Name: Langtang & Gosainkund Lakes
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (7 reviews)

Langtang & Gosainkund Lakes Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Destination: Nepal
Programmes: Walking & Trekking
Activity Level:
4 out of 7 - Moderate & Challenging
15 Days: Land Only
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: TNL
Carbon Footprint: 10kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Discover quiet trails, massive mountains and a holy lake on this easily accessible Nepal trek

The stunning Langtang Valley lies to the north of Kathmandu and sees fewer trekkers than the Annapurna or Everest regions. In autumn (fall), it is blessed with superb views of mighty Langtang Lirung (23,773ft/7,246m), while in spring it comes alive with birds and flowers. This trek takes us to the glaciers below Langtang Lirung, perhaps the summits of Kyanjin Ri or Tsergo Ri (optional) for some magnificent panoramas, and the spectacular holy lake at Gosainkund, an important place of pilgrimage. Parts of the Langtang Valley and Langtang village were devastated in the 2015 earthquake and, now the lodges have been repaired or rebuilt, the best way to show support is for trekkers and tourism to return. Our new route makes use of the best lodges and forms more of a circuit that the traditional trail.

Why trek with Exodus?

One of the highest staff-to-traveller ratios on the trek with one staff member to every four travellers
More than 30 years’ experience organising treks in Nepal
Carefully planned ascent rates and itineraries with built-in acclimatisation and contingency days
Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid and trained to recognise and deal with altitude sickness
All staff (leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair wage
Staff carry oxygen, a first-aid kit, and self-assessment acute mountain sickness cards, used to monitor every traveller at altitude
Speak to Exodus office staff who have done the trek themselves

At a Glance

Accommodation: 3 Classic nights (hotels), 11 Simple nights (teahouses/mountain lodges)
11 days of point-to-point walking with full porterage
Group normally 4 to 14 plus tour leader and local staff. Minimum age: 16
Altitude maximum: 15,125ft (4,610m) or optional 16,512ft (5,033m); average: 8,990ft (2,740m)
Travel by private Land Cruisers/4x4s
Between five and eight hours of walking per day, with some longer days
Staff carry oxygen and a first-aid kit on trek
23 November 2025 led by Valerie Parkinson, Wanderlust World Guide Awards winner 2021

Highlights

Visit the holy Gosainkund Lake nestled amid the mountains
Enjoy varied scenery: mountain panoramas, rhododendron forests, glaciers and gompas
Experience far fewer trekkers than in other Nepal trekking regions
See fantastic flora and fauna in spring
Enjoy views of the great peak of Langtang Lirung

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is rated Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

This teahouse trek covers a range of altitudes and involves 11 days of point-to-point walking. There are prolonged ascents and descents on some days (more than 3,280ft/1,000m). Because of the ascents and descents and the rocky trails, this trek is at the higher end of Activity Level 4. However, it is graded Activity Level 4 and is therefore a lower level than our Everest Base Camp trek. We highly recommend using trekking poles. For those with previous walking experience, it is a superb trek through the middle hills of Nepal to the top of the Langtang Valley, an area surrounded by huge mountains bordering Tibet.

It is suitable for those confident of their physical fitness, ideally with some previous trekking experience. If you do not partake in regular exercise or hillwalking, do some training or physical preparation beforehand.

The trail crosses a few modern suspension bridges, all of which have mesh sides and none are especially high; however, anyone with a strong fear of heights or vertigo may find them difficult.

The maximum altitude reached is 15,125ft (4,610m) or 16,512ft (5,033m) for those who opt to climb Tsergo Ri, with the average altitude approximately 8,990ft (2,740m). The ascent is gradual, lending itself to good acclimatisation. We ask you to refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes for further information.

To help you better prepare for your Nepal trip, please also see our Nepal Destination Guide.

Walking hours stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings stated exclude lunch stops and vary depending on the group’s pace.

Nepal flight safety

Many of our treks in Nepal use domestic flights to reach the trekking areas. The mountainous Nepalese terrain is subject to changeable weather, which makes flying conditions complex and challenging and, unfortunately, there are significantly more incidents here than in other countries, including fatalities. The EU highlighted the poor safety record in Nepal in 2013 by including all Nepalese-registered airlines on the EU banned list, which prevents them from flying in EU airspace. While no Nepalese-registered airlines currently fly within the EU, the EU instigated this ban to highlight the risk of flying in Nepal to EU citizens. These airlines are unlikely to be members of any internationally recognised safety audit systems and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Nepal does not operate to the same standards as those of Western nations.

Flying within Nepal is therefore a known risk and we strongly encourage you to consider this carefully before booking. We suggest you refer to the following sources:

The current travel advice for Nepal issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
The Air Safety Network entry for Nepal

In response to concerns over this safety record, Exodus arranges for independent air-safety auditors to visit Nepal annually to assess the suitability of the available carriers. We then restrict our use to only those approved as part of this audit. In emergency situations, we will need to use helicopters, so we also have a list of approved helicopter carriers. Should concerns arise regarding the safety of an airline on our approved list, we will remove the carrier from the list immediately, and it would only be reinstated once our air-safety auditors are confident the airline meets acceptable safety standards.

We appreciate you may have concerns about flying within Nepal, so we ask that you consider all the information above when deciding to book this trip.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Group

The group is generally between four and 14 people.

We have representatives in Kathmandu who look after your transfers to and from the airport and are around to answer other questions you may have about your trek. There is an Exodus desk and noticeboard in the Royal Singi Hotel in Kathmandu. The desk is manned morning and evening.

The departure starting in Kathmandu on 23 November 2025 will be led by Valerie Parkinson who has been leading treks in the Himalaya for more than 36 years. Valerie was the first British woman to summit Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. She will share her mountaineering experience, including talking about her Everest and Everest North Col expeditions! Valerie won Best Tour Leader in the prestigious annual Wanderlust World Guide Awards in 2021.

All other departures have an English-speaking Nepali tour leader who is assisted by Nepali trekking guides. All Exodus leaders are highly experienced, take Exodus leader training courses, and are trained in wilderness first aid. The trekking guides are licensed by the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and receive additional training through Exodus. The trekking guides will walk with the group, spacing themselves out to ensure the pace is appropriate for careful acclimatisation and to ensure the safety of all trekkers in the group, helping those who may need some encouragement or support.

On all our Nepal treks, there is one member of trek staff for every four clients – this ratio may change if a guide has to stay behind with a member of the group. The leaders are assisted by additional guides and as many porters as necessary to carry the kitbags. All your main gear is carried for you and you only carry whatever you require for that day’s trek. Porters are offered porter clothing for treks above 14,765ft (4,500m), which includes waterproofs, boots, socks, gloves, hats and sunglasses. All the trekking staff are insured by our local partner in Nepal.

The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16. Anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 14

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Kathmandu
End City: Kathmandu

Land Only Itinerary

The adventure begins in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Free airport transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied your flight details in advance and requested transfers. A representative meets you at the airport and you are transferred to the hotel. Upon arrival, 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.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Singi (or similar)

Leaving the Kathmandu Valley, we have a long drive ahead (approximately seven to eight hours) – the road condition is poor, so we use 4x4s. We drive out of the Kathmandu Valley and head northwards to Trisuli Bazaar. Continuing, the road climbs to Dhunche and the Langtang National Park before descending to the river where we reach Syabrubesi, a small town at 4,797ft (1,462m) where we spend the night.

Accommodation: Teahouse

Meals included: Breakfast

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 Sherpagaon, a small village perched on terraces high above the Langtang Khola at 8,170ft (2,490m).

Accommodation: Teahouse

Distance covered: 7mi (11km)

Ascent: 4,577ft (1,395m); Descent: 1,004ft (306m); Activity hours: 6hr 30min to 7hr

Meals included: Breakfast

We continue up the valley towards Langtang. The walk starts easily, following an undulating trail through Sherpagaon and into the forest, past Rimche and further 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, mostly uphill, to Ghora Tabela (9,960ft/3,035m), where the valley opens out. Most of the area around here was destroyed in the earthquake and lodges are just now being rebuilt.

Accommodation: Teahouse

Distance covered: 8mi (13km)

Ascent: 2,598ft (792m); Descent: 1,250ft (381m); Activity hours: 6

Meals included: Breakfast

The valley opens as we continue our climb. The trail ascends through the few teahouses at Thangshyap and we come to the moraine that was Langtang. This village was destroyed in the 2015 earthquake 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 to reveal spectacular mountain views. To our left, the impressive Langtang Lirung towers above us, ahead is the great snow-covered bulk of Ganchempo. The trail climbs steadily past many prayer walls until we come to the teahouses at Kyanjin Gompa at 12,730ft (3,880m). Once there was only a small cheese factory here, now it is a bustling place with many lodges.

Accommodation: Teahouse

Distance covered: 9mi (14km)

Ascent: 3,215ft (980m); Descent: 597ft (182m); Activity hours: 6hr to 6hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast

We spend a day at Kyanjin Gompa with a chance to explore the area. There are various optional day walks here. The most popular is up to Kyanjin Ri (14,270ft/4,350m) and Kyimoshung Ri (15,160ft/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 peaks above 19,685ft (6,000m), while 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 16,350ft (4,984m). This is a full day’s walk (eight to 10 hours) 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.

Accommodation: Teahouse

Activity hours: 8-10

Meals included: Breakfast

We have a long day in terms of distance but it’s 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, we take the trail down the valley through Chhunuma and Riverside back to Lama Hotel (8,200ft/2,500m).

Accommodation: Teahouse

Distance covered: 14mi (23km)

Ascent: 666ft (203m); Descent: 4,921ft (1,500m); Activity hours: 6hr 30min to 7hr

Meals included: Breakfast

Below Lama Hotel, we leave the trail we walked up the valley and turn left. A rough, rocky and narrow trail takes us steeply down to the river and a bridge across the Langtang Khola. From here, the trail undulates through the forest to Bamboo and further on to Pairo (5,580ft/1,700m) for lunch. After, we leave the river and climb steeply for an hour to a small teashop. 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 straddling a ridge (7,380ft/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.

Accommodation: Teahouse

Distance covered: 9mi (15km)

Ascent: 2,625ft (800m); Descent: 3,018ft (920m); Activity hours: 6hr 30min to 7hr

Meals included: Breakfast

We have a long, steep climb out of Syabru, walking 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 (10,500ft/3,200m), where we have magnificent mountain views. After a well-deserved tea break, the trail continues 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. In the afternoon, the energetic can walk up the hill behind the lodge for views on a clear day.

Accommodation: Teahouse

Distance covered: 4mi (7km)

Ascent: 3,681ft (1,122m); Descent: 164ft (50m); Activity hours: 5

Meals included: Breakfast

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 have fantastic panoramic views of the Annapurnas, Himalchuli, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal to the west and Langtang Himal to the northeast. We pass through Cholang Pati, where there are a few teashops; after, we gradually leave the trees behind. Climbing further up the ridge, we enjoy even-better views as we reach Laurebeneyak. 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, contour round into the next valley. A fantastic path high above the first of the holy lakes. The trail undulates now until we reach the third lake, Gosainkund, at 14,535ft (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 – a magnificent sight.

(Please note, there can be snow on this section in spring)

Accommodation: Teahouse

Distance covered: 6mi (9km)

Ascent: 3,658ft (1,115m); Descent: 338ft (103m); Activity hours: 6hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast

It’s a tough day 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 Laurebena Pass summit at 15,255ft (4,650m). It takes us approximately 2hr 30min to the top. There are magnificent views to the north and west; as we descend, there are superb panoramic vistas over the Nepal midlands. We now have a steep descent for about two hours on a rocky trail made of stone steps to Phedi, where we have lunch. After lunch, we have another 3hr 30min walk with some steep climbs. At first, we descend a little but the rest of the afternoon takes us on a rollercoaster 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 come to our lodge at Gopte (11,210ft/3,416m).

Accommodation: Teahouse

Distance covered: 7mi (12km)

Ascent: 1,729ft (527m); Descent: 3,064ft (934m); Activity hours: 8hr to 8hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast

A long day but mostly downhill. The morning starts with a short downhill and then a climb up to Tharepati (11,975ft/3,650m). The climb is well worth the effort for the amazing views from here, looking north we can see the Jugal Himals. 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, 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.

Accommodation: Teahouse

Distance covered: 10mi (16km)

Ascent: 2,047ft (624m); Descent: 4,885ft (1,489m); Activity hours: 7hr 30min to 8hr

Meals included: Breakfast

We leave early this morning and start by descending from Kutumsang down into the valley below. We can either take the main trail to Gul Bhanjyang and then walk a jeep track to the main road where we meet our transfer back to Kathmandu or take a steeper trail through farms and rice terraces to the valley bottom at 3,415ft (1,040m) and meet our transport at Chunauti. We drive through Melamchi and back to Kathmandu (approximately five hours). Depending on traffic, we should arrive to our hotel in the early evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Singi (or similar)

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Activity hours: 4

Meals included: Breakfast

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 to take an early morning scenic Everest flight. This can be booked and paid for locally through your leader. Please read the Optional Excursions section in the Trip Notes for information regarding flying in Nepal.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Singi (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

The trip ends after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home, full of tales and memories to last a lifetime. If you’d like to spend more time in Kathmandu, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Post-trip Extensions

Chitwan Safari Extension

Langtang & Gosainkund Lakes

A five-day wildlife extension is the ideal opportunity to explore the lowlands of Nepal and enjoy rest and relax after the challenges of your trekking journey.

Travel from Kathmandu to your jungle lodge in search of roaming wildlife at Chitwan National Park. With the help of an expert naturalist, you explore the home of the one-horned rhino, while also spotting birds, crocodiles, deer and boar. Find a more detailed itinerary here.

Please ask your sales representative for more details. Prices listed are starting prices.

Price per person

£ 749

Mandatory Single Supplement

£ 365

Altitude Charts

Altitude Warning: This trip includes one or more nights over 9,845ft (3,000m) above sea level, where there is a genuine risk of being affected by acute altitude illnesses; if left untreated, this can be life-threatening. Most should expect to experience some mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, shortness of breath or sleeplessness. Our leaders are trained to identify symptoms of severe altitude illnesses and, if a customer requires extra care, arrangements such as a rapid descent will be made.

Exodus itineraries are informed by the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) Guidelines for the Prevention of Altitude Illnesses and designed to allow for adequate acclimatisation. Due to terrain and/or logistical factors, there may be nights where the sleeping altitude gain is more than 1,640ft (500m), increasing the risk. The WMS highlight that because the rates of acclimatisation and physiologic responses to high altitude vary considerably between individuals, the recommendations given, although generally effective, do not guarantee successful prevention. Participants should be aware of the inherent risk posed by altitude.

Several medical conditions or medications can affect a person’s ability to acclimatise, making them more susceptible to acute altitude illnesses. Those with pre-existing conditions, such as heart or lung conditions, those who have suffered with altitude sickness before, or those with concerns about overall physical ability, should consult their doctor before booking. The drug Diamox (acetazolamide) may aid acclimatisation in some individuals. Those considering using Diamox should speak to their doctor about the drug, its suitability, side-effects, and a prescription. Please note, while we endeavour to assist all our customers in achieving their goals, there may be times when a leader decides to delay or stop someone’s ascent based on their condition.

If you are not taking out Exodus Travel Insurance, make sure your policy covers you up to the maximum altitude on this trip (if trekking in the Himalaya your policy should also cover the use of a helicopter for emergency medical evacuation).

Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Accommodation

Hotels and Himalayan teahouses

TWIN ROOM KATHMANDU HOTEL ROYAL SINGI NEPAL

We stay in teahouses for most of this adventure, a classic experience for trekkers in the Himalaya. We spend the rest of our time in the Royal Singi Hotel in Kathmandu. Below is more information on the places we stay.

Kathmandu: Royal Singi Hotel (nights 1 and 13-14)

The Royal Singi, a three-star hotel, has been welcoming our groups for more than two decades. The name is inspired by the Snow Lion, a mythical creature in Tibetan Buddhism, which represents immense joy, positivity, delight and comfort. The hotel embraces the name with a restaurant, bar, outdoor courtyard, and complimentary wifi throughout. There’s also an Exodus desk in the lobby and an Exodus representative is usually available daily in the mornings and evenings. The Royal Singi is well located near the Thamel district, close to banks, restaurants, shops and attractions.

Himalaya: Teahouses (nights 2-12)

Staying in teahouses is a time-tested tradition for hikers in the Himalaya. They may be basic, but they’re a welcome sight after a day of walking among the spectacular peaks. The hub of teahouse living is the dining room, which is usually decorated with traditional rugs, sometimes with a stove or heater (some lodges charge a fee to put the heater on). Most teahouses sell snacks and other essentials such as tissues, soap and toilet paper.

We stay in twin-share bedrooms, which come with foam mattresses, bedsheets and a pillow. Remember to bring (or hire) a sleeping bag, rooms are unheated so they can get cold at night.

Worth knowing

Some teahouses above 9,845ft (3,000m) may not be heated due to local environmental restrictions. Occasionally, kerosene burners can be used to heat common areas if requested. We recommend against using these due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Your leader will not offer this to you.
Most teahouses have electricity, but it is not wholly reliable, and lighting may not be bright enough to read by – a torch (flashlight) is essential. Charging facilities are generally only available in the dining room (charged at approximately 200-500 Nepalese rupees/US$1.50-US$3.80 per hour per device). Many of the teahouses use solar power, so sometimes there is not enough electricity for charging. Many also have wifi, though it can be slow and temperamental.
Most teahouses have only one or two basic toilets and sometimes these are outside the main building. Toilets are usually squat style, although many lodges have now installed seated ones. Toilet paper is not provided, so you should bring your own or buy it locally (please dispose of it in the bin provided). If there is not a flush handle, there should be a container of water to pour down – if it is empty (or frozen), please refill it or ask the lodge to.
Some teahouses have hot ‘showers’ (charged at approximately 250-500 rupees/US$1.90-US$3.80 per shower). Sometimes this is simply a bucket of hot water.
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 teahouse staff and be vigilant in your personal hygiene regime – use soap or hand gel before and after toilet breaks, snacks and mealtimes.
Generally, the higher the altitude, the more basic the teahouse and the more expensive food and services.

Extra accommodation

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

Single accommodation

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

Single supplement from £ 145

Food & Drink

Breakfast is included throughout the trip.

In teahouses, breakfast comprises a choice of bread (a slice of toast, chapatti or Tibetan bread), a choice of egg (boiled, fried or omelette), and a choice between either muesli or porridge each day. Hot tea/coffee is also served. On specific days, there will not be a choice for breakfast and either a trekkers breakfast (egg, hash brown, baked beans and toast) or a pancake with jam/honey is served – these options are not available in all teahouses and so we have only included them in locations where they can be guaranteed. You may also be able to supplement your included breakfast with additional items on the teahouse menu should you wish, additional items that are not included in the set menu should be ordered and paid for separately.

Please note, some more remote teahouses/lodges are unable to provide an extensive menu due to irregular delivery schedules and during periods of bad weather or a high volume of trekkers, there may be a more limited menu choice. Also, the higher altitude the more expenses the menus generally are.

Lunch is at a teahouse en route – sometimes one of your guides will go ahead with the group’s order to make it more expedient. Dinner is in the same teahouse you sleep at (this is custom in Nepal as teahouses base their room rate on it).

Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms but generally comprises some curried lentils and meat or vegetables, some rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos, a Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed and filled with meat or vegetables.

Although meat is available in the teahouses, we advise against eating it on trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for several days before reaching the lodges and can cause stomach upsets or illness.

If you have a gluten-free diet, we strongly recommend you bring extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will be little variety available for you, particularly for breakfast. Even many of the soups are powdered and contain gluten. Gluten-free breakfast options will be limited to vegetable fried rice and a choice of egg, and on specific days only, a trekkers breakfast (without the toast/with an extra egg) will be served. Breakfast options for vegans will be limited to a choice of muesli/porridge with water each day, and on specific days only, a trekkers breakfast (without the egg), or vegetable fried rice will be served. If you are lactose intolerant, the same will apply although you will also have a choice of egg each day.

If you buy imported food and drink on trek, you will spend more than the suggested amount.

Drinking water

Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 100floz-135floz (3-4 litres) per day.

However, we strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal.

The lodge at Kyanjin has a UV water filter (donated by Exodus) and you will be provided with safe drinking water free of charge here.

The teahouses sell boiled water for approximately 150-300 (US$1.15-US$2.30) per litre (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot-water bottle.

Alternatively, all teahouses provide free cold water. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend you bring a reusable bottle/water bladder/Camelpak (ideally two) and use an effective form of water treatment. There are a wide range of products available including Steripens or purification tablets, which are the quickest and easiest options to use on trek – we recommend talking to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving all the time. Make sure to check the product’s performance in cold/freezing conditions and consider battery life (lithium batteries are best in cold conditions).

Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates more than 99.99 percent of all microbiological contaminants from any non-saltwater source – visit Water-to-Go for more information. Exodus customers can claim 15 percent off their first order and, better still, 15 percent of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation. These bottles filter the water as you drink through the spout may not be the most efficient while on the go on a trek. Please note, if the water freezes it will clog up the filter. In this event, defrost before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.

Transport

For airport transfers, we use private minibuses or cars/taxis. For the journey to Syabrubensi and from Chunauti, we use jeeps as these are better suited to negotiating the roads, which are rough, potholed and unsealed in parts.

This point-to-point trek requires you to walk between each overnight stay under your own steam. Other forms of transport may be available along the route (horses, 4x4s etc) but Exodus is not able to take responsibility for the safety or the cost of any transport you choose to take even if provided with the assistance of our leader or staff.

Nepal flight safety

Many of our treks in Nepal use domestic flights to reach the trekking areas. The mountainous Nepalese terrain is subject to changeable weather, which makes flying conditions complex and challenging, and unfortunately there are significantly more incidents here than in other countries, including fatalities. The EU highlighted the poor safety record in Nepal in 2013 by including all Nepalese-registered airlines on the EU banned list, which prevents them from flying in EU airspace. While no Nepalese-registered airlines currently fly within the EU, the EU instigated this ban to highlight the risk of flying in Nepal to EU citizens. These airlines are unlikely to be members of any internationally recognised safety audit systems and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Nepal does not operate to the same standards as those of Western nations.

Flying within Nepal is therefore a known risk, and we strongly encourage you to consider this carefully before booking. We suggest you refer to the following sources:

The current travel advice for Nepal issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
The Air Safety Network entry for Nepal

We appreciate you may have concerns about flying within Nepal, so we ask that you consider all the information above when deciding to book this trip.

Weather & Seasonality

The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time, and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures vary from 15C to 35C (59F to 95F) in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10C (50C) at 11,810ft (3,600m) and progressively lower the higher we go. Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking:

Post monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are generally above 20C (68F). For the first few days of the trek, at the lower altitudes, the temperatures can be very hot (up to 30C/86F) and it can be very humid. Once we are over 6,560ft (2,000m), temperatures are more pleasant. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping to -5C (23F) or lower at the highest altitudes.

Winter: December to end February. Despite the cooler conditions, this is an ideal time to trek in Nepal. Skies are usually very clear, especially in December, and the mountain views are at their best. Nights are very cold with temperatures down to -10C (14F) at highest altitudes but days can be pleasant and sunny. The trails are also much less busy at this time of year. In Kathmandu, maximum daytime temperatures are 19C (66F).

Pre-monsoon: March to May. Both day and night temperatures are warmer in general but often a haze builds in the afternoons. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 35C (95F) in Kathmandu. The Langtang Valley is famous for its flowers (especially rhododendrons) and birds and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.

Snow can be expected on any departure, usually at the higher altitudes and more often in spring.

Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Royal Singi Hotel, Lal Durbar, Kamaladi, Kathmandu
Phone: +977 144 24190
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Kathmandu Airport (KTM)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 10 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Kathmandu Airport (KTM) from the end hotel.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Kathmandu
Location end: Kathmandu

What To Take

Essential Equipment

All luggage for the trek should be packed in the Exodus kitbag provided or in a similar soft kitbag. Many people find it easiest to pack the Exodus kitbag inside a wheelie case, which can be left at the Kathmandu hotel for free with anything not needed for the trek, while the kitbag is carried by your porter on the trek.

When packing, please consider the quantities/volume of the items you bring. Decant larger toiletries into small reusable bottles to limit weight and volume, take a lightweight travel towel etc. Each porter carries two kitbags, therefore, please respectfully limit your kitbag to 22lb (10kg) maximum per person. Your leader will weigh each bag before departing Kathmandu and may ask those with overweight kitbags to remove non-essential items and leave them in Kathmandu.

Many Nepalis are still traditional in the way they dress. You should, therefore, dress conservatively. Tight, revealing clothing is not advised and T-shirts are preferable to sleeveless tops. Long knee-length shorts are acceptable. Trousers (pants) or a long skirt are preferable for women.

One passport-sized photograph for your trekking permit (and an extra one if getting your Nepal visa on arrival in case the electronic machines are out of order)
Three/four-season sleeping bag (four-season for winter departures)
Three-season jacket
Waterproof synthetic or leather walking boots (worn in)
Waterproof jacket and trousers (pants)
Gaiters (especially for spring departures)
Comfortable footwear for the evening
Warm hat
Scarf/buff
Gloves
Several pairs of walking socks
Tracksuit or thermals for the evening
Mid-layer (fleece)
Shirts/T-shirts/base layers
Light to mid-weight trousers (pants), warmer for winter
Long shorts or skirt for women
Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip salve with sun protection
Mosquito repellent (please refer to advice on avoiding dengue fever in vaccination section)
Backpack for the day
Refillable water bottle/water bladder (also known as a hydration pack/CamelBak, which are useful for rehydrating on the go)
Water purification treatment/Steripen
Towel
Headtorch (head lamp)
Water bottle (with a wide mouth if using a Steripen)
Plastic bags to line backpack and for packing clothing in the kitbag
Toilet paper (ideally biodegradable)
Small personal first-aid kit
Hand-washing gel
Mini toiletries for the trek (please do not bring full-size items and limit to essentials)
Plug adaptor
Biodegradable soap/shampoo
Trekking pole(s)
Micro-crampons, microspikes, Yaktrax or similar (highly recommended for spring departures)

Although the top end of the Langtang Valley and the Laurebena Pass are usually clear of snow, there can be snow at any time of year especially in spring. Snow can make the steep descent from the pass slippery. If you are unsure of your footing, you may like to carry a pair of microspikes, Yaktrax or similar with you just in case. If you have not purchased in advance and your leader considers them necessary based on current weather conditions, they will have them available to purchase at your hotel during the welcome briefing for approximately 2,500 rupees (US$20).

Donations for porters, children and the elderly

If, while packing, you find a spare bit of space in your bag then you may be interested in donating to one of Exodus’ projects. Exodus supports a porter clothing bank in Kathmandu and school children in Kathmandu and various villages, and an old people’s home in Kyanjin Gompa in the upper part of the Langtang Valley. Any old walking gear can be donated to porters. Similarly, any warm clothing or blankets would be appreciated by the old people’s home – please leave these items with your leader or at the Exodus desk at the Royal Singi Hotel. Books, stationery, games, warm clothes/underwear etc suitable for children aged five to 18 should be taken to the Ambassador Garden Home in Thamel and given to Prakash Lammichanne. Contact No: +977 1 4700724.

Exodus kitbag: If you book this trip, we provide a free Exodus kitbag to pack your luggage in while on trek. Once you have booked, you will be sent instructions on how to claim your bag (they are not sent automatically). Please note, if you book less than three weeks before the departure date, we cannot guarantee your kitbag will arrive before your trip starts. If this is the case, please contact us on customerops@exodus.co.uk (or customeroperations@exodustravels.com if you’re based in the US or Canada). See www.exodus.co.uk/kitbags for full T&Cs.

Additional Equipment Hire: Exodus has partnered with the following outdoor specialist for great rates on expedition kit hire (UK-based customers only) or just general advice and guidance on the best kit and equipment needed for your trek.

Please note that supplies are limited, and it is advisable to reserve any equipment as early as possible.

TrekHire: Offers Exodus customers a four-week hire period for their technical gear, including items such as down sleeping bags (which includes cleaning costs). This extended hire period gives you ample time to prepare and return your gear after your trip. TrekHire also provides assistance with reviewing your kit list, offering advice on how to use your gear, and recommending what to buy or avoid. Additionally, they own a shop called Surrey Trek and Run, where you can enjoy a 10% discount on in-store items (excluding walking boots).
Expedition Kit Hire: Offers a 10% discount on hire prices for Exodus customers (excluding already discounted pre-made package deal kit lists, such as those for Kilimanjaro and Everest Basecamp). For extended hires (beyond the standard two-week hire), they offer a reduced daily rate, which often provides savings greater than 10%. Please ask our Customer Operations team for the Exodus customer discount code.

Practical Information

Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months when you submit your application for a visa. You should also ensure your passport is up to date, is valid for the entire length of your stay and that you have completed the emergency contact details page inside your passport.

Visa

Nepal

You can obtain your visa in advance or on arrival. The Immigration Department of Nepal has suspended visas on arrival for certain nationalities – please check if this applies to you with your nearest embassy or consulate.

Visa in advance

Apply for this through your local consulate or embassy. Further details on this option can be found here:

For UK passport holders: https://uk.nepalembassy.gov.np/visa/
For US passport holders: https://us.nepalembassy.gov.np/tourist-visa/

When applying for your visa in advance, the Nepalese government has an online application system (see links above for more info), but it is currently only accepting payments through Nepalese payment channels. Once the online form is completed, the applicant is required to print out the form and either send it, together with the passport, to the embassy, or attend in person.

Visa on arrival

When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, there will be three lines. If you have already secured your visa, go straight to the Immigration line. If not:
Fill in a tourist visa form at the electronic 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, complete the details manually using the touchscreen. We recommend taking a passport photo with you just in case.
Top tip: This process can be completed through the online immigration portal (click ‘Visa On-Arrival’) within 14-days prior to arrival in Kathmandu, helping you to avoid lengthy queues at the kiosks when you come through immigration – ensure you print and bring the confirmation with you. If you have completed your visa on arrival form in advance, go directly to the visa fees counters with your printed confirmation and skip the kiosk queues.
Proceed to the visa fees collection counter and pay the visa fee (in cash, if possible). Make sure to keep the receipt. Card payments are not always possible, so paying in cash is easiest, most currencies are accepted but US dollars are preferred.
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.

Vaccinations and Health

Nepal

There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, cholera, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Some travellers may also need proof of a polio vaccination. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

There is little to no risk of malaria in Nepal; therefore, antimalarial tablets are not usually advised although may be considered for certain high-risk groups. You may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.

Additionally, dengue fever and chikungunya are known risks in Nepal. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

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.

When trekking at altitude, and particularly in cold weather, there is a higher chance of developing a cough (sometimes referred to here as the Khumbu cough) or cold symptoms. These symptoms could be a result of inhaling cold mountain air or dust (in the Everest region). You can mitigate against picking up coughs and colds by washing your hands with soap and water at available opportunities and using hand sanitiser. Also wear a buff over your neck and mouth when walking at altitude, particularly in colder weather, which will help limit cold, dry air entering your airways and keep your neck and chest warm.

Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.

Local Time

Nepal's time zone: Asia/Kathmandu (UTC +05:45)

Electricity

Nepal’s electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), D (three round pins) and M (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Load shedding (planned temporary power cuts) occur regularly throughout towns and cities in Nepal. On teahouse treks, the majority of lodges now have electricity and charging facilities in the communal areas for batteries, for a fee. Battery life can be affected by cold; lithium batteries are best.

Money

Nepal's currency: Nepalese rupee (NPR) It is illegal to import or export rupees, but foreign currency is not limited, provided it is declared on arrival. Keep your change receipts, as you will need them if you want to change rupees back into hard currency at Kathmandu airport.

ATM Availability

There are ATMs in Kathmandu and other major towns but there are none on the Langtang trek, so you need to carry cash.

Do not rely wholly on ATMs as many are broken or run out of money. Often there are ATM lounges (a small room with several ATMs). Some banks have a withdrawal limit equivalent to only US$125 per time. If you need to withdraw more, look for another ATM with a higher limit as there are transaction fees (others have a maximum withdrawal limit equivalent to about US$380 per time).

Credit cards are accepted in many of the larger shops and restaurants in Kathmandu but are no use on trek.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

We recommend taking your personal spending money in cash (US dollars, British pounds or euros can all be changed easily). Please note that any marked, torn or damaged notes may not be accepted. Please remember, £50 notes, Scottish or Irish currency cannot be changed in Nepal. Cash can be changed easily at the airport on arrival in Kathmandu or at money changers in the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Hotels in Nepal can also change up to US$300 per person. Please note, travellers cheques can NOT be exchanged in Nepal. Our staff will advise you about how much money to take with you on the trek.

You need to withdraw/exchange enough money in Kathmandu to last the duration of your trek – to cover meals, drinks, tipping and other incidentals. It is a good idea to carry spare cash on the trek in case of an emergency. Carrying a large amount of cash is unavoidable so we suggest splitting it up into a few different places – but remember to keep track of how much you have stashed where.

Prices of food and amenities in teahouses generally become more expensive the higher altitude/more remote you are and access to ATMs/money changes are extremely limited. Please allow 4,000 – 5,400 rupees (US$30-US40) per day for lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks, showers, toilet roll and charging on trek, and for meals not included in Kathmandu. This amount is given as a rough guideline only.

Your expenditure will be towards the top end if you buy boiled water rather than treating cold water, and depending on how many hot showers you take, if you pay to charge electrical devices, drink alcohol, use wifi on the trek and so on.

If you’d like to purchase a trekking map for 500 rupees (US$4), please speak to your Leader at the welcome briefing and he will provide the relevant map for you.

Optional excursions

Several optional tours and activities are available from Kathmandu.

Prices for a half-day sightseeing tour start from approximately 4,650 rupees (US$35) per person, based on a group of six or more. For all trips, return transport and a qualified sightseeing guide are included. The price does not include lunch or entry fees. Please enquire with your leader in Kathmandu, who can provide further information.

An optional Everest sightseeing flight is available on your free day (weather permitting) from around 27,810 rupees (US$210) per person (price subject to change). If you intend to book, please refer to the Transport section for information about the safety of flying in Nepal.

Tipping

Tipping is part of the culture in Nepal and usually expected. Tipping can often be an awkward affair, especially when in an unfamiliar country where you are not sure when or how much to tip. As such, your tour leader will usually offer to arrange and look after a group tipping kitty, which will be used to tip porters in hotels, local guides, assistant guides, porters and the drivers. Your leader will suggest how much to contribute, depending on group size, but a rough guideline is provided below.

Tipping of the leader is at your discretion and separate to the amount they suggest for the other staff. We suggest you send an envelope around the group at the end of the trip and you can put in what you like and give to the leader on the last evening.

The following are guideline amounts received by each staff member from the group as a whole…

Tour leader: 30,000-40,000 rupees (usually tipped on the last night in Kathmandu)

Your trekking crew (tips are usually given on the last evening of the trek in Kutumsang)

Trekking guides: 20,000-25,000 rupees for each guide
Trek porters: 12,000-14,000 rupees for each porter

General tipping guidelines:

Drivers: Kathmandu to Syabrubensi: 550 rupees for each jeep driver. Chunauti to Kathmandu: 550 rupees for each jeep driver
Hotel porters: 100 rupees each time for each room
Teahouses and lunch stops on the trek: It’s customary to round your bill up to the nearest 50 rupees or 100 rupees
Restaurants: 10% of the bill if good service

To help budget for the tips, generally there is one member of trek staff (guide/assistant) for every four clients. You also have one porter for every two clients to carry your luggage. If you are unsure on how much to budget, check with your leader when you arrive in Kathmandu. Please try to give all tips in local currency.

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.

Important Information

Optional activities and excursions

If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.

Important Information

Your safe participation

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

Seatbelts

All vehicles used by Exodus should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by Exodus based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.

How to Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.

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