Planning to trek to the Himalayas this season? Here is a complete travel guide to Gosainkunda and Langtang Valley Circuit

KATHMANDU, October 23: Gosainkunda and Langtang Valley are two different tourism destinations. One can enter Langtang Valley via Gosainkunda or visit these two different destinations via separate routes.

Location: 

Located on the lap of mountains like Langtang, Ganesh and Dorje Lhakpa, traveling amidst coniferous, bamboo and rhododendron forests enjoying scenic views of high mountain ranges from the very beginning of the trek will definitely help you to catch your breaths during the steep climb.

Accessibility: 

The route to Langtang Valley is comparatively easier than that of Gosainkunda. Way to Gosainkunda is an uphill climb while Langtang is more of a straight walk than a climb.

One can easily enter Gosainkunda from Dhunche and Shyabrubesi of Rasuwa district or Sundarijal-Helambu Trekking Circuit. Likewise, Langtang Valley Trek begins from Shyabrubesi (which is around a five to six-hour bus drive from Kathmandu).  

Time: 

One can complete the Gosainkunda and Langtang Valley Circuit between 10 and 12 days but the route can also be completed in a week. Gosainkunda, on the other hand, can easily be reached in two days from Syabrubesi while Langtang Valley can also be reached in a similar duration.

Accommodation: 

Most people traveling to Gosainkunda spend their night at Chandanbari or Cholongpati on their first night. Gosainkunda can then be reached after four to five hours of steep climb with numerous tea houses and lodges at the ideal walking distance on the way.

Compared to Gosainkunda, there are more tea houses and lodges on the way to Langtang Valley. Most of the people spend their first night at Lama Hotel or Bhamu or River Side, starting the trek from Syabrubesi. 

Things to enjoy: 

Langtang Valley can then be reached easily the other day, taking a slightly steep route along the Langtang River. Once you reach Godatabela, the route gets easier and the view gets more alluring and clear. A two-day stay at Kyejgen - an upper Langtang Valley - scaling Kyenjen Ri and Tserco Ri will add more adventure and give a real flavor of the Himalayas. 

Enjoying local foods (they also provide western, continental and Nepali food items as well), beverages, warm hospitality and getting to know stories of local people by fire, enjoying beautiful views of the mountain are all one can expect while being in the Langtang region.

Communication? 

Also, these trekking routes boast a good access to electricity and solar power for your gadgets along with 3G/4G internet services. They also provide wifi facilities but are a bit costly.

All and all Gosainkunda and Langtang Valley Circuit can be the best budget holiday destination for anyone who wants to escape the bustling city life and get lost into the woods and mountains.