Itinerary Expand all Kathmandu to Kathmandu Day 1 Start Kathmandu The group flights are scheduled to arrive into Kathmandu this afternoon. Free airport transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied your flight details to Exodus in advance and requested transfers. A representative will meet you at the airport and you will be transferred to the hotel. There are no activities planned today so if making your own travel arrangements, you can arrive at any time. Upon arrival to the hotel please look out for a noticeboard in the reception area with details of where and when to meet for your welcome briefing this evening. There is an Exodus desk in the hotel lobby should you require any assistance. Hotel Royal Singi (or similar) Day 2 Drive to Syabrubensi Leaving the Kathmandu Valley we have a long drive ahead (approx. 7-8 hours) - the road condition is poor and so we use jeeps. We drive out of the Kathmandu Valley and head northwards to Trisuli Bazaar. Continuing on, the road climbs to Dhunche and the Langtang National Park before descending to the river where we reach Syabrubensi, a small town at 1,462m where we spend the night. Teahouse Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Walk to Sherpagoan (2490m), a small village perched on terraces above the Langtang River We begin our trek by descending to the river, which we cross by bridge. We then have a steep climb away from the river to Kanjim, where we have lunch. Climbing further, the trail contours around into the main Langtang Valley. We have wonderful views ahead and down to the river. We end today with a short descent to Sherpagoan, a small village perched on terraces high above the Langtang Khola at 2,490m. Teahouse Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Trek through forest to Ghora Tabela (3035m) via Rimche and Chhunama We continue up the valley towards Langtang. The walk starts off easily, following an undulating trail through Sherpagoan and into the forest, past Rimche and further on to Lama Hotel; a collection of lodges in a forest clearing. The trail undulates up further through the forest with glimpses of the mountains ahead. We pass Riverside and have lunch a little further on at Chhunama. In the afternoon we have a shorter walk, uphill mostly, to Ghora Tabela (3,035m), where the valley starts to open out. Most of the area around here was destroyed in the earthquake and lodges are just now being rebuilt. Teahouse Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 A poignant walk as the trail crosses the debris which engulfed Langtang village in the 2015 earthquake; continue to Kyanjin Gompa (3880m) The valley now opens out as we continue our climb. The trail ascends through the few tea houses at Thangshyap and we come to the moraine that was Langtang. Langtang village was destroyed in the earthquake of 2015 and was covered by rock and ice moraine. A path now leads across the moraine, a poignant and sad reminder of the power of nature. Once across the moraine we come to a few newly built lodges and a memorial to those who lost their lives in this valley in the earthquake. Climbing out of Langtang we pass the small settlement of Mundu. The valley opens out now to reveal spectacular mountain views. To our left the impressive Langtang Lirung towers directly above us and ahead is the great snow-covered bulk of Ganchempo. The trail climbs steadily past many prayer walls until at 3,880m we come to the teahouses at Kyanjin Gompa. Once there was only a small cheese factory here but now it is a bustling place with many lodges. Teahouse Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Daywalk to a viewpoint to see impressive peaks and glaciers; option to climb Tsergo Ri (4984m) We spend a day at Kyanjin Gompa with a chance to explore the area. There are various optional day walks around here. The most popular walk is up to Kyanjin Ri (4,350m) and Kyimoshung Ri (4,620m). These two viewpoints above Kyanjin Gompa offer some of the most stunning mountain views in Nepal. An impressive array of peaks surrounds us - Langtang Lirung and Kyimoshung, whose huge glaciers tumble to the valley floor. Straddling the Tibetan border are Dorje Lhakpa, Ganchempo and a whole host of 6,000+m peaks whilst across the valley are Naya Kang and the Ganja La pass. For the very energetic there is the chance to climb Tsergo Ri (often written Cherko Ri) – at 4,984m. This is a full day's walk (8-10hrs) but worth it for the views from the top. Another option is to walk towards the Tibetan border and Langshisha, where we get wonderful views of the mountains bordering Tibet. Teahouse Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Retrace our route past Ghora Tabela to Lama Hotel (2500m), a cluster of lodges in the forest A long day in terms of kilometres but an easy walk, mainly downhill, with great views down the valley. We leave Kyanjin and retrace our route down past Mundu and across the moraine of Langtang to Ghora Tabela. Heading back into the forest the trail undulates down the valley through Chhunuma and Riverside back to Lama Hotel (2,500m), a small collection of lodges in the forest. Teahouse Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Descend to the river; cross over and continue past Bamboo and Pairo, then climb to the ridgetop village of Syabru (2250m) Below Lama Hotel we leave the trail we walked up the valley on and turn off steeply to the left. A rough rocky and narrow trail takes us steeply down to the river and a bridge across the Langtang Khola (2,150m). From here the trail undulates through the forest to Bamboo (1,917m) and further on to Pairo (1,700m) for lunch. After lunch we leave the river and climb steeply for an hour to a small tea shop. From here the trail contours round into a side valley and drops to cross the river by bridge. We then have another steep climb up to Syabru, a village which straddles a ridge (2,250m). There are great views looking back to the Langtang Valley and from just behind the lodges we can see the Ganesh Himal on a clear day. Teahouse Meals included: Breakfast Day 9 Steep climb through scrub forest and rhododendron thickets to Sing Gompa A short but quite tough walk as we have a long steep climb out of Syabru. We walk through scrub forest and the occasional settlement among the fields, and then through magnificent rhododendron thickets until we reach the top of the ridge at Phoprang Danda,(3,200m), where we have magnificent views of the mountains. After a well-deserved tea break the trail continues on up the ridge, but less steeply now, to the small settlement of Sing Gompa. There are a few lodges here, a small temple and a cheese factory. Red Pandas have been spotted in the forests around here and in the afternoon the energetic can walk up the hill behind the lodge for views on a clear day. Teahouse Meals included: Breakfast Day 10 Spectacular ridge walk to Gosainkund Lake (4430m) Today is probably the best day of the trek for amazing panoramic mountain views. Climbing a little less steeply this morning we follow the ridge for most of the day. We will have fantastic panoramic views of the Annapurnas, Himalchuli, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal to the west and Langtang Himal to the north-east. We pass through Cholang Pati (3,620m), where there are a few tea shops and after this we gradually leave the trees behind. Climbing further up the ridge the views are even better as we reach Laurebeneyak (3,950m). We stop for lunch at one of the lodges here with plenty of time to admire the magnificent panorama. In the afternoon we climb further up the ridge and finally we contour round into the next valley. A fantastic path high above the first of the holy lakes. The trail undulates now until we finally reach the third lake, Gosainkund, at 4,430m. This lake is particularly sacred and a place of pilgrimage in the summer. It is said to have been created when the god Shiva, suffering from thirst due to a poison, thrust his trident into the mountainside, whereupon three streams burst forth and ran together to form the lake. We stay close to a shrine by the lake, where there are a few pilgrim shelters. As the sun sets the reflection on the lake is incredible as the lake becomes one shimmering mass of gold. It is a truly magnificent sight. (Please note that in spring season there can be snow on this section) Teahouse Meals included: Breakfast Day 11 Cross the Laurebena Pass (4650m) to Gopte (3416m) A tough day today as we cross the Laurebena Pass. The trail descends from the lodge past the pilgrim shelters to the lake. We then climb up though bare and rugged terrain, passing four smaller lakes before we reach the summit of the Laurebena Pass at 4,650m. It will take us approximately 2.5hrs to the top of the pass. There are magnificent views to the north and west, and as we descend there are superb panoramic vistas over the Nepal midlands. We now have a steep descent for about 2.5hrs on a rocky trail to Phedi, where we have lunch. After lunch, we still have another 3.5hrs walk. At first, we descend a little but the rest of the afternoon takes us on a roller coaster trail up and down the valley. There are many short steep uphill sections followed by short downhill sections. We are now back in the forest and we finally come to our lodge at Gopte (3,416m). Teahouse Meals included: Breakfast Day 12 Descend the Helambu Valley to Kutumsang, visiting Tharepati (3,650m) en route, from where Mount Everest may be seen on a clear day A long day but mostly downhill. The morning starts with a short downhill and then a climb up to Tharepati (3,650m). The climb is well worth the effort for the amazing views from here. Looking north we can see the Jugal and Everest Himals and on a really clear day we can see right across to Everest. After a short break to admire the views we start to descend into the Helambu valley. We continue walking on an undulating path through thick rhododendron forest with a short climb up to lunch at Mangangoth. After lunch it is all the way down to our last night in a teahouse at Kutumsang. There are fine views back to the Langtang and Jugal Himals, and if it is clear other ranges can also be seen. Teahouse Meals included: Breakfast Day 13 Trek to Chunauti; drive to Kathmandu We leave early this morning and start by descending from Kutumsang down into the valley below. The walk should take us about 4hrs through farms and terraces to the valley bottom at 1,040m. We will meet our transport at Chunauti and from here we drive through Melamchi and back to Kathmandu (approx. 5 hours’ drive). Depending on traffic we should arrive to our hotel in the early evening. Hotel Royal Singi (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 14 Free day in Kathmandu After the long day yesterday we have a free day to explore Kathmandu. You may want to visit the Durbar Square of Kathmandu, the Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath, the Hindu temple at Pashupatinath or the monkey temple at Swayambhunath. The Thamel District is a good place to explore with its maze of shops and restaurants. There is also the opportunity today to take an early morning scenic Everest mountain flight. This can be booked and paid for locally by your leader. Please read the ‘Optional Excursions’ section below for information regarding flying in Nepal. Hotel Royal Singi (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 15 End Kathmandu The tour ends after breakfast. The group flight is a day flight scheduled to depart in the morning. Those on the group flights or who have booked a transfer through Exodus will be transferred to the airport. Meals included: Breakfast
Nepal Most nationalities require a visa for Nepal, which can be obtained in advance or on entry (at present, the Immigration Department of Nepal have suspended 'visas on arrival' for certain nationalities - please check if this applies to you). All Nepal tourist visas are multiple entry. We recommend that you apply in advance as queues on arrival can be very long – applications can be made directly through the Nepal Embassy (by post or in person) or through our recommended visa agency, Travcour. The current cost for a visa in advance is GB£20 for a 15-day visa and GB£35 for a 30-day visa for UK passport holders (plus processing and postage fees if applying through Travcour). The current cost for a visa on arrival is US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, or US$125 for 90 days for UK passport holders. The fee can be paid for in any major currency at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. On arrival in the immigration hall there are 3 queues (if you have obtained a visa in advance go straight to (3) - immigration): (Step 1) Fill in a 'Tourist Visa' form: either online before travel (recommended) via the Department of Immigration website - print the submission receipt with barcode (valid for 15 days) and bring it with you, or use the electronic kiosk machines on arrival at the airport. If using the kiosks, after inserting your passport the machine will automatically fill out an application form, take an electronic photograph of you and print a paper slip. If the machine won’t read your passport you can complete the details manually using the touch screen. We recommend taking 1 passport photo with you just in case. (Step 2) Proceed to the visa fees collection counter and pay the visa fee (we advise to take some cash) – make sure to keep the receipt. (Step 3) Lastly, go to the relevant immigration desk and present your tourist visa form, payment receipt and passport to obtain your 15, 30 or 90-day visa stamp. Please check you have been given the correct visa duration. Non-UK nationals should check requirements with their nearest embassy (a few nationalities are not permitted visas on arrival).
Nepal There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. There is low to no risk of malaria throughout Nepal and antimalarial tablets are not usually advised although may be considered for certain higher risk groups; you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. The risk is highest in the low lying southern ‘terai’ districts bordering India. A yellow fever certificate is only required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of transmission. Dengue fever is a known risk in Nepal. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. As of August 2019, there has been a recent outbreak of Dengue fever in southeast Nepal and we therefore recommend you take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites (such as wearing full length trousers, long sleeves and applying insect repellent during the day as well as at dawn and dusk). Most of our trips to Nepal go to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes for further advice on AMS.
Hotels and lodges (teahouses) This holiday spends three nights in a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu and eleven nights on trek in basic lodges (teahouses). In Kathmandu we usually stay at the Hotel Royal Singi, located within walking distance of the Thamel district. All rooms have en suite facilities and there is a restaurant, a bar and an outdoor courtyard. There is complimentary Wi-Fi in the hotel lobby and Wi-Fi codes are available from reception for the rooms. There is an Exodus desk in the hotel reception area and an Exodus representative will usually be 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 unfortunately 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). All teahouses sell snacks and other essentials such as tissues, soap and toilet paper. Most lodges have electricity but it is not wholly reliable and lighting may not be bright enough to read by – a torch is essential. Electrical charging facilities are generally available only in the dining room (charged at approx. Rs150-350 per hour per device). Please note that many of the lodges use solar power so sometimes there is not enough electricity for charging. Many lodges have Wi-Fi these days – in some areas it works well but in others it is slow and temperamental. The bedrooms are mostly twin-share but occasionally during peak seasons you may be asked to share a dormitory room (3-5 people max) for the odd night. Beds with foam mattresses, bedsheets and a pillow are provided. Bedrooms are generally unheated and can get cold at night so you will need to bring or hire a sleeping bag. Most lodges have only one or two basic toilets and sometimes these are located outside the main lodge building. Toilets are usually Asian ’squat’ style; although many lodges have now installed ‘western style’ seated ones. Toilet paper is not provided so you should bring your own or buy it locally (please dispose of it the bin 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 gas or solar hot showers (charged at approx. Rs250-500 per shower) but don’t expect them every night. Sometimes a hot shower is simply a bucket of hot water and not a shower head. 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 sanitizer gel before and after toilet breaks, snacks and meal times. 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 Consultant. 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 tea-houses, single rooms cannot be guaranteed but if a single room is available that night, you can pay locally on a day by day basis.
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Reviewed December 2018 Pam Peers Trip: Langtang & Gosainkund Lakes Magnificent trek!! This is a wonderful trek in the Langtang Valley and to the mythical Gosainkund Lane. We enjoyed the most spectacular mountain views and had the privilege of witnessing at first hand the resilience and positivism of the wonderful Nepali people who are rebuilding their communities after the devastation of the 2015 earthquake. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The mountain vista from the ridge on the way to Gosainkund Lake was stunning - absolutely awe-inspiring in its range and beauty. We had the honour of visiting, at Kyanjin Gompa, one of the Exodus-supported projects - a residence for elderly people left entirely without family support as a result of the earthquake. This was a humbling and uplifting experience. What did you think of your group leader? We had the privilege of travelling with Valerie Parkinson and of benefitting from her extensive knowledge of the history and culture of Nepal and India. Her after-dinner talks were both interesting and amusing and often had eavesdroppers from other trekkers in the teahouses. The local leaders were all excellent and worked very well as a team to meet our every need. They were supportive and encouraging and ensured that we all managed even the most challenging parts of the trek. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take warm clothes and sleeping bags. It was very cold at the higher altitude. A laundry service is available at Kyanjin Gompa, so you don't need to carry many changes of clothes. There's an excellent bakery and coffee shop there too. This is an excellent trip! Don't hesitate to book Is there anything else you would like to add? The porters were superb and played a big part in ensuring that life was made as easy as possible for us.
Reviewed December 2018 Irene Neilson Trip: Langtang & Gosainkund Lakes Stunning mountain scenery- even for Nepal!! The mountain scenery on this trek is truly inspiring. On the first part of the trek you have Langtang Lirung lofting over you while on the second part-if you are lucky with the weather, you have a truly stunning panoramic view of the Annapurna, Hinalchulu, Manaslu Himal, Ganesh Himal and Langtang Himal again. Finally just as you think it can’t get any better you have a wonderful vista of the Jugal Himal and the Everest Himalaya from Tharepati. And yes you can just make out Everest herself!! The best mountain scenery I have ever seen on a trek incl EBC. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The panoramic view near Gosainkund as the huge mountain peaks of Nepal floated above a sea of white cloud which hid the valley floor. The climb up Kyanjin Ri and Klymoshung Ri above Kyanjin Gompa which -though tough- immersed you in fantastic glacial scenery with views extending to the mountains of the border with Tibet. Seeing Everest from Tharepati. What did you think of your group leader? Valerie as ever was excellent- the patience of a saint, great humour and fascinating knowledge. Plus she is a wonderful storyteller, making for very enjoyable evenings. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Except for a few of the lodges the accommodation on this trek really is pretty basic. Be prepared and have the headtorch and loo paper handy. Food is generally good though snacks are essential as distances between lodges vary. It can be bitterly cold at night. We had one bad day when the mist set in which also made it feel (and look) cold. Can be very warm in daytime so layering essential. Gloves critical esp early morning. Is there anything else you would like to add? This is a great trek that anyone who loves mountain scenery will really enjoy. The trails are quiet with interesting bird and animal life. The people of Langtang have made great effort to recover from the 2015 earthquake. So although the lodges are basic that doesn’t matter too much as the scenery is so incredible. Not only do you really enjoy yourself but you are also helping the area recover further - and that also feels good!!!
Reviewed November 2018 Diana Carter Trip: Langtang & Gosainkund Lakes You have to see it to believe it! I enjoyed every minute of this trip. The local staff (Gum K.C. our tour leader, and Chowang our sherpa leader, and all 5 of the porters) made the trip an amazing experience. I had never been to Nepal or to high altitude so it was a challenge for me (at age 64) but I would most definitely do it all again in a heartbeat. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Being able to climb a peak in the Himalayas! What a moment when we finally summited and enjoyed spectacular views - brought tears to our eyes! Staying with local families, particularly those who had been affected by the earthquake in 2015, was a great privilege. The Nepali people are all so friendly and welcoming. What did you think of your group leader? Gum K.C. went above and beyond - he was always on hand to offer local knowledge, health advice and generally great fun to be with. We had some very entertaining evenings playing UNO, and Spoons! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Eat like a local - garlic soup and dal bhat at least once a day to combat altitude sickness. Forget western options on the menu. Porridge, chapati and egg for breakfast - perfect trekking fodder. Drink like a local - raksi whenever it's offered. Ginger lemon honey tea is great to combat any nausea, sore throat etc. Stick to vegetarian, make sure the veg is cooked. Take travel sickness pills for the jeep rides! Enjoy a bucket shower rather than relying on the solar hot showers (which were either not working or were cold). Is there anything else you would like to add? We booked sleeping bags from Exodus - they were ideal for the extreme conditions, excellent quality, and saved us having the extra bulk on the flight.
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