Duration
Best Season
Hiking,Sight Seeing
Transportation
Difficulty
Gosaikunda Lake Trek Overview
The short Gosaikunda Lake Trek is one of the finest treks specially customized for family and beginner trekkers. To be able to experience the breathtaking Himalayan views of Nepal and Tibet, and diverse landscapes, and spend a night next to the sacred lake, Gosaikunda, the trek is worth it for any trekkers. This trail is still relatively unknown to tourists, so we get the chance to experience some peace and serenity during our hike as well.
The Gosaikunda trek is all about Gosaikunda Lake. Situated at an altitude of 4,380m (14,370 ft.) and covering an area of 10 sq. kilometers (4 sq. miles). The Gosaikunda Lake is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhist devotees which is perfectly located at the edge of the pristine Himalayas. In Hindu mythology, it is believed that Gosaikunda Lake was formed when Lord Shiva stuck his holy trident into the mountain so that he could drink water and alleviate his throat pain after taking poison.
During this trek, trekkers will pass through many rhododendron, oak, and pine forests, rivers, streams, and villages witnessing the mesmerizing views of Ganesh Himal (7,422m/24,350ft), Langtang Lirung (7,234m/23,733ft), Mt. Manaslu (8,163m/26,781ft), and many Tibetan mountains as well. The ascent at the Lauribina pass (4,610m/15,124 ft) is a bit challenging part of this trek.
Several night-stay in the modest teahouse owned by the local, friendly Tamang people immersing into their cultu
Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Nepal, the land of the Himalayas, our representative from Bold Himalaya will pick you up from the Tribhuwan International Airport. Then, you will be transferred to your respective hotel. You can spend your day exploring the busy Kathmandu. For the day, you can roam around beautiful Thamel and find yourself some typical local products to shop and get a close look at the bustling urban life. You can also visit restaurants and café and try out Nepali cuisine. Overnight in Kathmandu.
8.5km
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3* Hotel
1350m
We will start our trip early in the morning after having our breakfast. Dhunche is the starting point of our actual trek to Gosaikunda. On the way, we will be able to enjoy the picturesque settlements, meadows, and snow-capped mountains like Mt. Annapurna II, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal along with the Langtang Himal. Through mesmerizing scenic route along with boundless Trishuli River, it will take us around 5-6 hours to reach Dhunche. Dhunche is a small settlement area and the headquarter of Rasuwa District. After our entrance into Dhunche, we will roam around the village and spend our time with the locals. After spending an amazing evening with locals, we will stay overnight in a well-maintained Guest House.
130km
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Guest House
2030m
We will start our trek after our breakfast in Dhunche. We will ascend towards Chandanwari along with the breathtaking views of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Tibetan Mountain. The way continues steeply through the forests of oak and hemlock and then steeply via rhododendron forests and pastures. After hiking roughly for 2 hours, we will reach Deurali (2,500m), a small village on the way to Chandanwari with a few tea houses. Passing through the beautiful trail with rivers and waterfalls, we will reach Dhimsa (2,900m) after 3 hours of hiking.
From Dhimsa, the climb is a little difficult as the trail goes uphill through beautiful pine forests. We have to trek steep uphill sections to reach Chandanwari (3,200m), a settlement located at the lap of a pine forest. People also call this place ‘Sing Gompa’. Chandanwari has a lot to offer to its visitors. A Yak cheese factory and monasteries are the major attractions of Chandanwari. We will try the tasty Yak cheese and visit Sing Gompa. We can see Langtang Mountain broaden including Ganesh Himal from here. In the evening, after a yummy meal with lots of cheese, we will spend our night in Chandanwari.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea House
3200m
Following our delicious breakfast in Chandanwari, we will hike uphill to Gosaikunda (4,380m). Today, the hiking will be comparably more difficult than yesterday. The trail today will take two parts; the starting the journey goes to a steep climb up a ridge that marks a transition zone between rich, moist mountain forests and dry scrub vegetation on the slopes. The slope is the habitat for the red pandas and provides a magnificent view of the snowcapped Ganesh Himal. After hiking for nearly 1 and a half hours, you will reach Cholangpaty (3,500m). Now the views of mountains like Langtang Lirung (7,234m), Langtang Ri (7,205m), Manaslu (8,163m), and Ganesh Himal (7,422m) are close and clear. Again, after walking for 2 hours, we will reach Lauribinayak (3,900m).
From Lauribinayak, a panoramic view of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Langtang Ri can be enjoyed. Then, after walking for roughly 2 hours, we will reach a temple called Sakyamuni, which carries both Hindu and Buddhist values. After walking for half an hour, we will see the first lake, Saraswati Kunda, then Bhairav Kunda, and the Mighty Lake ‘Gosaikunda’. The holy temples like Shiva Mandir, Gosaikunda Mahadev, and Trishul Dhara can be explored around this destination. We will also visit other nearby lakes and spend the night in a tea house.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea House
4380m
Enjoying the beautiful morning, we will have our breakfast at the highest lake. We will dig into Gosaikunda and then retrace our steps downhill to Dhunche through Lauribinayak, Dhimsa, and Deurali. Today is the last day of the trek, so we will enjoy every bit of it. Enjoying the captivating views of mountains, pine forests, and the flavorful cheese of Chandanwari, we will be hiking downhill. Since we will be walking down, hiking will be a bit easier and more fun. We will also spot different protected birds in the pathway like Wood Snipe, Snow Patridge, Tibetan Snow Cock, etc. After walking for roughly 7 hours, we will reach Dhunche.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tea House
2030m
Today is the last day of our trip. After a tight sleep in one of the tea houses in Dhunche, we will have our delicious breakfast. We will drive to Kathmandu to enjoy the beauty of the immense Trishuli River, meadows, and picturesque settlements. After riding around 6-7 hours, we will reach Kathmandu. Our trip ends here. We will have a lot to cherish from the experience of this trek. The mighty Gosaikunda Lake, scenic trails, culturally enriched Tamang people, the Tibetan-influenced lifestyle and the delicious Yak’s cheese will be something we will remember for a lifetime.
130km
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3* Hotel
1350m
After wishing you goodbye, our representative from Bold Himalaya will assist you to Tribhuwan International Airport for your next destination. If you have any intention of extending your stay in Nepal for an adventurous experience like Safari, Rafting, Biking Tours, Peak climbing, and trekking in other regions, then we would be more than happy to be of help. We also welcome you to visit our country again for more experiences. It would be our bliss to help you plan your next trip to Nepal. Take care and goodbye from Bold Himalaya.
8.5km
Breakfast
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Included & Excluded Items in the Trip Package
Included
All ground transportation (including trekking starting/ending point, airport pick up/drop) by private tourist vehicles as per itinerary
Three-star category hotel in the city(Kathmandu) in twin sharing bed with breakfast basis & standard trekking lodge in Langtang Valley Ganjala pass trekking route
Full meals during trekking as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with tea or coffee )Everyday seasonal fruits & snakes during the trekLangtang National Park Area Trekking permit, & TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System)Experienced, licensed one trekking guide up to five trekkers in the group including their salary, accommodation, meals, and their insuranceOne porter to carry your luggage (for two guests one porter to carry baggage) including their salary, accommodation, meals, transportation, and insuranceOne special cultural show and farewell dinner programFirst aid medicine & kitGovernment tax, Service charge & local taxes
Excluded
Extra Lunch & Dinner in KathmanduDessert & any types of drinks during the tripKathmandu city tour entrance feeYour international air ticket & travel insuranceTips for the trekking crew members
Trip Information
Best time for Gosaikunda Lake trek
The trek to Gosaikunda Lake is possible in all seasons but it is nicer to have a great experience when the weather is good. This will allow the trekkers to enjoy the holiday in a better way with a great memory for a lifetime.
Spring Season
The spring (March, April, and May) is the best season for the Gosaikunda Lake trek. The atmospheric and weather condition is favorable in this season which makes the skies and view of mountains and passes clear. Also, being the flower blooming season, trekkers will be welcomed by the pleasurable beauties of flowers like rhododendron and magnolias throughout the journey.
Autumn Season
Autumn (September, October, and November)season when the weather and temperature are pleasant, days are neither hot nor cold in this season making the environment suit for trekking activities all over Nepal. The mountain peaks can be seen clearly under brilliant blue skies, view of the valleys and high hills become fascinating. It is the best season for trekking in Gosaikunda Lake being awarded with natural advantage throughout the trekking trail.
Summer Season
The summer season lasts three months June, July, and August. Normally, in the summer season, Nepal receives heavy rainfall and cloud happen every day or sometimes all day. Even though the trails are muddy, in the month of August, "Janai Purnima" a festival of Hindus occurs. It is the time when Gosaikunda Lake attracts the majority of trekkers as the lake holds the holiest religious significance.
Winter Season
The winter season (September, October, and November) is pretty cold in the Himalayas. Snowfalls or fogs throughout the way and extremely cold temperatures at higher altitudes might be problematic. So, it is not a good idea to trek during the winter season, but if you are interested, you can do this trek in the winter season too.
The Journey of Holy Lake - Gosaikunda
Gosaikunda, a holy lake offers various trekking routes for the trekkers which can be customized with the trekker’s interest and time. The journey starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche (2,030m) which is located on the north side of Kathmandu valley. The next day, the trek ascend towards Chandanbari, passing through rivers and waterfalls along with the breathtaking views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and Tibetan mountain. After spending a night at Chandanbari, hiking along the Cholangpaty, the views of the mountains become close and clear. After passing Lauri Binayak (3,900m) and walking around 2 hours, Sakyamuki temple which carries both Hindu and Buddhist values will be there to welcome you. The trek continues for half an hour until you reach the first lake Saraswoti Kunda, Bhairav Kunda, and then to Gosaikunda Lake – the main destination of this trek at an altitude of 4,380 meters.
After exploring the temples like Shiva Mandir, Gosaikunda Mahadev, and Trishul Dhara around these destinations, the next day is the final day of the trek. The trek retraces back to Lauri Binayak, Dhimsa, and Deurali. Enjoying the magical views of mountains, pine forests, and the flavorful cheese of Chandanbari, the hiking will be more joyful. The observation of protected birds like wood snipe, snow partridge, and Tibetan snow cock will add pikelets to your wonderful journey before reaching Dhunche. On the next day, using a private vehicle we will head back to Kathmandu enjoying the beauty of the Trishuli River, meadows, and picturesque settlements on the way and marking the full stop to a lifelong memorable journey to the most sacred lake Gosaikunda.
Cost
The trek to Gosaikunda Lake will be an unforgettable journey where you will enjoy the natural and scenic beauty as well as get to know about its religious significance. This short trek can be customized for family trekkers as well as trek with friends to enjoy holidays in the high Himalayas. The cost for this trek is the least expensive including all types of facilities like transportation according to the itinerary, accommodation, and food during trekking, guide, and hotel at Kathmandu. The average cost for the Gosaikunda Lake trek is around US$ 300 to US$ 400.
Permits
There are many army points that can check your permits during the Gosaikunda Lake trek. Therefore you require three kinds of permits to do the Gosaikunda Lake trek which are given below:
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card
Langtang National Park permit
Restriction area permit
Altitude Sickness
The short Gosaikunda Lake trek is an awe-inspiring journey around the Himalayan region which takes you up to an altitude of 4,380 meters/14,370 feet at Gosaikunda Lake itself. Even though the trek doesn't take place at higher altitudes, trekkers suffering from altitude sickness are still possible if the itinerary isn't managed properly. After an altitude of 3,500 meters, climbing fast without any rest, or drinking hard drinks may cause altitude sickness.
To prevent altitude sickness, slow pace walking while trekking, drink water and keep the body hydrated, avoid any kind of smoking, eat high calories and energy-providing food, and make sure to acclimatize and return to a lower level while sleeping.
Packing list
The packing list is also the most important factor for the trekking trip. Gosaikunda is cold, so you must pack warm trekking gear. The packing list for Gosaikunda Lake trekking should include:
a backpack
thermal layers
a fleece shirt or top thermal layers
windproof jackets and a down jacket
a sun hat and sunglasses
trekking trousers or hiking pants
a trekking pole
hiking boots and trekking socks
multi-use power socket and power bank,
head torch
water bottle
sleeping bag
first aid kits and toiletries.
ATM and money exchange
ATM machines and the use of ATM cards are common in Kathmandu but in the trekking area of Gosaikunda Lake, there are no available ATM machines. It is recommended to withdraw money while at Kathmandu Valley and carry enough cash with you for the trekking activity. Make sure you are carrying enough Nepali rupees because foreign currency is not used in the trekking area of Gosaikunda Lake.
Electricity and Internet
While trekking for Gosaikunda Lake, access to electricity is available at each and every tea house and lodge but it might cost you little extra money for charging your electrical equipment such as phones and cameras. It is a better idea to carry a power bank or portable charger with you for the trek.
You can also get internet access at the tea houses or guest houses that offer internal facilities through wifi router. You will also find phone connections with a network like NTC and NCELL.
Responsible Tourism
We heartily request all our clients to respect the local culture, customs, rules, and regulations while prioritizing maintaining cleanliness to preserve nature and the well-being of the local community. Let's focus on responsible tourism and leave nothing except footprints ensuring we leave the pristine untouched and unharmed.
Expandable Trips
4-day Gosaikunda short adventure trek, if you wish to expand the journey you can ask your guide, he will provide you with an excellent expandable trek to combine with the Tamanag Heritage trek, Helambu trek, Langtang Valley trek, and 1-day Surya Peak trek.
Gosaikunda with Tamang Heritage trek
This trek offers forests, swift mountain streams, rugged rock, and snow-capped mountains, grassy meadows, glaciers, the holy lake of Gosaikunda, and a chance to observe Tamang culture at close quarters. On the trek, there is the possibility of observing some of Nepal's stunning wildlife, such as langur monkeys, Himalayan Thar, Tibetan snow cock, and the snow partridge. From Surya Peak, the highest point on this trek, you will marvel at the mountains all around you, including the Langtang range, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu.
Gosaikunda with Helambu trek
This expanded trek is famous for its own natural beauty, wonderful climate, and magnificent views of snowy mountains. The trek offers a variety of natural scenery and the experience of a jungle walk. This trek is also famous for sub-alpine vegetation and wildlife such as birds, deer, monkeys, and thars.
Gosaikunda with Langtang valley trek
Gosaikunda with Langtang Valley trek is the best-expanded trek to observe mid-hills, high-altitude lakes, including the Gosaikunda and other Himalayan glaciers. The trek will let you experience the deep gorges, wildlife, birds, and vegetation within Langtang national park, mythical monasteries, picturesque villages, hillside terraces, serene valleys, and breathtaking glaciers of the high mountains.
1-day Surya Peak trek
Surya Peak is situated north of Gosaikunda Lake. The peak is easy to climb and takes around 4 hours to reach the top without any technical difficulties. The trek will provide you an opportunity to explore the wildlife, lakes, lush forests, view of majestic mountains, and even peak climbing over 5,000 meters. It is an excellent addition to those trekking in the Langtang and Gosaikunda regions or a good acclimatization summit for larger Himalayan Peaks.
Extension of trips
After a 4-day short adventure Gosaikunda trek, if you wish to extend the journey, then we provide you various options for trip extensions to other regions. In addition to trekking experience, you can have other adventure trips such as rafting at Trishuli River, paragliding and bungee jumping at Pokhara, rafting at Trishuli River, Chitwan National Park Jungle Safari, and a religious tour to Lumbini. If you want other options then you can check out Best Things to do from Kathmandu after the trek.
We are here to assist you in planning and arranging the perfect itinerary to fulfill your travel aspirations beyond the Gosaikunda Lake.
Accommodation
Unlike city areas, the accommodation is not of modern and standard while trekking at higher altitudes. Basic tea houses are available for accommodation during the Gosaikunda Lake trek at higher altitudes. Assuring your safe and comfortable stay, tea houses will facilitate you with a comfortable room with twin shared beds, pillows, bed sheets, mattresses, and blankets. Some tea houses provide clean and hygienic attached toilets and bathrooms.
About Meal
While trekking in the Langtang region, even though the food menus are not of a high standard like city areas, Tea houses or Lodges provide hygienic and highly nutritious food which will keep trekkers highly energetic during the trekking. A typical basic food of Nepal - Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari is the food supplied in every tea house or lodge where you will stay for the rest. Besides this the food menus at the tea house or lodges may include:
Porridge, oatmeal, Tibetan bread, toast, fried eggs, fried rice, pancakes, muesli, Brown potato, etc for breakfast.
For lunch and dinner, green vegetables, noodles, spaghetti, pizza, Mo Mo or dumplings, fried noodles, Macaroni, etc are available. To stay energetic for the trek - Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari with hot and spicy pickles and papad are highly recommended.
Fruits according to seasons are available as desserts and for beverages hot coffee, black tea, lemon tea, and hot chocolate are available.
Frequently Asked Question
Normally, the Gosaikunda Lake trek is a 3 days trek starting from Dhunche and ending at Dhunche. The days it will take to complete the Gosaikunda Lake trek depend upon the trekker's time and interests. The trek can be expanded up to 20 days if you are interested to combine with other treks in the Langtang region.
The trekking routes are mostly ascent and descent on the mountain terrain through the forests. The highest altitude of this trek is 4,380 meters (14,370 feet) and each day you will walk around 6 to 7 hours. It's not that hard but quite difficult to reach an altitude higher than 4,000 meters so the trek is graded as a moderately difficult trek.
Trekkers need Langtang National Park permits and Trekking Information Management System permits to do the Gosaikunda trek.
Gosaikunda Lake is a holy place for both Hindu and Buddhist religious groups. During the festival Janai Purnima, thousands of Hindus and Buddhist devotees go to Gosaikunda Lake.
Gosaikunda lies in the Rasuwa district as in the map of Nepal. Geographically, Gosaikunda Lake is in the lap of the Langtang Himalaya range.
It is located between the Helambu trekking trail and the Langtang trekking trail. In other words, it connects the Rasuwa district with the Sindhupalchowk district.
It is believed that there is a total of 108 holy lakes in the Gosaikunda area which includes Saraswoti Kunda, Bhairab Kunda, Surya Kunda, Naga Kunda, Gosi Kunda, and many others.
Its waters are considered holy and of particular significance during the Gangadashahara and the Janai Purnima festivals when thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India visit the area. According to legend the spring that feeds the pond in the Kumbheshwar temple complex in Patan is connected to Gosaikunda.
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