and no less. With Rabin, there is no hidden cost.

With more than 20 years of trekking experience, he gave good advises on the route and safety measures to take. For example, he insisted that we started off early on a particular day so that we will reach a section with an ice sheet before the ice started to melt and traversing the ice-sheet becomes dangerous and difficult.

We have a large team of porters and assistant guides to take care of our team of 12 hikers and everyone on Rabin’s team have been extremely helpful and friendly. My teenage son enjoyed playing Uno and sliding down the ABC  Trek icy slope with a teenage porter, a fellow hiker who has walking difficulties was supported all the way by assistant guides and porters and our meals were all ordered in advance so the group don’t have to wait long for food to be served.

Singapore

Sources from: TripAdvisor

Family Tour in Nepal

Mark Gamboa

Vancouver, British Columbia

Everest Base Camp Trek with Suk Bahadur Gurung

Searching for the perfect company to embark on the EBC trek was not easy when doing research on who to go with. I happen to have really lucked out by choosing to go with Everest Trekking Routes, because they were great, through and through.

I did the trek in November but started inquiring with them back in February. Rabin is the CEO of the company, and he has helped me in every way possible. He was prompt in answering my questions via email and meticulously arranged the EBC trek, which felt customized to all my needs. In person, he was kind and courteous. And my guide Suk was friendly and helpful throughout the hike. He had brought all the necessary medication for me and asked every day how I was feeling. Suk is also a very good card player and was grateful for his company on the 12-day hike/ Kathmandu City Hike.

I’m sure most of you reading this have gone with some tour company elsewhere in the world, and perhaps you might agree that most of them have treated you as simply a commodity in the assembly line. By going with Everest Trekking Routes, I never felt that. Rabin and Suk took care of me from beginning to end, and I sing all their praises for getting me to Everest Base Camp, which was a major deal for me and my friends and Family. Rabin and Suk became family to me. Thank you for everything, guys!

Antonia Carol Suning

Sabah Malaysia

Everest Base Camp & Lobuche Peak with Rabin Gurung

It was such a hard fight to join this trip. Because I had to work hard to find funding for this training. It is the first summit I attended team NOBAT ( No Boundary Adventurers Association Sabah ) to the Himalayas with AMG (Adventure Mountain Guide Rabin Gurung), I gained a great experience, which Mr. Rabin Gurung was very friendly and kind as a mountain guide who experience he made this trip so enjoyable, and build a better friendship.

I would like to thank him for giving the best service to us, this is the first time I walk for 21 days hahaha. In every step, he remained faithful to accompany and not leave us, even though there are 2 people in our group who did not succeed, and he sent us back to our high camp Lobuche to support the spirit reaching the summit of Lobuche Peak Climbing.

Nice trip and good services such as tents, food, and stories you tell about your family, it is good, and I enjoyed the trip because you protected me and my team so much.

Keep up the good work you AMG! I am happy to see and to know you! Good luck! * extra bonus able to speak Bahasa Melayu! hehe

Jasen Moore & Helen Kerrandjas

Canada

Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Rabin Gurung

While Rabin is a very knowledgeable and capable guide it was his kindness, Warm smile, and Constant eagerness to help that made our trip truly memorable. Rabin Gurung quickly earned our trust and friendship and would be an excellent companion on any trek! we would very happily Recommend Rabin to anyone who is making a trip to Nepal. He is is a wonderful person and a good friend.

Email: helen.karrandjas@maclaren.com
Details Address: 191 Millwood Rd, Upper Toronto, ON M4S 1J6 Canada

Jaistin Tamin

Sabah Malaysia

Everest Base Camp, Island Peak, Lobuche Peak & Chulu West Peak with Rabin Gurung

Sewaktu saya ditugaskan oleh persatuan NOBAT untuk mendapatkan khidmat ‘trekking guide’ bagi ekspedisi NOBAT Himalaya 2013, saya telah menghubungi beberapa ‘trekking agent’ di Kathmandu melalui emel. Saya tertarik dengan laman web Rabin Gurung dan ‘testimonial’ dari beberapa individu yang penat mendapatkan khidmatnya. Rabin memberikan tawaran kos yang paling berpatutan. Dari raut wajahnya saja saya yakin dia adalah orang yang jujur dan’friendly’. Satu kelebihan lain ialah dia boleh berbahasa Malaysia.

Apabila bertemu dengan Rabin buat pertama kalinya di Kathmandu, memang sah bahawa kami telah membuat pilihan yang tepat. Sepanjang trekking, Rabin sangat professional dalam khidmatnya. Beliau flexible dan mudah diajak berunding. Kami tidak lagi menganggapnya sebagai pemandu jalan tetapi sebagai sahabat..kepada sesiapa yang ingin trekking di Himalaya, sila dapatkan khidmat Rabin. Saya percaya anda bakal membuat pilihan yang tepat.
Email: cliffhanger_08@yahoo.com

Island Peak Climbing

Jeff Tucker & Wanida Tucker

USA

Manaslu Circuit & Tsum Valley with Rabin Gurung

Recently my wife and I visited Nepal for the eighteenth time and enjoyed a wonderful trek, one of the best treks ever, and this was largely due to our guide, Rabin Gurung (Trekking Guide in Nepal), with whom we also trekked around Manaslu in 2010.

If you come to Nepal with the idea of doing ‘your own trek’ with a small party, I highly recommend hiring Rabin. Not only does he have many years of experience but he is very honest and humble, so much so that one woman at a very basic lodge on our recent trek, impressed by his honesty, told my wife that “this man is a very good man, honest man, all other guide-man say lie to customers, say them that price is higher than the real price, so they can get more money.”

Rabin is always in good humor and friendly and gets along well with the local people and the porters too. Furthermore, his varied experience from his earlier years as a porter and cook helped to make him a better guide. I can’t remember how many times during our treks, when we stopped at a new or very basic lodge, or even at a tea house for lunch, when the owner’s cooking skills were at most primitive, Rabin tactfully volunteered to move into the kitchen and some amazingly delicious food would come out, made from the most simple ingredients.

Three years ago, in March of 2010, the Manaslu trek was not what it is now. Along the entire trek from Arughat (where we had to start walking), until we reached to Annapurna circuit route, there was at that time only a single lodge with what could be called a ‘menu’, and that was the one and only lodge in Sama village at that time. All other villages either had nothing but dal bhat and perhaps chapatis, or nothing to eat and no lodge at all. We had to camp some places, but when we could, we stayed in the simple lodges that existed and he often improved our diet by cooking foods that the proprietor did not know how to cook, sometimes even such a basic menu item as an omelet, to be rolled up inside a chapati for breakfast.

This year, again in March, we decided to return to the same area, with the desire to explore the newly opened valley of Tsum. This is a lovely, beautiful valley populated by some 4000 Tibetan people, who have lived for nearly a thousand years in that inaccessible ‘hidden valley’, connected by easy passes to Tibet but until not so many decades ago, without any reasonable connection to Nepal through the truly stupendous canyons of the lower section of the valley. Indeed, many inhabitants could not speak any Nepali, only Tibetan, which made it difficult at times. We had a double permit, which if you ever want to see Tsum Valley thoroughly, I highly recommend. Most people try to do a quick one-week detour to Tsum Valley as a kind of bonus side trip on the way around Manaslu. They never know what they have missed. Some of the most interesting villages and friendliest people, and some truly awesome scenery, can be visited in Tsum valley if you have time. One week is too little time to see more than a quick glimpse of the Valley.

I and my wife have been trekking in Nepal for years, myself since 1981, and our trek to Manaslu was the first time we had ever used a guide (because it was required on that trek), despite having visited some very remote areas such as crossing the Trashi Labtsa Pass from Khumbu into Rolwaling with friends in 1982. I had doubts about using a guide, I had seen how so many of them control their clients and take a commission from lodge owners to fill their pockets, I have seen many guides from Kathmandu who knew less about the local people and places than I did. I say this not to boast but as a word of caution: there are all too few honest, humble, helpful, and experienced guides out there, and many of those who are have moved into the higher levels of trekking management and no longer guide. But from the first days, on our 2010 Manaslu trek, we were impressed by the level of experience Rabin has, and also his sensitivity in allowing us to make our own itinerary day by day. He never was angry, never showed irritation, always explained patiently what was going on, and was always in a good mood. We were a group of five at that time, and by the end of the first week, we all agreed that if we returned to Nepal for another trek requiring a guide, we would try to get Rabin again.

This is what we did in March 2013 on our visit to Tsum Valley. Using more porters in order to have tents and extra food, we planned to visit the highest area of the upper end of Tsum Valley and ascend to one of the high passes overlooking Tibet. This year was plagued by poor weather and too much snow in March, however, and we were unable to do that, as were all the people who had set out to trek around Manaslu this March: the deep snow at higher elevations did not allow anyone in the first weeks of March to cross the Larkya La and go around Manaslu. But we had time, and because of the tents and food we had, we also had more options. The tents and food we used in a wonderful visit to the nunnery at Gumalungdang, up a steep side valley surrounded by the huge peaks of Ganesh Himal. We camped there for two nights, as there is no accommodation yet, and enjoyed incredible sunrise views of the nearby Ganesh Himal and also the distant great Peaks of HImalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Manaslu.

Tsum Valley is developing rapidly, as is the Manaslu circuit. However, particularly if you are new to Nepal trekking, don’t believe the hype that many agencies will tell you, that the Manaslu trek is the “new Annapurna circuit”. The Annapurna trek, over a period of three decades, developed a huge infrastructure for trekkers, with scores and scores of hotels, often equipped with deluxe menus and services, hot showers, laundry service, spring mattresses, etc. I think it will be some time yet before these things appear on the Manaslu trek, and if you find them in some places, don’t expect them at the next place. Tsum Valley is one step back in development yet.

One problem to watch out for is this: Manaslu Tsum Valley’s popularity and this can be said for Manaslu too, is growing much faster than services can be built–may be large because the road around Annapurna has grown so quickly and has put people off from that once glorious trek. We were there both times in March when there are fewer trekkers than in April or especially during the high season in October and November. In Tsum, as of March 2013, there was only one real lodge with rooms, and that was just a bit beyond Lokhpa at the foot of the valley. The other ‘lodges’ were basically beds in a side room of a local house, the largest such able to sleep ten people but others only four or five. Most villages had only one such place for trekkers to sleep, some villages had no place. When we reached Mu Gompa, in March all but one of the 80 monks were away from the valley for the winter, and furthermore, there was no food available at all. Only because we had our tents and stove and food for going higher up the valley (which we were unable to do because of snow), were we able to stay there e and eat our own food, instead of returning to Nile village the same day. The same goes for Gumbalunddang, where no food was available. if you are going o visit Tsum valley, and perhaps Manaslu too, during the busiest season, think seriously about hiring at least one EXTRA porter and having a tent, stove, and food, in case of accommodation is full! It might be worth it! Also, think of the porters: we saw many groups of two or three with a guide and a single porter carrying an enormous load, who was trailing far behind the others during the day. Many of them were unhappy with the arrangement.

In conclusion, this time with four people in our group, and with several porters and with Rabin as our guide again, we once more enjoyed what all agreed was one of the best treks we’ve ever done in the Himalayas, out of a total number of over thirty now, in Nepal and India. Rabin is an excellent choice for a guide. He is honest and will help you save money instead of trying to find ways to squeeze more for himself, he is fun and funny and friendly and all along the trails, he makes new friends with the people we meet along the way. He is experienced but doesn’t try to tell the customers what to do, he asks what they want to do, and then explains the options. If you are the type of trekker who is truly interested in Nepal, in the places, the culture, and religion and people and villages, and like to understand what is happening around you, hire Rabin as your guide, you won’t be disappointed. Indeed, like us (except for one, the same group that went around Manaslu with Rabin three years earlier), perhaps you will want to return to Nepal and go on another trek with Rabin Gurung!

Email: jefftckr@s8.dion.ne.jp

Related Trips

Recent Blog

Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days

Where Is Mountain Everest ?

The History and Significance of Mount Everest Mount Everest, also known as Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan, holds a significant place in the hearts of both climbers and…

Everest Base Camp Trek

Where Is Mount Everest on a Map

The Geographical Location of Mount Everest Mount Everest, also known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet, is situated in the Mahalangur mountain range of the Himalayas. Its precise…

Discovering the Best Trekking Company in Nepal

Unleashing the Adventure: Discovering the Best Trekking Company in Nepal for Your Next Himalayan Expedition Discovering the Best Trekking Company in Nepal, awe-inspiring landscapes, and challenging trekking routes are a…