GHT Langtang via Tilman Pass
Thousands of pilgrims climb to the sacred Panch Pokhari Lakes during the monsoon, but it will be very unlikely we'll see a soul as we trace their steps. From the bazaar town of Chautara we gradually ascend a long ridge, the Kami Danda, with fabulous views east and west of a chain of mountains that form a natural border with Tibet. W.H. Tilman was the first European to explore this region in 1949, and very few have ever retraced his footsteps. The challenging Tilman Pass leads to Langshisa and the upper Langtang Valley, which offers photogenic sunsets in this wonderful National Park that is beginning to rebuild following the April 2015 earthquake.
During this trek there will be sections where the trail is very rugged or ill-defined. Space in some camp sites will also be very limited. It may be necessary to make changes to the itinerary at any time due to unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather, snow or trail conditions, river water levels, or group movement. Your trip leader will advise any changes should this occur. All participants on the GHT should be flexible and open minded. The GHT should be seen as exploratory in the true sense of the word.
The Australian Himalayan Foundation is dedicated to helping the people of the Himalaya achieve their goals through supporting and overseeing education, health, cultural and environmental projects. With a $100 donation for every booking on the GHT World Expeditions will help support sustainable tourism development in regions less frequented by trekkers. For full information please refer to www.australianhimalayanfoundation.org.au.
Inclusions
17 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 14 dinners including all meals on trek valued at US$700
World Expeditions accredited mountaineering leader
airport transfers if arriving on day 1 and 18 or if you booked pre/post tour accommodation at the Radisson through World Expeditions
expert bilingual guide and group medical kit
accommodation at the Radisson hotel in Kathmandu
the use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
climbing pack including ice axe, crampons, harness and helmet
safety equipment including high altitude chamber and satellite phone
expedition medical kit
World Expeditions kit bag
all park entrance fees and trekking permits
porters to carry all personal and group equipment and porter's insurance
sightseeing and site entry fees in Kathmandu
accommodation in our fully serviced wilderness campsites
Hightlights
Explore the stunning Langtang region on Stage 4 of the Great Himalaya Trail
Cross the Tilman Pass from the south via the Panch Pokhari Lakes
Contribute to the earthquake devastated communities in Langtang
Be awe-inspired by the massive south face of Langtang Lirung (7227m)
Savour three hearty meals each day on the trail prepared by our cooks
Ascend the 365 steps up to the spritual Monkey Temple site (Swayambhu) for views over Kathmandu Valley
| Tour Provider | World Expeditions |
| Number of Days | 18 |
| Price From | AUD $3,840 |
| Start Location | Kathmandu, Nepal |
| End Location | Nepal |
| Age Range | Avg. 30+ |
| Group Size | 6 to 12 |
| Tour Style | Standard |
| Tour Themes | Adventure, Cycling/Trekking |
| Physical Rating | Moderate to Challenging |
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Tour departure dates
| Start | End | Availability | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03 May 2019 | 20 May 2019 | Available | AUD $3,840 | |
| 01 May 2020 | 18 May 2020 | Available | AUD $3,960 |
ItineraryExpand
Day 1
You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. Evening drinks are held in the hotel for all World Expeditions clients arriving today. Drinks and snacks will generally be served from 6:30 pm until 7:15pm, and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner.
Day 2
This morning a sightseeing tour takes in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu. We will visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath, returning to the hotel by 2pm. In the afternoon you may have time to explore Swayambhunath, Durbar Square, Patan or Bhaktapur, and the lesser-known towns that dot the valley on foot, by bicycle or trishaw. The area has an amazing range of fascinating highlights, whatever your interest. Excellent bookshops, extensive markets, and novelty and handicraft shops contrast with fantastic centres of cultural and spiritual significance - Kathmandu has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world.
Day 3
After breakfast transfer by road to the trailhead at Chautara.
Days 4-5
We commence our trek with a long ridge climb, during these early days of the trek we pass through Hindu, Tamang and Sherpa villages. This region has extensive rhododendron, pine and fir forests.
Days 6-7
We continue along the ridge climb with fabulous views east and west of a chain of mountains that form a natural border with Tibet. W.H. Tilman was the first European to explore this region in 1949, and very few have ever retraced his footsteps.
Days 8-9
Panch Pokhari is named after 5 holy ponds and thousands of pilgrims climb to the sacred Panch Pokhari Lakes during the monsoon. There is a Mahadev Temple located here and from the top of Panch Pokhari we gain views of the Jugal Himal and Rolwaling.
Days 10-11
We are now well above the treeline as we make a short climb from Panch Pokhari to the ridgeline and continue north crossing spurs and basins until we descend into a valley and a final climb to Tin Pokhari.
Days 12-13
There are two routes through the lower rocky section of the pass and it will depend on conditions as to which one we choose to ascend. This is quite a challenging pass and there will be loose rock and scree to negotiate. Once we reach a steep rock face after the initial climb we traverse to the left and climb directly onto the snowfield of the pass. The pass is to the northwest of the snowfield. We then descend a steep snow slope and rocky gullies,care should be take here as the gullies can be icy. We may fix a handline and your leader will advise the plan after assessing the conditions. The pass crossing will be a long day of approx. 7-9 hours. We camp at the northern shore of a lake.
Day 14
We are now approaching the main Langtang Trail to Kyangjin Gompa where there are many teahouses. There is a nearby cheese factory that is well worth a visit and of course a visit to the Gompa. There is a viewpoint on a hill to the north of Kyangjin Gompa with prayer flags adorning the summit, and time permitting this is a great vantage point also worth the effort.
Days 15-16
We are now travelling along the clearly marked main trail of the Langtang trek. Following the river we wind through many teahouses and small villages to the end of the trail at Syabru Besi.
Day 17
We meet our transportation after breakfast for the drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at the Radisson Hotel.
Day 18
After breakfast arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. Those people departing by aircraft will be transferred to the airport and assisted with check-in procedures.