Compare Langtang & Gosainkund Lakes by Exodus Travels vs Ghorepani Poonhill Trek by Amigo Treks & Expedition
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 2,400 | $ 880 |
| Price Per Day | $ 160 | $ 88 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | 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. |
11 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches and 12 Dinners |
| Description |
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 themselvesDiscover quiet trails, massive mountains and a holy lake on this easily accessible Nepal trek |
"Situated north of Nepal’s famous lake city, Pokhara, this short Poon Hill trek offers secreted wealth of Nepalese culture and natural beauty. Along with the view of mountains, trekkers can equally enjoy the company of cultivated terraces, waterfalls, dense rhododendron and oak forests full of chirping birds and flying butterflies - simply perfect for nature lovers. Moreover, Poon Hill, Ghorepani trek, is also an introduction to the culture, tradition, hospitality, farming practices and lifestyle of different ethnic groups including Gurung and Magar. Poon Hill (the best view point of the entire Annapurna region), Ghandruk (a culturally rich Gurung village included in the world heritage site list), Pokhara (the lake city) and natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda are some major highlights of this trek. |
Day 1 Start Kathmandu
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)
Day 2 Drive to Syabrubesi
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
Day 3 Walk to Sherpagaon, a small village 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 Sherpagaon, a small village perched on terraces high above the Langtang Khola at 8,170ft (2,490m). Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 4 Trek through forest to Ghora Tabela via Rimche and Chhunama
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
Day 5 A poignant walk as the trail crosses the debris that engulfed Langtang village in the 2015 earthquake; continue to Kyanjin Gompa
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
Day 6 Daywalk to a viewpoint to see impressive peaks and glaciers; option to climb Tsergo Ri
Day 7 Retrace our route past Ghora Tabela to Lama Hotel, a cluster of lodges in the forest
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
Day 8 Descend to the river; cross over and continue past Bamboo and Pairo, then climb to the ridgetop village of Syabru
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
Day 9 Steep climb through scrub forest and rhododendron thickets to Sing Gompa
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
Day 10 Spectacular ridge walk to Gosainkund Lake
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
Day 11 Cross the Laurebena Pass to Gopte
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
Day 12 Descend the Helambu Valley to Kutumsang, visiting Tharepati en route
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
Day 13 Trek to Chunauti/Gul Bhanjyang (two route options available); drive to Kathmandu
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)
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 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)
Day 15 End Kathmandu
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.
Day 1: Arrival day (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Kathmandu – the capital city of Nepal. Today is your first day with Amigo Treks & Expedition. Therefore, we send one of our company representatives to receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), who will further escort you to a tourist standard hotel. If possible, we also schedule a meeting at our office for the briefing regarding the trek followed by an introduction session with other team members (especially Sherpas and guides). Today, we also arrange a welcome dinner in one of the most popular local restaurants, where you can also enjoy the ethnic dance and cultural music along with great Nepali food. If your flight arrives late, both the meeting and the dinner can be scheduled for the following day.
(Highlights of the day: Nepali food, Cultural music and Ethnic dance.)
Day 2: KathmanduValley sightseeing and trek preparation(1,300m/4,264 ft)
Meals: Breakfast
The capital, Kathmandu valley itself, is a big storehouse of exclusive natural, cultural and historical sites. Therefore, today, we take you on a few hour tours to the major attractions of Kathmandu valley. After spending few hours observing these wonderful sites, we again meet for a few hours to finalize your clothing and trekking gears (down jacket, trekking boots, sleeping bags etc.) required during the trek. The night will be spent at a hotel in Kathmandu.
(Highlights of the day: World Heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square (a historical structure offering architectural wonders), the Pashupatinath temple (a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- lord possessing the power of destruction), Swyambhunath and Boudhanath (a Buddhist shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha- Light of Asia.
Optional site:Another World Heritage site ‘Patan Durbar Square’ along with other historical masterpieces like Mahabouddha Temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple and Kumbeshwor Temple.)
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/2,690ft)
Meals: Breakfast
Today, in the morning our guides will come to pick you up at your hotel and escort you to the bus station to catch an early morning, comfortable tourist bus to Pokhara. The bus will head towards the west of Kathmandu Valley and continue the journey towards the western part of Nepal following the Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli river. The bus will stop twice – one for breakfast and one for lunch and then continue until we reach Pokhara. The evening can be utilized to explore the lake area. The night will be spent at a tourist standard hotel in Pokhara.
(Highlights of the day: Comfortable tourist bus, windy highway along the Trisuli River, breathtaking view of waterfalls, rivers, jungles, hamlets higher up on the hills, terraced fields with seasonal crop, different vegetations, curious faces of people running motels, restaurants and lodges, Lake area in Pokhara.)
Day 4: Drive to Nayapul & trek to Tikhadhunga (1,540m/5,052ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today is the first day of the trek and our destination is Tikhedhunga. First we drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. On reaching Nayapul, after two hours drive, the luggage is prepared for the porters. After a short pre-trek preparation, we start to walk towards Birethanti following the south bank of the Modi River. In Birethanti, our leader will take care of all the check in formalities at the ACAP office, and then we follow the trail that leads us towards Bhurungdi Khola. Passing Lamdawali, Sudame, Hile, and a few waterfalls we finally reach Tikhedhunga. The night will be spent at a lodge in Tikhedhunga.
(Highlights of the day: view of Machhapuhhre and Annapurna, Modi River, waterfalls, countryside villages)
Day 5: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (3,194m/10,479ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today is the second day of the trek and our destination is Ghorepani. We first climb up to Ulleri, following a stone paved steps. After climbing more than 3000 steps we reach Ulleri. A gentle ascent from here through the Rhododendron and Oak forest, passing Banthanti and Nangge Thanti will then take us to Ghorepani - a gateway to Poon Hill, which is the best sunrise view point in the Annapurna region. The night will be spent at a lodge in Ghorepani.
(Highlights of the day: Thousands of stone steps, Ulleri – a large Magar village which offers magnificent view of Annapurna South and Himchuli, rhododendron and Oak forest of the conservation area, spectacular view of Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri from Ghorepani, health posts, schools, police check post, Stupas, temple and internet cafes at Ghorepani along with chilly weather.)
Day 6: Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani (2,590m/8,497ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today is the third day of the trek and our destination is Tadapani. Today we wake up early and hike up to Poon Hill (3,193m) to catch the first ray of the sun striking the mountains of Annapurna region. We enjoy the view of sunrise, spend some time taking snaps and then get back to the lodge at Ghorepani. From here, we walk east, passing Deurali pass and Ban Thanti towards Thulo Odar Kharka through rhododendron forests. A steep descent and a short climb from here will finally take us to Tadapani. The night will be spent at a lodge in Tadapani.
(Highlights of the day: magnificent view of sunrise, close up view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range with 20 other highest peaks of the world from Poon Hill, distant view of the Mustang, and Pokhara from Ghorepani, Deurali Pass, rhododendron forest and several waterfalls on the way to Tadapani)
Day 7: Trek to Ghandruk (1,940m/6,364ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today is the fourth day of the trek and our destination is Ghandruk – a Gurung village situated at an altitude of 1,940m. The trail descends through the forest of Oak and Rhododendron. We can enjoy varieties of chirping birds en route. On reaching Ghandruk we rest for some time and then we set off to explore the village, handicraft center as well as Gurung museum. In the evening, on request, the Gurung Cultural Program can also be organized. The night will be spent at a lodge in Ghandruk.
(Highlights of the day: Rhododendron and Oak forest, easy trail, chirping birds, Ghandruk village- a large Gurung village listed in the world heritage site featuring hotels and lodges, Gurung museum, handicraft center, health post, temples, Gurung cultural program and a majestic view of Annapurna South, Hiun Chuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna)
Day 8: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara(820m/2,690ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today is the last day of the trek in the Annapurna region. The walk begins from Ghandrunk and drops down to the Modi River crossing Imle, Chane and Kimche. Then the trail along the Modi River will take us to Birethanti crossing Syauli Bazaar and Chimrung. On reaching Birethanti, we complete the checkout formalities at ACAP office and then head towards Nayapul. On crossing the bridge we reach Nayapul where catch a bus to Pokhara. After two hours, we finally reach Pokhara. The evening will be spent enjoying the lake area and other attractions of Pokhara. The night will be spent at a tourist standard hotel in Pokhara.
(Highlights of the day: small settlements like Imle, Chane and Kimche, Modi River, scenic drive to Pokhara, lake side, nightlife and other attractions of Pokhara.)
Day 9: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Today, from Pokhara we catch a tourist standard bus to Kathmandu. Leaving Pokhara we head east toward the capital city, Kathmandu. After 7 hours of drive all the way through Prithvi Highway, we reach Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu you will be escorted to your hotel, where you can freshen up and rest for some time. Around the evening, the company representatives conduct a short meeting to discuss the trip, your experience and the feedback. By the time dinner will also be ready. The night will be spent at a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 10: Departure day
This day is the last day of your trip in Nepal with Amigo Treks and Expedition. If your flight is scheduled early morning, then one of our company representatives will escort you to the airport as per your flight departure time. But, if the flight is scheduled later in the evening, you can go shopping and collect a few mementos or simply hang around shopping areas in Kathmandu. However, if you are planning to spend some extra days in Nepal, Amigo Treks and Expedition can also make the arrangements for some other top adventurous activities that you can attend while you are in Nepal.
(The usual day for a trek: Every day, our guides will come to wake you up at around 7:00-7:30am. In case of special days like sunrise viewing days our guides will wake you up early in the morning at around 4-4:30am. A western breakfast like porridge, oats, toasts, etc. will be served at around 8:00-8:30am. The lunch will be served from a teahouse menu at about 12-1pm. However, the lunch time can also be postponed on request. The dinner will be served at around 8:30-9:00pm. Your accommodation is arranged at a lodge or also in a tourist standard hotel (subject to availability) where we stop for overnight.
While you are walking, you can also request your guide to slow down and stop at the places where you want to take some snaps. After dinner and before going to bed your team leader will brief you regarding the next day’s schedule.)
