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Gosaikunda & Helambu Valley School Trek-13 days

Gosaikunda & Helambu Valley School Trek-13 days

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An inspiring Gosaikunda & Helambu Valley school trek that blends adventure, culture, and hands-on learning. Foster resilience and global citizenship in students through a safe, transformative journey.

Trip Overview

Duration13 Days

Trip GradeHard

CountryNepal

Maximum Altitude4,937 m

Group Size5-30 pax

StartsKathmandu

EndsKathmandu

ActivitiesTrek in Nepal, School Trek in Nepal, School Trip in Nepal

Best TimeMar - May | Oct - Jan

Dominating the horizon from Kathmandu, the Langtang Himalayan region remains less frequented than the Annapurnas and Everest, offering a true off-the-beaten-path experience. Our Gosaikunda & Helambu Valley School Trek is an extraordinary journey designed to use these majestic landscapes as a living classroom. This program combines a spiritual pilgrimage with a rich cultural expedition, providing a vivid and powerful introduction to Nepal's diverse geography and heritage. With a moderate trek grade, this adventure is suitable for students with a reasonable level of fitness, requiring no prior trekking experience.

The trek's key highlights are framed with an educational purpose:

Spiritual & Geographical Discovery: The journey to the sacred Gosaikunda lakes takes us over the challenging Lauribina La Pass (4,647m), from where we are rewarded with a fantastic Himalayan panorama that includes Annapurna I (8,091m), Manaslu (8,163m), and Ganesh Himal (7,429m). According to legend, the seven sacred lakes of Gosaikunda were created by Shiva with a single blow of his trident!
Historical & Cultural Immersion: We return to the culturally rich Hyolmo and Tamang regions of Helambu, exploring magnificent villages like Tarkeghyang—a region first explored in 1949 by Bill Tilman, considered the first trekker in Nepal. This historical context adds a profound layer to the students' journey.
Leadership & Resilience: The challenging high-altitude sections build resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills in a supportive and safe environment.

Ideal for international school students, this program is a journey of experiential learning, fostering global citizenship and a profound appreciation for the natural world.

Gosaikunda & Helambu Valley School Trek-13 days Itinerary

Kathmandu to KathmanduExpand all

Day 01

Arrive Kathmandu

Day 02

Drive from Kathmandu to Thulo Syabru (2,120 m | 124 km; 8-9 hrs)

The adventure kicks off with a long, scenic drive that offers a vivid lesson in Nepal’s changing geography and infrastructure. You will leave Kathmandu by road, heading west and then north up the wide Trisuli Valley to reach the large town of the same name. On a clear day, the panorama is superb: to your left, you can see Annapurna II, Manaslu, and directly in front of you, the vast Ganesh Himal massif.

After Trisuli Bazaar, where the road is mostly black-topped, you will ascend a winding dirt road to Sano Bharkhu. The roads have expanded over the years, and a trek that once took three hours is now a drive of about one hour, leading you to Thulo Syabru (2,240m). This beautiful village clings to a ridgeline that separates the Langtang Khola from the Trisuli River, and from here, the superb view of the majestic Langtang Lirung (7,225m) looms. Please note that the dirt road beyond Trisuli Bazaar can be tedious, especially after heavy rains.

Max Altitude: 2,470 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Local Lodge at Thulo Syabru

Day 03

Trek from Thulo Syabri to Chandan Bari (3,318 m | 6.15 km; 3-4 hrs)

Your first day of trekking begins with a challenging but rewarding ascent. The trail climbs steadily through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests, providing a perfect introduction to trekking and acclimatization. Along the way, students will learn about the region’s high-altitude flora and fauna and observe the traditional agricultural practices of the local communities. The day’s goal is to reach Chandan Bari, where a well-deserved rest awaits.

Max Altitude: 3,318 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Local Lodge at Chandanbari

Day 04

Trek from Chandanbari to Gosaikunda (4,387 m | 9 km; 5-6 hrs)

Today is a challenging day of sustained ascent to the high-altitude Gosaikunda lakes. The trail requires a slow and steady pace, demanding personal resilience and discipline. Upon arrival, you will find yourself at the sacred Gosaikunda lakes, a revered pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. This unique experience offers students an opportunity to learn about the spiritual significance of the lakes and the syncretism of local faiths.

Max Altitude: 4,387 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Local Lodge at Gosaikunda

Day 05

Trek from Gosaikunda to Phedi (3,755 m | 7 km; 5 hrs) [Optional excursion to Surya Peak (4,937 m) from Lauribina La (4,647 m) | 3 km; 3-4 hrs)

This is a challenging, high-altitude day that builds confidence and strategic thinking. You will begin by crossing Lauribina La (4,647m), the highest point of this leg of the journey, before beginning a long descent. For students seeking an extra challenge, there is an optional excursion to Surya Peak (4,937m) from the pass, offering even more spectacular views before the descent to Phedi.

Max Altitude: 4,937 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Local Lodge at Phedi

Day 06

Trek from Phedi to Thadepati (3,687 m | 8.68 km; 4-5 hrs)

Leaving Phedi, you will embark on a day of mixed trekking with ascents and descents. The trail climbs and descends through beautiful forests and along stunning ridges, preparing students for the challenges ahead. As you trek, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Helambu peaks and the majestic Langtang Himal range, making the day's effort worthwhile.

Max Altitude: 3,687 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Local Lodge at Thadepati

Day 07

Trek from Thadepati to Melamchigaon (2,580 m | 6.3 km; 4 hrs)

Today marks a significant transition as you trek from the high-altitude alpine zone back into the heart of the Hyolmo cultural region. The trail involves a long and significant descent of over 1,000 meters, which requires careful footing and endurance. Melamchigaon is a beautiful and culturally rich village, and its traditional houses will be a welcome sight after a challenging and rewarding day on the trail.

Max Altitude: 2,580 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Local Lodge at Melamchigaon

Day 08

Descend from Melamchigaon to Melamchi River (1,900 m) and climb to Tarke Ghyang (2,573 m) | 8.5 km ; 3-4 hrs

Leaving the traditional village of Melamchigaon, you embark on a journey of deep cultural immersion as you make your way to the magnificent village of Tarkeghyang (2,590m). Your path first descends through lush forests to the riverbed, where the sound of the rushing water fills the air. Here, you'll cross the powerful Melamchi River, a vital artery for the region and a crucial source of drinking water for the residents of Kathmandu through the famous Melamchi Water Supply Project.

After crossing the river, the trail begins a steady ascent up the opposite bank, taking you through a landscape of terraced fields and traditional settlements. This beautiful hike leads you to the largest and most vibrant village in the Helambu region. Tarkeghyang is the very heart of the Hyolmo culture, known for its distinct architecture and spiritual devotion. Here, you will find a large, beautiful monastery—the most significant in the valley—along with homes adorned with intricate carvings and colorful prayer flags. The trek is not defined by altitude gain, but by the profound sense of arrival in a place rich with history, tradition, and warm hospitality.

Max Altitude: 2,573 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Local Lodge at Tarke Ghyang

Day 09

Trek to Ama Yangri Base Camp (3,037 m | 2.2 km; 2 hrs)

Leaving the vibrant village of Tarkeghyang (2,590m), the journey to Ama Yangri Base Camp (3,037m) is a short and pleasant two-hour ascent. This gentle pace allows for a day of rest and profound spiritual immersion. As you climb, the beautiful landscape of dense rhododendron and pine forests surrounds you, offering a tranquil path to your destination.

Ama Yangri is the most revered peak in the region, considered by the local Hyolmo people to be the seat of a divine mother goddess. Your time at base camp is designed for you to relax, enjoy the serene atmosphere, and prepare for tomorrow's excursion. It also provides a unique opportunity for cultural engagement, as you'll be able to interact with the local community and deepen your understanding of the spiritual traditions that define this sacred region. This peaceful day serves as a perfect prelude to your visit to various monasteries and viewpoints later in the program.

Max Altitude: 3,037 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Local Lodge at Ama Yangri Base Camp

Day 10

Trek to Ama Yangri (3,727 m) and descend to Tarke Ghyang | 6.8 km; 4-5 hrs)

This is the day your entire Helambu journey culminates. After days of trekking through lush valleys and remote villages, you now begin the final, exhilarating ascent to the summit of the sacred Ama Yangri (3,727m) - the highest point of the Helambu Valley School Trek. This final push to the highest point of your trek is not just a physical climb but a spiritual pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists, who revere this peak as the seat of a divine mother goddess.

Upon reaching the summit, a breathtaking spectacle unfolds before you. On a clear day, you are rewarded with truly majestic 360-degree views that sweep across the Himalayas. The panorama includes iconic peaks like Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lhakpa, and Langshisha Ri. On exceptionally clear days, you may even catch a distant glimpse of Shishapangma in Tibet.

After soaking in the awe-inspiring views and the profound spiritual atmosphere, you will begin your long and rewarding descent. The trail takes you all the way down the mountain and back to the familiar comforts of Tarkeghyang. Arriving at the village, you can reflect on your incredible journey and the successful completion of the trek's ultimate goal. A well-deserved rest awaits, marking the end of your adventure in the high hills before your drive back to Kathmandu tomorrow.

Max Altitude: 3,727 m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Local Lodge at Tarke Ghyang

Day 11

Drive to Kathmandu (76 km; 4 hrs)

Leaving the tranquil Helambu Valley behind, your journey back to Kathmandu begins with a scenic drive. The road descends through the heart of the valley, passing through key villages like Kiul and Sermathang, before reaching the busy market town of Melamchi Pul Bazaar. From there, you'll follow the road as it winds through hills and valleys, eventually entering the Kathmandu Valley from the northeast. Your drive concludes as you arrive back in the city, marking the end of your adventure.

Meals: Breakfast & LunchAccommodation: 3-star hotel in ThamelTransportation: Private 4x4 transfer to Kathmandu

Day 12

Rest day in Kathmandu

This is a much-needed day for rest, recovery, and reflection. Students can explore the local markets for souvenirs, reflect on their journey, and enjoy a day of personal time in the city. This day provides a final opportunity to journal and process the incredible experiences and personal growth they have achieved.

Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: 3-star hotel in Thamel

Day 13

Departure

It's bittersweet, but your amazing Annapurna Base Camp adventure officially wraps up today. After a last breakfast at your Kathmandu hotel, our representative will assist you with your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home. You'll leave with a heart full of incredible memories of towering peaks, wonderful people, and a massive sense of accomplishment!

Meals: BreakfastTransportation: Private transfer to Tribhuwan International Airport

Essential Information

Best Seasons to Trek: Spring (March-May) offers wildflowers and moderate temperatures, while Autumn (September-November) provides clear skies and excellent mountain views.
Physical Fitness & Preparation: This is a challenging trek requiring a strong level of cardiovascular fitness. Students should engage in a regular fitness routine (running, swimming, cycling) for at least 2-3 months prior to the trip.
Safety Protocols & Guide Qualifications: Our guides are certified, highly experienced, and trained in wilderness first aid. The student-to-staff ratio is kept low to ensure personalized attention and safety.
Accommodation & Meals: Students will stay in vetted local lodges (teahouses) that meet our safety standards. Nutritious, full-board meals are provided, with vegetarian and other dietary options available.
Permits & Logistics: All necessary permits (Langtang National Park, TIMS) and logistics, including ground transport, are handled by our expert team.
Curriculum Customization: The itinerary can be tailored to meet a school's specific learning objectives, from science and geography to history and sociology.

Risk Assessment

RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK:

You should be content and willing to cope with the situations, conditions, and circumstances made clear to you by subsidiaries, associates, agents, and employees of Himalayan Ecstasy (H.E) Nepal. You should recognize and agree that the realities made clear in this website the inherent characteristics of adventure travel, and not least the matters of flexibility, adaptability, practical personal contribution to the lifestyle, and the fact that not all situations, conditions, or circumstances encountered on the trip are identical to those pre-existing and prevailing at the time of booking.

You should also recognize that you are undertaking a journey in a remote area and that there is a significant amount of personal risk that sometimes becomes a reality. You should fully understand the relative remoteness, the rough travel, weather conditions, landslides, the relatively limited medical services, as well as the greater potential dangers, which you have chosen, on your own accord, to undertake a journey of this nature. You should fully recognize "H.E Nepal" and the representatives of H.E Nepal in respect to the journey that you have applied to join.

Himalayan Ecstasy Nepal is not responsible for changes made to the program due to the following circumstances:

Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly, and consequently, our group leader may be forced to change the trip itinerary accordingly.
Delays or cancellation due to natural disaster.
Cancellation of flights due to bad weather.
Delays in transport or activities due to band or strike.

Our primary commitment is the safety and well-being of every student. We have a robust risk management plan in place that includes:

Acclimatization: The itinerary is deliberately designed with a slow, gradual ascent to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Emergency Response: Our team is trained in high-altitude rescue and communication protocols, with a clear plan for medical emergencies.
Staff Training: All of our guides are certified by the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) or similar recognized bodies and are trained in Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or equivalent first aid.
Vetted Logistics: We use only trusted and vetted transport providers and accommodation. All meals are prepared and served to high hygienic standards.

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